**Chapter 102: Hwang Hui, Close Call! (3)**
"Hmm...."
Hwang Hui sat blankly staring at the Seogyeong Danja (personnel records, equivalent to today's HR documents) for the selection of the Special Administrative Officer when Yi Jik called out to him.
"Right State Councilor, what are you doing?"
"Ah! I was lost in thought for a moment... I apologize."
At Hwang Hui's apology, Maeng Sa-seong, who was sitting beside him, rebuked him.
"There is a mountain of work to do... and His Majesty's gaze is already displeased with us. Let us do well, do well!"
"I apologize..."
'Sheesh, that man's personality has become so prickly! Where did the Minister Maeng I used to know go?'
Grumbling about Maeng Sa-seong who had become prickly after enduring severe hardship from Sejong and suffering from excessive workload, Hwang Hui examined the Seogyeong Danja and muttered quietly.
"With people like these, we're bound to be scolded by His Majesty... I'd rather just..."
Suddenly stopping mid-sentence, Hwang Hui abruptly rose from his seat.
"I will take my leave first!"
"What? Minister Hwang! Minister!"
Yi Jik and Maeng Sa-seong called out desperately at the sight of Hwang Hui disappearing in a flash, but he didn't even look back.
* * *
That night. Gangnyeongjeon.
Sejong had Hyang summoned and discussed various matters concerning state affairs.
After some time had passed, Sejong subtly signaled the historians and scribes.
"Would it not be appropriate for the historians and scribes to withdraw now?"
At Sejong's words, the historians and scribes unanimously expressed their refusal.
"How could we withdraw while His Majesty is attending to official duties? We must perform our duties."
"You all work hard. Tsk!"
'They need to leave so I can teach the Crown Prince! I finally made time after hitting a wall with the character research! If you lot stay put, my precious time decreases!'
Sejong, clicking his tongue while watching the historians and scribes firmly keeping their seats and recording his every word and deed, eventually began quietly organizing his documents.
"I too shall now..."
"Your Majesty. The Right State Councilor is here to see you."
At the court attendant's words, Sejong stopped organizing his documents and straightened his posture.
"Let him enter."
After a moment, Hwang Hui entered and respectfully paid his respects. After receiving the courtesy, Sejong asked Hwang Hui.
"What brings you all this way at this late hour?"
"Would it be possible to dismiss the historians and scribes?"
At Hwang Hui's request, Sejong shook his head.
"If it is something the historians and scribes cannot hear, then I will not hear it either."
At Sejong's refusal, Hwang Hui grit his teeth.
"Then I shall state it."
"State it."
At the conversation between the two, Hyang's thoughts wandered elsewhere.
'Are you two playing Go-Stop or something?'
Finally, Hwang Hui got to the main point.
"This is regarding the Special Administrative Officer to be appointed for this Duman River development."
"Hmm... if it's that matter, couldn't we discuss it earlier in the day, or perhaps during tomorrow's morning assembly? Of course, it has already been five days since I issued the royal decree."
'It's only been five days! Does Your Majesty think personnel selection is like roasting beans over lightning!'
At Sejong's words, Hwang Hui cried out inwardly.
* * *
Even when the ministers worked themselves to death handling affairs, Sejong was always dissatisfied.
"Is this the best you can do?"
"Does it really take that much time to handle just this much work?"
When reports were submitted, seven or eight out of ten received such rebukes.
Of course, when Hwang Hui first rose to the position of State Councilor, it was ten out of ten.
However, even when the State Councilors received such rebukes, they had little grounds for excuse.
It was because of the Crown Prince.
To properly conduct the Gyeongjang, the workload Sejong had to handle was enormous. To increase efficiency in this area, before he knew it, a significant amount of work was allocated to Hyang as well.
Hyang, who took on the work, showed fast processing speed despite the piled-up work at the research institute and Area 51.
And the results of the work processed this way had almost nothing to criticize even in the eyes of the State Councilors and ministers.
Thanks to this, when Sejong rebuked them over work processing issues, the State Councilors had almost nothing to say.
"Well, compared to what I heard... it's somewhat..."
"I will do my best!"
