There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 449

450. Side Story – In Search of the Rising Sun Country (1)

Finding themselves in the same predicament as the snipe and clam, caught by the fisherman after their squabble, the two were utterly dumbfounded. They were like the idiom ‘when the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits’ made real.

Yi Dan, who had inadvertently struck a fortune amidst their fraternal strife, didn’t outwardly display his joy. He understood the delicate situation.

No matter how vast the Jin royal family’s wealth, it couldn’t compare to the imperial family’s control over this immense empire. The Emperor held ultimate power.

More crucial was maintaining his dignity as emperor and reconciling the lingering resentment as the elder brother of the family. He needed to appear impartial and wise.

Therefore, Yi Dan summoned the two to the Stone Inscription Legacy in the imperial palace. This was a place for solemn pronouncements and family matters.

“Our predecessors were able to seize the world from a small country in the East thanks to the brothers uniting as one. The late Emperor left a will emphasizing harmony for the same reason.

Yet, not even a generation has passed, and such a thing has occurred. How can I face our ancestors in the afterlife?” Yi Dan’s words were heavy with disappointment.

“……”

Yi Yu felt utterly humiliated to hear these words from his cousin, whom he had served for so long. He felt like a scolded child.

He would have preferred his father to have been swayed by a concubine in his final years, leaving his wealth to her, which he could have dismissed as a lapse in judgment due to old age. That would have been easier to accept.

Stories like that were frequently featured in magazines for women, which were springing up like mushrooms after rain, inspired by ‘Good Thoughts’ [a popular magazine]. These magazines catered to the growing female readership.

Often, these were tales, hard to distinguish between fiction and reality, such as ‘A concubine who bore a son and ousted the legal wife’ or ‘A widow’s account of defeating a younger brother-in-law who coveted the family fortune’. These stories were sensational and often exaggerated.

Usually, readers found such stories cathartic, as if they had swallowed a mouthful of refreshing cider. They offered an escape and a sense of vicarious triumph.

However, his father’s will was about transferring his shares to the imperial family. This was a matter of state, not personal whim.

How could he dare to challenge that? To do so would be treasonous.

Denying the will would not only fail to achieve his goals but also brand him as unfilial and disloyal, a fate as clear as day. He would be disgraced and ostracized.

Yi Dan, sensing his feelings, said,

“The late Prince Jin’s testament was left to foresee today’s conflict and prevent future calamities. Do not resent it too much. I will ensure you receive separate, generous compensation.” Yi Dan offered a conciliatory gesture.

In the end, only the source of the money differed—whether it was the Emperor’s or his nephew’s. The outcome was the same: financial compensation.

The only consolation was that his detestable nephew was in the same boat as him. Misery loves company, as they say.

Both remained silent at Yi Dan’s words for a while. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air.

As Yi Dan was contemplating whether they should just settle it with a fistfight like men, Prince Jin, Yi Hong-wi, unexpectedly bowed his head first. This was a surprising turn of events.

“I apologize, Uncle.” Yi Hong-wi’s apology was unexpected.

Yi Yu was momentarily stunned by the unexpected apology, as Yi Hong-wi continued,

“As Uncle knows, that merchant named Bak Paeng-nyeon has been serving as the steward of the royal residence. When Grandfather and Father passed away and the estate was being settled, he examined all the details and, along with his friend Seong Sam-mun, persuaded me.

Ultimately, it is my fault for being swayed by their words.” Yi Hong-wi shifted the blame to his advisors.

‘Is this brat changing his tune now that things seem to have fallen apart?’ Yi Yu wondered if this was a strategic retreat.

He thought that while it was customary for a subordinate to apologize first, he didn’t expect him to flip his stance so readily. He was suspicious of the sudden change of heart.

Even in front of the Emperor. This made the apology seem even more calculated.

He still harbored resentment, but with his cousin glaring at him from behind, he couldn’t refuse to accept it. He had no choice but to accept the apology, however insincere it seemed.

