Under King Sejong's command, Hyang and Choi Haesan guided Sejong and the ministers to a building set aside for their meeting.
Inside the largest room, chairs were arranged for Sejong and the ministers to sit comfortably.
Once everything was prepared, Hyang stepped forward to begin explaining the new armor.
"When we examine the armor used by our Joseon army, we generally see many soldiers wearing chain mail or plate armor. However, these armors require a lot of effort to produce and maintain. Moreover, the soldiers who serve in the military must provide their own armor, which leads to a significant difference in quality."
Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement, as they had frequently received petitions reporting the hardships faced by the common people and demanding solutions.
"Among the soldiers, some wear paper armor or wooden armor due to financial constraints, but it is true that their defensive capabilities are inferior to iron armor."
"That is indeed the case," Sejong replied, nodding.
Hyang pointed to the new armor with his baton and continued, "This is the new armor we began using towards the end of the previous dynasty. It is made by reinforcing the wooden armor with iron plates, enhancing its defensive capabilities. In terms of defense, it can withstand arrows shot from a distance of 50 paces. It is the strongest armor in terms of protection."
Sejong and the ministers nodded again, recalling how this armor had demonstrated its superior defense during the recent campaign against Tsushima.
Hyang continued, "However, this new armor does have several issues."
Hyang pointed out the problems with the new armor:
- First, it requires a lot of time and labor to produce.
Each iron plate must be forged and then attached individually.
- Cost is also a concern.
While iron and fabric are manageable, the silk used for the lining and the fur for the cuffs, sides, collar, and front are quite expensive.
Although there are cases where fabric or silk is used, to make it properly, rabbit fur, deer fur, or fox fur must be used.
- Despite its strong defense, it has many weaknesses.
The cuffs and sides are completely open.
While it may not be a significant issue against ranged attacks unless one is extremely unlucky, it becomes a problem in close combat.
To counter this, additional protective gear such as armpit guards or groin guards must be worn.
However, even then, the issue with the cuffs remains.
- It is difficult to wear for long periods.
The armor takes the shape of a robe, and all its weight rests on the shoulders, leading to quick fatigue.
"To solve these issues, we have changed the design of the new armor as follows: - The iron plates inside the wooden armor have been replaced with a single iron plate. The front and back are secured with two plates to ensure upper body protection. - The issues with the cuffs and sides have been resolved.
Since it is a single plate, the cuff issue is addressed, and the side issue is resolved by overlapping the front and back plates slightly. The armpit issue is resolved by attaching circular iron pieces to the shoulder and arm guards. - The armor is divided into two parts, called the upper armor and the lower armor.
This way, the weight of the armor is distributed across the entire body rather than just the shoulders, making it less tiring to wear for long periods. - New designs for shin guards, elbow guards, and knee guards have been added to enhance protection."
"This is the armor we have created," Hyang concluded, pointing to the newly crafted armor.
"Hoo~."
"Hmm..."
After Hyang finished his explanation, Sejong and the ministers carefully examined the armor in question.
While inspecting the armor, Sejong asked Hyang, "How much heavier is it compared to the previous armor?"
"It has increased by 8 geun (approximately 4.8 kg). The added weight comes from the elbow guards, knee guards, and shin guards."
"Is that all it has increased by?" Sejong asked, looking skeptical.
Hyang quickly explained, "The number of plates has been significantly reduced, and the wooden armor is now covered with fabric instead of being directly attached to the iron plates."
Sejong stroked his beard and calculated, "So, with those adjustments, the total weight has increased by 10 geun."
"And those who will wear this armor?"
"The full-body armor will be worn by cavalry and swordsmen, while the modified upper armor will be used by artillery soldiers and gunners. The helmets will be common for all soldiers."
"What do those who have tried it say?"
"They say that while the weight has increased slightly, the distribution of weight across the body makes it surprisingly bearable. Additionally, with more areas covered by iron, they feel more secure and less fearful."
Sejong stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"That aspect can only be confirmed through actual combat. I would like to see a more detailed examination of the armor's structure."
"I have already prepared that," Hyang replied.
At his signal, soldiers entered carrying a large table.
On the table lay the iron plates that had been covered with fabric.
