Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 111

While Sejong and Hyang were having a conversation, the ministers were also continuing their discussions.

“What do you think His Majesty and the Crown Prince genuinely desire?” asked the Minister of Rites.

“I believe they desire to proclaim themselves as ‘Emperor’,” calmly replied Maeng Sa-seong.

“Emperor?”

“Emperor, yes.”

“I see.”

“I am a bit concerned, though…”

Upon hearing Maeng Sa-seong’s words, the ministers nodded their heads in agreement.

For the ministers of Sejong’s era, the title ‘Emperor’ was not unfamiliar. The prior dynasty, Goryeo, had adopted the title of ‘Emperor’ under the tributary system with foreign empires. Even though that system was abolished during the Yuan Dynasty’s influence and failed to be revived in the subsequent era of King Gongmin¹ due to Ming pressure, internally, they continued to use titles and etiquette reserved for emperors.

Therefore, for those who had experienced the transitional period between Goryeo and Joseon, the word ‘Emperor’ was not hard to utter.

“You all seem to take this lightly,” Hwang Hui suddenly interjected, drawing everyone’s focus towards him.

“What do you mean?”

“Have you not heard the news from Annam (Dai Viet)? They’ve already proclaimed themselves as an independent empire. That Annam.”

At that time, Annam was perceived as a backward country by Joseon’s upper class. Upon hearing Hwang Hui’s words, Maeng Sa-seong’s expression became serious.

“Could it be! Is His Majesty really intending to become an Emperor?”

Picking up on Maeng Sa-seong’s question, Hwang Hui responded, “I’m not sure about His Majesty’s intentions, but the Crown Prince certainly has such aspirations.”

“Do you have any evidence?”

“Astronomy. And this recent agreement.”

Upon hearing Hwang Hui’s brief answer, exclamations erupted among the ministers.

“Ah!”

“Come to think of it!”

Observing the celestial bodies was something only possible in an empire. However, Hyang had been actively observing them under the pretext of correcting the lunar calendar. The recent cooperation agreement was also a similar case.

As everyone was still in shock, Hwang Sang, the newly appointed Minister of Law Enforcement, spoke up.

“Indeed, it might seem excessive to avoid Ming interference while expanding Joseon’s influence by appeasing the Ming. But from a military strategy perspective, it’s an ingenious plan.”

“Military strategy?”

As the civil officials looked puzzled, Hwang Sang elaborated, “There is a common saying in all military strategies. When the enemy is stronger than us, there are two standard options: one is to diligently increase our capabilities; the other is to weaken the enemy. The Crown Prince is currently employing both strategies.”

“Hmm…”

The ministers fell silent, each deep in thought.

After a moment of silence, Hwang Hui spoke up again.

“If you look at the history of the Central Plains, the dynasties that conquered and ruled all eventually fell due to internal strife, not external invasions. Only Yuan is an exception.”

“So what about this recent cooperation agreement?”

“Why do you think the story of ‘Ivory Chopsticks and Jade Wine Cups’ came up?”

[TL/N: The term ‘Ivory Chopsticks and Jade Wine Cups’ comes from when King Zhou considered making chopsticks from ivory. Ji-zi, King Zhou’s uncle, concerned about the fate of the nation, believed that the adoption of ivory chopsticks would gradually lead to larger-scale extravagances, eventually ruining the country’s finances and causing its downfall. Ji-zi’s predictions came true as King Zhou’s extravagant ways led to the downfall of the Shang Dynasty. So, I guess in this case, the ministers finally understand why Hyang made a deal personally with Emperor Zhu Zhanji, hoping that the latter would fall into extreme indulgences and lead his own nation to ruin in the future.]

“Ah!”

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Upon hearing Hwang Hui’s words, the faces of the ministers indicated their realization.

Maeng Sa-seong muttered to himself, looking as if he had been hit on the back of his head multiple times.

