"Is it possible?" With that one phrase, the situation was settled.
Those who insisted that making a ship from iron was impossible could only become laughingstocks.
Hyang looked at them and said, "Let me reiterate, it is not impossible; it is simply that we have not found a method."
Hyang explained to those who had become laughingstocks various bits of knowledge related to the topic, such as volume, weight, and density.
After a while, Jeongcho opened his mouth.
"So, if we spread the iron plates as thin as possible and join them together, we can make a ship... right?" "In extreme terms, yes."
However, Jeonginji pointed out a problem with Hyang's statement.
"But there is an issue. How do we join the iron plates together without letting water seep in while also ensuring they are strongly connected?" "That is your task to research."
"And that is why we have this meeting," Hyang replied.
Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement.
However, Hwanghee, representing the ministers, raised a concern.
"Making a ship from iron... According to your explanation, it is indeed possible to create a large ship. But can we find that method?" "If we do our best in research, we can find it."
"Is that really possible?" At Hwanghee's negative response, Hyang's expression sharpened.
Sejong's expression mirrored his.
"Do you think it is impossible?" Seeing the expressions of Hyang and Sejong, Hwanghee answered indirectly.
"It is possible, but I believe the time and cost involved are the real issues."
"That does not mean we should give up prematurely. Many people share my thoughts. If we can build a ship from iron, which is much stronger than wood, we can create larger and sturdier ships, allowing us to sail further. Do you wish for our Joseon to simply sit and watch while other countries are thriving?" "That is not the case..."
Hwanghee hesitated, and Hyang spoke firmly.
"For our Joseon's name to resonate across the seas, the development of iron ships must be achieved, even if it takes time!" At Hyang's resolute answer, the ministers fell silent and looked at Sejong.
Sejong, who had been contemplating with a serious face, finally spoke.
"It will indeed take a lot of time and budget. You agree with this, Crown Prince, right?" "Yes, but..."
"But you are saying this is absolutely necessary. And you keep mentioning the Westerners; is there a connection?" "There is. As you know, I have read many books from the West."
"I know."
"Among those books, there are histories, and the history of the West is a history of struggle. They understand the importance of wealth better than anyone else."
"Isn't it said that the experience from the Thirty Years' War taught them that 'the outcome of war is determined by the economy'?" "So?" "For that reason, the Westerners are putting all their efforts into finding ways to strengthen their countries. However, they have realized that looking only inward has its limits. Thus, they are turning their eyes outward."
Sejong added to Hyang's explanation.
"So, the Westerners will eventually go to the sea, and they will come to Joseon? To this distant land?" "The Muslims have been coming to this land for hundreds of years; do you think the Westerners cannot come?" "That is true."
As Sejong nodded, Hyang continued.
"When the Westerners acquire wealth, they engage in fair trade if they are stronger or equal, but if they are weaker, they will use force to take what they want. Of course..."
Hyang paused to catch his breath before continuing.
"Of course, international relations are governed by the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, and every country operates that way. However, the Westerners, who do not understand the concept of face, act openly. Ah! To be precise, they maintain face among themselves."
Hearing Hyang's words, Sejong muttered softly.
"Isn't that the case for all nations?" "Indeed."
"Enough, I understand what you are trying to say."
Sejong interrupted Hyang and fell into deep thought.
The ministers and Hyang, seeing Sejong's serious face, quietly waited for him to speak.
After some time, Sejong finally opened his mouth.
"Crown Prince, do you think we can develop iron ships during my reign?" "It is more likely that we will not see it even in my reign."
"Do you still think we should continue research despite such low odds? Are you willing to bear the unknown costs in time and resources?" "Yes. If we give up now because the odds are low, our descendants will pay the price with much more effort."
"Hmm..."
At Hyang's firm answer, Sejong fell into thought once more.
Stroking his beard while gazing at the models of ships, Sejong reached a conclusion.
"Alright, let’s do it."
"Thank you!" "However, we cannot invest time and resources blindly. Prepare a precise plan and submit it."
"I will obey!" At Sejong's command, Hyang responded energetically.
The debate over iron ships, which had begun with a bowl of cold noodles, ended with Sejong making a decisive decision.
After overcoming this hurdle, Sejong's gaze fell upon a peculiar object located beneath the display case.
"What is that item used for?" Sejong asked, and Hyang immediately replied.
"It is Heron's steam ball."
"Heron? Steam ball?" He was a famous scholar from the West in ancient times.
Hyang agreed with the possibility of iron ships, but Jeongcho felt something was lacking. 'I feel like I’m missing something...' While Jeongcho pondered what he might have overlooked, Jang Yeong-sil pointed it out.
"Even if, as Your Highness said, we can make a ship from iron and make it larger than one made of wood, there is still a problem. If the ship is larger, won't there be issues with moving it using just sails and oars?" "That’s right!" "That was it!" Jeongcho and Jeonginji exclaimed loudly at Jang Yeong-sil's observation.
Hyang inwardly grumbled at their reaction. 'I thought they would shout Eureka.' Despite his inner complaints, Hyang had already prepared for this and responded immediately.
"The issue of propulsion power is something I anticipated. Therefore, I would like to conduct research with all of you. Inner court officials!" "Yes, Your Highness!" When the inner court officials entered at Hyang's call, he commanded, "Bring in the large item sent from the military office a while ago."
