Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 373

373. Stagnation – Stillness in Motion (7)

The shockwaves from Angelo’s letter reverberated widely upon its release.

Among Italy’s esteemed university professors, a re-evaluation of verification processes and calculations, based on Angelo’s records, commenced.

After a rigorous verification process, the scholars collectively sighed.

“It checks out.”

“There are minor discrepancies, but compared to existing theories, they’re negligible. We’ll need to revisit those areas with more precise astronomical observations in the future.”

“Above all… the words of Joseon’s First Prince ring true. ‘Truth must be simple.’ Frankly, Ptolemy’s laws have long since lost their original simplicity, haven’t they?”

The academic world was gravitating towards acknowledging the theories originating from Joseon.

And what ensued was a ‘Back to the Classics’ movement.

‘Let’s revive the scholarship of ancient Greece and Rome and return to the fundamentals!’

‘Truth is simple!’

Under these banners, the ‘Back to the Classics’ movement gained momentum, swiftly paving the way for the ‘Renaissance.’

This unfolded at least a generation earlier than in the timeline before Yi Hyang’s intervention.

* * *

While the Back to the Classics movement unfolded in academia, the religious world descended into utter turmoil.

Since the ‘Great Schism’ in the 11th century, which cleaved Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, Western Catholicism had been subtly fracturing.

These fissures within Catholicism experienced a major upheaval during the ‘Avignon Papacy,’ culminating in the ‘Western Schism.’

Eventually, a resolution was barely achieved through the Council of Constance, which convened from 1414 to 1418. However, scarcely a generation elapsed before the cracks resurfaced.

However, it would be inaccurate to attribute the upheaval solely to Yi Hyang’s critique, disseminated through Angelo’s letter.

The situation was already precarious.

In 1431, Pope Eugene IV entered into a written agreement with the cardinals upon ascending to the papacy:

-Divide all church revenue equally with the cardinals.

-Consult with the cardinals on both spiritual and secular matters.

In essence, Eugene IV’s reign commenced as a form of oligarchy.

Eugene IV endeavored to diminish the influence of the Colonna family, which had produced the preceding Pope Martin V.

Naturally, the Colonna family, having amassed considerable achievements and territories with the support of the previous pope, resisted this erosion of their power.

However, the two opposing factions promptly reached a truce.

This was due to the emergence of a formidable adversary known as ‘the Council.’

* * *

More precisely, the ‘Ecumenical Council’ was a grand assembly where clergy and theologians convened to deliberate on matters pertaining to doctrine, rituals, and norms.

The previous Martin V convened the council to enact reforms within the church. However, shortly after, Martin V passed away, and the council, endorsed by Eugene IV, adopted an antagonistic stance towards the papal forces.

This stemmed from the council’s advocacy for ‘Conciliarism’ [the belief that a general council has supreme authority in the Church, superior to the Pope], while the papal side championed ‘Papal Supremacy’ [the doctrine that the Pope has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church].

Amidst this tension, Yi Hyang’s single statement ignited the powder keg.

‘The providence of God is infallible, but can we definitively assert that doctrine is infallible?’

This question ignited countless debates, sparked bloodshed, and forged alliances between junior and senior factions, conciliarists and papalists, progressives and conservatives, ultimately precipitating a major crisis.

Of course, Yi Hyang had anticipated this situation to some extent.

“From what I recall, the Reformation is still almost a century away, but it’s poised to erupt once it crosses a critical threshold. There must be a lot of dissatisfied people already. Religion and politics attract the most stubborn individuals. If things go according to plan, they’ll be too preoccupied with internal conflicts for a while. That will buy Joseon some time.”

He had formulated his own plans, but Yi Hyang also harbored a slight apprehension.

“Could this be a preemptive measure to avert a larger catastrophe, or will it backfire?”

However, Yi Hyang swiftly dismissed the thought.

“Que Sera Sera. (What will be, will be.) When you start a fire, you don’t dwell on the consequences. Are they going to travel all the way to Joseon to argue?”

With this rather irresponsible remark, Yi Hyang nonchalantly smeared Angelo’s letter.

* * *

However, these words sowed discord in a region that Yi Hyang had not foreseen at all.

That region was the Islamic world.

Yi Hyang’s words, disseminated through merchants trading with European merchants and politicians monitoring the movements of European countries, resonated with many imams [Islamic religious leaders] in Islam.

“Are we truly living our lives in accordance with the teachings of Muhammad and the Quran?”

As a consequence of this introspective movement, numerous sects emerged, augmenting the existing Sunni and Shia branches.

Inevitably, the Sunni and Shia, who constituted the ruling class at the time, moved to suppress these new movements.

Ultimately, countries within the Islamic sphere of influence also endured severe internal strife.

Some individuals seized unexpected opportunities amidst this turmoil, most notably the Eastern Roman Empire. The Ottoman Empire, which was on the cusp of conquering the empire, was stalled by internal conflicts, granting the Byzantines a reprieve to regroup.

* * *

Later, historians studying this period of history characterized Angelo’s letter as follows:

‘The fact that such a profound impact could be triggered by a few lines of text underscores the immense pent-up dissatisfaction among those living at the time.’

Even while composing this paper, the scholars gritted their teeth.

“Yi Hyang, that man should just stay in Joseon and amuse himself! Why did he have to meddle! Should this be confined to Korean history, or should it be incorporated into world history?”

“The person who transcribed it and dispatched it in a letter is even worse than the one who uttered it!”

“The most culpable is the one who didn’t redact that passage!”

