Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 68

Jjangra

Hello, Bomb!

Chapter 68: The People (1)

In the 7th year of Sejong (1425, Year of Eulsa), the civil service examination was held. As it was not a year ending in *sinyeon* (丑, 卯, 午, 酉) [years associated with specific zodiac animals in the Chinese sexagenary cycle], it was a special examination only for literary and military officials.

Unlike the historical records, this examination was different in many ways, and the reason was simple.

“We lack officials! (Not enough people to work!)”

With the creation of new positions and systems in both the literary and military ranks, a large amount of manpower was needed.

Therefore, Sejong issued a royal decree to the governors in charge of the preliminary examinations.

– In the case of the literary preliminary examination, do not conduct the *Jinsagwa* (進士科) examination [examination for selecting scholars for high government positions], but only conduct the *Saengwongwa* (生員科) examination [lower-level civil service exam focusing on classical knowledge].

– Increase the number of successful candidates by 50% of the combined number of successful candidates from the existing *Jinsasi* and *Saengwonsi* examinations.

“Hmm?”

The governors, who received the royal decree containing the order, tilted their heads but conducted the *Saengwonsi* examination according to the order and selected the successful candidates. Once the selection was completed, records containing the personal information of the preliminary examination *hapgyeokja* (合格者) [successful candidates] were sent to the capital.

“I have passed the examination!”

“Oh! This is the glory of our family! We must hold a feast!”

Due to the expanded number of successful candidates, feasts celebrating the passing of the examination were held in most counties across the country. Joseon’s local administrative organization had a total of 162 counties, and the number of successful candidates produced through the *Hyangsi* (鄕試) [local preliminary examination] was 140. As a result, on average, about 50 counties did not produce any successful candidates.

But this time, 220 successful candidates were produced. As a result, there were only 11 counties throughout the eight provinces of Joseon that did not produce any successful candidates. The *Hyangso* (鄕所) [local schools or academies] of those counties were turned upside down.

‘How did they educate their children!’

“Disgrace, disgrace, how could there be such a disgrace in the world!”

* * *

As March arrived, the preliminary examination *hapgyeokja* came to Hanyang [old name for Seoul] to take the *Boksi* (覆試) [final civil service examination].

Scholars and commoners, carrying rice and bolts of cloth, either accompanied by servants or carrying their own luggage, flocked to Hanyang to find places to stay.

Those who did not have relatives in Hanyang requested lodging from seemingly decent houses or unpacked their luggage at temporary accommodations set up by officials.

Meanwhile, those who had successful relatives in Hanyang sought them out to solve their lodging problems.

“Has Uncle not *toecheong* (퇴청) [left work] yet?”

“He’s been late every day recently.”

“I see.”

In a neat Hanok [traditional Korean house] in Bukchon [traditional residential neighborhood in Seoul], a representative residential area for the *Yangban* [ruling class or nobles] north of Jonggak [bell pavilion], a young man from the countryside was talking to an elderly woman. As the conversation continued with thoughts about the past examination and various personal matters, a servant informed the woman.

“Master has *toecheong*!”

“I understand.”

At the news that the head of the household had *toecheong*, the woman and the young man quickly got up from their seats.

That day, in the *Sarangchae* (舍廊채) [men’s quarters in a traditional Korean house], the head of the household and the young man faced each other over a table of drinks and continued their conversation.

“So, are you confident about the *Boksi*?”

“I intend to do my best.”

“That would be the *jeongron* [correct attitude]. So, have you *chireotgo* [performed] the *Daerye* (大禮, marriage) [grand ceremony]?”

“Yes.”

“Children?”

“Two sons and one daughter.”

At the young man’s answer, the head of the household muttered to himself.

“Fortunately, the lineage will not be *kkeunkigessgun* [cut off]. Someone will be able to *gullil* [manage the household] comfortably….”

“Pardon? I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear you properly….”

“Ah! Just talking to myself, talking to myself!”

The head of the household, waving his hand to cut off the words, changed the subject.

“As you know, the number of successful candidates has increased in this preliminary examination. The number of successful candidates in the *Boksi* will also increase significantly.”

