Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 701
Episode 701 Sixtieth Birthday (8)
January, Year 9 of the Imperial Calendar (1457).
Inside Geunjeongjeon of Gyeongbokgung Palace, carpenters belonging to the Seongonggam (繕工監) were busy working.
And on one side of Geunjeongjeon, Wan and the ministers were looking at the work with faces full of pensiveness.
The reason their faces were filled with deep sorrow was because the house was currently undergoing renovation work.
* * *
As the war progressed, the amount of work to be handled by the king and the court exploded.
Therefore, while government affairs were handled at Sajeongjeon before, most of the government affairs were handled at Geunjeongjeon from the time of Gyeongjang.
This was because the space was spacious and it was easy to bring additional or auxiliary documents if necessary.
Lastly, as the power of Joseon became more powerful, the purpose of showing off also became greater, so all political affairs were held at Geunjeongjeon.
-The Forbidden City’s Hall of Great Flowers is too greedy, but it has to be at the level of Geunjeong Hall to save face!
One of the changes that occurred while handling state affairs at Geunjeongjeon was the introduction of desks and chairs.
When I looked down from the house, there were conference desks and chairs lined up on both left and right sides.
The prime minister, left and right deputy prime ministers, and ministers of each department sat in the front row, and vice ministers and officials who would assist with work sat in the row behind them.
As a result, the natural behavior of sitting cross-legged disappeared.
-I have a lot of work to do, but sitting cross-legged all day is not something I can do!
This was the position of the Prime Minister and ministers, and the position of subordinate officials was different.
-I have to sit down several times a day and then jump out to get documents, but I can’t do it cross-legged!
Although the reasons were different, they agreed that desks and chairs were more convenient, so they were arranged that way.
The reason Wan and the ministers were anxious while watching the renovation work on the temple was not because they were worried about going back to sitting still.
This was because a new seat was being added one step higher behind the seat where the emperor sat.
And the person who would sit in that additional seat was King Sejong.
* * *
The owner of the Tanggeum Empire was Hyang, but he regularly sent letters to King Sejong and reported on the situation of the empire.
Naturally, a report was made to King Sejong regarding Wan’s proxy administration.
To briefly summarize the contents of the reply sent by King Sejong, it was as follows.
-I know very well what you are up to.
-I’m not doubting Wan’s ability, but confirmation is definitely necessary.
-This time, I will be returning to the headquarters due to my 60th birthday issue, so I will do an interim inspection. So make room for me!
Because of King Sejong’s order, the carpenters of Seongonggam were repairing the house.
And Wan and the ministers were looking at the scene with faces full of worry.
‘Your Majesty has great work ability, but you are a step above him…’ ‘
If you click your tongue, you won’t be able to sleep well that night…
‘ ‘Would a cow or sick leave be better?…’
While the ministers were pondering over the best way to escape, Wan was looking at them with those envious eyes.
‘If they don’t succeed, they can at least throw a resignation letter. I’m in a situation where I can’t run away…”
“Haa~.”
While Wan was sighing without realizing it, the eunuch came and informed Wan and the ministers.
“His Majesty said that the construction of Geunjeongjeon will be handled by the Seongonggam, so please come quickly to Sajeongjeon.”
“Oh, I understand.”
Hearing the Naegwan’s message, Wan and the ministers left their seats and headed to Sajeongjeon.
As he headed to Sajeongjeon, Wan suddenly had a question.
‘wait? It is said that when His Majesty was serving as Deputy Prime Minister, all affairs were handled at Seunghwadang. The situation only evaluated the results. ‘But why me?’
Wan’s face brightened as he recalled memories of his days as a proxy for Hyang.
‘good night! ‘Let’s consider this!’
After making his decision, Wan looked back at the ministers following him and gave an order.
“Please wait outside for a moment. “I have a moment to share with you, Your Majesty.”
The ministers responded to Wan’s words by bowing their heads in unison.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
* * *
After letting the ministers wait outside Sajeongjeon for a while, Wan entered Sajeongjeon alone.
Hyang, who was sitting in the house built in Sajeongjeon and looking at the documents, expressed doubts as soon as he entered.
“huh? “Where are the ministers going and is the crown prince coming in alone?”
“Soja ordered me to wait outside for a while.”
“why?”
“I have something I would like to ask your Majesty.”
In response to Wan’s answer, Hyang put down the document he was looking at and straightened up.
“So what do you want to know?”
“I heard that when His Majesty was serving as Deputy Minister, he did business at Seunghwadang and only checked the results. “But I would like to know why Soja has to conduct business in front of Your Majesty.”
“Oh, that?”
He explained the reason with an expression that said the scent was not a big deal.
“First of all, it may seem like self-praise, but I definitely have more experience operating the research institute and Area 51 than you. And he already had a lot of experience in acting as a proxy due to the Muntemu Rebellion and other incidents. That’s why the situation trusted me and made that decision.
Second, even so, there were times when the circumstances led to undesirable results. Then, corrections or adjustments need to be made, but a lot of time was wasted while going back and forth between Geunjeongjeon and Seunghwadang. However, if something happens in front of me, I can intervene right away, saving time.
Lastly, although I am also an emperor, I have no choice but to follow orders given by the circumstances.
“Did you get an explanation?”
Wan responded to Hyang’s words, bowing his head with a gloomy face.
“yes.”
“Then tell the officials to come in. “It would be a big loss if you get caught in this cold weather.”
“yes. shell.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
While the eunuch was walking quickly to deliver orders, Wan headed to his seat with a resigned look on his face.
