Chapter 80
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Chapter 80
“Hmm... The recovery process is well underway, so let’s think about ways to prevent experiencing such a tragic event like this again.”nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Even as they replied, the officials’ heads automatically turned. Their expressions were uniformly uneasy, and at the end of their gaze, Hyang sat.
As expected, whenever Hyang’s mouth opened first, the officials could not help but let out a small sigh.
“We need to create an organization that can respond primarily to not only fires but also floods and other disasters.”
“Create an organization?”
Upon King Sejong’s interest, Hyang elaborated more.
“When I manage Area 51, I also operate a disaster prevention team. As you may know, Area 51 uses a lot of fire, but it also contains many dangerous substances like gunpowder.”
“I see.”
“This time, the disaster prevention team of Area 51 played a significant role in controlling the fire that spread to the southern area of the capital. Considering this, I think we should create an organization that can protect the entire capital.”
“Bring the fire report.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After reviewing the report on the fire damage, Sejong nodded.
“Indeed, it’s the result of training?”
“It is the result of training, but also the specialized equipment.”
“Specialized equipment? Let’s see it.”
The following officials murmured quietly.
“Beating the drum and playing the gong.”
“Sigh. What now...”
“Do they know and get along? Or do they get along without knowing?”
* * *
At Hyang’s request, carts carrying the disaster prevention team’s equipment from Area 51 headed to the palace.
“Hmm... The helmets are peculiar to begin with.”
The helmets worn by the disaster prevention team had a longer brim at the back rather than the front. They were made with thick leather on the outside, without metal plates, and thick padding inside to protect the head from shocks and heat.
The clothing was the same. Thick padding was used to protect the wearer from shock and heat.
However, what caught Sejong and the officials’ attention was the water-spouting vehicle.
“This cart puts out fires?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sejong carefully examined the cart.
At the back of the cart was a large water tank, and in front of it was a round bronze mechanism that seemed like a cylinder laid on its side. A thick bronze tube connected the water tank and the bronze mechanism.
“How does it operate?”
“Let me show you.”
At Hyang’s command, the disaster prevention team members connected a hose made of cloth to the bronze mechanism on the cart. Two of them held the bronze handle firmly at the end of the hose, and two more started turning the handle on the bronze mechanism.
Swoosh!
A thick jet of water burst out from the bronze spout at the end of the hose, and Sejong and the officials applauded.
“Oh, oh, oh!”
“It’s indeed perfect for extinguishing fires!”
“That’s correct!”
Hyang explained to Sejong and the officials.
“If we deploy a special force equipped with such equipment in certain areas, we can contain the fire early on, and even if it’s bigger than expected, we can prevent it from spreading widely.”
“That makes sense.”
Sejong and the other officials nodded, while some officials sighed in relief and glanced away, as if saying ‘not us!’.
There was someone there whose face was growing paler.
He was Kim Jeom, the Minister of Taxation.
“Your, Your Highness... How much are we designating for a specific area?”
Seeing the pale face of the Minister of Taxation, Hyang briefly calculated and answered.
“The fewer households in a district, the safer, but considering the budget, at least 2 places in 1 block. And there must be at least 3 water-spouting vehicles in the designated places.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s explanation, the Minister of Taxation quickly calculated.
‘52 blocks in 5 parts of Hanyang, so at least 104 places, each with at least 3... 312... the budget... but if something like this happens again...’
As the calculation got complicated with various variables, the Minister of Taxation’s expression became complex, so Hyang added.
“It will take a lot of money to create and equip them, and maintaining them will cost a considerable amount. But having these prepared people means quick responses when something happens, right? Then we can reduce the damage, and the cost of reconstruction can be reduced as well.”
“Hmm...”
Sejong stroked his beard, lost in thought.
The suffering of the people from usury was not something that had just started yesterday.
“What interest rate would you suggest then?”
“2% per year.”
“2% per year... Building a house is no trivial expense, so that’s not a low figure.”
“That’s true. That’s why I’ve thought about a ‘installments’.'”
