Chapter 177
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Chapter 177
By February of the twelfth year of King Sejongs reign (1430, the year of Gyeongsul), the distribution of household registration plates was nearing completion not only in the three southern regions but also throughout most of Joseon.
Upon reviewing the situation, King Sejong issued two edicts:
For this year only, emancipation of slaves will be allowed even during the spring hunger period. However, the conditions for emancipating slaves remain the same.We are recruiting those who wish to cultivate the farmlands confiscated from traitors. The land rent will be the same 30% as the palace fields, with preference given to those who have established families.
These two royal decrees issued by King Sejong triggered a massive population movement across the entire nation.
***
The first significant change was the emancipation of slaves.
Landowners, who had been required to pay high taxes in the fall of the Giyu year due to their possession of slaves, began to emancipate their slaves hastily following the issuance of King Sejongs special order.
However, the process was not entirely smooth.
How exactly should we go about emancipating someone?
According to the edict issued by Sejong, the criteria for emancipation were as follows:
If the slave to be emancipated has a family, they should be emancipated as a unit. However, adult children should not be included in the family unit.Upon emancipation, a sum sufficient for three months of living must be provided.Emancipation is not to be carried out during the spring hunger period.Slaves over the age of 60, both male and female, are not to be emancipated.
Hmm Since its allowed to emancipate during the spring hunger period just for this time, that shouldnt be a problem
Those who owned slaves began to struggle with the dilemma of whom and how to emancipate.
Of course, those who were pondering this were landowners who had survived the recent rebellion.
This issue was a concern for those who owned between 20 to 30 or more slaves, while households with only four or five slaves found the decision relatively straightforward.
In the courtyard of a modestly sized tile-roofed house of an aristocrat in Chungcheong Province, barely exceeding 20 rooms, the house owner, Scholar Song, was discussing with his slaves.
This time, your children have come of age, havent they? Ill grant them their freedom.
Oh, thank you so much, my lord!
Sitting next to Scholar Song, his wife addressed the slave couple with a gentle expression.
You two are of age as well, so just grow old with us.
Thank you, madam.
It was common practice to prioritize the emancipation of adult children among the slaves.
Among those observing the changing times, some took a more proactive approach.
In the tile-roofed house of Scholar Kang in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, he made a groundbreaking announcement to the gathered slaves.
Ill grant freedom to all of you this time! It wouldnt be fair if some were emancipated and others remained slaves, would it? Ill free everyone!
At Scholar Kangs generous decision, the slaves bowed deeply in gratitude.
Thank you, my lord!
From now on, youll continue the farming and household work youve been doing, but youll be paid for it.
Thank you, my lord!
While the slaves repeatedly bowed in thanks, Kangs family was filled with worry.
Dear, are you sure this is okay?
Father, about this decision
Seeing his familys concern over changing all the slaves to paid workers, Scholar Kang rebuked them instead.
Wife! Do you not see how the world is changing? And you, you call yourself the eldest son of this household, yet lack such foresight, how can I trust this family to you?
At Kangs scolding, his eldest son, Kang Jun-man, had no choice but to prostrate himself on the floor.
I am deeply ashamed!
These are times of great change. To survive, our family must stay a step ahead of others!
I will bear that in mind.
You say the right things at least
Scholar Kang, looking disappointed at Jun-man, explained why he had made such a decision.
The king has made such a decision primarily to secure tax revenue, but also to weaken the power of landlords like us. Its likely that the kings following him will only strengthen these policies, not reverse them. So, what should we do? Should we rise up like those fools last autumn?
No, we shouldnt.
Disappointed by his eldest sons response, Scholar Kang clicked his tongue.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Tsk! Think before you speak!
***
Throughout the nation, many slaves from large and small aristocratic families were emancipated and ventured outside.
The first place the emancipated slaves visited was the local government office.
The command sent to the offices and the textile factory was straightforward:
Evacuate as many people from the rural areas as possible and absorb their assets into the textile factory.
Following the courts orders, the Ministry of Taxation officials began to lure the newly emancipated commoners.
Having successfully sent the emancipated male slaves to the construction sites, the official now turned his attention to the female slaves.
