Chapter 145. The Struggle. (4)
'The Royal Court summons all Daebangs of merchant guilds throughout Joseon for an important matter. Each merchant guild's Daebang must attend without fail.'
A royal decree with such content was distributed to large and small merchant guilds across all of Joseon.
"...And so, this decree has been issued. Please do not forget to attend."
"Yes, my lord."
Having received the decree while bowing respectfully to the words of the Ministry of Taxation official, the Daebang of the merchant guild cautiously posed a question.
"May I ask what this 'important matter' might be?"
At the Daebang's question, the official answered with a troubled expression.
"How would someone of my low rank know such things? The only thing I've heard is that His Majesty intends to conduct a kind of test with the merchant guilds."
"A test... you say?"
"I'm not certain. In any case, please come to the palace on the appointed date without fail."
"Farewell, my lord!"
After seeing off the official from the Ministry of Taxation, the Daebang soon gathered the Dobangs and Haengsus.
"...And so, we must go to Hanyang by the appointed date."
The Dobangs and Haengsus, who had taken turns reading the royal decrees stamped with Sejong's official seal, looked at each other with grave expressions.
"Do you know the reason why His Majesty has summoned us?"
"The problem is that we don't know. We only know it is 'His Majesty's test.'"
"A test, you say?"
"A test... Excuse me, Haengsu Na, did you hear anything from District 51?"
The middle-aged Haengsu who was asked scratched his head and answered.
"As a matter of fact, there is something reported by the man we planted near District 51. His Majesty visited District 51 with the ministers a few days ago."
"Hmm..."
At Haengsu Na's report, not only the Daebang but also the Dobangs and Haengsus' faces grew even more serious.
It was common knowledge among the people of Joseon that whenever Sejong visited District 51, artifacts that would shake the world would emerge before long.
Thanks to this, there were few among those rumored to conduct large-scale business in Joseon who had not planted people around District 51.
There were not a few who, having planted people and strived to learn news faster than others, had expanded their merchant associations several times over.
From those who had obtained the method for making military rations and sold them as provisions for travel or emergency food during disasters, to those who made and sold seasoned powder used for cooking pheasant.
Of course, they had to pay considerable wealth to the Royal Court under the newly enacted 'Intellectual Property Management Law,' but they could obtain even greater wealth in return.
Those who, after repeated deliberation, could not find the reason for Sejong's summons ultimately had to choose a stopgap measure.
"If His Majesty is conducting a test targeting merchants, wouldn't it be related to wealth? Just in case, let us first confirm how much wealth our merchant guild can mobilize immediately before departing."
"Yes, Daebang."
The Daebang who had given the orders wore an expression of relief.
"Fortunately, we are in Gyeonggi Province, so it is fortunate that we are close to Hanyang."
"That is correct."
* * *
While merchant guilds throughout Joseon, having received Sejong's command, were preparing, the Royal Court promulgated a new law.
It was the promulgation of the 'Tenant Farming Law' that would shake the rural villages of Joseon.
- The tenant fees received by landowners must not exceed half of the harvest.
- Landowners may not collect seed loans and fertilizer loans.
"Then why should we even lease land for tenant farming!"
Because of the above provisions, many landowners had to vent their anger.
There were many cases where landowners received not only rent but also additional seed costs and fertilizer costs from tenant farmers, and the Royal Court had completely nailed this shut.
- Tenant farmers must unconditionally bring the grains harvested from the rice paddies and fields they tenant to the government monopoly.
- The exact amount of harvest is confirmed before the officials of the Ministry of Taxation at the monopoly. Thereafter, taxes imposed by the state are paid, and rent is paid to the landowner.
- All these processes proceed under the supervision of Ministry of Taxation officials.
- If, before or after this collection process, additional rent is secretly extorted, the crime of deceiving the sovereign shall be applied.
Many landowners wrote petitions and resisted the Tenant Farming Law promulgated by the Royal Court, but the Royal Court did not waver.
- It is written in the Book of Songs, 'There is no land under heaven that is not the king's, and there are no people to the ends of the earth who are not the king's subjects.'
