Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 41

Episode 41. Imperial Customs (6)

The Crown Princess selection wasn’t just about choosing the next Crown Princess; it was also about simultaneously selecting two concubines.

As time passed, women’s organizations increasingly voiced their objections.

“The Supra-Law [the highest law of the land] clearly states that concubinage is illegal! Yet, the Imperial Family is practicing it? Abolish the concubine system immediately!”

“But, to ensure the stable succession of the Imperial line…”

“What do you think of the advancements in medicine!” [implying that medical advancements offer alternative solutions to ensure succession]

The Imperial Family stubbornly insisted on maintaining the existing system, but many Imperials, including the Emperor, were privately coming to similar conclusions.

-Eventually, they’ll have to accept it.

Even ordinary Imperials, when discussing the topic, often concluded the same way.

“They’ll have to accept it by the next Crown Princess selection.”

“They’ll have no choice but to accept it.”

“Even if it’s the Imperial Family, they can’t go against the law.”

“What if we amend the law through the review board…? That wouldn’t work, would it?”

“Half of the Imperials would turn their backs on the Imperial Family, you know?”

“Half? More like 80%. We’re Imperials too, aren’t we? ‘Misery loves company’ is what all Imperials say. How could they not be disgusted seeing someone struggling with one wife while another has three?”

“That’s true. Come to think of it, the Emperor and Crown Prince are definitely not ordinary people, are they? We’re worn out with just one wife, but they have three. They’re definitely not ordinary.”

“It might be nice to live like that, even if you get worn out sometimes?”

“Are you confident you could handle it?”

“Well, wouldn’t it be possible if push came to shove? There’s a saying, ‘The more, the merrier.'”

The man’s misguided words were cut short by a woman’s voice, laced with an ominous tone.

“‘The more, the merrier?’ Listen to this idiot.”

“Hup!”

“Heeik!”

At the woman’s voice, the man who had declared “the more, the merrier” paled and looked towards the sound.

“W, Wife…. Why are you here….”

“Here or there, ‘the more, the merrier?’ You can’t even handle one properly, yet you want ‘the more, the merrier!’ Come with me right now!”

“Wife!”

“Let’s see if ‘the more, the merrier’ is possible today! What are you waiting for? Follow me!”

“A, Alright.”

“Just try not being able to handle it.”

“W, Wife….”

As he watched his friend being dragged away by his wife like a cow to slaughter, the remaining friend quietly emptied his glass.

And, as time passed, in Imperial Year 200 (Gregorian Calendar 1648),

The Imperial Family revised the Crown Princess selection system.