Chapter 132: Change (2)

“If the ministers have any questions, feel free to ask,” King Sejong encouraged.

Prompted by Sejong’s invitation, the ministers began to raise their questions.

“You mentioned operating horse-drawn carriages using post stations. Could you elaborate on this?”

Jo Mal-saeng, whose concerns were primarily military-related, was the first to ask about the ‘post stations.’

Responding to Jo Mal-saeng’s query, Hyang explained:

“Currently, when the people of Joseon travel, they have to walk endlessly to their destinations. This is not only time-consuming but also dangerous. Although most bandits have been dealt with, some still remain, along with wild beasts.”

The ministers nodded in agreement with Hyang’s point. Even putting bandits aside, the greatest danger to traveling civilians were wild animals. For this reason, peddlers never traveled alone.

Seeing that the ministers understood, Hyang continued:

“However, these large horses from the West are not only big but also strong, capable of pulling large carriages. Regular operation of these carriages would make travel not only more convenient and safer for the people but also significantly quicker.”

“Indeed…”

The ministers nodded, recalling the impressive large horses they had seen, which seemed capable of effortlessly pulling heavily loaded carriages.

“Moreover, operating horse-drawn carriages centered around post stations will lead to the development of new industries.”

“New industries, you say?”

As Jo Mal-saeng asked, King Sejong answered on behalf of Hyang.

“There will be shops selling food and establishments providing lodging. It will also increase the demand for currency.”

“Exactly!” Hyang enthusiastically agreed with King Sejong.

Following Jo Mal-saeng, Kim Jeom chimed in:

“You mentioned distributing the same kind of identity documents to all adult citizens of Joseon. Considering the budget and personnel required, wouldn’t it be better to have them made by the citizens themselves?”

“At first glance, that seems reasonable. However, if everyone makes their own identification tags, the standards and materials will vary greatly. How easy would it be to recognize them?”

Kim Jeom responded with a hesitant face to Hyang’s counter-question:

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“And the wealthy will make their identification tags from expensive materials. If something happens and soldiers have to check these tags, can they perform their duties impartially?”

“Well…”

Kim Jeom fell silent, unable to respond. Would the soldiers be able to act impartially toward those possessing such extravagant identification tags?

‘If they’re lucky, they won’t get slapped in the face.’

This thought wasn’t just Kim Jeom’s but was shared by other ministers and even King Sejong.

As Kim Jeom struggled to respond and others showed similar reactions, Hyang continued:

“Distributing the same standard identification tags to all citizens is a symbol.”

At the unexpected use of the word ‘symbol,’ King Sejong showed interest.

“A symbol, you say?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, a symbol indeed. ‘Though there are distinctions among Joseon’s people, in the eyes of the law, everyone is an equal citizen.’ That’s the symbol.”

“Ah! What a splendid symbol indeed!” King Sejong exclaimed in admiration, slapping his knee. The ministers also shared a similar expression of admiration.

Observing King Sejong and the ministers’ reactions, Hyang barely concealed a smile.

‘Remembering my college days and the benefits of a liberal arts education.’

***

During Hyang’s early college years in the 21st century, he had chosen ‘Law and Democracy’ as an elective. The professor, a dignified elderly gentleman, conducted the lectures engagingly.

During one lecture, he pulled out his ID card and said:

“You might have heard this in TV dramas or movies: ‘All are equal before the law.’ It’s a phrase that must be adhered to, but rarely seen in practice. However, this ID card is the most concise symbol of that phrase. Whether it’s someone living day-to-day or the chairman of S Group(Samsung ????), their legal identity is proven by this little piece of plastic.”

***

With the explanation of the identity tags concluded, Hyang finished his supplementary explanations.

After Hyang had finished, Kim Jeom let out a long sigh.

“Whew… To implement all these initiatives simultaneously would be a concern in terms of both manpower and budget.”

Confused by Kim Jeom’s words, Hyang asked:

“What? What do you mean ‘simultaneously’?”

Kim Jeom looked equally puzzled by Hyang’s question.

“Didn’t you say these were interconnected policies? I assumed that meant they were to be implemented simultaneously.”

Hyang sighed deeply in response to Kim Jeom’s answer.

“Whew… The command I received from His Majesty was to devise strategies concerning the slave issue, specifically regarding the Slave and Concubine Law.”

“That’s right.”

King Sejong nodded in agreement with Hyang’s statement. Seeing the ministers also nodding, Hyang continued:

“So, in contemplating strategies, I thought that weakening the power of the landlords was the best solution to address the slave issue and benefit Joseon. Therefore…”

Hyang paused, swallowed, and moistened his throat before continuing.

“Therefore, as part of the related strategies, I considered fixing the interest rates for tenancy, establishing military facilities, promoting the use of currency, transforming the tax system, and improving roads for environmental change. However, I never said all these policies must be implemented simultaneously. I mentioned they should be interconnected, but that’s all.”

“Ah…”

The ministers looked as if they had been taken aback by Hyang’s words. They had only remembered Hyang’s track record – initiating multiple tasks simultaneously and expanding the scope of his projects rapidly – and had prematurely assumed this situation would be the same.