“Is that so?”

Seeing the young man’s face relax, the head of the household warned.

“It’s not something to be happy about. It means that the problem is not the passing of the *Boksi* anymore, but what comes after.”

“Ah….”

“If I were to give you one last piece of advice, you will feel like submitting your resignation twelve times a day. You have to endure that to succeed.”

“I am prepared for the *Myeonsinrye* (免新禮) [ceremony where newly appointed officials are welcomed and sometimes hazed].”

At the young man’s answer, the head of the household burst into laughter.

“Pfft! *Myeonsinrye*? Would there be any *jongja* [fellow] brave enough to do that? The moment they do that, they will taste hell while alive… Well! Even if I tell you, you won’t know, so you’ll find out when you experience it.”

“Yes? Yes….”

The head of the household, thinking that the conversation was over, got up from his seat.

“The room should be ready. First, relieve your fatigue and organize your thoughts. And I wish you luck.”

“Thank you!”

* * *

Three days later, the *Boksi* was held. Passing through Geunjeongmun [main gate of Gyeongbok Palace], the examinees, having gone through the identity verification process, entered one by one and took their seats in the wide space in front of Geunjeongjeon [main hall of Gyeongbok Palace].

“His Majesty the King is here~!”

The examinees, who were sitting in their seats, all stood up and bowed their heads.

Soon, Sejong, Hyang, and the ministers entered and took their seats, and the examinees bowed deeply to Sejong. Sejong, returning the greeting, stood up and stepped forward, and the eunuchs who were waiting brought out the megaphone that Hyang had made in the past and installed it.

Standing in front of the megaphone, Sejong gave words of encouragement to the examinees.

“… Therefore, in order for our Joseon to *pyeolchigi ungji* [spread its wings and realize its ambitions], the most necessary thing is talent. I earnestly hope that you will be such talents.”

“We will do our best!”

After Sejong’s encouragement, a warning about *bujeonghaengwi* [cheating] followed. Finally, guidance on the examination procedure followed.

“… Therefore, the examinees will take the exam in two parts. The first is about the *gyeongjeon* [Confucian classics], and the second is about *sansul* [mathematics].”

“*Sansul*?”

“Why *sansul*?”

With the addition of an unexpected subject, the examinees tilted their heads and murmured.

“Quiet! All of this is being implemented by gathering the opinions of His Majesty and the ministers in order to select talent, so do not doubt it! If you cannot abandon your doubts, leave the examination hall immediately!”

The murmuring quickly subsided at the examiner’s scolding.

“Then let’s start the exam!”

In that way, the first exam, which tested the understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics, ended, and then the second exam on *sansul* proceeded.

The second exam was unique from the start, with officials from the court distributing the exam papers with the questions printed on them to the examinees one by one.

“Don’t forget to write your *bongwan* [clan origin] and name at the top! Then begin!”

* * *

After the exam, the examinees left the *gwajang* [examination venue] one by one. And from that moment on, the war of the vassals began.

“Let’s see….”

“Huh? Is it possible to interpret it this way?”

While the officials in charge of grading the first exam, which assessed the ability to understand the Four Books and Five Classics, were in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere, the atmosphere on the side grading the *sansul* ability was fierce.

There, officials from the six ministries of the court and officials from the research institute gathered and *chaechom* [graded] the exam papers while engaging in a fierce battle of nerves.

“Let’s see, the score is….”

“Hey! Why are you taking that exam paper! Are you already trying to *ppaeddoligi* [snatch it away]!”

“Keep the *sangdo-ui* [ethics]! *Sangdo-ui*!”

It was a fierce atmosphere where four or five people would have already died if they had *kal* [knives] in their hands.

* * *

The beginning of the matter was during the exchange of opinions regarding the *byeolsi* [special civil service examination] to be held this time.

“Your Majesty, I have a *cheong* [request] to make to *ababama* [father, used to address the king].”

As soon as Hyang uttered the word ‘*cheong*’, the *jeongseung* [chief state councilor] and ministers became very nervous.

“Speak.”

“Yes, *ababama*. Please increase the number of exam subjects by only one in the upcoming *sogwa Boksi* [minor examination].”

