Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 547

547. All-Out War (5)

In the end, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance received the same assignment from Hyang as the Fantastic Four had.

“First, create and submit an implementation plan for providing work to the merchants. The deadline is ten days. And I will give you fifteen days for measures regarding the pointed-out problem.”

At Hyang’s command, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance bowed their heads and replied.

“Yes, we will plan and submit the implementation plan within the given deadline. The same goes for the measures.”

“I trust you.”

“We will do our best.”

After giving orders to Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance, Hyang turned to Hwang Hee.

“Would it be better to postpone the marriage of the Crown Prince and the princes?”

The Wandu Seul brothers were already sixteen years old. Because of Hyang’s precedent, there had been no talk until now, but if it was delayed any further, there was plenty of room for problems.

Hwang Hee also looked troubled at Hyang’s question.

“It is a bit difficult. What we have discussed so far are just predictions…”

Hyang and Hwang Hee both looked troubled, and the other officials were the same.

The marriage of the Wandu Seul brothers, especially the Crown Prince Wan, was a national event. Already, various stories about Wan’s marriage were circulating among the people. The reason why the people were paying attention was not only because Wan’s marriage was to secure the successor to Sejong and Hyang, but also because of the discount event at the monopoly [state-controlled business], which was certain to take place at the same time.

The problem was the current situation.

They were anticipating problems in Liaodong and discussing countermeasures, but it was just anticipation.

If they postponed the marriage for this reason and nothing happened, bad rumors would certainly circulate, and there was a considerable possibility of diplomatic disputes with Ming. Conversely, even if they pushed ahead with the wedding and something happened, there would be talk.

Also, postponing the wedding without any explanation would lead to bad rumors—for example, that the Crown Prince was too weak to even have a wedding, or that he suffered from madness.

For these reasons, while Hyang and the officials were deliberating, Kim Jeom came to a conclusion.

“It would be better to proceed first. If the feared event occurs, stopping it for that reason will prevent rumors from spreading.”

“Hmm…”

The officials, who had been calculating the pros and cons of Kim Jeom’s words, soon nodded.

“That seems to be the best way.”

“That’s right.”

At the officials’ response, Hyang nodded and asked another question.

“Good. Let’s follow your opinions on that matter. Would it be better to proceed with the Crown Prince and the princes’ weddings at the same time?”

Kim Jeom stepped forward once again at Hyang’s question.

“It is not in accordance with etiquette to hold the Crown Prince’s and princes’ weddings at the same time. I believe it is appropriate to hold the Crown Prince’s wedding first and then proceed with the princes’ weddings over time.”

“Then let’s do that.”

“Shall we establish a Royal Wedding Office and issue a marriage ban [prohibiting commoners from marrying during the royal wedding preparations]?”

Hyang shook his head at Hwang Hee’s question.

“No. There is nothing more harmful to the people than a marriage ban. First, just spread the word to the famous matchmakers across the country.”

“I will do so. Then, do you have any criteria for who you think would be suitable as the Crown Prince’s spouse?”

At Hwang Hee’s words, Hyang smiled slightly and replied.

“When I asked him once before, he gave the same answer as I did in the past.”

“Ah…”

At Hyang’s answer, the officials simultaneously made absurd expressions.

It was because they remembered the answer Hyang had given when Sejong had asked him in the past.

‘The maiden with the kindest heart among the most beautiful women, the maiden with the most beautiful appearance among the women with the kindest heart.’

And Sejong had kicked Hyang out after hearing those words.

* * *

After the meeting held in Seungwha Hall, Hyang quietly called the Commander of the Royal Guards.

The former Commander of the Royal Guards had left for Shinji following Sejong, and the new Commander of the Royal Guards was the one whom the former Commander had marked and trained as his successor. Thanks to this, he was showing excellent skills not only in martial arts but also in intelligence.

He also had good control, and the Royal Guards, as well as the Secret Guards, obeyed his orders without fail. Of course, it was a bonus that many of the Secret Guards had challenged him and been beaten to a pulp.

After the leader of the Secret Guards was decided in this way, the Secret Guards all muttered like this.

“The previous elder only hit where it hurt, but this guy makes even the places that don’t hurt, hurt…”

The Commander of the Royal Guards, who had been called by Hyang, entered Seungwha Hall, paid his respects to Hyang, and sat down.

“Did you call me?”

“I called you because I have something to order the Secret Guards to do.”

“Please give your command.”

“Tell them to find maidens who would be suitable for Wan. The criteria are the same as those set by Father.”

At Hyang’s words, the Commander of the Royal Guards grinned and replied.

“I will deliver it immediately.”

“I’m counting on you.”

The Commander of the Royal Guards, who came out of Seungwha Hall, smiled and muttered.

“Those rookies are going to have a hard time again.”

As the Commander of the Royal Guards said, before long, the rookies had to suffer a lot not only in Hanyang [the capital of Joseon] but also in the towns across the country.

* * *

Meanwhile, the Fantastic Four were racking their brains to solve the homework Hyang had given them.

The reason they were worried was simple yet difficult.

-We must create a policy that is both innovative and reliable!

They also knew very well that the reason Hyang was pushing them so hard was not just because of his bad temper.

They knew very well that if Kim Jong-seo and Hwangbo-in were the ones who would lead the next administration, then they had been chosen for the administration after that.

