There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 315

When rumors first began circulating about the establishment of Moomyo [a shrine for military figures and war heroes], everyone naturally assumed that Taegongmang [Jiang Ziya, a famous strategist] would be its master.

However—

“The Myoju [chief deity or figure enshrined] isn’t going to be Museongwang [a title for Guan Yu, a famous Chinese general deified for his loyalty]?”

“Then who are they going to choose?”

Moomyo is a shrine for sages and virtuous figures, comparable to Munmyo [a shrine dedicated to Confucius and Confucian scholars], and officially recognized by the state.

Just being enshrined there would be a great honor for a family, let alone deciding who would be the Myoju.

The news set all of Joseon abuzz.

“Your Majesty, Kim Yushin, the Great King Heungmu, who accomplished the great task of unifying the Three Han Kingdoms, is the most suitable to be the master of Moomyo!”

“Even though the Great King Heungmu was a subject, he was already posthumously honored as a king in Silla for his achievements. How can his status be considered low!”

The memorials submitted by the Gimhae Kim clan were just the beginning.

“Governor Yun Gon of Pyeongan reports that, after discussing with various residents, they believe that Eulji Mundeok is the greatest military hero of the Three Han Kingdoms and should be enshrined as the Myoju…”

“What about Yi Jiran, the Count of Cheonghae? Wasn’t he King Taejo’s sworn brother and a meritorious subject of the founding of the nation?

It’s not that Juepsan Cheonho [likely a Jurchen leader or figure] gave any hints, but all the Jurchens believe that the Count of Cheonghae will become the master of Moomyo.”

“Wouldn’t the Inheongong (Gang Gam-chan) of the previous dynasty be a model for scholars?”

“Hey, Gang Gam-chan was a civil official! Go bang on the doors of Munmyo over there!”

“Speaking of achievements in unifying the Three Han Kingdoms, we can’t leave out General Yu Geum-pil of Pyeongsan.”

“Have you forgotten which country this nation was built by overthrowing? Considering it’s the Myoju, and not just anyone, let’s have the loyal subjects of Goryeo quietly step aside.”

“Actually, in terms of military achievements, Yeon Gaesomun also…”

“Traitor! There’s a traitor here!”

What a mess, what a mess.

Is this how the Greek goddesses reacted when they found the golden apple?

They were foaming at the mouth, making a fuss to enshrine the great figures of their own families and regions in Moomyo.

Because it involved a fierce battle of pride over ‘who is the greatest general of the East Sea,’ you see.

Just look at Lee Bang-gwa, who is sending me passionate glances.

“No way,”

I said firmly.

Seriously.

Why would someone who has even dabbled in being a king covet Moomyo?

‘And all his accomplishments were achieved while following Lee Seong-gye, so it’s ambiguous.’

The fervor was so intense that even mysterious, unidentified documents were circulating.

– Shin Byeong-ga’s Selection of the Top 10 Generals of the East Sea

“It seems that these rankings, determined by those who are gaining some recognition among the idlers preparing for the military examination, are resonating with the people.”

Military enthusiasts really love this kind of thing.

Who is the strongest among the historical generals?

It’s childish, but once you start, it’s a topic of debate that stimulates a man’s romance so much that a day isn’t enough.

I frowned as I unfolded the paper.

‘I thought they would have honestly put my grandfather in first place.’

But these guys excluded Lee Seong-gye, saying that ‘Taejo’s achievements are too great for us to dare to evaluate,’ and then decided on the rankings.

What a great excuse, you bastards.

They’re saying that if Lee Seong-gye is ranked below someone else, it will cause problems, so they’re excluding him altogether.

“And I heard that the descendants of those who were ranked low or not included have even protested.”

“Ugh…”

“I heard that even Juepsan Cheonho was furious, asking why the Count of Cheonghae wasn’t included.”

Even Iribuka.

Filial piety, regionalism, and pride were intertwined, creating intense conflict, and the heat was rising too much.

Others, fed up with the bloody debate, began to offer compromise solutions.

“There is heated debate because we want to enshrine our country’s generals as Myoju. How about enshrining Taegongmang as originally planned?”

“What about Guan Yu, the symbol of loyalty? He was even posthumously honored as Muanwang, so wouldn’t it become Muanwangmyo instead of Museongwangmyo, that is, Moomyo?”

