Chapter 108
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 108
The next day, when Sejong announced at the royal council meeting that Hyang would be sent to Ming, all the ministers, excluding the senior officials, vehemently opposed the idea.
“Crown Prince, explain yourself.”
“Yes, Father.”
At Sejong’s command, Hyang repeated the explanation he had given to Sejong and the senior officials the day before.
“...Therefore, it is necessary for me, the Crown Prince, to go to Ming.”
“Even so, to send the foundational pillar of our nation recklessly to another country is...”
The newly appointed Minister of Law and Punishments showed his displeasure, prompting Sejong to glare at him.
“Then who should confront the Emperor? Would you, Your Excellency, go?”
“...”
Faced with Sejong’s question, the Minister of Law and Punishments closed his mouth.
How could a mere minister from a tributary state face off against the supreme ruler of a sovereign nation?
The overwhelming difference in status was evident. Moreover, if anything went wrong, the Minister would surely have to bear all the responsibilities.
In the end, the Minister of Law and Punishments had no choice but to keep his mouth shut. Seeing this, Sejong clicked his tongue.
“Tsk! You might as well have said something.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Tsk!”
Sejong clicked his tongue again, causing the Minister of Law and Punishments to tightly shut his eyes.
‘So this is why the other high-ranking officials hate the sound of a tongue click. I get it now!’
Sejong’s constant reproach made the Secretaries and ministers detest the sound of tongue-clicking intensely. However, it had also become routine for them to click their tongues when pointing out the faults of their subordinates.
“Alright, since there seems to be no opposition to appointing the Crown Prince as the emissary for this mission, let us proceed.”
“We heed Your Majesty’s command.”
“Crown Prince, go back and attend to your duties.”
“We heed Your Majesty’s command.”
As the Crown Prince left the chamber, Sejong looked around at the ministers with a proud face.
“Having such a talented child is indeed a great blessing, don’t you think?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty!”
“The Crown Prince is so exceptional; this is truly a fortune for Joseon.”
“Absolutely! It is indeed the fortune of Joseon!”
The ministers eagerly echoed Sejong’s words.
The official who recorded all of this added the following note:
– ...All the ministers at the royal court praised the Crown Prince’s excellence.
The official opines:
Recently, it is said that in the homes of officials ranking higher than Councilors, the cries of children are incessant.
Moreover, the number of people entering officialdom through merit-based exams is also decreasing.
No further words will be said.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
***
As the officer said, the nobleman’s house was filled with incessant scolding from adults and the cries of children.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has already accumulated such achievements, what are you doing?!”
“I-I apologize! I will strive harder...”
“Quiet! Kneel!”
Children of the same age as Hyang, or even younger, were constantly compared in terms of academic achievements and scolded every day.
The situation was no better for their adult offspring.
“You fool! Why does the evaluation written in the Royal Service Corps look like this! You are disgracing your father’s face!”
“I apologize!”
“If you’re comfortable in your official robe because of nepotism, you should be working even harder! What were you doing to get such an evaluation?”
“I apologize!”
“Starting tomorrow, report to work earlier and leave later than anyone else! If I catch you frequenting brothels? I’ll report you and have you jailed in the Records Office!”
“Father, please, not that!”
Those who obtained their posts easily through nepotism, carrying the reputation of their father and lineage on their backs, were going through hard times.
Those who had passed the state exams in the past and climbed the ladder by following the proper protocol looked down on those who entered through nepotism.
“So, I have heard from the envoy who went to Joseon. You’ll cover the outer three places with glass?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And you’ll only charge for the cost of the glass in return?”
“That’s correct.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s response, Emperor Zhu Zhanji burst into hearty laughter, pounding his armrest.
“Ha ha ha! Excellent! I’ve heard that glass is a truly beautiful material. But I was wary of wasting state funds on its beauty, and here you are, Joseon, with such a generous offer!”
Seeing Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s positive reaction, Hyang cautiously advanced the matter.
“Maintaining good neighborly relations with Your Majesty’s nation is the desire of our Joseon. Bring in what we’ve prepared.”
At Hyang’s command, Joseon officials who had been waiting brought in large and small boxes covered with silk cloth.
“What is this?”
“Merely some trivial things made of glass.”
As Hyang spoke, he lifted the silk cover.
“Ooh!”
“Oooh!”
