Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 91

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

91. Strangers (2)

Ding~

“It is midnight.”

As the bell in Jongno rang, signaling midnight, Vice Commander Kwon informed Hyang that it was midnight.

“I heard it. That clock over there also points to midnight.”

“They probably won’t be able to get in. There are many walls to cross to get to Donggungjeon [the Crown Prince’s residence]. And there are many Royal Guards standing watch…”

As Vice Commander Kwon was reporting that they wouldn’t be able to enter, a quiet voice was heard from outside the door.

“Still, if the owner of Donggungjeon calls, we must come.”

At the sudden voice, Vice Commander Kwon and the Royal Guard soldiers gripped their swords and stood to Hyang’s left and right.

“If you’ve come, then come in.”

“Yes.”

With a quiet answer, three men entered. Hyang spoke at the sight of the men wrapped in black from head to toe.

“Remove your masks.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The leaders of the Geomgye [a shadowy organization, possibly a gang], having removed their masks, bowed deeply to Hyang.

“The lowly leaders of the Geomgye greet the Crown Prince.”

“Please, sit comfortably in the chairs placed there.”

“We are deeply grateful.”

As the Geomgye leaders sat down, Hyang immediately got to the point.

“Which areas of Hanseong [old name for Seoul] do the gangs you command cover?”

At Hyang’s question, the leaders spoke of the areas where they exerted influence.

“I lead the gang in the Bukchon area.”

“I am in Dadong…”

“I am in Unjongga…”

“Hmm… So, the east, west, and north of this central area of Hanseong. Is there no south?”

‘To put it simply, they’re like the mobsters who divided up the prime real estate of Gangnam in 21st century Seoul.’

At Hyang’s question, the leaders explained the reason.

“There are no noble families in the south, and there is District 51 [military base or restricted area], so there is no gang that has established itself. Ah! There are some guys who freeload off the *eun-geun-jja* [someone who subtly leeches off others] targeting District 51 and the nearby soldiers, calling themselves *gibu* [knights errant] and acting like *waljja* [vagrants or loafers], but they are worthless.”

“I see. I understand. The reason I called you here today is…”

Hyang immediately got to the point.

The areas Hyang wanted to use them for were ‘surveillance of officials’ and ‘early detection of subversive groups.’

“Aren’t the Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Censors already in charge of surveillance of officials?”

“They are. But, through several incidents, I’ve learned something. By the time the Office of the Inspector General or the Office of Censors notices something, it’s often beyond repair. But, wouldn’t you be faster than that? I’m sure you hear a thing or two from the *gibang* [traditional Korean courtesan houses].”

“That’s true.”

As the Dadong leader nodded, the Bukchon leader asked a question.

“I understand what you mean by ‘early detection of subversive groups,’ but why are you entrusting us with such an important task?”

“Aren’t you experts in the dark side of things?”

“…”

At Hyang’s words, the leaders fell silent. It was true that they could hear various things in the *gibang*, and it was common to use this information to seize opportunities or extort money.

“If we take on the job…”

As the Dadong leader opened his mouth, Hyang interrupted and immediately answered.

“You and your gang members will not be officially granted rank and title for the time being. No, to be honest, even if I inherit the throne after my father’s reign, you will likely never be publicly involved. Your existence will be known only to my father, myself, and a very few others. However, if you are killed or seriously injured while working, I will take full responsibility to the end.”

At Hyang’s words, the leaders became serious.

‘Should I not have crossed the wall?’

All three regretted crossing the wall, but they had no choice. Just being a lookout in the *giwon* [another term for courtesan house] was only giving them psychological hunger.

“Do we have to give you an answer right away?”

“I think I’ve given you enough time, haven’t I?”

“…”

At Hyang’s remark, the leaders fell silent again.

Because Hyang’s words were true. It had been over ten days, almost two weeks, since they had learned of Hyang’s identity. Many of their gang members were intelligent, and the conclusion of their discussions was almost identical to the proposal Hyang had made. And the answer had already been decided.

“We will follow Your Highness’s proposal.”

“Thank you!”

As the leaders accepted the proposal, Hyang finally leaned back in his chair and relaxed.

In the softened atmosphere, unlike the beginning, the Dadong leader jokingly said to Hyang.

“But aren’t you being too careless? What if we had harbored treacherous intentions?”

“Well, there are guards next to me…”

Hyang removed the two books that had been lying face down on the desk. Under the books were two matchlock pistols with the firing pins cocked.

“At least two of you wouldn’t have made it back alive.”

No sooner had Hyang finished speaking than the voice of the Royal Guard Captain was heard.