- All land in this Joseon belongs to the king, but convenience was provided so that those studying Confucianism could study without worry of livelihood.
- Just as landowners are the king's subjects, so too are tenant farmers the king's subjects.
- Therefore, it is also the king's duty to ensure that tenant farmers can live without worry of hunger.
As the Royal Court asserted legitimacy based on the 'Wangto (King's Land) ideology,' the landowners' resistance had no choice but to lose its force.
"Damn it..."
"Is there nothing to be done..."
This was because the Royal Court had even brought out the card of 'deceiving the sovereign.'
"If Heaven is not on our side, then we must change Heaven!"
"Wait! Shh! Shh!"
Some radicals argued for rebellion, but those nearby hurriedly buried their arguments deep.
They had begun building their own power using the long famine that continued from the end of King Taejong's reign to the early years of King Sejong, but as long as the Joseon military still showed absolute loyalty to Sejong, they had no chance of victory.
* * *
Those who benefited the most while Sejong conducted the Gyeongjang (Political Reform) were the military.
Of course, there was the Ministry of Military Affairs, a civil official-centered administrative body, but all actual positions in the military were being assigned to military officials.
Thanks to this, military officials had to suffer the double burden of needing not only martial prowess but also scholarly cultivation.
But even though they had to suffer such double burdens, the military officials were still pleased. Until the Gyeongjang began, all high-ranking posts in the military had been occupied by civil officials.
A prime example of such civil official supremacy was the Hallyeong (County Magistrate). Looking at the official system, the Hallyeong was clearly a military official position. However, most Hallyeongs were occupied by civil officials.
However, according to rumors about the reorganization of local administrative bodies, the Hallyeong position was scheduled to return to military officials.
Moreover, not only the armored soldiers but even regular soldiers were receiving proper salaries from the Royal Court, and with supplies also being provided, their livelihood problems were resolved.
Thanks to this, the military from top to bottom showed absolute loyalty to Sejong.
And Sejong and the ministers were not relying solely on that. Opening official positions to Northwestern figures and secondary sons had the purpose of securing talent, but another purpose was to check the power of landowners represented by the three southern provinces.
Finally, there was a presence known only to Sejong and a very few people including Hyang.
That was the Geom-gye.
At least the movements of powerful families in Hanyang and nearby areas were being reported to Sejong in real time through the Geom-gye.
And Hyang was not sitting idle either.
Sitting in the Crown Prince's quarters, Hyang opened a long wooden box and examined the items inside.
"I hope there will be no need to use these... but if the occasion arises to use them, I will make the opponent feel it is a nightmare. Just try crossing Gwanghwamun Gate."
Inside the wooden box were five long rifles. They were guns that would feel familiar to anyone who enjoyed watching Western movies.
* * *
While such a commotion was circulating due to the 'Tenant Farming Law,' Daebangs of merchant guilds from all over Joseon gathered in Hanyang.
"His Majesty the King arrives!"
The merchants waiting in the front courtyard of Geunjeongjeon Hall prostrated themselves on the ground at the Chief Eunuch's call and shouted.
"We humble merchants pay respect to the Supreme One of Joseon!"
"You have worked hard coming here. Rise."
When the merchants straightened their posture, Sejong continued.
"Recently, officials from District 51 have developed a new artifact. We could establish a royal workshop using this artifact, but it seems this would not help our Joseon's national interests, so We intend to entrust it to you."
At Sejong's words, the merchants perked up their ears.
Confirming that the merchants' attention was focused, Sejong commanded the Chief Eunuch.
"Call the Crown Prince."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Shortly after, when Hyang, who had been waiting, appeared at Geunjeongjeon Hall, the merchants paid their respects once again.
"Rise."
"Yes, Your Highness."
When the merchants rose again, Hyang paid his respects to Sejong.
"Then, Father. I will take them and return."
"Very well. I hope you bring good results."
"I will do my utmost."
Having paid his respects to Sejong once more, Hyang descended the stairs of Geunjeongjeon Hall and walked into the courtyard.
