Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 131

Squeeze

Hello, Bomb.

131. Change (1)

Instead of pondering the meaning of Hyang’s words, the officials soon began to speak up, one by one.

“Property… Are you suggesting we levy taxes based on the possession of slaves?”

“Levying taxes… Resistance will be significant, but it could be a good move if implemented.”

“The problem is resistance.”

“I, too, believe the Crown Prince’s idea is innovative, but I worry about tax resistance.”

The officials’ reactions were largely the same.

‘The idea seems good, but I’m worried about tax resistance.’

Hyang’s response to the officials’ concerns was simple.

“If they resist, we crush them.”

“Pardon?”

The officials, taken aback by Hyang’s extreme hardline stance, asked briefly with bewildered expressions. Hyang responded to their expressions with a question.

“In the first place, to whom does this land of Joseon rightfully belong? In principle, I mean.”

Meng Sasung, after a moment’s thought, answered Hyang’s question.

“In principle, it belongs to His Majesty the King. In principle, that is.”

“That’s right. Therefore, we are essentially renting the land from Father [referring to the King], and thus paying rent. Is that a fair assessment?”

‘Land public ownership isn’t a big deal!’

Meng Sasung nodded at Hyang’s point.

“In principle, that is a fair assessment. So, the Crown Prince is advocating for the Wangto ideology [Wangto ideology refers to the idea that all land belongs to the king]. However…”

Hyang interrupted Meng Sasung.

“However! That ‘however’ is the problem! It is Father’s land, but! We acknowledge their ownership because they have owned the land for generations. If they pass the civil service examination, it is natural to enter government service immediately. However! We will grant tax exemptions because they claim to be further pursuing their studies before entering service.”

Hyang paused to catch his breath before continuing.

“They have accumulated wealth through so many ‘howevers’! This is shameless! And yet, they resist? Where do these shameless individuals come from!”

Lee Jik and Meng Sasung exchanged quiet words at Hyang’s exclamation.

“The Crown Prince has gone on a rampage again.”

“But, in principle, he is right. In principle…”

“That’s the problem.”

While Lee Jik and Meng Sasung were conversing quietly, Hyang continued.

“Therefore, I beseech Father to tax those local magnates accordingly if they consider slaves as property!”

Hyang explained the tax system he had devised.

-The people of Joseon will pay a basic tax once a year. This tax will be named the ‘Property Income Tax.’

-This Property Income Tax will determine the amount to be paid by adding the income earned and the property owned during the year.

-Property includes owned land, houses, slaves, livestock, etc.

-Progressive tax rates will be applied.

-Slaves will be subject to particularly high progressive tax rates.

“This will force the local magnates to reduce the number of slaves they own. If the number of slaves decreases, they will have no choice but to reduce the amount of land they lease out, which is their main source of income. Or, they will have to hire wage laborers.”

“Hmm…”

The officials nodded at Hyang’s explanation.

While the wealth that the large landowners in the provinces obtained through tenancy was considerable, their most important source of income was the profit from the fields they cultivated directly by employing slaves. Most of the land cultivated by tenant farmers was originally owned by self-employed farmers who had become tenants.

If Hyang’s proposal to tax the ownership of slaves, especially with high progressive tax rates, were implemented, the local magnates would have no choice but to reduce the number of slaves they owned.

“The problem is the resistance from the local magnates. Most of these large landowners are registered in the Hyangan [local gentry register].”

Hyang replied firmly to Meng Sasung’s point.

“If the Hyangan is the problem, then we should abolish it.”

“Gasp!”

The officials were shocked by Hyang’s firm answer. However, Hyang looked rather puzzled.

“Why are you all so surprised? Wasn’t the Yuhyangso [a local self-governance organization] already abolished during the reign of King Taejong?”

“That is true, but…”

The officials replied with reluctant expressions at Hyang’s point.

* * *

The high-ranking officials who had retired from the court tried to distinguish themselves from the local gentry in their hometowns. To seize the initiative in rural society, they needed an organization centered around themselves.

That was how the Yuhyangso was created.

However, the Yuhyangso constantly clashed with the local officials. The biggest reason for this was that the ranks of the Yuhyangso members were higher than those of the local officials, so they often looked down on them.

