Chapter 117
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Chapter 117
The Chief Censor soon waved a white flag, and not long after, Jo Mal-saeng entered the hall.
Seeing Jo Mal-saeng walk in, clad in white robes and wearing a traditional hat, Hyang thought he heard the theme music from a famous western movie composed by Ennio Morricone1.
‘All he needs is a cigarette in his mouth!’
Jo Mal-saeng, emitting an air of perilousness, strolled up to the platform where King Sejong sat and deeply bowed.
“Sinner Jo Mal-saeng has arrived, heeding His Majesty’s command!”
“So, how’s life at the Records Bureau? I hear it’s terribly strenuous for everyone?”
In response to Sejong’s query, Jo Mal-saeng forcefully answered.
“How could I complain when not only have you spared this deserving sinner’s life but also granted me a chance to atone for my past sins?”
“Heh heh heh....”
Upon hearing Jo Mal-saeng’s reply, King Sejong chuckled, making the ministers uneasy.
‘Did he go to the Records Bureau to learn documentation or just to practice fawning?’
As much as the ministers felt disgusted, Sejong, who had been chuckling, suddenly became serious and looked at Jo Mal-saeng sternly.
“This King intends to give sinner Jo Mal-saeng an opportunity. The post of the Minister of Military Affairs is vacant. Can you handle the responsibilities of this position?”
Faced with Sejong’s query, Jo Mal-saeng prostrated himself on the ground and responded loudly,
“Sinner Jo Mal-saeng! If you entrust me with this task, I will do my utmost, pouring in every ounce of my energy!”
Sejong made his decision.
“Start your duties from tomorrow. If you fail to do well, you will be immediately dismissed and returned to the Records Bureau.”
Jo Mal-saeng firmly planted his forehead on the ground and shouted,
“I will bear it in mind, and remember it again!”
“Let’s see how you do over the next three months. If you manage your duties well, I will grant you a piece of suitable land in Bukchon and build you a new house. Otherwise, who knows what will happen?”
Jo Mal-saeng promptly answered,
“I understand! Even if I die, I will die at the desk of the Minister of Military Affairs!”
“Then go and rest. Minister of Military Affairs.”
“Your Grace is boundless! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand years!”
After shouting “A thousand years” three times, Jo Mal-saeng cautiously backpedaled out of the hall. King Sejong looked around at his ministers.
“Well, now that we’ve filled the position, let’s get back to work. We don’t have much time left before the end of the royal examination.”
“We heed your words!”
Meanwhile, the scribe who had documented all these proceedings added a note.
-...Thus, the ministers did not oppose the reappointment of Jo Mal-saeng.
The scribe mused,
His Majesty is fearsome.
* * *
The next day, Jo Mal-saeng, dressed in proper official attire, immediately started working on improving the military’s issues.
“...As the northern stronghold expands, there are communication problems arising. A comprehensive overhaul of the relay stations is needed as a solution,” he suggested.
“A revamp of the relay stations, you say...”
At Jo Mal-saeng’s suggestion, King Sejong stroked his chin beard, lost in thought.
Starting in China and being introduced into Korea since the Three Kingdoms period, the relay stations or beacon system had been one of the most critical elements in the administrative network.
“Does the Minister of Military Affairs have any thoughts?”
“First, we need to identify the problems that have arisen from the existing system. Until now, we’ve granted land to residents living around the relay stations and entrusted them with its management. Horses required for the stations were secured by levying the Stand-horse Labor Tax on local residents, servants at the stations, and government soldiers.
However, this has caused significant drawbacks.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
“According to the records that I reviewed at the archives, the number of diplomatic missions between Joseon and Ming has increased, raising the demand and cost of horses. It’s even leading to people selling all their assets to afford this Stand-horse Labor. Consequently, the number of people running away from the relay stations or becoming vagrants is increasing.” (Note 1)
At Jo Mal-saeng’s report, King Sejong’s expression became serious.
“That is indeed a problem... What’s the solution then?”
“The easiest method is to recruit residents living near the stations as Auxiliary Labor Households and levy the Stand-horse Labor on them. The next option would be to supply government horses from pastures stationed in each region. I believe the latter is the best choice.”
“The latter, you say?”
Jo Mal-saeng continued to advocate for its necessity.
“Recruiting Auxiliary Labor Households may be convenient for now, but people will eventually run away or become vagrants again. The current taxation reform aims to simplify the tax obligations of the people, so the first option doesn’t align with this goal.”
“That’s true.”
