Chapter 139
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Chapter 139
Starting with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Taxation, ministers of all six ministries insisted that Lim Soonwook was essential for their respective departments. Even Jo Malsaeng of the Ministry of War joined in, emphasizing Lim’s necessity.
“Your Majesty! A person with the insight and ability of Scholar Lim is most needed in the Ministry of War! While many in the military and the Ministry of War are skilled in martial arts and military tactics, few possess such discerning insight!”
Ultimately, those arguing for their need for Lim Soonwook began to quarrel with their competitors. The heated exchanges quickly escalated, reaching a point where they even inquired about each other’s parents, prompting Sejong to intervene.
“Silence! What disgraceful behavior!”
“We are deeply sorry, Your Majesty!”
Chastised by Sejong, the ministers and state councilors all bowed their heads.
Watching this, Sejong grumbled,
“Being envious of Scholar Lim’s qualities is understandable, and I can even comprehend the arguments that ensued. But enough with inquiring about each other’s parents!”
“We obey, Your Majesty.”
The historian who recorded all these events concluded as follows:
-...thus, His Majesty commanded the ministers not to engage in disrespectful criticism.
The historian notes:
It is indeed regrettable that those educated in proper conduct resorted to such disrespectful language in their arguments. Naturally, obeying His Majesty’s command is appropriate.
The problem is, the historians themselves are short-staffed, but no one seems to care about that. I too wish to return home on time.
The historian’s grumbling had its reasons. As all matters of the court were being documented, this task fell upon the historians and clerks.
Originally, the historians and clerks were responsible for recording decrees and orders and then distributing them to the six ministries and the censors.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
However, with the ongoing reforms, the volume of work had increased exponentially.
Despite continuous proposals to increase the number of historians from eight due to the burgeoning workload, other departments’ staffing needs were prioritized, and even now, in the latter stages of the reforms, the eight historians had to work day and night without rest.
* * *
It was Hyang who resolved the fierce competition among the ministers to secure Lim Soonwook.
“Father, may I speak?”
At Hyang’s request, Sejong was delighted, and the ministers were ignited with resolve.
‘This time, we won’t lose him to Area 51!’
‘Whatever it takes, we’ll stop it!’
‘We need a strong argument!’
While the ministers were firmly resolved and prepared, Hyang spoke,
“Isn’t there a plan to pick some from the departments for a trial run before reshuffling them?”
“Yes... Ah!”
Responding thoughtlessly to Hyang’s question, Sejong suddenly exclaimed in realization.
“We can assign him to coordinate that mock trial!”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Considering the considerable workload already assigned to the ministers and state councilors, there is no need to add more burden. Moreover, as an outsider, he may find and solve issues that the court has overlooked.”
“That makes sense. So...”
Nodding repeatedly, Sejong looked around at the ministers.
“For now, I would like Scholar Lim to handle the mock trial. What are your thoughts?”
The ministers and state councilors began to weigh the pros and cons, glancing at each other.
‘It’s a bit disappointing not to have him directly under me, but it’s the same for the other departments too...’
‘When the mock trial starts, evaluating and coordinating it will also be a significant task...’
‘There’s already so much work; any more would be nightmarish!’
After much deliberation and cost-benefit analysis, the ministers reached a consensus.
“We believe the plan proposed by Your Majesty is the most suitable.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty! Though it’s named a mock trial, its significance is incomparable!”
“We believe Scholar Lim’s insight is sufficient for the task!”
Starting with Chief State Councillor Lee Jik, the ministers voiced their agreement one after another.
With the ministers’ unanimous support, Sejong made his decision.
“Very well. Then, Scholar Lim Soonwook will oversee the mock trial. What rank should he be given?”
“Things must change!”
* * *
Meanwhile, Lim Soonwook’s appointment caused a huge stir throughout Joseon.
“A man who passed the civil service exam 20 years ago, a native of the Northwest, has been appointed as a high-ranking official!”