“No one would have made it back alive.”

“Huh?”

Hyang and the leaders turned their heads to the source of the sound and froze.

The Royal Guard Captain and a group of Royal Guards were aiming matchlock pistols, and behind them stood Sejong [the King].

Sejong stared at Hyang with eyes full of murderous intent.

“Crown Prince, you’ve been up to some truly interesting things, haven’t you?”

“Hic!”

* * *

Before long, Hyang’s room was filled with people. Amidst the Royal Guard soldiers glaring at the Geomgye leaders with matchlock pistols ready to fire at any moment, Sejong moved to Hyang’s seat.

“Please, sit here.”

“…You and I will have a long talk later, son.”

“…Yes.”

Sejong, having Hyang stand next to him, sat in the chair and looked at the three leaders kneeling right in front of him.

“So, you are the leaders of the Salgye (殺戒) [Killing Commandment], who control the nights of Hanseong?”

“Y-yes, we are.”

“It is an honor to directly see the face of His Majesty the King. Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand, ten thousand years!”

“But I am not pleased. Salgye… How should I judge you?”

“…”

At Sejong’s question, the leaders fell silent.

Among themselves, they were calling themselves by the elegant name of Geomgye, but among the common people, they were known as Salgye, instilling fear.

Sejong, who had been silently looking at the leaders, opened his mouth.

“If you follow the two orders I am about to give you, I will guarantee your lives. No, I will even give you glory, though not officially.”

At Sejong’s words, the leaders raised their heads and looked at Sejong.

Sejong commanded the leaders in a stern voice.

“The two orders you must obey are: one, to carry out the orders the Crown Prince just gave you with all your might; and two, to make the nights of Hanseong safe.”

“If you say to make the nights of Hanseong safe, what must we do?”

“As Hanseong is a city where many people live, there cannot be no crime. However, crimes that take human lives, especially crimes like the great fire that occurred last time, where innocent people’s homes and lives are harmed in order to steal wealth, cannot be forgiven! Therefore, you must prevent such things from happening! That is the second order you must carry out.”

“Is this an order to preemptively nip it in the bud, or is it an order to report it to the *Po Cheong* [police station]?”

“That will be your choice. If you have the leeway, report it to the *Po Cheong*, and if not, you may report it after the fact. However! If it is proven to be a false accusation, the punishment will be severe!”

At Sejong’s command, the leaders fell silent and pondered.

“We will obey Your Majesty’s command.”

The first to make a decision was the Dadong leader.

“We will obey the command!”

“We will obey the command!”

As the Dadong leader made a decision, the other two leaders followed suit and accepted Sejong’s command.

“Good. Then carry out the orders immediately from tomorrow. And… I will soon select and inform you of the person who will be in charge of communicating with me.”

“We will obey the command!”

“Then go back! And keep today’s events a secret until you die!”

“We will obey the command!”

The leaders, answering Sejong’s command, bowed deeply and respectfully backed out of Hyang’s room.

Watching them, Hyang felt something familiar.

‘Is this the Joseon Hanseong version of Las Vegas?’

* * *

From its inception, Las Vegas was a place where the Mafia had a strong influence.

The method the Mafia took to attract tourists to Las Vegas was, ridiculously enough, ‘strengthening law and order.’

Cheating gamblers, those who engaged in prostitution in unauthorized areas, and drug dealers disappeared into the sand of the nearby desert without a trace by the Mafia.

* * *

“You are to follow them and identify the locations they entered from.”

“Yes, sir!”

At the Royal Guard Captain’s command, the Royal Guard soldiers followed the leaders out of the room.

The faces of the Royal Guards following the leaders were serious.

Since Hyang’s *gibang* tour, the Royal Guard Captain had been paying more attention to the night security of the palace. In that situation, they had been breached today.

If the cause of today’s breach was not a weakness that no one knew about, but a simple human error, there would certainly be wailing from tomorrow.

* * *

Meanwhile, in Hyang’s room, only Sejong, the Royal Guard Captain, Vice Commander Kwon, and one other soldier were present.

“Are you carrying around four or five extra lives? Did you do this relying on only those two pistols?”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang smiled and replied.

“Would I ever do that?”

“Is this a time to be laughing!”

Hyang, realizing that Sejong’s mood was unusual, quickly took off the *ikseongwan* [Crown Prince’s hat] he was wearing and handed it over.

“I was making some preparations.”

Sejong, receiving the *ikseongwan* that Hyang handed over, examined the inside, surprised by its weight.