At Jo Mal-saeng’s words, both King Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement. Seeing the positive reactions, Jo Mal-saeng continued.
“Thus, distributing government horses bred in regional pastures would be the best solution.”
The scribe who recorded all this added.
– And so, a decision from above was made.
The scribe pondered.
What had the Minister of Military Affairs experienced in the Records Office?
Meanwhile, Hyang, who had been watching the debate between Jo Mal-saeng and the ministers, suddenly remembered something.
‘Come to think of it... Otaibi, what are these noblemen doing taking so long? Are they planning to start from pairing the horses and then bring them?’
* * *
The situation was dire for the Otaibi family as Hyang found himself lost in thought about them after a long time.
“Just a little more and we’ll be in Joseon! Put in a little more effort!”
“Yes!”
Responding to the leader’s orders, the ship’s captain shouted commands to the crew.
“Shoot the arrows! Shoot!”
Following the captain’s orders, the crew fired flaming arrows at the pursuing pirate ships.
But it wasn’t just the Otaibi family’s merchant ships that were firing arrows at the incoming pirates. The merchant ships of the accompanying Azram family were also desperately fending off the pirate attacks.
The pirates were equally desperate.
“Catch them quickly!”
“Boss! We’re almost in the patrol zone of the Joseon Navy! It’s dangerous!”
Upon hearing his subordinate’s report, the leader of the pirate fleet, Wang Gahak, gritted his teeth and replied.
“I know! But if we catch those ships properly, we won’t have to imitate these foreigners for another 2-3 years!”
These men were dressed as foreigners, but they were actually fake Japanese, who were Chinese.
Shishi-shik!
“Flaming arrows!”
“Put out the fire!”
“Shoot our flaming arrows!”
As the Otaibi and Azram families’ merchant ships and pirate fleets engaged in a frantic chase, smoke rose in the distant northern sky.
Puff-puff-bang!
Multicolored smoke clouds burst in the air, and the subordinates shouted towards Wang Gahak.
“Boss! It’s the Joseon Navy!”
“Damn it! Turn the ship around!”
“The pirate ships are turning!”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure!”
Upon hearing the captain’s report, Otaibi rushed to the bow of the ship and looked at the pirate ships.
The pirate ships that had been chasing them with intent to kill were now changing their direction dramatically.
“It’s fortunate, but why?”
Surviving by the skin of his teeth, Otaibi was more curious than relieved.
“It seems to be related to the smoke that burst in the sky earlier.”
“That smoke?”
Otaibi immediately recalled the multicolored smoke cloud that had burst in the sky earlier.
“What on earth is that?”
As Otaibi couldn’t hide his confusion, a crew member who had been looking through the lookout at the top of the mast shouted.
“Ships are coming from the north!”
Upon hearing the sailor’s words, the leader and the captain rushed to the bow.
As the sailor said, ships with yellow sails were approaching them from a distance.
“It’s not any kind of ship.”
“Indeed.”
On these square-shaped vessels, multicolored flags depicting various animals were fluttering.
* * *
Note 1) Korean Cultural Encyclopedia https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/Item/E0036639#self
Note 2) January 6th, in the 10th year of Sejong.
Probably referring to the movie called, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.[↩]
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 117
The Chief Censor soon waved a white flag, and not long after, Jo Mal-saeng entered the hall.
Seeing Jo Mal-saeng walk in, clad in white robes and wearing a traditional hat, Hyang thought he heard the theme music from a famous western movie composed by Ennio Morricone1.
‘All he needs is a cigarette in his mouth!’
Jo Mal-saeng, emitting an air of perilousness, strolled up to the platform where King Sejong sat and deeply bowed.
“Sinner Jo Mal-saeng has arrived, heeding His Majesty’s command!”
“So, how’s life at the Records Bureau? I hear it’s terribly strenuous for everyone?”
In response to Sejong’s query, Jo Mal-saeng forcefully answered.
“How could I complain when not only have you spared this deserving sinner’s life but also granted me a chance to atone for my past sins?”
“Heh heh heh....”
Upon hearing Jo Mal-saeng’s reply, King Sejong chuckled, making the ministers uneasy.
‘Did he go to the Records Bureau to learn documentation or just to practice fawning?’
As much as the ministers felt disgusted, Sejong, who had been chuckling, suddenly became serious and looked at Jo Mal-saeng sternly.
“This King intends to give sinner Jo Mal-saeng an opportunity. The post of the Minister of Military Affairs is vacant. Can you handle the responsibilities of this position?”
