I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 180

< Why is the Emperor Doing This? 2 >

“What on earth is His Majesty thinking? I can’t make heads or tails of it.”

“Indeed. It certainly didn’t seem like a firm intention, did it? He mentioned it once and hasn’t said anything more.”

“And why hasn’t he attended the morning assembly for three days now?”

The officials gathered in the main hall began to murmur in bewilderment.

Today, only the chief eunuch appeared, saying that His Majesty could not attend the assembly, without giving any reason.

Some gathered around Yun Juseong, hoping that he, being always by the Emperor’s side, might know the Emperor’s intentions.

“Why do you think he’s doing this? Does he really intend to make Lady Yang his official wife?”

“How would I know? I haven’t seen him since that day, as he hasn’t come to Uirip Hall.”

He had his suspicions but kept them to himself. In the court, one survives longer by only speaking of what is apparent.

Officials also gathered around Wi Chung-hyeon.

“Lord Wi, what should we do about this? Isn’t His Majesty one who never misses the assembly, even when he’s not feeling well? It seems he’s quite displeased about this matter.”

“What is there to do? He’ll come when he’s ready. Let’s adjourn for the day.”

Wi Chung-hyeon announced and left the main hall.

If he were to lose in this battle of wills, there would be no turning back. The moment the Emperor and other officials look down on him, his power would crumble like a sandcastle.

Appearing strong and seeming to possess power is the most important way to maintain it.

Leaving the main hall, Wi Chung-hyeon immediately headed to Jeonghwa Palace.

He worried that the Empress, who had a much more impatient temperament than himself, might make a mistake in her anxiety.

When he arrived at Jeonghwa Palace, he saw more eunuchs and palace maids than usual. These were the ones who attended to the Emperor.

“Is His Majesty here?”

He asked a nearby eunuch who bowed his head, and the eunuch nodded.

“Yes, Lord. He had breakfast with the Empress and is enjoying the First Imperial Prince’s antics. Shall I announce your presence?”

Wi Chung-hyeon waved his hand.

“Don’t. How could I disturb their private time?”

He hurriedly turned around, but the Emperor’s private time was already over.

“Is that not the Senior State Affairs Officer?”

The voice behind him was definitely the Emperor’s.

Everyone knew he frequented the inner court, but it was not a good look for the Emperor to witness it.

Wi Chung-hyeon’s face fell, but he turned around with a bright smile.

“Your Majesty, I seem to have spoiled Your Majesty’s enjoyment with my unnecessary visit.”

“Not at all. I was just about to leave.”

The Empress, standing beside the Emperor, also did not look pleased.

The Emperor strode to Wi Chung-hyeon’s side and said in a low voice,

“It’s just as well, as there’s something I need to discuss. Follow me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, who had taken a few steps, suddenly stopped.

“Ah, were you here to see the Empress?”

“There’s nothing urgent. I was just going to greet her.”

“Then official business takes precedence, wouldn’t you say?”

“Of course.”

Wi Chung-hyeon quietly followed the Emperor, who was heading to Uirip Hall.

He had an ominous feeling.

* * *

When the Emperor arrived at Uirip Hall, Yun Juseong was guarding the entrance.

“Your Majesty.”

As Yun Juseong bowed respectfully, the Emperor shook his head.

“Have you been waiting here for me these past few days?”

“It is my duty.”

“Goodness. It’s okay to slack off a little at times like this.”

Yun Juseong was surprised to see Wi Chung-hyeon following the Emperor, and Wi Chung-hyeon was equally surprised.

The Emperor chuckled at their surprised expressions.

“Unexpected things often happen in unexpected places. Good. Grand Secretariat [Chief Secretary], come in as well.”

The two exchanged glances and entered Uirip Hall.

The Emperor said to them,

“The First Imperial Prince is now three years old. Shouldn’t he begin his studies?”

Wi Chung-hyeon said with a delighted voice,

“Shall we prepare the Gangagwan (講衙官) [Office for Crown Prince Education]?”

The Gangagwan is the educational institution for the Crown Prince. It gathers several tutors and the children of officials of similar age to study with the Crown Prince.

It was a move to solidify the Empress’s son as the Crown Prince, but the Emperor firmly shook his head.

“That’s excessive. It’s just the first step in his studies, so one teacher is enough. Tell me who would be a good teacher.”

Wi Chung-hyeon was disappointed, but he was more concerned that his intentions had been exposed. However, he couldn’t remain silent.

Whoever becomes the First Imperial Prince’s teacher will eventually become his man. The First Imperial Prince’s close aide would be the Empress’s close aide and eventually his own.

However, dealing with a three-year-old requires great patience. Even the slightest negligence or mistake towards the prince would become a fatal weakness. It’s a task where doing well is merely meeting expectations.

“If we only consider the depth of scholarship, the Grand Secretariat would naturally be the best teacher.”

Wi Chung-hyeon pointed to Yun Juseong without hesitation.

Yun Juseong never imagined that his name would come out of Wi Chung-hyeon’s mouth. He was also impressed by his seasoned maneuvering.

How could he come up with such a brilliant move in an instant!

