Black Corporation: Joseon

In the end, Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister received the same assignment from Hyang that the Four had received.

“First, please submit an implementation plan for providing work to merchant groups. The deadline is ten days. And I’ll give you fifteen days for countermeasures regarding the issue I pointed out.”

Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister bowed their heads and responded to Hyang’s order.

“Yes, we will draft and submit implementation plans within the specified deadline. The same goes for the countermeasures.”

“I’ll trust you.”

“We shall do our utmost.”

After issuing orders to Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister, Hyang turned to Hwang Hui.

“Should we postpone the marriage matters of the Crown Prince’s son and the royal grandchildren?”

The Wan brothers were already sixteen. Though there had been no mention of it due to Hyang’s precedent, any further delay could cause problems.

At Hyang’s question, Hwang Hui also showed a troubled expression.

“That’s quite difficult. Everything we’ve discussed so far is merely prediction…”

Both Hyang and Hwang Hui wore troubled expressions, as did the ministers.

The marriage of the Wan brothers, especially Crown Prince’s son Wan, was a matter of national importance. There were already various discussions among the people about Wan’s marriage. People’s interest wasn’t just because Wan would succeed Sejong and Hyang, but also because of the certain discount events at the government stores that would accompany it.

The problem was the current situation.

While they were discussing countermeasures anticipating certain problems in Liaodong, it was still just prediction.

If they postponed the marriage for this reason and nothing happened, it would certainly lead to unfavorable rumors and possibly diplomatic disputes with Ming. Conversely, proceeding with the wedding during such developments would also cause talk.

Yet postponing the wedding without explanation would also spark unfavorable rumors – such as the Crown Prince’s son being too weak to hold a wedding, or having some mental condition.

While Hyang and the ministers were pondering these reasons, Kim Jeom reached a conclusion.

“For now, it would be best to proceed. If our concerns materialize, we can stop then, which would actually prevent rumors.”

“Hmm…”

As the ministers calculated the pros and cons at Kim Jeom’s words, they soon nodded.

“That seems like the best option.”

“Indeed.”

At the ministers’ response, Hyang nodded and posed another question.

“Very well. Let’s follow your opinions on that matter, but should we proceed with the Crown Prince’s son and royal grandchildren’s weddings simultaneously?”

Kim Jeom stepped forward again at Hyang’s question.

“Holding the weddings of the Crown Prince’s son and royal grandchildren simultaneously would not be proper according to etiquette. I believe it would be appropriate to hold the Crown Prince’s son’s wedding first, then proceed with the royal grandchildren’s weddings after some time.”

“Let’s do that then.”

“Shall we establish the Office of Wedding Ceremony and issue a marriage ban?”

At Hwang Hui’s question, Hyang shook his head.

“No. Nothing harms the people more than a marriage ban. For now, just spread the word to famous matchmakers across the country.”

“It shall be done. Then, do you have any criteria in mind for a suitable match for the Crown Prince’s son?”

At Hwang Hui’s words, Hyang smiled slightly and answered.

“When I asked him before, he gave the same answer I once did.”

“Ah…”

At Hyang’s response, the ministers simultaneously showed exasperated expressions.

They recalled the answer Hyang had given when King Sejong had asked him long ago.

‘Among kind-hearted women, the most beautiful maiden; among beautiful maidens, the most kind-hearted one.’

And upon hearing those words, Sejong had thrown Hyang out.

***

After the meeting at Seunghwadang concluded, Hyang quietly summoned the Commander of the Inner Palace Guard.

When the previous commander had departed for New Frontier with Sejong, the new commander was one whom his predecessor had marked and trained as his successor. As a result, he showed excellent abilities not only in martial arts but also in intelligence gathering.

He also demonstrated good leadership, with both the Inner Palace Guard and Secret Guard firmly obeying his commands. Of course, many Secret Guard members who had challenged him ended up thoroughly beaten as a bonus.

After the leadership of the Secret Guard was thus determined, the Secret Guard members all muttered:

“The previous elder would only hit where it hurt, but this one makes even places that don’t hurt become painful…”

Entering Seunghwadang at Hyang’s summons, the Commander of the Inner Palace Guard paid his respects and took a seat.

“You called for me?”

“I have a task for the Secret Guard.”

“Please issue your command.”

“Tell them to find suitable maidens for Wan. The criteria are the same as what His Majesty established.”

At Hyang’s words, the commander smiled slyly and answered.

“I shall relay it immediately.”

“I’m counting on you.”

Leaving Seunghwadang, the commander smiled and muttered.

“The entertainers are going to suffer again.”

As the commander predicted, before long, entertainers in Hanseong and towns across the country had to endure quite an ordeal.

***

Meanwhile, the Four were deeply pondering how to solve the assignment Hyang had given them.

The reason for their concern was simple yet difficult.

-They needed to create a policy that was both innovative and reliable!

They too well understood that Hyang wasn’t tormenting them purely out of spite.

They knew it was because while Kim Jongseo and Hwangbo In were marked to lead the next court, they themselves were marked for the generation after that.

However, that was a matter for the distant future. Especially in the current situation where Hwang Hui and other ministers were still going strong despite their advanced age.

In that case, the possibility of powerful rivals emerging to threaten their positions during that time was very high.

