Black Corporation: Joseon

The debate that unfolded at the gisaeng house continued in the same direction as before.

“Popular songs lack class and have lewd content, so they have no value!”

“The lack of class is due to the lack of learning! That’s all! And not all popular songs are indecent!”

Tired of listening to the debate that seemed to be going around in circles, Hyang quietly emptied the wine cup poured by the gisaeng.

As the empty kettle was taken away and a new one brought in, Hyang suddenly felt a sense of injustice.

‘Damn it! Why do I have to drink alone? And while listening to such old-fashioned talk instead of enjoyable songs!’

As the alcohol kicked in, Hyang had completely forgotten that he had arranged this gathering and suddenly felt aggrieved.

“Wait a moment!”

Hyang, who had stopped the two from arguing, ordered in a slightly relaxed voice.

“From now on, anyone who wants to express an opinion must empty their cup before speaking. And if the opponent empties two cups while you haven’t emptied yours, you’ll have to drink three cups as a penalty.”

As this rule was established, both Anpyeong and Park Yeon started to get drunk. And the words that came out began to become a little more honest.

“Listen here, old man! I heard that when you were young, you came to Hanyang and learned the flute from a clown. Is that the kind of nobleman who talks about the lack of class?”

At Anpyeong’s point, Park Yeon hurriedly emptied his cup and offered an excuse.

“That clown at the time was truly skilled!”

***

When Park Yeon was living in his hometown of Yeongdong, Chungcheong Province, in his youth, he had the opportunity to learn the flute by chance. With his talent for music, his flute skills amazed the people of the town.

“He’s a master, a master!”

Praised by the people of his hometown, he went up to Hanyang to learn more deeply about music.

And hearing rumors of a clown with extraordinary musical talent, he sought him out.

“Would you listen to my flute playing?”

“Yes.”

Park Yeon confidently showcased his flute skills.

“How is it?”

The clown, who had quietly listened to Park Yeon’s flute playing, shook his head and answered.

“The sound of the scholar’s flute is vulgar and does not match the melody.”

Shocked by the clown’s harsh criticism, Park Yeon asked for correction, but the clown refused his request.

“The habit has already become ingrained and cannot be fixed.”

However, Park Yeon, forgetting that he was a nobleman, earnestly pleaded.

Eventually, the clown began to teach Park Yeon. However, he thought Park Yeon would give up soon. The habit was already deeply ingrained, and because of his nobleman pride.

However, Park Yeon corrected his bad habits within a few days, and before a month had passed, he became skilled enough for the clown to ask to learn from him. (Note 1)

***

Despite Park Yeon’s excuse, Anpyeong continued to press him.

“Even if the clown’s skills were excellent, would he have learned the music of the left and right bureaus? You only learned the melodies that you said lacked class! Popular songs and music may lack class, but they are worth recording because they move people’s hearts!”

“Emotion is important, but without propriety, it is useless! Useless is unused!”

“Propriety can be taught! What’s important is the sincerity of the people contained within them!”

“Don’t make childish remarks with absurd words! Sincerity alone cannot express class!”

“Sincerity is more important than class!”

“Music should be grave and majestic!”

“Lightness and simplicity also have their own charm!”

The debate flared up fiercely once again. However, unlike the previous debate, they clashed while revealing more of their true feelings.

Seeing this, Hyang smiled slightly.

‘Now it’s getting interesting to listen to! A real fight should be fought with everything laid bare!’

At the same time, Sejong, who was listening to the conversation in the neighboring room, also smiled and raised his wine cup.

“Now it’s becoming interesting to listen to.”

***

The debate that continued in this manner gradually tilted in Anpyeong’s favor. Anpyeong was also worthy of being Sejong’s son. As soon as he secured a slight advantage by using the anecdote of Park Yeon’s youth, Anpyeong fiercely pushed Park Yeon. With the added influence of alcohol, Park Yeon was completely overwhelmed. To block Anpyeong’s intensified offensive, Park Yeon had to sweat profusely.

‘Is it true that the son of a tiger is also a tiger? Today’s gathering was a tiger’s den!’

***

‘The situation has been roughly resolved.’

“Then I will draw a conclusion.”

As Hyang opened his mouth after assessing the situation, the two stopped their debate and looked at Hyang. Anpyeong had an expectant face as he looked at Hyang, while Park Yeon had a face full of defeat.

Seeing the expressions of the two, Hyang reached a conclusion.

“It would be good to transcribe and organize popular songs as well.”

“Your Highness!”

Park Yeon raised his voice, but Hyang calmly explained the reason.

“As the Chief asserts, popular songs lack class and are frivolous. Many of them are also indecent. However, they contain the sincere feelings of the people, so that alone makes them valuable.”

“Phew~.”

At Hyang’s decision, Park Yeon let out a long sigh. He had objections, but it was his way of showing that he accepted it.

Seeing Park Yeon’s reaction, Hyang continued.

“Of course, it is true that popular songs are lacking in artistic merit. However, this is for the sake of His Majesty, or more precisely, for the rulers.”

