Black Corporation: Joseon

They too did not share the same intentions as Jeong Do-jeon, but there was one thing they agreed upon:

The establishment of an ideal Confucian royal state.

In order for such a royal state to be created, a republican government through the harmony of the king and nobility—originally the high-ranking officials, was essential. And the restraint of the royal authority was necessary for the completion of the republican government.

When King Taejo made his youngest son the crown prince, Jeong Do-jeon agreed for such a reason. It was true that he was King Taejo’s political comrade, but the king was old, and his youngest, who became the crown prince, was young. Therefore, Jeong Do-jeon calculated that he could take the initiative in the political landscape after King Taejo’s death by exploiting the situation under the pretense of utilizing the weak king which led to strong ministers seizing the power of governance.

Plans were even made to absorb the private armies of powerful families, including the biggest obstacle, Yi Bang-won, into the central army under the pretext of suppressing the rebellion, and then consuming them. However, Yi Bang-won, no, the later King Taejong, took the first move, causing Jeong Do-jeon’s dream to vanish like a bubble.

The ministers, who had only been sighing, gathered their wits.

“We must do our utmost to fulfill what His Majesty has ordered in this winter solstice envoy mission. If we fail, we will all be dead, and we will never regain control.”

“That’s true.”

“Let’s think about that part first. How can we ensure success?”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

As the Chief State Councilor drew the conclusion, the other ministers agreed and moved on.

◈◈◈

The conversations exchanged between the ministers quickly reached Hyang’s ears.

“If I’ve heard about it, His Majesty must have heard it already.”

Hyang marveled at the speed of the ultra-fast communication network built within the palace. As the saying goes, ‘There are eyes and ears in the walls of the palace.’ The eunuchs, palace maids, internal officials, and imperial guards laid all around constantly gathered and relayed information about the ministers’ every move in real-time.

“Since His Majesty has even mentioned Sam-Bong, he will surely exercise control for the time being.”

According to the history Hyang learned in his past life, the most successful cooperative politics among military officers took place during King Sejong’s reign. However, King Sejong’s reign that he saw after reincarnation was a bit different. Cooperation was happening, but it was only on the surface.

The officials tried to take control of the national administration whenever they got a chance, and it was routine for King Sejong to block such moves and counterattack. Hyang’s decision to attack the ministers by making an issue of the official envoys was a heaven-sent opportunity for King Sejong.

Justice and practicality, everything perfectly fell into King Sejong’s hands, and he was thoroughly seizing the opportunity.

“The next step must be the cabinet reshuffle. Is it finally time for the appearance of the famous Hwang Hui and Maeng Sa-seong?”

Hyang, who had been briefly anticipating the future, shook his head. “Let’s think about that later, it’s not important now. Eunuch!”

“Yes, Your Highness!” At Hyang’s call, the eunuch who had been waiting outside quickly entered.

“Go and bring the Minister of Taxation!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

A moment later, the Minister of Taxation appeared before Hyang.

“Did you call for me?”

“Sorry for calling you when you’re busy preparing for the tribute procession.”

“No, not at all. So, do you have any special requests for this servant?”

“Please bring me some books.”

Hyang handed over a bundle wrapped in a small wooden box. “Inside the bundle, there is a list of the names of books that I have collected so far, and the box contains silver that can be used to purchase books. Please use this silver to acquire as many books as possible.”

“Can the purchase price be covered by the taxes paid by the officials who have engaged in gambling?”

“That money will go into the national treasury. It would be embezzlement for me to accept it, even if I am a tax collector.”

Upon hearing Hyang’s response, Minister of Taxation’s expression showed signs of being shocked beyond belief at the young boy’s clear distinction between public and private matters.

“It’s astounding how clear his understanding is at such a young age! It’s frightening, to say the least!”

“Ahem! ahem!” clearing his throat and quickly adjusting his expression, Minister of Taxation looked over the list of books on his scroll as he untied its string. “Um… so, do we need to acquire miscellaneous books that are not on this list?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Understood. I’ll put my best foot forward to get them.”

This time, it was Hyang who was surprised by the man’s calm response. “Aren’t you worried at all? Others have criticized purchasing miscellaneous books, haven’t they?”

“You’re not just acquiring miscellaneous books for no reason, are you? Regardless of their size, if they contribute to the country, there is no reason to stop doing it. It is the foundation for you to continue to do what you do.”

“Is that so?”

In response to Hyang’s question, Minister of Taxation stroked his beard and answered, “To be honest, when you work at the Ministry of Taxation, there are always two things that are lacking. One is time, and the other is budget. We can’t increase our time, but we can increase our budget, can’t we? The more the budget increases, the more the country can do, and most of what you do helps to increase the budget, so there is no reason to stop you.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Then, please take care of it.”

“Yes, I will. Goodbye.”

After bidding farewell, Minister of Taxation left Hyang’s room. Left alone in the room, Hyang muttered with a disappointed expression, “It would be nice if other officials were like him. Should I tell my father to make sure that all the officials go through Ministry of Taxation?”

◈◈◈

Time passed, and the official envoy finally left for Beijing. In the midst of the increasingly cold weather, Hyang was deep in thought. “Even though it’s a cliché that has already been foreseen, what can I do…”

Hyang sat in front of the fireplace for a while, pondering. Then he stood up and exclaimed, “Although it’s the most important and difficult task, as the most trusted servant of our lord, I must carry out this task to prevent the death of our master, who is the greatest of all greats and the most respected of all respected! Eunuch! Get my carriage! I will go to Father. Inform the Pyeonjeon Palace!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Upon arriving at the palace, Hyang informed King Sejong that he wished to go out.

“Going out?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you going in this harsh winter weather?”

“I’m going to Yeouido.”

“Yeouido? Why?”

“I have an important matter to confirm.”

Sejong looked puzzled by Hyang’s response. “There is only livestock raised for the royal family in Yeouido…”

“That’s why I’m going.”

“You have to go?”

“I must.”

After Hyang’s firm response, Sejong hesitated for a moment before nodding his head. “Permission granted.”

“The castle is in danger!”

“What kind of danger…”

King Sejong laughed as he watched Hyang’s exaggerated bow and his triumphant exit.

“Hahaha! He’s still just a child!”

However, before the sun sets that day, King Sejong would have to unleash a roar of anger, not laughter.

◈◈◈

While King Sejong was conducting an afternoon meeting with his ministers, a palace servant entered with a solemn expression. Upon receiving the report from the servant, an official looked at King Sejong with a pale face.

“Your Majesty…”

“What is it?”

“Your Majesty…”

“What happened?!”

“It is said that the Crown Prince has committed suicide!”

“What?!” King Sejong, who was dignified, jumped up from his seat. “Where is the Crown Prince now?!”

“He was just taken to the Crown Prince’s palace…”

—Bam!—

King Sejong kicked the writing desk in front of him and rushed outside.

“Suicide?”

“Yes, it is suicide!”

“Why would he do that?!”

The ministers, who were also at a loss for words at the unimaginable situation, followed King Sejong outside.