Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 182
Episode 182: I am not a saint. (2)
In March, Hwang Hee returned to Hanseong to make a regular report.
“Please forgive me for my disloyalty when something outrageous happened last year.”
Entering Geunjeongjeon, Hwang Hui fell flat on his face and asked for forgiveness.
What he asked for forgiveness was talking about his failure to move in North Korea during the last Giyu Rebellion.
* * *
Sejong, who sensed the chaotic atmosphere just before the Giyu Rebellion and the Pan-war broke out, immediately said, ‘Hold your position.’ A secret message was sent:
However, not moving from the spot even after receiving a secret order was enough to be criticized as disloyalty. If he made a mistake, it would be a perfect situation for him to be impeached because of past events.
Hwang Hee was well aware of this fact, so as soon as he received the secret message, he immediately consulted with the military and began forming a special mobile force.
However, both selecting the right number of people and gathering them from the Joseon army spread out not only in the northeastern region but also in the unexplored areas west of Mt. Baekdu were time-consuming.
In the end, when we heard the news that a rebellion had occurred in the south, we gathered our troops and were about to leave, the situation at Gyeongbokgung Palace had already been resolved.
-… Therefore, the governors and military generals should fulfill their duties in the north.
Hwang Hee clicked her tongue after checking the order sent back by King Sejong.
“Tsk! “If I go to Hanseong this time, I’ll have to lie flat on my face.”
* * *
Because the situation was like that, Hwang Hui immediately put all five bodies into action as soon as he entered Geunjeongjeon.
When Hwang Hee desperately asked for forgiveness, King Sejong responded with an expression that it was no big deal.
“I gave an order before anything happened, and the Lord faithfully followed that order, so I did nothing wrong. So, you can stand up.”
Hwang Hui bowed his head at King Sejong’s command.
“I am devastated!”
Hwang Hee got up and carefully walked forward and handed out the book to Sang-seon.
King Sejong, who received the book from the Merchant Marine, carefully studied the contents of the report.
Sejong quietly checked the contents of the report and looked back at Hwang Hee.
“Have you received a report on the farmers who are moving up now?”
“yes. So we have already secured enough land.”
“What is the response of the Jurchen tribe?”
“Because the population was so small, there seemed to be no threat. On the contrary, among the Jurchen people who had been farming before, there were many who expected that they could learn how to farm from Joseon farmers.”
King Sejong breathed a sigh of relief at Hwang Hee’s answer.
“Thank goodness. “They were not hostile even though foreigners came into what they thought was their territory.”
Hwang Hee explained the reason for King Sejong’s comment.
“The efficacy of the cowpox method was great.”
Sejong’s eyes sparkled at Hwang Hee’s words.
“The cowpox law? “Has smallpox finally been eradicated in the Jurchen region?”
“yes.”
* * *
The Jurchen region also suffered from smallpox. Fortunately, thanks to Hyang, Joseon had almost completed vaccination against cowpox early on, and thanks to this, no smallpox cases occurred among the farmers who moved north and their homes.
“Why don’t Koreans get smallpox?”
The Jurchen people were filled with doubts when they saw the Joseon people who were immune to smallpox.
The Jurchen people’s doubts were resolved when they saw Koreans getting vaccinated against cowpox. After moving to the North, newly born children who safely reached the age of one year were vaccinated against cowpox, and it was natural for the Jurchen people who saw this to ask questions to the nearby Koreans.
“What does that do?”
“that? “It’s to stop Mama.”
“mama?”
“pock.”
The Jurchen people’s eyes opened wide at the Koreans’ answer.
“Do you mean if I just get that needle, I won’t get smallpox?”
“That’s right.”
“Really?”
“Has this person been deceived his entire life? “If that is false, why did the king issue this command?”
“What’s the name?”
“All Koreans received that acupuncture needle according to the royal decree. From then on, people with smallpox stopped coming out.”
