There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 333

334. Royal Title

In the original history, Taejong Lee Bang-won worked diligently to bolster his weak royal authority and legitimacy.

His appointment as ‘Crown Prince’ to his brother Lee Bang-gwa was also part of this effort to solidify his legitimacy.

Originally, as brothers, he should have been the ‘Crown Younger Brother,’ but Lee Bang-won insisted on becoming the ‘Crown Prince,’ even having his brother declare that he would adopt his younger brother as his son.

This was to demonstrate that he was not Jeongjong’s Crown Younger Brother but Taejo’s Crown Prince, thereby implying that Taejo’s legitimacy was directly passed on to him.

However, this logic only holds if the intermediate link of Lee Bang-gwa is effectively erased.

Therefore, regardless of Lee Bang-won’s personal feelings for his brother, Lee Bang-gwa’s existence as king was thoroughly suppressed in later historical accounts.

He was excluded from the Six Dragons in the later compiled *Yongbieocheonga* [Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven, a Joseon dynasty epic], Lee Bang-gwa’s descendants were treated as descendants of a Grand Prince rather than a king, and he wasn’t even granted a proper royal title upon his death.

He was only referred to as Gongjeongwang, a posthumous title bestowed by the Ming Dynasty, and wasn’t recognized as a legitimate king.

Lee Bang-gwa’s descendants repeatedly petitioned for a royal title to be granted to their ancestor, but this was complicated by the issue of royal legitimacy and was ignored for centuries.

Eventually, 262 years after Lee Bang-gwa’s death, King Sukjong, the original chairman of the past affairs liquidation committee, who was actively working to rectify historical injustices, granted him the royal title Jeongjong (定宗), finally resolving the matter.

Thus, in the original history, the question of bestowing a royal title upon Lee Bang-gwa was directly tied to the legitimacy of the royal family and was not a simple decision.

‘Even so, he’s still my granduncle, so I can’t just ignore it, can I?’

However, this historical context was largely irrelevant to modern people, who were unfamiliar with these intricacies and only remembered the sequence ‘Tae-Jeong-Tae-Se-Mun-Dan-Se’ [a mnemonic for the Joseon kings].

It was even less of a concern for a king who had no need to obsess over his father’s legitimacy.

* * *

Taejo’s legitimacy?

Lee Seong-gye directly designated me as his successor, so isn’t it natural that the throne passes directly to me?

Lee Bang-gwa, Lee Bang-won… they were merely ordinary people who ascended to the throne in an era when I didn’t exist.

That’s precisely why I was able to issue orders to my subjects without hesitation.

“All officials should promptly discuss and propose a suitable royal title for the late Sangwang [Former King, referring to Lee Bang-gwa].”

The officials, who were carefully observing my reaction, stepped forward and inquired.

“Your Majesty, our country has no precedent for granting royal titles posthumously. Wouldn’t it be best to maintain that tradition?”

What nonsense.

I decided to showcase my historical knowledge for the first time in a while.

“King Muyeol of Silla received the royal title Taejong, and the kings from Taejo to Wonjong of Goryeo also had royal titles. Moreover, we recently bestowed a royal title upon our own Taejo. Are you suggesting that was also against established custom?”

I wouldn’t entertain excuses about being a vassal state and therefore unable to grant such titles.

The officials knew better than anyone that I disregarded such concerns.

‘Above all, they gave my granduncle a royal title in the original history.’

This implied that regardless of their opposition, the resistance to granting the royal title would eventually be overcome.

As expected, when I pressed the issue, the officials reluctantly complied with the order.

‘Everyone seems reluctant.’

Even if he was just a figurehead, what’s so difficult about granting a royal title?

I couldn’t understand their opposition.

‘Could it be that Father instructed them to resist?’

Regardless of their motivations, the officials, after consulting with each other, finally selected candidates and presented them.

“After careful deliberation, the officials propose Heuijong (熙宗), Anjong (安宗), and Jangjong (章宗) as potential royal titles for the late Sangwang. We respectfully request your review and selection of the most appropriate title.”

I frowned at the proposed royal titles.

