Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 129

Although King Sejong had said he would ‘consider deeply’ Hyang’s proposal, his mind was already leaning towards accepting it.

The next day, King Sejong summoned Hyang.

“Explain your plan in more detail to me and the ministers.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Following King Sejong’s command, Hyang began a more detailed explanation to King Sejong and the ministers.

– First, suitable regions in each of the eight provinces of Joseon will be selected to initiate pilot projects.

King Sejong, who had initially shown a moment of confusion, quickly nodded in understanding.

“Pilot projects? Ah… I see. I have also been selecting counties for trial implementation before reorganizing the local administrative offices. It’s a similar approach, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Depending on the terrain, like whether it’s flatland or mountainous, and the availability of gravel and sand, the cost of construction varies. By assessing these factors, we can prevent the guilds from making exorbitant profits.”

The ministers nodded at Hyang’s explanation. Kim Jeom then asked a question.

“As this construction is not meant as relief work, workers must be paid. Should we leave the determination of wage standards to the guilds?”

Hyang paused briefly before responding.

“I intended to explain that later, but since you’ve asked, I will share my thoughts. In my opinion, the minimum standard should be that workers earn enough for a meal after half an hour of work, and enough for a family of four to live for a day after a full day’s work (12 hours).”

Kim Jeom nodded after doing some calculations in his head.

“That seems reasonable.”

“Let’s add one more condition to that.”

As King Sejong interjected, the ministers and Hyang turned their attention to him.

“We are listening attentively, Your Majesty.”

“It’s not a grand condition, but I think it’s good to add that the guild responsible for the work must provide lunch and tea free of charge.”

“The guilds will strongly oppose this, claiming their profits will decrease.”

At Kim Jeom’s remark, King Sejong’s expression sharpened.

“So, it’s alright for guilds to pursue profit, but those working at the very bottom aren’t allowed to seek it?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“If they’re only supposed to be content with just enough to fill their stomachs each day, why would they leave their villages? Even now, if you go to the marketplaces, you’ll see many people working day-to-day as laborers. The purpose of revising the land system is to allow them to accumulate wealth and seek a better life! If we only enrich the guilds, how is that different from empowering landlords?”

At King Sejong’s rebuke, Kim Jeom prostrated himself.

“Please forgive my thoughtlessness!”

“Stand up. And think before you speak in the future.”

“I will bear your words in mind.”

With his head bowed, Kim Jeom sighed inwardly.

‘That was a close call.’

Over time, the ministers had learned to interpret King Sejong’s tone to gauge the severity of a situation.

He uses formal speech for regular matters. He uses respectful language when ministers or the Crown Prince achieve significant accomplishments. If someone fails to understand his intentions or opposes him, he switches to a more direct and less formal tone. In more serious situations, he shows visible annoyance and uses blunt, forceful language. In extreme cases, the Royal Secretariat intervenes.

According to these criteria, Kim Jeom had narrowly avoided a major crisis.

‘This job is really tough!’

Grumbling internally, Kim Jeom focused on Hyang’s continued explanation.

Amidst the now tense atmosphere, Hyang proceeded with his explanation.

“I believe Your Majesty’s thoughts on the wages for those working at the bottom are most appropriate.

Next, we must find guilds to undertake construction in every province of Joseon, ensuring that at least three different guilds are contracted in each province.”

“Three or more, does that mean at least three?” asked Kim Jeom.

Hyang nodded in affirmation. Then, Jo Mal-saeng, another minister, chimed in.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to manage if there are fewer guilds in charge?”

Just as Hyang was about to respond, the Chief State Councillor interjected.

“It’s to avoid the problem of monopoly. While simplicity in military command improves efficiency, in civilian construction, monopolies lead to more people suffering losses. This is why the sages have always cautioned against monopolies in trade.”

“The Chief State Councillor’s observation is accurate. If only one guild is chosen per province, eventually they will control everything. The funds for these constructions are the people’s taxes; we cannot waste them recklessly.”