Due to the limited proficiency of the interpreters, Yi Hyang personally censored most of these letters, but these edits were not officially documented. Consequently, historians unfairly blamed the innocent interpreters.

And, in connection with this, many European historians commented:

There have been several instances where events in the East have exerted a significant influence on the West.

Notable examples include the migration of the Huns, the extensive Mongol expeditions, and the Black Death.

However, considering the events precipitated by ‘Angelo’s letter,’ Yi Hyang, who held the position of First Prince of Joseon at the time, should be regarded as the most impactful. Through the actions of a single individual, Europe and the Islamic region were plunged into a period of immense chaos for nearly a generation.

Therefore, some radical historians assessed Yi Hyang as follows:

“The greatest villain ever.”

And when this statement was officially released, the Korean government responded in its customary manner.

“Do you want to die? Or die? Or just drop dead?”

* * *

While Yi Hyang was observing the unfolding situation abroad, a new situation was developing in an unexpected location.

Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.

“My lord, a man has arrived from Hanseong [Seoul].”

Choi Man-ri, who was immersed in studying the scriptures in his sarangbang [a scholar’s study], rose from his seat upon hearing the servant’s announcement and went outside.

As Choi Man-ri emerged, a man standing with a bundle on his back bowed deeply and greeted him.

“Greetings, my lord.”

“Yes, I don’t believe I’ve encountered you before. Who are you?”

“Yes. I come from Ilhyangdang in Bukchon [a traditional neighborhood in Seoul].”

Choi Man-ri’s face lit up with joy upon hearing the man’s words.

“That friend sent you? Is he doing well?”

“Yes, the master is working overtime every day, but he is safe and sound.”

“Yes, yes….”

Choi Man-ri, pleased by the news of his acquaintance’s well-being, proceeded to the matter at hand.

“So, what brings you here?”

At Choi Man-ri’s inquiry, the man untied the bundle he was carrying and produced a large package and a letter.

“I came because I was instructed to deliver these.”

“Really? Bring them here.”

The man respectfully placed the bundle and the letter on the floor of the sarangbang’s porch. Choi Man-ri, holding the letter in his hand, instructed the man.

“I will provide you with a room and a meal, so rest for the night and then depart.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

* * *

Choi Man-ri, returning to the sarangbang with the bundle and the letter, tore open the envelope of the letter.

“To Gangho Sanin (a recluse in the Jianghu [a wuxia term for the martial arts world])….”

Choi Man-ri began to read the letter, humming softly. However, as he progressed, Choi Man-ri’s voice diminished, and his expression grew serious.

-His Majesty has devised a unique script for our Joseon. Although it may seem unfamiliar initially, it is easy to learn and convenient to write, making its usefulness unparalleled.

Therefore, I am sending you a handwritten copy for your perusal.

Given your exceptional intellect, you will readily recognize its value without further elaboration from me. Please utilize it effectively and return to Hanseong.

Surely your age and literary talent are too precious to be squandered leisurely in the countryside?

The contents of the letter can be summarized as follows:

-The script created by the king is exceptional. Therefore, praise it, gain favor, and return.

“Huh~. Is he suggesting that I betray my principles? I misjudged him.”

Choi Man-ri, nervously setting down the letter, glared at the bundle. He felt an urge to instruct his servant to incinerate it in the furnace immediately. However, his curiosity was piqued. And, despite having retired to the countryside, he still harbored ambition.

“Well, let’s assess the quality of his creation.”

Choi Man-ri untied the bundle and placed the books on the desk.

* * *

1 sh辰 [approximately 2 hours] later.

“What a truly terrifying script!”

Choi Man-ri gazed at the books with eyes filled with fear, surpassing mere surprise.

Around the desk and its vicinity, papers adorned with sentences written in Hunminjeongeum [the original name of the Korean alphabet] were scattered.

He had mastered reading and writing in less than half a sh辰 [approximately 1 hour] after opening the first book, and he was able to construct sentences at will before an hour had elapsed.

Therefore, Choi Man-ri was not only astonished but also deeply alarmed.

“Although I was stationed in the Jiphyeonjeon (Hall of Worthies) [a royal research institute] rather than the Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall) [the main hall of Gyeongbok Palace], I am not oblivious to the happenings within the palace. However, I have not received any information regarding the development of such a script. That implies….”

Choi Man-ri, retracing his memories, lamented.

“Indeed! His Majesty and the Crown Prince orchestrated everything!”

He recalled that the Crown Prince had been acquiring books on phonology and books from foreign countries through envoys.

He and the scholars of the Jiphyeonjeon and other officials dismissed them as useless 잡서 (miscellaneous books) and simply disregarded them, but it was evident that His Majesty was involved in this endeavor.

“That suggests that it can be viewed as an initiative that commenced concurrently with the Gyeongjang (political reform) [a series of reforms]. Although it is said that it took nearly 10 years to create, are you suggesting that one person, no, two people, crafted a script with this level of perfection?”

Choi Man-ri shook his head after contemplating his conclusion.

“Are those two even human?”

However, there was a factor that Choi Man-ri did not anticipate, namely that Yi Hyang was a reincarnator.

In the timeline preceding Yi Hyang’s intervention, the Hunminjeongeum created by Sejong was an exceptional script from its inception, but it was still in a nascent state. It underwent refinement over time and eventually evolved into the Korean alphabet of the 21st century.

However, the Hunminjeongeum, transformed by Yi Hyang’s intervention, had attained a remarkable level of perfection.

Choi Man-ri, scrutinizing the papers with terrified eyes, soon bit his lip.

“I must stop it! This must not be used!”