< Chapter 5: Who Do You Think My Father Is? (3) >
"History hasn't changed."
Massaging his still-tingling calves, Hyang gazed out from Donggung Palace. As he looked at the scenery outside, Hyang's eyes held a regret unusual for his age.
The crown prince competition, which could be summarized as Yangnyeong's defense and Chungnyeong's offense, ended with Chungnyeong's victory, just as history had flowed.
Yangnyeong was not an incompetent man. And though it wasn't recorded, he had ambitions, as shown at the doljanchi (first birthday celebration).
However, as recorded in the Annals, he was someone with a 'free soul' who enjoyed hunting in mountains and fields rather than studying, and favored women and alcohol.
Because of this, he couldn't withstand the immense stress that arose during the competition process.
Ultimately, to relieve that stress, he fell into hunting and debauchery, and even committed an extreme act of violating the taboo of satung (illicit relations).
In the end, Yangnyeong's defeat in the crown prince competition was not only due to Grand Prince Chungnyeong's outstanding qualities, but the biggest factor was his own self-destruction from failing to overcome the stress.
* * *
Though Grand Prince Chungnyeong emerged as the winner of the crown prince competition, he too suffered a major wound. His wife's family faced the disaster of extermination (滅門之禍).
As Chungnyeong was invested as Crown Prince, Shim On rose to become the most powerful among the powerful. King Taejong was not one to leave Shim On's rise unaddressed.
On the day Chungnyeong was invested as Crown Prince and entered the palace together with him, seeing Taejong for the first time, Hyang recalled memories of his past life.
When Hyang's past self, Jin-ho, was a high school student, the 'Samcheonpo' teacher—who earned that nickname for frequently going off on tangents during class—in charge of Korean history evaluated Taejong thus:
"If Catholic priests advocating the 'Divine Right of Kings' had arrived in Joseon during Taejong's era, Taejong would have probably made Catholicism the state religion immediately. Of course, afterward, he would have beheaded everyone except a few who listened well."
Samcheonpo teacher's words were 'IF.' However, when Hyang, who had entered the palace with Grand Prince Chungnyeong, saw Taejong for the first time, Hyang acknowledged Samcheonpo teacher's words.
'That old man was right!'
King Taejong, entering his later years, had deep fatigue accumulated on his face, but his gaze alone made people feel intimidated.
"Welcome."
Taejong, who received the bow from the newly-made Crown Prince Chungnyeong and his wife, had an unexpectedly gentle voice.
"Many things have happened, but from now on, you are the Crown Prince. Prepare thoroughly to rule this country after me, and deepen your friendship with your brothers."
"I will etch Your Majesty's words, which are like golden rules, into my heart and bones."
When Chungnyeong's answer ended, Queen Min, who was sitting next to Taejong, spoke.
"Crown Princess, from now on you must govern the Internal Court. You must devote yourself to internal affairs so that absolutely no discord arises."
"I will etch Her Majesty's words into my heart."
Taejong and Queen Min, who had offered their well-wishes, focused their gaze on Hyang sitting beside them.
"The child looks truly bright."
At Taejong's words, Chungnyeong responded with a smile.
"He is already learning the Lesser Learning."
"Already? Isn't that child only four years old?"
"He will turn four this October."
"Truly fast!"
"He shows qualities even more outstanding than myself."
At Chungnyeong's answer, Taejong seemed satisfied.
"This is a blessing for our Joseon and the royal family!"
Hyang, who had been observing Taejong and Queen Min, quickly straightened his posture when Taejong and Queen Min's gazes focused on him. Seeing Taejong and his wife look satisfied at Chungnyeong's praise, Hyang grumbled inwardly.
'You have no idea how hard I worked!'
While Yangnyeong and Chungnyeong's competition grew increasingly fierce, Hyang repeatedly pondered what would be best for himself.
"Why is this child suddenly not eating well? Nurse, call a physician."
"Yes, madam."
Having worried to the point where his mother, Lady Shim, called for a physician, Hyang made a decision.
'I'll polish myself! Even in the worst case, I must establish at minimum an intellectual and physical foundation! No, even if a physical foundation is impossible due to time, I must at least establish an intellectual foundation!'
Having made his decision, as soon as he turned two and his speech developed, Hyang immediately began learning the Thousand Character Classic.
"This child seems to be a prodigy!"
"Indeed!"
Chungnyeong and his wife were pleased to see Hyang reciting the Thousand Character Classic even with his childish lisp. Whether knowing this or not, Hyang diligently learned the Thousand Character Classic.
'Thankfully, the hardware is good! Is it because he's Munjong?'
Thanks to the hardware—the physical constitution, memory, and comprehension—of Munjong in actual history, Hyang was able to complete the Thousand Character Classic and move on to the Compendium of History at a much younger age than others. And when Chungnyeong was confirmed as Crown Prince, he had moved on to the Lesser Learning.
"Your eyes are so bright and alert, truly a pleasure to behold!"
While bowing his head at Taejong's praise, Hyang gauged the atmosphere of Taejong and his wife.
'As expected, the atmosphere is somewhat微妙 (subtle).'
- There's a saying that 'past life enemies become present life couples,' right? Looking at Taejong and his wife's example, that saying fits perfectly. A love-hate relationship, perhaps?
Hyang, recalling Samcheonpo teacher's story, returned to reality when Taejong spoke to his mother.
"I heard the Gukgu (國舅, Crown Prince's father-in-law) is extremely busy with public and private matters."
"I wouldn't know as I only stay indoors."
"Is that so?"
On Taejong's face, who asked back briefly, the smile had disappeared.
"I hope you will convey that given the Gukgu's age, I would like him to live with more leisure now. What good are prosperous times if one loses their health?"