So Have you found a place to work?
Not yet, sir.
Do you know how to weave?
At our age, who doesnt know how to weave?
With a triumphant smile at the womens responses, the official made his pitch.
Theres going to be a large spinning mill opening in Daegu and Gyeongsan soon. Theyre looking for skilled weavers. How about it? Interested?
Its a bit far
Seeing the women hesitate, the official gently waved the bait.
Staying here, you said there arent proper job opportunities, right? Then what will happen? Youll end up living day by day as a day laborer, or worse, fall into destitution, wont you?
That is true
When the Ministry of Taxation official pointed out the harsh reality, the female slaves nodded gravely. Many of them had already endured harsh treatment simply for being female slaves. Although such acts were illegal according to the law, there was often a gap between the law and reality.
In the end, the women had no choice but to take the bait offered by the official.
We will do as you say, my lord. But
It seems like a good opportunity, but the journey to Daegu is long
Seeing the women hesitate at the last moment, the official confidently reassured them.
Indeed! Would I send you women alone on that long and perilous journey to Daegu! If there are enough of you, Ill arrange transportation! What do you say?
Eventually, the women agreed to the officials proposal.
***
With their identification tag updated to show their status as free commoners, the emancipated slaves were approached by another individual.
Listen, everyone, shall we discuss our future together?
Eh? The future?
Just hear me out for a moment. Ive come from the textile factory. Have you heard about it?
Yes, weve heard it was established by His Majesty
Exactly! I work for the establishment set up by His Majesty, so no need to doubt, just follow me for a bit.
Following the textile factory employee, the slaves crossed the threshold of the factory, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
***
Upon entering the textile factory, the factory official led the slaves into a large meeting room formerly the parlor of the original owner on one side of the factory.
Please, take a seat.
Wow
As the slaves awkwardly found their seats, the factory employee began to get to the point.
Now, what do you see outside the window?
Prompted by the employees question, the slaves turned their heads. As they looked through the wide-open windows of the meeting room at the landscape of the mountain beyond, they responded in unison.
We see a mountain.
Right. So
The employee closed the window. With the paper-covered window now shut, the employee asked the slaves.
Then you cant see anything, right?
Yeah
Thats your future. Nothing visible In other words, if you go out like this, youll be at a loss.
Really?
As the slaves looked puzzled, the employee reopened the window and continued.
Seriously, think about it! Youll leave this place and go elsewhere to work, right? And when you work, youll earn wages, wont you? What will you do with that money? With cash in hand, all sorts of peddlers and opportunists will flock to you. After a few days of excitement, youll be left with nothing. Youll live penniless until you receive your next wages. Wont you?
Hearing the employees words, the slaves nodded involuntarily. They had experienced this themselves when they first became emancipated and left their masters house, only to be swarmed by various traders.
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Chapter 177
By February of the twelfth year of King Sejongs reign (1430, the year of Gyeongsul), the distribution of household registration plates was nearing completion not only in the three southern regions but also throughout most of Joseon.
Upon reviewing the situation, King Sejong issued two edicts:
For this year only, emancipation of slaves will be allowed even during the spring hunger period. However, the conditions for emancipating slaves remain the same.We are recruiting those who wish to cultivate the farmlands confiscated from traitors. The land rent will be the same 30% as the palace fields, with preference given to those who have established families.
These two royal decrees issued by King Sejong triggered a massive population movement across the entire nation.
***
The first significant change was the emancipation of slaves.
Landowners, who had been required to pay high taxes in the fall of the Giyu year due to their possession of slaves, began to emancipate their slaves hastily following the issuance of King Sejongs special order.
However, the process was not entirely smooth.
How exactly should we go about emancipating someone?
According to the edict issued by Sejong, the criteria for emancipation were as follows:
If the slave to be emancipated has a family, they should be emancipated as a unit. However, adult children should not be included in the family unit.Upon emancipation, a sum sufficient for three months of living must be provided.Emancipation is not to be carried out during the spring hunger period.Slaves over the age of 60, both male and female, are not to be emancipated.
