or Cancerous Growth?
(11) 18: Sprouting…
or Cancerous Growth?
(11) ***ANNOUNCEMENT*** New Novel Event for the entire week.
Together with the ministers, Sejong carefully reviewed the reports.
“Hm…
in this matter, I believe the Crown Prince’s proposal is indeed correct.” “As you command, Your Majesty.” “And regarding this proposed Joseon trading quarter…
I believe the idea itself has merit.
But if we formally request Ming to establish such a quarter, where would be the most likely location?” “…” None of the ministers answered immediately.
Watching their hesitant expressions, Sejong’s face sharpened.
“Why is no one answering?
Is commerce so lowly that none of you even wish to speak of it?” “T-That is not the issue…” “Then why remain silent?” Pressed further by Sejong, Minister of Taxation Kim Jeom finally stepped forward.
“In this minister’s humble opinion, if such a market were established along the Liao River region, issues involving the Jurchens would likely require permanent deployment of Joseon troops nearby.
Ming would almost certainly oppose such an arrangement.
Therefore, I believe the Shandong region is far more likely.” “That does make sense.
Then what if Ming instead requests the market be established near the Yalu River?” “In that case, Joseon itself would need to oppose it.” “Oppose it…” After trailing off thoughtfully, Sejong slowly nodded.
“That truly would be unavoidable.
Then what are your thoughts regarding the permanent establishment of merchant houses?” “I believe it would still be preferable to constantly attaching merchants to each envoy mission.” After listening to Kim Jeom’s answer, Sejong thought briefly before turning toward Chief State Councillor Ryu Jeong-hyeon.
“Chief State Councillor.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “During this mission, successfully persuade the Ming Emperor to approve establishment of the merchant quarter.” “…I obey Your Majesty’s command.” Noticing the hesitation in Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s response, Sejong growled quietly.
“Chief State Councillor.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” “I think exactly the same way as the Crown Prince.
Are you truly worrying for Joseon’s safety…
or merely resisting in order to suppress both myself and the Crown Prince?” “Your Majesty!
Your servants have never once harbored such disloyal intentions!” “When I look at you all…
I begin seeing the shadow of Sambong.” The moment Sejong mentioned Sambong Jeong Do-jeon, the ministers turned pale.
“Your Majesty!
Our loyalty is as firm as stone itself!
Please withdraw your suspicions!” “Please see our sincerity!” For officials who had survived both the Princes’ Strife and Taejong’s reign, Jeong Do-jeon was practically a forbidden name.
The fact that Sejong deliberately invoked him now amounted to a final warning.
“Please see our sincerity!” As the ministers shouted desperately while lying flat against the floor, Sejong rose slowly from his seat.
“We shall see in time.
I require some rest.” Once Sejong left the hall, the ministers gradually stepped outside as well.
“Hooo…” “This is suffocating.” “Indeed.” Every minister wore a gloomy expression.
After staring silently at the sky for a while, Chief State Councillor Ryu Jeong-hyeon suddenly glared at the Chief Censor.
“Do not forget that all of this began because of your careless words.” At the accusation, the Chief Censor exploded.
“Minister!
Your words go too far!
What careless words have I spoken?
I did not say a single thing today!” “Who said I meant today?
Who gave the Crown Prince his opening in the first place?” “Urgh…” At Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s rebuke, the Chief Censor could only grimace bitterly.
The Chief State Councillor’s criticism was not entirely wrong.
Ever since Hyang raised the issue of legitimacy, Sejong had completely seized control of the political situation.
Aside from a single brief confrontation immediately afterward, Sejong himself had never raised the topic again.
And yet the ministers remained forced to constantly watch his mood.
But Sejong had been one step ahead all along.
The moment the ministers finally relaxed and lowered their guard, he struck suddenly, using the forbidden name “Jeong Do-jeon” as the blade.
Still grimacing, the Chief Censor retaliated.
“Fine.
Let us say I provided the Crown Prince an opening.
But did you not make mistakes as well?
What exactly did you do today?
Everyone in the country, even children, already knows the Crown Prince is not someone to underestimate.
If you intended to challenge him, you should have prepared properly!” “Urgh…” This time, Ryu Jeong-hyeon himself could only grimace helplessly.
After calming his breathing, the Chief Censor finally sighed.
“What is the point in arguing over blame now?
We already missed our chance.
For the time being, we have no choice but to follow His Majesty’s wishes.” “If things continue this way, royal authority may become too absolute.” “What else can we do?
At minimum, we must trust in His Majesty’s wisdom.” “Hooo…” “We worked so hard to build this Joseon…” “Haaa…” Not only the Chief State Councillor and Chief Censor, but all the gathered ministers sighed heavily together.
Though they did not necessarily share Jeong Do-jeon’s exact ideology, the ministers still agreed with him on one crucial point.
The creation of an ideal Confucian kingdom governed through kingly virtue.
And for such a kingdom to exist, harmony between the king and the scholar-officials, or more accurately the noble ministers, was essential.
In other words, a kind of republican cooperation.
And to achieve that balance, royal authority itself needed limits.
That was why Jeong Do-jeon had supported Taejo naming his youngest son as Crown Prince.
Partly because he was politically allied with Taejo.
But also because Taejo himself was old while the youngest prince remained young.
Once Taejo died, the ministers expected to dominate the political situation through a weak king and strong officials.
Jeong Do-jeon had even planned to absorb the private armies of powerful families, including Yi Bang-won’s, into the central military under the excuse of the Liaodong campaign and gradually wear them down.
But Yi Bang-won, later Taejong, had struck first.
And Jeong Do-jeon’s dream collapsed completely.
After sighing for a long time, the ministers eventually gathered themselves again.
