30
The next day, petitions began to flood in for Sejong once again.
While many supported the Crown Prince's views, there was also a considerable force opposing him, led by the Prime Minister and the Chief State Councilor.
"The Crown Prince's opinion seems good at first glance, but it is truly a dangerous thought. If we follow the Crown Prince's reasoning, it implies that as long as the goal is good, the means do not need to be questioned. This is a very perilous mindset. As the purpose is just, the means must also be just."
Thus, a fierce debate erupted between the Great Confucian School, which supported the theory of 'Multiple Instruments,' and the Small Confucian School, which insisted that only the theory of 'Single Instrument' was correct.
This debate intensified with the implementation of the 'Reform' decided by Sejong, leading to an overwhelming number of petitions and resignations throughout the year of Gapjin in the sixth year of Sejong's reign.
It marked the beginning of what would be known as the Gapjin Controversy, dividing the intellectuals of Joseon into two opposing factions.
The discussions surrounding Hyang's presentation of views and the ensuing debates with conservative officials quickly spread among the residents of Hanyang, triggering a chain reaction.
The victims of this chain reaction were the children of noble families.
"When our grandson comes of age, the Crown Prince will either have ascended the throne or be in a position of real power. Given the Crown Prince's disposition, simply mastering Confucian classics will not be enough for him to take on a heavy responsibility. Therefore, from now on, he must diligently study not only the classics but also the teachings of various schools."
"Yes, Father."
"And you too must do the same. Where do you think the Crown Prince's temperament comes from? For the continuation of our family, you must also exert yourself."
"… Yes, Father."
Observing the flow of events and seeking the prosperity of their families, officials and scholars began to study not only Confucianism but also the teachings of various schools.
Meanwhile, the families opposing the Crown Prince were not idle either.
"We cannot just stand by and watch the King and the Crown Prince go down the wrong path! The only answer is thorough refutation! We must delve deeply into the teachings of various schools to find their flaws!"
"Yes, Father."
"Why is our grandson silent? The Crown Prince is of the same age as you, and when you come of age, he will be in the spotlight. If you do not put in the effort now, you will bring shame to our family!"
"Little grandson, I am working hard…"
"Is that so? And yet you are only now holding onto the Analects! Bring me the rod at once!"
"Father, please calm your anger…"
"Bring it quickly!"
Thanks to Hyang, the boys from noble families in the capital had no peaceful days.
Around the same time, Hyang was reflecting on the previous debates.
"I feel relieved to have said what I wanted to say. And it feels good to think that my father is on my side…"
Hyang trailed off with a tired expression.
According to the inner court officials from the East Palace, petitions supporting Hyang's views and those opposing them were pouring in.
The volume was so great that some officials from the Royal Secretariat collapsed from overwork, prompting Sejong to bestow special meals and tonics upon them.
Sitting in front of a blank sheet of paper, Hyang let out a small laugh.
"Is it fortunate to have been reborn in early Joseon? If I had been reborn in late Joseon and spoken like this, I would have immediately been labeled a 'scholarly rebel,' and the Crown Prince would have been deposed or worse, thrown into a prison cell. Anyway, is it a blessing that there are officials supporting me this time?"
Pausing for a moment, Hyang tapped the table with his fingers and gazed toward the Geunjeongjeon Hall.
"The smallpox vaccination will soon begin. If the results are good, the scales will tip in my favor…"
Hyang's words trailed off as he turned his gaze to the ceiling and sighed.
"Ah~. Do all we do depend on human effort while waiting for heaven's will?"
In the sixth year of Sejong's reign, on the third day of the first month of Gapjin.
"Begin!"
"Yes!"
As the command of the Minister of Personnel was given, many physicians and female doctors, along with officials conducting the household survey and soldiers for protection, left the palace in pairs.
"By royal command!"
Hearing the shout of "By royal command!" from outside the private gate, the family in the thatched house rushed out and knelt down.
The official explained the situation to the bewildered family.
"By the command of His Majesty, we will conduct vaccinations to prevent smallpox, so please line up! Men, come to this physician, and women, please line up in front of that female doctor!"
"What? Preventing smallpox?"
"Is that not what I said? Hurry and line up! Ah! Have you had smallpox before?"
"No, we have not."
"Then line up!"
"But we have no rice or cloth to pay for this."
In response to the head of the household's answer, the official replied immediately.
"It is free."
"Really?"
"How dare you doubt the royal command!"
At the official's scolding, the head of the household bowed deeply and gestured to his family.
"No, no! Hurry and line up! Quickly!"
Following the head of the household's command, the family split into men and women and lined up.
"Have you had smallpox before?"
"No, we have not."
"What about the other family members?"
"None of us have had smallpox."
"I see. Then please loosen your jeogori."
Thus, the vaccinations proceeded.
The men took off their jeogori in the yard, while the women did so behind a folding screen.
The official beside them opened a ledger and recorded their details.
"By the King's command, you will receive a free vaccination against smallpox!"
As news of the vaccination spread, Hanyang was abuzz.
"When will they come to our house?"