The news prompted various reactions depending on people’s circumstances.
In the Northwest region, people were inspired.
“We can do it too!”
“We can’t miss this heaven-sent opportunity!”
“We must seize this chance before the king’s favor changes again!”
While the Northwest was ablaze with enthusiasm, the reaction in the southern regions was largely the opposite.
“Have you heard? A mere merchant who passed the exam ages ago has become a high-ranking official?”
“Ha! Is that fellow some kind of Lu Buwei? It’s the end of times!”
[TL/N: Lu Buwei was a wealthy merchant who later become a chancellor during Qin dynasty]
While many criticized, in the shadows, others, particularly small landowners and younger members of less prosperous families, were motivated.
“This father was content just toiling in the fields, but you must rise in the world.”
“Yes, father.”
“The current king is earnestly seeking talented individuals, so work even harder.”
“Yes, father.”
“Don’t forget this is an opportunity to uplift our family.”
“Yes, father.”
As these various reactions unfolded, Lim Soonwook, having settled his trading company, took up residence in the archives to analyze the records of the reforms and the ‘Eastern Advancement Plan.’
Sighing deeply as he reviewed the records, Lim Soonwook said to himself,
“If things proceed like this, our Joseon could claim the title of Empire without any shortcomings. The problem is that the path is not an easy one.”
Assessing the situation, Lim Soonwook smiled wryly.
“Maybe I should have just stuck to my business? But...”
Though he said this, a deep ambition was taking root in Lim Soonwook’s heart.
‘If done right, Joseon can certainly be called an empire without any shortcomings! It would be like a second founding of the nation! To have my name recorded in such a glorious moment...’
Thinking of the distant future and various possibilities, Lim Soonwook came to a decision.
“Yes! To have a cause worth dedicating my life to is a blessing for a man!”
With his decision made, Lim Soonwook quickly moved on to the next step.
“The biggest problem is the lack of talent!”
Identifying the issue, Lim Soonwook sought out the archive manager.
“Could I get some writing brushes?”
“Just a moment, please.”
The manager, having heard of Lim Soonwook, responded politely and quickly brought him the writing brushes.
Receiving the brushes, Lim Soonwook returned to his seat, spread out some paper, and fell into deep thought. Soon, he began to write a memorial.
This was the beginning of the famous ‘Lim Soonwook’s Strategy for the Times.’
Three days later, the Minister of Justice presented the memorial to Sejong.
“Your Majesty, here is a memorial from Scholar Lim Soonwook.”
“A memorial?”
Sejong, curious to hear that Lim Soonwook had submitted a memorial, unrolled the scroll.
After reading its contents, Sejong spoke to his secretary.
“Where is the Crown Prince now?”
“He is in Area 51, Your Majesty.”
“Send someone to tell him. We’ve found a good man.”
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Chapter 139
Starting with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Taxation, ministers of all six ministries insisted that Lim Soonwook was essential for their respective departments. Even Jo Malsaeng of the Ministry of War joined in, emphasizing Lim’s necessity.
“Your Majesty! A person with the insight and ability of Scholar Lim is most needed in the Ministry of War! While many in the military and the Ministry of War are skilled in martial arts and military tactics, few possess such discerning insight!”
Ultimately, those arguing for their need for Lim Soonwook began to quarrel with their competitors. The heated exchanges quickly escalated, reaching a point where they even inquired about each other’s parents, prompting Sejong to intervene.
“Silence! What disgraceful behavior!”
“We are deeply sorry, Your Majesty!”
Chastised by Sejong, the ministers and state councilors all bowed their heads.
Watching this, Sejong grumbled,
“Being envious of Scholar Lim’s qualities is understandable, and I can even comprehend the arguments that ensued. But enough with inquiring about each other’s parents!”
“We obey, Your Majesty.”
The historian who recorded all these events concluded as follows:
-...thus, His Majesty commanded the ministers not to engage in disrespectful criticism.
