Chapter 140: Running Crown Prince, I am the King, Rolling Ministers. (2)
"Sangseon, read this petition aloud so all ministers may hear."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Receiving the petition from Sejong, Sangseon cleared his throat briefly and then raised his voice to read the petition.
"Scholar Im Sun-uk bows his head twice in deep respect and takes up his brush..."
Im Sun-uk's petition that Sangseon read was largely divided into two parts.
One was a proposal regarding methods of recruiting talent.
The other pointed out areas overlooked in the reforms conducted thus far and presented alternatives.
First, regarding the method of recruiting talent, Im Sun-uk criticized the implementation of the civil service examination system.
-The timing of the civil service examination must be changed. Currently, examinations are generally conducted between the first and fifth months.
However, examinations typically take place between March and April, which presents many problems.
While any yangin male may take the examination, this period itself limits participation to only certain classes of people.
This is because the period between March and April overlaps with the spring hunger season and planting season. Many people lose their vitality during the spring hunger season, and with the planting season overlapping, many must devote themselves solely to farming.
Therefore, holding examinations during this period is not appropriate for the purpose of finding proper talent. Those who can take examinations during this period are only the sons of well-off local aristocrats.
The period between the first and second months is likewise not good. This time is the harsh depth of winter. It is not a season when people can travel long distances.
Therefore, it is appropriate to hold examinations between May and June, or between September and November, after harvest and before winter begins.
Having pointed out the problem with the timing of examinations, Im Sun-uk next pointed out another issue.
-The examination itself that candidates take is also problematic.
According to records from the Musin year (10th year of Sejong, 1428), it was decided to determine success or failure through composition writing.
However, the controversy over whether to use scriptural recitation or composition has indeed continued.
The problem with deciding on scriptural recitation was that the examination period took nearly a month, and when the examiner and candidate were acquainted, unfairness could occur.
However, if success or failure were determined by composition alone, there was concern that Neo-Confucianism might be belittled and students might only learn writing tricks.
(Note 1)
Therefore, to solve this problem, I propose establishing 'Discourse' as the examination subject.
If discussing policies that the state is conducting or wishes to conduct is made the examination, it will be possible to screen out those who rely only on simple writing tricks.
-Also, as arithmetic becomes increasingly important, it must be widely announced that the arithmetic examination is an official test subject so that candidates can prepare properly.
The method of announcing results should also be improved to not simply publish a list of successful candidates, but to also announce the reasons why failed candidates were rejected. Failed candidates need to know which parts were lacking in order to challenge again or give up and find other work.
Next, Im Sun-uk proposed a method of recruiting talent without examinations.
-It must be widely known that His Majesty has bestowed great grace by allowing me to enter the court.
-This is to gather talent by making it known that His Majesty and the court value talent highly, just as in the ancient story of 'starting with the humble first.'
-First, widely announce my case, then issue the following proclamation throughout the country:
'Discuss improvements to the work the court is currently conducting. Those who provide good answers will be heavily employed.'
Seeing my example, those with purpose will be able to offer good strategies, and if excellent people are selected from among them to fill the head and waist of the court, it will surely last a thousand years.
-This applies equally to those who have already entered official service. Not only those studying at Sungkyunkwan to rise to high ranks above junior fifth rank, but all officials above junior seventh rank must submit proposals regarding state administration at least once every two years.
This is to select not those who passively administer state affairs, but those who work actively.
At Im Sun-uk's proposal that 'at least one paper must be submitted every two years,' the ministers nodded.
"That's a decent opinion. We'll be able to find ones who work on their own."
"The problem is I already hear wailing sounds, though."
At the ministers' whispers, Kim Jeom shook his head.
"Do you not realize we are also included in that group?"
"Gasp!"
As the ministers' faces turned pale, Sangseon continued reading Im Sun-uk's petition.
-The biggest problem with the reform is that the items under state monopoly are continuously increasing. Starting with salt and sugar, monopoly items have continued, and now expanded to glass products, iron materials, spices, and so on.
