Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 359

359. What Increases When Shared: Work and Greed (1)

As the situation settled, the court moved swiftly. Amidst the flurry of activity, including reassigning personnel based on the adjusted results and assessing the overall situation, a secret envoy bearing a personal letter from Sejong [King of Joseon] crossed the sea.

Morihiro, upon receiving Sejong’s personal letter, read it and then spoke deliberately.

“This matter requires careful consideration. Please allow me some time to decide.”

“As you wish.”

After dismissing the envoy, Morihiro convened a meeting with his retainers.

“You are all familiar with the contents of the letter, so there’s no need for me to repeat them. What are your thoughts?”

“Including the planned education period, they will be residing in Joseon for nearly ten years. They might even become naturalized citizens of Joseon.”

“The governance of Joseon differs greatly from our own. What benefit is there in learning their methods?”

Initially, opposition was strong. However, noticing Morihiro’s displeased expression, opinions began to shift towards accepting Joseon’s proposal.

The first to speak in favor was Mochiyo, the recognized heir apparent.

“We must accept this. Our territory is growing stronger, and the old ways will inevitably reach their limits. We must learn from Joseon’s increasingly effective governance to overcome these limitations.”

* * *

While overseeing the Iwami silver mine in collaboration with Joseon, Mochiyo had become increasingly fascinated by Joseon.

More specifically, he was captivated by Joseon’s policies. This began with a labor dispute at the silver mine.

Mochiyo, initially inclined towards armed suppression as his subordinates suggested, was presented with the ‘Joseon method’ by An Sang-taek, which he accepted.

The positive outcome led Mochiyo to seek information on various policies implemented by Joseon.

As he researched, Mochiyo became increasingly enamored with Joseon.

“This is true governance! Our territory must also evolve in this way! No, not just our territory, but the entire world should be transformed like Joseon!”

It’s important to note that when the Japanese refer to ‘the world,’ they typically mean the country of Japan.

For example, when Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sent an envoy to address the Wokou [Japanese pirate] problem, the relationship between Ming and Japan became strained due to a phrase in the reply sent by Ashikaga Takauji, the shogun at the time.

-The world does not belong to any one individual.

Takauji intended to convey, ‘The Japanese world does not belong to me alone,’ but Zhu Yuanzhang interpreted it as, ‘The entire world does not belong to the Ming emperor alone.’ (Note 1)

* * *

After Mochiyo voiced his support, other retainers who shared his views began to speak up.

“Indeed! When our Ouchi clan gains control of the country, we must govern with a broad perspective. To achieve this, we need individuals well-versed in the governing methods of great and advanced nations. This is an excellent opportunity!”

“The shogunate and other lords are still narrow-minded. To surpass them, we must excel in governance first!”

“That’s right!”

“The despicable Shoni clan is constantly seeking opportunities in Tsushima [an island between Japan and Korea]. We must learn everything we can from Joseon to conquer the country and completely subdue the Shoni clan. Governance is just the beginning!”

The tide completely turned in favor of approval. Morihiro, observing his retainers’ enthusiasm, smiled broadly and made his decision.

“Excellent! We accept Joseon’s proposal! Let us learn everything and place this country in the hands of our Ouchi clan!”

“Hah!”

At Morihiro’s declaration, the retainers prostrated themselves on the floor and responded with a unified shout.

* * *

Morihiro dedicated all his efforts to realizing his ambition of overthrowing the Muromachi shogunate, ruled by the Ashikaga clan, and seizing control of the country.

He utilized the shogunate’s Kangō trade [licensed trade with Ming China] to send people to Ming and also dispatched envoys to Joseon to establish peace and embrace civilization.

In the process, Morihiro, like Mochiyo, became increasingly fascinated by Joseon.

The splendor of the great empire, as recounted by those who had traveled to Ming, was admirable, but the remarkable development of Joseon, as described by those who had visited Joseon, inspired awe.

Whether official or unofficial, the Joseon envoys who visited Ouchi were all highly educated and full of vitality. With each visit, Morihiro lamented the backwardness of his own territory.

In particular, the story of the ‘iron horse’ [likely referring to an early form of train or advanced machinery] deeply impressed Morihiro.

‘A carriage that moves without oxen or horses! This is it! Joseon represents the future I envision! Our Japan is not a great country like Ming, and we lack many resources! The only path we must take is the path that Joseon is forging!’

‘I will seize (Japan) the world!’

The family’s long-standing ambition was now transforming from political aspiration into a fervent belief.

“Transforming this backward world into an advanced country like Joseon is the supreme heavenly mandate (天命) bestowed upon me and our family!”

“We must change everything from our clothing and diet to the tools we use! Abandoning Japan (脫倭) and embracing the path of Joseon is the only way forward for our family and the world!”

Later, this would become the foundation of an ideology that historians would term ‘De-Japanization Theory (脫倭論)’ or ‘De-Japanization and Entry into Joseon (脫倭入朝).’

* * *

Regardless of the underlying motivations, the envoy who received Morihiro’s acceptance returned immediately and reported to Sejong.

“Is that so? Ōuchi Morihiro (大內盛見) accepted?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. However, he requested that we provide them with thorough instruction, as they are valuable talents for governing his territory.”

Sejong smiled at Lee Maeng-gyun’s response.

“Since it is a request from someone who has reconciled with us, do your best. But remember, we cannot retain such important talents indefinitely.”

“I will keep that in mind!”

Shortly after Sejong’s order was issued, the Japanese students studying in Hanseong [Seoul] were gathered and informed of the court’s announcement.

“…Therefore, upon completing your course, you will be immediately投入 into practical work to gain real-world skills.”

