There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 337

338. The Light of Civilization (4)

With envoys arriving from all directions to offer condolences, Joseon found itself juggling diplomatic duties and couldn’t afford to focus solely on Ming China.

Under this pretext, Ijae skillfully avoided giving direct answers, subtly stalling for time. This, understandably, frustrated Yang Sa-gi and the rest of the Ming delegation.

“His Excellency the Minister personally came to bestow a posthumous title, yet the King hasn’t even bothered to meet him since the welcoming banquet! Is this how you treat a superior nation?”

“They must be arrogant and conceited because they contributed to suppressing the rebellion!”

Yang Sa-gi remained silent, but his subordinates were, understandably, indignant.

If Wang Ho hadn’t secretly sought them out, their anger wouldn’t have subsided so easily.

However, after receiving Wang Ho’s ‘apology,’ the delegation decided to display the magnanimity expected of a great power and overlook the minor offense.

“The envoys visiting Joseon always make a point of stopping by Yeseongjeong [a renowned Joseon restaurant or entertainment venue]. The scenery is secluded, the food is excellent, and there are beautiful women to enjoy various entertainments with.”

Since Joseon had made the recommendation, the envoys from the great power, mindful of diplomatic etiquette, couldn’t refuse.

Not only them, but envoys from other countries visited this place almost daily.

“I heard that you absolutely must try Hwanta [a type of sweet, fizzy drink] when you come to Joseon, and it’s absolutely true!

The sweet and tangy, fizzy taste is unlike anything I’ve had before, different from wine or tea.”

“No matter how much tangerine tea I brew in my country, it never tastes quite like this. That’s why I always look forward to visiting Joseon.”

“I’m so glad I could come to Hanyang [the capital of Joseon] to offer condolences… I missed this Chogye [another local delicacy or drink] flavor!”

“Why didn’t you achieve some military *gongji* [meritorious deeds or achievements] during the last war, haha!”

Japanese and Jurchen envoys mingled here and there, but once the doors were closed, the atmosphere became surprisingly relaxed and confidential.

‘At this rate, it seems we can have a comfortable conversation.’

The envoys opened their mouths with considerable relief.

“I wish His Excellency the Minister could have joined us.”

“Don’t even mention it. His Excellency is constantly on edge, saying he can’t afford to miss even the smallest detail right now.”

“To think we have to learn from the barbarians, too.”

In their opinion, what they really needed to learn from Joseon was entertainment.

Starting with Biak [a type of board game], mahjong, and various gambling games, excellent wines and foods, and even erotic paintings obtained through secret routes in Cheonggyecheon [a stream in Seoul known for its markets and history].

However, Yang Sa-gi looked at them with disdain when they seriously brought up the suggestion, then turned his gaze back to his memo pad.

He had heard that Joseon officials always followed the King around and took notes, and their superior seemed to have caught the strange habit, trying to copy even the smallest things by acquiring a memo pad.

– Oh, my. Anyone who hears that will think His Excellency is acting as some kind of spy.

– Who cares? We’re the only ones here. Just be careful what you say.

The Joseon officials, who were eavesdropping with stethoscopes against the wall, exchanged knowing glances and nodded.

It seemed that Yang Sa-gi was truly captivated by Joseon’s culture.

* * *

A diplomat is, in many ways, no different from a legal spy.

So, it’s inevitable that Joseon’s general situation is known to some extent.

The real challenge lies in protecting the truly important secrets.

The easiest way to do that is to divert their attention elsewhere.

Fortunately, Joseon, which was rapidly developing not only in industry but also in culture, had many things to captivate foreigners.

‘Let’s see, fireworks would work well, but I don’t really want to show them.’

The Ming bastards would definitely demand the secret recipe if they saw something like that.

Of course, I would refuse, but that would leave a bad aftertaste. Petty bastards.

I gathered all the envoys in Joseon to Gujeong [a large open space, often used for military exercises or public gatherings].

The Jurchens, Mongols, Japanese, and others looked around the large Gujeong with curiosity, but the Ming envoys appeared uncomfortable.

Was it that they didn’t like being treated in the same place as those they considered beneath their status?

“Gujeong is truly vast. At this rate, three or four clubs could play Gyeok-gu [a traditional Korean ball game similar to polo] at the same time.”

Exaggerating, of course.

“Gyeok-gu is incredibly popular in the capital.”

But I hadn’t called them in to show them Gyeok-gu.

Gujeong was also a place where various performances were held when there were no Gyeok-gu or soccer games.

“Today, since the envoys have honored us with their visit, I will try to provide some small entertainment.”

The dancing of the dancers is something they have seen enough of.

However, while it’s always enjoyable to watch, it can be performed in palace pavilions such as Gyeonghoeru [a royal banquet hall].

There was a specific reason why I bothered to bring the envoys to Gujeong.

Soon, Joseon people dressed in colorful clothes began to enter, and the envoys widened their eyes.

“*Hunryeondogam* [Training Command]?”

One of the envoys muttered involuntarily upon seeing the fluttering flag.

The envoys must have heard of the name of Joseon’s elite unit, the Training Command.

“Are you going to show us a military review?”

The envoys gathered in Gujeong asked with wide eyes.

Because I haven’t bothered to show my army to others.

But it’s not about holding a review.

Soon, the Jeonakseo [Royal Music Institute] musicians, led by Park Yeon [a famous Joseon musician], began to play loud music.

At the same time, the people in Gujeong lined up in rows and columns and simultaneously raised thick paper.

When those holding colored paper raised it all at once, a huge letter was completed.

– 歡迎 (Welcome)

Soon the cards began to ripple.

Someone flipped the card, and someone started to sit down and get up, creating a shape.

“This is……?”

The envoys inadvertently looked at my face, startled, and lowered their heads again.

