Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 89

Jjangra

Hello, Night.

89. Autumn (2)

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Princess Jeonghye’s wedding finally took place.

The man who became Princess Jeonghye’s husband was the second son of Yi, who held the Jong 3-rank position of Byeongjo Jipeui (兵曹持平, a military official).

After the wedding, Hyang had a private meeting with the駙馬都尉 (부마, Princess’s husband).

“Please take good care of my sister.”

“Yes, I will do my best.”

“She is a sister who has received much love from Father and Mother. She may be a bit clumsy, but she is wise and will quickly learn to be a good wife.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Hyang, who had been exchanging pleasantries in a consistently gentle manner, glanced around and leaned closer to the駙馬都尉 (부마, Princess’s husband), whispering softly.

“If you ever make my sister cry, you’re dead to me.”

“Hiccup!”

The 駙馬都尉 (부마, Princess’s husband), who was two years older than Hyang, nodded with a pale face at Hyang’s quiet warning.

* * *

With Princess Jeonghye’s wedding over, preparations for another wedding were underway.

“Issue a 금혼령 (禁婚令, marriage ban).”

At Sejong’s command, Hwang Hee stepped forward.

“At what age should we set the ban?”

At Hwang Hee’s question, Sejong considered the matter for a moment.

“The Crown Prince will soon be twelve years old, so how about fourteen?”

“How about fifteen?”

“Fifteen…”

After pondering for a moment, Sejong nodded.

“Very well. Do so.”

“I obey your command!”

Thus, a 금혼령 (禁婚令, marriage ban) was issued throughout Joseon.

“I expected it, but it’s not exactly welcome.”

“Why did they even create that 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system in the first place!”

As soon as the 금혼령 (禁婚令, marriage ban) was issued, the elder statesmen of the noble families across the country grumbled with dissatisfied faces.

* * *

The 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system was created by Taejong.

Before that, there was no such thing as a 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system. Marriages for princes or princesses were generally arranged through personal connections.

However, the 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system was created because of a statement made by Yi Sok during the process of marrying off Taejong’s 서녀 (庶女, illegitimate daughter), Princess Jeongshin.

“Straw is best for weaving 짚신 (straw sandals).”

This was interpreted as a polite refusal, implying that his son was not a suitable match, and the situation seemed to end there.

However, the true reason behind Yi Sok’s words was later revealed, causing an uproar.

“Although she is a princess, I cannot accept a maidservant’s daughter as my daughter-in-law!”

Due to this statement, Yi Sok received 100 strokes of the 곤장 (棍杖, cane), was demoted to 서인 (庶人, commoner), his problematic son was banned from marriage for life, and all his relatives were subjected to 곤장 (棍杖, cane) punishment, demonstrating Taejong’s incredible vindictiveness.

As a result of this incident, Taejong created the 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system. Ironically, the three legitimate sons—Yangnyeong, Hyoryeong, and Chungnyeong—had already married before the 간택 (揀擇, selection process) system was created.

* * *

In any case, with the 금혼령 (禁婚令, marriage ban) in effect, marriage was prohibited not only for the noble families but also for the common people.

“Why are they stopping the marriages of us commoners just because the prince is getting married!”

The common people who were suddenly unable to marry—especially the men and women who were about to get married—grumbled, mouths agape in dismay.

The ordinary 양반 (兩班, noblemen) in the provinces felt the same.

“Seriously! Even if it’s a 간택 (揀擇, selection process), it’s always the same families anyway, so why are they blocking marriage prospects!”

“It’s a worry even if it works out! What kind of family is that! Are they going to ruin the family after making their daughter a queen!”

The reaction of the 양반 (兩班, noblemen) who had seen their in-laws ruined over two generations, Taejong and Sejong, was similar. They feared the potential consequences of marrying into the royal family.

* * *

Hyang, upon hearing the news that a 금혼령 (禁婚令, marriage ban) had been issued to find his queen, licked his lips.

“Tsk. I prefer younger women… Ah! If they’re younger than me at my age, is that a crime? No, even if they’re older, it’s a crime unless the first digit changes.”

Hyang, who was making jokes to himself, trailed off with a complicated expression.

“Marriage…”

Even in the 21st century, Hyang was a ‘self-proclaimed crazy 덕후 (otaku)’ with no connection to women.