“The Crown Prince merely said, ‘make a contract with the Emperor,’ and His Majesty who understood that… Are they even human?”

“Even if His Majesty is one thing, what about the Crown Prince? To be so filled with malice in such a short period…”

The Minister of Military Affairs interrupted the ministers’ assessment.

“According to the military strategy books, what a commander must possess is malice. The Crown Prince has already mastered the ancient military strategy, so such malice is entirely possible.”

“Heh…”

While the ministers were at a loss for words about the malicious intent, Hwang Hui stood up, shaking off his seat.

“Then, everyone, take care. You all have much to do, so take care of yourselves.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“We’re turning Joseon into an empire. Will that not be a busy task?”

Hwang Hui asked the ministers, smiling as he looked at Maeng Sae-seong.

“Lord Maeng, you were worried about more issues arising in the North earlier, weren’t you? Surely you’re not expecting it to be as busy as Hanyang?”

“Oh, you…”

“Ha ha ha! Take care, everyone!”

As Hwang Hui left the room with a hearty laugh, Maeng Sae-seong muttered softly,

“I should have gone…”

Watching Hwang Hui’s departing figure, the other ministers thought similarly to Maeng Sae-seong.

‘I should have gone…’

‘If I had known Hwang’s thoughts, I should have acted sooner…’

‘That position should have been mine!’

While everyone was thinking this way, the Minister of Rites, Kim Jeom, stood up.

“I should prepare a tonic for lord Hwang.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why would lord Hwang be special?”

Answering the ministers’ questions, Kim Jeom chuckled.

“Have you forgotten? Lord Hwang must oversee government affairs until the day he dies.”

“Ah!”

All the ministers burst out in exclamations, each wearing a draining smile.

“Right, then lord Hwang must live a long, long life.”

“He has to finish the reforms, strategies, and great tasks. He must live a long, very long life!”

“I must prepare a tonic with excellent efficacy!”

“I have some saved ginseng; I should send it! For lord Hwang, who has to work for the nation until the day he dies!”

The ministers were united in enthusiasm. Among them were also the Chief State Councilor and the Left State Councilor.

* * *

Meanwhile, once the conversation concluded with Sejong’s permission, Hyang brought up the next topic.

“Father, may I ask how my marriage is proceeding?”

“Your marriage? We’re currently scrutinizing suitable candidates for the Crown Princess. Why?”

“It’s been quite some time, and no conclusion has been reached yet.”

At Hyang’s question, Sejong cleared his throat lightly.

“Ahem! AHEM! It’s the Crown Princess, so we’re putting effort into the selection. It takes time. But why?” Sejong, asking the reason, wore a mischievous smile. “Why? You’ve been pretending not to care all this time, now suddenly you want to get married quickly?”

“It’s not that. The Emperor asked what I thought about making his daughter the Crown Princess.”

“Kuheuk!”

Startled by Hyang’s shocking statement, King Sejong choked on his tea and coughed.

“Cough! Cough! So, what did you say?”

As King Sejong asked while continuously coughing, Hyang calmly replied, “The selection has already ended, and all that’s left is to set a date.”

“What did the Emperor say to that?”

“He simply expressed regret and moved on. Although it may have been a passing remark, it could become a problem if my marriage is delayed.”

King Sejong analyzed the situation with a grave expression on his face.

“So, you’re saying a casual comment could turn into a serious matter?”

“Exactly.”

“Hmm…”

“By the way, why is the selection taking so long?”

“Well, it just happened that way…”

Hyang’s inquiry left King Sejong hesitating for words.

***

Thanks to Hyang’s diligence, candidates meeting Hyang’s criteria had come forward.

“Heo-eo~. They are all so beautiful!”

King Sejong was amazed at the beauty of the candidates who passed the screening.

The assassin guild had put in so much effort that their education and character were also up to the mark to be Crown Princess.

[TL/N: In previous chapters, the assassins were tasked searching for suitable candidate for Hyang secretly]

However, a problem arose at that point.