Then someone suddenly asked.

“But didn’t Guan Yu lose in the end? What kind of Moomyo is a defeated general?”

“…Are you insulting Jangmuuiyongmuan Yeongjewang [another title for Guan Yu] right now?”

“Stop, stop!”

I stopped the fire from spreading to another place.

It seemed like the old Three Kingdoms debate was about to erupt.

“It has already been decided to enshrine a general from our country. Taegongmang and Guan Yu will not be considered.”

They’re too busy protecting China, why would they protect us?

Then the military officers cautiously spoke.

“Your Majesty, I heard that the Sangwang [likely a retired king or high-ranking figure] suggested enshrining King Taejo.”

“Since the debate is endless, how about following the Sangwang’s words?”

Looking at them now, the military officials seemed to be subtly hoping to include Lee Seong-gye.

‘Should I just go with Lee Seong-gye?’

If we enshrine Taejo in this chaotic situation, they’ll at least shut their mouths.

‘I’m not sure if it’s in accordance with etiquette, though.’

“Isn’t King Taejo already in Jongmyo [royal ancestral shrine]?”

“If we go by that logic, the Ministry of Rites also enshrines Confucius separately. However, the reason for building Munmyo and holding ancestral rites is to show the country’s utmost respect for Confucius.

If King Taejo were in both Jongmyo and Moomyo, wouldn’t he be revered in both places?”

Even if you don’t give that reason, I can push it through if I want to.

When have I ever cared about etiquette?

‘The problem is that it might become too significant.’

It’s not just because Lee Seong-gye staged a coup that I’m against it.

In the first place, the original owner, Taegongmang, was also the main culprit of the revolution that overthrew the Yin Dynasty.

‘When you think about it, Moomyo is originally a place to enshrine the leader of a coup.’

The real reason I’m worried is something else.

If the Taejo of this country is in Moomyo, wouldn’t the military officers become too arrogant?

You can see that the person leading this discussion is none other than Chief State Councilor Lee Jong-mu, who has deep roots in the military.

‘The reason I’m building Moomyo is to properly treat meritorious subjects and war veterans.’

I’m trying to balance the civil and military, not create a military regime.

But if I reject this proposal as it is, the debate will never end.

Even if a specific person is selected, there will still be dissatisfaction.

However, I had something in mind.

===

Around the time when His Majesty Jue Sang was reaching a conclusion in his mind.

Another movement was taking place behind the scenes.

“Ugh, Moomyo. Why are they building something that hasn’t been built since the Jeonjo era?”

“Civil and military are one, so Munmyo is enough.”

“You crazy people. Then include our ancestors in Munmyo.”

“That’s something the country decides…”

Although the infighting among those trying to enshrine their family’s or region’s elders in Moomyo was extreme, there was also considerable opposition to Moomyo.

It’s just that His Majesty is the type to push forward recklessly if there’s something he thinks is right, so their voices weren’t being heard.

However, the Moomyo competition unexpectedly brought about the participation of these people as well.

The reason the Moomyo debate became so fierce was because each candidate was aiming for the vacant Myoju position, but it was also due to a kind of stepping-back strategy.

‘Even if we can’t become the real Myoju, if only our ancestors can be enshrined!’

‘We’ve made such a fuss, how can we not even be included as enshrined figures?’

The problem was that most people thought that way, so even being enshrined was becoming uncertain.

We pushed for the establishment of Moomyo, but what good is it if our family or region’s elders aren’t included?

Therefore, even though they were fighting openly in front of others, fierce negotiations were taking place with the Moomyo opposition behind the scenes.

‘Support the establishment of Moomyo.’

‘Why should we?’

‘It seems like there will be more than one or two elders entering Moomyo, so wouldn’t they also increase the number of enshrined figures in Munmyo?’

‘?!’

‘What’s the point of fighting among ourselves? Instead of supporting the establishment of Moomyo, let’s increase the number of enshrined sages in both Munmyo and Moomyo.’

The only people enshrined in Munmyo in this era are Choi Chi-won, Seol Chong, and An Hyang.

How can the scholars of Joseon not feel indignant that those three are the only scholars recognized by the country during the long history of the Three Han Kingdoms!

They immediately took action.

“Your Majesty, if you are going to build Moomyo, you must also reorganize Munmyo.”