‘They’re all unheard-of titles.’

I instructed them to suggest royal titles, so why are they offering these obscure options?

According to the ‘original history,’ shouldn’t they be suggesting Jeongjong without prompting?

‘No. This might be another consequence of my altering history.’

A royal title is determined by evaluating a person’s life achievements. While there’s always an element of flattery involved, that’s the general principle.

I couldn’t be certain, but Lee Bang-gwa’s remaining life might have changed significantly due to my actions.

Perhaps that’s why this deviation occurred.

To avoid further confusion, I decided to reject all the proposed titles.

“Are there no other royal titles?”

At my question, the officials stammered and replied.

“Taejong (太宗) has already been used by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, so it has been excluded from consideration.”

No, I wasn’t planning on suggesting Taejong. That title is reserved for my father.

I lamented the officials’ lack of tact and spoke directly.

“I believe Jeongjong would be appropriate.”

“Are you referring to Jeongjong?”

“Yes.”

The officials, with puzzled expressions, observed my reaction and inquired.

“We will follow your Majesty’s guidance, but which character for Jeong (定, 貞, 靖, 靜) should we use?”

…Come to think of it, which Chinese characters were used for Jeongjong in the original history?

‘There’s no way I’d remember something like that.’

I fell silent.

Since I brought up the idea, it was their responsibility to discuss the various characters and their meanings and present them to me.

“Jeong (定) signifies concern for the country and bringing peace to the people, Jeong (貞) represents clarity and uprightness, Jeong (靖) denotes respectfulness, and Jeong (靜) implies spreading enlightenment with gentle virtue.”

Perhaps taking into account Lee Bang-gwa’s life of moderation, all the suggested posthumous titles conveyed gentle qualities.

‘They all have positive connotations, but…….’

They’re simply characters with good meanings, lacking any real impact.

I felt I should consider that my granduncle greatly valued his dignity during his lifetime.

“The late Sangwang possessed a generous personality, but these characters don’t adequately reflect his dignity. Are there no other characters suitable for a posthumous title?”

Then, Minister of Rites Heo Jo stepped forward and said.

“To make both inside and outside submit and to guide people onto the right path is called Jeong (正).”

“Yes, that’s excellent!”

Wasn’t that the perfect royal title for Lee Bang-gwa, who came from a military background and wrote martial arts novels as memoirs?

Too strong a royal title would seem inappropriate, but this was quite fitting.

As soon as a royal title that pleased me was suggested, the officials wiped their brows and said.

“Then we shall present the royal title as you have directed.”

The final royal title was Jeongjong (正宗).

The posthumous title was decided as Onin Gongyong Sunhyo Daewang (溫仁恭勇順孝大王) [meaning Benevolent, Kind, Respectful, Brave, Obedient, and Filial Great King], and the tomb was named Hureung (厚陵).

I couldn’t be certain, but wouldn’t it be the same as in the original history?

‘This is what you call the power of historical restoration.’

I felt a sense of accomplishment for some reason.

* * *

The state funeral concluded swiftly, following the precedent set by Lee Seong-gye’s funeral.

Thanks to the application of the Yiil Yeokwol system [a system shortening the mourning period], the mourning period was completed in 27 days.

However, there was an unexpected twist.

“The King must be burdened with state affairs, which is understandable. However, I have already relinquished the throne and feel a sense of duty to the late Sangwang. Therefore, I believe it would be appropriate for me to observe a three-year mourning period according to the law. What are your thoughts?”

I and the officials were shocked by the old Sangwang’s declaration that he would observe a full three-year mourning period.

Only after I pleaded before Suganggung Palace and numerous memorials were submitted, acknowledging the Sangwang’s filial piety and friendship and requesting him to reconsider, did Lee Bang-won reluctantly withdraw his intention.

Of course, Lee Bang-won never intended to observe a three-year mourning period from the start.

That’s right.

It was all a performance.

“If I don’t act this way, people will accuse me of exploiting the old Sangwang,” Lee Bang-won said, rubbing his temples.

