82

As March arrived, strange rumors began to circulate in Hanyang.

Hearing these rumors, the Chief Minister of Hanyang, Kwon Jin, immediately reported to King Sejong.

"Your Majesty, there are slanderous words spreading within the capital."

"Slander? What is it about?"

"It is truly a matter unworthy of mention..."

"Speak freely."

At the King's words, Kwon Jin cautiously recounted the content of the slander.

"It is said, 'The crows cry upon the pine trees of the royal shrine, the heavens are capricious, and as rain falls with dark clouds, this is the time when dynasties change.'"

Before Kwon Jin could finish, Sejong slammed his armrest and shouted, "Such audacity!" The ministers fell silent, exchanging glances.

"Have you found the source of this slander?"

"We are investigating with all our might."

"Find the one who spreads such slander!"

"I will carry out your command."

After giving orders to Kwon Jin, Sejong turned to the Minister of Justice.

"Are there still reckless individuals attempting arson?"

"Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that such reckless acts are still occurring."

"How outrageous!" Sejong slammed his armrest again, venting his frustration.

Since the great fire that occurred in February, there had been those who attempted to set fires and then take advantage of the chaos to steal.

However, their attempts often ended with only houses being burned.

This was due to the military forces stationed throughout Hanyang to maintain order and rebuild the affected areas.

It was not only soldiers who were deployed in large numbers.

Residents of each neighborhood formed groups to guard their roofs, keeping watch in all directions.

Furthermore, after sunset, passage was strictly prohibited.

Anyone found outside after dark, except those authorized for night work, would be arrested and imprisoned in the police station.

Despite the strengthened security, those seeking a quick fortune continued to attempt arson.

More than fifty houses burned down due to their actions even after the great fire, resulting in casualties and displaced persons.

However, those who committed the arson were swiftly captured by the constables and soldiers and faced severe punishment.

While the investigation to catch the one who spread the slander about "the changing of dynasties" was underway, another rumor began to circulate.

"This fire was caused by Minister of Military Affairs, Jo Mal-saeng! He set fire to destroy weapons while the King was away, and the Count of Goksan, Yeon Sa-jong, was plotting while not following the King's procession. Furthermore, Jo Mal-saeng's son, Jo Seon, and his relative, Gongnyeong-gun Lee In, attempted to ride and attack the palace on the day of the fire."

Upon hearing this rumor, Jo Mal-saeng prostrated himself before Sejong, crying out his innocence.

"Your Majesty! I did not commit such reckless acts! Please believe in my loyalty!"

"Indeed. You have held a high position since the reign of the late King."

Comforting the aggrieved Jo Mal-saeng, Sejong issued an order.

"Quickly find out who is spreading these rumors and apprehend them!"

After a thorough investigation throughout Hanyang, a suspect was captured.

"We have apprehended a suspect."

"Who is it?"

"It is a man named Kim Yong-saeng, who once served as a vice minister."

Sejong raised an eyebrow at Kwon Jin's response.

"A vice minister? That means he was at least a third-rank official. Why would such a person spread slander?"

"We are currently investigating the reason."

"Hand him over to the Office of Special Investigations and confirm the facts as quickly as possible."

"Understood!"

Days passed, and the head of the Office of Special Investigations reported directly to Sejong about the findings.

"Kim Yong-saeng harbored deep personal grievances against Minister of Military Affairs Jo Mal-saeng and Count of Goksan Yeon Sa-jong, which led him to commit these acts."

"Ah..."

Sejong sighed at the explanation.

"What kind of grievance could lead to such actions? Whether the slander is true or false, one side will face complete ruin."

Sejong's question was valid.

Accusations of treason were a gamble for both the accuser and the accused.

If the accusation was true, the accused's entire family would be destroyed; if false, the opposite would occur.

"That is..."

"Speak."

At Sejong's command, the head of the Office of Special Investigations revealed the circumstances.

"It was due to a bribery issue that Kim Yong-saeng harbored grievances and spread slander."

"Ah..."

Sejong was at a loss for words.

His gaze was fixed on Jo Mal-saeng, who was prostrated on one side.

"Minister of Military Affairs."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"I remember what the late King said to you. 'I would like to appoint you as a prime minister, but I will take my time, so do not refuse.'"

"Your Majesty..."

Sejong's voice grew colder.

"For the time being, exercise restraint. Chief State Councilor, listen."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Investigate the bribery issues related to the Minister of Military Affairs."

"I will carry out your command!"

The Chief State Councilor's voice was filled with excitement.

It was not only the Chief State Councilor who was excited.

The officials of the Office of Special Investigations, who had not had a good meal in a long time, eagerly conducted their investigation.

As a result, what could be called the greatest bribery scandal of the Joseon Dynasty during Sejong's reign was uncovered.

It was recorded in the annals as the "Kim Do-ryeon Bribery Case."

