Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 33
[ Episode 33 Gapjin Gyeongjang (甲辰更張) (11) ] Episode
33 Gapjin Gyeongjang (11)
As soon as it was reported that smallpox had occurred in Geumcheon, right next to Hanseong, the government moved quickly.
“Prohibit river crossings at ports other than Mapo Ferry and Noryangjin.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Mobilize the soldiers of the 12th company that defends Hanseong and prevent them from entering Geumcheon-gun from other provinces. “The area accessible to Geumcheon-gun must be limited to Hanseong.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
According to King Sejong’s orders, the soldiers defending Hanseong blocked the main entrance to Geumcheon-gun. It wasn’t just land that was blocked. Not only the Han River, but also the major rivers and ports around it blocked the entry and exit of ships.
The only people allowed to enter were soldiers and officials who had been vaccinated against cowpox.
King Sejong gave them an order.
“It is certain that food shortages will occur in Hanseong and Geumcheon-gun due to blocking transportation routes. “I issued a special order: soldiers and officials are to manage the supply of rice from the rice granary built in Bupyeong Dohobu.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Rice Market in Bupyeong was a newly created place not long ago. According to the order of King Sejong, who accepted Hyang’s suggestion, Hojo imported a large amount of grain from the Ming Dynasty. However, the quantity was much larger than expected.
“It is said that there was a great storm in Gangnam last fall. As a result, the price of grain fell a lot, so we were able to purchase more than expected.”
King Sejong made an ambiguous expression at Hojopanseo’s explanation.
“I have ambiguous feelings about whether I should say I am fortunate or envious.”
“God felt the same way.”
“Anyway, I’m glad that the amount of grain obtained through the envoys of Dongji (冬至使) and Jeongjo (正朝使) New Year’s emissary (正朝使) New Year’s emissary is enough to survive the spring hunger period.”
“It’s all thanks to your insight.”
King Sejong smiled shyly at the compliment from Panseo Hojo.
“Hye-an is because the crown prince is so smart.”
As Sejong spoke, Hyang, who was sitting next to him, expressed humility.
“Is what the little one did in vain? It is said that a bead must be three pieces long to be considered a treasure. “How would this have been possible if Abamama had not decided?”
“Your Majesty the Crown Prince’s words are truly correct!”
No sooner had Hyang finished speaking than the ministers of the Six Dynasties answered in unison.
While the ministers and Hyangs of the Six Dynasties were raising their voices in honor of King Sejong’s virtue, the high priests and the great ambassadors, such as Daesaheon, were only paying lip service.
After the recent clash between the king and the royal court, the Daeshaeon between monks and ambassadors was clearly pushed out of the mainstream. As it was clearly visible that they had been pushed out, the ministers of the six dynasties who had been with them – most notably Panseo Yejo – moved to the Crown Prince faction in large numbers. As a result, it ended up looking like it does today.
King Sejong briefly raised his hand to stop the ministers’ compliments and settled the situation.
“Soldiers were deployed to prevent people from entering Geumcheon-gun and Hanseong from other regions, and the problem of food shortage was also solved through the rice granary in Bupyeong Dohobu. With this, all that remains is the medical issue… How is it going with this ruling?”
Judge Lee Jo bowed his head and answered King Sejong’s question immediately.
“We are preparing to select members of the Naeuiwon, medical women, and members of Hyeminguk, Jesaengwon, and Dongseo Daebiwon and dispatch them to Geumcheon-gun.”
“Complete preparations as quickly as possible so that we can treat the sick people. And although it is said that smallpox is circulating in Geumcheon-gun, there are some people who have not yet suffered from smallpox, so why not inoculate them with cowpox?”
“You have excellent insight. “We will prepare to make it happen.”
“Good luck.”
Sejong, who was nodding his head in response to Judge Lee Jo’s answer, looked back.
“Do you have anything to add?”
“Why not go to Geumcheon-gun from among the people living in Hanseong and recruit people to help the doctors and medical women? Among the people residing in Geumcheon-gun, the family of a patient with smallpox must take care of the patient and must also be quarantined as they may have contracted smallpox. And doctors and doctors will be busy just treating patients. However, mobilizing people who do not have smallpox can actually cause smallpox to spread further. Therefore, among the people residing in Hanseong, people who will work for a daily wage are sought and sent to Geumcheon-gun. These people are sent to assist doctors and medical women in their work and to prepare food for patients and their families.”
