Cancer?
The contents of the meeting between Hyang and the officials were documented immediately after it concluded and reported to King Sejong.
Sejong examined the documents with his ministers.
"Hmm... Indeed, it would be best to proceed with this matter as the Crown Prince suggested."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
"And the Joseon envoy... I think this is acceptable, but if we request the establishment of a Joseon envoy from Ming, which location would be most favorable?"
"..."
None of the ministers responded immediately to Sejong's question.
Observing the atmosphere among them, Sejong's expression grew sharp.
"Why is everyone silent? Is it so lowly a matter of commerce that you do not wish to speak of it?"
"That, that is not the case..."
"Then why the silence?"
Under Sejong's urging, Minister Kim Jeom of the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward.
"From my limited perspective, if a market were to be established in the Yalu River region, it would be unavoidable for our Joseon army to be stationed there due to the Jurchen issue. This is certainly something Ming would not desire, so I believe the probability of it being established in the Shandong region is high."
"That could be the case. Conversely, if Ming wishes to establish a market near the Amnok River, what should we do?"
"In that case, our Joseon must oppose it."
"Oppose, huh..."
Sejong nodded while pondering, his words trailing off.
"That seems unavoidable. Then what do you think about the permanent establishment of the envoy?"
"I believe it would be better than accompanying each mission."
After a moment of thought regarding the Minister of Revenue's response, Sejong looked at the Prime Minister.
"Prime Minister."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"During this mission, persuade the Ming Emperor to successfully establish the envoy."
"…I will obey your command."
Sejong, watching the Prime Minister hesitate before answering, growled.
"Prime Minister."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I share the same thoughts as the Crown Prince. Are you worried about the safety of Joseon, or are you merely trying to undermine me and the Crown Prince?"
"Your Majesty! We have never harbored such disloyal thoughts!"
"I see the shadow of Jeong Dojeon in you."
"Your Majesty! Our loyalty is as solid as a rock! Please dispel your doubts!"
"Your Majesty! Please reconsider!"
For the ministers who had experienced the Prince's Rebellion and King Taejong's reign, mentioning 'Jeong Dojeon' was a taboo that should not even be spoken of.
However, Sejong bringing up Jeong Dojeon was akin to a final warning.
"Please reconsider!"
Hearing the cries of the ministers prostrated on the floor, Sejong stood up.
"We will see how it unfolds. I need to rest for a moment."
As Sejong left the hall, the ministers began to exit one by one.
"Hoo~."
"It's suffocating."
"Indeed."
The faces of the ministers were gloomy.
Prime Minister Ryu Jeong-hyeon looked up at the sky with a somber expression before glaring at the Chief State Councilor.
"Do not forget that all of this began with the Chief State Councilor's slip of the tongue."
At the Prime Minister's reprimand, the Chief State Councilor exploded in anger.
"My lord! You go too far! What slip of the tongue did I make? I did not say a single word today!"
"Who is talking about today? Who gave the Crown Prince the opportunity in the first place?"
"Ugh."
Faced with the Prime Minister's accusations, the Chief State Councilor wore a face as if he had bitten into something bitter, only letting out groans.
The Prime Minister's words held some truth; after the Crown Prince pointed out the issue of legitimacy, the political initiative had shifted to Sejong.
Since the Crown Prince's remark, Sejong had not brought up any related words again, except for a single comment that followed.
Nevertheless, for a while, the ministers had no choice but to watch Sejong's expressions.
However, Sejong was one step ahead.
As time passed and the ministers began to relax, Sejong struck unexpectedly, bringing up one of the taboos: 'Jeong Dojeon.'
The Chief State Councilor, who had only been groaning, turned to the Prime Minister and argued.
"Fine! Let us say I gave the Crown Prince the opportunity! But, my lord, you too have made mistakes, have you not? What did you do to the Crown Prince today? The fact that the Crown Prince should not be underestimated is something even a child knows! If you are going to act, prepare properly!"
"Ugh..."
In response to the Chief State Councilor's rebuttal, this time the Prime Minister wore a face of disgust and let out a groan.
Taking a deep breath to calm his anger, the Chief State Councilor concluded.
"What good will it do to argue about whose fault it is? We have already missed our chance. For the time being, we must move according to His Majesty's will."
"If we are not careful, the king's tyranny may worsen."
"What can we do? We must rely on the fact that His Majesty is wise."
"Hoo~."
"How did we build this Joseon..."
"Haa~."
The Prime Minister, the Chief State Councilor, and the other ministers gathered around all sighed deeply.
Though they did not share the same ideals as Jeong Dojeon, they all agreed on one thing: the construction of an ideal Confucian state.
To create such a state, harmony between the king and the aristocracy—originally the high-ranking officials—was essential for a republic.
And to complete the republic, constraints on royal power were necessary.
When King Taejo made his youngest son the Crown Prince, Jeong Dojeon supported it for that reason.
There was a political alliance with Taejo, but Taejo was old, and the youngest son, now the Crown Prince, was young, so there was a calculation that after Taejo's death, he could seize the initiative using the weakness of the king and the strength of the ministers.
Plans were even made to absorb the private armies of powerful families, including Yi Bang-won, under the pretext of the conquest of Liaodong and then to exhaust them.
However, Yi Bang-won, or King Taejong, struck first, and Jeong Dojeon's dream was shattered.
As the ministers continued to sigh, they gathered their thoughts.
"We must do everything we can to fulfill what His Majesty commanded during this winter solstice mission. If we fail, we will all be dead, and we will never regain the initiative."
"That is true."