Under the protection of the Naegeumwi (Inner Guard), Hyang gestured to the merchants.
"Follow me."
Following Hyang out of Gwanghwamun Gate, what awaited the merchants were large horse-drawn carriages pulled by two large horses.
"The carriages are large, Your Highness."
"I've never seen such large horses before, Your Highness."
At the words of the merchants who had come up from the provinces, Hyang explained with a smile.
"These are horse-drawn carriages that will soon run on the main roads of Hanyang. Please board quickly."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After confirming that the merchants had boarded the three horse-drawn carriages, Hyang mounted his horse.
"Then let us go."
"Yes, Your Highness."
* * *
"My goodness."
"Truly a different world!"
The merchants riding in the horse-drawn carriages continuously exclaimed in admiration.
The roads paved with lime mortar were not unfamiliar. Paved roads were being gradually installed in the major cities of the provinces.
What surprised the merchants was the scale. Roads wide enough that eight of the large carriages they were riding could line up side by side and move without problem ran across the east and west of Hanyang and stretched straight to the south. On such wide and straight roads, the rickshaws of rumor were running. In the passenger seats of the rickshaws, not only yangban but also young ladies of common households and gisaengs were riding.
Watching the gisaengs riding in rickshaws with coquettish expressions, one merchant muttered.
"I heard that hwamun-san (flower-patterned parasols) are in fashion in Hanyang these days... There was a reason."
Both the gisaengs riding in rickshaws and the young ladies of common households were blocking the sun with parasols with gorgeous flower patterns.
* * *
Having guided the merchants to District 51, Hyang introduced the 'automatic loom.'
"This is the artifact We wish to introduce to you."
The merchants, examining the loom that operated using an ox as its power source, bombarded Hyang with questions.
"How many looms can one ox operate at maximum?"
"Up to 6 looms. If more than two oxen are mobilized at once and the belt drives are well connected, up to 20 looms can be operated simultaneously."
"Must we use oxen?"
"Horses or donkeys are also possible, and in places with abundant water supply, water wheels are also feasible."
"How many seung-po is possible?"
At the merchant's question, Hyang gestured to the person waiting behind him. At Hyang's gesture, the person behind brought a rolled-up cotton cloth.
"Examine it."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The merchants examining the cotton cloth Hyang presented looked with surprised eyes at the cotton cloth being woven from the automatic loom again.
"Your Highness! This appears to be at least 10-seung-po?"
"Precisely 15-seung-po. With a little more care, up to 20-seung-po is possible."
At Hyang's explanation, the faces of the merchants examining the cotton cloth grew increasingly serious.
"Your Highness. Then what becomes of jeong-po (standard cloth)? If this cotton cloth is released, the value of jeong-po will..."
"Surely! Is currency finally being operated again?!"
At the merchants' questions, Hyang nodded.
"Currency will be operated within this year."
Thus, the explanation of the automatic loom ended, and Hyang brought up the main topic.
"We wish to sell these looms to you. The cost involved in making one loom is 35 taels of silver."
"It is a bit expensive..."
"If you order more than 20 looms, We will lower it to 30 taels of silver."
At Hyang's words, the merchants fell silent and began calculating profit and loss.
'To have proper product value, at least 20 looms must be operated simultaneously.'
'The Crown Prince mentioned 20 looms probably for that reason. And no matter how automatically it weaves, human hands are still needed. Then we would have to hire women skilled at weaving and pay them wages...'
While the merchants were worrying about various problems, Hyang added.
"The contract will be limited to three merchant guilds that order the most looms. District 51's own production capacity has limits, and there are many tasks being undertaken. Instead, We will grant exclusive rights for 5 years."
At Hyang's words, the merchants made their decision.
'Let's go! It's an opportunity! If We secure exclusive rights first, We can get ahead!'
'This time is too much! We'll save capital for 5 years and make something even bigger! We will endure and wait!'
The merchants who had decided whether to advance or retreat immediately wrote their merchant guild names and the number of desired looms on paper and submitted them to Hyang.
Thus, three merchant guilds were selected.