Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 639

639. Wild Wild North (5)

“Then what should we do?”

Hyang’s eyes sparkled as she posed the question. The Royal Guard Captain, watching from the side, glanced at the aide who had received the question. The aide, thrilled, was deep in thought. Seeing Hyang’s expectant gaze, the Royal Guard Captain shook his head slightly.

‘His Majesty used to make that expression often. And, every time, someone ended up with a new, often unexpected, assignment.’

Regardless, the enthusiastic aide replied confidently.

“First, we’ll select four or five *Ipae Gisaeng* [second-tier entertainers], known for their good reputations, along with a dozen or so *Donggi* [trainee entertainers], and send them north. We’ll also include two or three retired *Gisaeng* skilled in teaching singing and dancing.”

“Where would be a good place to start?”

“The most prosperous place in the North right now is Yodong Fortress, so establishing a *Giru* [entertainment house] there would be ideal. The retired *Gisaeng* can then train and deploy the *Donggi*.”

“Hmm…”

Hyang hummed, nodding, and then asked, “Wouldn’t it be a bit… beneath us with just *Ipae Gisaeng*? If we’re not careful, wouldn’t they be treated like *Yunyeo* [government-assigned female servants], as you said?”

The aide looked helpless. “There’s a high possibility of that. But there’s no other way. *Ilpae Gisaeng* [top-tier entertainers] wouldn’t even consider it.”

Everyone in the conference room nodded in agreement.

* * *

*Ilpae Gisaeng* were renowned for their high standards, which were understandable considering their rigorous training.

They had to master singing, dancing, and various other skills at the *Gwanseupdogam* [government music academy], and also acquire enough academic knowledge to debate with the *Sadaebu* [scholar-officials]. Once they became *Ilpae Gisaeng*, they were mobilized for major national events or to welcome envoys.

Of course, they also engaged in *yeong-eop* [business/entertainment] activities outside official events, but only by invitation to the homes of prominent noble families or high-ranking officials.

And, after the *jonghap yuheungjang* [grand entertainment venues] were created, they toured the country, showcasing their talents and raising their profile.

Under these circumstances, ordinary *Yangban* [noblemen] or merchants couldn’t even dream of hiring them. It wasn’t about money, but about the *Ilpae Gisaeng*’s pride.

The treatment they received reflected this. Legally, as *GwanGi* [government entertainers], they were commoners, but in reality, they were treated as *Yangin* [commoners with higher social standing].

* * *

As *Ilpae Gisaeng* became the topic, Hyang suddenly thought of the past.

‘I remember what Teacher Samcheopo said, linking the Imjin War [Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598] and *Gisaeng*.’

-Just before the Imjin War, an envoy from Tsushima [Japanese island] came to Joseon. At the banquet, the envoy pretended to be drunk and spilled pepper, causing a mess. The envoy from Tsushima laughed, and rightly so. The proud *Ilpae Gisaeng* and officials lost their composure and made a scene.

“Your Majesty?”

‘Oops! I went off on a tangent again!’

Hyang, snapping back to attention at the Royal Guard Captain’s call, asked, “Then, is it completely impossible to scout *Ilpae Gisaeng*?”

“I think it is impossible. Isn’t almost all of the work that *Ilpae Gisaeng* have to do in Seoul in the first place?”

“That’s true…”

Hyang nodded. After a moment of thought, she looked at those gathered in the conference room and asked, “Are there any *Ilpae Gisaeng* who are about to retire, or any retired *Gisaeng* who have connections with *Ilpae Gisaeng*?”

At Hyang’s words, the Milwi [secret government agents] exchanged glances before replying, “There are a few.”

“Then, get in touch with them and ask them to go to the North with us. Their job there is to nurture talented girls. In other words, let them take on the work that the retired *Gisaeng* were going to do.”

“Do you think they will agree?”

“Emphasize that if even one or two of the children they raise become famous as *Ilpae Gisaeng*, their own reputation will rise again. By the way, a *jonghap yuheungjang* will soon be built in the North.”

At Hyang’s words, the Milwi’s aides immediately exclaimed.

“Ah! Such a clever method!”

“As expected of Your Majesty!”

Hyang’s eyes sparkled even more at their reaction.

‘They caught on right away? Wow~. This is unexpected?’

Feeling like she had discovered hidden talent, Hyang pressed further. “What other advantages do you think there are when using that method?”

“…”

The conference room fell silent.

‘Huh? Was that too much after all?’

Just as Hyang was about to be disappointed by the silence, one of the aides carefully spoke up. “Even though it is only one or two *Ilpae Gisaeng*, the moment they come out, they will become famous throughout the Empire, no, within the *Bonji* [newly incorporated territory]. This is because they will be touring the *jonghap yuheungjang* located throughout the *Bonji* and making a name for themselves. If that happens, the pride of the residents of their hometown will also increase. Considering the current reputation of the North, just one *Ilpae Gisaeng* will make a big contribution to the integration of the Empire.”

“That’s right!”

Hyang clapped her knees and exclaimed as soon as the aide finished. “That’s exactly what I was thinking! A considerable number of Jurchen people are currently working as civil and military officials, but it will take a lot of time for high-ranking officials to emerge. Raising *Gisaeng* also takes time, but it’s faster than producing high-ranking officials or *myeongmunga* [prestigious families]. In addition, although it is *Bonji* now, if they tour the entire Empire over time, their existence will become a source of pride, and the contempt for the residents of the North will decrease!”

‘There are examples of famous K-Pop girl group members, and there are examples of famous Canadian hockey players!’

