I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 204

“The Queen Mother says her cough is severe and she cannot attend the morning assembly. She has ordered the Pyeongsang Seosa [a high-ranking official] to take charge of the assembly.”

From the day Jo Gwang-yun became a state councilor, the Queen Mother’s cough worsened day by day.

“Lord Jo, wouldn’t it be better for the Queen Mother to go to a hot spring for treatment? Winter is coming soon, and her cough might get worse.”

The officials who had gathered around Jo Gwang-yun began to voice their opinions as he had instructed.

“But I’m not comfortable with the Queen Mother, who is acting on behalf of His Majesty, leaving the palace. Shouldn’t the Queen Mother decide on important national matters?”

As Jo Gwang-yun spoke worriedly, the officials shook their heads.

“What problem could there be when Lord Jo is protecting the court?”

“A golden age continues. There’s no way a critical issue like a national crisis will arise.”

“That’s right. Even if such a thing happens, the Queen Mother can just return to the palace, can’t she?”

“Lord Jo, above all else, think of the Queen Mother’s health. Is there anything more important than taking care of the Queen Mother’s well-being?”

Jo Gwang-yun nodded, as if he couldn’t resist.

“I will accept your wise opinions and inform the Queen Mother.”

Now, he had to receive the Queen Mother’s edict and climb up one more step.

Jo Gwang-yun immediately went to see the Queen Mother.

“Your Majesty, if you go to the hot springs now, you will achieve what you desire.”

“I am truly grateful, Royal Uncle Jo. As you said, I have prepared two edicts.”

“Yes. I will announce one first today.”

Jo Gwang-yun took one of the edicts and rushed back to the main hall.

“The Queen Mother has issued an edict.”

The officials began to look over the edict that Jo Gwang-yun handed them.

“She conveys her apologies for not being able to take care of state affairs, and says she dislikes extravagant processions that cost a lot of money. She says she will go to the hot springs with only a few maids from the Queen Mother’s residence.”

“How can only a few maids accompany the Queen Mother’s procession? Guards must go with her for safety.”

Although the Queen Mother declined a lavish procession, they couldn’t ignore protocol. As someone representing the Emperor, she had to be given protocol befitting her status. It was a task that required enormous cost, time, and manpower.

Jo Gwang-yun spoke to the officials who were feeling troubled.

“Let’s do this. We’ll attach the Royal Guard until she leaves the city gates, and from then on, my martial arts subordinates will take responsibility. Also, if there are not enough people to take care of Her Majesty, I will provide them.”

“As expected of Lord Jo. To directly bear the Imperial family’s budget… You are a true great man.”

Jo Gwang-yun only showed a humble demeanor in response to the officials’ praise.

The officials would soon be surprised, to see him taking over the country entirely in exchange for spending a little money.

* * *

When the Queen Mother’s palanquin left the capital, the chief eunuch read the Queen Mother’s edict aloud at the Euihwa Hall.

“I am truly sorry and regretful to leave the Imperial family and the court due to health reasons. However, state affairs must proceed without ceasing, therefore, I appoint the Pyeongsang Seosa, who oversees state affairs and is responsible for the court, as Prime Minister (丞相).”

The meaning of Prime Minister was one thing. From now on, the Three State Councilors (三宰相) would be abolished, and only Jo Gwang-yun would be the sole Prime Minister.

Up to this point, the officials did not show any particular reaction. Wasn’t he already the sole Prime Minister anyway?

The chief eunuch’s reading continued.

“Furthermore, while I am away from the Imperial Palace, the Prime Minister will represent the Emperor, and I permit him to handle state affairs at the Uirip Hall. Since he must issue imperial orders when necessary, I also grant him the use of the royal seal.”

Uirip Hall and the royal seal.

It meant handing over all of the Queen Mother’s power.

He was the Emperor’s only family, intelligent, and held immense wealth. Moreover, he was a young man.

It was the birth of a more powerful figure than the Queen Mother could ever be compared to.

“We receive the edict.”

Jo Gwang-yun respectfully took the scroll that the chief eunuch handed him, turned around, and began to look at the officials without saying a word.

His eyes seemed to say, ‘If there is anyone who is dissatisfied, step forward now.’

The officials began to read each other’s expressions.

It would be good if someone stepped forward and expressed that it was too much, but there was no official with enough courage to bell the cat [take on a risky task].