Hmm Since its allowed to emancipate during the spring hunger period just for this time, that shouldnt be a problem
Those who owned slaves began to struggle with the dilemma of whom and how to emancipate.
Of course, those who were pondering this were landowners who had survived the recent rebellion.
This issue was a concern for those who owned between 20 to 30 or more slaves, while households with only four or five slaves found the decision relatively straightforward.
In the courtyard of a modestly sized tile-roofed house of an aristocrat in Chungcheong Province, barely exceeding 20 rooms, the house owner, Scholar Song, was discussing with his slaves.
This time, your children have come of age, havent they? Ill grant them their freedom.
Oh, thank you so much, my lord!
Sitting next to Scholar Song, his wife addressed the slave couple with a gentle expression.
You two are of age as well, so just grow old with us.
Thank you, madam.
It was common practice to prioritize the emancipation of adult children among the slaves.
Among those observing the changing times, some took a more proactive approach.
In the tile-roofed house of Scholar Kang in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, he made a groundbreaking announcement to the gathered slaves.
Ill grant freedom to all of you this time! It wouldnt be fair if some were emancipated and others remained slaves, would it? Ill free everyone!
At Scholar Kangs generous decision, the slaves bowed deeply in gratitude.
Thank you, my lord!
From now on, youll continue the farming and household work youve been doing, but youll be paid for it.
Thank you, my lord!
While the slaves repeatedly bowed in thanks, Kangs family was filled with worry.
Dear, are you sure this is okay?
Father, about this decision
Seeing his familys concern over changing all the slaves to paid workers, Scholar Kang rebuked them instead.
Wife! Do you not see how the world is changing? And you, you call yourself the eldest son of this household, yet lack such foresight, how can I trust this family to you?
At Kangs scolding, his eldest son, Kang Jun-man, had no choice but to prostrate himself on the floor.
I am deeply ashamed!
These are times of great change. To survive, our family must stay a step ahead of others!
I will bear that in mind.
You say the right things at least
Scholar Kang, looking disappointed at Jun-man, explained why he had made such a decision.
The king has made such a decision primarily to secure tax revenue, but also to weaken the power of landlords like us. Its likely that the kings following him will only strengthen these policies, not reverse them. So, what should we do? Should we rise up like those fools last autumn?
No, we shouldnt.
Disappointed by his eldest sons response, Scholar Kang clicked his tongue.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Tsk! Think before you speak!
***
Throughout the nation, many slaves from large and small aristocratic families were emancipated and ventured outside.
The first place the emancipated slaves visited was the local government office.
The command sent to the offices and the textile factory was straightforward:
Evacuate as many people from the rural areas as possible and absorb their assets into the textile factory.
Following the courts orders, the Ministry of Taxation officials began to lure the newly emancipated commoners.
Having successfully sent the emancipated male slaves to the construction sites, the official now turned his attention to the female slaves.
So Have you found a place to work?
Not yet, sir.
Do you know how to weave?
At our age, who doesnt know how to weave?
With a triumphant smile at the womens responses, the official made his pitch.
Theres going to be a large spinning mill opening in Daegu and Gyeongsan soon. Theyre looking for skilled weavers. How about it? Interested?
Its a bit far
Seeing the women hesitate, the official gently waved the bait.
Staying here, you said there arent proper job opportunities, right? Then what will happen? Youll end up living day by day as a day laborer, or worse, fall into destitution, wont you?
That is true
When the Ministry of Taxation official pointed out the harsh reality, the female slaves nodded gravely. Many of them had already endured harsh treatment simply for being female slaves. Although such acts were illegal according to the law, there was often a gap between the law and reality.
In the end, the women had no choice but to take the bait offered by the official.
We will do as you say, my lord. But
It seems like a good opportunity, but the journey to Daegu is long
Seeing the women hesitate at the last moment, the official confidently reassured them.
Indeed! Would I send you women alone on that long and perilous journey to Daegu! If there are enough of you, Ill arrange transportation! What do you say?
Eventually, the women agreed to the officials proposal.
***
With their identification tag updated to show their status as free commoners, the emancipated slaves were approached by another individual.
Listen, everyone, shall we discuss our future together?