“What does it mean to be for the sake of the rulers?”

At Hyang’s remark, Anpyeong immediately asked a question. Park Yeon also had a face that showed interest, although he didn’t speak.

At Anpyeong’s question, Hyang promptly explained the reason.

“As you said, popular songs contain the sincere feelings of the people. Therefore, the rulers can know what the people are thinking. Even if a song was composed long ago, if it resonates well among the people now, it means they sympathize with the sincerity melted into that song, doesn’t it? That’s why it is helpful to the rulers.”

“Ah…”

At Hyang’s explanation, Anpyeong and Park Yeon unknowingly nodded their heads.

Meanwhile, Sejong, who was listening attentively in the neighboring room, was also nodding his head.

“‘Although they are popular songs, the sincerity melted into those songs is the heart of the people’… It’s something to think about.”

Savoring Hyang’s words with a pleased expression, Sejong turned to the commander of the Royal Guards and the royal attendant who were seated with him.

“What do you think? Even though he’s my son, isn’t he a child who will make a truly good monarch?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

“Your words are truly pertinent, Your Majesty.”

At the responses of the royal attendant and the commander of the Royal Guards, Sejong emptied his wine cup and muttered with a pleased expression.

“Since he seems to be already accomplished, should I slowly start having him act as regent?”

***

“Eek!”

As Sejong mentioned having Hyang act as regent, Hyang, who was raising his wine cup, suddenly shivered as a chill ran through his entire body.

“Your Highness, what’s the matter?”

“Ah, I just felt a sudden chill…”

“Shall we end the gathering?”

At Anpyeong’s question, Hyang shook his head.

“No, it’s not easy to arrange a gathering like this, so let’s enjoy it a bit more today. What are you doing? The mood has died down!”

“Yes~!”

At Hyang’s order, the gisaeng responded in a coquettish voice, filled the empty cups with wine, and began singing and dancing.

***

With the matter settled by Hyang, Anpyeong and Park Yeon began to enjoy the drinking party with a light heart.

As they became more intoxicated, Anpyeong and Park Yeon started to make all sorts of comments on the gisaeng’s singing and dancing. Both Park Yeon and Anpyeong had keen eyes for singing and dancing.

Anpyeong started first.

“Your Highness! The gisaeng’s singing is not good!”

At Anpyeong’s words, the gisaeng made a sullen expression. However, they couldn’t refute it because Park Yeon and Anpyeong were the ones who held positions in music at the palace.

“The Grand Prince is right! The singing is…”

As Park Yeon joined in, Anpyeong stepped forward.

“Your Highness! Although it’s a popular song, I will sing one for you!”

“Oh! Let’s hear it then!”

At Hyang’s words, Anpyeong sang a Goryeo gayo (Goryeo song) in a stylish manner.

Clap clap clap!

As Anpyeong’s song ended, Hyang, Park Yeon, and the gisaeng applauded.

“It was a good song! You girls, try singing again!”

“Yes~!”

At Hyang’s words, the gisaeng who was rumored to be the best singer among them stepped forward and began to sing a melody.

“Stop!”

As the gisaeng was in the middle of singing, Park Yeon shouted. Startled by Park Yeon’s shout, the gisaeng stopped singing, and Park Yeon cleared his throat and spoke.

“Singing, you see… This is how it should be done.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Park Yeon sang a love song in a sonorous voice.

Clap clap clap!

“Wow!”

“As expected of the Chief!”

When Park Yeon’s song ended, everyone in the room exclaimed in admiration and applauded. As the applause subsided, Hyang lightly reprimanded him.

“If you can sing so well, why did you oppose it?”

“Because there are proper words but no proper characters.”

“Ah…”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

At Park Yeon’s answer, Hyang had an understanding expression, while Anpyeong asked with a puzzled look.

At Anpyeong’s question, Park Yeon explained the reason.

“With Chinese characters, the meaning can be recorded. However, even for the same meaning, there are multiple words to express it. If future generations see the musical scores, they will have to ponder over which words fit the song, even if they don’t need to. If they choose the wrong lyrics, the melody will also be affected, and the original song will be distorted.”

“Ah…”

Only then did Anpyeong nod his head in understanding.

However, Hyang smiled brightly and answered.

“Still, please record it. If it’s that problem, His Majesty will provide a solution.”

“Pardon? Your Highness, what does that mean?”

“I’m curious too, brother.”

However, Hyang omitted further explanation.

“You’ll know when the time comes.”

According to Hyang’s memory, Sejong had secretly developed Hunminjeongeum (the Korean alphabet). So he thought there was no need for him to step forward and provide excessive explanation, and he stopped speaking.

At Hyang’s meaningful words, Sejong, who was bringing the wine cup to his mouth, froze in place.

‘No way! Has this kid figured it out?’

Putting down the wine cup, Sejong turned to the royal attendant.

“Do you think the Crown Prince has figured it out?”

At Sejong’s question, the royal attendant immediately answered.

“According to the report from the children in the Eastern Palace, there was no sign of it at all, Your Majesty.”

