The products Mansur chose were diverse.
Among them were many unique items, including Balgeungo, ginseng, and the newly added Clear-Mind Pill[1].
“Clear-Mind Pill? Have you tried it?”
In response to Kim Jeom’s question, Mansur nodded.
“There was a time in Aden when I nearly collapsed from excessive stress, and that’s when I experienced its efficacy.”
“Hmm… That’s fortunate.”
“Thanks to that, I plan to stock it as an emergency medicine for our family rather than for sale.”
At Mansur’s answer, Kim Jeom tilted his head.
“The quantity seems high for that purpose.”
“Well, we have three families, and there are quite a few elderly among us.”
“Hmm… I see.”
However, Mansur’s large-scale purchase of Clear-Mind Pill encountered an unexpected obstacle.
The royal physicians from the responsible department, the Royal Clinic, opposed the idea.
“Although Clear-Mind Pill is an emergency medicine, the dosage must be adjusted based on the patient’s condition. It should never be sold indiscriminately! If mishandled, it might gain a reputation as a poison rather than a medicine!”
When the royal physicians voiced their opposition, Sejong, upon receiving the report, summoned them. Sejong posed a question to the prostrated physicians.
“Why are you opposing this? Hasn’t it been sold successfully to Ming and Japan?”
“Aren’t there physicians in those places who are well-versed in Clear-Mind Pill?”
“Indeed.”
Nodding at the physicians’ explanation, Sejong turned to Kim Jeom.
“I find the physicians’ opinion to be reasonable. They say that the difference between medicine and poison is as thin as a sheet of paper. If it is misused or abused, we will face criticism. Explain this to them.”
“I shall obey your command.”
As Sejong’s decision was made, Kim Jeom conveyed that decision to Mansur.
“That’s unfortunate. Does this mean it can’t be sold at all?”
“For the time being. If it’s truly necessary, send a physician. Only by understanding the proper usage can dangers be avoided.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Mansur had no choice but to look forward to the next opportunity.
Meanwhile, Hyang, upon hearing the news, had a look of surprise.
“Oh? The nobles of this era are surprisingly stricter.”
In the 21st century, Clear-Mind Pill was a medicine that could be easily obtained at pharmacies. As a result, it was used in various situations. Even Hyang had the experience of chewing a pill in advance before facing a situation where he might get scolded by his parents.
However, Joseon’s royal physicians were extremely particular about the use of Clear-Mind Pill.
Of course, Hyang’s influence had also reached this medicine. He had intervened to remove cinnabar (zhūshā) from the ingredients of Clear-Mind Pill.
“Cinnabar has traditionally been used as a medicinal ingredient, but…”
“Mercury is the problem.”
“Mercury is also used as a medicinal ingredient, but…”
“According to records from the Westerners, consuming mercury causes physical deformities and adversely affects one’s offspring.”
“However…”
As the royal physicians continued to show negative reactions, Hyang forcefully conducted an actual experiment. He demonstrated the problems by feeding mercury to chickens. Of course, it was a long-term experiment that lasted nearly a year.
Having confirmed the actual harm, the royal physicians decided to exclude cinnabar from the ingredients.
***
Apart from such medicinal products, Mansur made large-scale purchases of perfumes and aromatic oils.
“Fragrances are products that unexpectedly polarize preferences. Do they sell well?”
In response to Kim Jeom’s question, Mansur nodded.
“Yes. The scents are subtle yet long-lasting, making them popular. Even those damned Catholics enjoy them.”
“Is that so?”
At Mansur’s answer, Kim Jeom muttered to himself.
‘The response to fragrances is positive. I must remember this.’
As Kim Jeom noted, the fragrances produced by Joseon were receiving unexpected praise and selling well in the Middle East and Europe.
The fragrance manufacturing techniques of Joseon, which had been passed down since the Three Kingdoms period, were shining brightly.
Meanwhile, Hyang was urging the craftsmen who supplied fragrances to the royal court to attempt the creation of new fragrances.
The new attempt Hyang instructed was to make fragrances by dissolving them in alcohol.
Hyang’s reason for this attempt was simple.
“I need skin lotion!”
As he reached an age where his beard was becoming thicker, Hyang began to pay attention to shaving and attempted to create the essential product, skin lotion.
