Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 476

476. Regency (1)

It was May of the 24th year of Sejong’s reign (1442, Year of Imsul).

Sejong summoned all ministers of the rank of minister and vice-minister.

Sejong silently gazed at the faces of the ministers and vice-ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon [the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, used for important state functions], his face filled with a myriad of emotions.

“Looking at you all here today, I see many of your positions have changed.”

“That is indeed the case, Your Majesty.”

Hwang Hee, as the representative, answered Sejong’s words, and all the others bowed their heads.

However, similar thoughts crossed the minds of many.

‘Changed quite a bit, indeed.’

As Sejong had said, many had left their positions, and new individuals had filled their vacancies.

Notably, Heo Jo had retired due to old age, and Kim Jong-seo had filled his place.

And the position of Minister of Justice was filled by Hwangbo In.

In addition to them, many others were replaced. As people’s positions changed in this way, the prominent figures who had lived through the tumultuous period from the end of Goryeo to the early Joseon Dynasty disappeared into the annals of history.

And new figures like Kim Jong-seo and Hwangbo In began to step forward to the forefront of history.

As they pondered Sejong’s words, they simultaneously came to the same conclusion.

‘But why all of a sudden?’

The moment they entertained that question, the ministers and vice-ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon all arrived at one conclusion.

‘Either abdication or regency!’

And their thoughts hit the mark.

“This year marks the 25th year since I became the king of this nation. It has been a truly long and arduous time. Due to my inadequacy, there have been many unfortunate events, but with the help of many loyal subjects, we were able to overcome the crises. Through many policies, including reforms, this Joseon has become prosperous and stable in its operation. Therefore, I intend to have the Crown Prince take over the regency.”

“A regency is too early when Your Majesty is still in good health.”

“The Prime Minister’s words are absolutely correct! It is still too early!”

Starting with Hwang Hee, the ministers rushed to express their opposition, but Sejong did not back down.

“The Crown Prince is already twenty-six years old, and he has accumulated considerable experience while running the research institute [likely referring to the Jiphyeonjeon, a royal research institute] and Area 51. So, it is rather late. And, in order to smoothly pioneer Shinji, I believe it is best for me to go there and lead the way, so I have been thinking about the regency.”

Hwang Hee stepped forward to oppose Sejong’s claim.

“However, Shinji is only just beginning to establish a foothold.”

“I am not going right away. It will take at least two years to organize the progress made so far and properly plan for the future. So, during that time, I will have the Crown Prince act as regent, and I will devote myself to the affairs of Shinji.”

“However….”

“Enough.”

As Hwang Hee tried to object again, Sejong raised his hand to stop Hwang Hee’s words.

“I did not ask for your opinions. I am informing you. As I said earlier, the Crown Prince is already grown up and has no shortage of ability to handle state affairs. Rather, I think it would be a missed opportunity if we do not proceed.”

At Sejong’s firm answer, Hwang Hee bowed his head.

“I obey Your Majesty’s decree.”

“Then prepare accordingly.”

“I shall follow your command.”

* * *

After the morning assembly, all the ministers flocked to the conference room attached to the Prime Minister’s office.

“Shouldn’t we oppose it to the end?”

At Kim Jong-seo’s question, who was among the youngest, the other ministers nodded.

“That is right.”

“There is a high probability that His Majesty has other intentions!”

Many ministers were convinced that Sejong’s declaration of regency was a trap.

This was because they had already experienced bloodshed during the abdication turmoil at the end of Taejong’s reign. At that time, the family of Queen Wongyeong, the Min clan, had been devastated by this abdication turmoil.

Looking at the ministers who were convinced that this was Sejong’s ‘trap card,’ Hwang Hee shook his head.

“It will not be a trap.”

“Are you sure?”

“Because the situation is forcing the regency, as His Majesty said. Who else but His Majesty is capable of leading the pioneering of Shinji without any problems?”

At Hwang Hee’s question, the ministers fell silent.

“That is true, but….”

