Black Corporation: Joseon

Episode 1030 Alsace-Lorraine. (8)

There were no ministers who expressed opposition to Lim Sun-wook’s proposal. The Empire’s Iron Horse had already been developed up to the third generation. In order to connect the vast lands of Bukji and Shinji, iron horses that could carry more cargo faster were needed, so improvements and development continued at a rapid pace.

Thanks to this, the ministers did not object much. The iron horses of famous countries, which are considered the best among the iron horses of other countries, were at the second generation level in the empire, while those in England and France were at the 1.5 generation level. The iron horses sold by the Empire to France and Portugal were second-generation early models. Therefore, even if it provided this level of technology, it was very unlikely that it would immediately become a dangerous competitor.

“…So we are planning to sell not only iron horses but also technology to the Habsburgs, Italy and Portugal. What do you think?”

When Hyeon came to Hyang and asked for advice, Hyang looked slightly straight and asked back.

“Isn’t that up to the emperor to decide, not you?”

“That’s right, but isn’t Tae Sang-tae the person who first introduced the iron horse to the world and has continued to be involved? I’m asking because I’m concerned that I may have taken things too lightly.”

“Hmm…”

Hyang, who thought for a moment about Hyun’s words, soon expressed her opinion.

“I think it would be okay to hand it over if it’s a 2nd generation technology. Aren’t there more than one person who is tearing apart the iron horse we gave away and thinking about it? And it’s not something that can be made exactly like the iron horse just by knowing the basics. It will be a disaster right away. I don’t think it is.”

“Thank you for your wise advice.”

“Ah. This may be a shame, but don’t tell Duke Jinpyeong. If he were Duke Jinpyeong, he would be the kind of person who would go all the way to Europe and lay a railroad…”

Hyang responded with a smile to Hyang’s words, which were a mix of jokes and sincerity.

“I will keep that in mind.”

After sending out Hyang, Hyang looked out the window and muttered softly.

“That son of a bitch…did he really beat up the Grim Reaper and chase him away?”

As Hyang muttered to himself, the eunuchs and court ladies next to him heard the words in their hearts.

‘Are you talking about someone else?’

‘All of his brothers live long lives….’

It was rumored that not only Hyang, but his brothers and sisters above and below him all lived long lives. In relation to this, an unidentified book called ‘Imperial Longevity Method’ was even created and sold.

Hyang, who was analyzing the cause, muttered as he licked his appetite.

“Since King Taejo lived a long life, his lineage also played a role. Next, is it a matter of stress? Butterfly effect as an option?”

Lee Seong-gye, who lived most of his life on the battlefield, also lived until the age of 72. And the fact that many things changed with the full-scale involvement of fragrance also played a role. By ensuring traffic control in the township, the brothers no longer had to experience political stress, and on the other hand, other stress was greatly reduced as they found jobs that suited their aptitude.

Of course, it could be an overgeneralization to say that longevity was attributed to reduced stress, so Hyang doubted the butterfly effect he had created.

* * *

In any case, the empire ended up signing a formal contract with the Holy Roman Empire regarding the introduction of iron horses. According to the contract, the Empire would help the Holy Roman Empire build an iron horse production plant. Of course, I definitely received what I received.

In addition, the empire sent people to Portugal and Italy to resolve various issues related to the iron horse. They secured evidence of an attempt to leak technology by robbing the Iron Horse repair shop, and based on this, they took control of the Portuguese and Italian governments. Thanks to having the physical evidence in hand, Portugal and Italy had no choice but to sign a formal contract to provide technology, and the empire was able to profit.

And in the midst of this, Japan was also beaten. This was because Japan was also caught attempting illegal copying.

“Is the King of Japan returning a favor with vengeance? Ang!”

Starting with the prefecture, imperial ministers took turns putting pressure on the Japanese government, and in the sea between Tsushima and Japan, the imperial navy conducted large-scale maneuver training using live ammunition. Accordingly, the Japanese crown prince had to bow down to the prefecture in the garden of Geunjeongjeon.

Japan, oppressed by the imperial loom, once again watched the empire, and the empire once again cautioned Japan.

“I don’t say anything about things that were earned by paying a fair price or through one’s own efforts. On the contrary, the empire will admire Japan’s efforts. One! I will never stand by and ignore actions that disrupt the relationship between the two countries through unfair means!”

The Japanese crown prince responded to Hyun’s threat by hitting his head on the floor once again.

“Hi!”

It was not a remark that conformed to royal etiquette, but it was an answer that came out without realizing it under the pressure of the strings. Japan, alert to the empire’s warning, immediately took action.

In order to obtain the necessary technology, a negotiator was sent to negotiate with the empire and the technology was introduced by paying a fee. At the same time, the number of research institutes and educational institutions in the country increased significantly. Lastly, the ratio of international students dispatched to the empire also changed from administrative focus to technology focus.

-If done wrong, it can give excessive power to the Japanese! What kind of people are they?

To this objection, the prefecture and government responded as follows.

-If you press too hard, it bounces back even more.

-The more dangerous it is, the closer you need to watch it.

