Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 195

“Whew~, another day is done.”

Hyang stretched languidly, tidied up the documents in his office, and stepped outside.

Hyang, mounting the horse that the eunuch had brought in advance, gestured to the cavalrymen and eunuchs waiting in front.

“Let’s head back, then.”

“Yes, sir! Departure!”

* * *

“Hmm…. Peaceful and quiet.”

Already accustomed to the path, the horse moved on its own, and Hyang, feeling bored, murmured while looking at the surrounding scenery.

As Hyang said, the return from Area 51 to Gyeongbok Palace was peaceful.

* * *

After the Malbok incident, there were several instances of Gyeokjaeng (擊錚, appealing grievances by striking a gong or *kkwaenggwari* [a small Korean gong]). However, following the ministers’ concerns that such incidents could pose a security risk when Hyang, and even Sejong, were out, a new channel for receiving petitions was created.

The creation of this new channel for receiving petitions had the greatest impact on the ‘Bumin Goso Geumji Law’ [Law Prohibiting Commoners from Accusing Officials].

The ‘Bumin Goso Geumji Law,’ which stated, ‘The people cannot sue the local officials who govern them,’ had been the subject of numerous petitions for its repeal.

‘Even if there are wrongdoings by corrupt officials, there is no way to report them, so please abolish the law!’

Petitions with similar content continued to be submitted, but Sejong absolutely refused to accept them.

“The sages have said that the king, teacher, and father are one! Local officials are those who have gone out to carry out my will! Just as it is not right for a child to criticize their parents, it is also not right to criticize them!”

Sejong refused, saying the above every time a petition was submitted.

Sejong strongly opposed this because he saw allowing residents to sue as a weakening of royal authority.

The vast majority of those who could write such petitions were the local gentry.

The biggest reason why these local gentry wrote petitions was to weaken the power of the local officials and protect their own interests.

Thus, the ‘Bumin Goso Geumji Law,’ which had been protected by Sejong’s strong will, was gradually losing its effectiveness as *Gyeongjang* [political reforms] progressed.

At least, the Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Taxation, which was deployed down to the county level, was a major institution that checked local officials in addition to its assigned duties.

The household registers and land registers placed in local government offices had to have copies made and kept in the Monopoly Bureau.

In addition, regular inspections were conducted every year to audit whether the contents of the household registers and land registers held by the two institutions were the same.

And, one reason was that the power of the local gentry had greatly declined due to the Giyu Rebellion that occurred last year.

Eventually, in Gyeongsul year, Sejong officially abolished the ‘Bumin Goso Geumji Law.’

“It is the duty of the king to listen to the appeals of the people, so it is natural to do so. However, those who falsely accuse local officials for their own benefit will be held accountable for the crime of deceiving the king.”

Sejong, who posted a proclamation throughout Joseon, established an independent department in the government office where the provincial governor resided to receive petitions.

This department’s mission was to immediately transcribe the petitions into two copies, one for the governor and the other for sending to Hanseong [old name for Seoul].

In addition, those who filed petitions were always given a receipt with the date recorded.

The governor, who received the petitions, examined the contents of the petitions, made a reasonable judgment, and reported the results to the petitioner and Hanseong.

If the petitioner could not accept this result, they could come directly to Hanseong to appeal.

At this time, the first thing those who received the appeal in Hanseong checked was the receipt that the appellant had brought.

The officials at the reception desk used the date and petition number recorded on the receipt to check the reports from the provinces.

If there was any omission in this process, it was a major crime that could cost the governor his head.

If everything was fine, the appellant’s appeal was immediately sent to Sejong and the ministers.

Then, a response was given by coordinating the opinions of Sejong and the ministers.

And, once it came this far, the appellant accepted the result, no matter how it turned out.

It was a judgment made by the king.

It was natural that Hyang’s influence reached this entire process.

The introduction of the double-check process, which was most basic in the 21st century, greatly reduced the possibility of corruption.

Of course, when Hyang first put forward the proposal, the ministers opposed it, saying that it would increase the workload of the officials.

However, Sejong accepted Hyang’s opinion as it was.

“The officials may find it difficult, but the people’s grievances will be reduced, so it is right to implement it.”