Noting the ministers’ expressions, Hyang looked incredulously at them.

“Did you gentlemen actually think all these initiatives were to be implemented simultaneously?”

“…”

“Does our Joseon’s budget even allow for that level of expenditure?”

“…”

“Or did you think you could handle all these tasks by yourselves? If I were a lower-level official, the moment these policies were to be executed simultaneously, I’d tender my resignation, take my pension, and either retire or look for another job.”

“…”

The ministers were left speechless by Hyang’s successive points.

Meanwhile, the historians and clerks were frantically checking their records while writing down the facts.

‘The Crown Prince is right! He never said to implement them all at once!’

Hyang elaborated further for the ministers.

“Based on this year’s civil service examination being open to people from the northwest region and serfs, I considered these policies. They are predicated on a large influx of new officials and their acclimation to public service, with the assumption of executing well-coordinated, large-scale policies in a sequential manner.”

Hearing Hyang’s explanation, Lee Jik candidly responded.

“We assumed so because, until now, whenever the Crown Prince was in charge, proposals were made to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.”

At Lee Jik’s frank admission, Hyang awkwardly replied.

“If that’s what you want, I could revise the plans to make them executable simultaneously…”

Before Hyang could finish, the ministers unanimously responded.

“No! The current plan is the best! We will determine the sequence and execute accordingly!”

Following the ministers, King Sejong also chimed in.

“I also think it would be best to coordinate the sequence. Ministers, ensure you well-coordinate and execute these policies.”

“We obey Your Majesty!”

“We shall diligently follow Your Majesty’s command!”

At the reaction of King Sejong and the ministers, Hyang looked puzzled.

‘Why is everyone so in sync today?’

Seeing Hyang’s perplexed expression, King Sejong turned to the ministers.

“I would like to have a moment alone with the Crown Prince. Everyone, please leave the room for a while.”

“Yes? Yes…”

At King Sejong’s command, the ministers hesitantly bowed and quietly left the Kangnyeongjeon Hall.

“Historians and clerks, please step outside as well.”

“But Your Majesty…”

“I won’t repeat myself. Leave.”

At King Sejong’s stern warning, the historians and clerks also quietly gathered their ink brushes and papers and vacated their seats.

“Leave the writing materials behind.”

Following King Sejong’s command, the historians and clerks left the Kangnyeongjeon Hall empty-handed. However, as soon as the door closed, they quickly took out their writing tools from their sleeves, crouched down, and pressed their ears against the door.

Seeing this from the courtyard of Geunjeongjeon, the ministers wanted to say something but soon closed their mouths. It was just the nature of the historians’ work.

***

Meanwhile, inside Geunjeongjeon, only Sejong and Hyang remained.

“Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“There’s more, isn’t there? Go ahead, recite them.”

Confronted with Sejong’s direct question, Hyang promptly responded.

“There are several more. Expanding education, establishing a press organization, creating labor standards laws, and so on…”

“That’s quite a lot?”

At Sejong’s question, Hyang responded with an awkward smile.

“What Your Majesty is laying down are the foundations, and the policies I explained to the ministers and the ones I just mentioned are like pillars built on those foundations.”

“Hmm…”

As Hyang spoke, Sejong stroked his beard in thought, then stepped down from his seat to stand in front of Hyang.

“You’ve grown up a lot. I always thought of you as a child.”

“I am deeply grateful.”

“But, you know, listening to what you just said, it seems like by the time all these policies are implemented and settled, it might be about time for you to take over the regency or ascend the throne, right?”

“How could that be? My only wish is for Your Majesty to live a long and healthy life.”

“Even so, I’ll be the one facing all the troubles implementing these policies, and you’ll just have to make minor improvements. You’ve thought that far ahead, haven’t you?”

“Never! How could your son harbor such unfilial thoughts?”

Despite Hyang’s strong denial, Sejong looked at him suspiciously.

“Why are your eyes looking elsewhere, then?”

“…Absolutely not.”

As Hyang’s gaze still drifted away, Sejong suddenly raised his voice.

“Hey, you! Get out!”

***

While these events unfolded inside Geunjeongjeon, the ministers outside were engaged in a heated discussion.

“Even if we plan the sequence for implementing these policies, it won’t be easy,” remarked the Minister of Public Works.

Kim Jeom nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. Just when we thought a large influx of personnel would give us some breathing room… Sigh.”

As Kim Jeom sighed, Jo Mal-saeng spoke up.

“The Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Taxation will have a tough time. You guys will have to work hard.”

“Eh? Why do you think it’s just us who will suffer?”

Heo Jo retorted, bristling at Jo Mal-saeng’s comment.

“Well… isn’t it the Ministry of Personnel’s job to organize the system, and the Ministry of Taxation’s job to handle the budget and economic affairs?”

At Jo Mal-saeng’s reply, Kim Jeom scoffed.

“Hmph! You think things are that simple? Immediately, expanding and repairing roads is the job of the Ministry of Public Works.”

“Oh no…”