I acknowledge that state monopoly directly helps the national budget and also helps common people's households. However, as in the case of paper, excessive monopoly can lower artisans' motivation and increase illegal production. Therefore, now that the reform is entering its latter half, items to be released from monopoly must be determined.
(Omitted)
* * *
When Sangseon finished reading, Sejong looked at the ministers with a satisfied expression.
"It seems we have gained a truly good talent. Isn't that so?"
At Sejong's words, Chief State Councillor Yi Jik replied.
"That is so. Of course, there are parts where enthusiasm overreaches. However, I believe those parts will be resolved as experience accumulates."
At Yi Jik's words, Sejong nodded.
"That is true. That must be entrusted to your ministers' experience."
At Sejong's words, the ministers' faces turned deathly pale.
'So the conclusion is more work for us!'
'I'm writing a resignation letter! I absolutely will!'
Whether knowing the ministers' inner thoughts or not, Sejong continued speaking while looking toward the Crown Prince's quarters.
"Our Crown Prince seems to have great fortune with people. How does he find such good talents..."
At Sejong's words, the ministers screamed inwardly.
'It's not fortune with people, it's fortune with work!'
Whether knowing such ministers' hearts or not, Sejong reached a conclusion.
"First, let us announce the laws regarding interest and land rent as scheduled."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And, regarding the examination issue, Scholar Im's points have merit, so let us deliberate further, and also deliberate on methods to discover talents hidden in the countryside."
"...We shall obey your command."
At the ministers' answers laden with emotion, Sejong added.
"Do not forget that only when there are many talents will your toil be lessened."
"We shall bear it in mind!"
At Sejong's words, the ministers answered with raised voices.
"Let us stop here and rest briefly."
When Sejong declared a recess, the ministers rushed out of Gyeongjeon Hall and headed for the State Council.
* * *
Among the ministers who arrived at the State Council meeting room, Minister of Rites was the first to speak.
"Which do you think we should discuss first? The examination? Or 'starting with the humble first'?"
At the Minister of Rites' words, all ministers answered simultaneously.
"Starting with the humble first!"
"That would be better, wouldn't it?"
"What else is needed besides that?"
At the ministers' reactions, Chief State Councillor Yi Jik concluded.
"Since everyone's opinion is the same, let us start with 'starting with the humble first.'"
"Let us do so."
"Good."
When the ministers responded, Maeng Sa-seong continued.
"This will be an extremely difficult task, so take care of your health first. I hear soft-shelled turtle soup is very good for restoring vitality."
At Maeng Sa-seong's words, Right State Councillor added.
"Speaking of soft-shelled turtle soup, I'm reminded of something. If we obtain soft-shelled turtles, we should send a few to Minister Hwang in the Northeast Frontier. He seems to have lost vitality from suffering in a distant place, as it's hard to see him except during regular reports... The development of the Northeast Frontier seems to have slowed as well. If we restore his vitality, won't he finish the Northeast Frontier work faster and return?"
"That is correct!"
"I will ask the physicians of the Inner Court to find medicinal ingredients that go well with soft-shelled turtles!"
The ministers responded joyfully to the Right State Councillor's words.
For several days after, soft-shelled turtles entering medical halls in Hanseong all disappeared without a trace.
* * *
While such things were happening in Hanseong, Hwang Hui, who was overseeing administrative work for the development areas in the Northeast Frontier, was scratching his ear fiercely with his pinky finger.
"Why is my ear so itchy? Did a bug get in?"
At Hwang Hui's muttering, Kim Jong-seo, who was sitting beside him processing documents, spoke.
"Someone must be cursing you, my lord."
"Cursing? Who?"
"Well..."
At Hwang Hui's words, Kim Jong-seo evaded the question and buried his eyes in the documents.
"Hmm..."
Opening his eyes narrowly and glaring at Kim Jong-seo, Hwang Hui muttered inwardly.