“Congratulations, Prime Minister!”

The owner of the voice was none other than Yun Ju-seong. When he bowed his head, everyone realized. Far from rebelling, all that remained was to see who would be the first to line up behind the new power.

“Congratulations, Prime Minister!”

All the officials bowed.

Jo Gwang-yun said, clutching the edict tightly.

“The court officials will wait here until I call you. I will go to the Uirip Hall. The Jungseoryeong [Royal Secretary] and the chief eunuch will follow me.”

As Jo Gwang-yun left the main hall, everyone let out a long sigh.

Whether it was worry or relief differed from person to person.

* * *

Having entered the Uirip Hall, Jo Gwang-yun spoke to the chief eunuch.

“Chief Eunuch, you must stay by my side until His Majesty comes of age, and recommend a trustworthy eunuch who will take care of His Majesty.”

The chief eunuch who served the Emperor had to leave the Imperial Palace the moment the Emperor died. But Jo Gwang-yun did not abandon him, who held the eunuch bureau in his grasp.

He was still a useful man.

“I am deeply grateful, Prime Minister.”

The chief eunuch, who had extended his power, bowed deeply.

“Jungseoryeong, I will issue an edict.”

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

Yun Ju-seong picked up his brush.

“I will commend Su Tae-ui for his merits in taking care of the Imperial family since the late Emperor’s time. His family is no longer commoners. Any man can be appointed to a government post.”

Jo Gwang-yun said to Yun Ju-seong.

“Give at least one of his sons a low-ranking position in the court. The Jungseoryeong should find a suitable position. The rest can enter government service through the civil service examination.”

“Yes, I will do so.”

Jo Gwang-yun spoke again in a solemn voice.

“I appoint Jang Cheong-un, the vice-captain of the Imperial Guard, as the captain of the Imperial Guard. There must be no negligence in protecting His Majesty’s safety.”

“Did you say vice-captain?”

“That’s right. It’s a radical personnel appointment, but his martial arts are the best in the guard. He is fully qualified.”

“Then what should we do with the current captain?”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled and said.

“The Jungseoryeong is responsible for handling matters arising from my instructions. That is the role of the right-hand man.”

Yun Ju-seong quickly lowered his head.

“I apologize.”

Jo Gwang-yun’s instructions continued relentlessly.

“We will implement the civil service examination. The target is limited to local magistrates and below, but commoners and children of concubines can also take the miscellaneous exams.”

Yun Ju-seong, who was diligently moving his brush, paused. Commoners and children of concubines?

Wasn’t it more radical than he thought?

“The detailed implementation of the civil service examination will be discussed in the court, and the final plan will be brought forward. If there is a minister who opposes the civil service examination, he will be stripped of his official position, and the final plan will be confirmed in three days.”

Yun Ju-seong’s brush stopped again.

He understood the strong will to strip officials of their positions. But three days?

Until now, the Emperor’s orders had always been the same: Discuss it sufficiently or urgently. He had never set a time limit. As a result, even important matters were often dragged on.

“Why? Do you think three days is not enough?”

“Ah, no.”

Yun Ju-seong regained his senses and moved his brush again.

“In the future, the Imperial family’s taxes can be replaced with Jeonpyo [paper money] from the Jeonjang [money lender] instead of goods. This is to avoid the time-consuming and dangerous transportation process of loading rice and specialties from the provinces. The Imperial family can receive the Jeonpyo and purchase the necessary goods.”

It was the moment when the issuance of the nation’s currency passed into the hands of an individual, and the moment when the real economy shifted to a monetary economy.

Yun Ju-seong gritted his teeth and moved his brush. Watching Yun Ju-seong, Jo Gwang-yun said.

“Watch. This will completely change the economic system of this country. Well… If any harm appears, we can always reverse it, so don’t worry too much.”

“I trust in the Prime Minister’s insight.”

Yun Ju-seong organized the edicts and presented them to Jo Gwang-yun.

Jo Gwang-yun’s hand, reaching for the royal seal, trembled slightly. Holding the large royal seal in one hand, he felt as if he had grasped the country in one hand, and an overwhelming exhilarating joy enveloped his entire body.

Stomp-!

The royal seal was stamped.

As the chief eunuch carefully took the edicts, Jo Gwang-yun smiled and said.

