I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 200

< Only Ten Days for Flowers to Bloom 1 >

Jo Gwang-yun smirked as he looked at the list written by the Grand Queen Dowager. It clearly showed the limitations of a woman who had spent her entire life within the palace walls.

The key to hunting is patience. The bigger and more desirable the prey, the longer one must wait.

*Isn’t* the current prey a massive power that holds and shakes an entire nation? There is no greater prize in the world.

If you bare your teeth and claws as soon as the prey appears, it will quickly disappear.

The Grand Queen Dowager has already forgotten the patience she once possessed. Instead of sharpening her sword, she only laments her fate.

If that’s the case, she must sharpen her sword now. She must also realize that the prey before her was not of her own making.

The Grand Queen Dowager will never understand that opportunity is a cruel companion, briefly showing its face to the unprepared before vanishing.

“Minister Jo, what should we do?”

The Minister of Personnel only watched Jo Gwang-yun’s expression.

“But aren’t all the people on this list from the Grand Queen Dowager’s family?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Are they useful?”

“Well, no one pays attention to fallen noble families…”

“We can’t rashly use people whose abilities we don’t know. If the Grand Queen Dowager asks, just feign concern. More importantly, has she said anything about favoring me?”

“No. Not a single word.”

Returning the Grand Queen Dowager—so quick to take care of her own family but ignoring the small requests of her benefactor—to her isolated corner of the palace was not betrayal. Jo Gwang-yun’s heart was much lighter as he dismissed her.

“Then, during the court assembly tomorrow, advocate for my promotion. There are plenty of reasons, so there shouldn’t be any problems. A position like Vice Minister of the Capital Garrison or Vice Minister of Revenue would be appropriate.”

“Minister Jo has experience with the Capital Garrison, and the Vice Minister of Revenue, who manages the nation’s finances, is also suitable. However, Maeng Wul is currently the Vice Minister of Revenue…”

“Since the Second Prince has become the Emperor, Maeng Wul must continue as his tutor. And there are many vacant positions, so give him another suitable position and have him hold both concurrently.”

“Understood. But, Minister Jo.”

“Yes.”

“The Chief Secretary said this.”

As the Minister of Personnel recounted what Yun Ju-seong had said that morning, Jo Gwang-yun burst into laughter.

“He hasn’t changed.”

He was as corrupt as could be, but he still hadn’t abandoned his idealistic thoughts. Moreover, when the opportunity arose, he struggled to realize those ideals.

“Let’s just leave him be. The court needs someone like that to be lively, don’t you think?”

One of the indispensable methods in governing is Divide and Rule. A person like Yun Ju-seong is essential in the court.

There is no one better to use as a sword to wield occasionally.

This sword will be useful for cutting down court officials who follow Jo Gwang-yun from time to time.

* * *

The imperial palace was *jeongshineopsi* [in a daze] busy with the simultaneous *jinhaeng* [progression] of Hyun-bi’s *hwanghu chaekbong* [Empress investiture] and the Second Prince’s *hwangje jeugwi* [Emperor enthronement].

Even amidst the busy *wajung* [turmoil], the *taehu* [Grand Queen Dowager], centered around the *johwae* [morning assembly], *harudo swiji anatda* [didn’t rest for a single day].

“*Mama* [Your Majesty]. Shin, *Ibusigyeong* [Vice Minister of Personnel]. *Aryeol malssumi issaomnida* [I have something to report].”

The Grand Queen Dowager’s eyes sparkled. She assumed it was a memorial regarding the appointment of her relatives that she had suggested yesterday.

“Speak quickly.”

“How about bestowing an official position to Jo Gwang-yun, who was formerly *Geumjo Jubu* [Official in charge of salt administration]?”

The Grand Queen Dowager’s expression hardened as her expectations were dashed, and she tried to stop the Vice Minister of Personnel, but it was already too late. Like a dam bursting, other officials stepped forward.

“That is a fitting suggestion. Jo Gwang-yun is now the Emperor’s uncle. To deny him access to the palace despite his status is a matter of inhumanity, beyond mere formality. We humbly request that an appropriate position be bestowed upon him.”

“During his time as *Geumjo Jubu*, he admirably completed the privatization of the salt farms, proving his abilities. His capabilities will greatly benefit the Imperial Family and the people.”

