< Episode 12: Sprouting... Carcinogenesis? (5) >
Episode 12: Sprouting... Carcinogenesis? (5)
Meanwhile, having realized his mistake, Sejong spoke with a reddened face.
"The historian is..."
But having already seen the historian excitedly wielding his golden brush, Sejong clicked his tongue and looked at Hyang.
"Crown Prince, if you have more to say, continue."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Having caught his breath through the brief skit, Hyang continued his offensive.
"The ministers gathered here and the scholar-officials outside the palace have learned the Way and Principle, so perhaps they can endure hunger. However, the ignorant common people, not having properly learned the Way, do not know how to endure hunger. To teach such people the Way and make them cultivate virtue, must we not at least ensure they do not go hungry! 'Virtue is the root, wealth is the branch' and 'prioritizing righteousness over profit' are indeed important, but 'improving livelihood and enriching life' is also an important principle!"
"Well said!"
At Hyang's words, Sejong slapped his knee and added his approval. Thanks to this, the atmosphere of the court froze once again.
'This old man has completely lost it, lost it!'
Hyang, who let out a small sigh, looked at the ministers. The ministers who had opposed Hyang's plan were now in critical condition from Hyang's offensive.
'The last card! If this succeeds, I can completely silence the ministers!'
Having steeled his resolve, Hyang began his final offensive.
"Since ancient times, it has been said that 'the hearts of the people are the heart of Heaven.' No matter how much virtue one accumulates, if the hearts of the people are wailing, will the heart of Heaven respond in harmony? It is said to 'do all that is humanly possible and await Heaven's decree.' Should we not wait for the heart of Heaven only after doing everything within our power! Yet when drought comes, they say it is all due to the King's lack of virtue. When pestilence spreads, it is the King's lack of virtue. When people starve to death, it is the King's lack of virtue—the ministers tell us to cultivate virtue first! This puts the cart before the horse! Is it not the natural order to properly manage water control before drought strikes, prepare medicinal herbs before pestilence spreads, and store grain before famine hits! Yet to discuss the King's lack of virtue without making such preparations—could it be..."
Hyang paused and glared at the ministers.
"Do you gentlemen perhaps think that this Joseon lacks virtue? Many of the ministers present here have held office since the previous dynasty. Therefore... does this mean that it was unjust and lacking in virtue for King Taejo to found Joseon despite having been a subject of Goryeo, that his Majesty's grandfather taking up the sword was also unjust and lacking in virtue, and that his Majesty ascending to the throne in place of his uncle, the eldest legitimate son, was also..."
"Crown Prince, absolutely not!"
"We have never held such preposterous and outrageous thoughts!"
Forgetting they were in court session, the ministers cried out in alarm and waved their hands in denial. Seeing Sejong's displeased expression, the ministers all prostrated themselves before him.
"Your Majesty! We have absolutely never harbored such treasonous thoughts! Please understand our true hearts!"
"Please understand our true hearts!"
Despite all the ministers prostrating and denying, starting with Chief State Councillor Ryu Jeong-hyeon, Sejong did not easily speak.
After a heavy silence continued for some time, Sejong finally spoke.
"Crown Prince, your words were too harsh."
"I am deeply ashamed. Please forgive me."
"Be more prudent in your speech in the future."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Having given Hyang a warning, Sejong looked at the ministers.
"Proceed with the tribute issue demanded by the Ming Emperor according to the Crown Prince's plan, and prepare thoroughly. This year's spring hardship was severe, and with little rain approaching summer, I believe it is right to prepare grain and relieve the suffering of the people."
"We receive your command."
No one expressed opposition to Sejong's decision. Having glared at the ministers, Sejong turned to look at Hyang. Sejong's face as he looked at Hyang was gentle.
"Is there anything you wish to add to what your father has said?"
"When distributing grain to the people, I believe it is better to give it as payment for work rather than simply distributing it."
"Payment for work?"