“Hmm…”

With an expression mixed with anticipation and worry, the words of Teacher Samcheonpo came to Hyang’s mind after a long time.

-The biggest culprit of the tragedy that 단종 (端宗, King Danjong) had to endure was 문종 (文宗, King Munjong)!

단종 (端宗, King Danjong) was born in 1441, when 문종 (文宗, King Munjong) was 27 years old!

Considering that Sejong was 17 years old when he gave birth to 문종 (文宗, King Munjong), he wasted a whopping 10 years!

If he had given birth to 단종 (端宗, King Danjong) even 5 years earlier, 수양대군 (首陽大君, Grand Prince Suyang) wouldn’t have even dared to do what he did!

Because Joseon treated 15-year-olds as adults!

Remembering Teacher Samcheonpo’s words, Hyang thought for a moment and then jumped up from his seat.

“I have to act for the future! And there’s something I’ve been thinking about, so it’s a good opportunity! What’s 1+1? Eunuch!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Ask Father if it’s okay to see him now!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

* * *

After a short time, Hyang, having obtained permission, entered Gangnyeongjeon (康寧殿, the King’s residence).

“Welcome.”

Sejong, who had just finished a meeting and was sharing refreshments with the 정승 (政丞, state councilors), greeted Hyang warmly.

“Why have you come to see your father at this time, not during the 조례 (朝禮, morning assembly)?”

At Sejong’s words, Hyang got straight to the point.

“Please give me some 용전 (用錢, private funds).”

“Not the 예산 (豫算, budget) but 용전 (用錢, private funds)?”

When Sejong became curious, Hyang immediately replied.

“인순부 (仁順府, Insunbu), which was destroyed in the last fire, has not yet been restored.”

인순부 (仁順府, Insunbu), one of the main 왕실 어고 (王室 於庫, royal warehouses) and the one that managed the wealth that the Crown Prince could use once he was appointed, was destroyed in the last fire.

At Hyang’s words, Sejong nodded.

“That’s right. I postponed the restoration of 인순부 (仁順府, Insunbu) to prioritize other matters. By the way, why do you need 용전 (用錢, private funds)?”

“It’s because of a problem related to my wedding.”

“Wedding? Have you had your eye on a maiden while going back and forth between District 51 [an area outside the palace] and the palace, or while working on the restoration? Perhaps her family is humble? If so, you’ll need more than just 용전 (用錢, private funds)?”

Sejong smiled mischievously and joked.

Although Joseon had not been founded long ago, Hyang was certain to be recorded as the Crown Prince who had the most external activities in Joseon history.

Sejong, presuming that he had his eye on a maiden while wandering around outside, made a joke.

Of course, it was half a joke and half serious, but the real problem was that Hyang, both in the 21st century and now, was a 덕후 (otaku) who was only devoted to his 덕질 (fandom activities).

“That’s not it.”

“Then why do you need 용전 (用錢, private funds)?”

“I’m thinking of going to a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house).”

“Pfft!”

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

Scribble!

At Hyang’s words, Sejong spat out the tea he was drinking, and the 정승 (政丞, state councilors) coughed and sneezed.

The 사관 (史官, historians) and 주서 (注書, scribes) slipped with the 금필 (金筆, golden pens) they were recording with, making holes in the paper and ruining the 금필 (金筆, golden pens), making them look distressed.

“Cough! Cough! You 이 노오옴 (this rascal)!”

After sneezing a few times, Sejong shouted at Hyang. However, Hyang looked at Sejong with a calm face.

At Hyang’s calm face, Sejong forcibly suppressed his anger.

“Crown Prince, you are only twelve years old. Why are you looking for a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house) at that age? I will not forgive you if you are already seeking pleasure.”

“It’s because of the wedding problem.”

“What does the wedding have to do with a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house)… Perhaps it’s related to the relationship between husband and wife, but you’ll naturally find out about that.”

‘This is why sex education in 21st-century schools is like that!’

Grumbling inwardly, Hyang explained in more detail.

“I have been devoted to learning ever since I opened my eyes to 글 (writing) at a young age.”

“That’s true.”

“Therefore, I do not know about the beauty of women.

Marriage is when a man and a woman meet and live together for a hundred years. To live together like this, both the man and the woman must be satisfied with each other.