“Installments?”
At Hyang’s words, King Sejong and the ministers were all ears.
After listening to Hyang’s explanation for a while, Sejong slapped his knee.
“A brilliant idea! Let’s proceed with it! Call the Minister of Taxation!”
The Minister of Taxation responded immediately to Sejong’s summons.
“I, I will prepare and submit the proposal immediately...”
“Truly great, Minister of Taxation! Your excellence reassures me!”
“Your praise is too generous!”
The Minister of Taxation bowed in humble response to Sejong’s praise, but inside, he was moved to tears.
‘I, Kim Jeom. I might be able to save my reputation at this rate!’
But Hyang’s remarks were not over yet.
“Your Majesty. While investigating property owners to rebuild the houses lost in the recent fire, I discovered something I never knew before.”
Simultaneously, Kim Jeom began to sweat cold beads down his spine.
Above his expression hung a cry, ‘Please stop!’
“What have you newly discovered?”
To Sejong’s inquiry, Hyang briefly replied, “There were many leaseholders in Hanyang.”
Hyang’s expression while answering was quite complex.
‘In the Joseon Dynasty, a landlord of a well? I could understand if you were a landowner, but a landlord of a well?’
Hanyang’s housing shortage was quite famous.
Officials and soldiers coming from the provinces to make a living, and those newly appointed to government positions, had no homes in Hanyang, and had to find rented houses or live in rented rooms.
Hence, reading Joseon history or the writings of famous people, there were more than a few stories about the sorrow of living in rented rooms.
So Hyang was astounded to learn the truth.
“Rented houses...”
As Sejong was mulling over the words, several officials nodded in agreement.
While many of those with a higher status had proper homes in Bukchon, there were many ministers still living in rented houses.
In particular, low-ranking officials were staring at Hyang’s mouth with shining eyes.
“Yes, living in someone else’s house brings much sorrow. I’ve heard the saying that a thatched roof of one’s own is far better than a tiled roof of a rented house.”
“That’s right, Your Majesty!”
Many officials responded loudly to Sejong’s words.
“Do any of you live in rented houses?”
“...”
“Oh my... So what should we do?”
“It is said that abolishing rented houses immediately is unreasonable, as renting them out is not a crime in itself.”
“That’s true.”
“So... How about building official residences after the reconstruction?”
“Official residences? Like those for provincial governors?”
“Similar, Your Majesty. We’ll submit a proposal later.”
“Understood. I look forward to it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The scribe recording Sejong and Hyang’s conversation wrote as follows:
– Therefore, His Majesty ordered the Crown Prince to submit a proposal.
The scribe wrote:
The sorrow of living in rented rooms knows no bounds of rank or wealth; how can it not be lamented?
In this situation, where only the wisdom of the crown prince can be relied upon, the senior officials and ministers must surely be held accountable.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 80
“Hmm... The recovery process is well underway, so let’s think about ways to prevent experiencing such a tragic event like this again.”nôvel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Even as they replied, the officials’ heads automatically turned. Their expressions were uniformly uneasy, and at the end of their gaze, Hyang sat.
As expected, whenever Hyang’s mouth opened first, the officials could not help but let out a small sigh.
“We need to create an organization that can respond primarily to not only fires but also floods and other disasters.”
“Create an organization?”
Upon King Sejong’s interest, Hyang elaborated more.
“When I manage Area 51, I also operate a disaster prevention team. As you may know, Area 51 uses a lot of fire, but it also contains many dangerous substances like gunpowder.”
“I see.”
“This time, the disaster prevention team of Area 51 played a significant role in controlling the fire that spread to the southern area of the capital. Considering this, I think we should create an organization that can protect the entire capital.”
“Bring the fire report.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After reviewing the report on the fire damage, Sejong nodded.
“Indeed, it’s the result of training?”
“It is the result of training, but also the specialized equipment.”
“Specialized equipment? Let’s see it.”
The following officials murmured quietly.
“Beating the drum and playing the gong.”
“Sigh. What now...”
