Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 92

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

92. Strangers (3)

The *Gyeju* [Head of the Geomgye, a secret organization] summoned the *Gyewon* [Members of the Geomgye] with determined faces after their meeting with Sejong.

“What’s going on?”

“An order has been issued. We must succeed faster than the other *Gye* [Another secret organization, implying competition].”

At the *Gyeju*’s words, the *Gyewon*’s eyes lit up. They were now the King’s secret subordinates, and an opportunity to gain merit had arrived.

“What is the order?”

At the *Gyewon*’s question, the *Gyeju* wore a troubled expression and spoke about the order.

“The order is to find young ladies who meet the following criteria.”

“Yes?”

“Huh?”

The *Gyewon*’s expressions, after hearing the explanation from the *Gyeju*, were filled with embarrassment.

“So… among the young ladies rumored to have kind hearts, find those with outstanding beauty, or among the young ladies rumored to have outstanding beauty, find those with kind hearts? And they must be between twelve and fifteen years old?”

“With such beauty, their figures must also be delicate and graceful…”

At the *Gyewon*’s words, the *Gyeju* nodded silently.

“Are you looking for a royal concubine?”

“It’s not for *Gangnyeongjeon* [The Queen’s residence], but for *Donggungjeon* [The Crown Prince’s residence]. The Crown Prince requested it directly.”

At the *Gyeju*’s answer, the *Gyewon* shouted simultaneously.

“Wow! That guy knows how to enjoy life!”

In any case, as an order had been issued, the *Gyewon* soon began to come up with information on suitable candidates.

“Other criteria… a family that was once prestigious but has now declined, or a family that is just beginning to grow its wealth…”

“The second daughter of Jo Jinsa in Seochon is almost a perfect match…”

“The eldest daughter of Yi Jangnyeong in Seongbuk-dong is also good…”

As suitable young women were being mentioned as candidates, others quickly spoke up.

“Jo Jinsa’s second daughter is dangerous, a ‘*Jaebi*’ [Playboy or seducer] has already started working on her!”

“Yi Jangnyeong’s daughter too! *Gyeju*!”

At the *Gyewon*’s words, the *Gyeju*’s face also became serious.

“A ‘*Jaebi*’? You mean the high-level ones?”

“Yes!”

“Stop them immediately!”

“Yes, sir!”

At the *Gyeju*’s order, the *Gyewon* quickly left their seats and went outside.

* * *

The ‘*Jaebi*’ mentioned by the *Gyewon* were playboys who targeted the daughters of merchants or farmers who were somewhat well-off.

The origin of the term ‘*Jaebi*’ started with the *Bukjaebi* and *Janggojaebi* of the *soripan* [Traditional Korean opera] scene. In order to perform well, the masters had to match the rhythm well with the drum and *janggo* [A traditional Korean drum], and add exclamations to heighten the excitement.

However, if these *Bukjaebi* and *Janggojaebi* were displeased, they would often ruin the performance by beating the drum and *janggo* terribly, so the *sorikkun* [Singer in the opera], especially female *sorikkun*, had to cater to their whims and do as they said.

For that reason, those who seduced and manipulated women were given the nickname ‘*Jaebi*’.

In the 21st century, there is a theory that the word ‘*Jaebi*’ has changed to ‘*Jebijok*’ [Male gigolo] over time, and the ‘*Jaebi*’ were the most wary targets in families with some money and daughters of marriageable age. (Note 1)

The *Jaebi* mainly targeted women who were close to Hyang’s desired criteria.

Women who had some wealth and reputation, and were known for their beauty, were the hunting targets of the high-level *Jaebi*.

Among those women, the first targets were women whose marriages were almost decided, or women who were marked by influential men as concubines and then requested from the *Jaebi*.

Since sleeping together would make the matter too big, the *Jaebi* seduced the women to a moderate extent. Once they were won over, those who were with the *Jaebi* visited the women’s parents and started talking.

“There are bad rumors about your daughter. I heard that there will be a marriage soon…”

In this case, the women’s parents had no choice but to follow their words and offer a large amount of wealth, or send them as *yangcheop* [Concubine from commoners] to the men of influential families who had put a line in with the *Jaebi*.

* * *

“It seems it’s not too late yet!”

At the *Gyewon*’s report, the *Gyeju* made a decision.

“Stop the *Jaebi*’s work! Stop them for sure!”

“For sure? Should we kill them?”

“You idiots! Do you want to see the *Pocheong* [Police station] make a fuss?!”

The *Gyeju*, after organizing his thoughts for a moment, gave an order.

“Break all the *Jaebi*’s legs! Make sure they can’t walk around until the Crown Prince’s marriage is decided!”

“Yes, sir!”

According to the *Gyeju*’s decision, a large-scale *Jaebi* hunt was carried out by the *Geomgye*.

* * *

“Huff, huff!”

