Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 465

465. Liaodong (1)

While the seeds of a Wu-Yue alliance were sprouting in the West, Joseon continued in a state of apparent peace, though never truly finding it.

As Joseon’s influence expanded and its markets grew, the number of related lawsuits overwhelmed administrative bodies and courts across the nation, with several cases arriving daily from all directions.

Many could be resolved based on the *Joseon Gyeongguk* [Joseon’s administrative code] and *Sokyuk* [supplements to the administrative code], which had been rewritten in Hunminjeongeum [the Korean alphabet] and firmly established. However, lawsuits that were ambiguous under existing laws began to increase.

“How should we resolve this…?”

“According to my personal feelings, I would like to do this, but considering morality, a different decision would be reached…”

To create laws that the parties involved in the lawsuits and those who would be subject to these laws in the future would agree with, the judges and researchers of the Ministry of Justice, as well as Sejong and Hyang, had to engage in discussions late into the night.

“This humble servant still has much to do in the research institute and Area 51…”

As Hyang tried to back away while mentioning Area 51 and the research institute, Sejong said just one word.

“Abdication.”

With that one word, Hyang had no choice but to slump back into his seat.

* * *

Finishing his additional work late into the night and returning to Donggungjeon [the Crown Prince’s residence], Hyang continued to grumble.

“Seriously, where did you learn to threaten people like that? I…”

Suddenly stopping, Hyang glanced at the eunuch following him and grumbled inwardly.

‘Ugh! The Sejong I know wasn’t like this! Not in the Veritable Records [historical annals of the Joseon Dynasty]! Not in the dramas either!’

However, Hyang had already forgotten that the reason Jo Malsaeng, Hwang Hee, and other ministers had given up submitting their resignations and continued to work was because of Sejong’s subtle pressure.

* * *

Hyang’s complaints continued.

‘And where did you learn about work-life balance?’

Recently, a strange rumor had been circulating among the eunuchs.

-His Majesty is examining what delicacies exist throughout Joseon!

-He’s not just examining them, but he’s comparing them with the railroads across Joseon and organizing something!

Hearing the eunuchs’ rumors, Hyang visited Sejong out of curiosity.

“I heard you’ve been investigating something separately these days.”

“Ah? That?”

At Hyang’s question, Sejong took out a thick book and handed it to Hyang as if it were nothing.

“It’s only about half finished, but it’s a rough compilation.”

Receiving the book from Sejong, Hyang immediately opened it and examined the contents.

“Huh? What’s this?”

The book in question was divided into several chapters. And the criteria for dividing these chapters were the railroad lines.

‘Yeongnam Line, Honam Line, Gongchung Line, Gangwon Line…. Huh?’

The next part of the book, divided in that way, recorded famous delicacies around the stations where each line stopped.

“This is…”

“Do you remember what you said to me a while ago? How about touring all over Joseon and tasting the delicacies of famous *gibangs* [traditional Korean restaurants with female entertainers] and restaurants once the road construction is finished? Now that the road and railroad construction are complete, wouldn’t it be good to try it out? Since I need to take a break and reorganize myself before going to the New Land anyway, I’m thinking of using that time to tour around. This is not only for me but also necessary for your mother. Hasn’t she suffered a lot since entering the Junggungjeon [Queen’s residence]?”

“Yes.”

When Sejong mentioned Queen Soheon, Hyang could no longer raise any objections.

As Sejong said, Queen Soheon had experienced a great ordeal when her family was ruined as Sejong ascended the throne. After that, when a fire broke out in Hanseong [old name for Seoul], she took command in place of Sejong while pregnant. If that wasn’t enough, when the Beomgwol incident occurred due to Yangnyeong, she took up a bow and arrows and rushed to the battlefield to protect Sejong.

Thanks to that, Hyang had to create exercise methods and equipment for both Sejong and Queen Soheon.

Sejong also felt sorry for Queen Soheon all along.

Sejong continued to speak to Hyang.

“This year is Sinyu (1441, the 23rd year of Sejong’s reign), so it’s been 24 years since I ascended the throne. I think it’s okay to take a short break and enjoy some leisure before going to the New Land.”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang had no choice but to bow his head.

* * *

As it was revealed that the unclaimed land discovered by Maeng Jin-ho was not just a large island but a continent, the Joseon court exchanged opinions to determine its name.

Various opinions were put forward, but the final conclusion was New Land.

-Since it is a new land that no one has ever known, there is nothing more fitting than New Land.

Sejong’s decision was agreed upon by all the ministers and Hyang. It was too large a land to attach the word ‘island’ or ‘province’.

And, as already planned, it was concluded that Sejong would go to manage this New Land. Because Sejong was the only one suitable to suppress treason and whenever various interests conflicted.

“Fortunately, the Gyeongjang [reforms] has been completed, and the major framework of state affairs has been completed, and the Crown Prince has already grown up, so I am relieved.”

“That’s right. It’s truly fortunate.”

While nodding their heads in agreement, the ministers were conducting fierce behind-the-scenes maneuvers.

‘I must never follow him to the New Land!’

‘Start all over again at this age? I’d rather drink poison!’

The ministers were fiercely working behind the scenes to avoid following Sejong.

* * *

Since Sejong had to go through another ordeal, it was understandable that he was taking some rest.

That’s why Hyang didn’t say anything.

Silently examining the contents of the book, Hyang stared at Sejong.

“But it’s all pork and beef?”

“If you look closely, there’s horse meat and lamb too. Ah! There’s also wild boar and bear meat.”

“Fish…”

“I don’t like fish because it’s fishy.”