Hyang's display of such work processing involved his abilities based on 21st century experience, but there was something else as well.
The absolute majority of work Hyang received and processed was related to the finances of the Six Ministries, starting with the Ministry of Taxation.
"Mental arithmetic has its limits... and using counting rods... I'd rather just divine it."
One of the things Hyang had the most difficulty adapting to while living in Joseon was 'counting rods.'
To solve this, Hyang actively promoted the abacus which had just begun to be introduced.
However, when the yangban and merchants saw the abacus, they all showed lukewarm responses.
"We can do sufficiently well with counting rods, is there really a need to learn and use this troublesome thing called an abacus?"
After several attempts with the same response each time, Hyang had no choice but to wave the white flag.
"These people look at nothing but pictograms every day, and now they're even doing calculations with pictograms..."
In the end, the abacus became an instrument used only by a few including Hyang.
Anyway, Hyang, buried in numbers, had to grumble while looking at reports.
"Ah... I miss the CASIO calculator that sat on my 21st century desk."
Recalling the calculators that were always present wherever calculation was needed, from the counter of small shops to the desks of civil servants, Hyang suddenly snapped his fingers.
"If it's a calculator, there's a very high-performance calculator right here! Attendant!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"Go and summon Director Yi Sun-ji!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
In the end, using the 'high-performance celestial telescope' that could be made thanks to finding a glass artisan as bait, Hyang was able to use a 'human supercomputer.'
Of course, every now and then, Hyang clenched his fist at Yi Sun-ji's expression which clearly gave off the feeling of 'You don't even know that?'
'I will definitely make a calculator! Even if I have to work Jang Yeong-sil to the bone!'
* * *
Though he grumbled inwardly at Sejong's rebuke, since there was something he absolutely had to obtain, Hwang Hui grit his teeth and continued speaking.
"It is truly dreadfully sorry that our abilities were lacking and caused Your Majesty distress. Therefore, I have paid special attention to this matter of the Special Administrative Officer...."
"Paid attention?"
"I nominate myself (自薦)!"
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
When Hwang Hui recommended himself as the administrative officer, Sejong and Hyang's eyes went round.
"Why would you want to go? And giving up the position of State Councilor? Is there anyone who has risen to office in this Joseon who does not desire the position of State Councilor?"
At Sejong's question, Hwang Hui explained the reason.
"The Special Administrative Officer to be appointed this time must operate a group composed of officials from the Six Ministries under his command.
To operate this group smoothly, someone who has experienced all six ministries is needed.
Presumptuously, I have experienced the position of Minister in all six ministries, so I can sufficiently control them."
"That may be so, but that alone is insufficient."
At Sejong's first refusal, Hwang Hui presented another reason.
"As development progresses, conflicts will inevitably arise between those overseeing military and administrative matters.
In such cases, if the administrative officer's rank is low, though there may be promotion, even so, with less experience, it is difficult to easily coordinate.
Presumptuously, if I were to take office, based on my experience, I can smoothly handle such coordination."
"Hmm... that could be true. But it's still insufficient."
"Development means creating something from almost nothing. In the course of work, many sudden variables that must be handled immediately will arise.
In such cases, the decision between acting first and reporting later (先行後告) and reporting first and acting later (先告後行) can determine success or failure. However, if someone of low rank or little experience is sent, fearing potential consequences may cause missed opportunities, so someone of high rank and much experience must go."
"That is true. So, you will go?"
At Sejong's question, Hwang Hui answered with a determined voice.
"That is correct."
"It is rough work. Are you confident you will succeed?"
"This is the nation's hundred-year plan. I must succeed."
"Hmm...."
When Sejong showed hesitation, Hwang Hui rummaged through his sleeve and took out a scroll.
"I present this to Your Majesty."
Sejong, who received the scroll through the court attendant, looked at Hwang Hui without even untying the knot.
"What is this?"
"It is an inventory recording all of my possessions. If I fail in carrying out this great task, or if I do not meet the standards Your Majesty has in mind, please put all my possessions into the national treasury. As punishment for not properly carrying out the work, I will accept it gladly."
At Hwang Hui's words, Hyang, whose face became filled with interest, provided inner commentary.