The officer who recorded all of this added the following:
-… In this way, the Emperor answered the Crown Prince’s question directly, and the Crown Prince immediately agreed.
The officer says:
The prince passed away today as well. The position of crown prince is not easy.
* * *
April, Year 9, Imperial Calendar.
The Northern Sea Route, which had been blocked during the winter, was cleared and the first regular ferry from Shinji arrived in Wonsan.
While King Sejong and his party waited at the quarantine center created near Wonsan, Hyang and Wan arrived in Wonsan and waited for King Sejong.
When King Sejong, who had safely passed the quarantine after the waiting period, got off the ferry, Hyang, Wan, and the ministers all bowed and bowed in respect.
“I’d like to see the situation!”
King Sejong, who received the courtesy, also bowed politely to Hyang and reciprocated.
“I want to see the emperor. “It is truly reassuring to see that you are strong.”
“I am truly grateful that you are still strong.”
Sejong, who was saying well, looked at Wan and his face became bright.
“Oh oh! Our prince! It must have become a constitutional charter! “There was indeed a reason for the emperor’s assurance!”
At Sejong’s praise, Wan blushed slightly and lowered his head.
“That’s too much praise.”
“ha ha ha! What is excessive praise! “I look forward to seeing the prince at work later!”
“Hiccup!”
At Sejong’s words, Wan hiccuped without realizing it.
* * *
Those in charge were busy preparing for the 60th birthday party to be held on May 15, King Sejong’s birthday.
Gisaengs who were famous throughout the empire and courtesans who were famous in general entertainment centers were gathered in one place and their skills were judged to select the best ones.
“It was fun to the eyes at first, but now my head hurts.”
“I agree. “This is too much work, so I can’t do it.”
Due to the stress brought about by the huge national event called ‘Situation’s 60th Birthday’, officials had to deal with their work with exhausted faces.
This was also true for those who prepared food. In addition to traditional banquet food, I obtained recipes and ingredients for the foods King Sejong enjoyed in Shinji and practiced them in advance.
In addition, following an ancient tradition, invitations were sent out to elderly people living long lives across the country.
* * *
The officials preparing for the 60th birthday banquet were going through a lot of hardships, but the officials entering Geunjeongjeon were on the verge of death.
Wan sat right below the temple, Hyang sat on top of him, and Sejong sat one step above him, looking at documents, listening to Wan’s discussions with the ministers, and observing what decisions were made.
Thanks to this, all officials, starting with the worn-out Kim branch, had to work as if they were walking on thin ice.
The good news was that Wan’s ability to handle tasks was excellent, so Hyang and Sejong rarely clicked their tongues.
However, if Hyang or Sejong clicked their tongue, it would be an uproar from then on.
The minister of the ministry that was pointed out immediately returned to his ministry and replaced the subordinates in charge of the work.
“Let’s do our best!”
But the worst case scenario was different.
It was a case where Hyang and Sejong clicked their tongues at the same time. When something like that happens, Wan goes blank and has to scramble to figure out the problem.
Again, Wan’s work ability was excellent, so the problem was quickly resolved. If he liked the solution Wan found, Sejong nodded and said to Hyang.
“I think what the crown prince lacks is experience.”
“That’s right.”
“Whoa~.”
At the conversation between Sejong and Hyang, Wan sighed slightly and his complexion returned.
However, Kim Jeom had to endure hardships.
“The Prime Minister should have already looked into it, but didn’t he find the problem?”
“I apologize.”
“Tsk!”
Sejong clicked his tongue at Kim Jeom’s answer. At the sound of Sejong clicking his tongue, Kim Jeom turned his lowered head and glared at the person in question.
And after the political meeting was over, the minister in question was taken to Kim Jeom’s office and suffered for a long time.
“hey! I! At this age! Should I listen to you clicking your tongue!”
“I’m sorry. Still, I feel a bit sick…”
“You’re sitting there talking like you’re a body ache!”
The minister who cut Kim Jeom’s joint like that shouted as soon as he returned to his department.
“Gather under me immediately!”
* * *
Although the weather outside was warm, King Sejong’s 60th birthday party took place in Geunjeongjeon and Yukjo Street, frozen.
It was a huge banquet attended by the entire royal family, including King Sejong and Hyang, as well as high-ranking officials and senior citizens from all over the country.
In commemoration of King Sejong’s 60th birthday, a nationwide pardon was announced and retail outlets held special discount events.
At these events, the people of the empire chanted “Hurrah for national independence” on the streets and prayed for King Sejong’s long life.
“Hail, long live! Long live!”
“May your situation last forever!”
“May you enjoy being unemployed!”
The entire empire was in a festive mood.
European monks, scholars, and university students who were watching this muttered without realizing it.
“How many monarchs are there now who are so loved?”
* * *
After successfully completing the 60th birthday party, King Sejong took a short rest and prepared to return to Shinji.
Once the preparation process was somewhat completed, King Sejong called Hyang and Wan separately and explained Shinji’s situation in more detail.
“…So this is the end of Shinji’s pioneering situation so far. “The assimilation of the newly incorporated tribes is going smoothly, and the work of training native warriors to form a navy and army is gradually picking up speed.”
Hyang nodded and accepted Sejong’s explanation as he placed the map in front of him.
“We now need to properly prepare the sea defense wall that you mentioned earlier. Stop now….”
“Emperor.”
Sejong immediately cut off Hyang’s words.
“I hate nine moves. “I will complete 10 years as promised.”
“…yes.”