# Chapter 82: Serving in White Clothes (1)
As March arrived, strange rumors began circulating in Hanseong.
Upon receiving word of these rumors, Hanseong Prefect Gwon Jin immediately reported to King Sejong.
"Your Majesty. Slanderous words are now circulating within the capital."
"Slanderous words? What kind?"
"The words are so treacherous that I can hardly bring myself to utter them..."
"Speak. It is fine."
At Sejong's command, Gwon Jin carefully relayed the content of the slander.
"'Crows cry in the pine trees of the Royal Ancestral Shrine, the heavens capriciously govern the weather, and as black clouds drift while rain falls, this is precisely the time when the dynasty will change.' That is what they say..."
Before Gwon Jin could even finish speaking, Sejong struck the armrest and shouted.
"Such insolence!"
At Sejong's rebuke, the ministers fell silent and carefully watched for his mood.
"Very well. Have you found the source of these treacherous words?"
"We are investigating with all our might."
"You must find whoever is spreading such slander!"
"I shall obey your command."
Having given orders to the Hanseong Prefect, Sejong commanded the Minister of Justice.
"Are there still lawless ones attempting arson even now?"
"Though I am ashamed to report this, such lawless acts are indeed still occurring."
"To think such insolent people exist!"
Sejong struck the armrest once more and vented his anger.
After the great fire that occurred in February, people had appeared in Hanseong who set fires and then attempted theft in the chaos.
However, their attempts often ended with only burning down houses.
This was because military forces defending the capital had left their garrisons and were deployed throughout Hanseong to rebuild damaged areas and maintain public order.
It wasn't just soldiers who were deployed in large numbers.
Residents of each ward and village also formed groups and climbed onto roofs to keep watch in all directions.
Furthermore, as soon as the sun set, movement was prohibited. After sunset, anyone found outside except in places permitted for night work or those with special permission was immediately arrested and imprisoned in the Pocheong's jail.
Despite such strengthened security, people continued to appear attempting arson hoping for one big score.
Due to the arson they committed, over 50 houses burned down even after the great fire, resulting in casualties and displaced persons.
However, those who committed such arson were immediately caught by patrol officers, special patrols, and soldiers, and received severe punishment.
* * *
While investigations were underway to catch those who spread the slander that 'the dynasty will change,' another rumor began circulating.
'This fire was the work of Minister of War Jo Mal-saeng! Minister of War Jo Mal-saeng, seeing the King leave the capital, had people set fire to burn weapons, and Lord Goksan Yeon Sa-jong did not follow the King's procession and plotted something. Furthermore, Jo Mal-saeng's son Jo Seon and his relative Lord Gongnyeong Yi In set fire on the day of the blaze and tried to attack the palace on horseback.'
As such rumors circulated, Jo Mal-saeng prostrated himself before Sejong and cried out his innocence.
"Your Majesty! This subject has not committed such lawless deeds! Please believe in this subject's loyal heart!"
"That must be so. You have held important positions since the late King's reign."
Comforting Jo Mal-saeng who was pleading his innocence, Sejong gave his command.
"Quickly find and arrest whoever is spreading such false rumors!"
After a massive investigation that searched all of Hanseong, a suspect was caught.
"We have caught the suspect."
"Who is it?"
"He is a man named Kim Yong-saeng, who previously served as a Prefect."
At the Hanseong Prefect's answer, Sejong expressed doubt.
"If he was a Prefect, wouldn't he be at least a high official of the senior third rank? Why would such a person spread such slander?"
"We are currently interrogating the reason."
"Hand him over to the Uigeumbu and verify the facts as quickly as possible."
"I shall obey your command!"
After several days passed, the Inspector of the Uigeumbu personally reported the investigation results to Sejong.
"Kim Yong-saeng committed this act because he had deep personal grudges against Minister of War Jo Mal-saeng and Lord Goksan Yeon Sa-jong."