After hearing the Koreans’ explanation, the Jurchen people flocked to the government office.
“Please let that needle hit not only us, but at least our children!”
“We are no longer Joseon people either! So please give me that needle!”
Hwang Hui, who believed that the Jurchen people’s petition had merit, immediately contacted the capital and requested that the Jurchen people be vaccinated against cowpox.
King Sejong readily accepted this request, and a large medical group went north.
As cowpox vaccination was carried out on a large scale through these people, smallpox ceased to be a fear for the noble Jurchen people.
* * *
Hwang Hee continued her explanation.
“As the rumor about Wudu spreads, even tribes that had previously been negative about it are now joining the clan. Thanks to this, armed conflicts have greatly reduced.”
“Thank goodness.”
When King Sejong was relieved, Hwang Hee presented a gift.
“The noble Jurchen people have presented offerings to His Majesty the Lord.”
“A tribute to me? Something?”
“It’s in the front yard of Geunjeongjeon.”
“Is that the horse neighing you heard earlier? Let’s take a look.”
Sejong came down to the temple with a face full of anticipation.
* * *
“Oh~.”
King Sejong, who came out to the front yard of Geunjeongjeon, exclaimed in exclamation at the spectacle before his eyes.
Dozens of horses were filling up the front of Geunjeongjeon. The horses gathered like that all showed an unusual appearance.
Hwang Hee, standing next to King Sejong, continued his explanation.
“These are course horses chosen from among the horses kept by the noble Jurchen people. There are 10 males and 30 females.”
King Sejong, who went down the stairs of Geunjeongjeon and looked at the horses, was amazed.
“What good words! “Did the noble Jurchen tribe give away these steeds?”
“So it is.”
In response to Hwang Hee’s answer, King Sejong gave an order to Do Seung-ji, who followed.
“Send these horses to Majang-dong and Jayang-dong according to custom.”
“yes.”
“And I ordered Saboksi (司僕寺) to breed these horses as well.”
“yes.”
Do Seung-ji, who received King Sejong’s order, immediately gathered the courtiers to carry out the order.
* * *
There were many other things that the Jurchen people revealed to the truth.
The Hopi Ungdam Haegushin, etc., which had been rescued by entering the unexplored areas of the east, which were still virgin lands, were placed in large and small boxes and presented to King Sejong.
Hwang Hee explained the contents of the box to King Sejong.
“The Jurchen people, who were grateful for the kindness shown by His Majesty, including cow heads, are bringing us valuable items. The loyalty of the noble Jurchen people is very high. “All of this is thanks to you.”
King Sejong responded to Hwang Hee’s praise with a slight smile.
“Is that something that can only be achieved through my virtue? “Isn’t it because of the efforts of many officials, including the governor, and Joseon soldiers?”
“Would it have been possible to succeed through effort alone? This was possible because His Majesty was able to appease the Jurchen chieftains. And this was possible because Your Majesty spread cowpox widely. Now, the noble shamans of the Jurchen tribe say, ‘A saint has been born.’ “I wish your Majesty a long and prosperous life.”
“Is that so? “It’s something I’m grateful for.”
Sejong smiled at Hwang Hee’s words, but his eyes were slightly shaking. After answering briefly, Sejong turned around.
“ruler! “There’s a lot to do, so let’s get it done quickly!”
* * *
‘The noble Jurchen people presented famous horses and all kinds of gifts to the Lord Shang!’
‘I heard that the noble Jurchen people praise the king as a saint!’
The story about the gift Hwang Hui brought immediately spread not only within the capital but also throughout Joseon.
It was natural for the people who benefited from the sutras conducted by King Sejong to respond.
“no! “Those Yeojin people also praise the king’s virtue. What are we doing now?”
“cancer! “We are so comfortable because of the Holy Spirit, but we can’t just sit still!”
Accordingly, all kinds of precious things came to Gyeongbokgung Palace from all over Joseon.