Faced with Sejong’s query, Jo Mal-saeng prostrated himself on the ground and responded loudly,
“Sinner Jo Mal-saeng! If you entrust me with this task, I will do my utmost, pouring in every ounce of my energy!”
Sejong made his decision.
“Start your duties from tomorrow. If you fail to do well, you will be immediately dismissed and returned to the Records Bureau.”
Jo Mal-saeng firmly planted his forehead on the ground and shouted,
“I will bear it in mind, and remember it again!”
“Let’s see how you do over the next three months. If you manage your duties well, I will grant you a piece of suitable land in Bukchon and build you a new house. Otherwise, who knows what will happen?”
Jo Mal-saeng promptly answered,
“I understand! Even if I die, I will die at the desk of the Minister of Military Affairs!”
“Then go and rest. Minister of Military Affairs.”
“Your Grace is boundless! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand years!”
After shouting “A thousand years” three times, Jo Mal-saeng cautiously backpedaled out of the hall. King Sejong looked around at his ministers.
“Well, now that we’ve filled the position, let’s get back to work. We don’t have much time left before the end of the royal examination.”
“We heed your words!”
Meanwhile, the scribe who had documented all these proceedings added a note.
-...Thus, the ministers did not oppose the reappointment of Jo Mal-saeng.
The scribe mused,
His Majesty is fearsome.
* * *
The next day, Jo Mal-saeng, dressed in proper official attire, immediately started working on improving the military’s issues.
“...As the northern stronghold expands, there are communication problems arising. A comprehensive overhaul of the relay stations is needed as a solution,” he suggested.
“A revamp of the relay stations, you say...”
At Jo Mal-saeng’s suggestion, King Sejong stroked his chin beard, lost in thought.
Starting in China and being introduced into Korea since the Three Kingdoms period, the relay stations or beacon system had been one of the most critical elements in the administrative network.
“Does the Minister of Military Affairs have any thoughts?”
“First, we need to identify the problems that have arisen from the existing system. Until now, we’ve granted land to residents living around the relay stations and entrusted them with its management. Horses required for the stations were secured by levying the Stand-horse Labor Tax on local residents, servants at the stations, and government soldiers.
However, this has caused significant drawbacks.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
“According to the records that I reviewed at the archives, the number of diplomatic missions between Joseon and Ming has increased, raising the demand and cost of horses. It’s even leading to people selling all their assets to afford this Stand-horse Labor. Consequently, the number of people running away from the relay stations or becoming vagrants is increasing.” (Note 1)
At Jo Mal-saeng’s report, King Sejong’s expression became serious.
“That is indeed a problem... What’s the solution then?”
“The easiest method is to recruit residents living near the stations as Auxiliary Labor Households and levy the Stand-horse Labor on them. The next option would be to supply government horses from pastures stationed in each region. I believe the latter is the best choice.”
“The latter, you say?”
Jo Mal-saeng continued to advocate for its necessity.
“Recruiting Auxiliary Labor Households may be convenient for now, but people will eventually run away or become vagrants again. The current taxation reform aims to simplify the tax obligations of the people, so the first option doesn’t align with this goal.”
“That’s true.”
At Jo Mal-saeng’s words, both King Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement. Seeing the positive reactions, Jo Mal-saeng continued.
“Thus, distributing government horses bred in regional pastures would be the best solution.”
The scribe who recorded all this added.
– And so, a decision from above was made.
The scribe pondered.
What had the Minister of Military Affairs experienced in the Records Office?
Meanwhile, Hyang, who had been watching the debate between Jo Mal-saeng and the ministers, suddenly remembered something.
‘Come to think of it... Otaibi, what are these noblemen doing taking so long? Are they planning to start from pairing the horses and then bring them?’
* * *
The situation was dire for the Otaibi family as Hyang found himself lost in thought about them after a long time.
“Just a little more and we’ll be in Joseon! Put in a little more effort!”
“Yes!”
Responding to the leader’s orders, the ship’s captain shouted commands to the crew.
“Shoot the arrows! Shoot!”
Following the captain’s orders, the crew fired flaming arrows at the pursuing pirate ships.
But it wasn’t just the Otaibi family’s merchant ships that were firing arrows at the incoming pirates. The merchant ships of the accompanying Azram family were also desperately fending off the pirate attacks.
The pirates were equally desperate.
“Catch them quickly!”
“Boss! We’re almost in the patrol zone of the Joseon Navy! It’s dangerous!”