"The frequent droughts are largely due to little rain, but also significantly due to insufficient water management facilities. We should have each district repair existing weirs and reservoirs, build new ones where none exist, and dredge riverbeds to prevent flooding. If we mobilize the people for such work and pay them with grain, I believe we can expand water management facilities while simultaneously preventing refugees and starvation deaths."
"A plan that kills two birds with one stone. It would be good to proceed accordingly. What do you gentlemen think?"
At Sejong's question, the ministers answered in unison.
"We believe it is an excellent plan!"
"Then let it be executed as such."
"We receive your command!"
Having heard his subjects' answers, Sejong turned to Hyang.
"Crown Prince, you may now return."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And after the conclusion of the Jolgok ritual, attend the royal lecture."
Surprised by Sejong's command, Hyang looked at Sejong before bowing his head.
"I receive your command. This young and immature one is deeply grateful for the honor of attending Your Majesty's royal lecture."
"Then go and finish what you were doing."
"Yes."
Having sent Hyang away, Sejong looked at the ministers with a stiff face.
The gentle smile he had when looking at Hyang had vanished, replaced by a coldness like the northern wind and snow.
"Let us end the morning court session here. Go and attend to your duties."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"That said, I believe I need to think about what you gentlemen truly think of our Joseon."
The moment Sejong's words fell, the ministers threw themselves toward the ground.
"Your Majesty! We have never held such disloyal thoughts! Please understand our true hearts!"
"Please understand our true hearts!"
The ministers appealed their innocence with all their might, to the point of blood coming from their throats.
Having watched such ministers with a cold face, Sejong turned his head.
"Go and attend to your duties."
"Please understand our true hearts!"
"I said go attend to your duties!"
At Sejong's sharp command, the ministers hurriedly exited.
* * *
The ministers who emerged from the temporary hut where Sejong was staying all let out long sighs.
"Phew~."
"Haah~. This is a serious matter. If things go wrong, a bloodbath could ensue."
"He inherited the blood of King Taejo and the late king, after all... phew~."
Worried about a bloodbath that could strike at any moment, the ministers' conversation turned to Hyang.
"His Majesty is outstanding, but Crown Prince is also an exceptional person."
"Exceptional to the point of being frightening. Controlling the political situation with just a three-inch tongue..."
"He's only just turned nine, yet listening to him speak, he sounds like an old minister past sixty..."
"He is certainly no ordinary person..."
"That said, I'm worried about His Majesty's royal mind."
Unable to hide their anxiety, the ministers glared at the culprits of the incident.
"You there, running your mouths needlessly!"
"Don't you even know the saying 'the mouth is the gate of disaster'!"
The Chief Inspector, Chief Censor, and Minister of Rites walked in silence despite the criticism from other ministers.
"Hey! If you have a mouth, say something!"
"You spoke so well in court, why are you silent now!"
"How do you intend to resolve this situation!"
As criticism from other ministers poured in, Chief Inspector Seong Eom spoke as their representative.
"I apologize."
"Is an apology enough!"
"..."
The Chief Inspector's group moved to one side, avoiding the other ministers.
Having passed through the palace gates and emerged onto the Yukjo Street, the Chief Inspector's group let out long sighs.
"Phew~."
"We suffered a major defeat. We looked down on him too much because of his young age."
At the Chief Censor's words, all three nodded.
"What would be the best course of action now?"
At the Minister of Rites' question, the Chief Inspector answered.
"If it really doesn't work out, we'll have to submit a resignation letter."
"A resignation letter... are you serious?"
"Yes. Since suspicion has already taken root in the royal mind, disaster will strike sooner or later. What kind of bloodline does His Majesty have? A bloodline that, once determined, does not hesitate to shed blood. That is why there was fratricidal conflict among brothers, and he did not hesitate to destroy his wife's family and the family of the queen's father. Submitting a resignation letter might be the only way to prevent disaster from befalling our families and schools."
At Chief Inspector Seong Eom's words, the Chief Censor and Minister of Rites nodded with gloomy faces. Seong Eom let out a long sigh.