At Hyang’s *cheong*, Sejong stroked his beard and expressed doubt.

“Increase the number of exam subjects? What subject do you want to add?”

“*Sansul*, Your Majesty.”

“*Sansul*?”

“Yes, the research institute lacks officials. Therefore, I would like to *chaeyong* [employ] those who are skilled in *sansul* among the *sogwa Boksi* examinees.”

“Why *sogwa*?”

“Those who are *eungsi* [taking] the *daegwa* [major examination] are already filtered talents, so they are the talents that *ababama* needs even more.”

“Hmm….”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong stroked his beard and pondered. The expression of Sejong, who was silently contemplating, had a positive feeling.

“Your Majesty! The Ministry of Taxation also needs those who are good at *sansul*!”

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, the Minister of Taxation stepped forward to request manpower replenishment. Sejong expressed doubt at the Minister of Taxation’s request.

“Hasn’t the Ministry of Taxation *chungwon* [recruited] personnel recently?”

“Your Majesty! That personnel is only ‘*eon bare ojume nugi*’ [a temporary fix]! The personnel for the *jeonmaeso* [monopoly offices] to be spread throughout the country, as well as the investigation of *mulgadonghyang wonji* [price trends], are woefully insufficient!”

“Is that so? Hmm….”

“Your Majesty! The Ministry of Public Works also needs it!”

“The Ministry of War is the same!”

“The Ministry of Justice also needs personnel….”

“The Ministry of Personnel…”

The Minister of Taxation’s petition broke the dam. At this, Hwang Hee intervened as the Ministry of Rites was about to open its mouth.

“Why do you need so many people?”

“In the case of the Ministry of Public Works, the officials are all working overnight just to organize the status of the establishment and repair of dams, weirs, and bridges across the country! In addition, people skilled in *sansul* are needed to conduct research on the ‘National Land Development Comprehensive Plan’!”

“The Ministry of War is the same! In order to organize the weapons and military registers of each *gamyeong* [military command], people skilled in *munjang* [writing] as well as *sansul* are needed!”

“The Ministry of Justice is the same! In order to investigate and organize the number and types of crimes occurring throughout Joseon, people skilled in *sansul* are needed!”

The ministers of each ministry desperately argued why additional manpower was needed.

“This is… Everyone has a point….”

Sejong, muttering with a difficult expression, turned to the *jeongseung*.

“Is our Joseon so short of people?”

At Sejong’s question, Hwang Hee answered the reason.

“It is not that there is a shortage of people, but that there is a shortage of budget.”

At Hwang Hee’s answer, Sejong involuntarily uttered profanity.

“This *bireomeogeul* [damn it]….”

In the meantime, the ministers were fiercely arguing with each other.

“The Ministry of Taxation has already *chungwon* personnel! You should have some *yangsim* [conscience]!”

“The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice already have many people, so why are you saying that you are short of people!”

“What’s the use of having many people! Most of them are illiterate! Do you think that guys who only know how to *kaljil* [wield a sword] can do *munseojageop* [document work]! Come to think of it, why does the Ministry of Rites need people! Why do you do *sansul* in the Ministry of Rites!”

The ministers of the six ministries *seoljeon* [argued] with each other, *akdagueoni* [fiercely].

“Your parents are like you….”

“*Gal* [Go away]!”

As the *seoljeon* went too far and finally reached the point of personal attacks asking about the well-being of the other’s parents, Sejong shouted to end the argument.

Looking at the ministers who had become quiet in an instant, Sejong clicked his tongue.

“Tsk! You’re doing well~. You’re doing so well~.”

“We are *hwanggong* [apologetic]!”

At Sejong’s words, the ministers all bowed down and lowered their heads. Looking at that *moseup* [sight], Sejong glared at Hyang.

“Anyway, you are….”

Hyang, who was suddenly hit by a stray bullet, had to bow his head like the ministers.

“We are *hwanggong*!”

“Enough! How many people do you need?”

“At least twenty…”

“Can’t you *chungwon* through *chwijae* [recruiting based on recommendations]?”