However, knowing Wi Chung-hyeon’s intentions, he couldn’t accept.

Not only Yun Juseong but also the Emperor was surprised.

To recommend Yun Juseong, who was eager to devour him, as a teacher? He wasn’t generous enough to turn an enemy into an ally.

Yun Juseong quietly opened his mouth.

“Senior State Affairs Officer is flattering me, which I find embarrassing. However, I do not possess the scholarship to take on such a weighty responsibility.”

The Emperor said with a smile,

“It is indeed flattery, but it is also true that few can match the Grand Secretariat’s scholarship.”

Yun Juseong was breaking out in a cold sweat.

If the Emperor were to appoint him as the First Imperial Prince’s teacher, he would be played by Wi Chung-hyeon.

“However, the Grand Secretariat must always advise me, so I cannot burden him with the responsibility of even my child.”

The Emperor, having discerned Wi Chung-hyeon’s intentions, did not hesitate to refuse.

Having overcome one hurdle, Yun Juseong quickly racked his brains. He had to find the best person before Wi Chung-hyeon played another trick.

“Your Majesty, I believe that the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Maeng Ul (孟蔚), would be the perfect fit.”

This time, Wi Chung-hyeon was taken aback.

Wasn’t Maeng Ul the one who stood alone in the vast court?

Although the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was in charge of the nation’s finances, there had been no corruption or mistakes. He was upright, scholarly, and had an unyielding character.

Yun Juseong considered him his greatest competitor, but Maeng Ul didn’t seem to have any intention of competing with anyone. Perhaps he thought there were no scholars who had caught up to him enough to warrant his attention.

Moreover, everyone knew that he was not very interested in seizing power and giving orders.

Yet, he was on a fast track to success. The reason was his family.

For generations, they had produced the greatest scholars who were respected by the literati, and their family’s commitment to integrity and honesty had earned them the praise of the people. The Emperor himself showed respect for Maeng Ul’s family.

It would be welcome news for the best talent from such a family to become the First Imperial Prince’s teacher, but Wi Chung-hyeon could not welcome it.

If Maeng Ul were to teach the First Imperial Prince and not see the qualities of a ruler or the intelligence to digest deep scholarship, he would immediately inform the Emperor and oppose the appointment of the Crown Prince.

Maeng Ul was also a member of the literati who adhered to the principle of eldest son succession, but he was also a rationalist who believed that a wise man should be the ruler rather than the eldest son who lacked the qualities of a ruler.

For such a Maeng Ul to become the First Imperial Prince’s teacher was a risk factor for Wi Chung-hyeon.

“Your Majesty, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Maeng Ul, is in charge of the great task of managing the nation’s finances. I believe it would be better for him to devote himself to state affairs, just like the Grand Secretariat.”

He hurriedly intervened, but it was already too late.

“That’s right. Why didn’t I think of Maeng Ul?”

The Emperor was already smiling brightly and clapping his knee.

“With Maeng Ul’s scholarship, it would be enough to make my son a wise man. And although his official duties are busy, he would have more free time than the Grand Secretariat, who is always assisting me.”

Wi Chung-hyeon wanted to vehemently oppose, but he had no justification to oppose making an outstanding scholar his nephew’s teacher, so he shut his mouth.

“If Maeng Ul declines, we can invite his father… His father’s scholarship is even better than Maeng Ul’s, and I heard he’s retired and spends his time reading, so there’s no reason for him to refuse, is there?”

As the Emperor casually mentioned it, Wi Chung-hyeon turned pale.

Maeng Ul’s father was the nemesis of his life. How much time and effort did he spend to drive him out of the court, and he couldn’t bring him back to the court.

Wi Chung-hyeon now had to beg Maeng Ul to become the First Imperial Prince’s teacher. He couldn’t face his father again.

But different words came out of his mouth.

“Your Majesty, that is a truly wise decision.”

But this was not the end.

The Emperor brought up another matter, driving Wi Chung-hyeon into a corner.

“Grand Secretariat.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Prepare the imperial edict to appoint Maeng Ul as the First Imperial Prince’s teacher… No, prepare the edict in the form of a request from me.”

“I will do so immediately.”

“And Senior State Affairs Officer.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I intend to repay the utmost loyalty that you have shown to this country and the imperial family.”

“I am honored. Loyalty is the duty of a subject. What do you mean by repayment? I cannot bear it.”

It was not humility. He didn’t know what reward the Emperor would give, but it was definitely poison.

“Your modesty is excessive. How many years have you held the position of Senior State Affairs Officer? It’s rather late.”

The Emperor turned to Yun Juseong again.

“Grand Secretariat, prepare the edict and inform the court of my intentions on my behalf at the main hall tomorrow.”

“I will obey your command.”

Yun Juseong was also surprised. To suddenly dismiss Wi Chung-hyeon like this!

The Wi family and their followers would rise up like a swarm of bees tomorrow, shouting that it was unfair, and he couldn’t figure out what he was going to do.

He glanced at Wi Chung-hyeon, who was gritting his teeth and trembling.

< Why is the Emperor Doing This? 2 > End