“Is this kid going to mess things up by being enthralled by their beauty?”

King Sejong had his suspicions, and concurrently, the court ladies who were judging had all given negative opinions.

“All the candidates have a lovely appearance and sufficient character and education, but their allure could potentially distract the king from his duties.”

“All of them have beautiful figures, but that beauty poses a problem. One of the main responsibilities of a queen is fertility, and with those body types, it would be difficult for them to withstand the strains of pregnancy and childbirth.”

Since all the court ladies had given negative opinions, King Sejong selected additional candidates, who met traditional criteria.

However, upon seeing these newly selected candidates, King Sejong was puzzled.

‘This is not it.’

The new candidates were also educated and had good character. But their appearance was the issue.

They were healthy and plump but that was it.

‘Given his personality, he’ll surely stay confined to Area 51 and never come out!’

***

Hyang had set strict standards for himself as soon as marriage talks came up.

“Huwoo~. This is a dilemma.”

King Sejong sighed at the difficult problem he was facing.

“Come to think of it, I was lucky. And is that why my older brother Yangnyeong spent so much time outside?”

The first wife of Yangnyeong, Taejong’s eldest son, had the traditional look of a first daughter-in-law. Like the second batch of candidates, she was good in every way but lacked beauty.

“If my sister-in-law had been as assertive as him, there would have been so much trouble several times.”

The legal wife of Taejong, Queen Wongyeong, was as strong-willed as Taejong himself. Thanks to her, they often clashed due to Taejong’s affairs.

King Sejong, recalling the past, sighed lightly.

“Was I just lucky?”

Being the third son and not the eldest, Sejong had the privilege of marrying Soheon, a woman who met his preferences.

“The problem of fertility is valid, as pointed out by Hyang…”

As Hyang had pointed out, eight children had been born so far to Sejong and Queen Soheon. Considering the age difference among the children, Queen Soheon had been almost continuously pregnant or nursing.

If the scope included the concubines brought in after Sejong became king, at least one among them, including Queen Soheon, had been pregnant every year.

While King Sejong was grappling with the dilemma in selecting the Crown Princess, the casually dropped remark by the Ming Emperor had turned into a ticking time bomb.

***

When Sejong hesitated, Hyang pointed out the urgency of the situation.

“Your Majesty. A quick decision is needed. Neither you nor I can afford to keep living with the issue of the Crown Princess, can we?”

“That’s true. We can’t continue like this.”

“I know my standards may have been a bit high, but considering the time we’ve spent so far…”

“I’m considering it! I’m still considering it!”

Interrupting Hyang’s words, Sejong quickly summed up the situation.

“Let’s stop here for today. A decision will be made on this matter soon!”

“Ye…yes.”

After sending Hyang away, Sejong went straight to Queen Soheon.

“Ho ho ho!”

Queen Soheon, who had been looking after the recently born Prince Pyeongwon, covered her mouth and burst into laughter at Sejong’s complaint.

“This is no laughing matter. Considering that child’s personality, it’s a real conundrum.”

At Sejong’s words, Queen Soheon nodded with a smile.

“True. Given Hyang’s personality, he’s more than capable.”

“What should we do then?”

At Sejong’s question, Queen Soheon answered immediately.

“Do as Hyang wishes. Given his personality, he won’t neglect his duties over some distraction, right?”

“He’s more likely to immerse himself in his work and neglect his family.”

Sejong’s long-standing observations of Hyang had proven accurate.

“Therefore, there’s no need to worry. The matters of the household can be handled by our attendants.”

“Hmm…”

After mulling over Queen Soheon’s words, Sejong came to a conclusion.

“It’s best to follow the Queen’s advice. I’m indeed fortunate to have you by my side.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

Though she answered with a smile, a tinge of sadness was hidden in Queen Soheon’s eyes

1. 31st King of Goryeo[↩]