“……Ahem! I wouldn’t have filed a lawsuit if Han Myeong-hoe hadn’t boasted that he could win unconditionally.” Yi Yu also deflected blame.

Since Yi Yu was the one who sought him out first, Han Myeong-hoe would have felt extremely wronged if he had heard these words. Han Myeong-hoe was a legal advisor.

However, Yi Yu had his own reasons. He felt betrayed by the advisor’s overconfidence.

‘What, he said he could win no matter what, and this is how he handles things?’ Yi Yu felt misled and cheated.

Han Myeong-hoe couldn’t have imagined that a letter containing Yi Do’s posthumous wishes would surface, but from Yi Yu’s perspective, such bold claims were even more infuriating. The advisor had failed to deliver on his promise.

The lawsuit had fallen through, so shouldn’t all these costs be included in the hefty retainer fee he had paid in advance? Yi Yu felt entitled to a refund.

As for Han Myeong-hoe himself, he wouldn’t care where he was being cursed as long as it didn’t reach his ears. He was oblivious to the brewing resentment.

“Rather than feuding and cutting off ties as a family, perhaps this is for the best.” Yi Dan hoped for a lasting peace.

“I think so too. It is truly thanks to the wisdom of the Emperor and my father.” Yi Hong-wi echoed the sentiment.

Yi Dan, having forcibly patched up the conflict, let out a long sigh. He was relieved that the situation had been diffused, at least for now.

They might still harbor resentment inside, but at least they had reconciled, and time would gradually bury the rest. Time heals all wounds, as they say.

‘Do I have to mediate a family inheritance dispute at my age?’ Yi Dan felt the burden of his responsibilities.

The fact that it was a legal battle rather than a knife fight was a significant improvement for this family. He was grateful that the conflict hadn’t escalated to violence.

Yi Dan suddenly felt a newfound respect for his father, who had to run around to prevent the massacre of his maternal relatives. He understood the challenges his father had faced in maintaining peace within the family.

* * *

The internal strife within the Jin royal family was resolved more quickly than expected, regardless of their inner feelings. The resolution was swift, even if the underlying tensions remained.

It wasn’t solely due to Yi Dan’s reconciliation efforts. Other factors were at play.

“I have lived a good life. There is no woman as blessed as I am.” Ju So-hwa, who had lived comfortably for several years after Yi Je’s death, receiving the care of her descendants, passed away. Her passing marked the end of an era.

No one was so oblivious as to start a fight on the verge of the passing of the Grand Empress Dowager, who had long protected the imperial family. It would have been deeply disrespectful to cause conflict during this time of mourning.

“If it weren’t for your father, I might have died early from heartache.” Ju So-hwa acknowledged her husband’s love and support.

In this era, it was extremely rare for even an ordinary man to love only one woman throughout his life. Monogamy was uncommon, especially among those of high status.

How much more so if he were the king of a country? The temptations and pressures were immense.

Even if he didn’t want to, those around him would constantly encourage him to take other women. It wasn’t considered unusual. It was expected of a ruler to have multiple consorts.

Therefore, her demand to be the only one he looked at was nothing more than a childish whim or a fit of pique from Ju So-hwa’s younger days, but Yi Je now granted it without a word. He had fulfilled her lifelong wish.

She had become the most honored woman in the world, and her descendants had all achieved success, but in reality, her greatest blessing was that. Her greatest joy was her husband’s unwavering love.

“I wanted to have the cherished silver mirror buried with me, but future generations should see the object that saved your father’s life. Store it in the treasury and preserve it for posterity.” Ju So-hwa made a final, poignant request.

Leaving behind even a cute act of revenge against her father-in-law, she closed her eyes without regret. She passed away peacefully, content with her life.

“This time, I must go to meet that person. Just like the day I first came to Joseon……” Those were Ju So-hwa’s last words. They hinted at a reunion in the afterlife.

The death of the Grand Empress Dowager, who had faithfully fulfilled her role as the nation’s mother for a long time, was by no means insignificant. Her passing was a major event, deeply felt throughout the nation.