"Hah~"
At the Inspector's explanation, Sejong sighed.
"What kind of grudge would make someone commit such an act? Whether such slander succeeds or not, wouldn't one side face complete ruin?"
Sejong's question was valid.
Reporting rebellion was a life-or-death gamble for both the accuser and the accused.
If the report was true, the accused would see their entire family destroyed, and if false, the opposite would occur.
"Well..."
"Speak."
At Sejong's command, the Inspector explained the circumstances.
"...and so, Kim Yong-saeng spread the slander out of resentment over this bribery matter."
"Hah..."
Sejong was so dumbfounded he couldn't continue speaking. Sejong's eyes were fixed on Jo Mal-saeng who was prostrated to one side.
"Minister of War."
"Yes, yes! Your Majesty!"
"I remember the words the late King spoke to you. 'I originally wanted to make you a Chief State Councillor, but I will do that slowly, so do not refuse.'"
"Your Majesty..."
Sejong's voice grew increasingly cold.
"Remain in seclusion for the time being. Chief Inspector, hear me."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Investigate the bribery matters related to the Minister of War."
"I shall obey your command!"
The Chief Inspector's voice as he answered seemed filled with excitement.
It wasn't just the Chief Inspector who was excited. The censors of the Office of the Inspector General, having found prey for the first time in a while, investigated tenaciously.
As a result, what could be called the largest bribery scandal of Sejong's era, no, of the entire Joseon Dynasty, was uncovered.
It was a scandal recorded in the Annals as the 'Kim Do-ryeon Bribery Incident.'
"According to our investigation, a man named Kim Do-yeon gave bribes to the Minister of War and Lord Goksan Yeon Sa-jong, among other current and former officials, to manipulate a lawsuit. As a result, he took all the property and slaves of brothers Kim Song and Kim Jin living in Hongwon-hyeon, Hamheung-bu, and made hundreds of their relatives into slaves."
"Hah..."
At the Chief Inspector's report, Sejong had a lost expression.
According to the Chief Inspector's report, Kim Do-yeon's case was an incident that vividly demonstrated what 'a beast in human skin' truly meant.
The case began when the culprit Kim Do-yeon coveted Kim Saeng's property. Kim Saeng, who had been friends with Kim Do-yeon's grandfather, moved to Hamgil Province and after many twists and turns, became a self-made wealthy man who owned vast farmland and over a thousand slaves.
Desiring this property, Kim Do-yeon fabricated documents claiming that Kim Saeng was originally his household's slave who had fled to Hamgil Province, and filed a lawsuit.
To win this lawsuit, Kim Do-yeon distributed enormous amounts of bribes to high-ranking officials.
Thanks to the bribes he spread, Kim Do-yeon won the lawsuit and made 426 of Kim Saeng's descendants, over a thousand slaves, and the rice paddies and fields his own.
"...and so, the list of those who received bribes from this Kim Do-yeon is as follows."
Sejong, unrolling the document submitted by the Chief Inspector, confirmed the names written on it.
"The Minister of War and Lord Goksan's names are at the very front."
At Sejong's words, Jo Mal-saeng immediately prostrated himself and cried out.
"Please kill me!"
Ignoring Jo Mal-saeng's cry, Sejong commanded the Chief Inspector.
"The Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the Censor-General shall immediately investigate how much those on this list have taken and report back."
"I shall obey your command!"
The voices of the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor as they answered loudly were filled with murderous intent.
Meanwhile, Hyang, who had been working at the research institute when he heard the rumors, hurriedly organized his documents.
"I can't just stand by when something like this has happened. This is the chance to root out the practice of bribery!"
The Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the Censor-General were active like fish in water.
According to a report sent by the Provincial Inspector dispatched to Hamgil Province, a total of 132 slaves were given as bribes to 19 current and former officials of various ranks.
And the one who received the most was Jo Mal-saeng, with 36 slaves.
