As the Minister of Personnel reached a positive conclusion, the situation progressed smoothly.
"Then let us proceed with the operation of the livestock farm and the two fields, Doujeon and Chojeon," Sejong was about to conclude when the Left Prime Minister, Hwang Hee, interjected.
"Your Majesty, the construction of a nationwide livestock farm is still premature," Hwang Hee thoughtfully stated.
"Why is that?" Sejong and Hyang's expressions sharpened, but Hwang Hee continued steadfastly.
"While the Crown Prince's intentions are truly admirable, the environment is still lacking. To establish a livestock farm, we need vast land and water, but looking at the situation in the eight provinces of Joseon, such land is already occupied by rice paddies and fields. If we create a livestock farm, we will inevitably have to take away these cultivated lands, which will surely provoke the people's backlash."
"That makes sense."
Sejong nodded at Hwang Hee's point.
He had hastily made a decision thinking about the possibility of creating a large-scale Chojeon, but Hwang Hee had pointed out that aspect.
"Then what does the Left Prime Minister suggest we do?"
"Since there is already a royal livestock farm on Neobeol Island, it would be best to first operate livestock and Chojeon there. We can allow the volunteers from the livestock department to gain experience there before moving them across the provinces. During that time, the court can purchase suitable land for livestock."
Hyang raised an objection to Hwang Hee's words.
"Is it necessary to have vast plains to raise cattle or pigs? Aren't nearby hills or slopes also suitable for livestock and Chojeon?"
"Of course, that is possible," Hwang Hee explained immediately why it was not feasible.
"However, if we let cattle and pigs roam in such areas, they will likely become prey for tigers and bears."
"Oh!" At Hwang Hee's remark, Hyang, Sejong, and all the ministers sighed.
At that time, the mountains of Joseon were the territory of tigers and bears.
While bears did not cause much harm, tigers frequently descended into villages, causing damage.
Reports of tigers coming down to capture livestock or people came at least four to five times a year.
Each time, the court had to dispatch the Tiger Capture Soldiers.
"Hmm... the tiger problem is indeed an issue."
Sejong expressed his disappointment, and Hwang Hee reiterated his opinion.
"Along with that reason, we must also address the issue of the volunteers. The volunteers, regardless of age or gender, are skilled in handling horses and are adept in combat. To integrate them with our Joseon commoners, we must refine their temperament. While teaching them how to manage livestock on Neobeol Island, we must also refine them to prevent future disturbances."
"With so many cattle and pigs, and the volunteers to manage them, can Neobeol Island accommodate all of that?" Sejong asked, and the Minister of Agriculture answered immediately.
"It is entirely possible! However, we need to prepare for the possibility of the Han River flooding, as it can easily be covered in sand."
"That would indeed be a significant project."
In response to Sejong's words, Hyang proposed a solution.
"Since it is currently the spring famine season, as I mentioned before, we can distribute rice to the starving people and have them work on the project."
As soon as Hyang finished speaking, the Minister of Agriculture added, "If we mobilize the residents of Hanseong, Geumcheon, and Bupyeong, we can certainly build the embankment."
"Is that so?" Upon hearing the Minister of Agriculture's response, Hwang Hee questioned him.
"Neobeol Island is quite large; can we manage it with the people from just three places?"
"It would certainly be difficult to complete it all at once. However, if we first build a temporary fence this year and reinforce it with stones and earth during next year's spring famine, it should be completed in three to four years without overburdening the people."
After considering the Minister of Agriculture's answer, the ministers calculated in their minds.
Once they finished, they all spoke in unison.
"It seems the Minister of Agriculture's plan is correct."
"Then let us proceed with that. By the way, Crown Prince."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Reflecting on what you said earlier, excluding the cattle to be sent to the livestock farm, there are 433 left. What do you plan to do with them?"
In response to Sejong's question, Hyang simply replied, "How about having the volunteers who received the cattle take care of them?"
"Have them take care of them?"
"Yes, even after receiving the cattle, they will likely have a fever for a while and need to recuperate."
