"Indeed. How should we handle the payment?" Through the interpretation of Haksan, the elders heard Hyang's question and responded to Haksan, who promptly conveyed it to Hyang.
"They say they do not quite understand your question."
"Just ask if they want to receive gold or choose another product."
After a moment, Haksan replied, "They thank you and ask if they may see the products before making a choice."
"That sounds good. We can verify the quality of the products as well. Isn't that right, Minister Hopan?" At Hyang's question, Kim Jeom nodded.
"Yes, indeed."
With Kim Jeom's very positive response, Hyang smiled slightly. 'It seems they are starting to enjoy spending money...
You've changed quite a bit.' Just as Hyang had said, the ministers and officials were gradually becoming addicted to the 'taste of spending money.'
The spending habits of the ministers and officials were not for personal luxury but rather for strengthening the nation's capabilities.
As trade expanded and tax revenues increased, the administrative power of the central government was growing stronger, allowing it to exert more control over the provinces.
Furthermore, as seen in the recent campaigns against the Jurchens, the strengthening of national defense not only stabilized the borders but also equipped the officials with the power to pursue the long-term strategy of 'Eastward Advancement,' leading them to become increasingly addicted to 'earning and spending money.'
"Then, let us move to see the samples."
Hyang and the Minister of Finance led the elders to a storage room on one side of the palace.
As they walked to the storage, Hyang conversed with the Minister of Finance.
"Although we have temporarily converted this storage, if the glass artisans work properly, we should create a better exhibition space, right?"
"Of course. We are already looking for a suitable location."
It had been a long time since Hyang and the Minister of Finance had worked so well together.
The storage room they arrived at was unlike any ordinary storage.
Thick walls surrounded it, and instead of heavy doors meant to protect the goods, large windows allowed bright light to pour in.
"Let us enter."
Leading the elders into the storage, Hyang presented the samples.
"This is paper."
"Oh~."
The elders' eyes sparkled as they saw various types of paper samples.
During the Tang Dynasty, through various channels—primarily war—China's papermaking technology had been transmitted to the Islamic world, making paper quite common.
However, even if it had become common, its price was still considerable.
In Europe, paper mills had been established, but valuable documents were still written on parchment, and generally, papyrus was used.
This situation continued until the time of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.
In that sense, the paper the elders were looking at was of the highest quality, and naturally, they could not help but be interested.
Hyang introduced the paper first for that reason.
Korean paper was renowned even in China.
After abolishing the government monopoly and allowing private merchants to compete, the quality and variety had rapidly increased, making it one of the prized products that brought in wealth from trade with both the Ming Dynasty and Japan.
"They say the quality is good, but the price is burdensome."
"There are cheaper options."
At Hyang's response, Haksan chimed in.
"Are you referring to yellow paper?" At Haksan's question, Hyang nodded.
Haksan immediately explained to the elders, who showed interest.
"The price of paper is going to ruin us! We must find an alternative!" Yellow paper was something Hyang had painstakingly created to meet the increased demand for paper in the research institute and Zone 51. Of course, traditional Hanji could be washed and reused, but since the records from the research institute and Zone 51 had to document even failures, the recycling rate was horrifically low, putting a strain on finances.
In the end, Hyang had created a new 'hybrid.' Instead of using traditional mulberry trees, he used common hardwood, and the process of beating and boiling was replaced with a mechanical pulverizer to create pulp from the hardwood.
The traditional manual process of making paper was also changed to a mechanical one.
"Right now, it's mechanical, but once the steam engine is completed, we will switch immediately!"
"While it may not compare to artisan-made paper, it is certainly usable. Especially, the production cost is very appealing."
When Jeongcho, Jeongin, and others calculated the quality and production costs and gave their approval, Hyang immediately took action.
He purchased land near Zone 51 and built a large paper mill.
The characteristic of the yellow paper Hyang created was that it was, as the name suggested, yellow.
"Bleaching is possible, but what about environmental pollution? I have no idea about that."
No matter how knowledgeable one might be, not everything could be known, so Hyang completely omitted the bleaching process.
As a result, yellow paper was produced.
Once yellow paper was mass-produced, the research institute and Zone 51 were liberated from their paper problems.
Additionally, upon receiving a report about the yellow paper, King Sejong immediately summoned the ministers.