Chief Inspector Gwon Do, who submitted the list to Sejong, argued as follows:
"Of the bribes Jo Mal-saeng received, the slaves alone are worth 780 gwan. According to the law, up to 40 gwan may be overlooked, but anything over 80 gwan calls for execution!"
"Is that so?"
"Though he was called a capable minister trusted greatly by the late King, if such a man is forgiven, who will follow the law?"
"Haa~"
Seeing Sejong hesitate, the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor simultaneously prostrated themselves and raised their voices.
"Please grant us your understanding!"
"He must be given the ultimate punishment! Please grant us your understanding!"
As the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor raised their voices demanding severe punishment, Sejong looked at the Minister of War with eyes full of resentment.
Watching Jo Mal-saeng's back as he lay prostrate, trembling violently, Sejong fell into deep thought.
He was a minister who had been recognized for his abilities since the late King's reign and had made a name for himself.
And Jo Mal-saeng was one of those who followed his reform policies well and offered good opinions.
While executing him according to the law would be the proper course, the problem was that receiving bribes was part of daily life for officials.
If he punished all the officials who received bribes according to the law, only those with shallow experience who knew only how to follow orders would remain in the court.
'If it were up to me, I'd like to smash them all like the Crown Prince said, but the situation...'
"Father. May this son speak his thoughts?"
Seeing Sejong's expression, Hyang spoke, and Sejong answered as if he had been waiting.
"I permit it."
"Punishing those who took bribes is urgent, but restoring the honor of those who suffered from the unjust lawsuit is also pressing. How about handling this first?"
"That is right! Immediately send people to restore the status and property of Kim Saeng's descendants who suffered from the false lawsuit!"
"I shall obey your command!"
"Also, Kim Do-yeon who committed such serious crimes must be punished.
Kim Do-yeon's crimes are numerous.
First, he filed a false lawsuit for his own greed - that is one crime.
Second, he fabricated documents claiming commoners were slaves, thereby disrupting the state's official duties - that is one crime.
Third, he spread bribes to achieve his ends - that is one crime.
Fourth, he deliberately harmed his grandfather's friend for his own greed. This is unfilial conduct that tarnishes his grandfather's name - that is one crime.
Fifth, he deceived commoners as slaves, committing the crime of deceiving Your Majesty - that is one crime.
Among these crimes, the crime of unfilial conduct and deceiving the sovereign alone would be sufficient for execution according to the law.
Therefore, the criminal Kim Do-yeon should be given the ultimate punishment, his family members all made into slaves, and his property entirely confiscated.
Of the confiscated property, return what belonged to the victims to them. For those who purchased land that originally belonged to the victims, return the price paid at the time of purchase and reclaim the land to return to the victims. And if there is remaining wealth, put it into the national treasury."
At Hyang's proposal, Sejong slapped his knee with delight.
"The Crown Prince's opinion is truly right! What do you ministers think?"
At Sejong's question, all the ministers answered with one voice.
"We think it is truly an excellent plan!"
When the ministers answered in unison, the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor raised objections.
"Your Majesty, the plan for restoring the victims' status and punishing the criminal is truly excellent. However, the punishment of those who received bribes, starting with Jo Mal-saeng, is also urgent!"
"Please grant us your understanding!"
"I will consider that part further."
"Please grant us your understanding!"
"I said I will consider it! That is all for today!"
Though Sejong said he would consider it, the Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the Censor-General did not let up.
Starting the next day, the censors of the Office of the Censor-General and the Office of the Inspector General spread mats in the front courtyard of Geunjeongjeon Hall and began a sit-in protest.
"Jo Mal-saeng and the corrupt officials must be given the ultimate punishment!"
"Please grant us your understanding!"
"Please grant us your understanding!"
"Haa~."
Hearing the shouts from the front courtyard of Geunjeongjeon, Sejong sighed deeply and rose from his seat.
"Let us take a short break."