'There are too many suspects!'
From Kim Jong-seo working right beside him nearby, to his sons who must be mining coal far away, his wife who must be in tears worrying about her children, and finally his colleague ministers suffering in Hanseong.
Chewing over those who must be cursing him, Hwang Hui burst into a sudden laugh.
'Pfft! Is that the problem right now? My own nose is three hands long... Let them curse if they want.'
The reality of having much work but few people for the Northeast Frontier development was a more urgent situation.
'I absolutely refuse to be tied to the recorder position until I die!'
Burning with motivation again and examining documents, Hwang Hui called Kim Jong-seo.
"Hey, Jong-seo!"
"Please call me Deputy Administrator!"
"Fine, Deputy Administrator! This document is wrong! Are you going to work properly or not? Do you want to return to Hanseong working like this? Are you thinking of staying in the Northeast Frontier until your sixtieth birthday party? Huh? Is that it?"
"Please give it to me!"
Receiving Hwang Hui's scolding, Kim Jong-seo gathered the problematic documents and returned.
Examining the documents, Kim Jong-seo ground his teeth.
"You rascals! I told you to use the Yusupilji as reference! Using idu in official documents!"
The Yusupilji, a book recording various official document formats and writing guidelines that Confucian scholars and clerks must know, was a volume always placed on officials' desks.
Confirming who had written the problematic documents, Kim Jong-seo immediately ran to where they worked.
"Are you really going to work like this! And you want to return to Hanseong! Remember this! If I can't go, you can't go either! Even if you die, you can't go!"
Kim Jong-seo was increasingly resembling Hwang Hui without realizing it.
* * *
While such busy days continued, Sejong looked troubled at the Crown Prince's petition.
"You want to build a new hall?"
"That is correct."
"The budget?"
"I plan to use the budget of the Inspection Division."
"That's fine, but why is a new hall necessary? If done carelessly, the censors will rise up claiming extravagance."
"It is not for extravagance. It is out of unavoidable necessity."
"Unavoidable necessity? What kind of hall is it for?"
At Sejong's question, Hyang answered briefly.
"A dining hall."
"Dining hall?"
"Yes."
According to Hyang's explanation, creating a dining hall was for the research institute staff, eunuchs and court ladies working in the Crown Prince's quarters, and the Royal Guards.
First, regarding the research institute staff, there was a problem that they suffered severe energy loss because they overworked their brains every day.
"Therefore, I will provide proper lunch and dinner to replenish their energy."
"That sounds reasonable."
At Hyang's words, Sejong nodded.
"Providing for court ladies, eunuchs, and Royal Guards is because of the custom of sharing leftovers."
"Why the custom of sharing leftovers?"
Looking at Joseon customs, there was a custom where inferiors ate what superiors left over. Therefore, it was proper etiquette for superiors to eat as cleanly as possible using small plates.
In the palace, it was daily routine for court ladies and eunuchs to share the food left after the king and royal family ate, with insufficient side dishes added—in Sejong's case, meat.
"This has hygiene issues as well, so I am changing it to eating in a communal dining hall. Finally, I will also eat at the dining hall."
"Why? That goes against etiquette."
At Sejong's criticism, Hyang highlighted a different aspect.
"It is a matter of safety. Surely no one would poison themselves along with hundreds of others just to kill me?"
"Ah..."
"Furthermore, showing that high-ranking persons eat the same food as themselves will increase their loyalty."
After contemplating Hyang's explanation, Sejong nodded.
"It seems acceptable. Try it."
"Your grace is boundless!"
After Hyang left, Sejong, who had been thinking deeply, looked back at Sangseon.
"Isn't it quite a good idea?"
"..."
* * *
Note 1) April of the 10th year of Sejong. Following Byeon Gye-ryang's petition, Sejong, after discussion with ministers, decided to conduct the major examination centered on composition. Reading the Annals of King Sejong the Great in One Volume. Written by Park Young-gyu. Woongjin Knowledge House.