“If that’s the case, bringing in guilds from other provinces… ah, but then there would be efficiency issues.”

Hyang’s words caused Heo Jo to pause mid-sentence as he realized the implications, then he closed his mouth.

Hyang continued his explanation.

“The government’s role is to prevent monopolization and collusion among these guilds while fostering competition. Once they gain experience and skill, we can select the most competent companies to develop the northeastern frontier. By then, they should have sufficient experience and skill to minimize trial and error.”

“That makes sense.”

As time passed and Hyang finished his detailed explanation, he began to summarize.

“Let’s summarize the proposals related to earth construction and the previous one about the battlefield.”

– The smallpox vaccination and the distribution of medicinal herbs have reduced deaths from diseases.

– Counteracting the provision of relief rice with irrigation projects and expanding flood control facilities has increased agricultural productivity and reduced famine deaths.

– With fewer deaths from disease and famine, the population is continuously increasing.

– Even with direct seeding methods, the workforce was in excess. The spread of the transplanting method has exacerbated this surplus of labor.

– Although the transplanting method slightly increased yields, the growing population meant both self-sufficient and tenant farmers inevitably fell into debt.

– To address this, we establish battlefields to break the connection between landlords and tenant farmers.

– Start with road expansion and launch large-scale earth construction projects to draw excess rural labor outwards.

“…That’s all.”

After completing his statements, Hyang bowed respectfully.

The ministers, who had been attentively listening to Hyang’s words, fell into deep contemplation.

King Sejong was similarly thoughtful. After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke.

“I have a question for the ministers.”

“We are all ears, Your Majesty.”

“Do you remember the ‘National Development Plan’ proposed by the Crown Prince previously?”

“We remember it well.”

The ministers unanimously answered. The current land revision was largely guided by that plan.

“Combining the current proposals of the Crown Prince with that plan, what do you think?”

Chief State Councillor Lee Jik stepped forward to answer.

“The ultimate goal of the National Comprehensive Development Plan aligns with these proposals, so I believe it is appropriate to adopt them.”

“Are there any objections?”

“……”

The ministers’ silence served as their response, leading King Sejong to make a decision.

“Then, we will actively adopt the proposals put forth by the Crown Prince and develop an implementation plan. Submit this plan to me.”

“We shall comply with Your Majesty’s command!”

The ministers responded in unison.

“Every word in the plan you ministers will draft affects the fate of Joseon. Please put your utmost effort into it.”

At King Sejong’s earnest request, the ministers prostrated themselves in unison, responding with deep sincerity.

“We will remember your words and redouble our efforts!”

This was indeed the ministers’ true sentiment.

Despite the constant fatigue from daily overwork, the occasional threats of resignation, and their disorientation over policies that seemed to contradict their Neo-Confucian beliefs, the ministers held their positions for one primary reason.

‘If this endeavor succeeds, it will birth a Joseon unlike any we have known, thought of, or pursued—a far better Joseon. I want to be recorded in history as having been part of this process!’

* * *

Five days after King Sejong and the ministers unanimously decided to implement the battlefield and earth construction projects,

“Your Highness, His Majesty summons you.”

Late in the evening, as Hyang was organizing documents and preparing to spend a pleasant time with his second consort – he had even devised a schedule to regularly spend nights with three consorts – he was puzzled by the eunuch’s message.

“At this hour?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, lead the way.”

Guided by the eunuch, Hyang arrived at Gangnyeongjeon, located behind Geunjeongjeon.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

“Yes, please enter.”

Entering Gangnyeongjeon, which served as King Sejong’s personal office and bedroom, Hyang noticed Heo Jo was also present.

“Your Majesty, did you summon me?”

“Yes, sit down.”

“Yes.”

Once Hyang was seated, King Sejong began speaking.