“Hai. I understand.”

“Furthermore, the intensity of the 수업 [classes] will be increased from now on.”

The international students paled at the words of the Kyosagamjeong (敎士監正) [official in charge of education].

“Yes?”

“Your lord requested His Majesty to ‘teach them well as they are valuable talents to run the territory.’ How can we be negligent?”

“Hai….”

“Then prepare yourselves and keep up.”

“Hai….”

The international students responded with lifeless expressions.

The 수업 had been challenging thus far, but it was about to become even more demanding.

Later, the international students who completed the 수업 and were assigned to 실무 [practical work] all lamented.

“수업 was easier!”

And those who returned to Ouchi and took on 실무 tormented their own subordinates.

“Hey! You call this work! When I worked in Hanseong!”

* * *

The matter with Ouchi concluded successfully, but Joseon itself was once again in turmoil.

This was due to the court’s proclamation announcing a ‘partial revision of the civil service examination system.’

“Opening the doors to women is absurd! (語不成說) [utterly ridiculous]”

“It’s the end of the world! The end of the world!”

The local Confucian male officials, outraged by the prospect of women being allowed to take the civil service examination, mobilized.

“Write a memorial! A memorial!”

“No! I must go to Hanseong! Meoksoe! Bring the axe! I will raise a Jibusangso (持斧上疏) [a form of protest involving kneeling before the palace with an axe, signifying a willingness to die for one’s cause]!”

“I’ll go with you!”

Once again, Gyeongbokgung Palace [main royal palace in Seoul] was flooded with memorials. The Seungjis [royal secretaries] and Juseos [junior secretaries] of the Seungjeongwon [royal secretariat], responsible for receiving the memorials, sighed deeply at the sheer volume.

“Hoo~ I expected this….”

As it was their duty to pre-review and classify the memorials, the Seungjis and Juseos began opening the envelopes and reading the contents.

The Seungjis and Juseos exhibited a peculiar behavior: they inserted Hwangji (黃紙) [yellow paper] into most of the opened memorials and set them aside.

“I think we should contact the Jojaso (鑄字所) [royal printing office] and request more printed responses.”

“Agreed. How many copies would be appropriate?”

“Let’s start with about 100 copies.”

“That seems reasonable. Send the message and take a break.”

“Yes.”

Sejong and his ministers, anticipating the deluge of memorials, had prepared pre-printed responses.

* * *

“Please have mercy!”

“Your Majesty~. Please have mercy!”

“Huh?”

Hyang, returning to the Donggungjeon [Crown Prince’s residence] after working in Area 51 [a metaphorical term for a place of secret projects], stopped his horse upon hearing the shouts echoing in front of Gwanghwamun Gate [main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace].

“What’s happening? Why are they begging for mercy?”

“I’ll investigate.”

A eunuch accompanying Hyang hurried forward to assess the situation.

Returning shortly, the eunuch reported to Hyang.

“They are staging a Jibusangso.”

“Jibusangso? What’s the cause? Could it be the revision of the civil service examination system?”

“Yes.”

“Oh dear…. Tsk!”

Hyang clicked his tongue and headed towards the protesters.

“Your Highness! It’s dangerous!”

“Your Highness!”

The Naegeumwi (內禁衛) [royal guards] responsible for escorting Hyang were alarmed. Jibusangso involved protesting with a dangerous weapon, an axe, placed nearby. The Naegeumwi attempted to dissuade him, but Hyang smiled.

“I trust you.”

At Hyang’s words, the Naegeumwi reluctantly positioned their horses in front of Hyang.

“We will proceed ahead.”

* * *

Hyang dismounted as he approached the protesters. Surrounded by layers of Naegeumwi, he walked closer, prompting the protesters to raise their voices.

“Your Highness! You are both a Crown Prince and a subject! A subject’s duty is to frankly advise the king and prevent foolish policies, but you have neglected that duty!”

“That’s right! Why are you neglecting it!”

Hyang muttered softly.

“Loud voice and big guts.”

“Pfft!”

“Cough!”

The Naegeumwi soldiers guarding the perimeter bit their lips to suppress their laughter at Hyang’s remark.

“Commander Jang.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hyang pointed at the protesters.

“Starting with the person on the right, bring me each person’s axe and memorial.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hyang read the memorial brought by the Byeoljang (別將) [military officer] and examined the axe.

“Hmm….”

Hyang, making a nasal sound, retrieved a gold brush from his sleeve, scribbled on the memorial, and returned it to the Byeoljang.

“Give it back and tell them to read what I wrote aloud.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The scholar, upon hearing the Byeoljang’s instructions, unfolded the memorial. His arms trembled as he read Hyang’s inscription.

“What are you doing?”

Urged by Hyang, the scholar gritted his teeth and shouted.

“Axe blade equals writing skill! (斧刃等筆)!”

The surrounding crowd murmured.

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know.”

One of the onlookers, possessing some knowledge of writing, clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk tsk…. He was openly insulted.”

“What did the Crown Prince say to provoke that?”

“He said the axe blade and writing skills are the same.”

“Huh?”

The person who received the explanation looked at the scholar’s axe and burst into laughter.

“Puhaha!”

The scholar’s axe was covered in red rust.

Similar evaluations followed. One scholar, who received the assessment that ‘the axe blade is sharper than the writing skill,’ burst into tears.

Observing the scholars, Hyang raised his voice.

“If you don’t want to see women wearing official uniforms, pass the civil service examination! Why are you complaining when you can’t even pass!”

* * *

Note 1) Military Strategy of the Joseon Dynasty. P.61. Military History Compilation Research Institute of the Ministry of National Defense.