Chapter 125
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Chapter 125
Sejong Year 11 (1429, the year of Giyu)
As the latter half of the reform era approached, King Sejong and his court officials, including the government ministers, all fell into a peculiar tension.
The reason for this tension was that the time had come for a major overhaul of the administrative system.
For a smooth progression, the Six Ministries and the scholars of Hall of Worthies were working tirelessly, staying up nights to review and modify plans.
“The ultimate goal of the economic reform is to ensure that as many citizens as possible have a stable source of income, freeing them from poverty,” said Sejong, nodding in agreement to the explanation by Hall of Worthies’s Head Scholar, Byeon Gye-ryang. Sejong looked at Byeon with eyes full of concern.
‘Byeon seems to have grown quite frail...’
* * *
Appointed as the Head Scholar of Hall of Worthies in the second year of Sejong’s reign, Byeon Gye-ryang solidified his position during the economic reform.
Byeon’s continuous tenure ensured consistency in the work of Hall of Worthies.
Although his personal life was riddled with scandals and controversies, his academic brilliance enabled him to maintain his position.
As Sejong’s reforms progressed, other ministers and officials of the Six Ministries envied Byeon, especially since he managed to avoid the harsh crackdowns on corruption and bribery.
Though he had to relinquish lands granted by former kings, his position as Head Scholar, considered somewhat marginal, meant he received fewer gifts and hence faced less scrutiny.
“If not for his unsavory personality, he could have been a prime minister candidate,” remarked some, acknowledging his role at Hall of Worthies despite his notorious character.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Despite his controversial nature, Byeon dedicated himself to his role, his meticulousness aiding policy research. This attention to detail, though sometimes limiting his perspective, was balanced by his quickness to address any pointed-out flaws.
However, this intensity of work often resulted in harsh treatment of the scholars under him.
The pressure of researching and improving policies for the economic reform took a significant toll on Byeon, aging him more rapidly compared to his contemporaries.
* * *
‘It’s time to prepare a successor for Byeon,’ Sejong thought, noticing his frailty.
“What is our ultimate goal, there are still many issues to resolve beforehand,” Sejong inquired.
“Indeed, Your Majesty. The Hall of Worthies, along with the Ministries of Personnel and Taxation, believe it’s crucial to decide the priority between two major issues,” replied Byeon.
“And what are these two issues?” Sejong asked, turning to the ministers of Personnel and Taxation for an answer.
“Currency and administrative reform, Your Majesty. The question is which should be implemented first for efficiency,” answered Kim Jeom.
Sejong, stroking his beard, asked, “Hadn’t we decided to start with the restructuring of administrative regions?”
“That was the original plan, but the situation has changed,” Kim Jeom responded.
“Changed, how so?”
“Initially, the plan was to reform administrative regions before enforcing the circulation of the new currency, especially considering the previous resistance to using currency,” Sejong recalled.
“Exactly, Your Majesty,” confirmed Kim Jeom.
“But now the circumstances have shifted?” Sejong queried further.
“Yes, indeed,” Kim Jeom responded to Sejong’s query about the change in circumstances.
“Why so? Or rather, how? Wait... did the encouragement of commerce and industry change the situation?”
Sejong’s question was met with a slightly perplexed look from Kim Jeom.
“While there are significant reasons for this change, it’s somewhat surprising what actually prompted the people to demand currency.”
“What are those reasons?”
“Public bathhouses and fried chicken.”
“Huh...”
Sejong was visibly astonished by Kim Jeom’s response.
“Bathhouses and fried chicken leading to currency use... Wait, the bathhouse idea came from the Crown Prince, right?”
“I have a question for the ministers.”
“Please ask, Your Majesty.”
“It appears that those demanding the use of currency mainly reside in urban areas. Is that not so?”
“It’s true that the majority are urban residents, Your Majesty.”
“How widespread are bathhouses and fried chicken shops?”
“They are almost ubiquitous in cities with a population of over 5,000, Your Majesty.”
“In cities of over 5,000... So, they have spread to the county level?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“But aren’t there overwhelmingly more people living in smaller villages than in such towns? Are those residing in smaller places also in favor of using currency? Are we not hastily deciding based on only the views of urban dwellers?”
Sejong continued to question with concern.
He himself deeply felt the need for currency and ardently wished for it. However, he was well aware that previous attempts to promote currency use had failed because the people did not embrace it.
Therefore, Sejong could not hastily accept the ministers’ opinions.
As Sejong hesitated, Kim Jeom stepped forward to report.
“According to reports from the government trading posts, there is an increasing demand for currency even in smaller villages below the county level. It’s not yet the majority view, but it’s growing...”
Sejong’s expression brightened slightly at Kim Jeom’s report, but he remained meticulous in his questioning.