In the eastern part of Hanseong [Old name for Seoul]. A man was running urgently, gasping for breath, through the maze-like alleys. The *gat* [Traditional Korean hat] he was wearing had disappeared somewhere, and his *durumagi* [Traditional Korean overcoat] was covered in dirt.

The man, who had just turned the corner of the alley, sighed.

“Damn it!”

It was a dead end.

The man, who turned around urgently, stopped before he could even take a step. Three men in black *durumagi* were blocking the entrance to the alley.

“Where are you trying to run?”

“Ah! Brothers! Why are you doing this?”

“It’s nothing. We had a big job, but you guys were getting in the way. So we’re just going to make you stay quiet for a few months.”

“Ah! Damn it! If that’s the case, you could have just told us to stay home! Why are you trying to cripple people!”

“Would you guys just stay home if we told you to? And cripple? What kind of harsh words are those? We’re not that scary. We’re just breaking one leg, that’s all? You’ll be fine if you lie down for a few months, why are you making such a fuss…”

“Damn it! Help me! Help me!”

At the cry of ‘Help me!’, heads popped up over the walls of the nearby thatched houses, but quickly disappeared below at the fierce glare of the *Geomgye Gyewon*.

“Well… it’ll be over soon, so be quiet.”

“If you keep doing that, we’ll break it into pieces. What are you going to do?”

“Damn it!”

In the end, the man who had given up lay flat on the ground.

“Ah, damn it! I don’t care! Eat me grilled or boiled, do whatever you want!”

One of the *Geomgye Gyewon* who walked to the man who had given up handed him a wooden stick.

“Put it in your mouth. You’ll bite your tongue if you’re not careful.”

“Damn it! Damn it! No wonder my dream last night was so disturbing! Tuh!”

The man spat, put the twig in his mouth, and closed his eyes tightly.

“Argh!”

Shortly after, a scream erupted from inside the alley, and two *Geomgye Gyewon* came out with the man in question.

“We’ll take you home. And we’ll call a doctor while we’re there.”

“I know, we could have just finished it at home, but you ran away and made it hard for each other.”

“Ugh…”

“Let’s go. We still have guys to take care of.”

The *Geomgye*’s ‘*Jaebi* Hunt’ was persistent and tenacious. There were countless people who were caught while running around and had their legs broken, and there were countless people who had their legs broken by *Geomgye Gyewon* who suddenly broke into their homes or *gibangs* [Traditional Korean houses of entertainment] while they were sleeping.

Thanks to that, doctors had a good income.

“Ah, damn it! I have to leave Hanseong for a while!”

In the end, the *Jaebi* who still had healthy legs gathered all their wealth and crossed the Han River.

“I’ll have to hold out in the south for a while!”

It was the moment when the *Jaebi* disappeared from Hanseong and the surrounding areas.

* * *

The *Jwapocheong* [Left Police Station] and *Upocheong* [Right Police Station] were put on alert due to the intelligence that ‘mysterious assault cases are occurring in the capital!’

“Investigate and report what happened!”

At the order of the *Pododaejang* [Police chief], the *Podogungwan* [Police officers] and *Pogyo* [Police sergeants] led their subordinates and began their investigation.

The *Podogungwan* and *Pogyo*, who investigated the identities of the victims, reported to the *Pododaejang* with puzzled faces.

“All the victims are *Jaebi*?”

“Yes. It seems that someone who was angered by the *Jaebi*’s mischief put a line in with the *Geomgye*.”

“The victim is a criminal, and the perpetrator is also a criminal…”

As the *Pododaejang* of the *Jwapocheong* pondered, one of the *Podogungwan* suggested.

“Aren’t they the guys we couldn’t catch because there was no accusation and no evidence anyway? Wouldn’t it be better to just cover it up?”

“Then why is there a national law, and why is there a *Pocheong*! Think a little!”

The *Pododaejang*, who rebuked the *Gungwan* who made the problematic statement, came to a conclusion.

“I’ll have to ask His Majesty the King for an answer… I’ll have to visit the *Upocheong* too…”

Sejong, who saw the joint appeal raised by the *Jwa* and *U Pododaejang*, immediately summoned the *Pododaejang*.

“I have read the appeal you have raised. But there is one thing I am curious about. What is this ‘*Jaebi*’?”

Sejong, who did not know the meaning because it was a word made in *Idu* [Ancient writing system], asked the *Pododaejang* the meaning of ‘*Jaebi*’.

“Hmm…”

Sejong, who heard the meaning of *Jaebi* from the *Pododaejang*, stroked his beard and pondered.

‘Hoo? Is this the *Salgye* [Killing unit]’s answer to my order? Surprisingly fast. The effect is also good… I shouldn’t use it often, but if I use it from time to time… No. Then the rule of law will go down the drain. The rule of law must be observed.’

Sejong, who had been contemplating this and that, came to a conclusion.