"According to our investigation, a man named Kim Do-yeon bribed both current and former officials, including Minister of Military Affairs Jo Mal-saeng and Count of Goksan Yeon Sa-jong, and manipulated lawsuits. As a result, he seized the property and slaves of brothers Kim Song and Kim Jin, who lived in Hongwon-hyeon, Hamheung, and turned hundreds of relatives into slaves."

"Ah..."

Sejong was left speechless at the report from the Chief State Councilor.

According to the report, the case of Kim Do-yeon starkly illustrated what it meant to have a "human face and a beast's heart."

The incident began when the criminal Kim Do-yeon coveted the wealth of Kim Saeng.

Kim Do-yeon's grandfather had been friends with Kim Saeng, who, after moving to Hamgyeong-do, experienced many hardships and became a wealthy landowner with vast fields and over a thousand slaves.

Coveting this wealth, Kim Do-yeon fabricated documents claiming that Kim Saeng was originally a slave of his family who had escaped to Hamgyeong-do and initiated a lawsuit against him.

To win this lawsuit, Kim Do-yeon distributed enormous bribes to high-ranking officials.

Thanks to these bribes, Kim Do-yeon won the lawsuit and seized the descendants of Kim Saeng, numbering 426, along with over a thousand slaves, as well as his fields and lands.

"Thus, the list of those who received bribes from this Kim Do-yeon is as follows."

As Sejong unfolded the scroll submitted by the Chief State Councilor, he checked the names written on it.

"The names of the Minister of Military Affairs and Count of Goksan are at the top."

At Sejong's words, Jo Mal-saeng immediately prostrated himself and cried out, "Please kill me!"

Ignoring Jo Mal-saeng's cry, Sejong issued an order to the Chief State Councilor.

"The Office of Special Investigations and the Office of State Audit must immediately investigate how much those on this list received in bribes and report back."

"I will carry out your command!"

The voices of the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor were filled with a fierce determination.

Meanwhile, the officials working in the research institute, having heard the rumors, hurriedly organized their documents.

"It would be shameful to just watch while this happens. We must root out the practice of bribery this time!"

The Office of Special Investigations and the Office of State Audit sprang into action like fish in water.

According to the report sent by the inspectors dispatched to Hamgyeong-do, a total of 19 current and former officials had received 132 slaves as bribes.

The one who received the most was Jo Mal-saeng, with 36.

The Chief State Councilor, Kwon Do, who submitted the list to Sejong, argued, "Among the slaves received by Jo Mal-saeng, it amounts to 780 gan. According to the law, bribes up to 40 gan can be overlooked, but those exceeding 80 gan should be punished by execution!"

"Is that so?"

"Though he was a trusted minister of the late King, if we forgive such a person, who would follow the law?"

"Ah..."

As Sejong hesitated, the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor simultaneously prostrated themselves and raised their voices.

"Please be lenient!"

"He must be punished with the utmost severity! Please be lenient!"

As the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor raised their voices demanding severe punishment, Sejong looked at the Minister of Military Affairs with eyes full of resentment.

Watching the trembling Jo Mal-saeng, who was prostrated, Sejong fell into deep thought.

He had been recognized for his abilities since the reign of the late King and had gained a good reputation.

He was also one of those who followed the King's policies well and offered good suggestions.

While it would be proper to punish him severely according to the law, the problem was that receiving bribes was a common practice among officials.

If all officials who received bribes were punished according to the law, only inexperienced individuals who could only follow orders would remain in the court.

'If it were up to me, I would want to eradicate them all, but... the situation...'

"Your Majesty, may I speak my thoughts?"

As Sejong's expression was read by Hyang, he replied as if he had been waiting.

"Speak freely."

"It is urgent to punish those who received bribes, but it is also urgent to restore the identities of those who suffered from unjust lawsuits. How about we handle this first?"

"Indeed! Immediately send someone to restore the identities and properties of the descendants of Kim Saeng who suffered from false lawsuits!"

"I will carry out your command!"

"Furthermore, we must punish Kim Do-yeon, who committed such a serious crime. His crimes are numerous. First, he initiated a false lawsuit for his own greed, which is one crime.

Second, he manipulated documents to falsely label commoners as slaves, disrupting the state's affairs, which is another crime. Third, he distributed bribes to achieve his own ends, which is yet another crime. Fourth, he intentionally harmed a friend of his grandfather for his own greed, which is a crime of filial impiety.

Fifth, he deceived commoners into being slaves, committing the crime of deceiving the King, which is another crime. Among these crimes, the crimes of filial impiety and deceiving the King alone are sufficient to warrant the death penalty according to the law.

Therefore, the criminal Kim Do-yeon shall be punished with the utmost severity, and all his family shall be made slaves, and all his property shall be confiscated.