“It’s encouraging to hear that even smaller villages below the county level are increasingly demanding currency. However, it could be risky if we don’t fully understand why this demand is increasing. Have you received reports on this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At Kim Jeom’s gesture, an official from the Ministry of Taxation stepped forward with a tray holding a document.
Sejong received the document and Kim Jeom continued, “As you will see in this report, peddlers who travel through small village markets are strongly advocating for the use of currency. They find the bartering of cloth and grains burdensome.”
“But peddlers alone are not enough.”
“The farmers are also in favor, Your Majesty. They find it challenging to store and preserve grains.”
“Hmm...”
Reading the report carefully, Sejong absorbed the details. After thoroughly reviewing the report submitted by Kim Jeom, he came to a conclusion.
“I understand the opinions of the ministers. However, I cannot make an immediate decision. One reason we focus on small localities in the economic reform is to break the pattern of people taking the king and the court lightly, often showing more allegiance to local landlords and the gentry. Breaking this pattern is essential to pursue the public good and ensure the majority of the people can lead peaceful lives. Therefore...”
Sejong paused momentarily, gathering his thoughts as the ministers focused their attention on him.
“A hasty decision might be worse than no decision at all. Let us contemplate this further.”
At Sejong’s decision, the ministers bowed.
“We shall follow Your Majesty’s command.”
“Let’s take a short break now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the ministers left, Sejong remained alone in the main hall, deep in thought. He then called for his attendant.
“Attendant.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Summon the Crown Prince.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the attendant went to convey Sejong’s command, Sejong muttered to himself.
“This isn’t the time for him to govern on my behalf, but it’s time to give him some tasks. The days of him only doing what he wishes are over...”
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Chapter 125
Sejong Year 11 (1429, the year of Giyu)
As the latter half of the reform era approached, King Sejong and his court officials, including the government ministers, all fell into a peculiar tension.
The reason for this tension was that the time had come for a major overhaul of the administrative system.
For a smooth progression, the Six Ministries and the scholars of Hall of Worthies were working tirelessly, staying up nights to review and modify plans.
“The ultimate goal of the economic reform is to ensure that as many citizens as possible have a stable source of income, freeing them from poverty,” said Sejong, nodding in agreement to the explanation by Hall of Worthies’s Head Scholar, Byeon Gye-ryang. Sejong looked at Byeon with eyes full of concern.
‘Byeon seems to have grown quite frail...’
* * *
Appointed as the Head Scholar of Hall of Worthies in the second year of Sejong’s reign, Byeon Gye-ryang solidified his position during the economic reform.
Byeon’s continuous tenure ensured consistency in the work of Hall of Worthies.
Although his personal life was riddled with scandals and controversies, his academic brilliance enabled him to maintain his position.
As Sejong’s reforms progressed, other ministers and officials of the Six Ministries envied Byeon, especially since he managed to avoid the harsh crackdowns on corruption and bribery.
Though he had to relinquish lands granted by former kings, his position as Head Scholar, considered somewhat marginal, meant he received fewer gifts and hence faced less scrutiny.
“If not for his unsavory personality, he could have been a prime minister candidate,” remarked some, acknowledging his role at Hall of Worthies despite his notorious character.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Despite his controversial nature, Byeon dedicated himself to his role, his meticulousness aiding policy research. This attention to detail, though sometimes limiting his perspective, was balanced by his quickness to address any pointed-out flaws.
However, this intensity of work often resulted in harsh treatment of the scholars under him.
The pressure of researching and improving policies for the economic reform took a significant toll on Byeon, aging him more rapidly compared to his contemporaries.
* * *
‘It’s time to prepare a successor for Byeon,’ Sejong thought, noticing his frailty.
“What is our ultimate goal, there are still many issues to resolve beforehand,” Sejong inquired.
“Indeed, Your Majesty. The Hall of Worthies, along with the Ministries of Personnel and Taxation, believe it’s crucial to decide the priority between two major issues,” replied Byeon.
“And what are these two issues?” Sejong asked, turning to the ministers of Personnel and Taxation for an answer.
“Currency and administrative reform, Your Majesty. The question is which should be implemented first for efficiency,” answered Kim Jeom.
Sejong, stroking his beard, asked, “Hadn’t we decided to start with the restructuring of administrative regions?”
“That was the original plan, but the situation has changed,” Kim Jeom responded.
“Changed, how so?”
“Initially, the plan was to reform administrative regions before enforcing the circulation of the new currency, especially considering the previous resistance to using currency,” Sejong recalled.
“Exactly, Your Majesty,” confirmed Kim Jeom.
“But now the circumstances have shifted?” Sejong queried further.
“Yes, indeed,” Kim Jeom responded to Sejong’s query about the change in circumstances.