"Hmm… the shapes of the iron plates are quite unique," Sejong remarked, his eyes sparkling as he examined the breastplate and belly plate.
Hyang smiled inwardly at Sejong's reaction. 'Even though I made it, I was a bit surprised!'
When Hyang first checked the prototype of the new armor, he had slightly shaken his head. 'What is this? This terrible hybrid?' The armor he designed was a combination of Western full plate mail and the previous wooden armor.
While studying the issues with the armor, Hyang found himself at a crossroads.
The defensive capability of full plate mail was slightly superior, while the mobility of the wooden armor was better.
'Hmm.
What should I do? Should I just skip the armor part?' However, Hyang could not overlook the armor issue due to the importance of swordsmen in close combat.
"This is quite…."
As he pondered over the armor, Hyang ultimately decided to improve it due to the maintenance issues of chain mail and plate armor, as well as the production costs of the wooden armor.
The cost of properly making the wooden armor was 16 seok 10 du, and the helmet was 4 seok 5 du.
"Why is this so expensive!" Hyang questioned the unexpectedly high price.
After digging deeper, he discovered that while material costs were high, labor costs were also significant.
In the end, Hyang concluded, "Let's just change it! We can reduce material costs wherever possible and minimize labor costs!"
To achieve this goal, Hyang borrowed the design of full plate mail.
While Sejong was discussing his impressions of the new armor, Hwang Hee, who had been carefully observing the armor, asked Hyang, "Your Highness."
"Yes?"
"From what I can see, it appears that the helmet and the iron plates of the armor are all made from a single iron sheet. Is that correct?"
"That is correct."
"If so, the artisans must have hammered each plate individually, which seems to require too much effort. This could lead to cost issues."
Hyang nodded at Hwang Hee's observation.
"That is a valid point. I have also considered this, so…."
After a brief pause, Hyang smiled at Hwang Hee and continued, "We made them using a press."
"The beginning of mass production is the press!" This was the reason Hyang had to borrow the design of full plate mail.
Sejong, with a serious expression, questioned Hyang, "You said that the newly created armor will be worn by cavalry and swordsmen. However, as far as I know, there is no such thing as a swordsman unit. Is this a new unit?"
"Yes. We have integrated the existing units of spearmen, pike men, and sword men."
"Why is that?"
"Considering the performance of the newly created artillery and cannons, our Joseon army will operate primarily with artillery, cavalry, and gunners in the future. Therefore, dividing and nurturing the spearmen, pike men, and sword men would put a strain on the budget. Thus…."
"You have unified those units, correct?"
"Yes."
Sejong immediately pointed out a potential issue.
"At first glance, your reasoning seems sound. However, the situation on the battlefield can change in an instant, and relying solely on swordsmen may not be sufficient. What if the firepower of the artillery and cannons is not enough to suppress the enemy, and they break through the swordsmen's defenses?"
Hyang nodded in acknowledgment of Sejong's concern.
"I am aware of that. Therefore, I have prepared the long cannon. The long cannon can also be used as a spear. Additionally, I am teaching the gunners to develop spear techniques using the long cannon."
"A long cannon as a spear? Hmm…."
As Sejong listened to Hyang's explanation, he recalled the length of the long cannon he had seen during the demonstration. 'And then you insert a spearhead? Hmm… perhaps….'
As Sejong contemplated various possibilities, he nodded.
"It seems plausible. However, I will postpone adjusting the entire structure of the Joseon army according to your opinion. I believe it is not too late to make a decision after confirming the results of actual combat."
Hyang accepted Sejong's decision with a bow. 'I will follow Father’s decision.'
After the demonstration of the new weapons created by Hyang, Choi Haesan, Lee Cheon, and the artisans from the research institute, Sejong and the ministers prepared for a thorough review of the records.
"However, I am feeling a bit hungry," Sejong said, feeling fatigued from the early morning demonstration.
He looked at the ministers.
"How about we return to the palace for a meal?"
At that moment, Hyang interjected, "Your Majesty, would you like to try the military rations for the soldiers?"
"Military rations? Are they tasty?" King Sejong showed curiosity at Hyang's suggestion.
However, when Sejong asked about the taste, Hyang slightly shook his head.
"The military rations are what soldiers eat when they cannot cook on the battlefield. I cannot boast about the taste."
