There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 126

As expected, people started avoiding my gaze.

In this era, where even visiting the next village is a hassle, going all the way to Ming China required a great deal of resolve.

‘Still, it would be a good opportunity.’

People these days lack a spirit of adventure, tsk.

“I’d like to see Ming China, but being stuck with His Highness for months······.”

“It’d be much more comfortable to stay in Hanyang [the capital city of Joseon]······.”

I could hear them whispering, but it didn’t reach my ears.

I looked at the people throwing away such an opportunity with pity.

But there was one person who was different.

“I, I will go!”

Jang Yeong-sil raised his hand high.

Those around him were greatly surprised.

They didn’t seem to know why Jang Yeong-sil was stepping forward like this.

But I nodded, greatly pleased.

‘Yes, that’s the spirit.’

I thought I knew why Jang Yeong-sil was doing this.

– Boy, be ambitious.

He probably figured he’d see and learn a lot while traveling with the envoy.

Besides, unlike the others who were already too old and needed to make a big decision to go abroad, Jang Yeong-sil just needed to take himself.

“Yes, I’ll feel secure if you come with me.”

Jang Yeong-sil was already at the top of my list of people to bring along.

‘And I’ll take Yi Cheon as a guard.’

Yi Cheon, whose name was called, wore a dumbfounded expression.

“I have a family······.”

“Isn’t there anyone here who doesn’t have a family?”

I retorted.

Whether Yi Cheon begged or not, I was planning to take him no matter what.

‘My knowledge isn’t everything.’

My knowledge is focused on some businesses I’ve done in modern times.

So, the other technologies and knowledge needed in Joseon had to be absorbed from Ming China.

Especially at this point in time.

‘The Yuan Dynasty was a world empire, so there must be many books from outside that have flowed into China.’

Medical books from Arabia or Europe, and even the waterwheel of Ming is more advanced than that of Joseon.

There would be more books to refer to than just these.

Not to mention the technicians to be included in the boat construction team.

I diligently selected the people who would accompany me on this envoy mission.

“Hwang Jwa-yun must follow me no matter what.”

Everyone except Jang Yeong-sil, whose name was called, looked like the sky was falling.

‘Tsk tsk, how can they do great things with such passivity?’

I lamented inwardly.

But not everyone around me was so inactive.

There was someone who wanted to follow me even though I didn’t ask.

And very close to me.

===

“I want to go too, me too, me too!”

Do was tugging at my sleeve enthusiastically.

“We’re not going for fun; we’re going to pay tribute. Okay? We’re going for the sake of the country.”

He was still a child, and my full-blooded younger brother who was deeply loved by our parents.

I tried to persuade him, but Do was adamant.

‘I could scold him and tell him absolutely no in a stern voice, but.’

But I didn’t want to be that bad older brother who opposed everything.

‘My image is that of a dignified yet understanding older brother.’

Even I think I’m a very cool older brother.

I couldn’t throw away this image in an instant.

So, I first asked Do why he wanted to follow me.

“Ahem, why do you want to go?”

“The Central Plains [historical term for China] is the home of Confucianism. As a scholar, how can I not go and learn?”

Do answered with a very innocent face.

It was truly an exemplary answer.

‘Yes, too exemplary.’

I knew all about this guy’s dark intentions, so there was no way I’d fall for it.

“Well, it’s true that the great country is vast. There are many Confucians, and unlike the narrow land of Joseon, there will be plenty of people who can become your teachers.”

Do nodded proudly as I agreed with him.

“I have already mastered the Four Books [fundamental texts of Confucianism]. My teachers have said that they have nothing more to teach me about them, but how can there not be someone in this world from whom I can seek more learning?”

Already mastered the Four Books.

Well, unlike me, who had given up on studying, he was devoted to learning to the point that other officials praised him, so it wasn’t strange.

‘The reincarnation of Gija [a sage credited with bringing civilization to Korea] has appeared in the East!’

The Grand Masters would even shed tears while saying that.

What were they saying with a child who was only eight years old this year?

‘Is it because he’s being compared to me?’

Instead of the Crown Prince, who would refuse to read the Zhu Zi Yu Lei [a compilation of Neo-Confucian philosophy] and tell them to get lost, they were teaching a Grand Prince who understood ten things from one, so it wasn’t strange that such a reaction came out.

Anyway, if I only listened to my younger brother, he meant that he was going to find a teacher······.

Really?

“You’re not thinking of coldly refusing to let your younger brother follow you to study, are you?”

Do quickly questioned me.

I nodded in agreement.

“Of course, I have to help my younger brother who wants to study.”

“Then!”

“But there are more than just books in the Central Plains.”

“?”

I said with deliberate exaggeration.

“The products are also abundant. I heard that there are delicacies that cannot be found in Joseon. They say they eat everything with legs except chairs and desks.”

The guy’s eyes glazed over as I set the stage.

“That’s right. I heard from my maternal uncle, who went as an envoy, that there’s a dish called Dongpo pork that’s very delicious······ Hup!”

At least wipe the drool from your mouth before you speak.

I wiped Do’s mouth with the long sleeves of my robe and said.

“So that was your purpose?”

“No!”

“It is.”

“It’s not.”

“I won’t take you if you don’t tell me honestly.”

I glared and threatened.

“Hee······.”

Do looked sullen and lowered his eyes.

“It’s true.”

This kid is cute.

