There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 73

Even Yi Bang-won’s agreement silenced the officers; none dared contradict the king’s words.

Who would have imagined such a young child being so well-versed in the Great Learning [a foundational text of Confucianism]?

“······.”

A profound silence fell.

Then, Crown Prince Yi Je stepped forward.

“It is now evident that there is no basis for your claims. The pencil is not a strange object that harms the way of the scholar, but rather a useful tool that aids learning.”

“······.”

Yi Je then turned to Yi Bang-won and said,

“Father, shouldn’t we encourage the use of pencils within the court?”

“Indeed, that is correct. Even if official documents are written with a brush, it would be convenient to use pencils for internal documents in each government office. I will discuss this in the Royal Secretariat [the King’s personal office].”

Pencils were already in use in the Printing Office, and their practicality was widely acknowledged.

This would have likely happened eventually without a separate royal decree, but Yi Je’s reason for bringing it up now was clear.

“All the officials praise the tool, yet only the officers are caught up in formalities and blindly oppose it.

This is because they do not properly understand practical matters.”

“Is that so.”

The officers began to argue, but Yi Bang-won swiftly interjected.

“Then, how does the Crown Prince propose this should be resolved?”

“How about sending them to the training institute for a step-by-step education from the beginning? The administrative capabilities of the Six Ministries’ officials have improved dramatically since they each attended the training institute.”

“Th-that······.”

The officers’ faces paled at the Crown Prince’s suggestion.

However, they couldn’t dare to deny the Crown Prince’s words at this juncture.

Song Heung’s eyelids fluttered.

Yi Bang-won said,

“That is also a good idea. It would be beneficial to learn what is needed and what is not while gaining practical skills directly at the training institute.”

The justification sounded reasonable, but the officers could all clearly see through it.

The moment Yi Bang-won gave the order, the corners of the Crown Prince’s lips subtly turned upward.

It seemed as if he was about to put them through hell.

“Gurgle······.”

The officers felt like they were foaming at the mouth and on the verge of fainting.

===

Yi Bang-won wore a satisfied smile.

“Haha, I wonder if it’s truly the effect of learning as the Crown Prince said, or if another genius has truly been born under my reign.”

Grand Prince Chungnyeong’s brilliance was unprecedented.

Chief State Councilor Ha Ryun subtly flattered Yi Bang-won.

“Although pencils are convenient, how can mastering the Great Learning be achieved with just one object?

Since ancient times, a child’s intelligence has been a great joy to parents. With so many princes being so intelligent, how can this not be a blessing for the dynasty?”

“A blessing for the dynasty, you say.”

Yi Bang-won nodded at Ha Ryun’s words.

As a father, he felt pleased by his subject’s flattery, but he couldn’t help but contemplate the future.

Today, he was once again surprised by his third son’s brilliance.

The demeanor he displayed at the lecture was beyond what a child could possibly possess.

If the Crown Prince had not shown such talent and individuality, Yi Bang-won might have inadvertently entertained other thoughts on the spot.

‘Being intelligent is a good thing, but isn’t he too smart?’

He himself felt a moment of unease.

Yi Bang-won remembered the brothers who had turned their swords against him.

Therefore, he desired his sons to live peacefully, knowing their place.

The only way to prevent fraternal strife is for only one of them to stand tall.

And that is the eldest son.

The other royal family members can simply live comfortably under a benevolent brother.

He wouldn’t worry if the eldest son was foolish and violent, but the Crown Prince is a smarter child than anyone else.

“You can’t call someone a royal talent just because they’re good at delving into the scriptures.”

Yi Bang-won said bluntly.

Ha Ryun quickly observed the king’s expression at the words that carried a subtle weight, rather than mere humility.

“What troubles you?”

Ha Ryun was a trusted aide, perhaps more than anyone else.

Yi Bang-won confided his concerns.

“Isn’t it enough to have only one intelligent prince?”

“······.”

Ha Ryun considered his words carefully. He understood the contradictory feelings of his lord.

As a father, he wants his child to study well, but as a monarch, he does not want him to be too exceptional.

Ha Ryun said.

“Although the Grand Prince is Your Majesty’s third son, shouldn’t we simply encourage him to study?”

“The Crown Prince mentioned that if there are talented members among the relatives, he will bring them in and utilize them as much as possible.”

Ha Ryun blinked at those words.

Certainly, the Crown Prince was a unique individual. He avoids the easy path of simply following convention.

He achieves success after success while undertaking actions that a typical Crown Prince would never consider.

Yet, strangely, there was no hesitation in his actions.

The people who gathered around him were also talented, regardless of their origins.

However, he soon composed himself and advised Yi Bang-won.

“Perhaps the Crown Prince is still young. Let’s observe for a little longer.”

“Is that so.”

“But······.”

Ha Ryun said,

“If the Crown Prince is truly seeking a way for everyone to prosper together, what could be better than that?”

“Is there such a way?”

Yi Bang-won shook his head and said.

It was an ideal path, but also one that no one had ever successfully navigated.

He knew all too well that one wrong step could stain this royal family with blood once again.

When Yi Bang-won showed a negative reaction, Ha Ryun responded with a smile.

It was a curious thing.

For some reason, he believed that the Crown Prince might be capable of walking such an unconventional path.

===

“No─!”

A child’s voice echoed through the palace.

It was only a few months ago that Yi Do first tasted Chogye – that is, fried chicken.

Since some time ago, rumors about ‘fried chicken made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’ had been circulating among the maids.

Because the story was so widespread, even he, who disliked going out and preferred staying indoors, couldn’t help but hear the rumors.