“There’s no poultry either?”

“Chicken is only suitable for snacks. It’s not a proper meal, is it?”

“There are many vegetable dishes that are famous delicacies too?”

“Am I a monk?”

“Hoo~.”

At Sejong’s answer, Hyang sighed deeply.

‘Even though he’s a meat maniac….’

The foods written in the book were only made from four-legged animals.

‘Even though he has a diet of meat, by meat, for meat….’

Checking the contents of the book again, Hyang grabbed the book and stood up.

“I will supplement it and complete it.”

“You rascal!”

“It’s all for your Majesty’s health. If you eat like this, you’ll get….”

“You rascal! How old do you think I am!”

“Rumors are circulating that you’ve been looking at the palace women with unusual eyes?”

“….”

Sejong, properly hit by Hyang’s words, closed his mouth. Watching Sejong, Hyang put the finishing touch.

“I will refine this book and present it properly.”

“Damn….”

Leaving Gangnyeongjeon [Sejong’s residence], Hyang muttered while looking at the book.

“If this book is completed, is it abdication….”

Hyang was gradually realizing that the time for him to become king was approaching.

Briefly immersed in emotion, Hyang soon came to his senses.

“Eish! Abdication is abdication, and this is this! If we move like this, it will become a ‘Super Short-Term High Obesity Achievement Guide’! I have to make it properly!”

Thus, the ‘Food Map – Delicacies Directly Evaluated by the Emperor,’ boasting history and tradition, was born.

* * *

While Joseon was moving forward, experiencing such large and small events, there were also those who were still stuck in the past.

Jiamusi Fortress near Mudan River.

As Hwaryeong [Sejong’s birthplace], the origin of the Joseon Dynasty, and its surrounding areas were restored to Joseon, it was nominally a fortress located at the northernmost end of the Joseon border.

Originally, it was the residence of the Udige tribe, but as most of the Udige tribe submitted, this area was defended by the Joseon army.

In addition, this fortress was to obscure Joseon’s westward advance, which had advanced northwards around Dongbing Port.

Therefore, it nominally became one of the northernmost fortresses on the Joseon border.

And this Jiamusi Fortress was facing a crisis.

Ting, ting, ting, ting!

The loud ringing of the emergency bell startled the farmers working in the fields near the fortress.

“What’s going on?”

“What’s the matter?”

Surprised by the sudden ringing, the farmers looked at the watchtower towering in the center of the fortress.

One of the farmers, watching the signal communication device flashing while continuously ringing the bell, deciphered the signal.

“Jurchen… invasion….”

“Jurchen?”

As soon as the word ‘Jurchen’ came out, the farmers quickly moved to the village.

“Move quickly!”

“Hurry, take care of your family and go into the fortress!”

“Move quickly!”

While the farmers working in the fields were moving so busily, there was also a commotion in the village.

“Move quickly!”

“We have to pack the grain….”

“If you pack the grain, you’ll end up eating sacrificial food! Move quickly!”

Urged by the soldiers guarding the entrance of the village, those who remained in the village packed the minimum amount of luggage, took their other family members, and moved to the fortress.

* * *

The evacuation of the residents was carried out quickly. Because it was a border area, the residents were always prepared, and they regularly conducted evacuation drills.

Of course, there were objections every time these drills were held.

“Ah, seriously! I have so much to do, what is this!”

“It’s a royal order!”

Those who grumbled like that had to move without saying a word at the single phrase ‘It’s a royal order!’ from the soldiers and military officers.

Because disobeying a royal order was immediately considered treason in that era.

Meanwhile, it was Hyang who thought of these drills.

“Civil defense training in this era….”

While grumbling like that, Hyang made a plan and reported it to Sejong, and the ministers and Sejong, who reviewed it, immediately decided to implement it.

“As the saying goes, ‘Preparedness prevents misfortune,’ this is truly an appropriate measure!”

* * *

While the residents of nearby villages who heard the bell were rushing to the fortress to take refuge, there was also a commotion inside the fortress.

“Jurchens?”

Kwon-gwan [military official] Oh Bang-seop, who was looking at documents in the office, jumped out and checked the situation.

Cho-gwan [lower-ranking military official] Kang Seong-won answered Oh Bang-seop’s question immediately.

“That’s right!”

“How many?”

“About 300!”

“How far?”

“According to observations from the watchtower, they just passed a place 5 *li* [approximately 2.5 kilometers] north!”

Tying his helmet strap in a hurry while receiving the Cho-gwan’s report, Oh Bang-seop asked a question with a hopeful tone.

“They’re just passing by, right?”

“They’re heading straight here!”

“Damn it!”

Oh Bang-seop, who swore and climbed onto the ramparts, put a telescope to his eyes and cursed as he looked at the Jurchens rushing in, raising dust in the distance.

“What the hell is wrong with them, still raiding, still raiding! Prepare for battle!”

“Yes, prepare for battle!”

At Oh Bang-seop’s command, the Cho-gwans and soldiers moved busily.

The soldiers with long rifles began to climb the ramparts and load their guns, and the artillery soldiers removed the coverings from the cannons and Eulshik Hwachas [Korean multiple rocket launcher] and prepared to fire.

“Bring the Bigyeokjincheon雷 [large explosive arrow launcher]!”

“Bring the ammunition boxes to use for the Hwacha!”

Although it was a chaotic situation, Oh Bang-seop, who was looking at the soldiers preparing to fight properly with a pleased face, looked alternately at the villagers running towards the wide-open gate of the fortress and the Jurchens running in the distance, and his expression became serious.

“This is cutting it close?”