Upon hearing his subordinate’s report, the leader of the pirate fleet, Wang Gahak, gritted his teeth and replied.
“I know! But if we catch those ships properly, we won’t have to imitate these foreigners for another 2-3 years!”
These men were dressed as foreigners, but they were actually fake Japanese, who were Chinese.
Shishi-shik!
“Flaming arrows!”
“Put out the fire!”
“Shoot our flaming arrows!”
As the Otaibi and Azram families’ merchant ships and pirate fleets engaged in a frantic chase, smoke rose in the distant northern sky.
Puff-puff-bang!
Multicolored smoke clouds burst in the air, and the subordinates shouted towards Wang Gahak.
“Boss! It’s the Joseon Navy!”
“Damn it! Turn the ship around!”
“The pirate ships are turning!”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure!”
Upon hearing the captain’s report, Otaibi rushed to the bow of the ship and looked at the pirate ships.
The pirate ships that had been chasing them with intent to kill were now changing their direction dramatically.
“It’s fortunate, but why?”
Surviving by the skin of his teeth, Otaibi was more curious than relieved.
“It seems to be related to the smoke that burst in the sky earlier.”
“That smoke?”
Otaibi immediately recalled the multicolored smoke cloud that had burst in the sky earlier.
“What on earth is that?”
As Otaibi couldn’t hide his confusion, a crew member who had been looking through the lookout at the top of the mast shouted.
“Ships are coming from the north!”
Upon hearing the sailor’s words, the leader and the captain rushed to the bow.
As the sailor said, ships with yellow sails were approaching them from a distance.
“It’s not any kind of ship.”
“Indeed.”
On these square-shaped vessels, multicolored flags depicting various animals were fluttering.
* * *
Note 1) Korean Cultural Encyclopedia https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/Item/E0036639#self
Note 2) January 6th, in the 10th year of Sejong.
Probably referring to the movie called, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.[↩]
Chapter 117The Chief Censor soon waved a white flag, and not long after, Jo Mal-saeng entered the hall.Seeing Jo Mal-saeng walk in, clad in white robes and wearing a traditional hat, Hyang thought he heard the theme music from a famous western movie composed by Ennio Morricone1.All he needs is a cigarette in his mouth!'Jo Mal-saeng, emitting an air of perilousness, strolled up to the platform where King Sejong sat and deeply bowed.Sinner Jo Mal-saeng has arrived, heeding His Majesty's command!So, how's life at the Records Bureau? I hear it's terribly strenuous for everyone?In response to Sejong's query, Jo Mal-saeng forcefully answered.How could I complain when not only have you spared this deserving sinner's life but also granted me a chance to atone for my past sins?Heh heh heh....Upon hearing Jo Mal-saeng's reply, King Sejong chuckled, making the ministers uneasy.Did he go to the Records Bureau to learn documentation or just to practice fawning?'As much as the ministers felt disgusted, Sejong, who had been chuckling, suddenly became serious and looked at Jo Mal-saeng sternly.This King intends to give sinner Jo Mal-saeng an opportunity. The post of the Minister of Military Affairs is vacant. Can you handle the responsibilities of this position?Faced with Sejong's query, Jo Mal-saeng prostrated himself on the ground and responded loudly,Sinner Jo Mal-saeng! If you entrust me with this task, I will do my utmost, pouring in every ounce of my energy!Sejong made his decision.Start your duties from tomorrow. If you fail to do well, you will be immediately dismissed and returned to the Records Bureau.Jo Mal-saeng firmly planted his forehead on the ground and shouted,I will bear it in mind, and remember it again!Let's see how you do over the next three months. If you manage your duties well, I will grant you a piece of suitable land in Bukchon and build you a new house. Otherwise, who knows what will happen?Jo Mal-saeng promptly answered,I understand! Even if I die, I will die at the desk of the Minister of Military Affairs!Then go and rest. Minister of Military Affairs.Your Grace is boundless! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand years!After shouting A thousand years three times, Jo Mal-saeng cautiously backpedaled out of the hall. King Sejong looked around at his ministers.Well, now that we've filled the position, let's get back to work. We don't have much time left before the end of the royal examination.We heed your words!Meanwhile, the scribe who had documented all these proceedings added a note.-...Thus, the ministers did not oppose the reappointment of Jo Mal-saeng.The scribe mused,His Majesty is fearsome.