Intrigued, Yi Do immediately ordered the kitchen to prepare chicken that day, and was soon plunged into a state of utter shock.

When Yi Do bit into the chicken leg, the savory aroma of oil filled his senses.

As steam rose, Yi Do diligently tore at the chicken.

The juice and oil dripped down, and the crispy, crumbly batter delighted his palate.

‘There’s such a thing as this! I’ve wasted half my life!’

Not that half of his life was even a few years.

Thus, Yi Do began ordering Chogye countless times.

The overprotection of his parents, which had manifested in a peculiar way since losing three sons in a row, also played a role.

The policy of ‘eating well and growing up quickly’ completely indulged Yi Do.

As a result, he was developing a physique that was unlike that of a typical child, thanks to his relentless consumption of chicken.

······This is the reason why Elementary Schooler King Sejong is already evolving into a pig.

“Munch munch.”

“Is it delicious?”

“Hehe, delish······! No, it’s delicious.”

It seems I momentarily spoke informally.

I guess it’s hard to maintain formality in front of food.

‘It’s good to be affectionate and cute with your brother.’

I thought while stroking Do’s head.

Regardless, Do tore at the chicken, making strange breathing sounds.

“I’m frying Chogye for you because you did well this time, but you should refrain from now on, okay?”

I said that.

Do, who was eating, moved by the chicken I fried myself (of course, only supervised), opened his eyes wide and asked.

“Why?”

“You need to control your diet.”

I kept noticing that dangling academic pouch [a traditional Korean accessory].

I wondered if it was the cause of various adult diseases.

Then, he screamed so loudly that the East Palace [the residence of the Crown Prince] seemed to shake.

“Then I’ll exercise after eating this.”

“I don’t wanna either.”

Do never moved.

He considered going to the back garden or taking a walk as all the exercise he needed.

‘Oh, how do I get this guy to lose weight?’

Looking at him, who looked like he would roll down the mountain if I pushed him from the top, I felt like I was going crazy.

“Father said that being chubby is the cutest!”

That’s because everything looks pretty in parents’ eyes.

I don’t know who he takes after, but he’s as stubborn as a mule.

“What should I do to make someone who doesn’t want to move, move?”

Unable to watch any longer, I went to the Supreme King’s [Yi Seong-gye’s] residence to express my concerns.

Then Yi Seong-gye said nonchalantly.

“Threaten them with a knife.”

“Yes?”

“The old Goryeo army [the previous Korean dynasty] was a real mess, you know? There were more than one or two guys who slacked off? Most of them made excuses and tried to be lazy.

But if you beat them with a whip, they would immediately jump up and run around in all directions.”

What kind of place is Hell Goryeo?

But I can’t use a whip on my younger brother, so I looked for another way.

“What if I don’t use corporal punishment?”

“Then I don’t know. How can you move a boulder without putting in any effort?”

Yi Seong-gye shrugged.

‘Damn it, this advice is useless.’

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

I had no choice but to take out Plan B.

“Can’t Grandpa teach someone else?”

“Why would I?”

An immediate refusal.

“Won’t you listen to your grandson’s request?”

Yi Seong-gye raised his eyebrows and asked.

“I taught you as a reward for winning the bet. Do you think it’s so easy to receive my vision?”

“Vision? When did you teach me that?”

All I’ve learned so far is swinging a wooden sword while getting hit on the head?

“Hey, I told you. Once you learn the basics, the rest is all practical sense. There’s no such thing as a secret trick in the world.”

I grumbled to the teacher who said, ‘Me hitting you is the vision.’

“Originally, a good teacher would transfer their inner strength to their disciples and die together with the enemy.”

“Nonsense.”

– Thud!

Yi Seong-gye hit me on the head.

I rubbed my head with a familiar touch and asked.

“I don’t really need you to teach me martial arts, just guide me on how to lose weight?”

“If that’s the case, put him in the Training Center. Then I’ll roll him around for you instead.”

“He’s still too young for that.”

“How about playing soccer?”

“No.”

There’s no way I can put the Grand Prince in that violent and inhumane place.

I desperately tried to think of a diet method.

Should I just make him run around the playground like crazy?

Then Yi Seong-gye said.

“It’s not the time to worry about such trivial matters in the first place. Bang-won has approved the opening of the border market this time, shouldn’t you go to the Northeast with me?”

The opening of the border market was quickly adopted.

Yi Bang-won had no reason to refuse.

As the Ming Dynasty’s appeasement of the Jurchens [nomadic tribes north of Korea] continued, maintaining Joseon’s influence was a national task.

And Yi Seong-gye was a figure like a bridge between Joseon and the Jurchens.

“Already?”

“I have to go before I get too old to move. I don’t know if Bang-won will allow it.”

Yi Seong-gye said.

Like those words, I said.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to get permission if we fill the group with Father’s men?”

“Hey, do you want me to go while being watched by those guys?”

“Then don’t start a rebellion.”

Then, Yi Seong-gye groaned.

It’s all your fault, so you have nothing to say.

‘Actually, me going to the Northeast is also a problem.’

Even if I go with the Supreme King, will I be able to get permission for the Crown Prince to go all the way to the far Northeast?

‘But I’ve been traveling around the Gyeonggi Province [the province surrounding Seoul] often.’

Yi Bang-won’s permission might be surprisingly easy.

“Head of Baek Merchant Group has already sent a message. He is conveying Joseon’s intention to open the border market to the Jurchen tribal chiefs and is adjusting the items. Please go and review it, Grandpa.”

“Then we can leave soon?”

“Ah, there’s something I need to do first before that.”

The officers who are currently imprisoned in the training institute.

These people need mental reform.

End

ⓒ Pitkong