Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 317

317. Battle (3)

The debate at the *gibang* [traditional Korean house of entertainment] flowed in the same direction as before.

“*Sogyo* [popular songs] lacks refinement, its content is lewd, and it has no value!”

“The lack of refinement is due to a lack of learning! That’s all! And not all *Sogyo* is licentious!”

Tired of the hamster wheel debate, Hyang quietly emptied the cup of alcohol that the *gisaeng* [female entertainers] poured for him.

As the empty pitcher went out and a new one came in, Hyang suddenly felt wronged.

‘Damn it! Why am I the only one drinking? And while listening to such stale stories instead of pleasant songs!’

As the alcohol took effect, Hyang completely forgot that he had created this gathering, and suddenly felt resentful.

“Wait!”

Hyang, who had stopped the two men’s debate, ordered in a slightly loosened voice.

“From now on, anyone who wants to express an opinion must empty their glass before speaking, and anyone who doesn’t empty their glass while the other empties two glasses must drink three glasses as a penalty.”

As the rule was set, both Anpyeong and Bak Yeon began to get drunk. As they did, the words that came out began to become a little more honest.

“Hey, old man! I heard that when you were young, you came up to Hanyang and learned the flute from a *Jaein* (才人, [a low-status] clown)? How can someone like that talk about a lack of refinement?”

At Anpyeong’s remark, Bak Yeon quickly emptied his glass and began to make excuses.

“That *Jaein* back then was truly skilled!”

* * *

When Bak Yeon was living in his hometown of Yeongdong, Chungcheong Province, in his youth, he happened to have the opportunity to learn the flute. Because he had a talent for sound, his flute skills impressed the people of the town.

“A *seonsu* (善手, [flute] master), a *seonsu*!”

With the praise of his hometown people, he came to Hanyang to learn more about sound.

And after hearing rumors that there was a clown with great talent for rhythm, he went to find him.

“Would you like to hear my flute?”

“Yes.”

Bak Yeon confidently showed off his flute skills.

“How is it?”

The clown, who had been quietly listening to Bak Yeon’s flute, shook his head and replied.

“The sound of the scholar’s flute is *yabi* (野鄙, vulgar) and does not match the melody.”

Shocked by the clown’s harsh criticism, Bak Yeon asked him to correct it, but the clown refused.

“The habit is already ingrained and cannot be fixed.”

However, Bak Yeon forgot that he was a nobleman and desperately begged.

In the end, the clown began to teach Bak Yeon. However, he thought that Bak Yeon would give up soon. It was already a deeply ingrained habit, and because of his pride as a nobleman.

However, Bak Yeon corrected his bad habits in just a few days, and before a month had passed, the clown was asking to learn from him. [Note 1: This anecdote highlights Bak Yeon’s dedication and humility in mastering his craft, despite his noble status.]

* * *

Despite Bak Yeon’s excuses, Anpyeong continued to push him.

“Even if the clown’s skills are excellent, would he have mastered the music of the left and right chambers? You only learned the unrefined melodies that the old man spoke of! *Sogyo* and *Sogak* [folk music] may lack refinement, but they move people’s hearts, so they are worth recording!”

“Emotion is important, but without etiquette, it is useless! Uselessness is *buyong* (不用, disuse)!”

“Etiquette can be taught! What’s important is the sincerity of the people within!”

“Don’t be *chigi* (稚氣, childish) and say absurd things! Sincerity alone cannot express refinement!”

“Sincerity is more important than refinement!”

“Music must be *junghuchangdae* (重厚長大, profound and grand)!”

“*Gyeongbakdanso* (輕薄短小, Light and frivolous) also has its own charm!”

The debate flared up again. But unlike the debate that had taken place a little while ago, they revealed more of their inner thoughts and clashed.

Seeing this, Hyang smiled slightly.

‘Now it’s worth listening to and watching! A fight is best when you strip down and go at it!’

