Chapter 167
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Chapter 167
The day Sejong decided to dismantle village schools,
Phew~.
Exiting the morning court session, Minister of Rites Lee Maeng-gyun heaved a deep sigh. Seeing Lee Maeng-gyuns face, other court ministers comforted him.
Your Excellency, lets leave on time today and have a drink. Ill buy you a drink.
Let us go together, my lord.
At his colleagues words, Yi heaved another long sigh as he nodded.
Ive been avoiding alcohol for a while, but I need a drink today. Thank you. Lets go together.
Indeed. Lets drink until our noses are crooked today.
And so, receiving the comfort of his fellow ministers, Lee Maeng-gyun headed off to the pleasure quarters, gritting his teeth as he crossed the threshold of the Ministry of Rites government office.
Damn those rebel scums! Of all times! We ought to exterminate not only their family but all their nine clans and more!
Spitting curses at the rebels on his way in, Lee Maeng-gyun immediately gathered officials of the Ministry once inside.
Once the officials gathered, Lee Maeng-gyun spoke in a complicated tone,
Just earlier, His Majesty made his decision in the court. That decision was.
Stopping briefly, Lee took a deep breath before continuing,
His Majesty has ordered the dismantlement of village schools.
What?
Are you serious?
At Lees statement, officials looked around at each other with stunned faces, mumbling.
Then what about the Confucian memorial rites.
With the Sunkyunkwan.
Watching his officials discuss one of the key functions of village schools memorial rites Lee raised his voice,
That is not the problem!
If thats not the problem, then.
Among the confused officials at Lees words, those quick on the uptake turned deathly pale.
Could it be! Has the initial initiatives of establishing Four Peoples Schools already been decided?
Could it be! Wasnt the establishment of Four Peoples Schools planned after the completion of the courts departmental reforms??
As the quick-witted mentioned Four Peoples Schools, the faces of other officials also started paling.
Seeing their expressions, Minister Lee Maeng-gyun nodded with a heavy look,,
Nothing has come out formally yet. However, I and other ministers believe His Majesty will soon make his intentions known.
For what reason?
At the officials question, Lee simply replied,
Because unexpected massive wealth flowed in due to the rebels.
Ah.
At Lees reply, the officials shut their mouths and nodded in understanding.
***
The educational institution Sejong termed Four Peoples School was by the standards of the time, a highly progressive and sensational institution that couldnt be seen anywhere else in the world.
At Four Peoples Schools, any freeborn child regardless of class or gender could receive basic education.
It was while listening to Hyangs presentation of ideologies that Sejong thought of Four Peoples Schools.
Joseon has small barren infertile land and scarce resources. For Joseon to develop in such bleak conditions, there is nothing we can rely on but people. That means investing in people.
Investing in people means providing them education.
Lowering the entry barrier of education and widening access must be done in order to foster greater numbers of talents.
Sejong was deeply impressed by Hyangs opinions. Sejongs greatest purpose had also been the enrichment and military strengthening of Joseon. Hyangs words demolished the wall Sejong had been stuck behind, allowing breakthrough.
Is this not the ideal those past sages had dreamed of!
Falling to his knees at Hyangs views, Sejong devised policies fitting the basic ideology of Expanding Both Quality and Quantity of Education while laying out military reformation plans.
Of course the scholars of Hall of Worthies, who had been aiding to realize Sejongs grand military plans, showed mostly negative reactions.
Once executions for uprising participants ended, all that remained was administering punishment on Grand Prince Yangnyeong and Seo Seon.
For Seo Seon and his clan, administer according to stipulations by law.
Yes, Your Majesty.
While Seo Seons verdict quickly ended, the issue was Grand Prince Yangnyeong.
For quite a while, Sejong agonized over what adjudication to pass down on Grand Prince Yangnyeong.
While inclined to handle things according to law to end matters promptly, Grand Prince Yangnyeong was Taejongs eldest legitimate son, former Crown Prince, and Sejongs own older brother by blood.
Whether he lived or died, whatever verdict passed down would definitely remain a continuing political burden on Sejong himself.
How to handle this matter.
And so regarding Grand Prince Yangnyeongs punishment, Sejongs anguish could only deepen.
Even my hands are tied on this issue.
While Hyang understood well what was troubling Sejong, this time even he could not interfere.
