Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 102

“Hmm…”

Sitting idly with personnel records meant for special administration appointments, Hwang Hui is called upon by Lee Jik.

“Right State Councilor, what are you doing?”

“Ah! I was lost in thought for a moment… I apologize.”

Maeng Sae-seong, who was sitting beside him, chided him upon hearing Hwang Hui’s apology.

“We have a mountain of work to do… On top of that, His Majesty’s scrutiny is unfavorable. Do it properly, will you?”

“I’m sorry…”

‘Good grief, that nobleman has become quite irritable! Where did His Excellency Lord Maeng I used to know go?’

Complaining about Maeng Sae-seong, who had become irritable from receiving harsh criticisms from King Sejong and from his exhausting duties, Hwang Hui skimmed through the Personnel Records.

“These kinds of individuals are just perfect for receiving criticism from the King… I’d rather I…”

Suddenly stopping mid-sentence, Hwang Hui abruptly stood up.

“I will take my leave first!”

“Wait, Minister Hwang! Minister!”

Watching Hwang Hui hastily leave, Lee Jik and Maeng Sae-seong called after him anxiously, but Hwang Hui did not look back.

* * *

That night. At Gangnyeongjeon Hall.

King Sejong lit some incense and discussed various matters related to state affairs.

After some time had passed, he subtly hinted to the scribes and secretaries.

“How about the scribes and secretaries also slowly withdraw?”

At Sejong’s words, the scribes and secretaries uniformly expressed their refusal.

“How can we leave while Your Majesty is attending to official duties? We must perform our duties.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Tsk!”

‘These people need to leave so I can finally have some time for researching letters! I found a gap in time after so long because my studies have been stuck recently! If they stick around, my precious time will be reduced!’

Sejong, losing his taste upon seeing the scribes and secretaries who stubbornly stayed put to record his every move, finally began organizing the documents.

“Even the scholars now…”

“Your Majesty. The Right State Councilor has arrived.”

Upon hearing the courtier’s words, Sejong halted his document organizing and straightened his posture.

“Let him in.”

A moment later, Hwang Hui entered and politely greeted the room with a bow. King Sejong received the bow and asked Hwang Hui, “What brings you here at this late hour?”

“Would you please dismiss the scribes and the secretaries?”

Upon hearing Hwang Hui’s request, Sejong shook his head.

“If it’s something that the scribes and secretaries shouldn’t hear, then even I won’t listen.”

Frustrated by Sejong’s refusal, Hwang Hui gritted his teeth.

“Then I shall proceed.”

“Go ahead.”

During the conversation between the two, Hyang’s thoughts drifted elsewhere.

‘Are these two going to play Go-Stop or something?’

Finally, Hwang Hui got to the point.

“It’s regarding the appointment of the Special Administrative Officer for the development of the Tumen River.”

“Hmm… Couldn’t that matter wait until tomorrow’s court session? Although it’s been six days since I issued the decree.”

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‘Only six days have passed! Do you think this is as easy as roasting beans on a bonfire?’

Internally, Hwang Hui screamed in frustration.

***

Despite the ministers working themselves to death, King Sejong was always dissatisfied.

“Is this the best you can do?”

“Does it really take this long to handle just this much work?”

Every time a report came in, eight out of ten times there would be criticism.

Of course, when Hwang Hui first became a government official, the criticisms were ten out of ten.

However, the ministers had little room for excuses.

It was because of the crown prince.

The volume of work that Sejong had to process to effectively govern was overwhelming. To improve efficiency, a significant amount of work was also assigned to Hyang.

Despite juggling responsibilities at the research institute and Area 51, Hyang showed impressive efficiency.

And the quality of his work left little room for criticism even from senior ministers.

“Compared to what I’ve heard, it’s extraordinary.”

“I’ll do my best!”

Hyang was able to handle tasks so effectively not just because of his skills derived from his 21st-century experience, but also for another reason.

