The institution known as the "Joseon Institute of Science and Technology Development" had a name as grand as its stature.
This institute, hereafter referred to as the "Institute," was an independent entity that answered only to the king's command.
"The highest authority of the Institute is limited to the Crown Prince."
The annual budget of the Institute was guaranteed to be at least one penny and at most three pennies from the national budget of Joseon.
The intellectual property rights gained from the commercialization of technologies or items developed by the Institute were divided into three parts: four parts for the state, three parts for the Institute's finances, and three parts for the developers or development teams.
Being an independent institution that answered only to the king, and with the Crown Prince as its highest authority, it was free from political influence.
With a guaranteed budget of one to three pennies from the national budget, it was born as a powerful institution without worries about funding.
Of course, with such tremendous benefits came equally significant responsibilities.
"Researchers belonging to the Institute must present their results at least once every two years. This can be done individually or collectively."
Duplicate results were not permitted.
If duplication was discovered, all benefits would be revoked, and the individual would be expelled from the Institute.
"The use of the budget must be thoroughly disclosed. If any misuse unrelated to research is detected, the entire budget will be reclaimed, and the individual will be expelled."
All research conducted at the Institute was treated as state secrets, and any private disclosure or leak would be punished as treason.
Though there were considerable rules to follow, over time, the Institute became one of the greatest academic institutions in Joseon, alongside the Hall of Worthies.
It became a challenge for Crown Princes who wished to surpass their predecessors, as well as a source of nightmares.
The Institute's immense status and position were tales for the distant future, and for now, it was quite humble.
The people that Hyang had gathered included the fixed members Jeongcho, Jeong In-ji, Lee Cheon, and Jang Yeong-sil, along with artisans from the military supply office and other departments who were called upon as needed.
"It may have started small, but it will end grandly... nonsense! Though the number is small, let no one underestimate us!" Sejong approved, but Hyang, seeing the puzzled expressions of the ministers, gritted his teeth.
"First, the organizational chart!" Hyang began to systematize the organization of the Institute.
First, he appointed the Crown Prince as the director, and divided the lower organization into two main departments: the Basic Science and Technology Research Development Department and the Applied Science and Technology Research Development Department.
The deputy director of the Institute would serve as the head of the Basic Science Department, holding the rank of Jeong 2, while the head of the Applied Science Department would also serve as the head of the Institute's overall operations, holding the rank of Jong 2. Furthermore, the heads of each research team would be given at least the rank of Jong 3, effectively blocking any political interference.
"With the Crown Prince backing us, I don't think anyone will dare to challenge us, but we must prevent any bullying from the start."
After creating the organizational chart, Hyang rushed to Sejong to request approval.
"The deputy director is at Jeong 2... isn't that too high?" "The Grand Scholar of the Hall of Worthies is also at Jeong 2. The head of the Institute is held by those at Jeong 1." "That may be true..."
Seeing Sejong hesitating, Hyang added, "The Institute is not my playground. This Institute will become an academic institution as important as the Hall of Worthies in Joseon."
Sejong, pondering Hyang's words, reached a conclusion.
"Very well. Show me your intentions. I will support you."
"Your grace is boundless!" Hyang bowed deeply and quickly exited the main hall.
The ministers, who had been watching, expressed their concerns to Sejong.
"I worry that you are providing too much support."
"Considering what the Crown Prince has shown so far, I believe it is sufficient."
The ministers fell silent at Sejong's words.
They could have raised objections, but the fates of their predecessors were still fresh in their memories.
Having received Sejong's firm answer, Hyang returned to the East Palace and shouted joyfully, "Alright! Now let's get to work on our fandom!"
"Everyone, gather around!" Since a work location had not yet been decided, Jeongcho and his group, who were huddled together in one room of the East Palace, immediately assembled at Hyang's call.
Once everyone was gathered, Hyang showed them the organizational chart and began to explain.
"The Institute is primarily divided into two parts."
Hyang explained the structure and personnel allocation.
The Basic Science and Technology Research Department was entrusted to Jeongcho and Jeong In-ji, while the Applied Science and Technology Research Development Department was assigned to Lee Cheon.
"... And Jang Byeol-jwa will oversee the artisans from the military supply office and other departments to create the necessary items for research or prototypes for mass production. Do you understand?" "I understand the allocation, but what exactly will each organization do?" Jeongcho, who had become the representative of the people, asked.
Hyang answered immediately.
"The Basic Science Department will research basic disciplines and technologies, as the name suggests."
"By basic, do you mean?" "Starting with arithmetic, it will involve research related to metallurgy, chemistry, architecture, and so on. The Applied Department will build upon the results researched by the Basic Department and existing knowledge to advance further."
After Hyang's explanation, Jeongcho posed another question.
"I understand arithmetic, but should metallurgy, chemistry, and architecture also be considered academic fields?"
"Of course, they are academic fields. If we look at past examples, the artisans have only inherited their skills from their predecessors and learned from their experiences. This is not ideal. If a skilled artisan dies without passing on their techniques to a disciple or child, everything they built will vanish. But what if we record and categorize this knowledge?" At Hyang's question, Jeongcho immediately replied, "If there are those who wish to learn, they could use this as a foundation to learn and further develop from there."
"Exactly."
Hyang's explanation continued.
By the end of a lengthy discussion, Jeongcho and the others understood why what they had considered the artisans' domain fell within the realm of academia.
"I understand why Your Highness considers this field academic. Should we gather artisans from this area?" Jeongcho asked.
Hyang shook his head.