Seeing the exposed objects, not only Emperor Zhu Zhanji but also the surrounding bureaucrats and eunuchs couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
It was a beautiful table held up by four glass dragons.
“Truly beautiful.”
Unconsciously, Emperor Zhu Zhanji murmured. Although he usually emphasized frugality, he could only admire the beauty that the glass possessed.
Next, Hyang opened the other boxes. Upon seeing the glass objects wrapped in sawdust, Emperor Zhu Zhanji praised Hyang.
“Since ancient times, Haedong (Korean Peninsula) has been famous for creating beautiful objects. Seeing these glass items, I realize that the reputation is not unfounded.”
“Your praise is too generous.”
“It’s not excessive.”
As the attendants cleared away the tribute items, Emperor Zhu Zhanji moved on to the main point.
“Once again, according to what the envoy said, you will replace all the outer gates at the three outposts with glass and accept only the price of glass as compensation. Is this correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“In return, you said you would cease sending palace maidens and eunuchs. Is that correct too?”
“Yes, Your Majesty! Sending palace maidens and eunuchs causes many parents in Joseon to shed tears and lament. Is this not a tragic matter?”
“Indeed.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s words, Emperor Zhu Zhanji nodded his head.
The custom of sending palace maidens was initiated by the Yuan Dynasty. His previous predecessors were the one who continued this practice.
‘There’s no reason for our illustrious nation to continue a custom performed by barbarians like the Yuan. However...’
Calculating back and forth, Emperor Zhu Zhanji began to negotiate.
“If you also cover my inner palace with glass, I will accept your proposal. However, the cost will be 6 silver tael per yard for both external and internal projects.”
“Your Majesty! It takes 8 silver tael per yard just to produce the glass! Taking into account potential damages during transportation, 6 tael would be unreasonable!”
Hyang vehemently refused, but Emperor Zhu Zhanji was not willing to relent.
“Is the king of Joseon reluctant to spend money to stop his people’s tears?”
“...”
Faced with Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s question, Hyang bit his lips. At this, Emperor Zhu Zhanji gave a small smile.
‘Well, what will you do? Your father’s honor is at stake!’
After much deliberation, Hyang looked at Emperor Zhu Zhanji.
“I propose 7 silver tael per yard, and I would like to make an additional suggestion to Your Majesty.”
“A suggestion? Speak.”
“As you’ve just seen, our Joseon makes various artifacts with glass. We are planning to sell these glass artifacts to the Ming Dynasty soon.”
“Is that so? Joseon will make a lot of wealth. Is there a problem with that?”
“Therefore, I would like to propose a partnership to Your Majesty.”
“A partnership? With me? Why?”
Upon hearing Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s questions, Hyang began to explain the joint venture.
“Hmm... I’ve heard your explanation well. But why me?”
“The owner of the royal glass workshop that produces this glass is my father. Although we are a vassal state, you are the ruler of a country, so the most suitable business partner would be none other than you, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm...”
Emperor Zhu Zhanji began tapping the armrest of his chair with his fingers, pondering.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 108
The next day, when Sejong announced at the royal council meeting that Hyang would be sent to Ming, all the ministers, excluding the senior officials, vehemently opposed the idea.
“Crown Prince, explain yourself.”
“Yes, Father.”
At Sejong’s command, Hyang repeated the explanation he had given to Sejong and the senior officials the day before.
“...Therefore, it is necessary for me, the Crown Prince, to go to Ming.”
“Even so, to send the foundational pillar of our nation recklessly to another country is...”
The newly appointed Minister of Law and Punishments showed his displeasure, prompting Sejong to glare at him.
“Then who should confront the Emperor? Would you, Your Excellency, go?”
“...”
Faced with Sejong’s question, the Minister of Law and Punishments closed his mouth.
How could a mere minister from a tributary state face off against the supreme ruler of a sovereign nation?
The overwhelming difference in status was evident. Moreover, if anything went wrong, the Minister would surely have to bear all the responsibilities.
In the end, the Minister of Law and Punishments had no choice but to keep his mouth shut. Seeing this, Sejong clicked his tongue.
“Tsk! You might as well have said something.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Tsk!”
Sejong clicked his tongue again, causing the Minister of Law and Punishments to tightly shut his eyes.
‘So this is why the other high-ranking officials hate the sound of a tongue click. I get it now!’