* * *

With the method of ‘scouting retired *Ilpae Gisaeng*’ decided, the meeting sped up.

“Right now, it’s just Yodong Fortress, but soon bases will be created in major cities in the North. How should we build a communication network to connect them?”

At Hyang’s question, the conference room became quiet again, and Hyang began to count in her head.

‘One, two, three…’

When that number exceeded 400, one of the aides stood up.

“How about creating a brewery?”

“A brewery? Tell me more.”

‘430! That’s a good reaction speed! If I do well, my workload will be reduced a bit!’

At Hyang’s prompting, the aide elaborated. “If a *jonghap yuheungjang* is created in the North, a lot of alcohol will naturally be sold. However, most of it is *Mayuju* [unrefined rice wine] or *Takju* [cloudy rice wine], and *Soju* [distilled liquor] is a precious item.”

“Isn’t that the same in *Bonji*?”

*Soju*, made according to traditional methods, was a very expensive liquor because it required a lot of labor.

The aide nodded. “That’s right. But the situation is better than in the North. Therefore, if we build *Soju* breweries around the Amnok River and Yodong Fortress, and create a supply network that connects the major bases from there, regular communication will naturally be possible.”

“That’s good. No, that’s a great method.”

Hyang nodded repeatedly.

‘The chain network that supplies alcohol becomes a communication network, and it’s directly connected to Seoul as soon as you cross the Amnok River. That’s good.’

Thinking that far, Hyang came to a conclusion. “Establish a plan for installing bases and connecting communication networks that connect *Giru*, breweries, and *jonghap yuheungjang*. And, analyze and submit the funding issues and problems that need to be solved together. The deadline is… would two days be enough?”

At Hyang’s question, the faces of everyone in the conference room paled.

“Only two days?”

“‘Two days’ is enough. Why, is it not enough?”

Hyang frowned slightly at their hesitation. “Huh? I’m disappointed. Where did those talented people who impressed me until just now go?”

At Hyang’s words, the Milwi’s executives, especially the aides, immediately spoke with renewed determination.

“No! Two days is enough! We will prepare an answer that will satisfy Your Majesty!”

“I’ll be looking forward to it. I’m very much looking forward to the day after tomorrow.”

“We will definitely satisfy you!”

“Good work.”

With those words, Hyang smiled and got up from her seat.

“Jaeumwigung!” [Return to your palace]

Hyang disappeared, receiving the Milwi’s salute. The Milwi, regaining their senses after Hyang had left, sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. This is a big deal…”

“It’s a mess…”

The Royal Guard Captain, seeing their expressions, muttered inwardly. ‘You guys got hooked…’

* * *

Two days later, Hyang was back in the Milwi’s conference room.

“Hmm…”

Hyang, looking at the reports submitted by the Milwi’s executives, whose eyes were dark with exhaustion, put down the reports and began to evaluate them.

“It’s not bad.”

“Hoo~.”

Those who had unknowingly sighed at Hyang’s evaluation were soon startled and prostrated themselves on the floor.

“We are sorry! Please forgive our disgrace!”

“It’s okay, sit down.”

“We are honored!”

As those who had prostrated themselves sat down again, Hyang began to evaluate in earnest.

As the analysis continued, many parts were removed and added. The most heavily revised part of the initial plan was the section related to *Gisaeng* – specifically, the supply of *Gisaeng*.

“Cases where children are offered to pay off debts should be excluded unconditionally. Linkage with human trafficking should also be excluded. However, self-selling is allowed.”

“Yes.”

“Women with bound feet should be excluded as much as possible. However, it is allowed only if they have talent in singing and music.”

“Yes.”

* * *

Hyang and the Milwi’s meeting lasted almost two days. By investing that time, the Milwi’s plan was significantly improved.

“The last thing left is the problem of the *Jeonju* [capital]. Hmm…”

After thinking for a while, Hyang looked back at the Milwi’s executives.

“I’ll borrow your names.”

“Yes? Are you talking about our names?”

“Is the capital to be put into building *Giru* and breweries one or two *Pun* [Korean currency]? Do you think the National Tax Service will just let it go? The moment my name or the Royal Guard Captain’s name, or even the names of eunuchs or court ladies, are entered, the Board of Audit and Inspection will run wild.”

“Ah…”

“So, I’m going to have you create a merchant group under your names.”

“A merchant group?”

“Yes. Congratulations, you have become the owners of the Empire’s first large-scale liquor distribution and entertainer training business.”

“Hahaha…”

The Milwi’s executives, congratulated by Hyang, laughed with strange expressions.

One of the aides, hearing Hyang’s dialect, stood up and asked, “Wouldn’t the number of *Jeonju* be too large?”

“Didn’t I just say it? How are you going to deal with the National Tax Service? If one or two of you say that you paid all that money, the National Tax Service will immediately try to investigate the source of the funds, right? But, if the number is dozens, they will think it is a livelihood for the *Gisaeng* house’s gigolos. They will probably think that they are investing all the wealth they have accumulated here and there.”

“Ah…”

While the aides were nodding at Hyang’s explanation, Hyang clapped her knees.

“Ah! I have a good idea! If you properly register the merchant group and establish a framework, register it with the Adventure Investment Fund and raise more funds! Then the funding problem can be solved more easily and the disguise will be easier!”

“Ah! That’s right!”

“That’s really right!”

In this way, the Empire’s first large-scale liquor distribution and entertainment planning merchant group ‘Juye Rak (酒藝樂)’ was born.

“The name is a bit…”

“Unfortunately, I have no talent for naming things.”