“Since His Majesty is still healthy, it is indeed the right time. Pioneering uncharted territory is a matter of considerable mental exertion. The later it gets, the more difficult it will be for His Majesty.”

Sejong was currently 45 years old. He was in his prime. In addition, his health was quite good thanks to Hyang’s ‘Healthy Pig Making Project.’ Moreover, as Hwang Hee’s experience showed, the process of digesting uncharted territory was a matter of considerable stress. It was certain that doing such a mentally demanding job in a situation where physical abilities were declining would be even worse for Sejong.

“That is true, but….”

As the ministers continued to be uneasy despite Hwang Hee’s words, Hwang Hee wrapped up the situation.

“We will know whether this is His Majesty’s trap or not by looking at the Crown Prince’s actions. To be precise, His Majesty’s response to the Crown Prince’s actions.”

“That would be the best.”

The ministers, who had been nodding at Hwang Hee’s words, began to rise from their seats one by one.

“Then we must move in advance. We must reorganize the data related to Shinji and look into those who will go to Shinji with His Majesty in advance. If we pick them at the last minute, we will have to hear that tongue-lashing.”

“You have thought well. And the Minister of General Affairs, please remain for a moment.”

At Hwang Hee’s designation, Kim Jong-seo, who was trying to leave with the others, remained in his seat with a gloomy look.

After everyone else had left, Hwang Hee glared at Kim Jong-seo.

“Is the work manageable?”

“Yes? It is manageable enough.”

“So, the saying ‘The guys in the General Affairs Department are having it easy’ has reached my ears?”

“That is slander!”

“Do it properly. If the Crown Prince takes over the regency, the work will be twice as difficult. Because the Crown Prince, as well as His Majesty, will examine everything more thoroughly. If you get caught then, you will be the one in trouble.”

“I am working hard!”

“You are working so hard that your name is popping up in every gisaeng [Korean courtesan] house in Hanseong?”

“That is after work….”

“Is the work in the General Affairs Department so easy that you can leave on time?”

“….”

Kim Jong-seo closed his mouth with a look of injustice.

* * *

Thanks to being under Hwang Hee, Kim Jong-seo was evaluated as having the best work processing speed in Joseon. Kim Jong-seo, who originally had excellent abilities, had become the best thanks to Hwang Hee’s training.

Heo Jo, the former minister, was also a formidable figure, but Kim Jong-seo was one step ahead of him.

The problem was Kim Jong-seo’s unchanging ‘love for Hanseong.’ To be precise, it was his ‘love for the gisaeng houses of Hanseong,’ though.

Because of this, Hwang Hee had even lamented about Kim Jong-seo like this.

“I can’t understand why a guy who doesn’t even go to the gisaeng houses in the three major pleasure districts is so fixated on Hanseong!”

* * *

“Do it properly. If I don’t like it, I will step in and smash you first.”

“Lord! I am almost sixty years old now!”

“Hey! I will be ninety soon! How dare a guy whose head is not even dry yet!”

Kim Jong-seo, who boasted about his age in front of Hwang Hee, who was recorded as the longest-serving Prime Minister in Joseon history, was properly scolded.

* * *

Sejong’s regency remarks were quickly conveyed to Hyang. Hyang, who heard the story, muttered with a troubled face.

“Should I perform Seokgo Daejoe [a formal act of contrition involving kneeling on a straw mat to await punishment]….”

‘Considering Father’s personality and the current situation, it seems like a real regency, so there’s probably no need to perform Seokgo Daejoe…. But if I don’t, I’ll probably get cursed out again…. Called an impudent and shameless traitor who covets his father’s position….’

After calculating this and that, Hyang sighed deeply and got up from his seat.

“Anyway, politics is…. Eunuch! Prepare a mat! Preferably a thick and fluffy one!”

* * *

With the eunuch carrying the mat, Hyang headed to Geunjeongjeon. The mat was laid out in the courtyard of Geunjeongjeon, and Hyang took off the gonryongpo [king’s robe] and samo [official hat] he was wearing and handed them to the eunuch.