Declaring a recess, Sejong headed to the Crown Prince's Palace.
"Is the Crown Prince present?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"It has been a while since you stayed at the Crown Prince's Palace."
Confirming from the palace attendant that Hyang was staying there, Sejong commanded the historiographers following him.
"Wait here."
"But, Your Majesty."
"This is a private conversation between father and son. Do not cross the line."
At Sejong's command, which was more than just firmness—it carried anger—the historiographers had to step back.
'Some day! Definitely!'
The historiographers burned with determination, recalling the legendary anecdotes of their senior colleagues.
"Please enter, Your Majesty."
"Very well."
Offering the seat of honor, Hyang sat in the chair next to Sejong's and spoke.
"You seem greatly troubled."
At Hyang's question, Sejong nodded.
"You saw correctly. If it were up to me, I'd smash them all. But there are no suitable successors, and if done wrongly, I could face criticism for mistreating ministers raised by the late King, which would be unfilial. Haa~."
Seeing Sejong sigh deeply, Hyang nodded slightly.
With Joseon's state policy being Confucianism, the late King's shadow in personnel matters was not easily removed.
In particular, many of the ministers now causing problems were related to the royal family through marriage.
Seeing Sejong filled with worry, Hyang offered his opinion.
"As long as you don't kill them and don't impose collective punishment, wouldn't that be sufficient?"
"Hmm? How so?"
Hyang whispered quietly to Sejong. After listening to Hyang's words for a while, Sejong slapped his knee.
"So that method existed!"
* * *
At the words 'The King has returned,' the ministers returned to the Pyeonjeon and took their seats. Sejong, seated on the throne above the audience hall, looked at the ministers and spoke.
"I have given it much thought, and the crimes of the criminals including Jo Mal-saeng are by no means light. According to the law, they deserve the ultimate punishment, but..."
"They must be executed! Please grant us your understanding!"
"Please grant us your understanding!"
The moment they heard the words 'deserve the ultimate punishment, but,' the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor stepped forward demanding harsh punishment.
"For a subject to interrupt the King's words! What custom is this in any country!"
At Sejong's rebuke, the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor realized their mistake and immediately prostrated themselves.
"Please kill us!"
"Please kill us!"
"Are you truly certain you want that?"
Having silenced the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor, Sejong continued speaking.
"They deserve the ultimate punishment, but since they were ministers greatly trusted by the late King, I will not execute them.
However, their crimes are not light, so they shall be punished as follows.
First, all official positions, titles, meritorious subject certificates, land, and property bestowed upon the criminals shall be revoked.
However, the items subject to revocation shall be limited to the criminals' own property.
Property distributed to wives and children shall not be touched for anything before the last five years.
Furthermore, the criminals are commanded to serve in white clothes. They shall be assigned to the Six Ministries and subjected to document organization punishment."
"*Gulp*"
The moment the word 'document organization punishment' came out, the Chief State Councillor gasped in surprise.
For the court officials, document organization punishment was a subject of terror.
Though it was said to be documents from the founding of the nation, the amount of documents connected to the end of the previous dynasty was not small.
At Sejong's judgment, Jo Mal-saeng collapsed powerlessly.
Above his head, Sejong's command continued.
"I also command the other ministers. I will give you a period of one month. Those who have received bribes above the standard set by law must immediately return them to the state. Anyone discovered after one month will not only have their property confiscated but will also be subjected to document organization punishment!"
"I shall obey your command!"
* * *
As the meeting in the Pyeonjeon ended and the ministers streamed out, the censors staging a demonstration crowded around the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor.
"What was the result?"
At the censors' question, the Chief Inspector and Chief Censor looked toward where Jo Mal-saeng was.
Jo Mal-saeng, with a face that seemed to have aged ten years in that short time, was being helped out of the Pyeonjeon by those around him.
Seeing this, the Chief Inspector spoke.
"It would have been better to die."