"First, let us think about that part. How can we ensure success?"
"Indeed, my lord."
As the Prime Minister reached a conclusion, the other ministers agreed and began to move.
The discussions among the ministers quickly reached Hyang's ears.
"If it has reached my ears, then my father must have already heard it."
Hyang marveled at the speed of the high-speed information network established within the palace.
Just as the saying goes, 'There are eyes and ears in the walls of the palace,' the eyes and ears of the inner court officials, court ladies, and royal guards were relaying the ministers' every move in real-time.
"By the way, since my father even mentioned Jeong Dojeon, it seems certain that he will assert his authority for the time being."
Looking back at the history Hyang learned in her previous life, the most successful period of political consultation between the king and his ministers was during Sejong's reign.
However, the Sejong of her reincarnation was somewhat different.
Consultation was indeed taking place.
However, it was only on the surface.
The ministers were constantly trying to seize control of state affairs, while Sejong's daily routine involved blocking their movements and counterattacking.
Hyang's attack on the ministers regarding the winter solstice mission was a golden opportunity for Sejong.
The justification and benefits had perfectly shifted to Sejong, and he was thoroughly seizing that opportunity.
"Now the next step is a cabinet reshuffle. Finally, the famous Hwang Hee and Maeng Sa-seong will make their appearance?"
As Hyang briefly anticipated future events, she shook her head.
"We'll think about that later; that's not important right now. Inner court official!"
"Yes, my lady!"
At Hyang's call, an inner court official standing outside quickly entered.
"Go and bring Minister of Revenue Kim!"
"Yes, my lady!"
A short while later, the Minister of Revenue arrived to see Hyang.
"Did you call for me?"
"Yes, I apologize for calling someone so busy with preparations for the mission."
"Not at all. So, is there something specific you wish to ask of me?"
"Please fetch some books for me."
Hyang handed over a scroll and a small wooden box wrapped in cloth.
"The scroll contains the names of the books I have been collecting, and the box is for the funds to purchase them. Please acquire as many as you can with that money."
"The purchase funds can be covered by the taxes from the merchants accompanying the mission, can't they?"
"That money would go into the national treasury. No matter how much of a Crown Prince I am, wasting that money would be embezzlement."
At Hyang's response, the Minister of Revenue involuntarily showed a shocked expression.
'To be so clear about public and private matters at such a young age! It's not just surprising; it's almost frightening!'
"Ahem! Hm!"
Clearing his throat and quickly regaining his composure, the Minister of Revenue untied the scroll to examine the list of books.
"Hmm... So, I just need to fetch the miscellaneous books not listed here?"
"That's correct."
"Understood. I will make the effort."
The Minister of Revenue's calm response surprised Hyang instead.
"Are you not concerned at all? Others have criticized purchasing miscellaneous books."
"Your Highness, you are not seeking miscellaneous books without reason, are you? Whether big or small, they will serve as a foundation for helping the nation, so there is no reason to stop you."
"Is that so?"
In response to Hyang's answer, the Minister of Revenue stroked his beard and replied.
"To be honest, working in the Ministry of Revenue, there are always two things that are lacking. One is time, and the other is budget. Time cannot be extended, but the budget can be increased, can't it? The more the budget increases, the more we can do for the nation, and most of what you do helps increase the budget, so there is no reason to stop you."
"Thank you for your kind words. Then I will leave it to you."
"Yes. Then I will take my leave."
After bowing, the Minister of Revenue exited Hyang's room.
Left alone in the room, Hyang muttered with a look of regret.
"If only the other ministers were like that gentleman, it would be wonderful. Should I tell my father that those who become ministers must first go through the Ministry of Revenue?"
Days passed, and the winter solstice envoy departed for Beijing.
Amid the increasingly harsh cold, Hyang was deep in thought.
"This is a cliché that has been used to death..."
After pondering for a long time in front of the brazier, Hyang suddenly stood up.
"Though it is the ultimate cliché, if it means preventing the death of my sister, who is a true insider, I must take action! Inner court official! I will go to my father. Inform the hall!"
"Yes, my lady!"
Upon arriving at the hall, Hyang informed Sejong that she wished to go out.
"Go out?"
"Yes."
"Where do you intend to go in this bitter winter?"
"I plan to go to Neobeol Island."
"Neobeol Island? Why?"
"I have a very important matter to confirm."
At Hyang's answer, Sejong wore a puzzled expression, unable to comprehend the reason.
"Neobeol Island only has the beasts raised by the royal family..."
'That is exactly why I am going.'
"I must go without fail."
At Hyang's firm response, Sejong pondered for a moment before nodding.
"I allow it."
"Thank you very much!"
"Why the thanks..."
As Hyang bowed deeply and happily left, Sejong burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Still a child, indeed!"
However, before the sun set that day, Sejong would not be laughing but rather shouting in anger.
While Sejong was conducting an afternoon meeting with the ministers, an inner court official rushed in, pale-faced.
After receiving a report from the inner court official, the Minister of Revenue looked at Sejong with a white face.
"Your Majesty..."
"What is it?"
"Your Majesty..."
"What is it, I ask!"
"The Crown Prince has harmed himself!"
"What!"
Sejong, shocked, jumped up from his seat.
"Where is the Crown Prince now?"
"He has just returned to the palace..."
Crash!
Kicking the cluttered desk aside, Sejong dashed out.
"Harmed himself?"
"Harmed himself!"
"Why would he!"
The ministers, who were at a loss for what was happening, followed Sejong out.
< Chapter 18: Sprouting...
Cancer? > End