Sejong’s constant reproach made the Secretaries and ministers detest the sound of tongue-clicking intensely. However, it had also become routine for them to click their tongues when pointing out the faults of their subordinates.
“Alright, since there seems to be no opposition to appointing the Crown Prince as the emissary for this mission, let us proceed.”
“We heed Your Majesty’s command.”
“Crown Prince, go back and attend to your duties.”
“We heed Your Majesty’s command.”
As the Crown Prince left the chamber, Sejong looked around at the ministers with a proud face.
“Having such a talented child is indeed a great blessing, don’t you think?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty!”
“The Crown Prince is so exceptional; this is truly a fortune for Joseon.”
“Absolutely! It is indeed the fortune of Joseon!”
The ministers eagerly echoed Sejong’s words.
The official who recorded all of this added the following note:
– ...All the ministers at the royal court praised the Crown Prince’s excellence.
The official opines:
Recently, it is said that in the homes of officials ranking higher than Councilors, the cries of children are incessant.
Moreover, the number of people entering officialdom through merit-based exams is also decreasing.
No further words will be said.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
***
As the officer said, the nobleman’s house was filled with incessant scolding from adults and the cries of children.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has already accumulated such achievements, what are you doing?!”
“I-I apologize! I will strive harder...”
“Quiet! Kneel!”
Children of the same age as Hyang, or even younger, were constantly compared in terms of academic achievements and scolded every day.
The situation was no better for their adult offspring.
“You fool! Why does the evaluation written in the Royal Service Corps look like this! You are disgracing your father’s face!”
“I apologize!”
“If you’re comfortable in your official robe because of nepotism, you should be working even harder! What were you doing to get such an evaluation?”
“I apologize!”
“Starting tomorrow, report to work earlier and leave later than anyone else! If I catch you frequenting brothels? I’ll report you and have you jailed in the Records Office!”
“Father, please, not that!”
Those who obtained their posts easily through nepotism, carrying the reputation of their father and lineage on their backs, were going through hard times.
Those who had passed the state exams in the past and climbed the ladder by following the proper protocol looked down on those who entered through nepotism.
“So, I have heard from the envoy who went to Joseon. You’ll cover the outer three places with glass?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And you’ll only charge for the cost of the glass in return?”
“That’s correct.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s response, Emperor Zhu Zhanji burst into hearty laughter, pounding his armrest.
“Ha ha ha! Excellent! I’ve heard that glass is a truly beautiful material. But I was wary of wasting state funds on its beauty, and here you are, Joseon, with such a generous offer!”
Seeing Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s positive reaction, Hyang cautiously advanced the matter.
“Maintaining good neighborly relations with Your Majesty’s nation is the desire of our Joseon. Bring in what we’ve prepared.”
At Hyang’s command, Joseon officials who had been waiting brought in large and small boxes covered with silk cloth.
“What is this?”
“Merely some trivial things made of glass.”
As Hyang spoke, he lifted the silk cover.
“Ooh!”
“Oooh!”
Seeing the exposed objects, not only Emperor Zhu Zhanji but also the surrounding bureaucrats and eunuchs couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
It was a beautiful table held up by four glass dragons.
“Truly beautiful.”
Unconsciously, Emperor Zhu Zhanji murmured. Although he usually emphasized frugality, he could only admire the beauty that the glass possessed.
Next, Hyang opened the other boxes. Upon seeing the glass objects wrapped in sawdust, Emperor Zhu Zhanji praised Hyang.
“Since ancient times, Haedong (Korean Peninsula) has been famous for creating beautiful objects. Seeing these glass items, I realize that the reputation is not unfounded.”
“Your praise is too generous.”
“It’s not excessive.”
As the attendants cleared away the tribute items, Emperor Zhu Zhanji moved on to the main point.
“Once again, according to what the envoy said, you will replace all the outer gates at the three outposts with glass and accept only the price of glass as compensation. Is this correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“In return, you said you would cease sending palace maidens and eunuchs. Is that correct too?”
“Yes, Your Majesty! Sending palace maidens and eunuchs causes many parents in Joseon to shed tears and lament. Is this not a tragic matter?”
“Indeed.”
Upon hearing Hyang’s words, Emperor Zhu Zhanji nodded his head.
The custom of sending palace maidens was initiated by the Yuan Dynasty. His previous predecessors were the one who continued this practice.