No matter his status as Crown Prince, it was an extremely precarious political issue involving the kingwho was Hyangs own father and the kings own brother.
With Sejongs worries worsening this way, Grand Prince Hyoryeong came to find Sejong.
Your Majesty, your complexion does not seem very good. Your face holds deep concerns.
At Hyoryeongs words Sejong let out a lengthy sigh.
Sigh~. The burden on my shoulders is too heavy.
Quietly observing Sejong, Hyoryeong asked,
Is it because of our oldest brother?
Not speaking a word, Sejong nodded at Hyoryeongs question.
Silently watching Sejong, Hyoryeong gently remonstrated with him.
Judge according to national law.
But he is my brother. Fathers eldest son and former Crown Prince.
Yet Father passed the throne to Your Majesty instead of our eldest brother. Thus everything was settled.
Sigh~.
At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong heaved a long sigh. In a quiet, composed tone, Hyoryeong continued speaking.
Whatever decision Your Majesty makes, it will become a large shackle on you. Then, choose to stand by the laws strictness. If you lean towards sentiment, in the distant future if similar situations arise, it could turn into a disadvantageous precedent.
I suppose you are right.
At the powerless tone of Sejongs voice, Hyoryeong continued his words.
Anyway living in this world means crossing an ocean of suffering. One must endlessly get injured and feel anguish. Regrets and guilt will remain with you due to our brothers situation. But please stand up over that and make Joseon even greater and more prosperous, with the people living in even more peace. Then the populace will praise you greatly.
That shall be my atonement.
At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong seemed to have hardened his resolve. His complexion gradually calmed and strength returned to his voice.
Older brother, thank you. Thanks to you I have awakened from the dream.
At Sejongs words, Hyoryeong faintly smiled as he answered.
It is all due to Buddhas grace.
[TL/N: Grand Prince Hyoryeong is Taejongs second son, and also older brother of Sejong. He became a monk following Sejongs installation as King.]
***
Having hardened his resolve by Hyoryeongs words, Sejong announced the next day in front of gathered ministers.
I will decide the criminal Yangnyeongs punishment.
Making it has come expressions at Sejongs announcement, the ministers nervously swallowed their saliva.
After a brief moment to catch his breath, Sejong continued speaking.
According to law, criminal Yangnyeong and sons over 15 years old will be executed. However, given his status as royalty, punishments like sliced to death or hanged, will not be used. Instead, sentence to death by poison shall be administered. Additionally, the entire family including the criminal will be deleted from Register of Royal Genealogies and remaining descendants will be demoted to commoners. While all assets possessed by the criminals clan will be confiscated, 10% shall be allotted to those demoted to commoners for minimal livelihood. Lastly, those demoted to commoners will be exiled by families to islands in the southern sea.
As Sejongs words ended, ministers uniformly bowed down to the floor.
Your order is received!
The day sentence was carried out, having heard about his family, Yangnyeong bowed in the direction of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
I am grateful for His Majestys bestowed grace.
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Chapter 167
The day Sejong decided to dismantle village schools,
Phew~.
Exiting the morning court session, Minister of Rites Lee Maeng-gyun heaved a deep sigh. Seeing Lee Maeng-gyuns face, other court ministers comforted him.
Your Excellency, lets leave on time today and have a drink. Ill buy you a drink.
Let us go together, my lord.
At his colleagues words, Yi heaved another long sigh as he nodded.
Ive been avoiding alcohol for a while, but I need a drink today. Thank you. Lets go together.
Indeed. Lets drink until our noses are crooked today.
And so, receiving the comfort of his fellow ministers, Lee Maeng-gyun headed off to the pleasure quarters, gritting his teeth as he crossed the threshold of the Ministry of Rites government office.
Damn those rebel scums! Of all times! We ought to exterminate not only their family but all their nine clans and more!
Spitting curses at the rebels on his way in, Lee Maeng-gyun immediately gathered officials of the Ministry once inside.
Once the officials gathered, Lee Maeng-gyun spoke in a complicated tone,
Just earlier, His Majesty made his decision in the court. That decision was.
Stopping briefly, Lee took a deep breath before continuing,
His Majesty has ordered the dismantlement of village schools.
What?
Are you serious?
At Lees statement, officials looked around at each other with stunned faces, mumbling.
Then what about the Confucian memorial rites.