While searching through related records, Hyang chuckled when he saw this record.

“Even in this Joseon Dynasty, ‘Back in my day…’ was the problem?”

As such discords deepened, the Yuhyangso was eventually abolished.

* * *

“If the Yuhyangso was abolished, what’s the problem with the Hyangan?”

“Well… that’s true.”

When Hyang mentioned the Yuhyangso, the officials backed down.

As the officials retreated, Hyang advanced.

“The Hyangan is also a problem. What is the Hyangan? Isn’t it a record of the families of the gentry in the provinces?”

“That is correct.”

“Isn’t that a problem? As I said before, and have repeatedly stated, if one passes the Sowa [lower civil service exam] and Daegwa [higher civil service exam], it is appropriate to enter government service and serve the country. Is it the proper behavior of those who follow the teachings of the sages to remain entrenched in their hometowns and only seek personal gain?”

“That is not…”

Since there was nothing wrong with Hyang’s point, the officials had no choice but to retreat again. Each time the officials retreated, Hyang continued to pressure them.

“When the benefit of tax exemption was first granted for 30 years, those with a sense of shame should have studied diligently and entered government service. However, those who linger in their hometowns for a long time, using the excuse that ‘their learning is still insufficient,’ are only of two types. One is truly dull and lacks the talent for scholarship, and the other is a cunning petty person who uses this as an excuse to fill their own pockets. Neither is needed in this Joseon.”

Meng Sasung replied as if muttering to himself at Hyang’s words.

“Well, that is true, but…”

“Therefore, it is the right course of action to return the benefits given to these people, including slaves, to those who truly need them.”

Heo Jo opened his mouth at Hyang’s words.

“Who are the people who truly need them?”

“They are the families of those who died or became disabled while working for the country before reaching their retirement age. The country must take care of their children at least until they become adults and can pursue their own paths.”

“I see…”

Heo Jo nodded at Hyang’s words.

As the situation seemed to be settling down with Heo Jo’s agreement, Hyang summarized the situation.

“In summary, reducing the number of slaves is not simply about reducing the number of slaves, but about reducing the power itself held by the local magnates.”

The officials nodded at Hyang’s last words. The officials in this place were ministers of the Dangsanggwan [high-ranking officials] rank or higher. Looking back on the hardships they had endured to reach that position, it was only natural that they did not look favorably upon those who lived comfortably in the provinces.

“As a related policy for this…”

“Wait…”

As Hyang was about to explain the related policy, Sejong raised his hand to stop Hyang’s words.

“Crown Prince, listen.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Your opinion is good, but we need to discuss it further. So, let’s stop here for today.”

“I obey your command.”

“And…”

Sejong paused for a moment and looked at Hyang with slightly worried eyes.

“I know to some extent what you felt while examining the records in the Archives, but do not forget that the local magnates are also citizens of our Joseon.”

“…I will engrave it in my heart.”

“Then, you have worked hard. Go and rest today.”

“Yes.”

At Sejong’s command, Hyang bowed respectfully and left Gangnyeongjeon [the King’s residence].

As Hyang left Gangnyeongjeon, Sejong sighed.

“Hoo~. What do you think of the Crown Prince’s opinion?”

Lee Jik answered Sejong’s question.

“It was radical, but not wrong.”

“Is that so? What do the Chief State Councilor and the Minister of Taxation think?”

Asked to Meng Sasung and Heo Jo, who were representative advocates of appeasement in the court, they paused to organize their thoughts before answering.

“It is true that the number of slaves has increased rapidly over the past few years due to frequent famines. However, it is also true that the number of newly born slaves has decreased rapidly as the number of Bi [female slaves] has decreased due to the Nobijongbu Act [law that stipulated a slave’s status was inherited from their mother]. But overall, the number of slaves has increased, so adjustment is necessary.”

Following Meng Sasung’s answer, Heo Jo continued.

“It is true that local magnates have expanded their power by taking advantage of frequent famines. It is also true that the power of the local magnates is threatening the authority of the King and the court, so it is certain that measures are needed.”

As Meng Sasung and Heo Jo seemed to support Hyang’s proposal, Sejong stroked his beard.

“I also think the Crown Prince’s opinion is reasonable. But the problem is the backlash from the local magnates.”