"They said there would be fever and blisters on the shoulders for five to ten days, so we should prepare in advance, right? Don't pop the blisters!"
In households without anyone who had suffered from smallpox, adults stood outside waiting for the medical team, while those who had already been vaccinated hurriedly prepared cold water and clean towels.
"Thank you for your hard work!"
"It was nothing."
"Though we have little to offer, please have a bite to eat before you leave."
Those who visited the homes of the gentry or well-off families were treated generously after the vaccinations.
As well-prepared food and drinks were served, the guests enjoyed their meals with smiles.
"Here, have a drink."
As the host offered a cup, the official in charge politely declined.
"Thank you for your kindness, but we cannot drink while performing our duties."
"Oh dear…"
It was not only the wealthy who treated the medical team to food and drink.
In neighborhoods with many poor families, they pooled their resources to offer grains and food to the medical team.
"Do you not have enough to eat? Is it alright?"
"If we lack food, we can ration it, but smallpox is different, isn't it? It is worth any price for a life."
"Ah…"
Hearing the people's responses, the officials sighed.
Most of the young officials, who had just begun their careers, felt their hearts grow heavy.
"How can there be anything wrong with the Crown Prince's words?"
Not all residents of Hanyang welcomed the smallpox vaccination.
A considerable number of physicians jointly submitted a petition.
"…Generally speaking, looking at the examples from ancient times to the present, there are no cases where human diseases and animal diseases are the same. Therefore, what is this bizarre method of using cow pus to treat human smallpox? Is this not akin to summoning shamans who believe in strange powers to perform rituals? Ugh!"
As Sejong read the petition, his anger surged, and he threw the document aside, shouting at his officials.
"Do these people even understand what they are saying? The role of a physician is to save lives and keep people healthy. They must constantly research diseases, refine new techniques, and seek out medicinal materials to devise prescriptions. And what do they say? Strange? Believing in supernatural powers? Can these people even be called physicians? Seungseong! Immediately tell the Hanseongbu Governor to arrest these individuals!"
"Yes!"
By Sejong's furious command, all the physicians who submitted the joint petition were to be imprisoned.
"This is unjust!"
"This is unfair!"
The imprisoned physicians pleaded their case, but Sejong did not show them mercy.
"Punish all the offenders with twenty strokes of the cane!"
By Sejong's order, the physicians who submitted the joint petition were released only after receiving twenty strokes each.
While such a commotion unfolded, the smallpox vaccinations and household surveys for the residents of Hanyang were completed.
"…In total, we have confirmed that there are 103,328 residents, including commoners and lowborn, living within the four gates of the capital."
"Thank you for your hard work."
As Sejong praised the reports from the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Finance, the Chief State Councilor entered with a tray full of petitions.
"The Crown Prince has been quiet for a few days; what petitions have come in now?"
"It is not related to the Crown Prince, but rather petitions concerning the smallpox vaccination. There are requests for vaccinations to be conducted in their own regions."
"Is that so?"
At the Chief State Councilor's words, Sejong quickly untied the string binding the scrolls.
As he read through the contents of the petitions, he could not help but sigh.
"Ah~."
The petitions submitted by the local gentry and physicians from various regions of Joseon were heartfelt.
- Protecting the people from smallpox must be done swiftly.
- There are already several successful cases, so there is no reason to experiment again.
This only wastes time.
- Even if it is a thin thread of hope for the people, it must be carried out without delay.
- If the issue is a lack of cows, I will provide funds to gather all the cows within a hundred miles and present them.
There is no treasure more precious than a human life.
"Officials, please read this."
"Yes."
Following Sejong's command, the officials took turns reading the petitions.
"What do you think we should do?"
Although the answer was clear, no official immediately responded.
Even the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Finance, known as staunch supporters of the Crown Prince, merely exchanged glances.
Sejong was angry but could understand.
The petitions submitted were a mere fraction compared to the number of gentry residing throughout Joseon.
Considering the costs involved in the vaccinations and the simultaneous tasks to be executed, there would undoubtedly be significant resistance.
Such resistance could lead to opposition against the royal authority and likely result in the impeachment of the officials as scapegoats.
"About the Crown Prince…"
Sejong began to call for Hyang but quickly stopped.
Knowing Hyang's character, he would have immediately insisted on implementing the vaccinations nationwide without question.
However, if the resistance to the smallpox vaccination turned into a political movement, it could become a significant blemish on Hyang's record.
Ultimately, Sejong had no choice but to take a step back.
"Let us take a bit more time to think about this matter."
"…Yes, Your Majesty."
It was an unsatisfactory conclusion for both Sejong and his officials.
While Sejong and his officials were pondering a clear answer regarding the nationwide implementation of the smallpox vaccination, there were those cautiously discussing matters in a large merchant house on Unjong Street.
"…So, what of the Crown Prince?"
"He submitted a petition advocating for immediate implementation, but it was not accepted."
"He must be quite disheartened."
"I have heard he writes petitions every day."
"Ah~."
The old man sitting at the head of the table sighed and fell into thought.
After much deliberation, he finally made a decision.
"It seems we must release some funds."