The historian notes:
It is indeed regrettable that those educated in proper conduct resorted to such disrespectful language in their arguments. Naturally, obeying His Majesty’s command is appropriate.
The problem is, the historians themselves are short-staffed, but no one seems to care about that. I too wish to return home on time.
The historian’s grumbling had its reasons. As all matters of the court were being documented, this task fell upon the historians and clerks.
Originally, the historians and clerks were responsible for recording decrees and orders and then distributing them to the six ministries and the censors.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
However, with the ongoing reforms, the volume of work had increased exponentially.
Despite continuous proposals to increase the number of historians from eight due to the burgeoning workload, other departments’ staffing needs were prioritized, and even now, in the latter stages of the reforms, the eight historians had to work day and night without rest.
* * *
It was Hyang who resolved the fierce competition among the ministers to secure Lim Soonwook.
“Father, may I speak?”
At Hyang’s request, Sejong was delighted, and the ministers were ignited with resolve.
‘This time, we won’t lose him to Area 51!’
‘Whatever it takes, we’ll stop it!’
‘We need a strong argument!’
While the ministers were firmly resolved and prepared, Hyang spoke,
“Isn’t there a plan to pick some from the departments for a trial run before reshuffling them?”
“Yes... Ah!”
Responding thoughtlessly to Hyang’s question, Sejong suddenly exclaimed in realization.
“We can assign him to coordinate that mock trial!”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Considering the considerable workload already assigned to the ministers and state councilors, there is no need to add more burden. Moreover, as an outsider, he may find and solve issues that the court has overlooked.”
“That makes sense. So...”
Nodding repeatedly, Sejong looked around at the ministers.
“For now, I would like Scholar Lim to handle the mock trial. What are your thoughts?”
The ministers and state councilors began to weigh the pros and cons, glancing at each other.
‘It’s a bit disappointing not to have him directly under me, but it’s the same for the other departments too...’
‘When the mock trial starts, evaluating and coordinating it will also be a significant task...’
‘There’s already so much work; any more would be nightmarish!’
After much deliberation and cost-benefit analysis, the ministers reached a consensus.
“We believe the plan proposed by Your Majesty is the most suitable.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty! Though it’s named a mock trial, its significance is incomparable!”
“We believe Scholar Lim’s insight is sufficient for the task!”
Starting with Chief State Councillor Lee Jik, the ministers voiced their agreement one after another.
With the ministers’ unanimous support, Sejong made his decision.
“Very well. Then, Scholar Lim Soonwook will oversee the mock trial. What rank should he be given?”
“Things must change!”
* * *
Meanwhile, Lim Soonwook’s appointment caused a huge stir throughout Joseon.
“A man who passed the civil service exam 20 years ago, a native of the Northwest, has been appointed as a high-ranking official!”
The news prompted various reactions depending on people’s circumstances.
In the Northwest region, people were inspired.
“We can do it too!”
“We can’t miss this heaven-sent opportunity!”
“We must seize this chance before the king’s favor changes again!”
While the Northwest was ablaze with enthusiasm, the reaction in the southern regions was largely the opposite.
“Have you heard? A mere merchant who passed the exam ages ago has become a high-ranking official?”
“Ha! Is that fellow some kind of Lu Buwei? It’s the end of times!”
[TL/N: Lu Buwei was a wealthy merchant who later become a chancellor during Qin dynasty]
While many criticized, in the shadows, others, particularly small landowners and younger members of less prosperous families, were motivated.
“This father was content just toiling in the fields, but you must rise in the world.”
“Yes, father.”
“The current king is earnestly seeking talented individuals, so work even harder.”
“Yes, father.”
“Don’t forget this is an opportunity to uplift our family.”
“Yes, father.”
As these various reactions unfolded, Lim Soonwook, having settled his trading company, took up residence in the archives to analyze the records of the reforms and the ‘Eastern Advancement Plan.’
