< Chapter 32: Gapjin Gyeongjang (甲辰更張) (10) >
When the ministers who heard the news rushed into the State Council, the Chief State Councillor had just finished writing his memorial.
"Your Excellency! A memorial! What kind of nonsense is this!"
"To submit a memorial when you should be kneeling on straw awaiting punishment—is this the act of a sane mind!"
The gathered ministers lined up to criticize him, but the Chief State Councillor's expression remained calm.
"This is a memorial I must submit. If we think of Joseon's future rather than its present, we must thoroughly examine this matter and ensure His Majesty reconsiders his will."
"Your Excellency! Have you truly lost your senses!"
When the Minister of Taxation shouted, the Chief State Councillor also raised his voice.
"His Majesty has forgotten how weighty it is to govern the state! He has forgotten why subjects exist!"
"Your Excellency!"
Other ministers tried to stop him, but the Chief State Councillor, holding the memorial in his hand, entered the Royal Secretariat and presented it.
"This is a memorial. Please present it to His Majesty."
"...I understand."
Seeing the Secretaries' sour expressions and hearing their tone, the Chief State Councillor added words.
"Do not make such faces. This is all for Joseon's future and for His Majesty."
At the Chief State Councillor's words, the Chief Secretary with a stiffly frozen face received the memorial.
"...I will present it to His Majesty."
"This is the Chief State Councillor's memorial."
"Leave it and go."
Through the Chief Secretary and then the Court Attendant, the Chief State Councillor's memorial was placed on Sejong's desk.
Sejong, who had been glaring at the memorial scroll without a word, began to unroll and read it.
"Your humble subject, Chief State Councillor Ryu Jeong-hyeon, bows his head twice in respect and submits this memorial to His Majesty. Now, state governance is..."
The content of the memorial written by Ryu Jeong-hyeon was as follows:
-State governance is, quite literally, the management of the state. Therefore, deciding and implementing policies lightly is something that must never be done. What must be absolutely avoided in deciding and executing policies is the practice of changing one's mind repeatedly and making hasty changes—this is something even a three-year-old child knows. This is because the trust of the people in the state and its policies hangs in the balance.
-However, looking at this matter of nationwide implementation of cowpox vaccination, His Majesty has employed expedient measures through unilateral decision. This is not right.
-First, it was decided to vaccinate residents of Hanyang, then confirm the efficacy before implementing it nationwide. This was the initially decided plan, and His Majesty had agreed to this. But to overturn the initial plan simply because a small number of people submitted memorials advocating for rapid nationwide expansion and presented cattle—is this not hasty change?
-His Majesty criticized the majority of the scholar-officials based solely on the fact that a small number of influential figures and merchants presented cattle. This is not right. The efficacy of cowpox vaccination has not yet been proven. Therefore, most scholar-officials are waiting until the efficacy is confirmed. Of course, there may be some who refused the duties of the gentry out of their own greed, but they are only a very small minority. For those who study the classics, follow the words of sages, and understand honor and propriety—these are what make the gentry.
-Managing the state. In other words, creating and executing policies must only be achieved through consultation between the ruler and subjects. Why are subjects needed to manage the state? Because it is not easy for a ruler alone to see broadly and judge. Only when the ruler and subjects examine various aspects and gather their will to decide can policies move in the right direction. If the ruler decides and executes everything in state governance according to his own will, what need is there for a court, and what need is there for subjects? Eunuchs who handle only document administration would suffice. This is not only contrary to the Kingly Way, nor is it the Way of the Hegemon—it is merely autocracy.
-Furthermore, it is not right for the ruler's use of expedient measures to become customary practice, for the sake of the state's future. I do not doubt that the current His Majesty possesses the qualities of a dragon among men and will not stray from the Righteous Path. Also, the Crown Prince too has excellent qualities so there is less worry, but what of those who come after? If a tyrant like Jie and Zhou ascends the throne and arbitrarily employs expedient measures under the pretext of custom, what will become of this Joseon's fate? To prevent such situations, consultation between ruler and subject must be maintained, and policies decided through such consultation must be prepared and executed with gravity.