The majority of the tasks that Hyang handled were related to financial matters, starting from the Ministry of Taxation.

“Even mental calculations have limits, and as for using counting rods… Maybe I should just use divination.”

Among the things Hyang had difficulty adapting to in Joseon was the ‘counting rod.’

To solve this problem, Hyang actively promoted the newly introduced abacus.

However, those who saw the abacus, whether nobles or merchants, all had lukewarm reactions.

“Why bother learning and using an abacus when counting on fingers is more than enough?”

No matter how many times Hyang tried, he could only give up in the face of the same reactions.

“These nobles spend all day looking at logographic characters; they even calculate with them…”

In the end, the abacus became a tool used by only a few, including Hyang.

Anyway, Hyang, who was obsessed with numbers, had no choice but to grumble while looking at his report.

“Ah… I miss the CASIO calculator that used to sit on my desk in the 21st century.”

Recalling the calculator that was always placed wherever calculations were needed, from small shops to government desks, Hyang suddenly snapped his fingers.

“If it’s a calculator you want, I have a high-performance one right here! Look!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Go and summon Official Lee Soon-ji!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Eventually, thanks to a glass artisan they were able to find, Hyang was able to use a ‘human supercomputer’ by using the ‘high-performance telescope’ as bait.

Of course, Hyang clenched his fist at Lee Soon-ji’s expressions, which gave off a vibe of ‘You don’t even know that?’

“I’ll definitely make that calculator! Even if it means working Jang Young-sil to the bone!”

***

King Sejong grumbled inwardly at the nagging, but there was something he had to acquire, so Hwang Hui gritted his teeth and spoke.

“I deeply regret that our abilities have failed to meet Your Majesty’s expectations. Therefore, I have taken special care regarding the appointment of this special administrative officer…”

“Which is?”

“I recommend myself!”

“Huh?”

“What?”

When Hwang Hui recommended himself as the administrative officer, both Sejong and Hyang’s eyes widened.

“Why do you choose to go, especially stepping down from a minister’s position? In Joseon, there’s no one who doesn’t wish for a minister’s position.”

Hwang Hui explained his reason.

“The special administrative officer to be appointed must operate a group composed of six subordinates. 

To operate this group smoothly, someone who has experienced all six departments is needed.

I have the experience in all these six departments and can control them adequately.”

“That may be true, but it’s still insufficient.”

At Sejong’s first denial, Hwang Hui brought up another reason.

“During development, there is bound to be conflicts between military and administrative officials.

In such cases, if the rank of the administrative officer is low, of course promotions will happen, but adjustments will still be difficult.

If I am appointed, I can smoothly handle these adjustments based on my experience.”

“Hmm… That could be possible. But it’s still not enough.”

“Colonization almost involves creating something out of nothing. While working, sudden variables that need immediate treatment often occur.

In such cases, the decision between acting first and reporting later and reporting first and acting later can determine success or failure. If someone with low rank or less experience is sent, they might hesitate out of fear for consequences; therefore, someone with high rank and ample experience should go.”

“Is that so? So, will you go?” 

Upon hearing Sejong’s question, Hwang Hui answered with a resolute voice. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“It is a risky endeavor. Are you confident you can succeed?”

“It’s the nation’s long-term plan. We must succeed.”

“Hmm…” 

Seeing Sejong’s hesitation, Hwang Hui reached into his sleeve and took out a scroll. 

“Allow me to present this to Your Majesty.”

Sejong, who received the scroll via a tray, looked at Hwang Hui without even untying the knot. 

“What is this?”

“It’s a list that records all of my assets. Should I fail in my mission, or fail to meet the standards Your Majesty has in mind, please add all my property to the national treasury. It’s a punishment for failing to complete the task properly, and I’ll accept it willingly.”

Upon hearing Hwang Hui’s words, the air filled with tension.

“Hwang Hui, all in! Is it a jackpot or a complete loss!”