The officials could not immediately open their mouths at Sejong’s point. This was because they could be saddled with blame or leave a big stain due to a momentary slip of the tongue.

While the officials were carefully organizing their thoughts, Kim Jeom spoke first.

“Looking at the budget, it is true that there are problems with the revenue due to the local magnates abusing tax exemptions. This is certainly shameless and disloyal.”

“Does the Minister of Taxation mean to actively accept the Crown Prince’s proposal?”

“That is the position of the Ministry of Taxation.”

“What if the local magnates show resistance involving force?”

Jo Malsaeng stepped forward at Sejong’s question.

“Thanks to the smooth development of the northern frontier, we have enough leeway in troop deployment.”

Sejong was pleased with Jo Malsaeng’s answer, but carefully confirmed the reality.

“Does that mean that even if there is resistance involving force, it can be suppressed?”

“Most of the troops stationed in the northern region are cavalry. I think it can be suppressed.”

“Hmm…”

As Sejong was lost in thought at Jo Malsaeng’s answer, Kim Jeom stepped forward again.

“Your Majesty, just as you are reforming the administration of the central and local governments by setting standards and experimenting, please use the same method for tax reform. In this way, even if there are wicked people who use force to commit disloyal acts in the places where the experiment is conducted, it will be possible to suppress them sufficiently, and it can be a sufficient example for other regions.”

“An example… an example…”

Pondering the word ‘example,’ Sejong looked back at the officials.

“Punish one as a warning to a hundred… The Minister of Taxation’s opinion is right. You should devise policies based on the opinions of the Crown Prince and the Minister of Taxation.”

“We obey your command!”

In this way, the execution of the most brutal policy in the Gyeongjang [Sejong’s reforms] conducted by Sejong was decided.

The historian who recorded all of this added.

-Therefore, according to the King’s decision, the officials began to contemplate policies regarding slaves and local magnates.

The historian discusses.

It is true that the local magnates have abused the goodwill. However, the court’s decision is extremely harsh, and the resistance from the local magnates can also be expected.

It seems that a bloodbath will occur again.

* * *

The next day, Sejong, who had summoned Hyang, issued an order.

“The Crown Prince should announce a proposal related to the policy you mentioned yesterday.”

“Yes, Father.”

At Sejong’s command, Hyang cleared his throat and first spoke about the precautions.

-All of these policies are related to measures concerning war zones, construction, and slaves.

-Therefore, careful consideration is required for each individual policy, but it is also essential to examine and coordinate them as a whole.

“I understand the precautions well. Then, tell me what policies you have in mind.”

“Yes, Father.”

Hyang moistened his throat at Sejong’s command and began to explain.

-First of all, we must implement restrictions on the interest rates on Jangri [high-interest loans] set by the local magnates.

“I have also thought about that part. I am thinking of prohibiting receiving more interest than the principal.”

“That seems appropriate.”

Hyang responded to Sejong’s words and continued.

-Limit the proportion of rent paid by tenant farmers, and additionally prohibit the payment of costs for seeds and fertilizers.

-Massively raise horses brought in through the Huihui people [foreign traders], especially large horses, to grow land transportation.

-Strengthen the ability to move goods using this grown land transportation and facilitate the migration of people.

“In simple terms, we will operate post wagons using postal stations.”

“Post wagons?”

-After that, the country will distribute the same standard identification devices to all adults.

-Mandate the reporting of emigration and immigration of migrating people, accurately check the movement of people, and accurately manage the census register.

-Secure the ability to operate the war zone by strengthening the management of the census register.

As Hyang’s words grew longer, the faces of Heo Jo and Kim Jeom gradually turned white.

After that, Hyang’s proposal continued for a long time.

“…That’s all.”

“Hoo~.”

As soon as Hyang’s explanation ended, Sejong and the officials all sighed at once, and the historians and Juseo [scribes] massaged their aching wrists.

Sejong, who was briefly reflecting on Hyang’s words, ordered the historian.

“Historian, listen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The words that the Crown Prince has just said are so vast that the officials will have missed many parts. Therefore, summarize only that part and convey it to the officials.”

“I obey your command.”

The historians and Juseo answered with tearful faces.