Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 880
Episode 880: Generational Change (11)
To summarize the contents of the bill that Wan framed and the ministers modified, it was as follows.
-Unless the emperor is sick, he must work for 20 years and perform his duties diligently for the empire and its people.
-If something happens within the last three years of the reign that will have a long-term impact on the security of the empire, the reign is unconditionally extended by five years.
-The above matter is not a decision of the emperor alone, but must be agreed upon by more than half of the ministers of the court. Or, if more than half of the ministers request it, an extension of the reign period is decided.
-The extension of the reign period cannot exceed 5 years. The only exception is when the crown prince dies before the emperor. Even in this case, the additional period cannot exceed 5 years.
-If a problem arises with Sang-tae, who is in charge of running Shinji, one of Sang-ang’s half-brothers will be appointed to act on his behalf.
‘It would be so unfair if I was the only one who completed 20 or 25 years!’
Although it was a bill filled with Wan’s selfish intentions, there were no ministers who opposed it.
-It’s so unfair that some people work to death without being able to resign, while others run away after just 10 years! I can’t see that! cancer! Absolutely!
This was because the ministers were also full of selfish interests.
* * *
When this bill was passed, there were complaints like this among officials below the vice minister level.
“Those who are called ‘grandmaster’ whine that they cannot resign, but at best, those who are called ‘nari’ or ‘yeonggam’ resign and leave when they turn 60… Don’t the lieutenants also have to set a retirement age?”
“And what will you do if the emperor and ministers all separate on the same day?”
“….”
If you look at the timing of replacement of ministerial ministers in the current empire, most of them were replaced in the middle of the emperor’s reign.
The superficial reason was ‘retirement due to old age’. However, it was a tradition, not a tradition, that after applying for resignation several times, resignation was only allowed until right before death.
This tradition was created because of ‘policy connectivity.’
If most of the high-ranking ministers were replaced at the same time as the emperor changed, it was clear that long-term policies that could be implemented over 10 or 20 years would be unthinkable.
And even though he had gained practical experience in Area 51 and the research institute, the emperor who had just ascended the throne was bound to be clumsy in all aspects. In order to assist the emperor and run the empire, worn-out old servants were needed.
Of course, there was a significant possibility that these worn-out old officials would manipulate state affairs. However, although he was clumsy, he was an emperor who had already gained practical experience, and after him, Tae Sang-hang, who had returned from Shinji, was holding on.
* * *
Meanwhile, the emperor’s brothers, including Du and Seul, smiled bitterly when they saw the final conditions of the decree.
“Your brother is really strong-willed too.”
Although Wan became crown prince and emperor according to the ‘principle of primogeniture succession’, Wan did not forget his brothers who quickly fled to other places, leaving him alone.
In particular, Wan had a deeper grudge against Du and Seul, who were like twins because they were born on the same day and at the same time, although their families were different.
“Are these people just running around for their own sake? “We’ll see!”
However, before Wan could step forward, the officials relieved him of his resentment.
-He’s His Majesty’s brother! You’d be a fool if you didn’t use it!
Contrary to Du and Seul’s wish to work in a field far away from Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was assigned to the budget department of the Sixth Dynasty government office located right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Nevertheless, it was Wan’s last resort to include the phrase ‘including same-sex and half-sisters’.
* * *
On the other hand, even though they saw the same clause, the officials’ reaction was the opposite.
“Is there really anything wrong with the situation in Shinji?”
This was because everyone, starting from Sejong to Hyang and Wan, paid special attention to health and used it.
In the case of Sejong, it was the result of Hyang’s ‘making healthy pigs’.
And in the case of Hyang and Wan, it was because of their own virtue.
“Only when the situation calls for you to step away can you do what you want to do with peace of mind! “You have to hold on until then!”
But Shinji was not an easy place. Thanks to this, Hyang and Wan had to raise their goals.
“You have to hold on until the situation is right and you can play comfortably!”
“I’ve lasted 25 years now! I have to survive in Shinji for the next 20 years to have time for myself! “Health is the best!”
Dreaming of a ‘retirement faithful to virtue’, Hyang and Wan did their best to take care of their health.
And this continued to Hyun, who would now inherit the throne.
“It won’t be until 40 years before I’m free! Until then, I can’t die even if I die! “I can’t even forgive you for making a fuss!”
And this became a tradition passed down to the imperial emperors.
-Do you want to live a peaceful retirement without being criticized and doing what you want? Then run! The sweat you shed today guarantees your peaceful retirement!
* * *
After this little commotion passed, Wan was ascended to the throne and Hyeon was enthroned.
He returned to the Hyangdo headquarters to attend the Hyeon’s coronation ceremony and transfer the right to run the new land to Wan.
As soon as the ship arrived at the dock and the incense appeared, the waiting imperial military band began playing the ‘Imperial Army March’.
The expression on Hyang’s face as he walked down the bridge while listening to unfamiliar yet familiar music was mysterious.
‘I’m like Darth Vader!’
When Hyang safely landed on the ground, Wan, who was waiting, greeted him happily.
“Welcome back! “I sincerely welcome you back!”
“Do you think you like it too much?”
When Hyang spoke with narrowed eyes, Wan answered with a grin.
“sure! “Isn’t it a good day?”