Thanks to this, the number of people who used the Sinmungo [a drum to signal injustice] or Gyeokjaeng disappeared, making Hyang’s commute quieter.

* * *

Because it was a late *toegeun* [leaving work], the night streets of Hanseong were quiet.

Hyang, who was looking at the quiet streets, turned his head and spoke to the eunuch who was following beside him.

“It’s too quiet. Wouldn’t it be fun if someone appeared and blocked the road at times like this?”

At Hyang’s words, the eunuch spoke his true feelings without realizing it.

“That is absolutely not something that should happen! Hup!”

The eunuch, realizing his mistake, looked at Hyang with a face as if he was about to die. Hyang burst into laughter at the sight.

“Haha! That’s right! That kind of thing shouldn’t happen! My joke was too much! I’m sorry!”

As Hyang laughed it off, not only the eunuch in question but also the other eunuchs and the soldiers of the Royal Guard who were escorting him let out a small sigh of relief.

* * *

Having safely returned to Gyeongbok Palace, Hyang immediately went to see Sejong to report his return home.

After a brief conversation with Sejong, Hyang went to see Queen Soheon and repeated the same thing.

Having finished his day according to etiquette, Hyang headed to Donggungjeon [Crown Prince’s residence] with the eunuchs.

As Hyang was walking to Donggungjeon, he saw a young official lingering at the entrance of Donggungjeon and narrowed his eyes. Soon, Hyang, having confirmed the identity of the official, tilted his head.

“Huh? Isn’t that Anpyeong?”

Anpyeong, who had been lingering at the entrance of Donggungjeon, immediately approached and bowed his head when Hyang recognized him.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“What are you doing here at this late hour? Are you perhaps working late?”

“That is not the case.”

“Then you should *toecheong* [leave work]. Why are you here?”

At Hyang’s question, Anpyeong looked around for a moment and said quietly.

“There is something I would like to ask Your Highness for a moment.”

“Huh?”

Unable to understand Anpyeong’s words, Hyang looked closely at Anpyeong. Seeing Anpyeong’s serious face, Hyang soon moved his steps.

“I will listen to what it is.”

* * *

Hyang and Anpyeong, who had entered Hyang’s study, sat facing each other across the desk.

“Have the eunuch bring some tea.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, Hyang opened his mouth first, with the teacups brought by the eunuch between them.

“So, what is it?”

As Hyang spoke first, Anpyeong let out a long sigh.

“Hoo~.”

“What on earth is it? Tell me.”

At Hyang’s urging, Anpyeong cautiously opened his mouth.

“It may not be the etiquette of a nobleman to criticize a superior rashly, but….”

As Anpyeong continued to hesitate, Hyang pointed out the problem first.

“Is it about Judge Park?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm….”

At Anpyeong’s answer, Hyang’s face also became serious.

Because Anpyeong was involved, Hyang had looked into various rumors about Park Yeon.

According to rumors, Sejong’s trust in Park Yeon was considerable.

In addition, he was so capable that he was scheduled to be promoted from a Jeong5品 Judge [a rank in the Joseon Dynasty] to a Jeong4品 Soyoon [another rank in the Joseon Dynasty] soon.

“What is the problem with Judge Park? Is there a problem with his character?”

Anpyeong hesitated for a moment at Hyang’s question, but eventually opened his mouth.

“His vision is too narrow.”

“His vision is too narrow? Tell me more about it.”

“Yes. That is….”

Anpyeong told Hyang about ‘Park Yeon’s narrow vision.’

Combining Anpyeong’s stories, Park Yeon was belittling other music besides *Aak* [Korean court music].

No, he was ignoring it, saying it had no value.

At that time, Joseon’s music was divided into *jwabang* [left side music] and *ubang* [right side music]. *Jwabang* was *Aak*, and *ubang* was *Hyangak* [native Korean music] and *Dangak* [Tang Chinese music].

The *Aak* that Park Yeon was claiming ‘This is the only music!’ was originally ancient Chinese music.

This *Aak* was introduced from Song during the reign of King Yejong of Goryeo and used for royal events.

In response, Park Yeon searched through ancient Chinese materials to create reference materials, and using those materials, he created *Aak* instruments and *Aak* scores.

