Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 70

Episode 70: People (3)

Even when Sunji Lee was studying to prepare for the civil service exam in her hometown, she enjoyed solving arithmetic problems for a little entertainment more than memorizing Confucian scriptures.

His talent was such that his parents were seriously concerned.

“Sir, how about we have Sunji report on it?”

“Reporting? Uh huh! I’ll pretend I didn’t listen to that! Even if you pass the interview, will it only be a cosmetic issue? “There is family prestige!”

“Even if you go through the minor and major departments, you need a family background to become a Tang Sangjang or higher. Does our family have that kind of power?”

“A risk!”

“And do you think our Sunji is that naughty?”

“Kuh keuhuh! That’s true, but…”

Lee Soon-ji’s father trailed off.

He also knew his son’s academic ability to some extent.

Confucianism, an essential element for the advancement of the noble class, was widely used, but industry and academia were unique.

The problem was Lee Soon-ji’s personality.

Although he liked to laugh and be gentle, he also had a sharp tongue that could silence others or turn them into enemies with just a few words.

The biggest problem my father thought was that harsh language.

‘Even if I achieve great success, I will create a storm with that tongue…’

In the end, Sunji Lee’s parents reached a tentative agreement.

“There will be a small fruit soon, so let’s see the results and then decide.”

And when Lee Sun-ji, who returned from the small exam, announced that she had passed the small exam and was accepted into an institution directly under the crown, Lee Sun-ji’s parents went into an uproar.

“Catch all the cows in the village! Catch pigs, chickens, and everything you can! A big event has happened to our family! “It’s a feast!”

“yes!”

“for a moment! for a moment!”

Relatives and friends who rushed to Lee Sun-ji after hearing the news that an accident occurred at Lee Sun-ji’s house came to stop Lee Sun-ji’s father when he ran away.

“I’ll kill cows, I’ll kill pigs, and I’ll even kill pillar roots!” “I know it’s a slope, but I’m overdoing it!”

“Is this a normal slope? Our son is our son! I went right under the Crown Prince! “What if we grab the roots of the pillars?”

“It’s a good thing to be right below the Crown Prince’s lower level, but isn’t it a bad start? And shouldn’t Sunji and his wife also think about the wealth they will use to live in Hanseong? “It’s already going to be a very low salary, so are you going to make people tremble in despair?”

“huh? “I see.”

Lee Sun-ji’s father came to his senses after receiving advice from a relative.

So, although it was smaller than expected, a fairly large feast was held. It was such a feast that even the local magistrate in charge of Yangseong came to offer congratulations.

* * *

As soon as she took a position at the research institute, Sunji Lee demonstrated her talent.

I passed the beginner level industry-academia exam in just 10 days, the intermediate-level industry-academia course in just one month, and the advanced industry-academia course taught by Congregationalists in two months.

Hyang, who received the new students’ industrial-academic education report cards, exchanged opinions with Jeong In-ji at the beginning of the year.

“I would like to give Lee Sun-ji the rank of Jeong 5th rank.”

“But he just passed the small department.”

“It doesn’t matter to us, but words may come from other parts of the court.”

Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji expressed concern about Hyang’s opinion, but Hyang shook his head.

“If you have skills, you should be treated accordingly!”

“You’re right, but…”

“If that’s the case, then I have nothing to say.”

Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji agreed to Hyang’s argument. Because they also received something.

* * *

At the last audit, the two were recognized for their contributions and promoted to Jeongheon Daebu, second rank, and second rank, household godfather.

There was no change in rank, but the rank was raised.

They were not the only ones who received such benefits. Among the institute’s officials, those of low rank were raised in rank, and those above the lower rank were promoted to official positions.

These benefits also went to the craftsmen who worked together.

Jang Yeong-sil’s rank was changed from Byeoljwa to Jeongrang.

“Seong Seong-eun is devastated!”

When Jang Yeong-sil heard that her rank had been changed from Byeoljwa to Jeongrang, she shed tears and thanked King Sejong and Hyang.

It was a miracle to rise from the status of a slave to a byeoljwa, but changing the position from a byeoljwa, which was a Murokgwan (無祿官) without a nokbon, to a Jeongrang, where a nokbon was actually given, had a different meaning.