***
The dealings between Mansur and Kim Jeom continued for several days. The reason it took so long was not due to issues with the unit price.
There was a difference between the quantity Mansur desired and the quantity Joseon could supply, necessitating constant adjustments.
“No! I’m telling you I’ll pay for it!”
“Who’s talking about payment issues? It’s about the quantity.”
“What about the goods piled up in the warehouses at Jemulpo?”
“Those already have owners.”
“Then if I purchase them at a higher price…”
“Nonsense!”
When Mansur mentioned “higher price,” Kim Jeom immediately dismissed it.
“Although I’m not a merchant, I well understand the importance of trust! Don’t even utter such filthy words!”
In response to Kim Jeom’s resolute reaction, Mansur glanced at Hassan. Seeing Hassan’s nod, Mansur politely apologized.
“I apologize for my imprudence. My greed got the better of me…”
“Be mindful. As the leader of a large merchant group, you should be well aware of the importance of trust, shouldn’t you?”
“But I brought so many ships, and the quantity is lacking…”
“Still, it’s more than last time, isn’t it? More and more workshops are being established in Joseon, so the day will soon come when we’ll have more than enough to fill the holds of those ships. In that regard…”
Pausing for a moment to draw Mansur’s attention, Kim Jeom subtly dangled the bait.
“Are you perhaps interested in cloth?”
“Cloth?”
“We call it wide cloth[2]. It’s also known as machine cloth.”
At Kim Jeom’s words, Mansur pondered for a moment.
‘If this gentleman recommends it, it must be no ordinary item!’
“May I see the actual product?”
“Of course!”
When Mansur showed interest, Kim Jeom cheered inwardly.
‘Hooked him!’
Upon seeing the wide cloth Kim Jeom presented, Mansur’s eyes sparkled.
“The width is quite substantial! And the tight weave is to my liking!”
Aden, where the Ottomans resided, faced the sea and was hot and humid. However, just a short distance inland, the intense sunlight dried out both humans and animals, creating an arid climate. Moreover, the temperature difference between day and night was considerable. In such a climate, tightly woven cloth that effectively blocked sunlight was popular.
Therefore, Mansur had recognized the marketability of the cotton fabric recommended by Kim Jeom.
“How much of this can be procured?”
“How much do you need?”
Thus, Kim Jeom was able to reap an unexpected harvest.
***
After seeing Mansur off, Kim Jeom handed the relevant documents to his subordinates.
“Organize them well and bring them to me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“As quickly as possible. I need to report to His Majesty.”
At Kim Jeom’s words, the face of the Ministry of Taxation official turned deathly pale. Seeing his expression, Kim Jeom remarked.
“What’s a night or two of overtime?”
“It’s been four days now…”
“Just do it. I’ll make sure you get overtime pay.”
“…Yes, sir.”
Having passed the documents to his subordinate, Kim Jeom poured water from a kettle he had prepared and quenched his thirst.
“Talking non-stop has made me thirsty.”
After quenching his thirst, Kim Jeom muttered with a much more relaxed expression.
“Anyway, one task is resolved.”
The task he referred to was wide cloth.
Both Hyang and the merchants had anticipated that wide cloth would be a huge success. However, when wide cloth actually hit the market, the response deviated far from their expectations.
“Paying money for cotton cloth?”
“Paying money for cotton cloth that we can simply weave ourselves? Is money growing on trees?”
The commoners, accustomed to weaving cotton cloth at home, showed a lukewarm response. As time passed, wide cloth made its way into even small villages, but the commoners’ reactions remained negative.
“It’s good, but paying money for it is a bit…”
“The current cotton cloth is fine…”
The cotton cloth produced in factories failed to satisfy the commoners in terms of cost-effectiveness. As a result, the factory-made cotton cloth was only sold to the wealthy class accustomed to high-quality cotton fabrics.
“Selling such high-quality products at this price!”
For the wealthy, it was actually an affordable price, making it popular. However, the number of such wealthy individuals was limited throughout Joseon.
Consequently, an increasing amount of inventory began to pile up in the warehouses. The government and merchant groups engaged in promotional activities in Ming and Japan to find sales channels, but the situation was similar to Joseon.