It wasn’t just that.
“Our town is barren and there is nothing to offer truth to, so let’s erect a memorial monument!”
“That’s right!”
In a town where the environment was so harsh that it was impossible to find anything to offer the truth, the people came together and began to erect memorial stones. The people rushed to the local government office and scolded the local government officials.
“We don’t know how to write well and our handwriting is bad, so please write for us!”
“Sure!”
The local officials responded cheerfully to the people’s petition. This was because it was a good opportunity to boast about one’s literary skills and at the same time add another line to one’s resume.
* * *
Whenever it was reported that monuments commemorating King Sejong’s virtue were erected throughout Joseon, as well as all kinds of valuable goods, the ministers unanimously praised King Sejong’s virtue.
“It is a reminder to the world that the people are erecting a memorial monument to commemorate His Majesty’s virtue! “All of this is thanks to you!”
King Sejong smiled and responded briefly to the praise from his ministers.
“Thank you. “It’s all thanks to the help of the gentlemen.”
As reports of people praising King Sejong’s virtue became more frequent, the bitterness in King Sejong’s smile grew.
And at some point, Sejong started drinking alone every night.
When Hyang heard that Sejong’s drinking had become more frequent, she immediately left the place.
“This guy! I’ve been taking care of my health for a long time, but now it’s alcohol! “Now in Joseon, if the taste for liver goes away, it’s over!”
That night, after receiving a report that Sejong was drinking alone again, Hyang went to where Sejong was.
“Where is Abama?”
“He is in Gyeonghoeru.”
“Lead the way.”
“Yes sir.”
* * *
Hyang arrived at Gyeonghoeru and visited King Sejong.
“Abama, it’s late at night. “The air is still cold, so why don’t you just go in?”
Sejong, who saw the scent with slightly intoxicated eyes, smiled broadly and opened his mouth.
“You are our eldest son! It’s been a while since I had a drink with you, right? “Please bring the cup to Crown Prince Sang-seon.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Abama, Soja…”
When Hyang tried to decline, Sejong made her sit down with exaggerated gestures and voice.
“Uh-huh! If this father talks, you should sit down! Where do you get away? Come on, sit down, sit down! “It’s been a while since we’ve been together as a father and son, let’s create a masterpiece together!”
‘This is Abama’s condition…’
Hyang realized that Sejong’s situation was not very good and sat down calmly.
Hyang, who was sitting at the drinking table with Sejong, asked cautiously.
“What depth of water do you have?”
King Sejong answered Hyang’s question by shaking his head.
“depth of water? “What kind of peace can there be in this era of peace and prosperity?”
“But Soja can see the depth of the water from Abamama’s dragon’s eye.”
“You must have seen it wrong.”
Sejong kept saying no, but Hyang kept asking.
“Abama. “What are you so worried about?”
At Hyang’s words, King Sejong emptied his cup one after another and opened his mouth.
“Crown.”
“Eh abamama.”
“Do you also think that I am a saint?”
Hyang immediately answered King Sejong’s question.
“You are a saint.”
‘Even in the 21st century, if you say no, you’ll be stoned!’
In response to Hyang’s response, Sejong frowned and shook his head.
“no. I am not a saint. “You pushed out your brother, who was the legitimate eldest son, took the throne, and killed him. How can you be a successful king?”
“Abama…”
Sejong continued before the surprised Hyanghyang could finish his sentence.
“I am a tyrant and a cancer! He exaggerated small flaws into big things, killed those who had contributed to founding the country and were loyal subjects of the country, and sent them into exile! Even when local nobles opposed my wishes, I chose suppression instead of appeasement! When dealing with ordinary people, instead of educating and edifying them, I used various clever tactics to beat them up and make them move in the direction I lead. “Am I such a saint?”
Hyang’s face became increasingly hard as Sejong’s cries poured out like a blocked dam bursting.
“Abama….”