"That is true."
"Moreover, it is the spring famine season. As I mentioned before, we need to tend to the embankments and reservoirs. Therefore, while we are working on the embankments and reservoirs, it will require a lot of effort. Even if we distribute rice, it is certain that their strength will be lacking. I thought it would be good to provide cattle to help restore the people's energy."
"Hmm..."
Sejong, who had been pondering Hyang's response, looked at the ministers.
"I think it is a good suggestion, but what do you all think?"
As the ministers calculated various possibilities, they all answered in unison.
"It is indeed a very good suggestion."
"Then let us proceed with that."
That evening, after the meeting between Sejong and the ministers concluded, the Minister of Personnel visited the Crown Prince's residence.
"Thank you for your hard work today."
At Hyang's compliment, the Minister of Personnel shook his head with a smile.
"It was nothing. Rather, I feel embarrassed that I hadn't thought of such things before."
"No, it was because you did not oppose that things went smoothly."
Hyang began to think about pigs when he visited Neobeol Island regarding the cattle issue.
Seodol was washing the cattle clean to vaccinate them and took out the silver needles.
"Oh! I have brought the needles and various supplies."
"Oh! Is that so?" Hyang rummaged through his sleeves and pulled out a small container with silver needles and another container.
"I understand the needle container, but what is this?"
"It is cotton soaked in alcohol."
After completing the disinfection process and vaccinating the cattle, Hyang took a moment to check the animals raised on Neobeol Island.
"Is that a pig?"
"Yes, it is."
Seeing the pigs running around in front of him, Hyang turned to Seodol.
"Are they all grown?"
"Yes, they are."
"Wow..."
Hyang could hardly believe his eyes. 'Goodness! Pigs have such slender bodies! And why are they so small!'
The pigs running around in front of him were small and slim.
Upon returning to the palace, Hyang fell into deep thought.
"I need a lot of pig fat for my plans, but with their current state..."
To solve the pig issue, Hyang called the Minister of Personnel, who had returned from a mission to Ming.
Together, they devised a plan that was approved today.
As Hyang finished talking and the Minister of Personnel was about to leave, he asked Hyang a question.
"By the way..."
"Yes?"
"Why is the Crown Prince so keen on finding pigs? While pork is tasty, it cannot compare to beef, can it?"
At the Minister of Personnel's question, Hyang smiled and replied, "Pork is delicious in its own right. However, what is important to me is not the pork but the fat."
"Yes?"
"There will come a day when you will understand."
"Yes... then."
"Take care."
After seeing off the Minister of Personnel, Hyang muttered softly, "Though soap is a cliché, it is not my top priority. It is the byproduct that matters. And the same goes for Chojeon."
On May 6th, upon receiving Sejong's orders, lucky cattle began to arrive in Hanseong from all over the country.
The remaining cattle were assigned one by one to towns with large populations across the nation.
Following the governor's orders, the residents of the villages where the cattle were assigned gathered in one place.
In a gathering of men and women of all ages, the governor read Sejong's proclamation.
"... Therefore, you shall slaughter this cattle and make soup to nourish your bodies. After regaining your strength, you shall wholeheartedly repair the embankments and reservoirs. If there are no embankments and reservoirs, you shall create new ones to prepare for drought."
As soon as the governor finished his announcement, the gathered people raised their arms high and shouted, "Long live the King! Long live! Long live!"
"Long live!" The people cheered joyfully.
Then, the butcher stepped forward to slaughter the cattle.
The slaughtered cattle were divided according to the size of the village, and soon, feasts were held in each village.
After the village feasts concluded, the governor mobilized the strong men to begin the water management project.
"Repair the embankments and reservoirs!"
"Dig the canals and create reservoirs!"
"Dig wells!"
As the villages worked hard, sweating profusely, the relief rice sent by the government arrived.
The officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Agriculture, who came with the relief rice, stayed at the local government office, distributing rice according to the household registration created during the vaccination process, and meticulously recorded the repairs or new constructions of embankments, reservoirs, canals, and wells.