Sighing deeply as he reviewed the records, Lim Soonwook said to himself,
“If things proceed like this, our Joseon could claim the title of Empire without any shortcomings. The problem is that the path is not an easy one.”
Assessing the situation, Lim Soonwook smiled wryly.
“Maybe I should have just stuck to my business? But...”
Though he said this, a deep ambition was taking root in Lim Soonwook’s heart.
‘If done right, Joseon can certainly be called an empire without any shortcomings! It would be like a second founding of the nation! To have my name recorded in such a glorious moment...’
Thinking of the distant future and various possibilities, Lim Soonwook came to a decision.
“Yes! To have a cause worth dedicating my life to is a blessing for a man!”
With his decision made, Lim Soonwook quickly moved on to the next step.
“The biggest problem is the lack of talent!”
Identifying the issue, Lim Soonwook sought out the archive manager.
“Could I get some writing brushes?”
“Just a moment, please.”
The manager, having heard of Lim Soonwook, responded politely and quickly brought him the writing brushes.
Receiving the brushes, Lim Soonwook returned to his seat, spread out some paper, and fell into deep thought. Soon, he began to write a memorial.
This was the beginning of the famous ‘Lim Soonwook’s Strategy for the Times.’
Three days later, the Minister of Justice presented the memorial to Sejong.
“Your Majesty, here is a memorial from Scholar Lim Soonwook.”
“A memorial?”
Sejong, curious to hear that Lim Soonwook had submitted a memorial, unrolled the scroll.
After reading its contents, Sejong spoke to his secretary.
“Where is the Crown Prince now?”
“He is in Area 51, Your Majesty.”
“Send someone to tell him. We’ve found a good man.”
Chapter 139Starting with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Taxation, ministers of all six ministries insisted that Lim Soonwook was essential for their respective departments. Even Jo Malsaeng of the Ministry of War joined in, emphasizing Lim's necessity.Your Majesty! A person with the insight and ability of Scholar Lim is most needed in the Ministry of War! While many in the military and the Ministry of War are skilled in martial arts and military tactics, few possess such discerning insight!Ultimately, those arguing for their need for Lim Soonwook began to quarrel with their competitors. The heated exchanges quickly escalated, reaching a point where they even inquired about each other's parents, prompting Sejong to intervene.Silence! What disgraceful behavior!We are deeply sorry, Your Majesty!Chastised by Sejong, the ministers and state councilors all bowed their heads.Watching this, Sejong grumbled,Being envious of Scholar Lim's qualities is understandable, and I can even comprehend the arguments that ensued. But enough with inquiring about each other's parents!We obey, Your Majesty.The historian who recorded all these events concluded as follows:-...thus, His Majesty commanded the ministers not to engage in disrespectful criticism.The historian notes:It is indeed regrettable that those educated in proper conduct resorted to such disrespectful language in their arguments. Naturally, obeying His Majesty's command is appropriate.The problem is, the historians themselves are short-staffed, but no one seems to care about that. I too wish to return home on time.The historian's grumbling had its reasons. As all matters of the court were being documented, this task fell upon the historians and clerks.Originally, the historians and clerks were responsible for recording decrees and orders and then distributing them to the six ministries and the censors.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n.However, with the ongoing reforms, the volume of work had increased exponentially.Despite continuous proposals to increase the number of historians from eight due to the burgeoning workload, other departments' staffing needs were prioritized, and even now, in the latter stages of the reforms, the eight historians had to work day and night without rest.