Generally, the first thing a man evaluates about a woman is her appearance.

But I have only been reading books, so I don’t know what female beauty is like.

Of course, there are words in history such as 경국지색 (傾國之色, national beauty), 침어낙안 (沈魚落雁, beauty that makes fish sink and birds fall), 폐월수화 (閉月羞花, beauty that makes the moon hide and flowers blush), etc., but I haven’t seen them myself, have I?

Therefore, I can’t even tell whether my standards of beauty are correct or not.

However, since the first thing people say about the 기생 (妓生, courtesans) in a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house) is their beauty, I am trying to go to a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house) to see them in person.”

“Heo…”

Sejong’s expression became complicated at Hyang’s words. He wanted to grab a 회초리 (switch) and spank his calves right away because a twelve-year-old was openly saying that he would go to a 기방 (妓房, courtesan house), but Hyang’s words also sounded plausible.

“Heo cham… Geo cham…”

Even Sejong, who was known for his intelligence, couldn’t find the words to say and stammered. Then, Hwang Hee stepped forward.

“Your Highness, Crown Prince. Since ancient times, 내미지상 (內美至上, inner beauty) has been more important than 외미지상 (外美至上, outer beauty). 외미 (outer beauty) is fleeting for both men and women. What is important afterward is 내미 (inner beauty). I have come to know this for sure after living to this age.”

“But isn’t 내미 (inner beauty) something that you can’t know the moment you see it? Of course, the people of the 저자 (marketplace) also say, ‘What good is a pretty face? Are you going to eat that face and live?’ But other words are also circulating. ‘If possible, a red skirt [a preference for attractive women]’, ‘Good-looking rice cakes taste good’, and so on. And why are the 기방 (妓房, courtesan houses) so lively if they value 내미지상 (內美至上, inner beauty) so much? And why are you practicing 축첩질 (蓄妾-, keeping concubines)?”

“Ahem! Cough!”

The 정승 (政丞, state councilors) had no choice but to clear their throats at Hyang’s question. Sejong turned his head and looked at the others.

The 내관 (內官, eunuchs) were looking at the distant mountains, and the 사관 (史官, historians) and 주서 (注書, scribes) were burying their heads and only moving their 금필 (金筆, golden pens).

Hyang continued to speak.

“I have no intention of taking any woman other than the 세자빈 (世子嬪, Crown Princess) after I get married.”

“세자 (世子, Crown Prince), increasing the royal family is one of the important duties.”

“Father, I already have seven siblings. If you follow Father’s example, wouldn’t it be enough to have only the 세자빈 (世子嬪, Crown Princess)?

I often see people in District 51 and at the restoration site being caught having affairs and getting beaten by their wives.

Since ancient times, it has been said that ‘家和萬事成 (harmony in the family leads to success in everything)’, and there is a saying circulating in the 저자 (marketplace) that ‘Even Buddha turns away when he sees a 시앗 (concubine)’.

Since ancient times, it has been said, ‘수신제가치국평천하 (修身齊家治國平天下, cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world)’. But if you can’t overcome your lust and create turmoil in the family by taking a concubine, how can you achieve 수신 (修身, self-cultivation) or 제가 (齊家, family regulation), let alone 치국 (治國, governing the state) and 평천하 (平天下, bringing peace to the world)?”

“…”

“…”

Sejong and the 정승 (政丞, state councilors) all became speechless at Hyang’s words. After a moment, Sejong opened his mouth.

“I understand your intentions. If it’s in your nature, you’ll do something even if your father stops you. Hooo~.”

Sejong, letting out a long sigh, eventually waved the white flag.

“Okay. I’ll tell the 내수별좌 (內需別坐, official in charge of royal household affairs).”

“Thank you for your grace!”

“However, no sleepovers are allowed!”

“I obey your command!”

Hyang, having obtained permission from Sejong, left Gangnyeongjeon (康寧殿, the King’s residence) with excitement.

After Hyang left, Sejong complained to the 정승 (政丞, state councilors).

“It’s a problem when a child is too smart.”

“…”

“I want to be alone for a while. Let’s see each other later in the 편전 (便殿, council hall).”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

* * *

Meanwhile, Hyang, who had received permission from Sejong, was beaming with joy.

“I’ve only had suspicions so far, but it’s time to confirm them!”