“And there is a private matter that I would like you two to help me with.”

“Tell us.”

“I’m thinking of building a residence for myself across from the Imperial Palace, about seventy percent the size of the Imperial Palace. I will buy all the houses in that location and build a new one, so please find me some skilled craftsmen. Of course, all purchase and construction costs will be covered by my own funds.”

Seventy percent the size of the Imperial Palace.

It would become the residence of the de facto ruler, and perhaps that place would become the true Imperial Palace.

“The craftsmen will take care of the design and details, so I won’t interfere much. However, the roof of the main building in the center must be covered with blue tiles.”

“You’re going to use blue tiles.”

“I’ve already named it: The Blue House (靑瓦臺) [Cheongwadae]. Haha.”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled and stood up.

“I will now retire from the court.”

“Prime Minister, the officials are waiting in the main hall.”

As the chief eunuch cautiously spoke, Jo Gwang-yun nodded.

“Let them wait. Tell them to retire from the court around sunset.”

The chief eunuch smiled slightly. He was convinced that he would handle the ministers better than the late Emperor.

“I will do so. Waiting is the virtue of a subject.”

Jo Gwang-yun bowed slightly to the chief eunuch, who understood him well, and left the Imperial Palace.

Returning home, Jo Gwang-yun called Gu Seung.

“Seongwon Wang is no longer needed.”

Gu Seung, who understood what he meant, nodded.

“I understand. I will erase all traces cleanly.”

If even Seongwon Wang disappeared, the Emperor would be the only one in the world to protect the Imperial family. Holding only that one child, the only Emperor, would give him unshakable power.

* * *

Four years had passed since Jo Gwang-yun swallowed the country whole.

The Queen Mother, who had been sickly, seemed to have regained her health after leaving the Imperial Palace and traveled around the world.

The young Emperor has been attending the morning assembly held in the main hall since he was three years old, cultivating patience while listening to sounds he couldn’t even understand.

“Prime Minister, all the officials have gathered.”

Jo Gwang-yun, who was drinking tea in the Uirip Hall, slowly stood up.

“Where is His Majesty?”

“He is waiting for the Prime Minister to come in the main hall, as always.”

“Let’s go.”

Jo Gwang-yun slowly moved his steps towards the main hall.

Standing at the entrance of the main hall, one of the eunuchs shouted.

“The Prime Minister enters!”

As Jo Gwang-yun stepped into the main hall, the voice of a child was heard from the distant throne.

“Prime Minister Jo, stop walking!”

Jo Gwang-yun smiled and stopped walking.

“I command you to show ‘that’ and walk over here.”

“Your Majesty, haven’t we done that three days ago? There will be another hole in my official robe. Please withdraw your command.”

“Ahem! Are you daring to disobey my command?”

He imitated a solemn voice, but the young Emperor was clearly trying to hold back his laughter.

“Absolutely not. How could I disobey Your Majesty’s command?”

As soon as Jo Gwang-yun finished speaking, dozens of throwing knives flew out from his waist and whirled around the main hall.

“Wow…!”

As the young Emperor’s exclamation burst out, Jo Gwang-yun slowly moved his steps.

The throwing knives flew around the main hall like a whirlwind and stirred through the prostrate officials. The officials did not move, even sweating cold sweat. If they moved even a little, those sharp daggers might graze their cheeks.

As he slowly moved his steps and walked to the center of the main hall, the throwing knives that had been flying around the main hall instantly disappeared into Jo Gwang-yun’s waist.

The young Emperor ran to Jo Gwang-yun and hugged him tightly.

“Uncle!”

“Your Majesty, you must not do this. You must protect the throne.”

“Uncle, carry me. Then it’s okay.”

Jo Gwang-yun carried the Emperor, who would not let go of him, and slowly walked towards the throne.

He carefully placed the Emperor on the throne and sat on the chair next to him, and the Emperor immediately climbed back onto Jo Gwang-yun’s lap.

It wasn’t the first or second time this had happened, but Jo Gwang-yun sighed briefly and said.

“The Supreme One has the seat of the Supreme One.”

“Just today, okay? Just today.”

As the Emperor whined with a touch of coquetry, Jo Gwang-yun smiled.

“I wonder how long that ‘just today’ will last… Sigh…”

Jo Gwang-yun stroked the Emperor’s back and said to the main hall.