* * *It was Hyang who resolved the fierce competition among the ministers to secure Lim Soonwook.Father, may I speak?At Hyang's request, Sejong was delighted, and the ministers were ignited with resolve.This time, we won't lose him to Area 51!'Whatever it takes, we'll stop it!'We need a strong argument!'While the ministers were firmly resolved and prepared, Hyang spoke,Isn't there a plan to pick some from the departments for a trial run before reshuffling them?Yes... Ah!Responding thoughtlessly to Hyang's question, Sejong suddenly exclaimed in realization.We can assign him to coordinate that mock trial!Indeed, Your Majesty. Considering the considerable workload already assigned to the ministers and state councilors, there is no need to add more burden. Moreover, as an outsider, he may find and solve issues that the court has overlooked.That makes sense. So...Nodding repeatedly, Sejong looked around at the ministers.For now, I would like Scholar Lim to handle the mock trial. What are your thoughts?The ministers and state councilors began to weigh the pros and cons, glancing at each other.It's a bit disappointing not to have him directly under me, but it's the same for the other departments too...'When the mock trial starts, evaluating and coordinating it will also be a significant task...'There's already so much work; any more would be nightmarish!'After much deliberation and cost-benefit analysis, the ministers reached a consensus.We believe the plan proposed by Your Majesty is the most suitable.Indeed, Your Majesty! Though it's named a mock trial, its significance is incomparable!We believe Scholar Lim's insight is sufficient for the task!Starting with Chief State Councillor Lee Jik, the ministers voiced their agreement one after another.With the ministers' unanimous support, Sejong made his decision.Very well. Then, Scholar Lim Soonwook will oversee the mock trial. What rank should he be given?Things must change!* * *Meanwhile, Lim Soonwook's appointment caused a huge stir throughout Joseon.A man who passed the civil service exam 20 years ago, a native of the Northwest, has been appointed as a high-ranking official!The news prompted various reactions depending on people's circumstances.In the Northwest region, people were inspired.We can do it too!We can't miss this heaven-sent opportunity!We must seize this chance before the king's favor changes again!While the Northwest was ablaze with enthusiasm, the reaction in the southern regions was largely the opposite.Have you heard? A mere merchant who passed the exam ages ago has become a high-ranking official?Ha! Is that fellow some kind of Lu Buwei? It's the end of times!TL/N: Lu Buwei was a wealthy merchant who later become a chancellor during Qin dynastyWhile many criticized, in the shadows, others, particularly small landowners and younger members of less prosperous families, were motivated.This father was content just toiling in the fields, but you must rise in the world.Yes, father.The current king is earnestly seeking talented individuals, so work even harder.Yes, father.Don't forget this is an opportunity to uplift our family.Yes, father.As these various reactions unfolded, Lim Soonwook, having settled his trading company, took up residence in the archives to analyze the records of the reforms and the Eastern Advancement Plan.'Sighing deeply as he reviewed the records, Lim Soonwook said to himself,If things proceed like this, our Joseon could claim the title of Empire without any shortcomings. The problem is that the path is not an easy one.Assessing the situation, Lim Soonwook smiled wryly.Maybe I should have just stuck to my business? But...Though he said this, a deep ambition was taking root in Lim Soonwook's heart.If done right, Joseon can certainly be called an empire without any shortcomings! It would be like a second founding of the nation! To have my name recorded in such a glorious moment...'Thinking of the distant future and various possibilities, Lim Soonwook came to a decision.Yes! To have a cause worth dedicating my life to is a blessing for a man!With his decision made, Lim Soonwook quickly moved on to the next step.The biggest problem is the lack of talent!Identifying the issue, Lim Soonwook sought out the archive manager.Could I get some writing brushes?Just a moment, please.The manager, having heard of Lim Soonwook, responded politely and quickly brought him the writing brushes.Receiving the brushes, Lim Soonwook returned to his seat, spread out some paper, and fell into deep thought. Soon, he began to write a memorial.This was the beginning of the famous Lim Soonwook's Strategy for the Times.'Three days later, the Minister of Justice presented the memorial to Sejong.Your Majesty, here is a memorial from Scholar Lim Soonwook.A memorial?Sejong, curious to hear that Lim Soonwook had submitted a memorial, unrolled the scroll.After reading its contents, Sejong spoke to his secretary.Where is the Crown Prince now?He is in Area 51, Your Majesty.Send someone to tell him. We've found a good man.