With the Sunkyunkwan.
Watching his officials discuss one of the key functions of village schools memorial rites Lee raised his voice,
That is not the problem!
If thats not the problem, then.
Among the confused officials at Lees words, those quick on the uptake turned deathly pale.
Could it be! Has the initial initiatives of establishing Four Peoples Schools already been decided?
Could it be! Wasnt the establishment of Four Peoples Schools planned after the completion of the courts departmental reforms??
As the quick-witted mentioned Four Peoples Schools, the faces of other officials also started paling.
Seeing their expressions, Minister Lee Maeng-gyun nodded with a heavy look,,
Nothing has come out formally yet. However, I and other ministers believe His Majesty will soon make his intentions known.
For what reason?
At the officials question, Lee simply replied,
Because unexpected massive wealth flowed in due to the rebels.
Ah.
At Lees reply, the officials shut their mouths and nodded in understanding.
***
The educational institution Sejong termed Four Peoples School was by the standards of the time, a highly progressive and sensational institution that couldnt be seen anywhere else in the world.
At Four Peoples Schools, any freeborn child regardless of class or gender could receive basic education.
It was while listening to Hyangs presentation of ideologies that Sejong thought of Four Peoples Schools.
Joseon has small barren infertile land and scarce resources. For Joseon to develop in such bleak conditions, there is nothing we can rely on but people. That means investing in people.
Investing in people means providing them education.
Lowering the entry barrier of education and widening access must be done in order to foster greater numbers of talents.
Sejong was deeply impressed by Hyangs opinions. Sejongs greatest purpose had also been the enrichment and military strengthening of Joseon. Hyangs words demolished the wall Sejong had been stuck behind, allowing breakthrough.
Is this not the ideal those past sages had dreamed of!
Falling to his knees at Hyangs views, Sejong devised policies fitting the basic ideology of Expanding Both Quality and Quantity of Education while laying out military reformation plans.
Of course the scholars of Hall of Worthies, who had been aiding to realize Sejongs grand military plans, showed mostly negative reactions.
Once executions for uprising participants ended, all that remained was administering punishment on Grand Prince Yangnyeong and Seo Seon.
For Seo Seon and his clan, administer according to stipulations by law.
Yes, Your Majesty.
While Seo Seons verdict quickly ended, the issue was Grand Prince Yangnyeong.
For quite a while, Sejong agonized over what adjudication to pass down on Grand Prince Yangnyeong.
While inclined to handle things according to law to end matters promptly, Grand Prince Yangnyeong was Taejongs eldest legitimate son, former Crown Prince, and Sejongs own older brother by blood.
Whether he lived or died, whatever verdict passed down would definitely remain a continuing political burden on Sejong himself.
How to handle this matter.
And so regarding Grand Prince Yangnyeongs punishment, Sejongs anguish could only deepen.
Even my hands are tied on this issue.
While Hyang understood well what was troubling Sejong, this time even he could not interfere.
No matter his status as Crown Prince, it was an extremely precarious political issue involving the kingwho was Hyangs own father and the kings own brother.
With Sejongs worries worsening this way, Grand Prince Hyoryeong came to find Sejong.
Your Majesty, your complexion does not seem very good. Your face holds deep concerns.
At Hyoryeongs words Sejong let out a lengthy sigh.
Sigh~. The burden on my shoulders is too heavy.
Quietly observing Sejong, Hyoryeong asked,
Is it because of our oldest brother?
Not speaking a word, Sejong nodded at Hyoryeongs question.
Silently watching Sejong, Hyoryeong gently remonstrated with him.
Judge according to national law.
But he is my brother. Fathers eldest son and former Crown Prince.
Yet Father passed the throne to Your Majesty instead of our eldest brother. Thus everything was settled.
Sigh~.
At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong heaved a long sigh. In a quiet, composed tone, Hyoryeong continued speaking.
Whatever decision Your Majesty makes, it will become a large shackle on you. Then, choose to stand by the laws strictness. If you lean towards sentiment, in the distant future if similar situations arise, it could turn into a disadvantageous precedent.
I suppose you are right.
At the powerless tone of Sejongs voice, Hyoryeong continued his words.
Anyway living in this world means crossing an ocean of suffering. One must endlessly get injured and feel anguish. Regrets and guilt will remain with you due to our brothers situation. But please stand up over that and make Joseon even greater and more prosperous, with the people living in even more peace. Then the populace will praise you greatly.