“Hmm…” 

Sejong gave a small snort and unrolled the scroll to take a look. Then he eyed Hwang Hui again. 

“I’ve heard rumors circulating among the commoners that you intend to divide your wealth among your children. This list is from before the reform, isn’t it?”

‘How did you know!’

Taken aback by Sejong’s unexpected question, Hwang Hui hesitated for a moment before answering. 

“It’s before the reform.”

“If we investigate through the Office of Records, it will all come out.”

“It is definitely before the reform.”

“I see…”

Sejong, looking uncertain, glanced at the list once more before looking back at Hwang Hui. 

“Right State Councilor.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Are you truly confident?”

“I’ll devote my entire being.”

“It’s a long-term plan for our Joseon. Even the smallest failing is unacceptable. Let me ask you again: Are you confident you can bear all the responsibility and bring this to completion?”

“If I fail, I’ll be buried there!”

“If you fail, the place where you’ll be buried will be the Office of Records.”

“I’ll bear that in mind!”

At Hwang Hui’s answer, Sejong rolled up the scroll and set it aside. 

“I understand your resolve. However, it’s not something that can be decided here and now. Let’s discuss it further in tomorrow’s meeting.”

“I will heed Your Majesty’s command! Then, I shall take my leave. May you have a restful sleep.”

“Be careful on your way.”

Upon leaving, Hwang Hui looked up at the night sky. Although the moon often appeared gloomy, tonight it seemed oddly refreshing. 

Hwang Hui clenched his fist tightly. 

“I did it!”

After sending off Hwang Hui, King Sejong turned back with a face full of regret.

“There were many more things I wanted to discuss with you, but it looks like we’ll have to end it here for today. Let’s talk again next time.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please rest well.”

“Very well.”

As he left Gangnyeongjeon, Hwang Hui looked back at the hall with a face full of unease.

“I have a bad feeling about this…”

The reason King Sejong had called for him today seemed unclear. Although it was supposedly for discussing state affairs, the matters they went over were not of great importance.

Staring at the lit Gangnyeongjeon, Hwang Hui muttered to himself.

“Isn’t it time for me to take action, rather than Chief State Councilor?”

***

The next morning.

As soon as the court meeting started, King Sejong brought up an agenda.

“Has the appointment for the Special Administrative Officer in charge of this development project been finalized?”

At King Sejong’s question, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik slightly nodded his head.

“If I may speak, Your Majesty, the ministers are not very sharp…”

“Hmm… We are short on time…”

“Your Majesty!”

“So, I’ve given it some thought. Right State Councilor, you will take charge as the Special Administrative Officer. With your experience, you should be able to resolve various issues.”

All eyes from the ministers focused on Hwang Hui at King Sejong’s decision. Receiving the gazes of the ministers, Hwang Hui bowed deeply and responded.

“This humble servant, Hwang Hui, will devote himself to fulfill the grand plans of Joseon!”

“I will trust you.”

“Absolutely! I will not betray the trust you have shown, Your Majesty!”

On the other hand, all the ministers who had been listening to the conversation had the same thought.

‘Something smells fishy here.’

***

That afternoon, a report came in that the chieftains of the Jurchen tribes who had been invited to Hanseong were leaving.

Assembled in the courtyard in front of Geunjeongjeon, the chieftains all bowed respectfully as King Sejong appeared.

King Sejong lightly returned their salute and got straight to the point.

“So, have you reached a conclusion?”

At King Sejong’s question, Hatui and Mutoi stepped forward.

“The lands of our tribes were originally the territories of King Taejo, so it’s only natural for Your Majesty to inherit them. Moreover, the oath of loyalty we gave to King Taejo is still valid! Therefore, we gratefully accept your favor and willingly obey your command!”

At Hatui’s response, King Sejong answered with a bright expression.

“I’m truly grateful! Now that you have joined Joseon, you will have no regrets!”

“Your kindness is immeasurable!”

Hatui and the chieftains expressed their gratitude.