There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 30

‘Crowned as the Crown Prince, you say.’

The sudden news made my head spin.

Amidst the confusion, I thought:

‘Is this better than getting married?’

At least I wouldn’t have to start a real-life make-believe game right away.

Yi Seong-gye, upon entering Gaegyeong [present-day Kaesong, North Korea], didn’t even look at Yi Bang-won’s face and headed straight for the Taesang Hall. I entered my father’s residence alone.

“Won-ja, did you handle things well in Hanyang [present-day Seoul]?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Why have your cheeks become so gaunt while I haven’t seen you!”

Yi Bang-won exclaimed, stroking my cheek.

Honestly, I didn’t think I had changed much, but I guess that’s how parents feel.

I asked what I was most curious about during the journey.

“But what’s with the Crown Prince title? This is the first I’m hearing of it!”

“If I had brought it up beforehand, the officials would have opposed it, saying it’s too early, so I kept it a secret for now. But the situation is different now.”

Indeed, the Gaegyeong faction officials were shunning me, so it was understandable.

They might not have the guts to directly criticize my behavior, but they could certainly delay it, citing my young age.

“But the situation changed when the Seongjeolsa [special envoy] returned.”

Yi Bang-won said.

In Joseon [Korean dynasty from 1392 to 1897], not long before Jo Sa-ui’s rebellion, Yeonwang Zhu Di overthrew his nephew, Emperor Jianwen, and ascended the throne, thus ending the Jingnan Rebellion [civil war in early Ming Dynasty China].

Joseon, which had been cautiously observing the situation, quickly sent a Seongjeolsa to congratulate Emperor Yongle on his ascension and birthday, and it seemed they had achieved some success in the process.

“It would be better to hear the details directly from the Seongjeolsa.”

Yi Bang-won summoned Lee Ji, who had gone as the Seongjeolsa.

As Lee Ji hurried over, Yi Bang-won questioned him.

“What was Baek Ja-bun’s [a type of cosmetic powder] reaction when you went to the capital?”

“The capital was turned upside down!”

Lee Ji said, even spitting as he spoke.

“In addition to the gold, silver, paper, and horses we originally intended to offer as tribute, we slyly included Baek Ja-bun and added a few words to attract attention, but the Emperor didn’t seem very interested.”

It would have been more surprising if a martial figure like Emperor Yongle had shown interest in Baek Ja-bun.

According to Lee Ji, that was the end of it.

Emperor Yongle gifted all the items that were not formal tribute to his officials and concubines.

Thus, the Baek Ja-bun that came with the tribute was simply divided among the concubines, and one of the noble consorts curiously tried it on.

“And then, alas, the Emperor happened to visit that noble consort’s chambers that night!”

Her skin was naturally radiant and fair, so Emperor Yongle was greatly pleased that night, and as is typical in the palace where secrets are hard to keep, the rumor spread quickly.

“From what I’ve gathered, there’s even a rumor going around that Baek Ja is ground up to make Baek Ja-bun.

Consort Zhang even summoned artisans to make powder from porcelain, but it still couldn’t match Baek Ja-bun, so she was furious.”

Well, since Bak Ga-bun is a white powder, such rumors could arise.

Still, I never thought they would grind up expensive porcelain to apply it.

Chinese people really are on a grand scale.

‘Speaking of which, I heard that Emperor Yongle suffered from erectile dysfunction in modern times, but he seems healthy so far.’

Judging from the fact that he has no problems at night yet.

“So Consort Zhang, or rather, several concubines, tried to sweep up all the Baek Ja-bun received as tribute by using their family’s influence, but they were greatly disappointed by the small amount.”

They only took a sample amount with them.

I should have had them take more.

No, perhaps the scarcity was caused by supplying only a tiny amount, like tears of a chick.

“Therefore, Zhang, or rather, several concubines, eagerly requested Baek Ja-bun from our envoys, so the Emperor issued a special order.”

“What did he say?”