'It's not the famous French military combat food!'
"Hmm… what should I do…" Sejong stroked his beard, pondering for a moment before making a decision.
"Alright, let's give it a try. If I eat the military rations, I will understand the soldiers' hardships, right? Ministers, let’s eat together."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The ministers replied with hesitant voices, as they had to eat food that the Crown Prince himself had expressed doubts about.
A moment later, soldiers entered carrying a steaming pot.
Following them, other soldiers brought in bowls of white kimchi and empty bowls.
The soldiers placed the pot and kimchi on the empty table cleared of armor parts and took their seats behind it.
"Your Majesty, please try some," one soldier said respectfully as he served a thick porridge into a bowl with a ladle.
"Ah? Mmm. I will," Sejong replied as he stood before the table.
The soldier presented the bowl with both hands.
Sejong finished the bowl of porridge, seemingly satisfied with the taste.
After handing the empty bowl to the attendant, he continued to question Hyang.
"Is this the amount that soldiers eat for one meal?"
"Yes."
"But it’s porridge, not rice. How long can they endure on this?"
"It is sufficient to last until the next meal. It contains not only barley and rice but also a lot of meat."
Sejong nodded at Hyang's words but continued to ask questions to identify potential issues.
"Making porridge requires a lot of water. However, during a war, the biggest challenge is securing drinking water. What is the solution to this?"
"We have created a filter for obtaining clean drinking water."
"A filter for purification? Let me see it."
"I will guide you."
Hyang led Sejong outside the building to a location where a wooden frame about the height of an adult man's calf stood, stacked with square rice cake molds, forming a wooden filter about three feet high.
"This is the purification filter."
"What principle does it use?"
"Starting from the bottom, we layer charcoal, ash, and sand in three-inch thick layers, and on top, we place gravel in two-inch thick layers."
After explaining, Hyang gestured to the soldiers nearby.
Upon seeing Hyang's signal, the soldiers filled a large basin with water and dirt to create muddy water, which they poured into the gravel-covered area.
After a moment, clear water began to flow from the iron pipe placed at the bottom of the filter.
Hyang scooped the water with a ladle and handed it to Sejong.
"It is clear water."
"While the visible impurities have been filtered out, there may still be invisible impurities, so it should be boiled before consumption."
"Hmm… With this filter, we can counter the enemy's scorched earth tactics to some extent."
The scorched earth tactics employed by the Jurchens, who were often encountered when suppressing them beyond the borders, involved throwing dead animals into wells or blocking them with stones to ruin the water sources.
This made it difficult for the Joseon army to take a long time to suppress the Jurchens.
Most of the military officers in the Joseon army's headquarters or training center who had experience fighting against the Jurchens pointed out this issue, and Hyang's creation of a simple water purifier was the solution.
"Hmm…"
As Sejong examined the purifier while listening to Hyang's explanation, he turned to the ministers.
"During droughts or floods, the biggest difficulty faced by the people is securing drinking water. If we utilize this, it seems we can solve that problem. It is easy to make, does not require a large investment, and its performance is excellent."
After a moment of thought, the ministers all bowed their heads in agreement.
"Your judgment is truly wise!"
"It will be the best solution for the people suffering from water shortages due to droughts or floods!" No ministers opposed the idea.
When droughts occurred, the people dug wells to find drinking water.
However, even when water rose in the wells, it could not be consumed immediately, as the first water that came up was muddy.
The people had to endure thirst until the mud settled.
The same was true during floods.
Streams and rivers, as well as wells, all turned muddy, causing the people to suffer from thirst even when water overflowed.
When the people could not withstand their thirst and drank the muddy water, they often fell ill, leading to outbreaks of disease.
With the ministers in agreement, Sejong commanded Hyang, "Prepare a document related to the construction of this filter. It will be distributed to all government offices nationwide."
"I will follow your command!"
"And the military rations seem to be suitable for relief food as well, so once it is confirmed that it can be preserved for a long time, look into ways to produce it in bulk."
"I will follow your command."
"Those military rations were tastier than I expected. They would be good as snacks in the palace when feeling peckish."
"Thank you!"
'You found the military rations tasty? Your Majesty! Are you perhaps suited for military life?'