"Phew~. I wanted to create a nation of kingly ways and virtuous rule..."
* * *
At the same time, Hyang, who had returned to the Eastern Palace, was mulling over events with his head tilted.
"I used the term 'improving livelihood and enriching life,' but did I use it correctly? I was so heated up that I just used it recklessly..."
The moment the ministers, deeply steeped in 'Confucian principles' and the traditional 'four classes of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants,' voiced their opposition, Hyang became furious.
'Whew! Watching this live makes me even more heated!'
Having become heated, Hyang mobilized all the 'historical miscellaneous knowledge' he had learned in his previous life. In the process, he brought out 'improving livelihood and enriching life,' which could be called the foundation of late Joseon practical learning, to counter the opposing ministers.
Thinking back on it now, if the opposing ministers had had just a little more time, there was a significant possibility they could have countered in return.
Hyang, who was reconsidering the perilous moment, burst into a hollow laugh.
"It was largely thanks to Father's virtue."
Right at that moment, King Sejong's outburst became a 'miraculous move.'
Since becoming king, he had never shown such a side, and the ministers' thought processes had completely stopped.
"But the historians were writing excitedly. I'm curious how it will be recorded in the Veritable Records later."
Recalling the appearance of the historians writing as if possessed, repeatedly dipping their golden brushes in ink, Hyang scratched his head and looked into the distance.
"Thank you, Samcheonpo Teacher."
* * *
While the ministers worried about the future and Hyang reviewed what he had said, Sejong was speaking with Queen Soheon.
Queen Soheon sat on a mat laid before the door of the temporary hut made for the mourning, while Sejong sat inside. This was because according to Confucian etiquette, couples in mourning were forbidden from sitting or sleeping together.
"Have you eaten?"
"I had some rice porridge brought and ate it."
"Your Majesty is the pillar of this nation. Only when Your Majesty is strong can the nation endure. Please make sure to eat properly."
"I will keep that in mind."
During their conversation about Sejong's health, tea was prepared. A eunuch served well-brewed tea to Sejong, while a court lady served Queen Soheon.
Having drunk a sip of tea, Queen Soheon spoke.
"I heard that the Crown Prince caused some trouble at the morning court session."
"The Crown Prince did not cause any trouble. He presented a very good policy. I was the one who caused trouble."
"Your Majesty?"
"I couldn't control my excitement and used a tone I should have only used in private. This is hardly befitting a king's dignity..."
"Your Majesty? Hohoho!"
At Sejong's grumbling, Queen Soheon burst into laughter. Having wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, Queen Soheon looked at Sejong.
"Still, your complexion looks brighter than before. Just speak your mind comfortably. Is there any need to worry about the historians' golden brushes?"
At Queen Soheon's words, Sejong nodded. After the earlier skit, his face had flushed, but inside he actually felt refreshed. The stiffness in his neck and shoulders that had bothered him for so long seemed to melt away at once.
Having organized his thoughts, Sejong spoke.
"You are right, my Queen. My peace of mind comes first."
"A wise judgment, Your Majesty."
"And I ordered the Crown Prince to attend the royal lecture as soon as the Jolgok ritual ends."
At Sejong's words, Queen Soheon wore a worried expression.
"Will that be alright? The Crown Prince is still young..."
"Considering the golden brush and the words and actions he showed today, I believe he is fully capable."
After pausing for a moment, Sejong let out a sigh.
"Phew~. The Crown Prince is extraordinary. You know this too, don't you? His actions, speech, and thinking all seem like those of a subject well past forty..."
Though he expressed worry by indirectly calling him an 'old child,' Sejong wore a satisfied expression. At Sejong's expression, Queen Soheon also smiled.
"Just a while ago, you were worried that his excessive cleverness was creating too much of a wall between father and son, but now you seem reassured."
"I am reassured."
Sejong nodded his head.
< Episode 12: Sprouting... Carcinogenesis? (5) > End
ⓒ Gukppong