During this busy construction period, it was not only the common people who were active.
The gentry, having learned from the previous incident, opened their pockets to buy cattle and pigs.
"Eat this."
"Thank you, sir!"
"I will eat well!"
As a result of the people's efforts, the old embankments and reservoirs were newly renovated, and a considerable number of new reservoirs and embankments were created.
Seeing the water filling the repaired embankments, reservoirs, and canals, the farmers were filled with hope.
"This year, the harvest will be good."
On May 6th, Sejong ordered the Minister of Agriculture, "Create a more precise water clock."
"I will obey the order."
The Minister of Agriculture, upon receiving the order, called for Jang Yeong-sil, who was in charge of the Office of Royal Clothing.
"His Majesty has commanded the creation of a water clock. Gather capable people to make it."
"I will obey the order."
Jang Yeong-sil bowed and replied.
Meanwhile, upon hearing the news, Hyang clenched his fist.
"It's here! It's really here!"
Excited, Hyang began to diligently search through the scrolls piled up in one corner of his study.
After a long search, he found what he was looking for and called for an inner court official.
"Inner court official!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"I need to go to the Office of Royal Clothing! Guide me!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Upon arriving at the Office of Royal Clothing, Hyang immediately sought out Jang Yeong-sil.
"Who is Jang Yeong-sil?"
At Hyang's question, an official hurriedly approached and answered, "Jang Yeong-sil is currently at the Gyeongru. I will call for him right away."
"No, we shouldn't disturb a busy person. You said Gyeongru, right?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Understood. Thank you for your efforts."
Hyang headed straight to the Gyeongru.
"Is that him?" Hyang's gaze fell upon a man who appeared to be just entering his forties, observing the water clock.
Next to the man was a sheet of paper with sketches of various mechanisms.
"Are you Jang Yeong-sil?"
The man turned at the sound of Hyang's voice and quickly stood up, bowing.
"I am but a humble servant, meeting the Crown Prince!"
"Humble? If a 5th rank official claims to be humble, people will scold him."
"I am deeply honored!"
Hyang subtly moved next to Jang Yeong-sil and spoke while looking at the water clock.
"Were you observing the water clock?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"What do you think? Do you understand how it works?"
"I think I have a rough idea."
"Really? Then can it be made easily?"
At Hyang's question, Jang Yeong-sil scratched his head.
"Calculating the measurements is a bit difficult."
"That is a problem."
Hyang's expression grew serious at Jang Yeong-sil's answer. 'Hey! I am not good at advanced mathematics either! What are we going to do if you are like this too!'
While Hyang was pondering how to solve this sudden difficult problem, Jang Yeong-sil offered a solution.
"However, if Lord Jeongcho helps a bit..."
"Lord Jeongcho?"
"He is currently the Vice Minister of Agriculture."
"I see!" 'Now I remember!'
Having found the answer to the problem, Hyang handed a bundle of scrolls to Jang Yeong-sil.
"What is this?"
"It is the clock I have in mind."
"A clock?"
"This water clock is quite large. So, it is a clock that measures time in a different way."
What Hyang designed was a mechanical clock powered by the fall of a weight.
"Hmm..."
As Jang Yeong-sil looked at the design Hyang presented, his expression grew increasingly serious.
Although the Crown Prince was known for his eccentric behavior, Jang Yeong-sil had not expected much.
'A clock is not an easy thing; how absurd could it be...' However, the moment he saw the first page of the design, Jang Yeong-sil had to abandon that prejudice.
After examining the designs several times, Jang Yeong-sil looked back at Hyang.
"Did you design this, Your Highness?"
"To be honest, about 30% of it was made using knowledge from the 21st century."
'To be precise, it is 100% knowledge from the 21st century...' The mechanical clock using weights was of low difficulty, so in the 21st century, various designs could be found online.
Designs made from wood or iron, and even plastic or craft paper were widely available.
Given that situation, Hyang, who had been an enthusiast, could not let it pass by.