"How about replacing the paper used for general affairs with yellow paper instead of important documents?"
"That is indeed a wise decision!" As soon as Sejong's words fell, Minister of Finance Kim Jeom exclaimed in delight.
Ultimately, with the enthusiastic support of the Ministry of Finance, yellow paper was used in the court and later even in lower local administrative offices.
As time passed, among the common people, yellow paper began to be called 'unlucky paper.' Among the papers sent from government offices, good news—such as receiving awards—was written on high-quality paper and carefully attached to silk scrolls, while bad news—such as tax payments, court summons, military drafts, or public service—was written on yellow paper.
After confirming the quality and price of the yellow paper, the elders quickly made a decision.
"The quality is good, and the price is cheap, so it will definitely be profitable!"
"Even considering the shipping costs to our hometown, we will still make a good profit!"
Although they had made up their minds, the elders did not decide immediately.
"They ask if there are any other products."
"Of course there are." 'If I didn't say that, I wouldn't be a merchant.' With a gesture from Hyang, a finance official opened the lid of a nearby box.
"This is called Bijo."
Hyang introduced soap.
To create nitroglycerin, glycerin was obtained as a byproduct in the process, resulting in soap.
Seeing the first soap made, Hyang couldn't help but chuckle.
"Typically, glycerin is obtained while making soap, but I find it amusing that I have done the opposite..."
The first soap was a dark color.
When the first soap was made, it was named 'stone soap' because it resembled a stone.
However, soon it was made with oil, and since it was used to treat skin ailments, it was named Bijo, derived from the thorn of the soapberry tree, which was used for treating skin problems.
This Bijo was presented to Sejong, who was suffering from a skin disease at the time.
After using the soap for a clean bath and wearing a neatly washed and dried royal robe, Sejong's skin condition dramatically improved.
"This is truly an excellent product! Many commoners suffer from skin ailments, so we must begin mass production immediately!"
"I will obey!" Hyang confidently responded to Sejong's command, as he had just managed to extract soybean oil.
However, when they actually used the soybean oil, a problem of low yield was discovered.
"Why is that?" While searching for the reason and solution, Hyang realized that the yield of the used soybean oil was high and slapped his forehead.
"Is that why they used waste cooking oil?" He found a solution, but it was only a partial one.
"Traditional cooking doesn't use much oil. We can't just flip pancakes every day, nor can we boil good oil indiscriminately..."
While searching for a solution, Hyang saw the chicken porridge served in the royal kitchen and snapped his fingers.
"This is it!" Hyang quickly selected a chef from the royal kitchen and created 'Gyejak' (fried chicken).
Thus, 'chicken' was born.
"Delicious."
Sejong was very pleased with the Gyejak made by Hyang, and it soon became one of his favorite dishes.
"Since Gyejak is quite oily, let’s fry some garlic to serve alongside."
"Understood."
Gyejak was not only favored by Sejong.
The soldiers and officers stationed in Zone 51 also loved Gyejak.
On days when Gyejak appeared on the dinner menu at the communal dining hall in Zone 51, many would skip lunch altogether.
Due to this immense popularity, large-scale chicken farming began at the royal ranch on Neobeol Island.
It wasn't just Neobeol Island.
Some merchants, having heard the rumors about Gyejak from the soldiers, sought out Hyang and knocked on the doors of Zone 51.
"We want to acquire the recipe for Gyejak and the oil."
Upon hearing the merchants' words, Hyang immediately summoned the Minister of Finance.
The seated Minister of Finance went straight to the point.
"What price do you have in mind?"
Thus, the use of soybean oil increased, leading to the mass production of Bijo through the increased amount of waste oil.
After hearing how to use soap and actually using it, the elders nodded.
"They say it is worth the price. However, they want to know why one has fragrance and the other does not."
"The fragrant one is used for washing the face and bathing, while the unscented one is used for laundry."
Upon hearing Hyang's answer, the elders nodded, but suddenly one elder urgently shouted, "Fragrance!"
After listening to the elder for a while, Haksan interpreted for Hyang.
"He asked if you sell fragrances."
At Haksan's words, Hyang smiled.
"You know well. Fragrance has been famous since the ancient Samhan period..."
Fragrance and essential oils were among the precious luxury goods worldwide.