And the Four became even more anxious after hearing that Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister had received the same assignment.

The court was full of their competitors, and the Ministry of Finance in particular was a gathering place for many talented individuals.

“If we want to be called ‘Lord,’ we need to secure our position now! To secure it, we need to produce innovative and creative answers that will please His Highness!”

Having thus decided, they worked through nights of discussion to create their proposal.

***

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was preparing an envoy to Beijing, Ming’s envoy arrived at Jemulpo.

Following custom, Hyang received Ming’s envoy at Mohwagwan.

After exchanging greetings according to protocol, Ming’s envoy carefully broached the subject.

“Is His Majesty the King of Joseon in good health?”

“Yes, he is well.”

“Is he still touring the outer regions?”

“Yes. He is dedicating himself to educating those who need enlightenment, as there are so many.”

“I see.”

***

Two days later, in the front courtyard of Geunjeongjeong, Ming’s envoy read aloud the Emperor’s imperial edict.

“Let the King of Joseon hear!”

The content of the imperial edict was as follows:

• Due to the Crown Prince’s insufficient qualities, he has been replaced.
• Zhu Qizhen, who has stepped down from Crown Prince, has been given the title of Eastern King and ordered to establish a royal residence, which will now be opened in Liaodong.
• As Joseon and Liaodong are immediate neighbors, the King of Joseon shall strive for good neighborly relations with Eastern King.

“We receive the imperial command. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!”

Following protocol, Hyang gave three cheers. Ming’s envoy respectfully handed the imperial edict to Hyang.

***

After Ming’s envoy departed, Hyang summoned the ministers to Seunghwadang.

“What do you think?”

At Hyang’s question, Hwang Hui immediately answered.

“It’s clear the Emperor is displeased with our Joseon. While he speaks of neighborly relations, he is instigating conflict.”

Following Hwang Hui’s words, Heo Hu continued.

“Indeed. Even if we accept the establishment of a royal residence, there has never been a case of stationing military forces, let alone over a hundred thousand, at such a residence.”

***

After Ming’s founding, Zhu Yuanzhang, worried about rebellion from meritorious vassals, purged them en masse and dispatched his sons to defend the borders.

However, the Yongle Emperor, who became emperor through rebellion, placed many restrictions on royal residences to prevent someone like himself from emerging.

All imperial sons except the Crown Prince had to reside in the provinces and could not leave their assigned areas. They were denied any power, including military authority, and were forbidden from interacting with local officials. They were also prohibited from engaging in commerce or other occupations to prevent them from amassing excessive wealth.

Having witnessed all these changes in real-time, the elder ministers of the court became convinced that this was Emperor Xuande’s scheme.

***

Heo Hu continued speaking.

“Entrusting a large army to someone who was suddenly removed from the Crown Prince’s position? No sane person would do such a thing. There must have been a secret agreement regarding our Joseon.”

“What do you suspect?”

At Hyang’s question, Hwang Hui stepped forward to answer.

“If I were the Emperor, I would have said this: ‘If you take Joseon, I will grant you the title of outwardly king, inwardly emperor.'”

All other ministers nodded at Hwang Hui’s words.

Seeing Hwang Hui and the ministers’ reactions, Hyang continued his questioning.

“Does the Emperor think this plan will succeed? Isn’t he underestimating our Joseon too much?”

At Hyang’s observation, Kim Jeom spoke up.

“He probably thinks success or failure doesn’t matter as long as he can weaken our Joseon.”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s answer.

“I see… This incident wasn’t for nothing then…”

After trailing off and pondering briefly, Hyang soon issued orders.

“Given what we know of Zhu Qizhen’s temperament, he’s likely to act as soon as he’s ready. Let’s proceed according to our previous decisions. And I’ll report to New Frontier immediately.”

“We receive your command.”

***

Even before the promised fifteen days had passed, precisely ten days after receiving the assignment, Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister submitted their proposals to Hyang.

“This is the implementation plan for rapid supply using merchant groups, and this is the proposal regarding the issue Your Highness pointed out.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“You’re too kind.”

Taking the proposals, Hyang immediately began examining their contents.

Hyang focused on the answer to the assignment he had given.

After reviewing the list of those who had written the proposal, Hyang’s eyes lit up as he turned to Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister.

“Did you write this yourselves?”

“Yes. When we saw what the young ones had written, it wasn’t quite satisfactory.”

“I see. Hmm…”

After carefully examining the contents, Hyang soon called a eunuch and issued orders.

“Tell the Four to come immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, when the Four arrived, Hyang turned to Kim Jeom and the Finance Minister.

“Though it may be troublesome, I would appreciate if you could explain for these young friends.”

“Yes.”

After clearing his throat briefly, Kim Jeom began his explanation.

“To conclude first, there is no clever strategy to solve the problem Your Highness pointed out. Only the orthodox approach is the answer. And that orthodox approach is to further grow Joseon’s economy. If people can make wealth without relying on war, they won’t desire war.”

“I agree.”

Hyang nodded at Kim Jeom’s answer.

This is why militaristic nations failed – their economies became dependent on the military and war to function. Conversely, this is why the heavenly dynasty is the heavenly dynasty, and why American defense companies, no matter how big they get, are said to be mere corner stores compared to Walmart.

Story Arcs