There Is No Sejong In My Joseon [EN]: Chapter 80

Although intimidating the Manchus and strongly binding the Jurchen people was beneficial, some concerns lingered.

“I wish the arquebus [an early type of portable gun] would remain unknown for as long as possible.”

The rumor about the arquebus spread among the Jurchen people.

This would strengthen their fear of Joseon, but it would also reveal its existence.

‘Wouldn’t it be a problem if the Ming Dynasty found out about this?’

As I muttered this, Yi Seong-gye said firmly,

“No, that won’t happen.”

“How do you know that?”

As I tilted my head and asked, Yi Seong-gye grinned.

“Didn’t you already sell that thing called Seungja Chongtong [a type of cannon] to the Ming Dynasty? The news the Jurchen guys are spreading is that fire spews out of an iron bar, killing all the beasts. How would the Ming distinguish whether that’s an arquebus or a Seungja Chongtong?”

I smacked my forehead.

“Ah, that’s right.”

The Jurchen people aren’t presenting actual arquebuses, so they would never know.

“Rumors become less accurate as they travel further from the source and scatter. Remember that.”

Yi Seong-gye said that.

Selling the Seungja Chongtong is coming back to benefit us like this.

Since the Ming Dynasty’s court would have already tested the presented Seungja Chongtong, they wouldn’t find the rumors very strange even if they heard them.

Rather, they would focus on acquiring more Seungja Chongtong.

“I’ve already heard that the Emperor intends to use it effectively to conquer Mongolia.”

The Seungja Chongtong is a type of support firearm, so it can’t be used to equip soldiers individually like an arquebus, but it was effective against nomads.

So, the Gunpowder Bureau is also working hard to make and present them.

I also wanted the Seungja Chongtong to be more actively sought after so that the Ming Dynasty would only take that instead of other tribute items.

‘Only as a hand cannon.’

It wouldn’t be comparable to the Training Command with the arquebus.

The Training Command’s formation was very unique, even to me.

It is said that it was based on existing formations, but somehow it had aspects that coincided with modern formations.

So, what Yi Seong-gye devised seemed quite impressive to me.

“All the talented guys in Joseon were under me. So, I had to produce this much result, right?”

Yi Seong-gye said, laughing heartily.

Indeed, most of the famous generals would have been under his grandfather.

It may have converged and evolved in an efficient direction.

“Not Choi Young, right?”

“That old man went crazy in his later years. Trying to fight the Ming Dynasty, he was determined to ruin the country.”

Yi Seong-gye clicked his tongue as if he felt pity.

‘Why did you leave out that you also stepped up to conquer Liaodong?’

Sensing my gaze, Yi Seong-gye cleared his throat.

“I’m different. I had a plan. First of all, Zhu Yuanzhang made all his sons kings in the border areas, right? I thought a civil war would definitely break out. Isn’t the Rebellion of the Seven States a similar case?

Taking advantage of that gap, I thought there was plenty of chance to go to Liaodong. If it wasn’t for Bang-won, I would have advanced to the Yoha River right away…”

Did Tyson say that?

Everyone has a plausible plan until they get punched in the face.

“It’s a story that’s gone now, but since I’ve got this thing called an arquebus in my hand, it’s a waste to just leave it alone. Sigh.

An army quickly rusts without combat experience.”

‘Tsk. I wonder if he’s going to suggest going to Liaodong again soon.’

Should I prepare a place to vent Yi Seong-gye’s violent tendencies?

===

After finishing the Gaesi [border trade] issue, I stayed in the Northeast for a few more days.

I built friendships with the local clans that Yi Seong-gye introduced me to, and I also took the lead in supplying Hwadeok [a type of cannon] and other equipment.

“The development of the Dancheon silver mine seems to be going well…”

It was worth bringing Yi Cheon.

And above all, I requested people from Iribuka and Choi Heung-rip for the new project I was promoting.

“Please gather people among the Jurchens who are good at sailing. Sailors are good, and Joseon shipbuilders are also good.”

Iribuka was briefly surprised by my sudden request, but he promised to look into it without complaint.

On the other hand, Choi Heung-rip, whom I met in Hamheung, tilted his head.

“You’re going to try maritime trade? Has the country given its permission…?”

“I can handle that problem myself. Hansang [a group of merchants] can also provide trade goods.

Gather all the people from Yeongheung-bu and try to promote it. The local clans here can also contribute capital.”

There are many trade goods. There is white porcelain that Hansang can supply, and considering the geographical conditions, fur can also be an important commodity.

Isn’t it something that the Ming Dynasty can’t get even if they want it?

“Is the other party Japan?”

“That’s right.”

From what I’ve heard, the daimyos [feudal lords] also seem to be independently trading with foreign countries.

Also, since sulfur, a raw material for gunpowder, is being obtained from Japan, it was advantageous to increase the amount of trade.

Some time later, the Jurchen pirates that Iribuka scraped together and sent were waiting in front of me.

They mostly had fierce faces.

They also looked quite old.

“Are you the Jurchen bandits?”

As I asked that, they hurriedly waved their hands.

“We actively raided the east coast until the elder straightened out the order, but after that, we have been reformed and living by fishing. We have never touched the people of Joseon.”

I grinned as I watched the Jurchens making excuses.

What I need is that talent for robbing others.

“Take these people and try to proceed.”

I ordered Choi Heung-rip like that.