“Do they know and get along? Or do they get along without knowing?”
* * *
At Hyang’s request, carts carrying the disaster prevention team’s equipment from Area 51 headed to the palace.
“Hmm... The helmets are peculiar to begin with.”
The helmets worn by the disaster prevention team had a longer brim at the back rather than the front. They were made with thick leather on the outside, without metal plates, and thick padding inside to protect the head from shocks and heat.
The clothing was the same. Thick padding was used to protect the wearer from shock and heat.
However, what caught Sejong and the officials’ attention was the water-spouting vehicle.
“This cart puts out fires?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sejong carefully examined the cart.
At the back of the cart was a large water tank, and in front of it was a round bronze mechanism that seemed like a cylinder laid on its side. A thick bronze tube connected the water tank and the bronze mechanism.
“How does it operate?”
“Let me show you.”
At Hyang’s command, the disaster prevention team members connected a hose made of cloth to the bronze mechanism on the cart. Two of them held the bronze handle firmly at the end of the hose, and two more started turning the handle on the bronze mechanism.
Swoosh!
A thick jet of water burst out from the bronze spout at the end of the hose, and Sejong and the officials applauded.
“Oh, oh, oh!”
“It’s indeed perfect for extinguishing fires!”
“That’s correct!”
Hyang explained to Sejong and the officials.
“If we deploy a special force equipped with such equipment in certain areas, we can contain the fire early on, and even if it’s bigger than expected, we can prevent it from spreading widely.”
“That makes sense.”
Sejong and the other officials nodded, while some officials sighed in relief and glanced away, as if saying ‘not us!’.
There was someone there whose face was growing paler.
He was Kim Jeom, the Minister of Taxation.
“Your, Your Highness... How much are we designating for a specific area?”
Seeing the pale face of the Minister of Taxation, Hyang briefly calculated and answered.
“The fewer households in a district, the safer, but considering the budget, at least 2 places in 1 block. And there must be at least 3 water-spouting vehicles in the designated places.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s explanation, the Minister of Taxation quickly calculated.
‘52 blocks in 5 parts of Hanyang, so at least 104 places, each with at least 3... 312... the budget... but if something like this happens again...’
As the calculation got complicated with various variables, the Minister of Taxation’s expression became complex, so Hyang added.
“It will take a lot of money to create and equip them, and maintaining them will cost a considerable amount. But having these prepared people means quick responses when something happens, right? Then we can reduce the damage, and the cost of reconstruction can be reduced as well.”
“Hmm...”
Sejong stroked his beard, lost in thought.
The suffering of the people from usury was not something that had just started yesterday.
“What interest rate would you suggest then?”
“2% per year.”
“2% per year... Building a house is no trivial expense, so that’s not a low figure.”
“That’s true. That’s why I’ve thought about a ‘installments’.'”
“Installments?”
At Hyang’s words, King Sejong and the ministers were all ears.
After listening to Hyang’s explanation for a while, Sejong slapped his knee.
“A brilliant idea! Let’s proceed with it! Call the Minister of Taxation!”
The Minister of Taxation responded immediately to Sejong’s summons.
“I, I will prepare and submit the proposal immediately...”
“Truly great, Minister of Taxation! Your excellence reassures me!”
“Your praise is too generous!”
The Minister of Taxation bowed in humble response to Sejong’s praise, but inside, he was moved to tears.
‘I, Kim Jeom. I might be able to save my reputation at this rate!’
But Hyang’s remarks were not over yet.
“Your Majesty. While investigating property owners to rebuild the houses lost in the recent fire, I discovered something I never knew before.”
Simultaneously, Kim Jeom began to sweat cold beads down his spine.
Above his expression hung a cry, ‘Please stop!’
“What have you newly discovered?”
To Sejong’s inquiry, Hyang briefly replied, “There were many leaseholders in Hanyang.”
Hyang’s expression while answering was quite complex.
‘In the Joseon Dynasty, a landlord of a well? I could understand if you were a landowner, but a landlord of a well?’