At the same time, Sejong, who was listening to the story in the neighboring room, also smiled similarly and raised his glass.

“Now it’s worth listening to.”

* * *

The debate that followed gradually leaned towards Anpyeong. Anpyeong was also like Sejong’s son. As soon as he secured a slight advantage by using the anecdote of Bak Yeon’s youth, Anpyeong fiercely pushed Bak Yeon. With the addition of alcohol, Bak Yeon was completely pushed back. Bak Yeon had to sweat profusely to block Anpyeong’s increasingly fierce offensive.

‘As expected, the son of a tiger is a tiger? Today, this place was a *hogeul* (虎窟, tiger’s den)!’

* * *

‘The situation is roughly settled.’

“Then I will make a conclusion.”

When Hyang opened his mouth after confirming the situation, the two stopped arguing and looked at Hyang. Anpyeong, looking at Hyang, had an expectant face, and Bak Yeon was looking at Hyang with a look full of defeat.

Looking at the faces of the two, Hyang made a conclusion.

“It would be good to collect and organize *Sogyo*.”

“Your Highness!”

Bak Yeon raised his voice, but Hyang calmly explained the reason.

“As Director said, *Sogyo* lacks refinement and is frivolous. There are many licentious ones. However, the sincerity of the people is melted in it, so that alone is valuable.”

“Hoo~.”

At Hyang’s decision, Bak Yeon let out a long sigh. It was his own sign that he was dissatisfied but accepted it.

Seeing Bak Yeon’s appearance, Hyang continued.

“Of course, it is true that *Sogyo* is much inferior when it comes to artistry. However, this is for *Abamama* [father, referring to the King], or to be precise, for the rulers (*wijeongja* 爲政者).”

“What do you mean by for the rulers?”

Anpyeong immediately asked at Hyang’s statement. Bak Yeon also didn’t say anything, but his face seemed interested.

Hyang immediately explained the reason for Anpyeong’s question.

“As you said, the sincerity of the people is melted in *Sogyo*. Therefore, the rulers can know what the people are thinking. Even if it is an old song, if it is well received among the people now, doesn’t that mean that they agree with the sincerity melted in that song? So it means it helps the rulers.”

“Ah….”

At Hyang’s explanation, Anpyeong and Bak Yeon nodded without realizing it.

Meanwhile, Sejong, who was listening in the neighboring room, was also nodding.

“‘Although it is called *Sogyo*, the sincerity melted in that song is the heart of the people.’… It’s something to think about.”

Sejong, savoring Hyang’s words with a pleased face, looked back at the Royal Guard Captain and *Sangseon* [eunuch] who were sitting with him.

“How is it? Isn’t my son a truly good monarch?”

“That is so.”

“Your Majesty’s words are truly wise.”

At the answers of *Sangseon* and the Royal Guard Captain, Sejong emptied his glass with a pleased face and muttered.

“It seems to be already completed, so shall we slowly let him handle state affairs?”

* * *

“Ugh!”

When Sejong was mentioning handling state affairs, Hyang, who was holding a glass, suddenly trembled with a chill that covered his whole body.

“Your Highness, what’s wrong?”

“Ah, I suddenly feel a chill….”

“Shall we end this gathering?”

At Anpyeong’s question, Hyang shook his head.

“No, it’s not easy to create such a gathering, so let’s enjoy it a little today. What are you doing? The excitement has died down!”

“Yes~!”

At Hyang’s order, the *gisaengs* answered in seductive voices and began to fill the empty glasses with alcohol, sing, and dance.

* * *

Once it was settled by Hyang, Anpyeong and Bak Yeon began to enjoy the drinking party with a light heart.

As they became intoxicated, Anpyeong and Bak Yeon began to interfere with the *gisaengs’* singing and dancing. Both Bak Yeon and Anpyeong were knowledgeable in singing and dancing.

The start was Anpyeong.

“Your Highness! The *gisaengs’* voices are not good!”