“Why so? Or rather, how? Wait... did the encouragement of commerce and industry change the situation?”
Sejong’s question was met with a slightly perplexed look from Kim Jeom.
“While there are significant reasons for this change, it’s somewhat surprising what actually prompted the people to demand currency.”
“What are those reasons?”
“Public bathhouses and fried chicken.”
“Huh...”
Sejong was visibly astonished by Kim Jeom’s response.
“Bathhouses and fried chicken leading to currency use... Wait, the bathhouse idea came from the Crown Prince, right?”
“I have a question for the ministers.”
“Please ask, Your Majesty.”
“It appears that those demanding the use of currency mainly reside in urban areas. Is that not so?”
“It’s true that the majority are urban residents, Your Majesty.”
“How widespread are bathhouses and fried chicken shops?”
“They are almost ubiquitous in cities with a population of over 5,000, Your Majesty.”
“In cities of over 5,000... So, they have spread to the county level?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“But aren’t there overwhelmingly more people living in smaller villages than in such towns? Are those residing in smaller places also in favor of using currency? Are we not hastily deciding based on only the views of urban dwellers?”
Sejong continued to question with concern.
He himself deeply felt the need for currency and ardently wished for it. However, he was well aware that previous attempts to promote currency use had failed because the people did not embrace it.
Therefore, Sejong could not hastily accept the ministers’ opinions.
As Sejong hesitated, Kim Jeom stepped forward to report.
“According to reports from the government trading posts, there is an increasing demand for currency even in smaller villages below the county level. It’s not yet the majority view, but it’s growing...”
Sejong’s expression brightened slightly at Kim Jeom’s report, but he remained meticulous in his questioning.
“It’s encouraging to hear that even smaller villages below the county level are increasingly demanding currency. However, it could be risky if we don’t fully understand why this demand is increasing. Have you received reports on this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At Kim Jeom’s gesture, an official from the Ministry of Taxation stepped forward with a tray holding a document.
Sejong received the document and Kim Jeom continued, “As you will see in this report, peddlers who travel through small village markets are strongly advocating for the use of currency. They find the bartering of cloth and grains burdensome.”
“But peddlers alone are not enough.”
“The farmers are also in favor, Your Majesty. They find it challenging to store and preserve grains.”
“Hmm...”
Reading the report carefully, Sejong absorbed the details. After thoroughly reviewing the report submitted by Kim Jeom, he came to a conclusion.
“I understand the opinions of the ministers. However, I cannot make an immediate decision. One reason we focus on small localities in the economic reform is to break the pattern of people taking the king and the court lightly, often showing more allegiance to local landlords and the gentry. Breaking this pattern is essential to pursue the public good and ensure the majority of the people can lead peaceful lives. Therefore...”
Sejong paused momentarily, gathering his thoughts as the ministers focused their attention on him.
“A hasty decision might be worse than no decision at all. Let us contemplate this further.”
At Sejong’s decision, the ministers bowed.
“We shall follow Your Majesty’s command.”
“Let’s take a short break now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the ministers left, Sejong remained alone in the main hall, deep in thought. He then called for his attendant.
“Attendant.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Summon the Crown Prince.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the attendant went to convey Sejong’s command, Sejong muttered to himself.
“This isn’t the time for him to govern on my behalf, but it’s time to give him some tasks. The days of him only doing what he wishes are over...”