“During this winter solstice mission, we absolutely must accomplish what His Majesty ordered.
If we fail, not only will we all die, but we will never again regain political initiative.” “That much is true.” “Then let us focus first on how to succeed.” “Agreed.” Once the Chief State Councillor concluded the discussion, the ministers nodded and dispersed.
The contents of their discussion quickly reached Hyang’s ears.
“If I heard about it already, Father definitely heard about it first.” Once again, Hyang admired the absurd speed of the palace information network.
As the saying went, “Even the palace walls have eyes and ears.” Eunuchs, court ladies, and royal guards stationed throughout the palace constantly observed and reported every movement of the ministers almost in real time.
“Still, once Father openly mentioned Sambong, he’ll definitely maintain the initiative for quite a while.” According to the history Hyang remembered from his previous life, Sejong’s reign was famous for cooperative governance between king and ministers.
But the reality Hyang experienced after reincarnation felt somewhat different.
Consultation certainly existed.
At least on the surface.
In reality, the ministers constantly sought opportunities to seize greater control over governance, while Sejong spent his days blocking those efforts and counterattacking.
By turning the envoy issue into a political weapon, Hyang had effectively handed Sejong a gift from Heaven itself.
In terms of both justification and practical advantage, everything now favored Sejong.
And Sejong intended to exploit that advantage thoroughly.
“The next step’s probably going to be cabinet reshuffling.
So this is where the famous Hwang Hui and Maeng Sa-seong finally enter the stage?” After briefly considering future developments, Hyang shook his head.
“That can wait.
Right now, something else matters more.
Eunuch!” “Yes, Your Highness!” “Bring Minister Kim Jeom here immediately.” “Yes, Your Highness!” A short while later, Kim Jeom arrived.
“You summoned me?” “Yes.
I apologize for troubling you while preparations for the envoy mission keep you so busy.” “Think nothing of it.
Did Your Highness require something?” “I need books acquired.” Hyang handed him a bundle containing a scroll and a small wooden box.
“The scroll lists the books I already possess.
The box contains silver for purchasing additional works.
Please acquire as many books as possible using that silver.” “The costs could simply be covered using the taxes paid by the merchant guild accompanying the mission.” “That money belongs to the state treasury.
No matter that I am Crown Prince, using those funds for personal purposes would still be embezzlement.” At Hyang’s answer, Kim Jeom unconsciously made a stunned expression.
‘At such a young age, his distinction between public and private matters is already this strict?
At this point he is no longer merely impressive.
He is frightening.’ “Ahem…” After quickly controlling his expression, Kim Jeom untied the scroll and examined the list.
“Hm…
so I simply need to acquire miscellaneous books not already listed here?” “Correct.” “Understood.
I shall search thoroughly.” Kim Jeom’s calm acceptance instead surprised Hyang.
“Minister, this does not bother you?
Most others criticize me constantly for collecting miscellaneous books.” Stroking his beard, Kim Jeom answered calmly.
“Your Highness does not gather such books without purpose.
Everything you do, whether directly or indirectly, ultimately benefits the nation.
Most importantly, it increases revenue.” “Increases revenue?” “To be honest, while serving in the Ministry of Taxation there are always two things lacking.
Time…
and budget.
Time cannot easily be increased, but budget can.
The more funds the state possesses, the more it can accomplish.
And most of what Your Highness does helps increase those funds.
Why would I oppose it?” “Thank you for viewing things so favorably.
Then I leave the matter in your hands.” “Yes.
Then I shall take my leave.” After bowing respectfully, Kim Jeom departed.
Left alone, Hyang muttered regretfully to himself.
“If only every minister were more like him.
Maybe I should ask Father to require every future minister to serve in the Ministry of Taxation first.” Eventually the winter solstice envoys departed for Beijing.
As the weather grew steadily colder, Hyang found himself deeply troubled over another matter.
“This cliché has already been overused to death…” After staring into the brazier for a long time, Hyang suddenly rose to his feet.
“It may be the oldest cliché imaginable, but if it helps me live longer…
and saves my ridiculously extroverted noona from dying young, then I have to do it.
Eunuch!
I’m going to see Father.
Inform the royal hall immediately!” “Yes, Your Highness!” Arriving before Sejong, Hyang requested permission to leave the palace.
“Leave the palace?” “Yes.” “In the middle of this freezing winter?
Where exactly are you going?” “To Neobeol Island.” “Neobeol Island?
Why?” “There is something extremely important I need to confirm personally.” Sejong looked completely unable to understand the explanation.
“There is nothing there besides the royal livestock.” ‘Exactly why I need to go.’ “I absolutely must go.” Seeing Hyang’s unusually firm determination, Sejong considered briefly before nodding.
“I permit it.” “Your grace is immeasurable!” “Why are you acting so dramatic…” Watching Hyang bow deeply and hurry away excitedly, Sejong burst into laughter.
“Hahaha!
A child really is still a child.” But before sunset even arrived that same day, Sejong would no longer be laughing.
He would be roaring in fury instead.
While Sejong conducted an afternoon meeting with the ministers, a eunuch rushed into the hall with a deathly pale face.
After hearing the report, the chief eunuch turned equally pale and looked toward Sejong.
“Your Majesty…” “What happened?” “Your Majesty…” “What is it?!” “The Crown Prince…
it is said the Crown Prince has harmed himself!” “What?!” Sejong shot upright in shock.
“Where is the Crown Prince now?!” “He has just returned to the palace…” Crash!
Kicking aside the desk blocking his path, Sejong immediately sprinted outside.
“Harmed himself?” “The Crown Prince?!” “Why would His Highness do such a thing?!” The ministers, equally stunned by the unimaginable news, hurriedly chased after Sejong.