At Anpyeong’s words, the *gisaengs* made sullen expressions. However, they couldn’t refute anything because Bak Yeon and Anpyeong were the ones who held a position in the palace with music.

“The Grand Prince is right! The sound is not good….”

As even Bak Yeon joined in, Anpyeong stepped forward.

“Your Highness! Although it is *Sogyo*, I will sing a song!”

“Okay! Let’s listen!”

At Hyang’s words, Anpyeong sang a Goryeo song in a splendid way.

Clap clap clap!

When Anpyeong’s song ended, Hyang, Bak Yeon, and the *gisaengs* applauded.

“It was a good sound! You guys try singing again!”

“Yes~!”

At Hyang’s words, the *gisaeng* who was rumored to be the best singer among the *gisaengs* came forward and began to sing a song.

“Stop!”

While the *gisaeng* was singing, Bak Yeon shouted. Surprised by Bak Yeon’s shout, the *gisaeng* stopped singing, and Bak Yeon cleared his throat and opened his mouth.

“Sound is… You have to sing like this.”

At the same time as he finished speaking, Bak Yeon skillfully sang a song of love.

Clap clap clap!

“Ooh!”

“As expected, it’s Director!”

When Bak Yeon’s song ended, everyone inside admired and applauded. As the applause subsided, Hyang lightly scolded.

“Why did you object when you sing so well?”

“There are proper words, but there are no proper letters.”

“Ah….”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

At Bak Yeon’s answer, Hyang made a knowing expression, and Anpyeong asked back with an expression that he didn’t know well.

Bak Yeon explained the reason for Anpyeong’s question.

“With Chinese characters, the meaning can be recorded. However, even with the same meaning, there are many words to express it. If future generations look at the sheet music, they will have to worry about what word fits the song. If they choose the wrong lyrics, they will have to revise the melody, and the original song will be damaged.”

“Ah….”

Only then did Anpyeong nod.

However, Hyang smiled and replied.

“Still, record it. *Abamama* will give you the answer to that problem.”

“Yes? Your Highness, what does that mean?”

“I’m also curious, brother.”

However, Hyang omitted further explanation.

“You will know when the time comes.”

According to Hyang’s memory, Sejong secretly developed Hunminjeongeum [Korean alphabet]. So he stopped talking because he thought there was no need for him to step in and explain too much.

At Hyang’s meaningful words, Sejong, who was bringing the glass to his mouth, froze.

‘Could it be! Did this guy notice?’

Sejong put down the glass and looked back at *Sangseon*.

“Do you think the Crown Prince noticed?”

At Sejong’s question, *Sangseon* immediately answered.

“According to the reports from the children in the East Palace, he didn’t show any signs of that.”

“Then how?”

As Sejong expressed his doubts, *Sangseon*, who was recalling his memories, answered.

“I think he guessed it because Your Majesty asked frequent questions about letters.”

At *Sangseon*’s answer, Sejong nodded. It was because there were things he had done.

“That’s most likely. Should I just let him handle state affairs and start in earnest at this opportunity?”

At that moment, Hyang, whose spine was chilled, ordered the *gisaengs*.

“It’s a little cold today. Bring a brazier.”

“Yes~.”

* * *

As the brazier came in and the room became warm, the alcohol started to circulate faster. As warm as the room became, the excitement in the room began to overflow.

“Your Highness! This younger brother has a request!”

“What is it?”

“I want to hear Your Highness’s voice!”

Anpyeong, who was very drunk, asked Hyang to sing a song. In an instant, not only Bak Yeon but also the *gisaengs* turned their attention to Hyang.

It was rumored in the capital that the Crown Prince was excellent in many ways, but there was no such story about sound or rhythm.

Hyang, who hesitated for a moment at Anpyeong’s request, immediately decided. Hyang was also very drunk. The stress that had been built up while suppressing everything except the 51st district’s *Deokjil* [fangirling] exploded through the alcohol.