That shall be my atonement.
At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong seemed to have hardened his resolve. His complexion gradually calmed and strength returned to his voice.
Older brother, thank you. Thanks to you I have awakened from the dream.
At Sejongs words, Hyoryeong faintly smiled as he answered.
It is all due to Buddhas grace.
[TL/N: Grand Prince Hyoryeong is Taejongs second son, and also older brother of Sejong. He became a monk following Sejongs installation as King.]
***
Having hardened his resolve by Hyoryeongs words, Sejong announced the next day in front of gathered ministers.
I will decide the criminal Yangnyeongs punishment.
Making it has come expressions at Sejongs announcement, the ministers nervously swallowed their saliva.
After a brief moment to catch his breath, Sejong continued speaking.
According to law, criminal Yangnyeong and sons over 15 years old will be executed. However, given his status as royalty, punishments like sliced to death or hanged, will not be used. Instead, sentence to death by poison shall be administered. Additionally, the entire family including the criminal will be deleted from Register of Royal Genealogies and remaining descendants will be demoted to commoners. While all assets possessed by the criminals clan will be confiscated, 10% shall be allotted to those demoted to commoners for minimal livelihood. Lastly, those demoted to commoners will be exiled by families to islands in the southern sea.
As Sejongs words ended, ministers uniformly bowed down to the floor.
Your order is received!
The day sentence was carried out, having heard about his family, Yangnyeong bowed in the direction of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
I am grateful for His Majestys bestowed grace.
Chapter 167The day Sejong decided to dismantle village schools,Phew~. Exiting the morning court session, Minister of Rites Lee Maeng-gyun heaved a deep sigh. Seeing Lee Maeng-gyuns face, other court ministers comforted him. Your Excellency, lets leave on time today and have a drink. Ill buy you a drink.Let us go together, my lord. At his colleagues words, Yi heaved another long sigh as he nodded. Ive been avoiding alcohol for a while, but I need a drink today. Thank you. Lets go together.Indeed. Lets drink until our noses are crooked today.And so, receiving the comfort of his fellow ministers, Lee Maeng-gyun headed off to the pleasure quarters, gritting his teeth as he crossed the threshold of the Ministry of Rites government office.Damn those rebel scums! Of all times! We ought to exterminate not only their family but all their nine clans and more! Spitting curses at the rebels on his way in, Lee Maeng-gyun immediately gathered officials of the Ministry once inside. Once the officials gathered, Lee Maeng-gyun spoke in a complicated tone, Just earlier, His Majesty made his decision in the court. That decision was.Stopping briefly, Lee took a deep breath before continuing, His Majesty has ordered the dismantlement of village schools.What?Are you serious? At Lees statement, officials looked around at each other with stunned faces, mumbling. Then what about the Confucian memorial rites.With the Sunkyunkwan.Watching his officials discuss one of the key functions of village schools memorial rites Lee raised his voice, That is not the problem! If thats not the problem, then.Among the confused officials at Lees words, those quick on the uptake turned deathly pale. Could it be! Has the initial initiatives of establishing Four Peoples Schools already been decided?Could it be! Wasnt the establishment of Four Peoples Schools planned after the completion of the courts departmental reforms?? As the quick-witted mentioned Four Peoples Schools, the faces of other officials also started paling. Seeing their expressions, Minister Lee Maeng-gyun nodded with a heavy look,, Nothing has come out formally yet. However, I and other ministers believe His Majesty will soon make his intentions known.For what reason?At the officials question, Lee simply replied, Because unexpected massive wealth flowed in due to the rebels.Ah.At Lees reply, the officials shut their mouths and nodded in understanding. ***The educational institution Sejong termed Four Peoples School was by the standards of the time, a highly progressive and sensational institution that couldnt be seen anywhere else in the world. At Four Peoples Schools, any freeborn child regardless of class or gender could receive basic education.It was while listening to Hyangs presentation of ideologies that Sejong thought of Four Peoples Schools. Joseon has small barren infertile land and scarce resources. For Joseon to develop in such bleak conditions, there is nothing we can rely on but people. That means investing in people. Investing in people means providing them education. Lowering the entry barrier of education and widening access must be done in order to foster greater numbers of talents.Sejong was deeply