Hanyang’s housing shortage was quite famous.
Officials and soldiers coming from the provinces to make a living, and those newly appointed to government positions, had no homes in Hanyang, and had to find rented houses or live in rented rooms.
Hence, reading Joseon history or the writings of famous people, there were more than a few stories about the sorrow of living in rented rooms.
So Hyang was astounded to learn the truth.
“Rented houses...”
As Sejong was mulling over the words, several officials nodded in agreement.
While many of those with a higher status had proper homes in Bukchon, there were many ministers still living in rented houses.
In particular, low-ranking officials were staring at Hyang’s mouth with shining eyes.
“Yes, living in someone else’s house brings much sorrow. I’ve heard the saying that a thatched roof of one’s own is far better than a tiled roof of a rented house.”
“That’s right, Your Majesty!”
Many officials responded loudly to Sejong’s words.
“Do any of you live in rented houses?”
“...”
“Oh my... So what should we do?”
“It is said that abolishing rented houses immediately is unreasonable, as renting them out is not a crime in itself.”
“That’s true.”
“So... How about building official residences after the reconstruction?”
“Official residences? Like those for provincial governors?”
“Similar, Your Majesty. We’ll submit a proposal later.”
“Understood. I look forward to it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The scribe recording Sejong and Hyang’s conversation wrote as follows:
– Therefore, His Majesty ordered the Crown Prince to submit a proposal.
The scribe wrote:
The sorrow of living in rented rooms knows no bounds of rank or wealth; how can it not be lamented?
In this situation, where only the wisdom of the crown prince can be relied upon, the senior officials and ministers must surely be held accountable.
Chapter 80Hmm... The recovery process is well underway, so let's think about ways to prevent experiencing such a tragic event like this again.novel binz was the first platform to present this chapter.Yes, Your Majesty.Even as they replied, the officials' heads automatically turned. Their expressions were uniformly uneasy, and at the end of their gaze, Hyang sat.As expected, whenever Hyang's mouth opened first, the officials could not help but let out a small sigh.We need to create an organization that can respond primarily to not only fires but also floods and other disasters.Create an organization?Upon King Sejong's interest, Hyang elaborated more.When I manage Area 51, I also operate a disaster prevention team. As you may know, Area 51 uses a lot of fire, but it also contains many dangerous substances like gunpowder.I see.This time, the disaster prevention team of Area 51 played a significant role in controlling the fire that spread to the southern area of the capital. Considering this, I think we should create an organization that can protect the entire capital.Bring the fire report.Yes, Your Majesty.After reviewing the report on the fire damage, Sejong nodded.Indeed, it's the result of training?It is the result of training, but also the specialized equipment.Specialized equipment? Let's see it.The following officials murmured quietly.Beating the drum and playing the gong.Sigh. What now...Do they know and get along? Or do they get along without knowing?* * *At Hyang's request, carts carrying the disaster prevention team's equipment from Area 51 headed to the palace.Hmm... The helmets are peculiar to begin with.The helmets worn by the disaster prevention team had a longer brim at the back rather than the front. They were made with thick leather on the outside, without metal plates, and thick padding inside to protect the head from shocks and heat.The clothing was the same. Thick padding was used to protect the wearer from shock and heat.However, what caught Sejong and the officials' attention was the water-spouting vehicle.This cart puts out fires?Yes, Your Majesty.Sejong carefully examined the cart.At the back of the cart was a large water tank, and in front of it was a round bronze mechanism that seemed like a cylinder laid on its side. A thick bronze tube connected the water tank and the bronze mechanism.How does it operate?Let me show you.At Hyang's command, the disaster prevention team members connected a hose made of cloth to the bronze mechanism on the cart. Two of them held the bronze handle firmly at the end of the hose, and two more started turning the handle on the bronze mechanism.Swoosh!A thick jet of water burst out from the bronze spout at the end of the hose, and Sejong and the officials applauded.Oh, oh, oh!It's indeed perfect for extinguishing fires!That's correct!Hyang explained to Sejong and the officials.If we deploy a special force equipped with such equipment in certain areas, we can contain the fire early on, and even if it's bigger than expected, we can prevent it from spreading widely.That makes sense.Sejong and the other officials nodded, while some officials sighed in relief and glanced away, as if saying not us!'