Although she was a princess of the Ming, she never regarded Joseon as a vassal state like the former Yuan princesses, and her virtue and benevolence were unmatched. She was respected and admired by all.

Even the imperial relatives of the old Ming dynasty moved their heavy bodies to escort her on her final journey, to commemorate her role as a bridge between Joseon and Ming, and between Zhili and the Central Plains for a long time. Her legacy as a diplomat and peacemaker was celebrated.

Among them were figures whose origins were particularly noteworthy. These individuals had a unique connection to the deceased.

They were Zhu Qi-zhen and Zhu Qi-yu, the sons of the deposed Emperor Zhu Zhanji. Their presence added a layer of historical significance to the event.

Zhu Zhanji had vanished without a trace while being exiled to Ulleungdo, but they were able to grow up without much threat to their lives under Ju So-hwa’s patronage. She had protected them from political turmoil.

Although they were the sons of a deposed emperor, the role of ‘totem attracting traitors’ was already being faithfully performed by Zhu Wen-gyu, a hikikomori [recluse] stuck in Nanjing. He served as a convenient scapegoat for any potential dissent.

Therefore, they were treated as Ju So-hwa’s few remaining relatives in Zhili and were able to study and grow up in Yeouido. They were given opportunities to learn and thrive.

The brothers Zhu Qi-zhen and Zhu Qi-yu were the ones who should have ascended the throne as Emperor Yingzong and Emperor Jingtai, respectively, in the original history. Their lives had taken a different path than what was originally destined.

Emperor Yingzong was once captured by Esen [leader of the Oirat Mongols] during the Tumu Crisis and forcibly notified of his abdication to his younger brother, so he did not receive a good evaluation, but he carried out decent politics in terms of internal affairs (mainly during his second term). His reign was marked by both hardship and achievement.

His younger brother, Emperor Jingtai Zhu Qi-yu, also had merits such as being assisted by Yu Qian to repair the chaos of the emperor being captured and repelling Esen. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the empire during a time of crisis.

Perhaps because of this, they were evaluated as reasonably talented, but because of their origins, they were not able to take office, even though they were treated quite well. Their lineage prevented them from holding positions of power, despite their abilities.

Therefore, after Ju So-hwa, who could be said to be the elder of the family, passed away, they decided to step forward and present the plan they had been conceiving for a long time. They felt compelled to act after the loss of their protector.

“The country has made the development of the Americas its national policy, but that land is even larger than Joseon, and the court is only sending a few soldiers and people to develop only a part of the west.

However, the east is almost entirely empty except for some natives, so the ‘White Dvarves’ (white barbarians), as the late Emperor worried, may stretch out by boat in the future. They feared European colonization of the Americas.

If that happens, even if we send troops to subdue them, we will have to cross tens of thousands of miles by sea and then tens of thousands of miles across land, which will greatly disrupt the plan to subjugate all the lands east of the sea (海東) in the future, wouldn’t it?” They proposed a preemptive strategy to secure the Americas.

Subjugating the lands east of the sea—it’s not like they are plotting to swallow Joseon, killing the Ming. Their ambition was focused on the New World, not on overthrowing existing powers.

Now, with a modern sensibility, they named the American continent America (美州), but an equally, or even more, widely used name was the lands east of the sea. The term reflected Joseon’s perspective as the center of the world.

In the days when the Central Plains dynasty was the center of the world, Joseon was called by that name because it was east of the sea, but now Joseon Zhili is the center of the world. The world view had shifted, with Joseon now at the forefront.

You can see that the prime meridian passes through the Hanyang clock tower. This symbolized Joseon’s central position in the world.

Therefore, the name lands east of the sea (海東) was more appropriate to refer to the New World across the Pacific Ocean. The term was geographically accurate and culturally relevant.

For this reason, the natives living in the Americas are commonly called natives by Joseon people, but when it is necessary to call them by a proper noun, they are even called people east of the sea. This reflected Joseon’s understanding of the indigenous populations.

The person to whom they presented their advice was Prince Sim, Yi Hwan. He was a trusted member of the royal family.