“If you hadn’t discovered Wudu, I would still be running the government, giving up a lot to my subjects and local nobles!”
Sejong was pounding his chest and criticizing himself as if he was vomiting blood.
“When I was weak, I just looked at others, but when I gained strength, I didn’t try to appease them, but instead swung my sword first! How cunning a person like me is! I’m a saint? Do you think it makes sense?”
Hyang answered Sejong’s question full of self-reproach with a stern face.
“A prime minister of Xiyi said, ‘The ends justify the means.’ “He said.”
“That is sophistry!”
Sejong firmly denied Hyang’s words.
“No matter how good the purpose is, if the means are not right, the result will only be a corruption of the purpose! “It is nothing but sophistry and a cowardly excuse.”
Hyang smiled sadly at Sejong’s angry shout.
‘This gentleman must have been under a lot of stress due to what happened so far. ‘I guess I’m the only one who can say this openly.’
Since she was the head of the family and the king, she could not have said this to Queen Soheon, and it was even more impossible to say this to the ministers who could be considered a kind of political enemy.
However, the relationship between Hyang and Sejong was a little special. For King Sejong, Hyang was not a threat to the royal authority, but a companion who looked at the same goal, and was like Jangjangbang, who came up with various plans and objects necessary to execute the sutra. That is why Sejong revealed himself to Hyang and poured out his true feelings.
Hyang’s stiff expression softened slightly. Hyang spoke to Sejong while her voice was calmer than ever.
“But aren’t the people happy about what Abamama has done? And wasn’t it because he was pushed out as crown prince because it was Halbamama’s choice and because Abamama had to kill him because he committed a crime? And didn’t the criminal Ryu Jeong-hyeon receive such punishment because he was only focused on protecting his power without knowing Abama’s great intentions?”
“….”
Towards King Sejong, who was listening to the story with his lips tightly closed, the scent continued as if caressing him and telling him not to be in pain.
“Finally, those who rebelled deserved to die because they rebelled only with the intention of protecting their vested interests, not the greater cause.”
Hearing Hyang’s words, Sejong let out a sigh full of regret.
“Whoa~. However, he was my older brother and a loyal subject who risked his life for the founding of Joseon. And it was the maintenance of large and small towns in the region.”
Hyang asked again at Sejong’s words.
“So, are you going to give up your suit? And will you call back those who were exiled and who are still alive? Will you bring back the families of noblemen who were sent to government labor?”
Sejong answered firmly to Hyang’s question.
“Not possible. If I call them again, it will go back to the old days. That should never happen. “They must die in exile.”
Hyang, who confirmed that King Sejong’s will was firm, pointed out the reality.
“In my short opinion, yes. The people call him Holy Prince and show absolute loyalty to Abama. “If Abamama were a tyrant and a tyrant, would the people follow him like that?”
After taking a moment to catch his breath, Hyang came to a conclusion.
“Abama is a saint. “The people prove it.”
“The people prove it? “The people prove it…”
Sejong thought about Hyang’s words blankly.
Sejong, who continued to ponder Hyang’s words, smiled.
It was as if there was no reason to worry anymore.
“Then you should become a saint. “I’ve taken on the skin of a saint, so I’ll have to do my best until I die.”
After emptying his glass, Sejong stood up.
“I guess I shouldn’t drink alcohol for a while. “There won’t be enough time to work.”
Hyang stood up after King Sejong and answered with a sigh.
“Please rest in peace.”
Sejong turned around and looked at the scent again.
Sejong, who looked much more at ease, extended his hand to Hyang, who lowered her head.
“thanks. “Thanks to you, my heart feels lighter.”
After lightly patting Hyang on the shoulder, King Sejong left Gyeonghoeru and returned to Gangnyeongjeon.
As Sejong disappeared into the distance, Hyang muttered with a bitter smile on his face.
“Sometimes I forget that he is also a person. Maybe it’s because I learned about my father through books first.”