“Considering his exceptional talent, we believe the position of *Geumjosigyeong* [Director of Salt Administration] or *Taebusigyeong* [Director of Royal Treasury] would be appropriate. Please grant your approval!”

With this final opinion, more than half of the court officials prostrated themselves on the floor and shouted,

“Please grant your approval!”

It was fortunate that her flustered expression didn’t show through her composure. Although the officials were respectfully prostrated, the pressure from their simultaneous shouts echoing through the main hall was immense.

She barely resisted the urge to agree under their pressure. But the pressure didn’t stop.

“Please grant your approval!”

A slightly louder voice erupted. They seemed determined to continue until approval was given.

“卿 [Kyung, referring to a high-ranking official] is an important position in the court. Although he is the Emperor’s uncle, is he not of common birth? To immediately grant him such a high position…”

The Grand Queen Dowager stopped, realizing her mistake.

Although not related by blood, he was still the maternal uncle of the Emperor, who inherited the Emperor’s blood.

To mention his common birth was akin to questioning the Emperor’s legitimacy. To criticize the Emperor’s origins was the ultimate act of disloyalty.

“In any case, I will carefully consider this matter and we will discuss it again later…”

It would be a miscalculation to think it would end there.

“*Mama*, the Emperor’s uncle holding an official position is not unprecedented. If the position of *Gyeong* [Minister], the head of a department, is unappealing, then bestowing the second-in-command position of *Rang* [Vice Minister] would suffice.”

“Please grant your approval!”

Although it seemed like a step back, the pressure from the officials intensified.

Politics is about give and take. There was no longer any justification.

The Grand Queen Dowager bit her lip and said,

“So be it.”

* * *

While the Grand Queen Dowager was tasting bitterness in the court, Jo Gwang-yun quietly visited Hyun-bi’s residence.

The reason was simple: she was the Emperor’s mother. In other words, he was visiting to greet his nephew’s mother.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

As Jo Gwang-yun greeted her, a low voice was heard from behind the screen.

“Heavy responsibilities follow, so my heart is heavy.”

Responsibilities…!

Could it be that this woman is also having vain dreams like the Grand Queen Dowager?

“Isn’t it inevitable? Since the Emperor is still young, it is only natural that the Queen should discuss state affairs with the court officials.”

What kind of answer will come out?

“How can a woman who has spent her days here sick and wasting time discuss state affairs?”

The start is good. As long as she doesn’t stray from the path.

“Then what are you thinking of doing?”

“When the young Emperor’s enthronement is over, my status will revert to Grand Queen Dowager. As Grand Queen Dowager, I think it is right to entrust state affairs to someone who is wise and qualified. My father also told me to do so for the sake of the country.”

This means that she has already finished discussing it with Hyun-bi’s father, Kwon Young-sun, the Director of the Royal Academy.

“If you treat the Emperor like your own child, I will be loyal to Your Majesty.”

After confirming this, Jo Gwang-yun only expressed his gratitude and stood up when an unexpected sound was heard.

“I have a request for Imperial Uncle Jo. Would that be alright?”

“I am at your service.”

A resolute voice was heard from behind the screen.

“Everyone, step back. I have something important to discuss with Imperial Uncle.”

What kind of request is it that she is even controlling who can listen? Jo Gwang-yun was curious.

“Imperial Uncle Jo.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I want to see the world.”

“Yes?”

At first, he didn’t understand. He never expected these words to come out.

“My father said that politics in this country is like walking on a sword’s edge, never knowing when you will die. Besides, I am sickly. It wouldn’t be strange if I died tomorrow.”

“Your Majesty, please don’t say such things.”

Could it be that she is worried about being poisoned like the Emperor?

“I don’t know how much longer I will live, but wouldn’t it be too unfair to be trapped here doing nothing for the rest of my days?”

Jo Gwang-yun felt sincerity in her voice and couldn’t say anything, even feeling sorry for her.

“I am also human, not a potted flower that cannot move.”

“So you want to go out into the world?”

“Yes. Will you help me?”

Jo Gwang-yun thought of what he had told Hong-yeon: to ask herself what she truly wanted.