“I summoned the Crown Prince to discuss the issue of slavery.” 𝐟r𝗲𝚎𝚠e𝐛no𝘃𝗲𝐥.c𝗼m

Mention of ‘slavery’ caused Hyang’s expression to harden.

‘The inevitable has arrived.’

Noticing Hyang’s expression, King Sejong continued.

“Since before my time, only marriages between slaves were allowed, and marriages between commoners and slaves were forbidden. However, as societal customs evolved, such intermarriages increased, leading to the implementation of the ‘Follow the Mother Law’ for children born from these unions.”

“Yes, I am aware of this from the records.”

After Hyang acknowledged his knowledge, King Sejong paused to clear his throat before continuing.

“In cases of intermarriage, it is overwhelmingly common for a commoner man to marry a slave woman. Therefore, my predecessor established the Patrilineal Law, determining the status of children based on their father.”

“Yes, I am also aware of that.”

“However, there are many complaints arising from the current implementation of the Patrilineal Law.”

At King Sejong’s statement, Hyang responded.

“King Taejong established the Patrilineal Law to increase the number of commoners as the slave population was growing and the commoner population decreasing, causing issues in national finance and defense. Are those opposing this law suggesting their minor benefits are more important than the country’s welfare? If so, they should be severely punished.”

Hyang’s stern remark prompted Heo Jo to respond.

“The issue is more complex than it seems.”

“Complex? How so?”

“Yes.”

Heo Jo began to explain the complexities that had arisen from the implementation of the Patrilineal Law.

– The Patrilineal Law determines the status of children born between commoners and slaves based on the father’s status. Its primary goal was to increase the number of commoners.

– This led to a significant increase in the number of commoners but a relative decrease in slaves, causing discontent among slave owners.

“Wasn’t the purpose of the Patrilineal Law to reduce the number of slaves? If that’s the case, isn’t it working as intended? What’s the problem?”

Confused, Hyang asked, prompting Heo Jo to explain further.

“In principle, yes. And if the decrease in slaves was natural, it wouldn’t be an issue. However, the problem lies in the absolute decrease and its impact on rural customs.”

“Why? How so?”

“Due to another custom related to the Patrilineal Law. Specifically, the custom of manumission.”

“Manumission?”

[TL/N: Manumission means ‘release from slavery’]

Unable to understand, Hyang listened as King Sejong interjected.

“Typically, when a female slave bears a child of a commoner, she is granted manumission. That’s where the problem arises.”

“Aha!”

Hyang suddenly grasped the issue.

A female slave could bear children until menopause. From a slave owner’s perspective, granting manumission to such a female slave meant losing potential future slaves—potentially at least ten more.

“I understand. But what about the issue with customs?”

Heo Jo immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“There are frequent cases where, despite having a slave husband of the same status, a woman claims her child is of a commoner. Or cases where the paternity of a child is uncertain. In such instances, the mother invariably claims the father is a commoner, due to the prospect of manumission.”

“Ah…”

As Hyang sighed, King Sejong continued.

“Do you remember what you said before you were married? ‘Even a Buddha turns away in the face of temptation.’ That’s the situation we’re facing.”

“Yes.”

The logic is the same. There are numerous cases where women, manumitted along with their children for being recognized as offspring of a commoner, become homeless due to mistreatment by the legitimate wife. It’s a tragic situation.”

Prompted by King Sejong’s words, Hyang asked with a firm expression.

“Your Majesty, do you intend to abolish the Patrilineal Law?”

King Sejong shook his head in response.

“No, I have no intention of abolishing it. That’s why I called you here. There’s something you need to do.”

“Please, give me your instructions.”

“Find a way for manumitted female slaves and their children to make a living!”

At King Sejong’s command, Hyang bowed and responded.

“I will heed Your Majesty’s command!”

Though he responded energetically, inwardly, Hyang was struggling.

‘Dammit! Another incredibly difficult task!’

* * *

Note: “King Sejong the Great: A Single-Volume Compilation” by Park Young-gyu, published by Woongjin Knowledge House.

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