Among the confiscated properties, those belonging to the victims shall be returned to them, and those who purchased the lands that belonged to the victims shall be refunded the amounts they paid at the time of purchase, and the lands shall be returned to the victims. If there are any remaining assets, they shall be deposited into the national treasury."

At Hyang's proposal, Sejong clapped his knees in delight.

"The Crown Prince's opinion is truly correct! What do you all think?"

At Sejong's question, all the ministers replied in unison.

"It is indeed a very good plan!"

As the ministers answered in unison, the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor interjected.

"The plan to restore the identities of the victims and punish the criminal is indeed a very good plan. However, the punishment of those who received bribes, starting with Jo Mal-saeng, is also urgent!"

"Please be lenient!"

"That part, I will consider further."

"Please be lenient!"

"I said I would consider it! That is all for today!"

Although Sejong said he would consider it, the Office of Special Investigations and the Office of State Audit did not let their momentum wane.

Starting the next day, the officials from the Office of State Audit and the Office of Special Investigations spread out mats in front of the main hall and began their protest.

"Jo Mal-saeng and the corrupt officials must be punished with the utmost severity!"

"Please be lenient!"

"Ah..."

Hearing the shouts from the courtyard in front of the main hall, Sejong sighed deeply and stood up.

"Let us take a short break."

Declaring a recess, Sejong headed to the East Palace.

"Is the Crown Prince here?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"It has been a while since I stayed in the East Palace."

Confirming that Hyang was staying with the palace attendants, Sejong commanded the attendants following him, "Wait here."

"However, Your Majesty..."

"This is a conversation between father and son. Do not overstep."

At Sejong's command, which carried a tone of firmness bordering on anger, the attendants stepped back.

"I will definitely! Someday!" The attendants were filled with determination, recalling legendary tales from their senior attendants.

"Come in."

"Yes."

After inviting him to sit, Hyang sat beside Sejong as he took his seat and spoke.

"You seem to be quite troubled."

At Hyang's question, Sejong nodded.

"You are correct. I would like to eradicate them all, but there are no capable successors, and if I am not careful, I may be accused of being unfilial for neglecting the officials raised by the late King. Ah..."

Seeing Sejong let out a long sigh, Hyang nodded slightly.

Since the national philosophy of Joseon was Confucianism, it was not easy to remove the shadow of the late King in matters of personnel.

Especially since many of the officials currently causing problems were connected to the royal family and relatives.

As Sejong appeared deep in thought, Hyang suggested his opinion.

"If we do not kill them but only punish them, would that not suffice?"

"Huh? How?"

Hyang whispered softly to Sejong.

After listening to Hyang for a while, Sejong suddenly slapped his knee.

"That is a good idea!"

Upon hearing the news that "the King has returned," the ministers gathered in the main hall and took their seats.

Sejong, seated on the throne above the main hall, looked at the ministers and began to speak.

"I have thought long and hard, and the crimes of Jo Mal-saeng and the other criminals are by no means light. According to the law, they should be punished with the utmost severity, but..."

"They must be punished with the utmost severity! Please be lenient!"

"Please be lenient!"

As soon as they heard the words "they should be punished with the utmost severity," the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor stepped forward, insisting on harsh punishment.

"How dare a subject interrupt the King's words! What kind of law is that in any country!"

Realizing their situation after Sejong's reprimand, the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor immediately prostrated themselves.

"Please kill me!"

"Shall I really do that?"

Sejong silenced the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor and continued.

"While it is fitting to punish them with the utmost severity, they were trusted by the late King, so I will not kill them. However, their crimes are not light, so I will punish them as follows. First, all positions, titles, and properties granted to the criminals shall be confiscated. However, this confiscation shall only apply to the properties of the criminals themselves. The properties distributed to their families and children shall not be touched if they were acquired within the last five years. Furthermore, the criminals shall be assigned to the Office of Special Investigations for document organization duties."

"Gulp!"

As soon as the term "document organization duties" was mentioned, the Prime Minister gasped in shock.

For the officials of the court, the document organization duties were a source of fear.

Although it was said to be documents from after the founding of the nation, the volume of documents connected to the late dynasty was not small.

At Sejong's verdict, Jo Mal-saeng slumped down helplessly.

The command continued above him.

"I also command the other ministers. I will give you a month. Those who have received bribes exceeding the legal limit must return them to the state immediately. Anyone discovered after a month will face confiscation of their property and document organization duties!"

"I will carry out your command!"

After the meeting in the main hall concluded and the ministers poured out, the protesting officials from the Office of Special Investigations and the Office of State Audit rushed towards the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor.

"What happened?"

At the officials' question, the Chief State Councilor and the State Auditor looked towards Jo Mal-saeng.

In the meantime, Jo Mal-saeng, whose face seemed to have aged ten years, was being supported by those around him as he exited the main hall.

Seeing this, the Chief State Councilor spoke.

"It would have been better to die."