I ruffled my younger brother’s hair and said.

“Okay. I’ll use my influence.”

The guy’s eyes sparkled at my words.

“Really?”

“Of course!”

I decided to grant my younger brother’s request.

It wasn’t just to give him a gourmet trip like he wanted.

“But you have to study hard too.”

“Studying the classics?”

“No.”

I shook my head.

“The laws and systems of Ming China will be very different from ours. Examine and study what systems they are implementing there and why.”

Even if I say this, I don’t think he can really learn anything since he’s still a child.

However, it was meant to get him used to thinking for himself from now on.

I’ll have to make good use of him when he gets a little older.

“Brother, your face is scary······.”

“Huh? Ah.”

I made a mistake.

It seemed to have been unconsciously revealed on my face.

I quickly changed my expression and said.

“I’ll use my influence, but there’s one problem.”

“What is it?”

Do asked, his eyes sparkling.

“Mother’s opposition.”

My visit to Ming has already been decided, but would it be possible to get permission to take my young brother with me?

Lee Bang-won has full trust in me, so he would grant it if I asked directly, but the problem is Queen Wongyeong.

Do’s face hardened when I mentioned our mother.

“Will she······ allow it?”

“Don’t worry too much. What do you think of this brother? Mother dotes on my words.”

I made a loud noise.

===

I prepared myself firmly.

I even wrapped myself in a thick Great Learning [one of the Four Books of Confucianism].

I was thinking of using this as a shield if necessary.

‘Surely nothing will fly at me.’

I’ve never been hit, but I can’t be relieved because she’s such an outspoken person.

I looked at No-boon and said.

“No-boon.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“If I die, be sure to tell Father to make Chungnyeong the successor.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“At least pretend to be surprised.”

I glared at No-boon, who answered without hesitation.

Anyway, having prepared myself firmly, I took a big step into the Junggungjeon [Queen’s residence].

One of the physicians from the Naeyakbang [royal pharmacy] was finishing a story and was just leaving the Junggungjeon when he greeted me.

‘What’s going on?’

I tilted my head and returned the greeting.

‘Hmm?’

As soon as I entered the room, I felt that something about the atmosphere was different.

‘The atmosphere is different?’

Before, when I entered this room, there was a fierce atmosphere reminiscent of a women’s world, but now the atmosphere was the opposite.

Somehow, the air was very warm.

Just when I wondered if someone had heated the floor, Queen Wongyeong called me.

“Oh my, our eldest son has come.”

“Yes, yes······.”

I scratched my head and started a casual conversation.

“Does Father visit the Junggungjeon often these days?”

“That’s right.”

Lee Bang-won seemed to be keeping his promise and not using his power on other concubines.

It was fortunate for our family as well.

It meant that the cold war between Lee Bang-won and Queen Wongyeong was subsiding.

‘It’s amazing how they have a bad relationship but still have so many children.’

I have three older sisters, two younger brothers, and one younger sister.

Including the three older brothers who died early, it was an incredibly prolific number even by the standards of this era.

“As expected, the person Father loves the most is Mother. Isn’t it a favor that Hyobin can’t even imagine?”

I deliberately brought up a story that Queen Wongyeong would like.

Normally, she would compare herself to Hyobin Kim and laugh, and she would laugh, saying that the status of the Queen and the concubine are different.

“Hmm.”

But my mother clicked her tongue and gently scolded me in a soft voice.

“It would be better not to talk about such things.”

Queen Wongyeong was somehow very cautious in her attitude.

Why on earth would someone who used to grind her teeth and transform into an evil woman mode whenever the story of Hyobin Kim came up become a pacifist?

‘No, I thought she would agree with me.’

What is it? Is she a different person?

I was bewildered.

When did she tell me to immediately make a plan to deal with Hyobin Kim, and why did she become a pacifist?

‘Could it be.’

People die when they suddenly change.

My jaw was chattering.

I was already worried about the doctor who had just left.

‘Terminally ill, is she terminally ill?’

Has my mother, who is on the verge of death, reflected on her life and repented?

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I held back my sadness and asked.

“Is there anything wrong?”

Then, my mother answered with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

“I’m pregnant.”

“Ah, I see.”

That’s a relief.

It’s something to celebrate, but······.

‘How long has it been since I gave her red ginseng?’

Even I, a modern person, was half-doubting its effectiveness, but it seemed to have worked very well for Lee Bang-won.

Queen Wongyeong stroked her belly with one hand and took my hand with the other and said.

“I want to hear only good things for this child. I hope you don’t bring up such stories for a while.”

“Ex.”

I was greatly surprised by this change.

Wasn’t she instantly transformed from a romance fantasy villainess into a virtuous woman?

‘T, this is maternal love?’

My pupils shook like crazy.

‘But it’s not a bad story for me.’

Rather, now that Queen Wongyeong’s fighting power has become 0, wouldn’t it be easy to get permission?

“Mother!”

I said resolutely to my mother, who was smiling innocently.

“I’m planning to take Do to Ming China this time, would that be okay?”

“······.”

At that moment.

The gently lowered eyes suddenly shot upwards, and Queen Wongyeong opened her eyes wide.

“Absolutely not!”

Queen Wongyeong shouted with the momentum of a burning flame.

“You’re going to take your younger brother, who is only eight years old, to Ming China? Are you out of your mind?”

“C, calm down!”

It’s not good for the baby.

End

ⓒ Pitkong