The Korean Peninsula had also used fragrances extensively since the ancient Gojoseon era.
The more they used, the more expertise they developed in manufacturing, making essential oils one of the main trade goods during the Goryeo Dynasty.
They imported raw materials from China, processed them, and exported them, reaping enormous profits.
The exported fragrances even flowed into the Islamic regions.
Hyang pointed to the ceramic jars and small boxes displayed on one side.
"The essential oils are in there, and the boxes contain fragrant powder."
After hearing the explanation, the elders pulled the corks from their jars to smell or took a pinch of fragrant powder to check the scent, nodding in approval.
"They say the quality is very good."
"Of course. It is made by recognized artisans."
Listening to Haksan's interpretation, the elders nodded.
As they returned their jars to their places, their eyes were fixed on the jars.
The elders, staring blankly at their jars, began to converse with Haksan for a while.
After a moment of discussion, Haksan interpreted for Hyang.
"They are asking if those jars can be purchased separately."
"They are not sold separately, but..."
Hyang gestured to the finance official again.
At Hyang's gesture, the official moved to a place where exquisite wooden boxes were arranged.
The official carefully opened the lids of the boxes.
"Oh!" The elders gasped in astonishment at the contents of the boxes, and Hyang spoke to Haksan.
"Ask them which they prefer, celadon or white porcelain."
At Haksan's interpretation, the elders answered in unison.
Upon hearing their response, Haksan smiled and replied.
"They say they want both."
"Hahaha!" At that, Hyang laughed heartily.
In the end, the elders not only received the payment for the glass artisans in goods rather than gold but also pooled all their available funds to purchase products.
The items they focused on buying were soap for washing and fragrances, as well as ceramics.
After confirming the quantities, Minister of Finance Kim Jeom said to Haksan, "The requested quantities will be delivered within three days."
"Yes."
Haksan interpreted, and the elders expressed their gratitude.
After hearing this, Hyang told Haksan, "And this time we are sending it as a gesture of thanks, but next time, let them know that customs duties will apply. It is better to inform them in advance to avoid disputes later. Also, let them know that without a trade license, they cannot purchase goods."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Haksan immediately interpreted, and shortly after, a response came back.
"They ask how much the tax rate is and how to obtain a trade license."
"Tell them we will inform them when the goods are delivered."
A little later, Haksan interpreted the elders' response.
"They hope for Your Majesty's leniency."
"Let them know I will speak well to Father."
Three days later, the goods arrived at the Islamic community.
As those who came with the elders checked the quantity and quality of the goods, Haksan took out a scroll from his bosom and presented it.
"This time, they said they are giving it as a gesture of thanks. Next time, they said to purchase a license and pay taxes."
"What is the amount?"
"For a single license, it is 50 nyang of gold, which is 500 ducats, and for a two-year license, it is 2000 ducats. The tax rate is 10% for purchases and 15% for sales."
Upon hearing Haksan's response, the elders huddled together to discuss.
"That seems a bit expensive, doesn't it?"
"Considering the goods we are taking, it seems reasonable."
"It is not just reasonable! They are giving it to us at a very cheap price! Did they not say we cannot buy goods without a license? That means our family can monopolize it!"
"Indeed!"
Having reached a conclusion, the elders said to Haksan, "Convey our gratitude to the King and the Crown Prince of Joseon. Let them know we will return as soon as possible."
"Understood."
As soon as Haksan finished speaking, the person in charge of the inspection replied, "All is well!"
"Then let us return by ship as quickly as possible!"
The ship carrying the elders returned at full speed.
The crew, promised rewards, did their utmost.
They minimized the number of ports they had to stop at for supplies, loading as many provisions as possible each time they had to dock.
When faced with headwinds, they broke the usual practice of resting at nearby ports and zigzagged to keep moving without rest.
Thanks to their efforts, the pirates who had ambushed them to rob them were the ones who suffered.
They managed to evade the pirates' ambushes by moving more quickly than expected.
As a result of their hard work, they returned home with tremendous profits from the goods brought from Joseon.
"After taking out the initial capital, we made 72,000 ducats! That means we tripled our profits!"
"Let’s prepare a ship heading to Joseon immediately!"
Thus began the birth of the 'Great Eastern Trade Route,' which stirred not only the Islamic regions but also Mediterranean merchants.