The Grand Queen Dowager had lived for many years lamenting her fate and consumed by anger, but Hyun-bi lived longing for what she wanted.

This is the difference between seizing an opportunity and letting it pass.

Jo Gwang-yun thought for a moment and then opened his mouth.

“I am humble, and all I have is money earned from business. With that money, I will prepare residences in all the beautiful and scenic places in Jungwon [Central Plains, referring to China]. I will buy neat and elegant estates so that Your Majesty can travel the world and enjoy its beauty without any inconvenience.”

A bright and excited voice was heard from behind the screen.

“Is that possible? Can I really go outside the palace?”

“Who would object if you were to go to a hot spring to cure Your Majesty’s illness? Once you go outside, I will take responsibility for the rest. I will form a guard *dae* [unit] with nimble warriors and have three or four royal physicians accompany you to take care of Your Majesty’s health. My subordinates will be there to serve you comfortably wherever you go, so don’t worry about anything.”

“You handle everything with dispatch, just as I’ve heard. It’s said that everything goes smoothly if you go through Imperial Uncle, and it wasn’t just a rumor.”

“I am honored, Your Majesty.”

As Jo Gwang-yun bowed his head, the words he wanted to hear finally came from Hyun-bi’s mouth.

“Now that I see it, the wise and qualified person I mentioned earlier is none other than Imperial Uncle Jo.”

* * *

After Hyun-bi’s *hwanghu chaekbongshik* [Empress investiture ceremony] was over, the Second Prince’s *hwangje jeugwi* [Emperor enthronement] finally *irueojyeotda* [came to pass].

Having received the official position of *Geumjosirang* [Vice Director of Salt Administration], Jo Gwang-yun participated in the enthronement ceremony and watched his nephew—whom everyone believed to be of imperial blood—ascend the throne.

“…Offering a black ox, I dare to inform the Celestial Emperor… (omitted) …Holding the imperial seal, I announce to the gods of heaven and earth. May the gods of heaven and earth accept this humble offering and bestow blessings upon the people and the Imperial Family for generations to come.”

The Emperor’s enthronement ceremony concluded with the *Taesangsigyeong* [Director of the Office of Royal Sacrifices] offering prayers to the gods of heaven and earth on behalf of the young Emperor.

Now, Jo Gwang-yun was called Imperial Uncle, the young Hyun-bi became Grand Queen Dowager, and Hyun-bi became Queen Dowager.

On that day, when the empty throne of the nation was once again occupied, the Grand Queen Dowager held the Emperor and entered the main hall, sitting on the throne. It was only because it was the first time that she was holding the baby, but from tomorrow onwards, she would be ruling from behind the throne through a screen [a practice known as “suryeomcheongjeong”].

“재형첩재사사 [Jaehyeongcheopjaesasa, official title]. Report the results of the investigation of the traitors.”

Upon the Grand Queen Dowager’s command, Hwang-hyo stepped forward to the center of the hall. He respectfully held a scroll in both hands and said,

“As a result of investigating the traitors, it has been revealed that Wi Chung-hyun and his sister poisoned the late Emperor in order to place their bloodline on the throne. The suicide note of the self-deceased Wi Chung-hyun, the confession of his sister, and the testimonies of those involved all corroborate this.”

“Is that all? Are there no other accomplices involved in the treason?”

“That is correct.”

“That cannot be. It’s impossible for such a terrible act to be committed solely by them!”

Everyone knew why the Grand Queen Dowager was making such unreasonable demands. But her methods were unsophisticated. The throne was not a place where coercion worked.

Hwang-hyo cautiously said,

“*Mama*. Do you perhaps have any suspicions as to who else might have been involved?”

The Queen Dowager’s face flushed red, but she couldn’t answer. What she wanted was to eliminate Wi Chung-hyun’s entire faction, but none of the officials were supporting her.

Hoping against hope, she looked at Yun Ju-seong and Maeng Wul, but they remained silent with their heads bowed.

As a chilling silence filled the hall, the voice of a eunuch was heard.

“The Queen Dowager is entering!”

As the Queen Dowager appeared in the hall, the officials bowed even deeper, and the Grand Queen Dowager was startled and jumped up.

*Why is that woman here?*

< Only Ten Days for Flowers to Bloom 1 > End