===

When the work was roughly finished, Yi Seong-gye and I were about to return to Gaeseong with a dignified appearance, but there was a problem.

“Why are there so many people?”

“Now that you are returning south, all the people of the Northeast are coming out to see His Highness and Your Highness off.”

When we came, people only called the name of the Grand King, but when it was time to leave, they also looked for me and shouted.

“Your Highness, Crown Prince!”

“Goodbye!”

Hmm.

It was a short time, but it seems I gained a lot of virtue while I was here.

Well, I did a lot of work here.

I also set up Hwadeok.

“Rather, it’s because the Grand King took his grandson around a lot.”

“Be quiet.”

I shouted at Noh-boon’s words.

“I’m getting old and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Yi Seong-gye said, looking at the people.

“But I will not forget you. And that is no exception for the Crown Prince here. Even if I am not here, the Crown Prince here will take care of you.”

“Waaaaaa!”

The people of the Northeast looked up at our two grandsons and were enthusiastic.

“The Northeast will develop even more in the future. Silver will be mined in Dancheon, goods will come and go on the road connected to the Jurchens, and ships will be sent across the sea to add to the wealth. I, the Crown Prince, guarantee it!”

I continued after Yi Seong-gye.

Close loyalty is good, but the benefits that I, as a ruler, can bring to them are better.

When I mentioned that, the shouts grew even louder.

Yi Seong-gye looked at me and asked.

“Aside from the others, was it necessary to mention launching ships? What if it fails?”

“Isn’t it impossible for me to fail?”

I looked at Yi Seong-gye and smiled.

The Northeast outing was coming to an end.

===

Choi Heung-rip stared at the Crown Prince leaving the Northeast from afar.

The public sentiment seemed to be definitely more excited by the Crown Prince’s remarks.

“Thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince, the south is now thriving!”

“They use salt and oil like crazy, right?”

“I heard Hanyang has become a completely different world.”

Expectations rose much higher as these rumors spread, riding on the achievements that Crown Prince Lee Je had come and shown.

Choi Heung-rip looked at the excited people in his hometown after a long time and thought.

‘Surely the Grand King was trying to connect us to His Highness the Crown Prince.’

The last gift to his hometown.

It was for the Crown Prince, but it was also for the Northeast.

After Yi Seong-gye dies, this place will continue to be alienated from the country of Joseon.

The question he asked when he sat down with Yi Seong-gye was also that.

‘Has Your Highness designated His Highness the Crown Prince as his successor?’

When the Grand King disappears, does that mean they should follow the Crown Prince?

That was the question.

‘If I tell you to follow, will you follow?’

‘O, of course.’

‘We were just surprised. The Crown Prince is His Highness’s grandson, but he is clearly the son of the King…’

Everyone knew about Yi Seong-gye’s hatred for Yi Bang-won.

So, no one expected him to bring Yi Bang-won’s eldest son.

‘I was just thinking about the future, not the past.’

‘For my hometown, the Northeast, and for this country, Joseon.’

Is he saying that he is a kingly talent worthy of being made a successor, even suppressing his emotions?

‘Then, is Your Highness really making His Highness the successor…’

Choi Heung-rip asked, but Yi Seong-gye just smiled faintly.

The local clans were surprised by the reaction, but Choi Heung-rip seemed to know a little now.

He smiled lightly as he watched the departing Crown Prince.

If a new lord is coming in anyway, wouldn’t it be better to have a lord who fills his coffers?

Let’s trust and do what the young lord commands.

===

The way back was not smooth either.

Whether the story of the Grand King resolving various grievances while heading north spread widely, countless people blocked the royal carriage.

The promise I made on the way turned into a huge workload.

Yi Seong-gye chuckled, saying he knew this would happen.

After moving slowly but steadily, I finally returned to Hanyang.

The season had already changed.

‘This year is almost over.’

As soon as I entered the palace with such a carefree thought, I had to be summoned before Queen Wongyeong.

“How old are you to go to such a far place?”

I heard that when I left for the Northeast, my mother was crying and making a fuss.

It’s natural for a child who doesn’t hurt even if you put them in your eyes to go to a dangerous frontier.

The reactions of the family were generally similar.

For some reason, my uncle was sulking, though.

Yi Bang-won greeted me with a slightly haggard look.

“You’ve worked hard. Did you follow the Grand King well?”

“I escorted the Grand King.”

I puffed out my chest, saying “Ahem.”

“I heard that the public sentiment in the Northeast has greatly stabilized with this tour.”

“It’s natural since the Grand King went.”

“It seems you’ve gained a lot too.”

Yi Bang-won said with a smile.

“The reason I didn’t stop you until the end was because of that.”

“Yes?”

“I wanted you to get what I couldn’t get until the end.”

Yi Bang-won said that.

Although he didn’t say it explicitly, I could also know what Yi Bang-won was referring to.

“So, how did it go?”

Yi Bang-won asked.

“The Gaesi issue has been completely resolved. In addition, Maengga Cheopmoga has also submitted after seeing our strength. They will no longer be able to run wild recklessly.”

“Well done.”

Actually, Yi Seong-gye solved it all, not me.

“Gaesi is what they want, but it is also necessary for us. If we receive hundreds of warhorses like this, our Joseon will gradually become stronger. You are a lucky charm.”

Yi Bang-won grabbed me and kissed me on the cheek.

“And…”

I barely escaped from Yi Bang-won’s arms and said.

End