* * *The next day, Jo Mal-saeng, dressed in proper official attire, immediately started working on improving the military's issues....As the northern stronghold expands, there are communication problems arising. A comprehensive overhaul of the relay stations is needed as a solution, he suggested.A revamp of the relay stations, you say...At Jo Mal-saeng's suggestion, King Sejong stroked his chin beard, lost in thought.Starting in China and being introduced into Korea since the Three Kingdoms period, the relay stations or beacon system had been one of the most critical elements in the administrative network.Does the Minister of Military Affairs have any thoughts?First, we need to identify the problems that have arisen from the existing system. Until now, we've granted land to residents living around the relay stations and entrusted them with its management. Horses required for the stations were secured by levying the Stand-horse Labor Tax on local residents, servants at the stations, and government soldiers. However, this has caused significant drawbacks.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.According to the records that I reviewed at the archives, the number of diplomatic missions between Joseon and Ming has increased, raising the demand and cost of horses. It's even leading to people selling all their assets to afford this Stand-horse Labor. Consequently, the number of people running away from the relay stations or becoming vagrants is increasing. Note 1At Jo Mal-saeng's report, King Sejong's expression became serious.That is indeed a problem... What's the solution then?The easiest method is to recruit residents living near the stations as Auxiliary Labor Households and levy the Stand-horse Labor on them. The next option would be to supply government horses from pastures stationed in each region. I believe the latter is the best choice.The latter, you say?Jo Mal-saeng continued to advocate for its necessity.Recruiting Auxiliary Labor Households may be convenient for now, but people will eventually run away or become vagrants again. The current taxation reform aims to simplify the tax obligations of the people, so the first option doesn't align with this goal.That's true.At Jo Mal-saeng's words, both King Sejong and the ministers nodded in agreement. Seeing the positive reactions, Jo Mal-saeng continued.Thus, distributing government horses bred in regional pastures would be the best solution.The scribe who recorded all this added. And so, a decision from above was made.The scribe pondered.What had the Minister of Military Affairs experienced in the Records Office?Meanwhile, Hyang, who had been watching the debate between Jo Mal-saeng and the ministers, suddenly remembered something.Come to think of it... Otaibi, what are these noblemen doing taking so long? Are they planning to start from pairing the horses and then bring them?'* * *The situation was dire for the Otaibi family as Hyang found himself lost in thought about them after a long time.Just a little more and we'll be in Joseon! Put in a little more effort!Yes!Responding to the leader's orders, the ship's captain shouted commands to the crew.Shoot the arrows! Shoot!Following the captain's orders, the crew fired flaming arrows at the pursuing pirate ships.But it wasn't just the Otaibi family's merchant ships that were firing arrows at the incoming pirates. The merchant ships of the accompanying Azram family were also desperately fending off the pirate attacks.The pirates were equally desperate.Catch them quickly!Boss! We're almost in the patrol zone of the Joseon Navy! It's dangerous!Upon hearing his subordinate's report, the leader of the pirate fleet, Wang Gahak, gritted his teeth and replied.I know! But if we catch those ships properly, we won't have to imitate these foreigners for another 2-3 years!These men were dressed as foreigners, but they were actually fake Japanese, who were Chinese.Shishi-shik!Flaming arrows!Put out the fire!Shoot our flaming arrows!As the Otaibi and Azram families' merchant ships and pirate fleets engaged in a frantic chase, smoke rose in the distant northern sky.Puff-puff-bang!Multicolored smoke clouds burst in the air, and the subordinates shouted towards Wang Gahak.Boss! It's the Joseon Navy!Damn it! Turn the ship around!The pirate ships are turning!Are you sure?I'm sure!Upon hearing the captain's report, Otaibi rushed to the bow of the ship and looked at the pirate ships.The pirate ships that had been chasing them with intent to kill were now changing their direction dramatically.It's fortunate, but why?Surviving by the skin of his teeth, Otaibi was more curious than relieved.It seems to be related to the smoke that burst in the sky earlier.That smoke?Otaibi immediately recalled the multicolored smoke cloud that had burst in the sky earlier.What on earth is that?As Otaibi couldn't hide his confusion, a crew member who had been looking through the lookout at the top of the mast shouted.Ships are coming from the north!Upon hearing the sailor's words, the leader and the captain rushed to the bow.As the sailor said, ships with yellow sails were approaching them from a distance.It's not any kind of ship.Indeed.On these square-shaped vessels, multicolored flags depicting various animals were fluttering.* * *Note 1 Korean Cultural Encyclopedia https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/Item/E0036639#selfNote 2 January 6th, in the 10th year of Sejong.Probably referring to the movie called, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