Eh? The future?
Just hear me out for a moment. Ive come from the textile factory. Have you heard about it?
Yes, weve heard it was established by His Majesty
Exactly! I work for the establishment set up by His Majesty, so no need to doubt, just follow me for a bit.
Following the textile factory employee, the slaves crossed the threshold of the factory, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
***
Upon entering the textile factory, the factory official led the slaves into a large meeting room formerly the parlor of the original owner on one side of the factory.
Please, take a seat.
Wow
As the slaves awkwardly found their seats, the factory employee began to get to the point.
Now, what do you see outside the window?
Prompted by the employees question, the slaves turned their heads. As they looked through the wide-open windows of the meeting room at the landscape of the mountain beyond, they responded in unison.
We see a mountain.
Right. So
The employee closed the window. With the paper-covered window now shut, the employee asked the slaves.
Then you cant see anything, right?
Yeah
Thats your future. Nothing visible In other words, if you go out like this, youll be at a loss.
Really?
As the slaves looked puzzled, the employee reopened the window and continued.
Seriously, think about it! Youll leave this place and go elsewhere to work, right? And when you work, youll earn wages, wont you? What will you do with that money? With cash in hand, all sorts of peddlers and opportunists will flock to you. After a few days of excitement, youll be left with nothing. Youll live penniless until you receive your next wages. Wont you?
Hearing the employees words, the slaves nodded involuntarily. They had experienced this themselves when they first became emancipated and left their masters house, only to be swarmed by various traders.
Chapter 177By February of the twelfth year of King Sejongs reign 1430, the year of Gyeongsul, the distribution of household registration plates was nearing completion not only in the three southern regions but also throughout most of Joseon.Upon reviewing the situation, King Sejong issued two edicts:For this year only, emancipation of slaves will be allowed even during the spring hunger period. However, the conditions for emancipating slaves remain the same.We are recruiting those who wish to cultivate the farmlands confiscated from traitors. The land rent will be the same 30% as the palace fields, with preference given to those who have established families.These two royal decrees issued by King Sejong triggered a massive population movement across the entire nation.***The first significant change was the emancipation of slaves.Landowners, who had been required to pay high taxes in the fall of the Giyu year due to their possession of slaves, began to emancipate their slaves hastily following the issuance of King Sejongs special order.However, the process was not entirely smooth.How exactly should we go about emancipating someone?According to the edict issued by Sejong, the criteria for emancipation were as follows:If the slave to be emancipated has a family, they should be emancipated as a unit. However, adult children should not be included in the family unit.Upon emancipation, a sum sufficient for three months of living must be provided.Emancipation is not to be carried out during the spring hunger period.Slaves over the age of 60, both male and female, are not to be emancipated.Hmm Since its allowed to emancipate during the spring hunger period just for this time, that shouldnt be a problemThose who owned slaves began to struggle with the dilemma of whom and how to emancipate.Of course, those who were pondering this were landowners who had survived the recent rebellion.This issue was a concern for those who owned between 20 to 30 or more slaves, while households with only four or five slaves found the decision relatively straightforward.In the courtyard of a modestly sized tile-roofed house of an aristocrat in Chungcheong Province, barely exceeding 20 rooms, the house owner, Scholar Song, was discussing with his slaves.This time, your children have come of age, havent they? Ill grant them their freedom.Oh, thank you so much, my lord!Sitting next to Scholar Song, his wife addressed the slave couple with a gentle expression.You two are of age as well, so just grow old with us.Thank you, madam.It was common practice to prioritize the emancipation of adult children among the slaves.Among those observing the changing times, some took a more proactive approach.In the tile-roofed house of Scholar Kang in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, he made a groundbreaking announcement to the gathered slaves.Ill grant freedom to all of you this time! It wouldnt be fair if some were emancipated and others remained slaves, would it? Ill free everyone!At Scholar Kangs generous decision, the slaves bowed deeply in gratitude.Thank you, my lord!From now on, youll continue the farming and household work youve been doing, but youll be paid for it.Thank you, my lord!While the slaves repeatedly bowed in thanks, Kangs family was filled with