Park Yeon’s goal was to return to the original *Aak* written in Chinese classics, that is, the *Aak* that was played during the Zhou Dynasty. (Note 1)

“Hmm….”

Hyang, who had listened to Anpyeong’s explanation, pondered with a serious face.

‘So… to put it simply, it’s like they’re arguing about whether to pour or dip *tangsuyuk* [sweet and sour pork], but originally it was *bok-muck* [dipping sauce] that you could only eat at a restaurant, so pouring or dipping are not *tangsuyuk* at all?’

Hyang, who had organized the situation in his own way, became even more troubled.

‘But you know what? This doesn’t make sense… According to my memory, which I memorized to death during middle and high school Korean history classes, Park Yeon’s achievements were the organization of *Aak* and the creation of the foundation for Joseon’s own music? Is this also an effect of my intervention?’

Hyang, whose worries deepened as the story was very different from the memories he had learned, raised his head and turned his gaze out the window to cool his head.

As he looked around, he saw the roof of Geunjeongjeon [main hall of Gyeongbok Palace] and fixed his gaze on it.

Soon, a smile began to appear on Hyang’s face.

‘That person was there!’

Hyang, with a much more relaxed face, turned to Anpyeong.

“Park Yeon’s narrow view will soon be broadened.”

“Yes? Will Your Highness step in?”

At Anpyeong’s question, Hyang shook his head.

“No, I have no knowledge of *eumnyul* [music theory]. Someone more *ttwieonan* [outstanding] than me will step in.”

“More *ttwieonan* [outstanding] than Your Highness….”

Anpyeong’s face brightened in an instant as he pondered Hyang’s answer.

“That’s right! *Abamama* [His Majesty, the King] was there!”

As Anpyeong’s face brightened, Hyang continued.

“Therefore, you should go back and do your best.”

“Yes!”

As Anpyeong, whose complexion had brightened, left, Hyang looked at Geunjeongjeon and muttered.

“I’m… a cheat key, but the scary thing is that that person is literally outside the *gyugyeok* [standards].”

* * *

-Completely restore the *Aak* that appears in ‘Zhou Li(周禮) [Rites of Zhou]’!

Park Yeon, who set this goal and worked furiously, immediately reported the results to Sejong.

“It’s truly wonderful! It seems that your efforts have been visible!”

At Sejong’s praise, Park Yeon bowed his head and replied.

“I am overwhelmed with *gwachan* [excessive praise].”

“Then, what’s next?”

“Yes. It is to use only *Aak* for all events and *jehyang* (祭享, ancestral rites) of the royal family and *munmyo* [Confucian shrine].”

“Use only *Aak*? Are you saying we shouldn’t use *Hyangak* and *Dangak*?”

At Sejong’s question, Park Yeon tilted his head and asked back.

“Isn’t that obvious? Although it is not completely restored yet, now that the *Aak* of the Zhou Dynasty has been restored, things like *Hyangak* or *Dangak* that are less *gyeok* [classy/high-class]….”

“Your idea is not right.”

Sejong cut off Park Yeon’s words with a stern expression.

“*Aak* is not our country’s *seong-eum* [national music], but China’s *seong-eum*. It would be normal for Chinese people to play *Aak* at *jesa* [ancestral rites] because they would have heard it often. However, Korean people always listen to *Hyangak* while alive, so wouldn’t it be strange to listen to *Aak* after death?”

Sejong, who paused for a moment, looked back at Park Yeon and the ministers and continued.

“Park Yeon wants to correct the music of the *johee* [royal court], but correcting it is not easy. ‘Yullyeo Shinseo (律呂新書, a music book written by 채원정 of the Song Dynasty)’ only has the format. Although our country’s music cannot be said to be all good, we don’t necessarily have to be ashamed of China. Can we say that China’s musicians are right?” (Note 1)

The ministers nodded at Sejong’s point.

This was because if Chinese music books such as Yullyeo Shinseo were properly written, Park Yeon would not have needed to do restoration work.

After that, Park Yeon had to reorganize the music while being constantly rejected by Sejong.

In other words, he too began to be *gallyeo nagada* [worked to the bone/exploited].

——

(Note 1) Reading Sejongdaewang Sillok in one volume. Park Yeon Edition. Written by Park Young-gyu. Woongjin Knowledge House Publishing.