Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 351

351. Let’s Make a Playground! (5)

Hyang handed over a piece of paper. The next sheet showed the floor plan of the third floor. He pointed to various spots with a pointer, beginning his explanation.

“The space is divided around the central stage like this.”

Sejong stroked his beard, considering Hyang’s explanation. After a moment, he asked, “You’re planning to hold competitions for both Go and chess?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

Hyang continued, explaining the ranking system he envisioned.

“…Thus, the person who achieves the highest rank will be named ‘National Master’ (國手). This National Master will not only receive a prize but also be granted the privilege of teaching Go in the royal court.”

“Those who play Go will become very motivated,” Sejong observed.

“Indeed.”

As Hyang affirmed, Jo Gye-saeng, one of the ministers present, interjected. “There are two concerns, Your Majesty. First, the old story of King Gaero of Baekje [one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea] illustrates how one can become so engrossed in Go that the affairs of the state may be neglected.”

* * *

King Jangsu of Goguryeo, pursuing a southern expansion policy, sought to conquer the Han River region, then occupied by Baekje. Learning that King Gaero was fond of Go, King Jangsu sent the monk Dorim to Baekje.

Dorim, pretending to defect, entered Baekje and used Go to gain King Gaero’s trust.

Later, swayed by Dorim’s advice, King Gaero ordered excessive construction projects. As Baekje weakened, King Jangsu launched his southern advance and seized the Han River.

* * *

Hyang responded immediately to Jo Gye-saeng’s concern. “Have you ever seen Father unoccupied?”

“….”

At Hyang’s words, not only Jo Gye-saeng but all the ministers fell silent.

Though court officials often complained, ‘I’m going to die from too much work! I want to leave on time!’, Sejong’s workload was undeniably immense.

Once, Hyang had overheard some mid-level officials complaining about the workload when they thought he wasn’t around, and he’d remarked, “At least you have homes to return to and rest, don’t you? Father’s home is the palace.”

“My, my apologies!” they stammered.

Therefore, Hyang’s question implied a simple point: ‘Does the King of Joseon have so much free time that he would become addicted to Go?’

The ministers, well aware of the King’s overwhelming workload, had no choice but to remain silent.

The first issue was thus resolved, but Jo Gye-saeng raised a second concern. “Secondly, reaching the level of skill in Go to be called a National Master requires considerable time and effort. If that happens, someone skilled but lacking in character or learning might become the National Master and form a connection with the royal family. This must be addressed.”

Hyang had to concede the validity of Jo Gye-saeng’s point.

‘Even in the 21st century, there were plenty of professional athletes with character issues… No, not just professional athletes. From celebrities to streamers….’

Recalling examples of celebrities in the 21st century who had created scandals due to various character flaws, Hyang immediately continued, “Therefore, if those who achieve a high level through these competitions commit crimes or display poor character, all their positions will be stripped, and they will be expelled from the field.”

“That’s not….”

“That is sufficient!” Meng Sa-seong hurriedly interjected when Jo Gye-saeng tried to object again.

“Ministers and scholars are also dismissed or removed from the local gentry list (鄕案) [a record of local elites] if they cause problems.”

“Isn’t that so?”

“That is correct!” Affirming strongly, Meng Sa-seong glared at Jo Gye-saeng and the other ministers.

‘These people are digging their own graves! There are more than a few who will be in trouble if His Majesty decides to investigate!’

Seeing Meng Sa-seong’s look, Jo Gye-saeng and the ministers immediately bowed their heads and replied, “That seems reasonable!”

At the ministers’ reaction, Hyang turned to look at Sejong. Sejong, who had been observing the ministers’ reactions from the pavilion, quietly muttered, “I should conduct an audit sometime. First, Crown Prince, is the explanation over now?”

“No, Your Majesty. Those who enjoy gambling at this ‘Siunru (試運樓)’ [Pavilion of Testing Luck] will become hungry, so we will sell food.”

“Siunru? A pavilion to test one’s luck… A truly elegant name.”

“Thank you. To continue, we will sell food but prohibit alcohol.”

“Why?”

“Those who are excited by gambling might commit some rash act under the influence of alcohol.”

“You are right!” Sejong strongly agreed, slapping his knee at Hyang’s words.

* * *

Even in this era, there were criminals who blamed their actions on alcohol.

‘It’s the alcohol that’s bad, not the person.’

This kind of belief was common.

In contrast, Sejong was moving towards stricter punishments for crimes related to alcohol.

-It is true that alcohol tends to cloud a person’s mind. However, if the person who committed the crime did not have the intention to commit the crime in the first place, they would not commit the crime even if they were excessively drunk (過醉)! Furthermore, if one becomes so drunk as to forget conscience and morality, it would be difficult to even move properly (運身)! Therefore, the claim that alcohol is the cause is absurd! Rather, it is a cunning trick to avoid punishment under the pretext of alcohol, so it should be punished more severely!

Hyang fully supported Sejong’s stance on this matter.

“Even if we don’t know anything else, we must eradicate the practice of giving lenient punishments under the pretext of ‘diminished capacity due to alcohol’!”

* * *

Before long, Hyang’s presentation was nearing its end. Judging from the reactions of Sejong and the ministers, the establishment of the ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Center’ seemed almost certain.

Therefore, the discussion shifted from Hyang explaining the plan to a question-and-answer session.

“But, you know. Isn’t it a bit lacking with just bullfighting and ssireum [Korean wrestling]? Of course, there are performances by entertainers and courtesans, but it feels a bit insufficient.”