Chapter 125Sejong Year 11 1429, the year of GiyuAs the latter half of the reform era approached, King Sejong and his court officials, including the government ministers, all fell into a peculiar tension.The reason for this tension was that the time had come for a major overhaul of the administrative system.For a smooth progression, the Six Ministries and the scholars of Hall of Worthies were working tirelessly, staying up nights to review and modify plans.The ultimate goal of the economic reform is to ensure that as many citizens as possible have a stable source of income, freeing them from poverty, said Sejong, nodding in agreement to the explanation by Hall of Worthies's Head Scholar, Byeon Gye-ryang. Sejong looked at Byeon with eyes full of concern.Byeon seems to have grown quite frail...'* * *Appointed as the Head Scholar of Hall of Worthies in the second year of Sejong's reign, Byeon Gye-ryang solidified his position during the economic reform.Byeon's continuous tenure ensured consistency in the work of Hall of Worthies.Although his personal life was riddled with scandals and controversies, his academic brilliance enabled him to maintain his position.As Sejong's reforms progressed, other ministers and officials of the Six Ministries envied Byeon, especially since he managed to avoid the harsh crackdowns on corruption and bribery.Though he had to relinquish lands granted by former kings, his position as Head Scholar, considered somewhat marginal, meant he received fewer gifts and hence faced less scrutiny.If not for his unsavory personality, he could have been a prime minister candidate, remarked some, acknowledging his role at Hall of Worthies despite his notorious character.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Nvl1n.Despite his controversial nature, Byeon dedicated himself to his role, his meticulousness aiding policy research. This attention to detail, though sometimes limiting his perspective, was balanced by his quickness to address any pointed-out flaws.However, this intensity of work often resulted in harsh treatment of the scholars under him.The pressure of researching and improving policies for the economic reform took a significant toll on Byeon, aging him more rapidly compared to his contemporaries.* * *It's time to prepare a successor for Byeon,' Sejong thought, noticing his frailty.What is our ultimate goal, there are still many issues to resolve beforehand, Sejong inquired.Indeed, Your Majesty. The Hall of Worthies, along with the Ministries of Personnel and Taxation, believe it's crucial to decide the priority between two major issues, replied Byeon.And what are these two issues? Sejong asked, turning to the ministers of Personnel and Taxation for an answer.Currency and administrative reform, Your Majesty. The question is which should be implemented first for efficiency, answered Kim Jeom.Sejong, stroking his beard, asked, Hadn't we decided to start with the restructuring of administrative regions?That was the original plan, but the situation has changed, Kim Jeom responded.Changed, how so?Initially, the plan was to reform administrative regions before enforcing the circulation of the new currency, especially considering the previous resistance to using currency, Sejong recalled.Exactly, Your Majesty, confirmed Kim Jeom.But now the circumstances have shifted? Sejong queried further.Yes, indeed, Kim Jeom responded to Sejong's query about the change in circumstances.Why so? Or rather, how? Wait... did the encouragement of commerce and industry change the situation?Sejong's question was met with a slightly perplexed look from Kim Jeom.While there are significant reasons for this change, it's somewhat surprising what actually prompted the people to demand currency.What are those reasons?Public bathhouses and fried chicken.Huh...Sejong was visibly astonished by Kim Jeom's response.Bathhouses and fried chicken leading to currency use... Wait, the bathhouse idea came from the Crown Prince, right?I have a question for the ministers.Please ask, Your Majesty.It appears that those demanding the use of currency mainly reside in urban areas. Is that not so?It's true that the majority are urban residents, Your Majesty.How widespread are bathhouses and fried chicken shops?They are almost ubiquitous in cities with a population of over 5,000, Your Majesty.In cities of over 5,000... So, they have spread to the county level?Yes, Your Majesty.But aren't there overwhelmingly more people living in smaller villages than in such towns? Are those residing in smaller places also in favor of using currency? Are we not hastily deciding based on only the views of urban dwellers?Sejong continued to question with concern.He himself deeply felt the need for currency and ardently wished for it. However, he was well aware that previous attempts to promote currency use had failed because the people did not embrace it.Therefore, Sejong could not hastily accept the ministers' opinions.As Sejong hesitated, Kim Jeom stepped forward to report.According to reports from the government trading posts, there is an increasing demand for currency even in smaller villages below the county level. It's not yet the majority view, but it's growing...Sejong's expression brightened slightly at Kim Jeom's report, but he remained meticulous in his questioning.It's encouraging to hear that even smaller villages below the county level are increasingly demanding currency. However, it could be risky if we don't fully understand why this demand is increasing. Have you received reports on this?Yes, Your Majesty.At Kim Jeom's gesture, an official from the Ministry of Taxation stepped forward with a tray holding a document.Sejong received the document and Kim Jeom continued, As you will see in this report, peddlers who travel through small village markets are strongly advocating for the use of currency. They find the bartering of cloth and grains burdensome.But peddlers alone are not enough.The farmers are also in favor, Your Majesty. They find it challenging to store and preserve grains.Hmm...Reading the report carefully, Sejong absorbed the details. After thoroughly reviewing the report submitted by Kim Jeom, he came to a conclusion.I understand the opinions of the ministers. However, I cannot make an immediate decision. One reason we focus on small localities in the economic reform is to break the pattern of people taking the king and the court lightly, often showing more allegiance to local landlords and the gentry. Breaking this pattern is essential to pursue the public good and ensure the majority of the people can lead peaceful lives. Therefore...Sejong paused momentarily, gathering his thoughts as the ministers focused their attention on him.A hasty decision might be worse than no decision at all. Let us contemplate this further.At Sejong's decision, the ministers bowed.We shall follow Your Majesty's command.Let's take a short break now.Yes, Your Majesty.As the ministers left, Sejong remained alone in the main hall, deep in thought. He then called for his attendant.Attendant.Yes, Your Majesty.Summon the Crown Prince.Yes, Your Majesty.As the attendant went to convey Sejong's command, Sejong muttered to himself.This isn't the time for him to govern on my behalf, but it's time to give him some tasks. The days of him only doing what he wishes are over...
