Chapter 420
Despite the commotion, the construction progressed steadily and smoothly, finally connecting Dongbyeong Harbor with the mainland.
The railway, using Nokdundo Island in the lower reaches of the Tumen River as a stepping stone, extended along the coastline to Dongbyeong Harbor.
The initial plan considered routes crossing the Tumen River near Hanyeopyeongri or Josanri as main candidates. However, Hyang stepped forward and advocated for a route via Nokdundo Island.
“Your Highness, that would require a significant detour,” Jinpyeong, representing the opposition, pointed out the inconvenience of the detour, but Hyang stood firm.
“Of course, it’s a detour, but the currently proposed routes must traverse unexplored forest areas. This raises several issues.”
Hyang highlighted the problems with the existing plans:
-First, we don’t know the terrain within those forest areas well. There’s a possibility of incurring additional construction costs if we’re not careful.
-Second, there’s the issue of the Jurchen people who have settled in the forest areas. If we fail to properly persuade them, it could lead to unnecessary military expenditures.
“Especially!” Hyang, after pointing out the second issue, glared at Jinpyeong and continued.