Meanwhile, realizing his mistake, Sejong opened his mouth with a flushed face.
"The historian..."
However, having already seen the historian joyfully wielding his brush, Sejong licked his lips and looked at Hyang.
"If the Crown Prince has more to say, please continue."
"Yes, Father."
After a brief comedic interlude to catch his breath, Hyang continued his offensive.
"The ministers present here and the scholars outside the palace may have learned the principles and can endure hunger, but the ignorant common people have not learned how to endure it. To teach these people the principles and build virtue, we must at least ensure they do not go hungry, right? Virtue is the foundation of wealth, and while valuing righteousness over profit is important, utilizing resources for the people's welfare is also crucial!"
"Indeed!" Sejong clapped his knees in agreement with Hyang's statement.
Thanks to this, the atmosphere in the court froze once again. 'This man has burst forth, indeed!'
Letting out a small sigh, Hyang looked at the ministers.
Those who had opposed Hyang's plan were now in a state of near death from his onslaught. 'This is the final card! If successful, I can completely turn the ministers into puppets!'
With renewed determination, Hyang launched his final assault.
"Since ancient times, it has been said that 'the people's heart is the heart of heaven.' No matter how much virtue one accumulates, if the people's heart is weeping, will heaven respond? It has been said, 'Do all you can and wait for heaven's decree.'
Shouldn't we do everything we can and then wait for heaven's response? Yet, when drought occurs, it is blamed on the king's lack of virtue; when a plague strikes, it is the king's fault; when people starve, it is the king's fault, and they tell us to build virtue first! This is a reversal of order!
Shouldn't we manage water properly before a drought, prepare medicine before a plague, and store grain before a famine? But to discuss the king's lack of virtue without making such preparations is perhaps..."
Pausing for a moment, Hyang glared at the ministers.
"Do you not think this Joseon is lacking in virtue? Many of you present here have held office since the previous dynasty. Therefore... Was it unjust and lacking in virtue for King Taejo, who was a minister of Goryeo, to establish Joseon? Was it unjust and lacking in virtue for my grandfather to wield a sword? And was it unjust and lacking in virtue for my father to ascend the throne in place of his elder brother?"
"Your Highness, absolutely not!"
"Such treasonous and audacious thoughts have never crossed our minds!" Forgetting that they were in a court meeting, the ministers waved their hands in denial, greatly shocked.
Seeing their expressions, Sejong looked at them with a stern gaze.
"Your Majesty! We have never entertained such treasonous thoughts! Please understand!"
"Please understand!" Starting with Prime Minister Ryu Jeong-hyeon, all the ministers bowed and denied it, but Sejong did not easily open his mouth.
After a long, heavy silence, Sejong finally spoke.
"Crown Prince, your words were too harsh."
"I am deeply sorry. Please forgive me."
"Be more cautious with your words next time."
"Yes, Father."
After warning Hyang, Sejong turned to the ministers.
"The tribute issue requested by the Ming Emperor will proceed according to the Crown Prince's plan, so prepare thoroughly. This year, the spring famine was severe, and with summer approaching and little rain, I believe it is right to prepare grain to relieve the suffering of the people."
"Yes, we will obey."
No one opposed Sejong's decision.
Sejong, who had been glaring at the ministers, turned back to Hyang.
His expression softened as he looked at Hyang.
"Do you have anything to add to what I have said?"
"I believe it is better to give grain to the people as a reward for their labor rather than just giving it away."
"A reward for labor?"
"The frequent droughts are largely due to insufficient rainfall, but the lack of irrigation facilities is also a significant cause. We should have the fortresses and reservoirs in each region repaired, and if they do not exist, we should create new ones and dredge the riverbeds to prevent flooding. If we mobilize the people for such work and give them grain as a reward, we can both improve the irrigation facilities and prevent the flow of refugees and starvation."
"That is a twofold solution. It would be best to proceed with that. What do you all think?"
At Sejong's question, the ministers replied in unison.
"We believe it is an excellent plan!"
"Then we shall execute it as such."
"We will obey!"
Hearing the ministers' responses, Sejong turned back to Hyang.
"You may return now."
"Yes, Father."
"And after the mourning ceremony is over, participate in the lecture."
Surprised by Sejong's command, Hyang looked at him and then bowed his head.
"I will obey. It is a great honor for this young and inexperienced one to be allowed to participate in the lecture."
"Then go back and finish your work."
"Yes."
After sending Hyang off, Sejong looked at the ministers with a stern face.
The soft smile he had when looking at Hyang had vanished, replaced by a coldness like the northern winds and snow.
"Let us conclude the morning meeting here. Go and attend to your duties."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"By the way, we must consider how you all view our Joseon."
As soon as Sejong's words fell, the ministers threw themselves to the ground.
"Your Majesty! We have never entertained such disloyal thoughts! Please understand!"
