Black Corporation: Joseon

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. 𝖋𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔴𝖊𝔟𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑.𝔠𝔬𝔪

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.

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?”

Sejong’s question sparked another debate among the ministers. The topic of the debate was whether to recognize Lim Soonwook’s 20 years of experience outside officialdom as a valid career experience.

“Given Scholar Lim’s insight, it’s only fair to recognize that time! Considering those 20 years and his insight, a rank and position of Third Rank Senior Secretary would be appropriate!”

“While I acknowledge Scholar Lim’s capabilities, recognizing all 20 years he spent as a commoner is unreasonable! How many of those who entered service around the same time have reached the Third Rank? A rank of Junior Third Rank Chief Secretary is more fitting!”

“Arguing to give him the Junior Third Rank just because few have reached the Third Rank is absurd! Why should we consider those who failed to get promoted due to their lack of ability?”

“It’s not right to ignore the efforts of those who have served dutifully in government positions for decades! How will you address the demotivation of these officials?”

As the ministers argued, Hyang stepped in.

“Father, may I say something?”

“Speak your mind,” Sejong said, already exasperated by his officials’ quarreling.

As Hyang joined the conversation, the ministers ceased their debate and turned their attention to him.

After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Hyang spoke.

“The arguments of the ministers all have merit. Scholar Lim’s 20 years of experience and insight living as a commoner certainly qualify him for a high rank. Similarly, the efforts of those who have been in official service during the same period must also be acknowledged. However, the reason we are appointing Scholar Lim Soonwook now is due to a shortage of internal staff, right? Moreover, for the mock trial, we need someone of a sufficient rank to direct the officials.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s statement.

“Right. Who would listen to someone of the same rank who just came in from outside?”

Encouraged by Sejong’s receptive response, Hyang continued.

“Furthermore, opportunities for those who have been loyally serving in the government should also be increased. The solution, as Father has already established using Sungkyunkwan, should be expanded.”

With the ongoing reforms, Sejong had also revised the civil service examination system. The preliminary and main exams were streamlined to facilitate the recruitment of lower-ranking officials. Sungkyunkwan, traditionally a Confucian academy, had been transformed into a place for preparing outstanding officials for high-ranking positions based on their career and performance evaluations.

Hyang was suggesting increasing the enrollment at Sungkyunkwan.

“I think the Crown Prince’s proposal is good. What do the ministers think?”

Sejong’s question put the ministers on high alert.

‘He used ‘Gwain’ and even spoke in a casual tone. This is a warning!’

‘There’s nothing to lose by agreeing! It’s time to yield!’

Recognizing the warning embedded in Sejong’s words, the ministers all bowed in agreement.

“We agree with Your Majesty’s decision!”

With unanimous support from the ministers, Sejong made his decision.

“Then, I will appoint Scholar Lim Soonwook to the rank of Third Rank Senior Secretary. Once Scholar Lim officially begins attending court, he will be tasked with preparing and executing the mock trial.”

“We shall comply with Your Majesty’s command!”

And so, Lim Soonwook’s role was decided.

* * *

After the meeting concluded, Hyang returned to the Eastern Palace and muttered bitterly with a wry smile.

“The passive behavior of these officials… It really is a proud tradition in its own right.”

In the 21st century, Hyang’s first encounter with public service as a Grade 5 official was the passive approach of ‘just do what you’re told’ and the prevalent ‘old-school mentality.’

“Hey! You don’t have to work so hard! Working like that won’t increase your salary!”

“Try as you might, when the administration changes, everything goes back to square one.”

Despite being populated by highly capable individuals from renowned universities, the work attitude of most government employees in central government administrative positions was just like that.

Worse still was the prevalence of ‘old-timers’ who adhered to the “back in my day” mentality.

“That’s nothing compared to what we had to deal with!”

Such statements were the least of concerns and could even be considered endearing.

“What do you know about struggling?”

“There’s no precedent for this! Precedent!”

“If you want to do things your way, start by building a track record!”

Hyang and peers, who had managed to secure a reasonably high position as Grade 5 officials, gradually lost their motivation upon hearing such remarks from their superiors.

Even more frustrating was the fact that many of these superiors were individuals who had previously left their positions due to frustrations with such ‘old-timers,’ only to return and become even worse.

Many who re-entered the administration ended up becoming more rigid and conservative than the very ‘old-timers’ they had once criticized.

Frustrated with the situation, which was a poor fit for his temperament, and sickened by the old-fashioned attitudes of his superiors, Hyang eventually developed depression and had to resign.

Recalling these painful memories from the 21st century, Hyang clenched his teeth.

“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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