.There was someone there whose face was growing paler.He was Kim Jeom, the Minister of Taxation.Your, Your Highness... How much are we designating for a specific area?Seeing the pale face of the Minister of Taxation, Hyang briefly calculated and answered.The fewer households in a district, the safer, but considering the budget, at least 2 places in 1 block. And there must be at least 3 water-spouting vehicles in the designated places.Upon hearing Hyang's explanation, the Minister of Taxation quickly calculated.52 blocks in 5 parts of Hanyang, so at least 104 places, each with at least 3... 312... the budget... but if something like this happens again...'As the calculation got complicated with various variables, the Minister of Taxation's expression became complex, so Hyang added.It will take a lot of money to create and equip them, and maintaining them will cost a considerable amount. But having these prepared people means quick responses when something happens, right? Then we can reduce the damage, and the cost of reconstruction can be reduced as well.Hmm...Sejong stroked his beard, lost in thought.The suffering of the people from usury was not something that had just started yesterday.What interest rate would you suggest then?2% per year.2% per year... Building a house is no trivial expense, so that's not a low figure.That's true. That's why I've thought about a installments'.'Installments?At Hyang's words, King Sejong and the ministers were all ears.After listening to Hyang's explanation for a while, Sejong slapped his knee.A brilliant idea! Let's proceed with it! Call the Minister of Taxation!The Minister of Taxation responded immediately to Sejong's summons.I, I will prepare and submit the proposal immediately...Truly great, Minister of Taxation! Your excellence reassures me!Your praise is too generous!The Minister of Taxation bowed in humble response to Sejong's praise, but inside, he was moved to tears.I, Kim Jeom. I might be able to save my reputation at this rate!'But Hyang's remarks were not over yet.Your Majesty. While investigating property owners to rebuild the houses lost in the recent fire, I discovered something I never knew before.Simultaneously, Kim Jeom began to sweat cold beads down his spine.Above his expression hung a cry, Please stop!'What have you newly discovered?To Sejong's inquiry, Hyang briefly replied, There were many leaseholders in Hanyang.Hyang's expression while answering was quite complex.In the Joseon Dynasty, a landlord of a well? I could understand if you were a landowner, but a landlord of a well?'Hanyang's housing shortage was quite famous.Officials and soldiers coming from the provinces to make a living, and those newly appointed to government positions, had no homes in Hanyang, and had to find rented houses or live in rented rooms.Hence, reading Joseon history or the writings of famous people, there were more than a few stories about the sorrow of living in rented rooms.So Hyang was astounded to learn the truth.Rented houses...As Sejong was mulling over the words, several officials nodded in agreement.While many of those with a higher status had proper homes in Bukchon, there were many ministers still living in rented houses.In particular, low-ranking officials were staring at Hyang's mouth with shining eyes.Yes, living in someone else's house brings much sorrow. I've heard the saying that a thatched roof of one's own is far better than a tiled roof of a rented house.That's right, Your Majesty!Many officials responded loudly to Sejong's words.Do any of you live in rented houses?...Oh my... So what should we do?It is said that abolishing rented houses immediately is unreasonable, as renting them out is not a crime in itself.That's true.So... How about building official residences after the reconstruction?Official residences? Like those for provincial governors?Similar, Your Majesty. We'll submit a proposal later.Understood. I look forward to it.Yes, Your Majesty.The scribe recording Sejong and Hyang's conversation wrote as follows: Therefore, His Majesty ordered the Crown Prince to submit a proposal.The scribe wrote:The sorrow of living in rented rooms knows no bounds of rank or wealth; how can it not be lamented?In this situation, where only the wisdom of the crown prince can be relied upon, the senior officials and ministers must surely be held accountable.