worry.Dear, are you sure this is okay?Father, about this decisionSeeing his familys concern over changing all the slaves to paid workers, Scholar Kang rebuked them instead.Wife! Do you not see how the world is changing? And you, you call yourself the eldest son of this household, yet lack such foresight, how can I trust this family to you?At Kangs scolding, his eldest son, Kang Jun-man, had no choice but to prostrate himself on the floor.I am deeply ashamed!These are times of great change. To survive, our family must stay a step ahead of others!I will bear that in mind.You say the right things at leastScholar Kang, looking disappointed at Jun-man, explained why he had made such a decision.The king has made such a decision primarily to secure tax revenue, but also to weaken the power of landlords like us. Its likely that the kings following him will only strengthen these policies, not reverse them. So, what should we do? Should we rise up like those fools last autumn?No, we shouldnt.Disappointed by his eldest sons response, Scholar Kang clicked his tongue.Updated from novelbIn.comTsk! Think before you speak!***Throughout the nation, many slaves from large and small aristocratic families were emancipated and ventured outside.The first place the emancipated slaves visited was the local government office.The command sent to the offices and the textile factory was straightforward:Evacuate as many people from the rural areas as possible and absorb their assets into the textile factory.Following the courts orders, the Ministry of Taxation officials began to lure the newly emancipated commoners.Having successfully sent the emancipated male slaves to the construction sites, the official now turned his attention to the female slaves.So Have you found a place to work?Not yet, sir.Do you know how to weave?At our age, who doesnt know how to weave?With a triumphant smile at the womens responses, the official made his pitch.Theres going to be a large spinning mill opening in Daegu and Gyeongsan soon. Theyre looking for skilled weavers. How about it? Interested?Its a bit farSeeing the women hesitate, the official gently waved the bait.Staying here, you said there arent proper job opportunities, right? Then what will happen? Youll end up living day by day as a day laborer, or worse, fall into destitution, wont you?That is trueWhen the Ministry of Taxation official pointed out the harsh reality, the female slaves nodded gravely. Many of them had already endured harsh treatment simply for being female slaves. Although such acts were illegal according to the law, there was often a gap between the law and reality.In the end, the women had no choice but to take the bait offered by the official.We will do as you say, my lord. ButIt seems like a good opportunity, but the journey to Daegu is longSeeing the women hesitate at the last moment, the official confidently reassured them.Indeed! Would I send you women alone on that long and perilous journey to Daegu! If there are enough of you, Ill arrange transportation! What do you say?Eventually, the women agreed to the officials proposal.***With their identification tag updated to show their status as free commoners, the emancipated slaves were approached by another individual.Listen, everyone, shall we discuss our future together?Eh? The future?Just hear me out for a moment. Ive come from the textile factory. Have you heard about it?Yes, weve heard it was established by His MajestyExactly! I work for the establishment set up by His Majesty, so no need to doubt, just follow me for a bit.Following the textile factory employee, the slaves crossed the threshold of the factory, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.***Upon entering the textile factory, the factory official led the slaves into a large meeting room formerly the parlor of the original owner on one side of the factory.Please, take a seat.WowAs the slaves awkwardly found their seats, the factory employee began to get to the point.Now, what do you see outside the window?Prompted by the employees question, the slaves turned their heads. As they looked through the wide-open windows of the meeting room at the landscape of the mountain beyond, they responded in unison.We see a mountain.Right. SoThe employee closed the window. With the paper-covered window now shut, the employee asked the slaves.Then you cant see anything, right?YeahThats your future. Nothing visible In other words, if you go out like this, youll be at a loss.Really?As the slaves looked puzzled, the employee reopened the window and continued.Seriously, think about it! Youll leave this place and go elsewhere to work, right? And when you work, youll earn wages, wont you? What will you do with that money? With cash in hand, all sorts of peddlers and opportunists will flock to you. After a few days of excitement, youll be left with nothing. Youll live penniless until you receive your next wages. Wont you?Hearing the employees words, the slaves nodded involuntarily. They had experienced this themselves when they first became emancipated and left their masters house, only to be swarmed by various traders.