impressed by Hyangs opinions. Sejongs greatest purpose had also been the enrichment and military strengthening of Joseon. Hyangs words demolished the wall Sejong had been stuck behind, allowing breakthrough. Is this not the ideal those past sages had dreamed of! Falling to his knees at Hyangs views, Sejong devised policies fitting the basic ideology of Expanding Both Quality and Quantity of Education while laying out military reformation plans.Of course the scholars of Hall of Worthies, who had been aiding to realize Sejongs grand military plans, showed mostly negative reactions.Once executions for uprising participants ended, all that remained was administering punishment on Grand Prince Yangnyeong and Seo Seon. For Seo Seon and his clan, administer according to stipulations by law. Yes, Your Majesty.While Seo Seons verdict quickly ended, the issue was Grand Prince Yangnyeong. For quite a while, Sejong agonized over what adjudication to pass down on Grand Prince Yangnyeong. While inclined to handle things according to law to end matters promptly, Grand Prince Yangnyeong was Taejongs eldest legitimate son, former Crown Prince, and Sejongs own older brother by blood. Whether he lived or died, whatever verdict passed down would definitely remain a continuing political burden on Sejong himself. How to handle this matter. And so regarding Grand Prince Yangnyeongs punishment, Sejongs anguish could only deepen. Even my hands are tied on this issue. While Hyang understood well what was troubling Sejong, this time even he could not interfere. No matter his status as Crown Prince, it was an extremely precarious political issue involving the kingwho was Hyangs own father and the kings own brother. With Sejongs worries worsening this way, Grand Prince Hyoryeong came to find Sejong. Your Majesty, your complexion does not seem very good. Your face holds deep concerns.At Hyoryeongs words Sejong let out a lengthy sigh. Sigh~. The burden on my shoulders is too heavy.Quietly observing Sejong, Hyoryeong asked, Is it because of our oldest brother? Not speaking a word, Sejong nodded at Hyoryeongs question. Silently watching Sejong, Hyoryeong gently remonstrated with him.Judge according to national law. But he is my brother. Fathers eldest son and former Crown Prince.Yet Father passed the throne to Your Majesty instead of our eldest brother. Thus everything was settled. Sigh~.At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong heaved a long sigh. In a quiet, composed tone, Hyoryeong continued speaking. Whatever decision Your Majesty makes, it will become a large shackle on you. Then, choose to stand by the laws strictness. If you lean towards sentiment, in the distant future if similar situations arise, it could turn into a disadvantageous precedent.I suppose you are right. At the powerless tone of Sejongs voice, Hyoryeong continued his words. Anyway living in this world means crossing an ocean of suffering. One must endlessly get injured and feel anguish. Regrets and guilt will remain with you due to our brothers situation. But please stand up over that and make Joseon even greater and more prosperous, with the people living in even more peace. Then the populace will praise you greatly. That shall be my atonement.At Hyoryeongs words, Sejong seemed to have hardened his resolve. His complexion gradually calmed and strength returned to his voice. Older brother, thank you. Thanks to you I have awakened from the dream. At Sejongs words, Hyoryeong faintly smiled as he answered. It is all due to Buddhas grace.TL/N: Grand Prince Hyoryeong is Taejongs second son, and also older brother of Sejong. He became a monk following Sejongs installation as King.***Having hardened his resolve by Hyoryeongs words, Sejong announced the next day in front of gathered ministers. I will decide the criminal Yangnyeongs punishment.Making it has come expressions at Sejongs announcement, the ministers nervously swallowed their saliva. After a brief moment to catch his breath, Sejong continued speaking. According to law, criminal Yangnyeong and sons over 15 years old will be executed. However, given his status as royalty, punishments like sliced to death or hanged, will not be used. Instead, sentence to death by poison shall be administered. Additionally, the entire family including the criminal will be deleted from Register of Royal Genealogies and remaining descendants will be demoted to commoners. While all assets possessed by the criminals clan will be confiscated, 10% shall be allotted to those demoted to commoners for minimal livelihood. Lastly, those demoted to commoners will be exiled by families to islands in the southern sea.As Sejongs words ended, ministers uniformly bowed down to the floor.Your order is received! The day sentence was carried out, having heard about his family, Yangnyeong bowed in the direction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. I am grateful for His Majestys bestowed grace.