‘There’s no reason for our illustrious nation to continue a custom performed by barbarians like the Yuan. However...’
Calculating back and forth, Emperor Zhu Zhanji began to negotiate.
“If you also cover my inner palace with glass, I will accept your proposal. However, the cost will be 6 silver tael per yard for both external and internal projects.”
“Your Majesty! It takes 8 silver tael per yard just to produce the glass! Taking into account potential damages during transportation, 6 tael would be unreasonable!”
Hyang vehemently refused, but Emperor Zhu Zhanji was not willing to relent.
“Is the king of Joseon reluctant to spend money to stop his people’s tears?”
“...”
Faced with Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s question, Hyang bit his lips. At this, Emperor Zhu Zhanji gave a small smile.
‘Well, what will you do? Your father’s honor is at stake!’
After much deliberation, Hyang looked at Emperor Zhu Zhanji.
“I propose 7 silver tael per yard, and I would like to make an additional suggestion to Your Majesty.”
“A suggestion? Speak.”
“As you’ve just seen, our Joseon makes various artifacts with glass. We are planning to sell these glass artifacts to the Ming Dynasty soon.”
“Is that so? Joseon will make a lot of wealth. Is there a problem with that?”
“Therefore, I would like to propose a partnership to Your Majesty.”
“A partnership? With me? Why?”
Upon hearing Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s questions, Hyang began to explain the joint venture.
“Hmm... I’ve heard your explanation well. But why me?”
“The owner of the royal glass workshop that produces this glass is my father. Although we are a vassal state, you are the ruler of a country, so the most suitable business partner would be none other than you, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm...”
Emperor Zhu Zhanji began tapping the armrest of his chair with his fingers, pondering.
Chapter 108The next day, when Sejong announced at the royal council meeting that Hyang would be sent to Ming, all the ministers, excluding the senior officials, vehemently opposed the idea.Crown Prince, explain yourself.Yes, Father.At Sejong's command, Hyang repeated the explanation he had given to Sejong and the senior officials the day before....Therefore, it is necessary for me, the Crown Prince, to go to Ming.Even so, to send the foundational pillar of our nation recklessly to another country is...The newly appointed Minister of Law and Punishments showed his displeasure, prompting Sejong to glare at him.Then who should confront the Emperor? Would you, Your Excellency, go?...Faced with Sejong's question, the Minister of Law and Punishments closed his mouth.How could a mere minister from a tributary state face off against the supreme ruler of a sovereign nation? The overwhelming difference in status was evident. Moreover, if anything went wrong, the Minister would surely have to bear all the responsibilities.In the end, the Minister of Law and Punishments had no choice but to keep his mouth shut. Seeing this, Sejong clicked his tongue.Tsk! You might as well have said something.Your Majesty.Tsk!Sejong clicked his tongue again, causing the Minister of Law and Punishments to tightly shut his eyes.So this is why the other high-ranking officials hate the sound of a tongue click. I get it now!'Sejong's constant reproach made the Secretaries and ministers detest the sound of tongue-clicking intensely. However, it had also become routine for them to click their tongues when pointing out the faults of their subordinates.Alright, since there seems to be no opposition to appointing the Crown Prince as the emissary for this mission, let us proceed.We heed Your Majesty's command.Crown Prince, go back and attend to your duties.We heed Your Majesty's command.As the Crown Prince left the chamber, Sejong looked around at the ministers with a proud face.Having such a talented child is indeed a great blessing, don't you think?Indeed, Your Majesty!The Crown Prince is so exceptional; this is truly a fortune for Joseon.Absolutely! It is indeed the fortune of Joseon!The ministers eagerly echoed Sejong's words.The official who recorded all of this added the following note: ...All the ministers at the royal court praised the Crown Prince's excellence.The official opines:Recently, it is said that in the homes of officials ranking higher than Councilors, the cries of children are incessant.Moreover, the number of people entering officialdom through merit-based exams is also decreasing.No further words will be said.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Nvl-B!n.