“Then how?”

As Sejong expressed his doubt, the royal attendant, who was trying to recall, answered.

“I believe he has made a guess based on Your Majesty’s frequent questions about writing.”

At the royal attendant’s answer, Sejong nodded his head. It was because of the things he had done.

“That’s the most likely possibility. Should I just have him act as regent and officially start working on it this time?”

At that moment, Hyang, whose spine had turned cold, ordered the gisaeng.

“The day is a bit chilly. Bring a brazier.”

“Yes~.”

***

As the brazier was brought in and the room became warm, the alcohol started to kick in faster. The excitement in the room overflowed as much as the room had become warm.

“Your Highness! I have a request!”

“What is it?”

“I want to hear Your Highness sing!”

Anpyeong, who was quite intoxicated, asked Hyang to sing a song. In an instant, not only Park Yeon but also the gisaeng focused their attention on Hyang.

It was widely rumored in the capital that the Crown Prince excelled in various fields, but there were no such stories about singing or music.

Hesitating for a moment at Anpyeong’s request, Hyang made a decision right away. Hyang was also quite drunk. The stress that had accumulated from suppressing everything except his fanatic pursuits in Area 51 exploded through the influence of alcohol.

“This is also a cliché! Clichés should be followed! But I can’t do it the same way!”

“Cli… what?”

Anpyeong tilted his head at the unfamiliar word, but Hyang immediately started singing.

“On the wind of Nakdong River~”

***

While living in a small rural village near Yangsan in the 21st century, Hyang had to do various jobs besides blacksmithing, which included performing for the elderly in the village.

With an average age of 70s and many in their 80s, and the ‘youth association members’ of the village having an average age of 50s, Hyang was literally a ‘baby’. As a result, whenever there was a celebration in the village, Hyang had to diligently show off his talents.

As he kept showing off his talents, it was natural for him to become familiar with trot songs, which were renamed as adult songs. However, they were not the new generation trot songs that were familiar to young people, but the trot songs that were popular in the 60s and 70s when the elderly were young.

After returning to Joseon, Hyang, who had hummed a song absentmindedly and then looked around in surprise several times, made a decision.

“Damn it! It’s a cliché! Then I should prepare for it!”

Determined, Hyang selected a few songs that he remembered and that would be suitable for this period, rewrote them with Joseon-era words and sentences, and memorized them.

***

Hyang’s passionate singing of ‘The Virgin Boatman’ ended, but the room at the gisaeng house was quiet.

“It’s a song I’ve never heard before.”

Following Park Yeon’s words, Anpyeong immediately responded.

“I feel the same. Could it be a song that Your Highness composed?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t have such talent. This is something I learned from a singer in a clown troupe that I had sing for you when you were young.”

“But why don’t I remember it?”

“Because you were young then.”

“Still…”

“Isn’t my memory exceptionally good?”

At Hyang’s words, Anpyeong nodded in agreement. Hyang’s memory was renowned. Even if he had forgotten, it was certain that Hyang would remember.

“Anyway, was it a good song?”

At Hyang’s question, Park Yeon expressed his thoughts.

“The form of the song was unfamiliar. However, it somehow captures the heart. And the lyrics are so poignant that they captivate the soul.”

“I feel the same. I was deeply moved by the filial piety of the maiden who supports her elderly mother in place of her brother who has gone to the military.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

At the praise from Park Yeon and Anpyeong, Hyang had a relieved expression.

“Your Highness…”

At that moment, the gisaeng who had been scolded by Park Yeon while singing came in front of Hyang and suddenly prostrated herself.

“What’s the matter?”

At Hyang’s question, the gisaeng immediately got to the point.

“Please teach this lowly woman that song! I desperately want to learn the sorrowful and heart-wrenching lyrics and melody.”

At the gisaeng’s request, Hyang thought for a moment and then answered.

“I will sing it 3 times. Memorize it.”

“I am eternally grateful, Your Highness!”

As befitting a gisaeng skilled in singing, when Hyang sang it 3 times, she completely memorized the lyrics and most of the melody as well.

“I’ll sing it 2 more times.”

And so, when he repeated it a total of 5 times, the gisaeng had perfectly memorized the lyrics and melody.

***

A few days later, at the Music Institute.

While inspecting the musical scores sent up from below, Park Yeon unknowingly began to hum.

“On the wind of Nakdong River~.”

At Park Yeon’s humming, Anpyeong, who was sitting at the desk across from him, also hummed along.

“Ehheya deh…”

Suddenly, realizing their actions, Park Yeon and Anpyeong simultaneously cursed.

“Damn it!”

At a similar moment, Sejong, who had been humming through his nose without realizing it, was startled, came to his senses, and muttered.

“This is incredibly addictive.”

***

After some time had passed, ‘The Virgin Boatman’ was heard in the brothels within Hanseong. And after a bit more time, even the housewives wielding laundry bats at the side palace’s washing place began to sing it.

In this situation, the most perplexed people were the residents living near the Nakdong River.

“Why are they mentioning the Nakdong River in Hanseong?”