“If you catch the *Salgye*’s *parakho* [Hooligans] committing a crime on the spot, arrest them immediately, but if not, continue the investigation until you secure solid evidence. Even if the person who was harmed is a shameless person who defiles the chastity of an innocent woman, there is a reason why national law exists, so private sanctions must be prohibited. Do you understand my will?”

“We obey the order!”

The chiefs of the *Jwa* and *U Podocheong*, who received the answer from Sejong and came out of *Geunjeongjeon* [Main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace], looked at each other.

“Do you know what His Majesty the King means?”

“It seems like he’s saying to catch them if we catch them on the spot, but otherwise just let it go. Isn’t it?”

“I think so too. To be honest… aren’t the *Jaebi* guys with broken legs deserve to die?”

“That’s right.”

Meanwhile, the *Gyeju*, who heard Sejong’s order through the connection he had planted in the *Pocheong* using bribes, called the *Gyewon* together.

“…It’s His Majesty the King’s order, what does it sound like we should do?”

“Should we just leave the *Jaebi* alone?”

“No, then there will be a problem with the selection of the Crown Princess?”

Amidst the various stories, those with good heads opened their mouths.

“This seems like His Majesty the King’s advice.”

“Advice?”

“He’s telling us not to make a fuss openly. To be honest, was the last *Jaebi* hunt a bit noisy? We turned the entire Hanseong upside down, so he’s telling us to be a little quieter.”

“Aha! As expected, Jjanggu!”

“Tsk!”

The *Gyewon*, who heard the nickname he hated, glared and explained to the *Gyeju*.

“If we make a fuss like the last *Jaebi* hunt, the *Podocheong* will move. Then the palace and us will be uncomfortable with each other. So, if we’re going to do something, we should handle it quietly. His Majesty the King has quietly given us a warning and a solution.”

“That’s right.”

The *Gyeju* nodded at Jjanggu’s explanation, and the surrounding *Gyewon* grumbled softly.

“Geez… What kind of order is it that only speaks in circles…”

“That’s why I hate high-ranking officials. Why are they so pretentious…”

“Quiet!”

The *Gyeju*, who silenced the *Gyewon*, organized the situation.

“Is the cleanup of the *Jaebi* finished?”

“Yes. Among the guys who are still in Hanseong, there are no guys with healthy legs.”

“I hear that the guys in Bukchon and Unjongga have also finished cleaning up.”

“Good. Then pick out as many young ladies as possible who meet the criteria set by His Majesty the King! We have to pick a lot to sort them out properly!”

“I understand!”

As time passed, Hyang, who received a related report through a eunuch, tilted his head.

“‘*Jaebi*’? What they do is a *Jebijok* [Male gigolo]? Only their legs were broken? All the healthy guys crossed the river and went south?”

One hypothesis came to Hyang’s mind as he tilted his head.

“Could it be that the *Jaebi* in Heungbujeon [Korean folktale] is this *Jaebi*?”

* * *

While the ‘*Jaebi* Hunt’ was in full swing in Hanseong, a merchant ship arrived in Jemulpo [Old port city, now part of Incheon].

The workers who were carrying goods at the pier, which was full of merchant ships traveling between Shandong [A province in China] and Jemulpo, showed curiosity at the unfamiliar shape of the ship.

“Where is that ship from?”

“It’s not a Ming Dynasty ship?”

As the workers showed curiosity, the soldiers in charge of inspection approached the ship docked at the pier with a military officer.

“Who are you from where!”

At the military officer’s shout, a foreigner wearing a government official’s uniform came down the gangway lowered from the ship.

“Greetings. I am Sa’id Hamed Mohammed Al-Otaibi, working as a *Hundo* [Instructor] at the Research Institute. I am on my way back after carrying out a mission under the order of His Majesty the King. Here…”

Sa’id rummaged through his sleeves and took out a scroll.

“This is a document with the royal order written on it.”

The military officer, who untied the knot of the scroll and checked the contents, looked at Sa’id after seeing the date written at the end.

“Are you returning after almost two years?”

“That’s right.”

“You have worked hard. I allow you to disembark. Oh, don’t forget to go through customs!”

“Yes. Then please take care.”

At Sa’id’s gesture, people began to come down the gangway.

“Wait a minute!”

The military officer, who was examining the people disembarking from the ship, raised his hand to stop them and looked for Sa’id.

“Hey! What are those prisoners over there!”

The military officer pointed to where two Westerners were standing with handcuffs and shackles on their hands and feet.

Sa’id, who looked at those pointed out by the military officer, replied with an expression that it was nothing.

“They are slaves. I did that in case they run away.”

“Even if they run away, they’re on the ship?”

“Aren’t they on land now?”

“That’s true, but slaves…”

“To be exact, they are glassmakers.”

—–

Note 1) Hankook University Newspaper. 2003.09.25.