"No. The Basic Department has something to do first."
"What is it?" "Learn arithmetic first."
"What?"
Hyang assigned tasks to the Basic and Applied Departments.
"As an independent institution, we are expected to secure a considerable budget. Do you understand what that means?" At Hyang's words, everyone except Jang Yeong-sil nodded.
"There will be significant scrutiny."
"That's right. Therefore, we must produce visible results as soon as possible."
"That won't be easy."
Jeongcho and Lee Cheon nodded with worried expressions.
Jeong In-ji, still a new bureaucrat, wore a puzzled look, while Jang Yeong-sil, busy with assigned tasks, looked completely lost.
"Indeed. So, let's aim to achieve results as quickly as possible. First, the Basic Department's task is to revise the calendar. This is why learning arithmetic is essential."
Jeongcho pointed out, "The revision of the calendar is already underway."
"However, progress is slow. Most of the officials involved are holding multiple positions."
"That's true."
"Therefore, I want you and Jeong Hak-sa to take charge of this task. If necessary, you can recruit those among the officials who excel in arithmetic and have an interest in it, or even offer positions to the followers of the Islamic faith to bring them in."
"Bringing in Islamic followers could be problematic."
"You can simply refer to them as instructors for arithmetic. If anyone raises objections, just mention my name."
"Understood."
"Do not forget that we must produce results as quickly as possible. Please report your progress to me every fifteen days."
"I will keep that in mind."
After assigning tasks to Jeongcho and Jeong In-ji, Hyang turned to Lee Cheon.
"Let’s work together."
"What shall we do?" "We will improve the artillery."
At Hyang's words, Lee Cheon's eyes sparkled with excitement.
He was also a military man.
Seeing Lee Cheon's reaction, Hyang continued, "Do you have anyone in mind?"
Lee Cheon immediately replied, "There is General Choi Hae-san, who works at the military supply office."
"General Choi Hae-san?" "He is the son of General Choi Mu-sun."
"Let's go right away!" Hyang jumped up from his chair and ordered Jeongcho, "Prepare a hall for the Institute. For now, use this place as the research lab."
"Understood."
After giving Jeongcho his orders, Hyang turned to Lee Cheon.
"Let’s go!" "Yes!"
As they left the East Palace, Hyang looked back at Lee Cheon.
"Where is General Choi Hae-san now? I don't think I saw him when I last visited the military supply office."
"He is working at the Ministry of Military Affairs."
"Then let's head to the Ministry!"
Upon arriving at the Ministry of Military Affairs, Hyang immediately sought out Choi Hae-san.
When summoned, Choi Hae-san rushed over and respectfully greeted Hyang.
"Did you call for me, Crown Prince?"
"Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am truly glad to finally learn your name."
"I am honored!" As Hyang expressed friendliness, Choi Hae-san beamed with a broad smile.
Seeing Choi Hae-san's reaction, Hyang got straight to the point.
"Let’s create something together."
"Excuse me?" The three of them moved to a prepared private office in the Ministry and continued their discussion.
"What do you mean by creating something?"
"I mean we should improve the main weapons used by our Joseon army."
"You mean the weapons?" "That’s right. Looking at the current situation of our Joseon army, we cannot even compare to the Ming Dynasty, and while our cavalry is on par with the Jurchens, it is still difficult to dominate them. In close combat, we are being outmatched by the Japanese pirates. Do you agree?"
Choi Hae-san nodded at Hyang's observations.
"I agree."
"However, simply increasing the size of our forces is not feasible due to our poor finances."
"Indeed. It is truly unfortunate."
"Therefore, to solve this dilemma, I believe we must first enhance the quality of our weapons and then gradually expand the size of our forces."
Choi Hae-san raised an objection.
"I apologize for speaking out, but Your Highness, our Joseon's swords and spears are not of inferior quality."
"Not all weapons are swords and spears. And swords and spears are the main weapons for close combat, which does not suit our Joseon army's current situation. The weapons I am referring to are gunpowder weapons—artillery and cannons."
"Artillery and cannons?" Choi Hae-san's face showed a mix of anticipation and worry.
He was intrigued by Hyang's ingenuity, symbolized by the golden pen and writing board.
However, having directly handled gunpowder and created artillery himself, he was also quite concerned. 'Artillery is not something just anyone can handle!'
Hiding his worries, Choi Hae-san continued to ask questions.
"You mentioned artillery and cannons. How do you plan to improve their quality?" "Right now, we only have plans, but we should start by increasing their lethality. Next, we will also improve the materials and production methods used to create artillery and cannons."
"Hmm..."
Seeing Choi Hae-san deep in thought, Hyang continued, "First, I want to see the actual power and operation of the artillery and cannons. Is a demonstration possible?" "We will need the king's approval for that."
"I will speak to His Majesty myself."
Upon hearing Hyang's request for a demonstration of the artillery and cannons, Sejong posed a question.
"Is this absolutely necessary? If it is merely for your amusement, I will not allow it."
"This is not for amusement. To strengthen our national defense, improving the artillery is essential, and I have yet to see artillery properly."
At Hyang's firm response, Sejong, who had been contemplating, reached a conclusion.
"The Ministry of Military Affairs shall prepare the demonstration of the artillery and cannons as proposed by Hyang."
"We will obey your command!" "And I will also attend the demonstration. For our Joseon army, artillery is of great importance, but since I ascended to the throne, I have not had a proper opportunity to observe it. I will take this chance to see it thoroughly."
At Sejong's command, the ministers responded in unison.
"We will obey your command!"