“And then, the residents of Hanseong can also get smallpox?”
When Woo Ui-jeong, who had been sitting quietly, walked over, Hyang snorted softly and answered.
“Have you forgotten? “All the residents of Hanseong were vaccinated with cowpox.”
“Woodoo is filial piety…”
Woo Ui-jeong, who was about to refute Hyang’s words, quickly stopped. The scent hit me right away at that sight.
“I understand what you want to say, but I have no doubt in the effectiveness of cow peas.”
Hyang, who covered Woo Ui-jeong’s mouth, gave a mantra to King Sejong.
“I petition as a subject of Abamama Abamama. If the people of Hanseong hesitate, send Soja! “I will take the lead in treating sick people!”
The officer who was recording Hyang’s words muttered softly.
“Again…”
It wasn’t just the officers who had a similar reaction. Not only the ministers but even King Sejong showed similar reactions. Sejong, who was glaring at the scent, came to a conclusion.
“Issuing a proclamation to the people of Hanseong to save workers.”
“I follow your orders.”
“How much do you think the daily wage should be appropriate?”
In response to King Sejong’s question, Judge Hojo searched his memory for a moment and answered.
“According to the last survey, the average number of people living in Hanseong in their first household was five. With this in mind, since it will be a difficult task, I think five hops a day would be appropriate.”
King Sejong, who had been calculating while stroking his beard, nodded in response to Judge Hojo’s answer.
“Five hops… Then give that amount as the daily wage and gather people.”
“I follow your orders.”
* * *
As soon as King Sejong’s order was given, the government moved quickly. The balance of power was completely in the hands of King Sejong, and this was due to the risk of an infectious disease called smallpox.
Soldiers who received orders began blocking the roads leading to Geumcheon-gun and Hanseong. People who were blocked from entering Hanseong from the provinces protested fiercely, but they immediately turned away at a word from the soldiers.
“I have smallpox going around.”
“Egg money!”
It wasn’t just land that was blocked. Not only the Han River but also the ferry ports of surrounding rivers such as the Imjin River were blocked.
The government, which prevented the spread of smallpox in Geumcheon-gun, began full-scale treatment.
Near Yeongdeungpo. A considerable number of people entered the village.
“Is this this place?”
“That’s right.”
In response to the local magistrate’s response, an official of the Joseon Dynasty, led by lawmakers and medical women, gave orders to the soldiers.
“Put up a tent next to the well over there for the doctors and medical women, and set up a tent to accommodate the patients at a distance from the well. Once the tent is set up, gather the patients right away!”
“yes!”
Soldiers who followed orders from the government began erecting large tents next to the well and in the open space. Once the tents were erected, the soldiers began unloading the beds from the carts and moving them into the tents. Soon, beds were prepared for the patients to lie down on.
While the soldiers were busy moving tents and other equipment, doctors and medical women began preparing for treatment.
“Please search all the surrounding houses and bring in all the patients.”
“Your housewife, old man.”
“Also, prepare the decoctions and the most needed one is Soshiho-tang, which is needed to relieve fever, so brew that first.”
“Yes, housewife.”
The fight against smallpox that took place throughout Geumcheon-gun was compiled into daily reports and submitted to the government. Sejong and his ministers checked the progress with serious faces every time a report was posted.
After about 15 days, more and more hopeful reports began to come in from Geumcheon-gun.
“The number of confirmed cases of smallpox has not increased for three days!”
“Oh oh!”
“yes!”
Upon hearing Judge Lee Jo’s report, King Sejong clenched his fists and the ministers let out exclamations. Judge Lee Jo continued to report.
“Only five people who developed smallpox among those who had been vaccinated with cowpox 10 days ago were confirmed to have had smallpox before receiving the vaccine.”
“is it! “Then what about those who came down from Hanseong?”
“Not a single person has contracted smallpox!”
“Whoa~.”