-Our Joseon has barely passed thirty years since its founding. To compare it to a house, it is now just establishing its foundation. Solidifying the harmony between ruler and subject and the consistency of policy execution is the way to avoid building castles on sand and to promise Joseon's eternal prosperity. The previous dynasty also headed toward ruin because it neglected this.
-In conclusion, the nationwide implementation of cowpox vaccination through expedient measures should be stopped. As initially decided, we should first confirm the efficacy, then decide whether to implement it nationwide.
"...If it truly has efficacy, I, your subject Ryu Jeong-hyeon, will gladly give up all my property."
Sejong, having finished reading the Chief State Councillor's memorial to the end, set down the memorial and ground his teeth.
"Truly a cunning man!"
Sejong, firmly grasping the desk with both hands and suppressing his rising anger, gave an order to the Court Attendant.
"What are those self-righteous ministers doing now?"
"They are currently kneeling on straw in front of Gyeongjeon Hall awaiting punishment."
"Tell them to come into the main hall immediately! Not a single one is to be absent!"
"I obey the command!"
The ministers who received the order through the Court Attendant hurried into the main hall.
As the ministers took their places starting with the Chief State Councillor, Sejong handed the memorial in question to the Court Attendant.
"Read it loudly so all ministers can hear."
"Yes."
At Sejong's command, the Court Attendant loudly read the Chief State Councillor's memorial.
As the content progressed, the ministers' faces, which had been stiff from the beginning, became even more rigid. Though written with refined words, it was criticizing Sejong's decision-making as autocracy. Moreover, the sentence added at the end, though saying he would gladly give up his property, could actually be interpreted as the complete opposite meaning.
-They tell us to get cowpox vaccination, but will it really have effect? If it does, I'll give all my property!
The Court Attendant, having finished reading, quietly folded the scroll and placed it on Sejong's desk.
During that time, the main hall was as quiet as if a mouse had died. Even the historiographer and the scribe stopped their brushes, only swallowing dryly.
It was Sejong who broke the silence.
"When I first learned about cowpox, I immediately thought of nationwide implementation. However, the Left State Councillor said this was too hasty a measure, and I too thought his words had merit, so I graciously accepted his advice. I ask you ministers. What expedient measures did I employ?"
"..."
"Before that and after that as well, did I employ expedient measures every time? I consulted with you all on every matter, and chose the method that everyone thought correct. Is this also employing expedient measures?"
"..."
"This man called Chief State Councillor treats the use of expedient measures as sinful, but expedient measures are also one of the ruling tools a ruler possesses. In managing the state, there are situations that require quick decisions. However, if the situation requires a quick decision but remains stagnant, one inevitably ends up employing expedient measures. A ruler who misses the timing waiting for subjects to reach conclusions—is that not truly an incompetent ruler! That the use of expedient measures becomes customary practice, whose responsibility is this? The ruler's, or the subjects'?!"
"..."
As Sejong's rebuke continued, the ministers' heads sank lower and lower toward the floor.
"The Chief State Councillor's memorial becomes more crafty the more I read it. The sentences are beautiful but filled only with foul odor. Most of the scholar-officials are people who know honor and propriety? Then, when drought struck, why do we reward gentry who open their granaries to relieve the people? If they follow the way of sages and know honor and propriety, should relieving the people not be a matter of course? But since they do not, do we not give rewards so others will follow their example? Why is there a difference between what the Chief State Councillor said and reality?"
"..."
"Chief State Councillor! Answer!"
At Sejong's command, the Chief State Councillor bowed his head deeply.
"...I am struck with awe."
"When smallpox or epidemics raged, what of those gentry who spent their own wealth to buy medicine and treat their neighbors, or even called shamans to perform exorcisms hoping for any supernatural power? What of those gentry who, like this time, spent wealth to buy cattle and present them? Do they act hastily because their cultivation is shallow?"
"...I am struck with awe. However, in the case of cowpox, the efficacy has not been clearly proven..."
"What of the herdsmen of Neobeolseom! They received cowpox vaccination for generations and avoided smallpox. Was this not sufficient proof!"
"I speak again. The herdsmen alone are too few in number!"
"You!"
Sejong, who had grabbed the inkstone on the desk, released the strength in his hand.