What the huge crowd of people moved like one body to create was my face.

Following this, cards and gymnastics symbolizing the achievements of past kings, the development of my reign, and the beautiful landscape of Joseon began to be displayed.

That’s right. It was a mass game.

‘Thinking about when I did that during new employee training makes me shiver.’

That’s why you should avoid black companies [companies with exploitative labor practices].

But should I call it a blessing in disguise? It was all experience.

When I did it, I cursed inwardly, saying, “What is this, a talent show in front of the King?”, but this is a real dynasty, right?

So it doesn’t matter.

The guys who are doing it probably don’t have any thoughts either, right?

The envoys had the same mindset, and there were no people who criticized or criticized the mass game.

They just opened their mouths wide at the magnificent performance.

“Are all of them His Majesty’s soldiers?”

“That’s right. In Joseon, there are few who can perform such a performance. Only the Training Command, which Taejo the Great [the first king of the Joseon dynasty] personally fostered.”

Sorry, that’s actually a lie.

That’s a kind of performance group run by Gujeong.

I provided the idea to Lee Bang-gwa, the president of the Gyeok-gu Association, who couldn’t leave Gujeong idle even after the season was over, and fostered these friends.

As the number of games held in Gujeong increased and money poured in, they tried to operate such a thing on a trial basis, but the response was surprisingly explosive.

Thanks to that, they are playing an active role in performing before and after games even during the season.

But that’s a story that only Joseon people know.

It looked different to the envoys from foreign countries.

“Indeed…….”

“Hundreds of people lift their feet without an inch of error, it would be impossible if it wasn’t the Training Command…….”

“Aren’t you sending these people to the Nadam [a traditional Mongolian festival with competitions]?”

Look at these guys’ eyes turning.

Power holders like this without exception. And that is better known by the people who assist them than by the power holders themselves.

“The Joseon kings always watch such performances, so I am very envious.”

“Our Shogun would like it too…….”

“I’m going to build a Gujeong in Daenyeong, can you send people?”

The envoys were filled with the thought of singing the praises of this performance to their kings as soon as they returned.

That was the same with Yang Sa-gi.

Yang Sa-gi, who had been stunned for a moment, hardened his face and said.

“Every time the musicians signal with music, the letters and shapes change in thousands of ways, and there is not a single mistake, so I now understand how elite the Joseon soldiers are.”

He’s hooked.

Well, that’s what I was aiming for.

Mass games and the strength of the military have nothing to do with each other, but how would the envoys who are seeing this performance for the first time today know that?

No, even if they know, there will be guys who will still want it.

Certainly.

I was so sure as I looked around at the envoys’ faces.

* * *

Yang Sa-gi was diligently scribbling the composition and movements of the mass game in his memo pad.

‘When did you scold me for coming to Joseon to play?’

As for the group who were coldly rejected for the proposal to transplant K-entertainment to Ming Dynasty, subtle barbed words came out.

“Sir, Confucius greatly scolded and even killed those who played tricks, saying that playing music from the borderlands would confuse the lords at the meeting between the two countries of Je (濟) and No (魯).

The dance performed by the King of Joseon now is like the flamboyant music of the state of Je, but why are you trying to record such a thing, even though you cannot imitate Confucius’s advice?”

However, Yang Sa-gi also had a rational reason.

Yang Sa-gi, who already had an open mind transplanted, lamented the foolishness of the group.

“What I am trying to imitate is not just the music and dance of the barbarians. Why can’t you see the essence!”

Even Yang Sa-gi, who had deeply learned Confucianism, felt that the military dance that the Joseon people danced all at once was somewhat moving.

At first glance, it felt elite.

‘The power of the Joseon army may be in equipment such as muskets, but it is also in the order in which the king’s orders are strictly established and extend to the lowest soldiers.’

Just look at that Joseon dance (朝鮮舞)!

Wang Ho also hinted that the group gymnastics practiced by the Joseon army were virtually the same as training to move organically in times of war.

Then there is no reason not to learn.

“I must learn Joseonmu and show it to the Emperor.”

Yang Sa-gi said with a determined expression.

The group looked at each other and opened their mouths slightly.

“Come to think of it, I heard that the Japanese and Ryukyu people are also trying to learn this.”

“Other barbarians may be trying to learn Joseonmu to flatter their kings, but I am different.

I am trying to learn because I think it is a necessary skill for the Great Ming!”

“…….”

Yang Sa-gi said that with eyes burning fiercely, but the group only exchanged glances that said, ‘Even the Minister is human after all.’

But the Emperor will definitely like this too.

From the leaders of communist countries to the presidents who lead the market economy.

Something that attracts the heart of an absolute power existed in the mass game.

Fortunately, Hong Hee-je only makes passive assumptions that he ‘will like it’, but if the dead Yongle Emperor had seen it, he would have stood tall without Biak.

Fortunately for Yang Sa-gi, Joseon did not hide the know-how of group gymnastics.

Rather, he offered to teach it willingly, so Yang Sa-gi even celebrated it in front of his group.

Before anyone could get a strange feeling, Lee Jae, the King of Joseon, gave them a gift.

* * *

“Although muskets are important military secrets, the Great Ming and Joseon are like one family, so how can I not offer them?”

“Is that true? The Emperor will not forget His Majesty’s loyalty!”

Yang Sa-gi’s expression brightened.

This guy managed his expression well until now, but he seems very happy.

‘Or is this even acting?’

No matter how bright you look, I’m going to rip off the money unconditionally.

“However, operating muskets is not as easy as you think, so it seems impolite to offer only the goods.”

“If so……?”

“Since we have already decided to send people to teach Joseonmu. We will select elite military officers and send them together, so why not have them teach the Ming army?”

I said generously.