However, that was a story for the distant future. Especially in the current situation, where Hwang Hee and other officials were still active despite their old age.

Then, the possibility of powerful competitors emerging to threaten them during that time was very high.

And, after hearing the story that the same homework had been given to Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance, the Fantastic Four were even more anxious.

The court was full of their competitors, and the Ministry of Finance was especially a place where many talented people gathered.

“If you want to be called ‘Excellency,’ you have to get a firm stamp of approval now! In order to get a firm stamp of approval, you have to come up with an innovative and creative answer that pleases His Highness!”

Thus, they decided to stay up all night, holding discussions and working hard to create a plan.

* * *

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was preparing for a mission to Beijing, a Ming envoy arrived in Jemulpo [modern-day Incheon].

According to custom, Hyang greeted the Ming envoy at Mohwa Hall.

After exchanging greetings according to etiquette, the Ming envoy subtly brought up the topic.

“Is the King of Joseon well?”

“Yes, he is well.”

“Is he still touring the countryside?”

“Yes. There are so many people who need edification that he is putting in a lot of effort.”

“I see.”

* * *

Two days later, in the front yard of Geunjeong Hall, the Ming envoy read aloud the decree of the Xuande Emperor.

“The King of Joseon, listen!”

The contents of the decree were as follows.

– The Crown Prince is not qualified, so the Crown Prince will be replaced.

– Zhu Qizhen, who has been removed from the position of Crown Prince, is given the title of Prince Dong and ordered to establish a royal residence. Now, a royal residence will be opened in Liaodong.

-Joseon and Liaodong are immediate neighbors, so the King of Joseon should strive for cordial relations with Prince Dong.

“I obey the imperial order. Long live, long live, long, long live!”

According to etiquette, Hyang shouted “Long live” three times. The Ming envoy respectfully handed the decree to Hyang.

* * *

As soon as the Ming envoy returned, Hyang summoned the officials to Seungwha Hall.

“What do you think?”

Hwang Hee immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“It is certain that the Emperor does not like our Joseon. He speaks of cordial relations, but he is stirring up strife.”

Following Hwang Hee’s words, Heo Hu continued.

“That’s right. It is one thing to establish a royal residence, but there has never been a case where troops, even tens of thousands, were stationed in the royal residence.”

* * *

After the founding of Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang [the Hongwu Emperor], worried about the rebellion of meritorious subjects, purged them on a large scale and dispatched his sons to defend the border.

However, the Yongle Emperor, who became emperor through rebellion, placed many restrictions on the royal residence to prevent the emergence of someone like himself.

All princes except the Crown Prince resided in the provinces and could not leave them. They did not have any power, including military power, and were forbidden to interact with the local officials. In addition, they were forbidden to engage in other occupations, including commerce, to prevent them from having more wealth than necessary.

The veteran officials of the court, who had seen all these changes in real time, were convinced that this was Xuande Emperor’s scheme.

* * *

Heo Hu continued to speak.

“To entrust a large army to someone who was properly the Crown Prince and then kicked out? No one with a sane mind would ever do that. There must have been a secret agreement related to our Joseon.”

“What do you expect?”

Hwang Hee stepped forward and answered Hyang’s question.

“If I were the Emperor, I would have said this: If you get Joseon, I will allow you to be an emperor internally while remaining a vassal externally.”

All the other officials nodded at Hwang Hee’s words.

At the reaction of Hwang Hee and the officials, Hyang continued to ask questions.

“Did the Emperor think that plan would succeed? Isn’t he taking our Joseon too lightly?”

Kim Jeom stepped forward at Hyang’s point.

“He must have thought that the success or failure was not important if he could reduce the power of our Joseon.”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s answer.

“I see… The Jasan sisters [spies] didn’t just happen for no reason…”

After pausing for a moment, Hyang soon gave an order.

“Given Zhu Qizhen’s personality as we know it, he is likely to start something as soon as he is ready. Let’s proceed as previously decided. And, I will report to Shinji immediately.”

“I obey your command.”

* * *

Before the promised fifteen days had passed, or rather, exactly ten days after receiving the homework, Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance submitted a plan to Hyang.

“This is a plan regarding the use of merchants to carry out rapid supply, and this is a plan regarding the problem that Your Highness pointed out.”

“You have worked hard.”

“You flatter us.”

Hyang, who had received the plans, soon began to examine the contents.

Hyang focused his attention on the answer to the homework Hyang had given.

Hyang, who examined the list of those who had written the plan, looked at Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance with shining eyes.

“Did you two do it yourselves?”

“Yes. I didn’t like what the young friends wrote.”

“I see. Hmm…”

Hyang, who carefully examined the contents, soon called a eunuch and gave an order.

“Tell the Fantastic Four to come immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, when the Fantastic Four arrived, Hyang turned to Kim Jeom and the Minister of Finance.

“I know you are busy, but I would like to ask you to explain it to these young friends.”

“Yes.”

Kim Jeom, who cleared his throat for a moment, soon began to explain.

“To put it bluntly, there is no trick to solve the problem that Your Highness pointed out. Only the basics are the answer. And, the basics mean further growing Joseon’s economy. If the people can earn wealth without relying on war, they will not want war.”

“I agree.”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s answer.

‘This is why militaristic countries have failed. The economy cannot function without the military and war. Conversely, this is why the United States is the United States. No matter how big the US defense industry is, it is just a small shop compared to Walmart, right?’