In response to Judge Lee Jo’s answer, King Sejong let out a long sigh and leaned back on the backrest of his throne. While King Sejong, who was leaning back, had a bright smile on his face, Yeonguijeong’s face was turning black and dying. Seeing Yeonguijeong’s face like that, King Sejong looked back at Judge Lee Jo.
“When can we confirm that smallpox has completely disappeared from Geumcheon-gun?”
“The last patient was three days ago, so it must have been at least 15 days…”
“So the doctors and medical women dispatched to Geumcheon-gun will stay there until then?”
Judge Lee Jo answered King Sejong’s question right away.
“No. “As the number of patients is gradually decreasing, we plan to withdraw about half of them in five days.”
“is it?”
King Sejong stroked his beard and thought for a moment in response to Judge Lee Jo’s answer, then gave an order.
“Please order that the doctors and medical women who went on a business trip to treat smallpox be given five days of vacation when they return, and immediately after the vacation is over, prepare for nationwide implementation of cowpox vaccination.”
“I follow your orders.”
“And please make sure that the lawmakers, medical women, government officials, and soldiers who were involved in this work are rewarded according to their rank, from an island of white rice to a horse. “I worked hard for my country and people, so shouldn’t I be rewarded?”
“yes?”
The ministers’ eyes widened at King Sejong’s unconventional order. Just then, Hyang intervened without wasting time.
“This is truly the right decision! There is nothing more unfair than saying that since you have received the blessings of the country, it is natural for you to do so. “It is an emergency, not an ordinary, matter, so it is only natural that we should reward it!”
“Loyalty and filial piety should not be subject to trade!”
Yeonguijeong screamed at Hyang’s words. As a result, Hyang’s voice grew louder.
“In order for loyalty and filial piety to not be subject to trade, there must be even more trust in compensation! The belief that the country will take care of me and my family even if I die or become an invalid! I have faith that my parents will not abandon me no matter how difficult it is! “There are many parents who take for granted even if they die or get injured on the battlefield and abandon their children when the harvest is poor. Who will protect loyalty and filial piety?”
Daejeon became quiet at Hyang’s words. Hyang continued speaking loudly.
“I’ll say it again, if you don’t have this kind of faith, who can be faithful and filial? Rather, it is right to practice the kindness of sucking out boils! If we take for granted things that should not be taken for granted, the country and society will be ruined! “Reflect on the history of the central plains and the history of our thaw!”
“….”
The ministers remained silent at Hyang’s words. I wanted to offer a counterargument, but there was no suitable counterargument. Since the founding of Joseon, there have been several severe crop failures. At that time, orphans abounded and there were many desperate reports reporting this. The same was true for the military. Even when troops were conscripted, there were quite a few people who committed self-injury and avoided military service, or ran away and became refugees.
In the end, Sejong came to a conclusion.
“It is true that loyalty and filial piety are basic attitudes that people should have. However, it is also essential for the nation and parents to have the right attitude when dealing with their people and children. I think it would be better to follow the original plan in rewarding those who were responsible for dealing with the smallpox outbreak in Geumcheon-gun. “Is there any opposition?”
In response to King Sejong’s question, all the ministers bowed their heads.
“I follow your orders.”
The officer who recorded all of this added at the end:
-Think of faithfulness before loyalty. These words of the crown prince can be seen as an apostle. However, if you look at the reality of the money, you have to think deeply.
After finalizing the agenda for the award, King Sejong looked at the Yeonguijeong. King Sejong, sitting on the throne above the Dangga and looking down at Yeonguijeong, muttered in his heart.
‘That shabby old man….’
“Isn’t there still something left for us to do, Yeonguijeong?”
Yeonguijeong, who was lowering his head in response to King Sejong’s question, closed his eyes tightly.
‘What is to come has come!’
Yeonguijeong immediately bowed down on the floor and raised his voice.
“New Young Uijeong Ryu Jeong-hyeon. Only out of loyalty to the country….”
“Stop.”
King Sejong, who stopped Ryu Jeong-hyeon from speaking, spoke out what he had decided to say.
[Episode 33 Gapjin Gyeongjang (11)] End
ⓒ Gukbbong
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