“The *geup* [level] of talent is different….”

Sejong clicked his tongue at Hyang’s answer.

“I understood the words ‘*geup* is different.’ Because at least those who take the *sogwa* are somewhat smart.”

“Even so, it is a definite fact that there is a shortage of people. But, there is a problem with the budget….”

Sejong, *jeongri* [assessing] the situation, asked the ministers.

“How long do we have to wait to mine gold and silver from the gold and silver mines found in *jawoncheong* [Bureau of Resource Development]?”

“It will take at least half a year. But, in order to obtain proper results through *jeongryeon* [refining], it will take at least a year.”

“Hmm….”

Sejong, hearing the answer, began to *sem* [calculate] in his mind.

‘The taxes collected from *sanggwan* [royal merchants] and… the profits coming from *jeonmaeso*… Hmm….’

Sejong, who had been adding and subtracting for a long time, came to a conclusion.

“Crown Prince, you said you needed twenty?”

“Yes, *ababama*. At least twenty should be….”

“Reduce it to ten.”

“…I receive the *myeong* [order].”

Sejong began to adjust the personnel, starting with Hyang.

“I will increase the number of successful candidates for this *sogwa*. And, as per the Crown Prince’s petition, I will also hold a *sansul* exam. You should coordinate those needed in each ministry and report to me. I just reduced the Crown Prince’s request by half. I hope that you will not only think about filling your own greed, but also achieve *hwa-ui* [harmony] through concessions.”

“We receive the *myeong*!”

* * *

And the result was the fierce battle of wits that was taking place now.

“The *chaechom* is over.”

“Let’s see. You have arranged them in order of *seongjeok* [grades], right?”

“Yes.”

At the *chaechomgwan’s* [grading official] answer, Jeong Cho *churyeo* [selected] ten *jang* [papers] from the top without saying a word and got up from his seat. At that moment, the Vice Minister of Taxation grabbed his sleeve.

“Wait!”

“Why are you doing this?”

“You don’t have *sangdo-ui*! What are you going to do if you take all the smartest guys! This *yangban* [gentleman] is… You don’t have *yangsim*!”

“The research institute needs someone who is skilled in *sansul*.”

“Isn’t that the same for all of us!”

“That’s right! Minister Jeong, now that I see it, you are a terrible person!”

The *simsajang* [examination hall] was instantly filled with voices accusing Jeong Cho. But, Jeong Cho did not back down.

“It is the order of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

Jeong Cho mentioned the Crown Prince’s name, but the other officials did not back down either. The representative of them was the Vice Minister of Taxation.

“Have you forgotten the order of His Majesty the King! He told us not to fill our own greed! Where are you trying to do *bulgyeonghan* [disrespectful] things!”

“That’s right!”

“Abandon your *yoksim* [greed].”

“Tsk!”

Jeong Cho clicked his tongue. The people gathered here were all *champa*n [vice-minister] class. Jeong Cho could not push them around at will, considering their experience and age.

In the end, Jeong Cho *jesi* [suggested] a second-best plan.

“I will take five from the top and five from the average point. Shouldn’t I also follow the *myeong* of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?”

The *champan*, who were groaning at Jeong Cho’s words, *jesi* [proposed] a compromise.

“Four from the top. Shouldn’t we take one person from the top ten?”

Jeong Cho, *gomin* [pondering] for a long time at the compromise of the Minister of Taxation, nodded his head.

“Let’s do that.”

* * *

Jeong Cho, who came out, sighed.

“Hoo~. His Highness’s words were correct.”

Before coming here, Hyang called Jeong Cho and *jesi* [suggested] a *gyechaek* [plan].

“It would be nice to bring all ten of the best *seongjeok*, but that is impossible.”

“That’s right.”

“So, I’ve been thinking about it….”

The *gyechaek* that Hyang *jesi* was ‘to go all-in at the beginning.’ Of course, there would be a backlash, and from then on, he would gradually *kkakka-jumeonseo* [reduce] and secure as much talent as possible while *saengsaegeun saengsaekdaeronaendaneun* [making sure to take credit for it] ‘*gyechaek eul(乙)*’ [Plan B].