Chapter 198. The Beginning of Spring. (3)
As memorials opposing the road construction continued, Sejong issued a proclamation.
- There are those who oppose the road construction currently being undertaken by the court.
They claim that the roads in their own districts are already sufficient for the movement of goods and people, arguing it is useless construction, and demand that the work be halted.
However, this is viewing the world through the eyes of a frog in a well, and I cannot hide my sorrow at such narrow-mindedness.
Looking at Joseon's current situation, the roads are narrow and treacherous, making it difficult for a district's goods to pass beyond two neighboring districts, and people routinely give up on undertaking long journeys.
Thus, the people of Joseon do not know the vastness of the world and are trapped in narrow confines, becoming increasingly isolated—this is truly a tragic state of affairs.
The road construction was begun to resolve this. I hope that with wider and more convenient roads, the people will no longer face difficulties in travel, and will come to know the vastness of the world. For only when the people know the world's breadth and understand their proper role can Joseon flourish.
Secondly, the concern that district customs may become chaotic is valid. To prevent this as much as possible, additional soldiers will be deployed, so let the people pursue their livelihoods without worry.
Finally, some claim that well-paved roads will pose problems for national defense—this is the height of foolishness.
They argue that good roads facilitate enemy movement and are therefore undesirable, but conversely, have they not considered that our own Joseon soldiers can move even more swiftly?
And why do you not trust the soldiers of Joseon? These brave men who conquered Tsushima several years ago and even now repel the wild men of the North—these are Joseon's soldiers.
Is it the soldiers of Joseon you do not trust, or is it Me?
Due to the final sentence of Sejong's proclamation, the sadaebu who had been crying out in opposition were struck dumb.
Distrusting national defense meant distrusting the King himself, which could immediately be condemned as disloyalty.
'Speaking self-righteous words could send me to my grave!'
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the provincial sadaebu pushed their writing brushes far away.
* * *
Meanwhile, Hyang, having read Sejong's proclamation, snorted and burst into laughter.
"These gentlemen... Surely there are