At Taejong's pointed words, the Crown Princess broke into cold sweat and bowed her head deeply.
"Yes. I will certainly convey this."
It was Taejong's warning.
* * *
But history flowed as it was.
Four months after Grand Prince Chungnyeong ascended to the position of Crown Prince, on September 9th. Taejong transferred the throne to the Crown Prince. In the royal decree announcing the throne transfer, Taejong declared the following:
- Until His Majesty comes of age, I will personally handle military matters. Also, for difficult national decisions, I will command the State Council and Six Ministries to each deliberate and implement, but I will also participate in the deliberations.
This was a firm expression of his determination to assist his son, who would surely be pushed around by wily ministers no matter how intelligent, and to firmly establish the still-unstable foundation of the state. No, he didn't just express his intention—he established the Uigeonbu (義建府) to keep military power firmly in his hands.
Even though Taejong had firmly declared this policy of personally holding military power, discord arose.
The beginning of the incident was Kang Sang-in, the Minister of War. Despite Taejong holding military authority, Kang Sang-in reported directly only to Sejong. Furthermore, he illegally appointed his younger brother Kang Sang-rye to the position of sajik (司直), a military official position of the 5th rank.
As a result of such conduct, Taejong put Kang Sang-in under interrogation. Though the censors' petitions calling for severe punishment of Kang Sang-in poured in, Taejong, considering that Kang Sang-in was a meritorious subject and his past services, ended it with exile to his hometown and confiscation of his meritorious subject records and appointment certificate. This was the first handling of the 'Kang Sang-in Incident' spanning August to September.
However, this incident connected to Shim On's downfall when Shim On, the Chief State Councillor, departed as the Envoy of Gratitude to obtain Ming's approval for the throne transfer.
Taejong felt a sense of crisis upon receiving a report that not only the people but also many high-ranking officials had gathered to send off Shim On, who was departing as an envoy.
- The father-in-law of the Crown Prince who will inherit the next throne, and the Chief State Councillor. And his younger brother Shim Jeung holds a key military position as the Deputy Commander of the Central Army in the Uihung Three Army Headquarters!
While Taejong's suspicion was deepening, an event occurred that turned suspicion into certainty.
On November 26th. An Heon-o, a Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, reported to Taejong.
"Kang Sang-in, Shim Jeung, and Park Seup held a private meeting recently."
"And?"
"At that gathering, they said, 'These days orders come from two places, which is not the same as coming from one place.'"
At An Heon-o's report, Taejong slammed the armrest and shouted.
"What!"
The 'Kang Sang-in Incident' had resurfaced, even larger than before.
* * *
As the 'Kang Sang-in Incident' ignited again, Hyang's maternal family faced sudden disaster.
Kang Sang-in was executed by drawing and quartering, Park Seup and Shim Jeung were beheaded. Shim On, who returned after completing his mission as envoy to Ming, underwent harsh interrogation and was sentenced to death, and his clan was all made into slaves.
While these events proceeded, a storm also swept through the palace.
"You've already done this to me, must you also destroy my daughter-in-law's family like this!"
Queen Wongyeong, Lady Min, raised her voice seeing the tragedy that had befallen her repeating itself, but Taejong pushed forward with the purge.
During such a chaotic time, Hyang fell into deep worry.
'The fact that I'm only physically a child is damn frustrating!'
If he were an ordinary four-year-old rather than reincarnated, he would have passed without properly understanding the situation, but for Hyang, who possessed memories and personality from his mid-30s, it was an excruciating time.
'If there's an appropriate maternal relative, they could actually become a solid defensive wall. If I could reduce the disaster befalling my maternal family even slightly, wouldn't that be of great help to me later?'
Weighing his options while considering that Taejong had doted on him greatly since entering the palace and thinking about future events, Hyang ultimately chose not to intervene.
'No. It seems better to stay still. In actual history, it flowed that way too. I might succeed by putting on a "teary show," but conversely, it could blow up even more for using a four-year-old child. And most importantly, my father, that man...'
Even though his wife's family was being destroyed, Sejong showed no particular reaction. No matter how overwhelming King Taejong's authority as father was like a storm, being completely unresponsive was excessive.
At his father's reaction, Hyang decided his course of action.
'Taejong and Sejong have reached a tacit understanding! Then not moving is the best strategy!'
As a result, Hyang had to watch his mother shed bloody tears for days and nights.
Though Sejong's wife's family was destroyed due to the 'Kang Sang-in Incident,' the aftermath didn't easily subside.
"It is not proper for a traitor's daughter to occupy the position of Queen! She must be deposed!"
The censors of the Office of the Inspector-General and the Office of Royal Decree Admonition came forward demanding deposition, but Sejong opposed it vehemently, staking his royal position.
Ultimately, Taejong ended the 'Deposition Controversy' with the following words:
"She doesn't commit jealousy. And deposing someone who has already borne three legitimate sons of the King is not proper."
Thanks to Sejong's opposition and Taejong's decision, Queen Soheon, Lady Shim, was able to keep her position.
Watching the conclusion process of the 'Deposition Controversy,' Hyang nodded.
"Good thing I didn't intervene."
Praising himself, Hyang praised himself again. While immersed in self-congratulation, Hyang looked toward where the main hall was.
"Is the blood of the family truly impossible to hide?"
- Perhaps because he was born of a military family's bloodline, both Taejong and Sejong are very cold when making decisions.
"The ultimate goal was indeed 'strengthening royal authority.'"
Seeing the situation unfold in real time and grasping Taejong and Sejong's purpose, Hyang shook his head back and forth.
"Being a King isn't easy..."
< Chapter 5: Who Do You Think My Father Is? (3) > End
ⓒ Gukppong