Jang Yeong-sil was not the only one in trouble.

The craftsmen of the military flag inspectorate, including the late field commander, also had changes in rank and department.

They moved to positions directly under the research institute. In the process of moving, senior craftsmen such as the late Yajang rose in rank from chambon to volunteer.

“I am devastated!”

“I will dedicate all my faith to you!”

The craftsmen, like Jang Yeong-sil, shed tears and expressed their gratitude upon hearing that their rank had improved.

This was because in Joseon society, where class discrimination existed between business, agriculture, and industry, they were treated as inferior to farmers and were able to ‘rise in status’ by being called ‘sire’.

What made them especially thrilled was that King Sejong himself bestowed upon them a newly elevated rank. This was Hyang’s work.

“What would it be like for Abama to personally congratulate them?”

“I?”

“If Abamama personally congratulates them, they will have hope and will be absolutely loyal to Abamama.”

Sejong was lost in thought at Hyang’s words.

What Hyang said was a very good opinion.

Now, the noblemen were standing between themselves and the people of the same low class as them.

For a king like Sejong, noblemen were a ‘double-edged sword.’

They were the king’s strong supporters, but at the same time, they were the ones who tied the king’s hands and feet.

Sejong thought for a moment and came to a conclusion.

“You are right!”

Therefore, King Sejong personally summoned Jang Yeong-sil and her craftsmen and personally gave them direct concubines and encouraged them.

“The reason Gwain has given you the direct concubines like this is to praise the merits you have accumulated so far and at the same time warn you. As your rank goes up, your responsibilities also increase. “Don’t forget this and do your best.”

“I will keep in mind your solemn commandment!”

“I will do my best!”

As King Sejong listened to the answers from the tear-filled craftsmen, a face full of pride appeared in his eyes.

Sejong, who was looking at that scene, instantly added a word.

“The people are calling me ‘you guys’ now, but I look forward to the day when the people and the crown prince will call me ‘Gyeong’ instead of ‘you guys.’ “Can I look forward to it?”

“I will risk my life to meet your expectations! We will never disappoint you! “Your Majesty, live forever!”

“A thousand years old!”

“A thousand years old!”

It was the moment when a support group called ‘religious’ was created for King Sejong and Hyang.

* * *

Because there was a precedent, Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji did not show much resistance to Hyang’s words and immediately agreed.

When the two people agreed, Hyang immediately asked King Sejong for approval.

“Jeong 5 items? “Isn’t that too high?”

“In the case of past Sungkyunkwan students and those who passed the minors exam this time, they are ranked 6th grade. So…”

“That’s what I’m saying. “Even those who got the best grades there start at the 6th grade. Isn’t the 5th grade too much?”

“Because I am capable enough.”

In response to Hyang’s words, King Sejong resolutely expressed his refusal.

“If those skills are just educational grades, I cannot accept it. If you want to give that rank, come with the results to prove it. “The limit to what I can grant right now is Jeong 6.”

“Haona abama.”

When Hyang was about to retort, Sejong raised his hand to stop her.

“Seja. I know that you are smart and capable of getting things done. And I know very well that you value personal punishment.

However, the most basic thing in all of them is ‘fairness’ and ‘fairness’.

This person named Lee Sun-ji may be as talented as you said. No, it must be talent.

However, if you are given the 5th grade right away as you requested, will those working in other departments accept it?

They will think that it is not because they recognize Sunji Lee’s talent, but because she entered your research institute.

So I have no choice but to give it the 6th rank. “You know what I mean, right?”

Hyang nodded at Sejong’s words.

“Yes Abama. “I will follow Abamama’s will.”

“thanks.”

In this way, Sunji Lee began as the 6th rank Jeong.

* * *

“Oh my gosh!”

“I’m dying! I’m dying!”

“This is hell!”

While working at the research institute, those who passed the exam with Sunji Lee began to cry.

The industry-academia classes that I started as soon as I entered the school were difficult, but the practical work was even more difficult.

When the new researchers complained, the senior researchers who saw them said something.

“it’s hard? Can’t you do it? Then, tell the crown prince and move on. We only need to bring in those who passed the exam with you and want to come here. Rather than forcing people to work and get upset, we just have to add a little more trouble to what we already have.”