Among the 궁녀 (宮女, palace maids) in the palace and the women he had glanced at while going back and forth between District 51 and supervising the restoration site, there were many women who possessed considerable beauty even by 21st-century standards.

Hyang’s middle school art teacher in the 21st century had said the following:

-Don’t confuse aesthetic viewpoints with the standards of actual beauties.

Simply put, don’t believe in evaluations such as Eastern beauty, Western beauty, traditional Eastern beauty, etc.

If you look at the photos of 기녀 (妓女, courtesans) taken by Westerners who visited Joseon during the Gojong era, many of them are still considered beauties even now.

Of course, except for the problem that they are short.

The same goes for the West! If you look at Western classical nude paintings, they are all bulky, right? If that bulk was the standard of beauty, why was the corset, a torture device, created!

The art teacher’s words later led to the words of a famous Australian comedian.

Tired of being asked about the differences between Eastern and Western beauties every time he appeared on TV, he came to the following conclusion:

“Whether it’s a Westerner or a Korean, men all have the same eyes!”

* * *

From a few days after Hyang received permission from Sejong, a strange rumor was circulating among the 기방 (妓房, courtesan houses) of Hanseong (漢城, the capital city).

“There’s a young nobleman who doesn’t drink alcohol and only looks at the faces of the 기녀 (妓女, courtesans)!”

As the rumor spread, the 기녀 (妓女, courtesans) were interested in the identity of the protagonist.

“I found out!”

“Who is it? A country nobleman from some distant rural area?”

“It’s close if you say it’s close, and far if you say it’s far.”

“Stop playing riddles and tell me, whose son is it? Is it a wealthy family? It would be nice if it was a family that wouldn’t cause trouble even if we peeled them off a bit.”

The 기생 (妓生, courtesan) who had brought the information clicked her tongue at the words of her fellow 기생 (妓生, courtesan).

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Don’t even think about it. If you do something wrong, your head will fly off.”

“Whose son is it!”

“It’s the eldest son of the owner of Gyeongbok Palace [the main royal palace]! The owner of Donggungjeon [the Crown Prince’s residence]!”

“Oh my!”

The 기생 (妓生, courtesans) who had received the information that the protagonist in question was Hyang were divided into two groups. One group was extremely cautious, and the other group put on more makeup than usual and wore thin clothes.

“You’re going to freeze to death!”

“Who knows? Maybe I’ll get a position as a 후궁 (後宮, royal concubine)?”

“You’re talking nonsense.”

Unlike the wishes of the 기생 (妓生, courtesans) who were aiming for a ‘one shot at 인생역전 (人生逆轉, turning their lives around)’, Hyang, who had visited all the 기방 (妓房, courtesan houses) in Hanseong (漢城, the capital city) once, disappeared from the 기방 (妓房, courtesan house) alley.

* * *

“So… did you look around well?”

“Yes, Father.”

“You’re no fun.”

Sejong muttered at Hyang’s answer.

Sejong had given Hyang permission, but he was not relieved, so he ordered the 무관 (武官, military officer) and 내관 (內官, eunuch) in charge of escorting Hyang to report on Hyang’s every move.

Sejong, having received the report from the escorts and 내관 (內官, eunuch), put his hand on his forehead.

“What should I do with this child…”

Hyang, having gathered the 기생 (妓生, courtesans), literally ‘observed only the appearance’ of the 기생 (妓生, courtesans) and ended it.

Of course, he talked to the 기생 (妓生, courtesans) and watched their 기예 (技藝, artistic performances), but that was it.

“Is this child impotent?”

Sejong was worrying about something ridiculous.

At Hyang’s answer, Sejong became genuinely curious and asked a question.

“So. Which 기생 (妓生, courtesan) did you find beautiful?”

“They all had one thing or another that was attractive.”

‘Even by 21st-century standards, they were at a level where they could be picked up by an agency? The height is a problem, though…’

“That’s true. So, what kind of woman would be the best match for you?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang pondered for a long time.

‘An appropriate sentence… In the end, this is all I have?’

Hyang, searching for an answer, borrowed the evaluation of a female duo that was popular in the 21st-century Korean music scene.

“Father. Either the woman with the most beautiful appearance among the women with kind hearts, or the woman with the kindest heart among the women with the most beautiful appearance…”

“You rascal, get out!”