“He reduced the tribute of gold and silver by 100 nyang [currency unit] each and ordered 200 Baek Ja-bun to be presented on the next envoy’s return.”

‘Yes!’

Baek Ja-bun was officially included in the tribute.

And the demand for gold and silver has also decreased.

‘Wait, should I be happy about this?’

Of course, I developed Baek Ja-bun with that in mind, but…

‘It’s a relief, but… my conscience is pricked.’

I had no intention of hiding the side effects of Baek Ja-bun.

So I made sure to inform the envoys about it, but I don’t know if it was properly conveyed since people in this era don’t think much of it.

‘Oh well, I’ll just have to accept my fate if I die.’

Why worry about side effect claims in an era where they throw a party if you live to be 60?

I crossed my arms and thought.

“Seongjeolsa, was that all?”

Yi Bang-won asked slyly, and Lee Ji became even more excited this time.

“Even the courtesans have joined in. There are 16 taverns in Nanjing [city in China] founded by Emperor Taizu of Ming [founder of the Ming Dynasty], and they have also heard the rumors in the palace and are flooding us with inquiries about obtaining Baek Ja-bun. We need to secure the quantity from now on.”

I heard that in Europe, the salon operated by noble ladies led the social scene, but in Ming, it’s the concubines?

If even the courtesans have successfully joined in, the craze is obvious.

“How is it? Did it turn out as your father said?”

Yi Bang-won said triumphantly.

“That’s why I kept this a secret until the Seongjeolsa returned.”

The people who were ranting about Baek Ja-bun being a luxury item would have all shut their mouths after seeing its sensational popularity in Ming.

Especially the Gaegyeong faction officials would have looked like they were attending a funeral.

‘You’re taking advantage of that to proceed with my Crown Prince enthronement, aren’t you?’

They would find it difficult to watch my status rise, but my young age would also be a poor excuse due to the success of Baek Ja-bun.

“Yes. When I brought up this story during the court assembly, no one dared to oppose it.”

‘Do you feel the difference in power?’

I smiled, imagining the faces of the Gaegyeong faction officials.

This is the power of K-beauty!

“We will proceed with the Crown Prince enthronement ceremony in a few days, so stay in the East Palace and rest well during that time.”

Ugh, that’s a relief.

I would have collapsed from exhaustion if he had immediately told me to ‘brief on the Hanyang construction plan I had established.’

I had been conveying the progress appropriately, but since Yi Bang-won is the king, shouldn’t I go through the process of reporting comprehensively?

As I subtly brought up that part, Yi Bang-won laughed heartily and said.

“Whose son is he? I’m sure he did well on his own.”

He was taking the attitude of leaving this problem entirely up to me.

‘Is he perhaps trying to pass the buck because he’s annoyed?’

No, Yi Bang-won is still the final decision-maker.

‘I have a feeling my father is subtly trying to make me do all the work. Is it just my imagination?’

I shook my head.

There’s no way Yi Bang-won, who is so devoted to his son, would do that.

“Well, if you insist, I’ll listen after the enthronement ceremony. For now, go to the East Palace and rest.”

Yi Bang-won said.

“Shouldn’t I enter the Junggung Palace [Queen’s residence] and see Mother first?”

As I asked absentmindedly, Yi Bang-won’s face hardened.

“Oh, um… that is the proper way to do it.”

I didn’t like the feeling of the cold wind blowing.

“Perhaps…”

“Perhaps what?”

“Did you two fight?”

“Ahem!”

Yi Bang-won cleared his throat.

“There’s no such thing. Don’t talk nonsense and go see your mother.”

Do parents think their children are too young to know when they’re fighting, even if they don’t see them fighting directly?

I can roughly guess from the atmosphere.

As a cute eldest son, I couldn’t overlook this family crisis.

‘Is this the time when my charm power is needed?’

“What on earth is going on?”

“Hey, I said it’s nothing! Your mother is doing such bizarre things that… ugh.”

Yi Bang-won belatedly covered his mouth, but the situation was already exposed.