"Please understand!" The ministers pleaded with all their might, their voices strained to the point of bleeding from their throats.
Looking coldly at the ministers, Sejong turned his head.
"Go and attend to your duties."
"Please understand!"
"I said go and attend to your duties!"
At Sejong's sharp command, the ministers hurriedly left the room.
As the ministers exited the humble abode where Sejong was staying, they all let out long sighs.
"Haah~."
"This is a serious matter. If we are not careful, a storm of blood could arise."
"Not only King Taejo but also the bloodline of the late king... Haah~."
Worried about the impending storm, the ministers' conversation shifted to Hyang.
"Though His Majesty is an outstanding person, the Crown Prince is also remarkable."
"Remarkable to the point of being frightening. With just a few words, he can sway the political landscape..."
"He's only just turned nine, yet he speaks as if he were an old minister past sixty..."
"Indeed, he is no ordinary person..."
"Still, I am worried about His Majesty's feelings."
Unable to hide their anxiety, the ministers glared at the culprits of the incident.
"Don't speak unnecessarily!"
"Did you not know the saying, 'The mouth is the gate of disaster'?"
The Grand Minister of State and the Grand Councilor, along with the Minister of Rites, walked away silently despite the other ministers' criticisms.
"Hey! If you have a mouth, use it!"
"You spoke well during the meeting, but why are you silent now?"
"What will you do about this situation?"
As the other ministers' accusations poured in, the Grand Minister of State, Seong Eom, spoke on behalf of the group.
"I apologize."
"Apologizing is not enough!"
"..."
The Grand Minister and his group moved aside to avoid the other ministers.
Once they crossed the palace gates and entered the street of the Six Ministries, they let out a long sigh.
"Haah~."
"We've been dealt a heavy blow. We underestimated him because he is young."
Nodding in agreement with the Grand Councilor's words, the three of them pondered.
"What should we do to ensure the best outcome?"
In response to the Minister of Rites' question, the Grand Minister of State replied, "If it comes to it, we may have to submit our resignations."
"Resignations... Are you serious?"
"Yes. Since doubt has already taken root in His Majesty's heart, disaster will strike sooner or later. What kind of bloodline does the king have? Once he makes up his mind, he will not hesitate to spill blood. That is why even brothers have fought against each other, and he has shown no hesitation in destroying the families of his in-laws. Submitting our resignations may be the only way to prevent disaster from befalling our families and schools."
At the Grand Minister's words, the Grand Councilor and the Minister of Rites nodded solemnly.
Seong Eom let out a long sigh.
"Haah~. I wanted to create a nation of kings and virtue..."
At the same time, as Hyang was reflecting on his earlier words, Sejong was having a conversation with Queen Sohyeon.
Seated in front of the humble abode made for the mourning ceremony, Queen Sohyeon sat outside while Sejong was inside.
According to Confucian etiquette, it was forbidden for a husband and wife to be together or sleep together during mourning.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"I had some rice porridge."
"Your Majesty, you are the pillar of this country. The nation can only endure if you are healthy. Please make sure to eat properly."
"I will keep that in mind."
While they discussed Sejong's health, tea was prepared.
A court attendant brought well-brewed tea for Sejong, while a palace maid served it to Queen Sohyeon.
After taking a sip of tea, Queen Sohyeon spoke.
"I heard that the Crown Prince caused a stir during the morning meeting."
"The Crown Prince did not cause any trouble. He spoke of a very good policy. I was the one who caused the trouble."
"Really?"
"I used a tone that should only be used in private when I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. This is unbecoming of a king..."
"Really? Hohoho!"
At Sejong's lament, Queen Sohyeon burst into laughter.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, she looked at Sejong.
"Still, you seem brighter than before. Why not speak your mind freely? Do you really need to worry about the historian's brush?"
Nodding at Queen Sohyeon's words, Sejong felt relieved.
Although his face had flushed during the earlier comedic scene, he felt a sense of ease inside.
The stiffness in his neck and shoulders had vanished in an instant.
Once he gathered his thoughts, Sejong spoke.
"You are right, my queen. My comfort comes first."
"That is a wise decision, Your Majesty."
"And I have instructed that as soon as the mourning is over, the Crown Prince should participate in the lecture."
Upon hearing Sejong's words, Queen Sohyeon showed a worried expression.
"Will that be alright? He is still so young..."
"Considering his brushwork and the words he displayed today, I believe he can manage."
Pausing for a moment, Sejong sighed.
"Haah~. The Crown Prince is extraordinary. You know that too, right? His actions, speech, and thoughts all seem to belong to a minister who has surpassed forty..."
Though he expressed concern by referring to him as a 'child in an old man's body,' Sejong wore a pleased expression.
Seeing this, Queen Sohyeon smiled.
"Not long ago, you were worried that his brilliance might create too much distance between father and son, but now you seem reassured."
"I am indeed reassured."
Sejong nodded.