'Hwang Hui, all-in! Will it be a jackpot or a bust!'
"Hmm...."
Making a small noise through his nose while unrolling the scroll, Sejong looked at Hwang Hui.
"Not long ago, a rumor spread among the people that you would distribute property (分財) to your children, and it was said your children were delighted. Is this inventory before the distribution, or after?"
'How does he know that!'
At Sejong's unexpected question, Hwang Hui could not answer properly and hesitated before responding.
"It is before the distribution."
"If the Ministry of Taxation investigates, it all comes out."
"It is definitely before the distribution."
"Is that so...."
Trailing off, Sejong examined the inventory then looked at Hwang Hui.
"Right State Councilor."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Are you truly confident?"
"I will devote my entire being."
"As you said, this is our Joseon's hundred-year plan. There must be no inadequacy. I ask again. Do you have the confidence to take full responsibility and complete this grand plan?"
"If I fail, I will bury my bones there!"
"If you fail, the place where you will bury your bones will be the Records Office."
"I will etch it into my bones and take it to heart!"
At Hwang Hui's answer, Sejong rolled up the scroll, set it aside, and responded.
"I understand your determination well. However, this is not something that can be decided right here and now. Let us discuss it at tomorrow's morning assembly."
"I receive your command! I shall now withdraw. Please rest peacefully."
"Go carefully."
Outside, Hwang Hui looked up at the moon in the night sky. It always looked so gloomy at other times, but today it somehow looked fresh.
Hwang Hui clenched his fist tightly.
"It's done!"
After sending Hwang Hui out, Sejong turned to Hyang with a face full of regret.
"There was much I needed to discuss urgently with you, but we'll have to end here for today. Let's talk again next time."
"Yes, Father. Please rest peacefully."
"Very well."
Hyang, who came out of Gangnyeongjeon, looked at Gangnyeongjeon with a face full of unease.
"Something feels very ominous..."
The reason Sejong summoned him today was unclear. Though it was said to be for discussing state affairs, the importance of the matters that became subjects of discussion was low for such a purpose.
Looking at Gangnyeongjeon with its lights on, Hyang turned his body and muttered.
"Isn't this not about Right State Councilor going, but about me needing to make a run for it?"
* * *
The next morning.
As soon as the morning assembly began, Sejong immediately brought up the agenda.
"Has the selection of the Special Administrative Officer to command the administrative portion of this development work been completed?"
At Sejong's question, Left State Councilor Yi Jik bowed his head.
"It is dreadfully sorry to report, but we are lacking in ability (不敏)...."
"Hmm... when there is no time to spare...."
"We are truly sorry!"
"Therefore, I have given it thought. Right State Councilor shall take on the role of Special Administrative Officer. With your years of experience, you will be able to resolve various variables well."
At Sejong's decision, all the ministers' gazes focused on Hwang Hui. Receiving the attention of all the officials on himself, Hwang Hui answered with a deep bow.
"I, Hwang Hui! Will crush my bones and shatter my body to complete this hundred-year plan of Joseon!"
"I will trust you."
"I absolutely will not betray the trust Your Majesty has shown!"
Meanwhile, all the ministers listening to the conversation between the two had the same thought.
'This smells fishy.'
* * *
That afternoon, a report came in that the Jurchen tribal leaders who had been invited to Hanyang were returning.
The tribal leaders gathered in the front courtyard of Gyeongjeongjeon all paid their respects as soon as Sejong appeared.
After lightly returning the courtesy, Sejong went straight to the main point.
"So. Have you reached a conclusion?"
At Sejong's question, Hatu and Mutu stepped forward.
"Our tribes' lands were originally King Taejo's lands, so Your Majesty inheriting them is in accordance with the Heavenly Principle (天理). Furthermore, the oath of loyalty sworn to King Taejo is still valid! Therefore, we are grateful for the kindness Your Majesty has shown, and with joyful hearts, we accept Your Majesty's command!"
At Hatu's answer, Sejong responded with a bright expression.
"I am truly grateful! Now that you have entered our Joseon, you will never regret it!"
"Your grace is boundless!"
Hatu and the tribal leaders expressed their gratitude.