I grinned and got up from my seat.

“Hmm, Father said nothing happened, so I’ll ask Mother. Is that okay?”

“No, you rascal. Wait a minute!”

Yi Bang-won shouted from behind, but I was already heading to the Junggung Palace.

===

“Won-ja!”

As I announced my arrival at the Junggung Palace, a woman who had just reached middle age ran out barefoot.

“You’re finally back!”

My mother hugged me and touched my cheek, saying.

“Why are your cheeks so gaunt! That Won-ja’s health is deteriorating! What have those who escorted you to Hanyang been doing!”

‘She’s saying the same thing as Yi Bang-won.’

They say couples resemble each other.

I quickly made excuses because there was a chance that No-bun would be unfairly punished.

“I think it’s because I was so focused on my work. It’s definitely not the fault of my subordinates.”

No-bun looked touched as he watched me diligently explain.

‘Don’t make that face, man. I’m getting attached.’

The reason I’m making these excuses is that No-bun is the only one who can scold me.

Only then did my mother calm down.

‘Her charisma is no joke.’

The image of Empress Myeongseong [Korean queen consort] from the drama that aired a long time ago suits my mother better.

They’re both from the Yeoheung Min clan.

“Welcome, Won-ja Mama.”

There were already guests inside the Junggung Palace.

And they were very close to me.

‘Min Mu-gu, Min Mu-jil.’

My maternal uncles.

Grand Prince Yangnyeong [Yi Bang-won’s eldest son] grew up in the Min family as a child and had memories of being loved by his uncles.

‘Of course, Grand Prince Yangnyeong’s personality was terrible, so he didn’t feel any gratitude.’

I was just going to listen to the reason for the cold war between the couple and try to mediate…

‘It’s a bit awkward with my uncles here.’

However, my mother and uncles seemed to be thinking the same thing.

Min Mu-gu, who was watching carefully, opened his mouth.

“Jungjeon Mama [Queen], let’s continue the conversation we were having later…”

“Yes, we can’t have such a conversation in front of Won-ja. Please wait a little longer.”

Then, my mother tried to change the subject by asking what I had been doing in Hanyang.

I blurted out.

“I know everything.”

“?”

“I mean, it’s okay to talk openly. You fought with Father, didn’t you?”

“…”

It wouldn’t be easy to talk about a marital fight in front of your child, but my mother was already in the middle of that conversation with my uncles.

As my mother hesitated for a moment with a troubled expression, my uncle Min Mu-jil stepped forward.

“Jungjeon Mama, or rather, Sister. Won-ja Mama is also a very intelligent person, so I think it’s okay to just tell him. Who else would a mother rely on if not her eldest son?”

‘Nice assist!’

Now, let’s be honest about why the couple fought!

My mother, who had been hesitating, finally sighed deeply and said.

“It’s because of that Kim, who is from a lowly servant background and even had a son!”

“Yes?”

If it’s Kim, she must be… the woman who gave birth to Father’s illegitimate son, right?

Meanwhile, my mother, who was bursting with injustice, continued to shout.

“His Majesty is trying to bring that lowly thing and the son she bore into the palace this time! How can this mother not feel resentful?”

My mother shouted, her eyes gleaming.

I couldn’t help but shudder at her jealous appearance.

‘Well… shouldn’t the born child be allowed to return to the palace since he’s also a prince?’

So I couldn’t bring myself to say this thought out loud.

‘Is this going to cause an accident?’

I gestured to my uncles sitting in front of me to calm my mother down.

Then, my uncles really opened their mouths.

“That’s right, Sister. You already have three legitimate sons under your care, so how can he bring in a lowly thing without even consulting you? What has our Min family done for His Majesty!”

“Don’t worry, Sister. Your younger brothers will risk their lives to stop it.”

Instead of stopping her, Min Mu-gu and Min Mu-jil even rolled up their sleeves and shouted.

‘I’m going crazy.’

That’s why these guys died later.

End

ⓒ Pitkong