At Sejong’s point, Hyang gave an answer as if he had been waiting for it. Turning over a piece of paper, he pointed to possible additions with the pointer.

“That part can be expanded as much as needed. The easiest is a Subak (手搏) [a traditional Korean martial art] competition. Participants will also be divided into ranks, and the final winner will be recommended as a Subak instructor for the Yuksu Army [Royal Guards].”

“Not bad.” Sejong nodded, and Jo Mal-saeng’s face brightened.

* * *

Although he nodded, Sejong still felt something was missing.

“While we’re at it, wouldn’t it be good to include Gyeokgu (擊毬) [a polo-like game]? It would be quite good to create two Gyeokgu teams in each of the eight provinces of Joseon and have them compete. Or, if Gyeokgu on horseback is too difficult, there’s also Gyeokbang (擊棒) [a similar game played on foot], isn’t there?”

“We are planning to create a separate facility for Gyeokgu, combined with horse racing (競馬).”

As he spoke, Hyang turned over another page. The next page showed a stadium in an oval shape.

“This is a horse racing track. We are planning to build it when both the people and the government have more financial resources than they do now.”

“The reason?”

“Horses are animals that place a heavy financial burden. In addition, larger horses brought from the West, rather than ponies, are more advantageous for entertaining the audience in horse racing or Gyeokgu. Even though horses are already economically burdensome, larger horses would increase the burden even more. Another reason is that the number of foals born from those thoroughbreds brought from the West is still insufficient. This requires both time and money, so we must postpone it to the future. Therefore, we chose bullfighting first. Bulls are already raised by many households and are a familiar form of entertainment, even among commoners.”

“That is true. Then explain about the horse racing track.”

“Yes, Father.”

After clearing his throat, Hyang continued his explanation.

-The racetrack for horse racing is designed to resemble a battlefield.

-Many obstacles of 2 to 3 feet in height are installed, along with ponds of appropriate depth and width.

-The overall shape of the racetrack is not a simple combination of curves and straight lines but also includes gentle hills and bends.

-This kind of racetrack tests not only the horse’s speed but also the jockey’s horsemanship (馬術), and the skills of those who manage the racehorses are also important.

-Therefore, if this kind of horse racing is properly established, it can provide jobs for retired soldiers or Jurchens [a nomadic people north of Korea] who have completed their minimum service period.

-And, the horse that achieves the best results in horse races held nationwide can be acquired by the country as a stud (種馬).

“…In this way, the court can consistently acquire stallions with excellent qualities at minimal cost.”

At Hyang’s answer, Sejong muttered to himself without realizing it, “You never just let things go… You’re my son, but you’re a tough one. Huh!”

Surprised that he had spoken aloud, Sejong glanced at the scribe, but closed his mouth. It was too late; the scribe was already writing busily.

“Tch….”

After briefly clicking his tongue, Sejong said, looking at the bird’s-eye view, “It’s quite a large facility, so it will cost quite a bit of money.”

“That’s why I’m thinking of building it when we have more financial resources.”

‘In reality, wasn’t it during the Victorian era, when money was overflowing due to the Industrial Revolution and imperialist ventures, that horse racing began to become popular in the West?’

“Hmm….”

As Sejong was doing some calculations, Hyang added, “In addition, this horse racing will greatly increase the limit on the amount of money that can be bet. The minimum bet per race will start at 50 copper coins and go up to a maximum of 5 gold nyang [Korean currency].”

“I think that’s too much.” Kim Jeom immediately interjected. Hyang immediately replied to Kim Jeom’s objection.

“It’s not if you consider the profit distribution. Are horses cheap animals? If the distribution rate is not reasonable, there will be no owners (馬主) willing to participate.”

“That’s true, but… still….”

As Kim Jeom continued to object, Hyang added, “Minister, who do you think will mainly frequent the third floor of Siunru?”

“Well, wealthy scholars….” Kim Jeom answered absentmindedly, then suddenly exclaimed, “Ah! Only those with wealth can become owners, and they will also gamble, so it would be more certain to set the amount high!”

“That is correct.”

Hyang pointed to the bird’s-eye view with the pointer. “We will divide the floors of the spectator seats. The lower level will charge an entrance fee of 10 copper coins for ordinary people, and the upper level will charge an entrance fee of 3 silver nyang. Instead, all food will be provided free of charge, and courtesans’ songs and dances (歌舞) can be seen during breaks.”

Lee Jik interjected, “Those who have some money will naturally go to the upper floor, and the amount they bet will naturally be large.”

“That’s what we’re aiming for. We expect to have 6 to 8 horses competing in each race. So the probability is 1/6 to 1/8. Even after deducting the profit to be given to the owner, it’s a very profitable business.”

In the end, Sejong and the ministers agreed to build the Comprehensive Entertainment Center.

“We must build the horse racing track before the Comprehensive Entertainment Center!”

Of course, there were also radical people like Kim Jeom who shouted, ‘Let’s just build the horse racing track first!’

* * *

The decision of Sejong and the court was soon announced nationwide through the Gazette [official public announcement].

-…Therefore, a ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Center’ will be built nationwide. After the Comprehensive Entertainment Center is built, those who are caught gambling or betting in places other than the Entertainment Center will be severely punished.

The reaction of the people who saw the Gazette was half welcoming and half curious. And a very small number of people were pounding the ground and lamenting.

“The country is encouraging gambling! It’s going to lead to ruin!”

Some were indignant at the existence of the ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Center,’ a gambling den, and wrote petitions, while others were lamenting for different reasons.

“Damn it! If the country is going to take over all the gambling, what are we supposed to live on!”