“Have you grown much?”
“ha ha ha! “That’s too much praise!”
Hyang grumbled inwardly at the sight of Wan taking it with ease.
‘You’re very skinny. ‘I’m so tired…’
As he headed to the special train, Wan continued to ask Hyang questions.
A series of questions and answers followed, including the most up-to-date information about Shinji, and Wan asked the final question.
“By the way, what is the situation at the Flying Lab?”
Unlike when asking other questions, Wan’s face was serious.
Seeing Wan like that, Hyang shook her head.
Wan, who saw the cargo unloaded from the ship and loaded into a freight car connected to an iron horse, asked Hyang.
“You brought quite a lot of luggage with you.”
“ah! “It’s a gift for my grandchild.”
“Is that so? “It’s not in the records. May I know what it is?”
Hyang responded to Wan’s question with a playful face.
“It’s a secret.”
* * *
When Hyang arrived in Seoul, a banquet was held at Gyeongbokgung Palace to welcome its return.
The large banquet lasted for several days, first with only the imperial family, then with the participation of large and small officials, and finally with people of national merit.
After a banquet that lasted for several days, a ceremony for Wan to transfer the throne to Hyeon was held on an auspicious day chosen after careful consideration.
The coronation and enthronement ceremonies, which were held successfully with the attendance of all members of the imperial family and envoys from various countries including Florence, Japan, Florence, France, Portugal, Ottoman, and India, crowned Hyeon as the third emperor of the empire.
“Three generations? “Isn’t it the 4th generation?”
When envoys from Europe raised questions, the interpreter explained the reasons.
“The first person to create an empire was Emperor Wen, and the next person was the first emperor, so he is the third emperor.”
“Ah…”
The coronation ceremony ended successfully and a banquet was held for the envoys.
Banquets held for envoys were another place for diplomacy. The envoys talked with the officials of the empire or envoys from other countries in attendance and prepared for the diplomatic negotiations that would follow.
In particular, Florence and France negotiated diligently when they met alternately with envoys from the Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
Although they had shared interests regarding Suez, the moment something happened in Italy, the relationship between France and Florence was bound to become strained.
Therefore, French and Florentine envoys diligently met with Portuguese and Ottoman envoys and imperial officials and tried to win them over to their side.
In particular, French envoys were desperate to attract the Portuguese and Ottomans to their side.
-The Empire has already joined hands with Florence! Don’t go over to the Portuguese and Ottomans!
However, despite the efforts of the French envoys, the reactions of the Portuguese and Ottoman envoys were largely the same.
“Florence and France are both valuable allies to us, so we cannot take sides carelessly. “I just hope that nothing unfortunate happens.”
* * *
As time passed after the coronation ceremony and the envoys visiting the empire were leaving one by one, Hyang called Hyeon and Wan to the Naegeumwi shooting range set up in Suganggung Palace.
“I’m grateful and sorry that you came here even though you must be busy with government affairs.”
Hyeon responded to Hyang’s words with a polite expression and voice.
“no. “Tae Sang-tae called me, so how could I refuse?”
“Thank you.”
Wan looked alternately at Hyang’s happy face and Hyun’s thrilled face and muttered to himself.
‘For Hyeon, Tae Sang-hang must be a living legend.’
It was correct.
For Hyeon, the scent was a ‘legend.’ Most of the many things that brought the current empire into existence were revealed to the world through the head and hands of Hyang.
And the challenge record that still makes scholars at Area 51 and the research institute risk their lives was also Hyang’s work.
Therefore, it was an honor for Hyeon to be with the legend right now.
“The reason I asked you to come here is because I have a few things to show the emperor.”
“What comes?”
“First of all, let’s call it a ‘fire truck.’”
“Fire truck?”
As Hyeon and Wan expressed their doubts, Hyang motioned to the Naegumwi soldier who was waiting.
At the gesture of incense, the waiting soldier removed the red cloth covering the desk.
“huh?”
“It’s big…”
What appeared was a gun slightly more than half the size of a military rifle.
“It has everything you need, starting with the stock, but is this a freight car and not a long gun? No, if it’s a freight car… no way?”
“That is true.”
“Does this mean that continuous shooting is possible?”
“That’s right. “I’ll show you.”
Hyang, holding the fire truck, placed the long magazine next to him underneath and pulled the loading rod.
click!
After finishing loading, Hyang aimed the fire truck at the target and pulled the trigger.
Ta-ta-ta-tang!
In an instant, dozens of bullets poured into the target, and Hyeon and Wan could not keep their mouths shut.
After emptying two more magazines, Hyang took a deep breath with an expression of relief.
“Whoa~. “It’s thrilling after all!”
In the meantime, Hyun came to his senses and asked Hyang.
“Is this why it’s a fire truck?”
“exactly.”
Wan opened his mouth in response to Hyang.
“I want to know why you made it.”
“It was because of the battle report posted after conquering the Mesica tribe.”
As soon as he heard Hyang’s answer, Wan’s expression changed strangely.
‘I don’t think so?’
Hyang’s expression also changed strangely in response to Wan’s expression.
‘Have some faith! a little!’
In the silent conversation between the father and son, Hyeon was looking at the fire truck with an ecstatic expression.