Inside the *ikseongwan* was a sheet of iron.

“Let’s say that’s for your head…”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang quickly untied the *gollyongpo* [Crown Prince’s robe] strings. Inside the *gollyongpo*, a suit of armor was protecting his chest, and following the slightly larger *dongjeong* [collar], the armor was protecting his neck in place of a *hohang* [neck guard].

“It’s really good that the *gollyongpo* is roomy.”

“Hoo~.”

Sejong, listening to Hyang’s explanation, let out a long sigh and opened his mouth.

“Choose. 100 days of document sorting or getting hit with a switch right now.”

“Shall I bring the stepping stone?”

“Haa~.”

Sejong, sighing at Hyang’s words, pointed to the desk with his finger.

* * *

“…This is my first and last warning to you. I know the importance of what you are trying to do, and I know that you have to keep secrets. But I will not forgive you for hiding it from your father. If you get caught again, I will make you sort all the documents of the Ministry of Taxation and the Ministry of Personnel!”

“Yes, sir! I will definitely report to you, Father!”

At Sejong’s warning, Hyang forgot the pain in his calves and stood up straight and answered. As the originator of the document sorting punishment, he knew its infamy well.

“Then, go to your chambers.”

“Thank you for your grace.”

The Royal Guard Captain, who came out of Donggungjeon following Sejong, asked Sejong a question.

“I apologize for asking, but why did you accept those *parakho* [ruffians] of the Salgye?”

“Fight poison with poison, use barbarians to control barbarians. The Salgye will be useful in their own way.”

“Will they be capable?”

“If they broke through the Royal Guard, wouldn’t that mean they have some skill?”

“I will train the Royal Guards even more. *Badeuk!* [gritting teeth]”

At Sejong’s words, the Royal Guard Captain gritted his teeth. Today’s events were a disgrace to the Royal Guard.

“You’ll wear out your teeth.”

“Thank you for your grace.”

“Also, make sure that today’s events do not spread outside.”

“They are subordinates I can fully trust.”

“That’s a relief.”

Sejong, walking while listening to the Royal Guard Captain’s answer, suddenly lit up his eyes.

“Hmm… I’ve just thought of something good to test the Salgye’s abilities.”

* * *

Five days later, Vice Commander Kwon – promoted from *Maenggeon Buwi*, a sinecure of the 8th rank, to *Sungui Buwi*, a substantive post of the 8th rank – entered the *giwon* where the Dadong leader was staying.

“I’ve come to see the leader.”

“Who are you and where are you from?”

“Tell him I’m from Unjongga.”

“Yes.”

After a while, the Dadong leader, who appeared at the news that someone was looking for him, paused for a moment when he saw Vice Commander Kwon’s face, then soon approached and bowed.

“It’s been a while since we met then.”

“I’m grateful that you remember me. I’ll probably be the one coming mostly. If it’s not me, say you’re from ‘Bukak’.”

“Bukak… I understand. What brings you here today?”

“The first is to tell you this password, and the second is that the Elder wants to see you.”

“The Elder?”

Without a word, Vice Commander Kwon raised his right index finger upwards.

“Ah! When is it?”

“Three days from now, at midnight. And, I’ll leave the north side gate of the palace open, so come that way. If you cross the wall like last time, the Royal Guards will greet you very warmly. The Royal Guards have been doing some *salpuri* [exorcism dance] because of what you did last time.”

“…I understand.”

“Then I’ll be going.”

“Have a drink before you go.”

“I’ll be going in and out of *gibang* until I’m sick of it, so I have to build up merit with my wife before that.”

At Vice Commander Kwon’s words, the Dadong leader laughed and replied.

“Hahaha! When you come next time, I’ll prepare some medicinal liquor that will help with your stamina!”

“I’ll look forward to it!”

* * *

Three days later, at midnight.

The leaders who entered through the north side gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace met Sejong in Gangnyeongjeon Hall.

“Did you call for us?”

“Yes. I have something for you to do.”

“What is it?”

“It’s something related to the Crown Prince. You know that the marriage ban has been issued, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The Crown Prince, that mischievous fellow, has presented a truly difficult task.”

“Yes?”

Sejong explained to the leaders the criteria for the Crown Princess that Hyang wanted.

“…So, we are setting up a Marriage Office and looking for suitable maidens, but it is not easy. Therefore, I want you to find one.”

“…Yes.”

“This is also a test of your abilities. The one who brings the fastest and best results will be guaranteed a higher position.”

At Sejong’s words, the leaders answered with bewildered expressions.

“We, we will do our best!”