In Ming, cotton cloth of similar quality was common—Hyang referred to it as a victory of the Ying-Hai strategy. In Japan, they lacked the funds to purchase such cotton cloth.
In the end, while struggling to find sales channels, Mansur became the solution.
***
Finally, in the third month of his stay in Joseon, Mansur was ready to depart.
Visiting Geunjeongjeon and prostrating before Sejong, Mansur expressed his gratitude.
“I am deeply grateful for the generous treatment bestowed upon a mere merchant.”
“I am glad there were no inconveniences. I wish for your safe return to your homeland.”
“I am humbled by Your Majesty’s royal concern.”
“Your success is the success of our Joseon, so I hope for good results.”
“I will do my utmost.”
As Mansur bid farewell to Sejong and exited Geunjeongjeon, Kim Jeom accompanied him to the very end.
“As His Majesty said, have a safe journey back.”
“Thank you. I am truly grateful for the kindness you have shown, from the cannons to everything else.”
“Not at all… Isn’t it all for our mutual benefit?”
“That is true.”
While listening to Mansur’s response, Kim Jeom gestured to the Ministry of Taxation official following behind. At Kim Jeom’s gesture, the official promptly handed over a large bundle.
“Take this with you.”
“What is this?”
“It’s a tonic. Health is always the most important thing, so boil it well and consume it.”
“Yes…”
Receiving the tonic, Mansur’s expression became peculiar. He too had heard the rumors circulating among Joseon officials about tonics. Seeing Mansur’s expression, Kim Jeom immediately added.
“There have been strange rumors about tonics lately, but this is truly given with goodwill. Goodwill!”
“…Thank you.”
“To live in an era of distrust where goodwill is doubted!”
“I am truly grateful!”
Having bid farewell to Kim Jeom, Mansur asked Hassan, who was accompanying him.
“It’s genuine goodwill, right?”
“It should be goodwill.”
‘Probably?’
Hassan kept the last word to himself.
***
Five days after Mansur’s group departed, Sejong led Hyang and the ministers to Gyeonggi Province.
“Is this the newly paved road?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Looking at the road stretching out before them, Sejong had a delighted expression.
“It is truly a wide and straight road! I hope the future of our Joseon will be like this!”
In response to Sejong’s words, Hyang promptly replied.
“With Your Majesty’s firm resolve and the capable ministers in place, it will certainly be so.”
“Your words are correct.”
Smiling at Hyang’s response, Sejong turned to the ministers following behind.
“I shall trust in you all.”
“We will devote our utmost efforts!”
The ministers answered in unison with loud voices. However, their insides were burning black with exhaustion.
‘This is clearly a sign that he will assign more work!’
‘I need to escape! I must submit a resignation letter!’
The place Sejong’s entourage headed to was the shipyard of the Gyeonggi Naval Station.
In Namyang Hwaryangman (South Yangflower Bay) of Gyeonggi Province, there was a place where the warships of the Gyeonggi Naval Station were built.
And it was here that the construction of the new warship, led by Hyang, was taking place.
“Greetings to Your Majesty!”
“At ease!”
Responding to the military salute led by the Navy Commander (Susa) of the Gyeonggi Naval Station and the naval soldiers, Sejong entered the naval station, dismounted from his horse, and inspected various parts of the station.
In particular, Sejong inspected the condition of the warehouses storing various spears and swords, the warehouse storing cannons, and finally, the warehouse inspecting gunpowder. He then turned to the Navy Commander and praised him.
“Not a single speck of rust on the spears, swords, and cannons. I can see the efforts of the Navy Commander and the soldiers. It is thanks to the generals and soldiers that the seas of Joseon are at peace. I am truly grateful!”
At Sejong’s praise, the Navy Commander and soldiers had proud expressions on their faces.
- also called uhwang-cheongsimhwan (우황청심환) and cheongsimwon (청심원), is a pill formulated with thirty odd herbs and other medicinal ingredients, including calculus bovis, ginseng, musk, and Chinese yam root. It is used to treat various symptoms, such as numb limbs and fit of apoplexy, epilepsy, and others in traditional Korean medicine.[↩]
- Yards of cloth. Weaved by machine[↩]