The new researchers immediately became agitated by the words of the senior researcher.

Work in the lab was hell, but the outside was also hell.

To escape from this hell was to resign and leave, but due to the newly changed system, if you quit, you would simply become a citizen.

Even if I tried to overcome the past again, I would have to start over from the beginning in the same hell.

When new researchers became discouraged, senior researchers gently offered carrots.

“Don’t just think of it as hard, but find joy in it. If you do it right, not only will the Crown Prince give you a lot of rewards, but the Lord will reward you a lot. And it’s fun to do this too.”

The senior researchers at the institute had reached the point of ‘enjoying pain’ in just one year.

No, I became a fanatic by traveling around the country and conducting various experiments at Area 51.

While other new recruits were going through difficult times, Sunji Lee actually enjoyed every day.

* * *

Thanks to the outstanding talent shown in industry-academia education, Sunji Lee was able to be put into practice in less than four months.

However, since he was so talented, it was natural that there would be people who were jealous of him.

Lee Soon-ji was the youngest among those who came in with him.

Additionally, he received the highest rank.

Eventually, they soon started calling Lee Soon-ji ‘Byeoljong’.

“Look here!”

“Where are you going, Byuljongnari?”

Every time someone called her by a different name, Sunji Lee responded with a smile.

“ha ha ha! “Why are you doing that?”

However, as soon as she realized that those who were jealous had gone too far, Sunji Lee immediately began to accept it.

Among the new arrivals, he received the highest rank, ‘Jwarang’, and received the title of ‘Chief Researcher’, another talent that only his family knew about. ‘Vitriolic language’ was the weapon.

Sunji Lee’s job was to inspect the researchers’ assignments.

“Here are the results. Please review.”

After receiving the results, Sunji Lee started to calculate while making a snoring sound.

“Let’s see. Hmm… Hmm? huh? “This calculation is wrong.”

“yes? where?”

“This part here. “I can’t believe you made such an easy mistake… Did you even think about whether you were a gisaeng from a regular gibang while calculating?”

“Keuung….”

From then on, Lee Soon-ji’s harsh words began pouring out to the researchers.

“Hehe… I can’t believe I got something so easy wrong… I guess I’ll have to take industry-academia classes again.”

“Oh my… Isn’t this the most basic addition? “If you’re having trouble with mental calculations because you made addition mistakes, write a formula. A formula!”

“You can barely use this to write a formula? “Is there any paper left?”

“Is this wrong? Just count your fingers and toes to calculate! “What do you do if you get the most basic one-digit addition and subtraction wrong?”

“Is it something you hang on your neck because you feel empty without it, or is it something you hang on your neck to make you think?”

“Do you think your skull is three times thicker than others? Otherwise… even if you have a brain the same size as others, you can solve it… but it’s impossible to get something this easy wrong! “It’s a problem you can’t get wrong unless you have a much smaller brain than others!”

“Are you using your energy well at night? “If you work like this, you are unlikely to get promoted, so shouldn’t you at least use your energy at night to avoid being humbled?”

….

“Kwaaah!”

“Ah-oh! That one!”

The researchers who had been robbed by Lee Sun-ji had to vent their anger while looking at the moon as soon as they left the palace gate.

Lee Sun-ji’s notoriety also reached the ears of superiors such as Jeong In-ji and Jeong Cho.

“This guy seems to be making things work really hard.”

Jeong In-ji responded immediately to Jeong Cho’s words.

“That’s right. But it is also true that the results come out better as a result.”

“Sometimes a person needs to be a bit harsh to deal with subordinates, so let’s leave it at that for now.”

Jeong Cho and Jeong In-ji nodded to Lee Cheon’s suggestion while listening to the story.

“Of course.”

In fact, the three people all had similar thoughts, although they did not say it out loud.

‘It may be cruel, but this left and right might get along well with the Lord Sang or the Crown Prince. ‘Neither of you have good personalities.’

The truth is that the three of them had never heard from their subordinates that they had good personalities.

Rather, it was a situation where everyone was talking behind their backs as they saw Lee Sun-ji being trusted by Jeong In-ji and Jeong Cho.

“They said they were playing together!”

“Do you have to have a dirty temper to receive a good grade?”