* * *

Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire, who completed the iron horse factory by receiving technology from the empire, sighed as he checked the report.

“I heard in the East they use the phrase ‘cheopcheopsanjung’ to describe a situation like this?”

The subjects responded to Maximilian I’s question with silence. As soon as the factory was completed, Maximilian I hired many craftsmen to work at the factory. The artisans employed at the factory repaired the iron horses sent from the empire or began producing them themselves, under the guidance and supervision of artisans from the empire.

And a problem arose in its own production. The steel made in the Holy Roman Empire could not make an iron horse with proper performance. No, it wasn’t just the iron horse. It was difficult to build a proper railroad. After checking the report, Maximilian I quenched his appetite.

“I can’t help it. Send a messenger back to Seoul.”

Shin Suk-ju, who received the message from the messenger of the Holy Roman Empire who had arrived in Seoul, looked strange and muttered.

“Guys… Is your wallet strong?”

Shin Suk-ju, who was well aware of the complex political situation within the Holy Roman Empire, was the biggest concern. Contrary to Shin Sook-ju’s worries about whether it was heaven’s help, the funding problem was easily resolved. Surprisingly, this was because the feudal lords moved actively. In particular, the princes of the Upper Rhine Province and the Rhine Estuary-Westphalia Province moved particularly enthusiastically.

The area that would later become known as the ‘Ruhrgebiet Industrial Zone’ had begun to sprout hundreds of years earlier. With the active support of the feudal lords, a large steel mill that received technical support from the empire appeared in Essen. Maximilian I, who was present on the day the first iron was pulled out of the large logo, clenched his fists.

“Through this steel mill, we will deliver a blow to that arrogant France!”

Meanwhile, Shin Sook-ju, who joined the event as a congratulatory delegate, looked at the flowing red molten iron and muttered to herself.

‘Now blood as red as that red molten iron will flow in Europe.’

The steel mill built in Essen was a symbol of the empire’s conspiracy.

* * *

At this time in the 21st century, the Netherlands and Belgium were called the ‘Low Countries’ and were French territory. Originally, this area was the territory of the Duchy of Burgundy. The Duchy of Burgundy, which dreamed of independence from France, collapsed under the attack of Louis XI, and its territory, including the ‘Low Countries’, became French.

And Essen was located just a stone’s throw away from this ‘lowland’.

“It might be a little dangerous, but this area is perfect.”

Engineers and officials dispatched from the empire reported this to Maximilian I and the princes. Maximilian I and the princes who received the report were able to immediately understand its meaning. Gelsenkirchen, located right next to Essen, and nearby areas were home to large-scale iron and coal mines. And the water needed for industrial use could be easily obtained through the Rhine River located right next to it.

It was literally the optimal location. The problem was that the lowlands controlled by France were right in front of us. After fierce debate, Maximilian I and the princes came to a conclusion.

“Let’s build it in Essen!”

The background to the decision of Maximilian I and the princes was the assault vehicles coming from the empire. Count Tilly, who confirmed the performance of the assault vehicles that arrived in the first batch, reported this to Maximilian I.

“No one will be able to stand up to the assault cars on the plains coming from the lowlands to Essen!”

In this way, a steel mill was built in Essen.

-We make railroad tracks, iron horses, and cannons using the steel produced in Essen.

-If France is targeting Essen, let’s defeat France with the weapons made in Essen!

-And drive the French out of Lotringen!

Maximilian I had not forgotten the humiliation he suffered at Portringen.

The empire was aiming for this.

-Coal and iron ore do not come from just any land. In particular, it is rare to find a place buried in large enough quantities to make it profitable.

-Both France and the Holy Roman Empire need more mines. In that case, France will target Essen and the Holy Roman Empire will target Lorraine.

-In the end, the two have no choice but to fight again.

“They say coal and iron come from Alsace too?”

“Where is it again?”

“Between Essen and Lorraine.”

“What a vicious position… They’re starting an open fight. Let’s spread rumors in moderation.”

“You are truly atrocious.”

And the ensuing situation went according to the empire’s plans. Essen’s steel mills, which received technical support from the empire, soon produced large quantities of high-quality steel. The Holy Roman Empire, which acquired various iron products, starting with high-quality steel, joined the rapid process of ‘imperialization’.

Railroads connecting major cities of the Holy Roman Empire began to be built. The same was true for the military part. Starting with the Habsburg family’s elite soldiers, they began to be armed with ‘impeioales Langgewehr’, which ‘properly referenced’ the Florentine long guns, as well as freight cars and cannons. The Holy Roman Empire went one step further.

“Anyway, let’s spend our money properly!”

Once again, the messenger with the purse headed to Seoul and introduced the ‘light-emitting communication system’. Of course, not only hardware was purchased, but software – code developed according to the alphabet of the Holy Roman Empire – was also introduced.

It was the best communication system for the Holy Roman Empire, whose territory was mostly plains. As the Holy Roman Empire moved into full swing, European intellectuals looked full of worry.

“I don’t know exactly when, but France and the Holy Roman Empire will fight again!”

“The war will be so fierce and cruel that it will make the wars we have experienced so far seem laughable!”