"Yes, Your Highness."
A moment later, two inner court officials entered, struggling with a large bronze object.
"What is this? It looks quite peculiar."
The first to show curiosity was Jang Yeong-sil.
The others also gathered around the bronze object with sparkling eyes.
"Hmm?" "Oh..."
The item brought by the inner court officials was indeed unusual.
It was a cylinder supported by four legs, with two bronze tubes protruding from it, embedded in the side of a bronze sphere.
From the bronze sphere, four tubes extended outward, resembling the character "卍."
The ends of the protruding tubes had small holes.
"Bring a furnace filled with fire and a kettle filled with water."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Shortly after, the inner court officials entered with a furnace and kettle.
Hyang placed burning charcoal in the lower part of the cylinder, opened the cap on the upper part, and poured in water.
After sealing the cap again, Hyang looked around at the people.
"Have you ever seen someone cooking rice in the kitchen?" "Yes."
At Hyang's question, everyone nodded.
Unlike the late Joseon period, it was not frowned upon for men to enter the kitchen during this time.
"When cooking rice, have you seen the lid of the pot lift up? The power source I envisioned uses water and fire. I have named it a steam engine."
"A steam engine? It uses the energy created when water boils?" "Yes."
"Can that generate power?" "It is enough to lift even the heavy lid of a pot. I believe it is entirely possible."
Despite Hyang's confident answer, the people still looked doubtful.
Seeing their expressions, Hyang inwardly shouted, 'What a time of disbelief! Don't they know that blessings come to those who believe!' Regardless, as time passed, the water began to boil, and steam started to escape from the holes in the bronze sphere.
"There doesn't seem to be any movement."
"Just wait a little longer. Just a bit more."
As time went by, the bronze sphere slowly began to rotate.
With a sharp metallic sound created by the steam escaping through the small hole, the rotation of the bronze sphere quickened.
"What do you think?" At Hyang's words, the faces of the people grew serious.
The weight of the object was considerable, enough that two inner court officials struggled to move it.
Of course, only the bronze sphere at the top was moving, but it was clearly not a light object.
Yet, the steam produced by the boiling water was turning that bronze sphere.
Jeongcho, who had been silently observing the 'Heron's steam ball,' finally spoke.
"It seems worth researching. If we can produce proper results, it would be very useful for ships, not just iron ships."
"That is exactly my thought! And that device is not only for ships!" "Not just for ships?" "What if we made a cart that moves using that?" "Huh?" "What?" The eyes of the people widened at Hyang's words.
"So, among the ongoing research, there is also research related to the steam engine."
As Sejong listened to Hyang's explanation while looking at the Heron's steam ball, he turned to Hyang.
"You want to make a cart that moves using a steam engine?" "Yes, Your Highness."
"Will that be useful?" "Why wouldn't it be useful?" At Hyang's question, Sejong pointed out a problem.
"A cart is an object that carries loads and moves. However, for the steam engine to work properly, it needs a constant supply of water and fire. The problem is that to do that, we would need to load water and firewood onto the cart, leaving no space for actual cargo." 'This man is sharp! Truly King Sejong!' While admiring him inwardly, Hyang provided a response.
"You could think that way. However, the steam engine produces a great deal of power relative to its size. It can pull not just one cart but multiple carts, which makes it quite useful."
"Pulling multiple carts?" Seeing Sejong and the ministers still unable to hide their doubts, Hyang raised his hand and pointed toward the inside of the research facility.
"Come this way."
"I will show you the ultimate result that is called the pinnacle of fandom!" "Here it is."
The place Hyang guided them to was a room guarded by soldiers with swords, as well as inner court officials.
Upon seeing Hyang and Sejong, the inner court officials and soldiers all bowed in unison.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Your grace is boundless!" As the inner court officials stood up after bowing, Hyang commanded, "Open the door."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Oh!" "Wow!" As the door opened, Sejong and the ministers gasped in astonishment.
In the center of the large room, which measured about two kan (approximately 4.8m) wide and five kan (approximately 14m) long, stood a massive model.
On that model were mountains, plains, lakes, rivers, and seas.
And laid out in that miniature world were railway tracks.
Seeing the astonished faces of Sejong and the ministers, Hyang smiled. 'This is a railroad model that was called the pinnacle of fandom even in the 21st century!' "I will show you how to use a cart powered by a steam engine, Your Majesty. Inner court officials! Prepare the locomotive!" "Yes, Your Highness."
Following Hyang's command, the inner court officials placed model locomotives and connected passenger and freight car models onto the tracks.
After connecting the locomotive with the passenger and freight cars using hooks, the inner court officials stepped back and bowed.
Sejong began to examine the model locomotive closely.
"So you connected the steam ball to the wheels, as you mentioned earlier?" "Yes."
The model locomotive made by Hyang was a primitive design, with a small model of 'Heron's steam ball' placed on a wooden cart, connected to the wheels with leather straps.
"Because it is small, I used alcohol as fuel for now."
As he explained, Hyang pushed a lamp filled with ethanol under the steam ball and lit the wick.
Squeak! After some time, steam began to escape from the tube protruding from the steam ball with a sharp sound.
At that signal, Hyang released the brake that was holding the wheels.
Once the brake was released, the model locomotive began to move slowly, pulling the passenger and freight cars behind it.