“The person being exploited is incredibly weary,” I replied coldly. Lee Bang-won smiled bitterly and said, “Me too.”

“…….”

Lee Bang-won was a politician through and through, and politicians are inherently in the business of putting on shows.

Even if he found it distasteful, it was something he couldn’t avoid.

I observed Lee Bang-won’s bitter expression for a moment before offering a word.

“Still, it was beneficial that we were able to solidify the Yiil Yeokwol system this time.”

It wasn’t much of a consolation, but there was a clear advantage to this performance.

In the process of pleading for the Sangwang’s three-year mourning declaration to be withdrawn, the officials diligently developed counter-arguments on their own.

Perhaps they would be compelled to refer to that logic when Lee Bang-won died or when I died. Perhaps no future king would die while observing the full three-year mourning period.

There would be no three-year mourning period in my Joseon.

I made it clear to Dan.

“Son. You must not observe a three-year mourning period even when I die.”

“Yes!”

I was momentarily speechless at the Crown Prince, who nodded without hesitation.

‘That’s the answer I wanted, but.’

It felt strange to receive such a cold response.

“That’s why people need a play to put on. What’s important is ultimately the sentiment,” Lee Bang-won said, stroking Dan’s head.

Dan tilted his head as if he didn’t quite understand his grandfather’s words.

“Can the Crown Prince ride a horse alone now? Can you show it to this grandfather?”

“Yes! I’ll show you right now!”

At Lee Bang-won’s words, Dan ran excitedly towards the back.

“Your Highness!”

“Don’t go so fast!”

The eunuchs and guards, including No-boon, hurriedly followed him.

Lee Bang-won, having naturally separated us from the others, looked at me and said, “Let’s walk together.”

Hureung.

We, having visited to report the end of the mourning period and pay our respects, slowly strolled around the tomb.

Lee Bang-won said quietly, “You finally granted the old Sangwang a royal title.”

“Yes.”

“Even though you know why this father couldn’t fulfill the old Sangwang’s wish?”

“That’s how it turned out. But I saved Taejong.”

“Why?”

I shrugged and said, “Would Father have been comfortable if the old Sangwang had been erased from this country’s royal lineage forever?”

Lee Bang-gwa was, in any case, a benefactor to his father as well.

He always cooperated with Lee Bang-won and willingly vacated the throne when the time came.

If he had been greedy for the throne, perhaps the bloodshed in this family would never have ended.

Lee Bang-gwa wasn’t a proper king, and no one believed he was.

But what did that matter?

After all, what my granduncle desired was simply a royal title.

Just a two-character name that wouldn’t embarrass his descendants.

“I didn’t want to leave even a single flaw in the royal lineage.”

Lee Bang-won sighed softly.

But I replied confidently, “Look at me. Does this royal lineage, starting from Taejo the Great, passing through Father, and continuing to me, seem like it would be flawed by that much?”

Lee Bang-won fell silent at my response.

After walking in silence for a while, he spoke again.

“So, have you achieved what you wanted?”

I didn’t need to provide an answer.

Beyond the guards escorting us from afar, my cousins, recognizing my face, burst into tears.

“Your Majesty!”

“What is this commotion in the royal court!”

The guards attempted to restrain them, but they stubbornly knelt down and shouted.

“The late Sangwang was always worried about what would happen after his death.”

“But Your Majesty treats the late Sangwang with such respect; your grace is truly unforgettable!”

Although they were the illegitimate children of the late king, they were members of the royal family who were treated with respect wherever they went.

But they knelt before me, disregarding the dirt floor.

‘There’s no need to go that far.’

People were watching.

They should get up quickly.

It wasn’t just the princes who had gathered for the mourning of my father who expressed their gratitude to me.

‘That’s…….’

A monk watching from afar among the crowd, and a young novice monk holding his hand tightly, pressed their palms together towards me.

‘I wonder when they came down from the north.’

He wasn’t recognized as a son, so he couldn’t attend the funeral officially, but he must have come to pay his respects from afar.

The branches of the tree next to the tomb swayed in the sudden breeze.

As if expressing gratitude for all his children being gathered.

My heart also warmed.