As Hyang was about to kneel on the mat after finishing the preparations, a courtier came running out of Geunjeongjeon and approached Hyang.

“His Majesty has ordered me to convey this. ‘Stop doing such nonsense and come in right now! If you keep doing that, I will abdicate immediately!'”

At the courtier’s message, Hyang sighed and looked back at the eunuch belonging to Donggungjeon (Crown Prince’s residence).

“I need to get dressed again.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

* * *

After straightening his attire again, Hyang entered Geunjeongjeon.

Sejong, who was sitting on the throne and looking over documents, grumbled as he looked at Hyang.

“Why is a guy with a good head doing useless things?”

“….”

‘Shouldn’t I be cautious, even with a stone bridge?’

As if seeing through Hyang’s thoughts, Sejong chuckled and continued.

“Why? Because I told you to tap on a stone bridge before crossing it, so you’re trying to do just that? You idiot! Do you have to taste it to know if it’s poop or soybean paste?”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang sighed deeply.

“Hoo~.”

And the historians and scribes were sweating and agonizing.

‘How should I write this to maintain dignity?’

‘I can never show this historical record!’

“Come and sit down. Chief Eunuch, bring a chair for the Crown Prince.”

“Yes.”

As Hyang sat down on the chair brought by the eunuch, Sejong got to the point.

“I don’t know how much you’ve heard, but the current situation requires a regency.”

“That is true, but it is too sudden, so not only I but also the ministers cannot hide their bewilderment.”

“Would anything change if I had said it in advance?”

“….”

“Of course, my heart is set on abdicating right now, but if I did that, it is certain that you would cause a ruckus, so I am starting with the regency.”

“But, Your Majesty is still healthy, so it is not appropriate for me to step forward….”

“I told you to stop talking nonsense. You are old enough to handle state affairs now. So, prepare immediately. Organize what needs to be organized quickly.”

“Yes….”

Sejong, who was looking at Hyang with a face still full of dissatisfaction, opened his mouth.

“Crown Prince. How old is the Royal Grandson now?”

“He is nine years old now.”

* * *

In the meantime, while doing various 덕질 (duk-jil, engaging in fandom activities), Hyang diligently had children. He had 6 sons and 3 daughters through the Crown Princess, Yangwon, and Yangje.

As if they had planned it, three were born at the same time, and the genders were such that if the Crown Princess gave birth to a son, the others would also give birth to sons.

In this situation, Hyang patted his back and self-assessed.

“It was worth the effort to work so hard…. Three matching perfectly…. Did I have this talent?”

And the evaluations of the children born in that way were very good.

‘Very outstanding, resembling his grandfather and father.’

‘Inferior to his father, the Crown Prince, but very outstanding compared to children of the same age.’

In addition, one more thing to add was that the ministers who were skilled in naming took the initiative to name all the children except for Wan, Du, and Seul. And the reason was because of Hyang.

‘I can’t name them Po, Pa, and Sik!’

Finally, Hyang, recalling the first birthday parties of Wan, Du, and Seul, carefully examined the children for a while and then came to a conclusion.

“It seems like there is no one like me in the second round?”

* * *

“I will make a proposal to you.”

Sejong, who asked Hyang about the age of the Royal Grandson, made a proposal to Hyang.

“I will be in Shinji for 15 years, including the preparation period. And when that time comes, the Royal Grandson will be 24 years old, so abdicate and you go to Shinji. If you want to create Area 52 there, I will allow it. What do you think?”

“Why 15 years?”

“When that time comes, I will be sixty years old, so I have to come back and have a sixtieth birthday party, right?”

“If you make it 10 years….”

“Is establishing a base in Shinji something that can be done in 7 or 8 years? It will take at least 10 years.”

Hyang, who was calculating for a moment at Sejong’s words, immediately bowed his head.

“I gladly obey your command!”