“This is also a cliché! You have to follow the cliché! But I can’t do it as it is!”

“Cli… what?”

Anpyeong tilted his head at the word he heard for the first time, but Hyang immediately started singing.

“In the Nakdong River breeze~”

* * *

After moving down to a small rural village near Yangsan in the 21st century, Hyang had to do several jobs in addition to blacksmithing, and among them was also a pleasure group for the village elders.

The average age was in their 70s. There were several elderly people in their 80s, and with the average age of the ‘youth members’ of the ‘village youth association’ in their 50s, Hyang was literally a ‘baby’. Thanks to this, Hyang had to work hard to make them laugh when there were various festivals in the village.

As he made them laugh, it was natural that he became familiar with trot – renamed adult contemporary. However, it was not the new generation trot that was familiar to young people, but the trot that was popular in the 60s and 70s when the elderly were young.

After returning to Joseon, Hyang, who had been humming a song absentmindedly and was surprised to look around several times, decided.

“Damn it! It’s a cliché! Then I have to prepare!”

Hyang, who had hardened his heart, chose a few songs that he remembered that would be okay during this period and memorized them by modifying them with Joseon Dynasty words and sentences.

* * *

Hyang’s passionate singing of ‘Virgin Boatman’ ended, but the *gibang* was quiet.

“It’s a sound I’ve never heard before.”

Following Bak Yeon’s words, Anpyeong immediately took over.

“I also feel the same. Could it be that Your Highness created this sound?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have such talent. I learned this from a singer in a troupe of clowns who used to sing to you when you were young.”

“Then why don’t I remember?”

“Because you were young then.”

“Still….”

“Isn’t my memory very good?”

At Hyang’s words, Anpyeong’s face became agreeable. Hyang’s memory was well-known. Even if he had forgotten, it was certain that Hyang would remember.

“That’s true, but was it a good sound?”

At Hyang’s question, Bak Yeon told his impressions.

“The form of the sound was unfamiliar. But somehow it grabs my heart. And the lyrics are heartbreaking and captivating.”

“I feel the same way. My heart was touched by the filial piety of a virgin who takes care of her old mother in place of her brother who went to the military.”

“That’s a relief.”

Hyang’s face was relieved at Bak Yeon and Anpyeong’s favorable comments.

“Y-Your Highness….”

At that time, the *gisaeng* who had been scolded by Bak Yeon while singing came out in front of Hyang and prostrated herself.

“What’s going on?”

At Hyang’s question, the *gisaeng* immediately got to the point.

“Please teach the lowly woman that sound! I really want to learn the heartbreaking lyrics and melody.”

Hyang thought for a moment at the *gisaeng*’s request and then answered.

“I will sing it 3 times. Memorize it.”

“Thank you so much, Your Highness!”

As expected of a *gisaeng* who sings well, she completely memorized the lyrics when Hyang sang it 3 times, and she also memorized most of the melody.

“I will sing it 2 more times.”

In this way, when she sang it a total of 5 times repeatedly, the *gisaeng* completely memorized the lyrics and melody.

* * *

A few days later, Akhak [Hall of Music].

Bak Yeon, who was reviewing the sheet music that had come up from below, began to hum without realizing it.

“In the Nakdong River breeze~.”

Anpyeong, who was sitting at the opposite desk, also hummed along with Bak Yeon’s humming.

“Eheya de….”

At that moment, Bak Yeon and Anpyeong, who realized their actions, uttered curses at the same time.

“Damn it, damn it!”

In a similar moment, Sejong, who was humming with a nasal voice without realizing it, was horrified and regained his senses and muttered.

“This is incredibly addictive.”

* * *

After some time, ‘Virgin Boatman’ flowed out from the *Giru* [brothel] in Hanseong. And after a little more time, even the women wielding laundry bats at the Cheonggyecheon laundry were singing it.

The most absurd people in this situation were the residents living near the Nakdong River.

“Why are you looking for the Nakdong River in Hanseong?”