***As the officer said, the nobleman's house was filled with incessant scolding from adults and the cries of children.His Highness the Crown Prince has already accumulated such achievements, what are you doing?!I-I apologize! I will strive harder...Quiet! Kneel!Children of the same age as Hyang, or even younger, were constantly compared in terms of academic achievements and scolded every day.The situation was no better for their adult offspring.You fool! Why does the evaluation written in the Royal Service Corps look like this! You are disgracing your father's face!I apologize!If you're comfortable in your official robe because of nepotism, you should be working even harder! What were you doing to get such an evaluation?I apologize!Starting tomorrow, report to work earlier and leave later than anyone else! If I catch you frequenting brothels? I'll report you and have you jailed in the Records Office!Father, please, not that!Those who obtained their posts easily through nepotism, carrying the reputation of their father and lineage on their backs, were going through hard times.Those who had passed the state exams in the past and climbed the ladder by following the proper protocol looked down on those who entered through nepotism.So, I have heard from the envoy who went to Joseon. You'll cover the outer three places with glass?Yes, Your Majesty.And you'll only charge for the cost of the glass in return?That's correct.Upon hearing Hyang's response, Emperor Zhu Zhanji burst into hearty laughter, pounding his armrest.Ha ha ha! Excellent! I've heard that glass is a truly beautiful material. But I was wary of wasting state funds on its beauty, and here you are, Joseon, with such a generous offer!Seeing Emperor Zhu Zhanji's positive reaction, Hyang cautiously advanced the matter.Maintaining good neighborly relations with Your Majesty's nation is the desire of our Joseon. Bring in what we've prepared.At Hyang's command, Joseon officials who had been waiting brought in large and small boxes covered with silk cloth.What is this?Merely some trivial things made of glass.As Hyang spoke, he lifted the silk cover.Ooh!Oooh!Seeing the exposed objects, not only Emperor Zhu Zhanji but also the surrounding bureaucrats and eunuchs couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.It was a beautiful table held up by four glass dragons.Truly beautiful.Unconsciously, Emperor Zhu Zhanji murmured. Although he usually emphasized frugality, he could only admire the beauty that the glass possessed.Next, Hyang opened the other boxes. Upon seeing the glass objects wrapped in sawdust, Emperor Zhu Zhanji praised Hyang.Since ancient times, Haedong Korean Peninsula has been famous for creating beautiful objects. Seeing these glass items, I realize that the reputation is not unfounded.Your praise is too generous.It's not excessive.As the attendants cleared away the tribute items, Emperor Zhu Zhanji moved on to the main point.Once again, according to what the envoy said, you will replace all the outer gates at the three outposts with glass and accept only the price of glass as compensation. Is this correct?Yes, Your Majesty.In return, you said you would cease sending palace maidens and eunuchs. Is that correct too?Yes, Your Majesty! Sending palace maidens and eunuchs causes many parents in Joseon to shed tears and lament. Is this not a tragic matter?Indeed.Upon hearing Hyang's words, Emperor Zhu Zhanji nodded his head.The custom of sending palace maidens was initiated by the Yuan Dynasty. His previous predecessors were the one who continued this practice.There's no reason for our illustrious nation to continue a custom performed by barbarians like the Yuan. However...'Calculating back and forth, Emperor Zhu Zhanji began to negotiate.If you also cover my inner palace with glass, I will accept your proposal. However, the cost will be 6 silver tael per yard for both external and internal projects.Your Majesty! It takes 8 silver tael per yard just to produce the glass! Taking into account potential damages during transportation, 6 tael would be unreasonable!Hyang vehemently refused, but Emperor Zhu Zhanji was not willing to relent.Is the king of Joseon reluctant to spend money to stop his people's tears?...Faced with Emperor Zhu Zhanji's question, Hyang bit his lips. At this, Emperor Zhu Zhanji gave a small smile.Well, what will you do? Your father's honor is at stake!'After much deliberation, Hyang looked at Emperor Zhu Zhanji.I propose 7 silver tael per yard, and I would like to make an additional suggestion to Your Majesty.A suggestion? Speak.As you've just seen, our Joseon makes various artifacts with glass. We are planning to sell these glass artifacts to the Ming Dynasty soon.Is that so? Joseon will make a lot of wealth. Is there a problem with that?Therefore, I would like to propose a partnership to Your Majesty.A partnership? With me? Why?Upon hearing Emperor Zhu Zhanji's questions, Hyang began to explain the joint venture.Hmm... I've heard your explanation well. But why me?The owner of the royal glass workshop that produces this glass is my father. Although we are a vassal state, you are the ruler of a country, so the most suitable business partner would be none other than you, Your Majesty.Hmm...Emperor Zhu Zhanji began tapping the armrest of his chair with his fingers, pondering.