“I don’t know how many people will enter Moomyo, but to balance it with Munmyo, we should also increase the number of elders to be enshrined…”

“First of all, Ikjaegong (Lee Jae-hyeon) must be included!”

This time, those connected by academic lineage began campaigning to include their teachers in Munmyo.

‘Did I do something unnecessary?’

I thought while grabbing the back of my neck, but it was already too late.

Meanwhile, the completion of Moomyo was progressing smoothly.

===

“Our King is truly a Confucian monarch!”

“To allow enshrinement so readily!”

When did they ever criticize me for not studying, but now that I’ve allowed the enshrinement of their teachers, they’re praising me as a Confucian monarch.

I suddenly became a Confucian scholar, but in reality, I just allowed it because I didn’t want things to get noisy.

Looking at the faces of those who were newly enshrined, I can understand why they’re moved.

‘Lee Jae-hyeon and Jeong Mong-ju.’

I don’t know about Lee Jae-hyeon, but Jeong Mong-ju was classified as a loyal subject of Goryeo, so it will seem like I made a big decision.

‘Well, Choi Young is also entering Moomyo.’

He’s not the Myoju, but he’s a symbol of loyalty and his military achievements are considerable, so he’s qualified enough.

The only flaw is that he’s a loyal subject of Goryeo, but both Jeong Mong-ju and Choi Young were reinstated by my grandfather and father, so it doesn’t matter.

Still, it will feel different for both of them to enter Munmyo and Moomyo, the highest honors of this era.

It’s like I’ve restored their honor, which had to be suppressed during the founding of Joseon, even more than before.

I feel like I’ve become the chairman of a past affairs settlement committee.

‘There are still many people left.’

Even if I forgive the loyal subjects of Goryeo, it’s not yet time for Jeong Do-jeon and Lee Bang-won’s political enemies.

‘And no one has asked to be reinstated.’

Except for Lee Seong-gye.

Jeong Mong-ju was killed by our father, but he still has many disciples and followers, but Jeong Do-jeon must have been a great loner.

While I was having random thoughts, I finally arrived at the completed Moomyo.

Five people are enshrined in Moomyo.

Eulji Mundeok, Kim Yushin, Gang Gam-chan, Choi Young, and Lee Ji-ran.

It’s truly a formidable lineup.

‘Lee Ji-ran is a bit ambiguous to be called a legendary figure, but he’s also a meritorious subject of the founding of this country and there’s a Jurchen quota.’

Let’s just say it’s the result of pursuing political diversity.

However, they are only the famous generals of this country enshrined in Moomyo, and cannot be called its masters.

The Myoju of Moomyo, a position recognized by the country as equal to the sage Confucius.

That’s why everyone coveted it, and the position that they thought would be an unprecedented honor and glory for their family.

– Patriotic Martyrs Memorial Tablet (護國勇士 慰靈牌)

A memorial tablet for all those who sacrificed their lives for the country was placed there.

Not someone else, but those who died nameless to protect this land.

Of course, there was opposition to erecting this.

“Confucius is the ultimate sage whose Tao reaches the heavens, and Taegongmang, though not reaching that level, is also revered as the founder of military strategy, forming a pair with Munmyo.

No matter how much Your Majesty wants to praise the efforts of the dead, it is not suitable for the dignity of Moomyo.”

But that’s just nonsense to me.

“This land was able to be preserved even when the Han Dynasty, the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the Khitans and Mongols, the Red Turbans and the Japanese pirates invaded, all thanks to these people. If it weren’t for them, would this country have been able to preserve its national identity from foreign invasions?

Each individual may not reach the level of a sage, but if what they practiced is not the Tao of a sage, then what is it?”

‘What did Confucius and Taegongmang ever do for me?’

What I originally intended to create was a national cemetery.

I changed it to Moomyo to suit the sentiments of Joseon, but this is exactly what fits the purpose.

“Your Majesty’s words are truly correct. However,”

The person who then argued was Choi Man-ri, a scholar of Jiphyeonjeon [Hall of Worthies, a royal research institute].

“However?”

Choi Man-ri shouted with a determined face.

“Still, shouldn’t we distinguish who is the most outstanding general?”

“……”

I rubbed my forehead.

End

ⓒ Pitkong