"Fine. Then I will ask just one thing. If, instead of Hanyang, smallpox breaks out in Gangwon Province, what will you do? Will you wait until it spreads from Gangwon Province to Hanyang? Even if many people die in between or become fools or pockmarked, you will not care?"
"..."
"Having a method to prevent smallpox but not vaccinating on the grounds that it is not sufficiently proven, and moving only according to the harmony of ruler and subject giving up expedient measures—is that sacrifice worth accepting?"
"It is heartbreaking that sacrifices occur, but firmly establishing the proper order of state management is more valuable. The people suffering from smallpox are pitiful, but there have always been victims of smallpox. I believe that to properly establish Joseon's order from the beginning, that degree of sacrifice can be endured!"
"Ha!"
A sigh burst from among the ministers at the Chief State Councillor's answer. Even to the ministers, the Chief State Councillor's answer was obstinacy. At the Chief State Councillor's answer, Sejong clenched his teeth.
"Fine! That efficacy, I will definitely prove it! From today, whenever a report comes from anywhere in the Eight Provinces of Joseon that smallpox has occurred, I will immediately move everyone in the palace starting with myself, and all 100,328 residents of Hanyang to the outbreak site! I will investigate those who contract smallpox among those moved and confirm whether there is efficacy!"
At Sejong's bombshell declaration, all the ministers rose to their feet.
"Your Majesty! Please reconsider!"
"Please reconsider! This is an impossible matter!"
"Moving one hundred thousand people is impossible to execute!"
At Sejong's decision, all the subjects came forward in opposition. But Sejong's will was firm.
"Silence! If we do as you wish, we must wait until smallpox occurring in places other than Hanyang spreads to Hanyang, or until smallpox breaks out in Hanyang itself! Then who will bear the resentment of the people who are sacrificed in the meantime! And moving one hundred thousand is impossible? Then how does the army move! This is nothing but an excuse!"
After stopping for a moment to collect his breath, Sejong glared at the Chief State Councillor and concluded.
"This is to firmly establish the proper order for maintaining harmony between ruler and subject, so I will not accept any counter-arguments! And Chief State Councillor, hear this! If the efficacy is confirmed, I will hold you firmly accountable for your crime!"
Having finished speaking, Sejong stormed out.
The historiographer recorded all of these events without omission.
The Chief State Councillor's memorial was like throwing stones into a well, only worsening the situation.
The historiographer who finished recording immediately added words.
The historiographer says:
To realize kingly governance, the republicanism of harmony and consultation between ruler and subject is essential. However, republicanism is a tool, not an end. Today's memorial and statements by the Chief State Councillor can be called putting the cart before the horse. It is heartbreaking to see the fall of an old minister of renowned wisdom.
Hyang, who heard about the clash between Sejong and the ministers, clicked his tongue.
"It's become a complete chicken race. Politics is about justifications, but isn't this going too far?"
Clicking his tongue at the court's situation heading toward disaster, Hyang's expression suddenly stiffened.
"At this rate, won't there be some kind of coup that's never happened in history?"
With a serious face, Hyang crossed his arms and fell into thought. After calculating in his head for a while, Hyang reached a conclusion.
"Can't be sure, so I should start preparing slowly."
That night, Sejong visited Hyang's room.
"Crown Prince, you must have heard about today's events as well?"
"Yes."
"Do you also think this father of yours went too far?"
"I only find the Chief State Councillor's stubbornness frustrating. I believe that while justifications are important, practical benefit is also important."
At Hyang's answer, Sejong smiled and patted Hyang's shoulder.
"Crown Prince, having you makes me feel secure."
"You praise me too highly."
"Hoo~"
Sejong, who let out a long sigh, grumbled.
"With things turning out this way, I find myself hoping smallpox breaks out somewhere nearby."
"You will surely achieve a good result."
* * *
Five days later, an urgent report arrived at the court.
"Smallpox has broken out!"
"Where?"
"Yeongdeungpo area of Geumcheon Commandery!"
Hearing the outbreak location, Sejong and the ministers rather wore expressions of relief. This was because both Sejong and the ministers were exhausted from the stress brought by the situation that felt like walking on thin ice.
"Rather, it turned out well. It turned out well."
< Chapter 32: Gapjin Gyeongjang (甲辰更張) (10) > End
ⓒ Gukbbong