He was the youngest son of Yi Je and Ju So-hwa, and he was close to the two Zhu brothers because of that connection. Their shared history fostered a strong bond.

He was also the one who knew their desire to take office better than anyone else. He understood their ambition and their longing to contribute to the nation.

“What you say is right. But even if I listen to you and present a plan to subjugate the lands east of the sea to the Emperor, wouldn’t I be suspected instead?” Yi Hwan worried about the political implications of his actions.

Prince Sim, Yi Hwan, was also a descendant of the military family line from Yi Seong-gye, and the son of the conquering monarch (Sejong) Yi Je. He came from a lineage of warriors and leaders.

He certainly had the desire to make a name for himself and repay the country. He wanted to prove himself and serve his nation with distinction.

However, he was worried about how leading troops as the Emperor’s younger brother would be perceived. He feared accusations of ambition or disloyalty.

“Your Highness’s base is in Shenyang. Who would suspect you if you went to the lands east of the sea, far away from the imperial city?” They argued that his distance from the capital would alleviate suspicion.

Well, a coup is only possible if the distance is a bit far. Distance provided a degree of safety and autonomy.

At best, they might rebel, claiming they want to secede, but why would they bother to be the king in an empty land when even illegitimate nephews can gain a country and act as a feudal lord if they want to? The rewards of such a venture seemed minimal compared to the risks.

The problem is whether the Emperor will allow his younger brother to go to the New World……. The Emperor’s approval was essential for the plan to proceed.

The Emperor has aged and gained some maturity, but he is still a man among men who goes crazy for fighting. Despite his age, the Emperor retained his passion for military matters.

His mother might object, but it didn’t seem like his brother would object. The Emperor’s support seemed more likely than his mother’s.

‘If you’re that old, you should lead an army at least once! I even personally took the head of a Ming commander!’ The Emperor was known for his war stories and his desire for military glory.

Wouldn’t he just keep telling stories like this? His enthusiasm for battle was legendary.

“Then who should I take with me?” Yi Hwan sought advice on assembling a capable team.

“There is a man named Nam Yi (南怡), the grandson of Princess Jeongseon, who is young but a talented general. If you receive his assistance, you will be able to achieve great things.” They recommended a promising young military leader.

“Nam Yi is young and has a low rank, but he is a general who has officially entered the service of the country, so can I just call him in without permission?” Yi Hwan questioned the feasibility of recruiting Nam Yi.

“If you get the Emperor’s permission, there will be no problem. The problem is his character…….” They hinted at potential challenges in working with Nam Yi.

“If he is young and talented, he is bound to act rashly. We can manage those aspects, can’t we?” Yi Hwan expressed confidence in his ability to handle any personality quirks.

Yi Hwan asked, and Zhu Qi-zhen bowed his head and said,

“It’s not that kind of problem…… You will understand when you meet him in person.” The true nature of the problem remained unclear.

However, Yi Hwan did not know what those words meant until he sat face to face with Nam Yi. He was about to discover the unique challenges of working with this talented general.

Because he was an extremely normal human being except for enjoying games. Nam Yi’s personality was surprisingly ordinary, except for his love of games.

“I really enjoy this Hwangnyongsa Pagoda game. I always bet when I play this game, would Your Highness be okay with that?” Nam Yi’s gambling habits raised some eyebrows.

“Haha, that’s not difficult. Where, should we drink a glass of penalty liquor?” Yi Hwan tried to make light of the situation.

“No.” Nam Yi’s response was unexpected.

Yi Hwan asked with a chuckle, but Nam Yi answered with a serious face.

“Take off your clothes.” Nam Yi’s request was shocking and bizarre.

Nam Yi’s grandfather was Nam Hwi, the commander of Yisan Garrison. He came from a distinguished military family.

And Nam Hwi’s grandfather was the highly esteemed Lord Chunggyeong. His lineage was filled with notable figures.

Soon, he was the dark duelist Nam Jae. The connection to Nam Jae hinted at a hidden, perhaps darker, side to Nam Yi’s character.