The matter of the limited editions was also brought to Sejong.
“My word…”
Sejong’s reaction upon hearing the news was similar to Kim Jeom’s.
“There are truly many wealthy people in this small land.”
At Sejong’s words, Hwang Hui bowed his head and responded.
“Doesn’t this show that Your Majesty’s efforts have not been in vain?”
In agreement with Hwang Hui, Hyang and all the ministers spoke in unison.
“The Prime Minister’s words are truly correct!”
Hearing Hyang and the ministers’ words, Sejong smiled bashfully and said.
“Ha ha… With not only the Crown Prince but all of you being so generous with praise, I truly find it difficult to respond.”
“It is not excessive praise!”
Hyang and the ministers were sincere.
Since the founding, no, since Goguryeo of the ancient Three Hans and Balhae of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, there had never been such extensive territory. And it wasn’t just territory. Being known not only to Ming and Japan but even in the distant Western Regions far surpassed their predecessor Goryeo, which had been renowned for trade.
Hwang Hui addressed Sejong with complete sincerity.
“We are truly counting the days until we can use ‘Your Imperial Majesty’[1] instead of ‘Your Majesty’[2].”
At Hwang Hui’s words, Hyang and the ministers all nodded simultaneously.
Considering the current situation, using “Your Imperial Majesty” would not have been problematic at all. However, because they had not officially declared imperial status, they continued using “Your Majesty.” They refrained from premature use for fear of bringing bad luck. For the same reason, they continued using the name “Joseon,” or simply referred to it as “the country” if they didn’t want to use that name.
In principle, these scholar-officials were atheists who even suppressed shamanic beliefs as “strange powers and evil spirits”.
Yet as they approached the metamorphosis from a small country to an empire, they exercised the utmost caution and restraint.
The common people were the same.
They carefully measured their words, fearing they might bring bad luck.
“Speaking of which, have we set a date for the ceremony?”
When Sejong asked about the date for the Opening of Heaven ceremony, Hwang Hui immediately answered.
“Yes. We’ve chosen Clear and Bright[3]. Particularly since this year it falls on the fifth day of the fourth month, avoiding the number four, we judged it most suitable.”
“Neither too early nor too late – that’s good. Let’s prepare with utmost sincerity.”
“We receive your command!”
And the court historian who recorded all these events added the following note:
-… Thus when His Highness commanded to prepare the ceremony with utmost dedication, the Prime Minister and other ministers all responded in agreement.
The historian says: Finally, the day to officially declare imperial status approaches. As misfortune traditionally accompanies joyous occasions, we must be especially careful in speech and conduct.
Moreover, Hangeul is truly useful. Even writing “His Majesty” is difficult, so I wrote “sang,” but “Your Imperial Majesty” is even more difficult. But it can be written easily in Hangeul, which is truly good.
By the way, when will they decide about the government store discounts? There are quite a few things I need to buy.
After giving his orders, Sejong changed the subject.
“We got sidetracked for a moment, but are there really that many people wanting to acquire the limited edition law books?”
“They exceed twenty times the number available.”
“My… Are there that many people interested in law?”
At Sejong’s question, Hyang and the ministers all fell silent and stared at him.
“Why do you look at me so?”
At Sejong’s question, Hyang stepped forward as representative.
“Are they truly seeking the limited editions to learn about the law?”
At Hyang’s question, Sejong answered with a small smile.
“Are your and my handwritten signatures really worth that much?”
To Sejong’s question, Hyang silently nodded. And all the ministers thought the same thing:
This seems intentional no matter how you look at it. He’s subtly bragging, isn’t he?
Forcibly holding back such thoughts from escaping their lips, Kim Jeom added:
“A considerable number of those stepping forward to purchase the limited editions have expressed intent to buy all three types.”
“Oh? All three types? Why?”
To Sejong’s question, Hyang stepped forward to answer.
“Because all three types have different values.”
At Kim Jeom’s words, Hyang internally exclaimed:
The collector’s instinct truly transcends time and space!
Sejong’s signature, Hyang’s signature, and their joint signatures each had their own unique value. If considering collection value, obtaining all three types rather than just one was the best choice.
“Hmm…”
After thinking for a moment, Sejong pointed out an issue.
“I won’t take issue with people crowding in for my signature rather than the law book’s content. If that had been a concern, we wouldn’t have considered releasing limited editions in the first place. However, the fact that more people than expected have come forward is problematic. It’s certain there will be those expressing dissatisfaction, so we need a solution for this.”
At Sejong’s point, Hyang and the ministers all nodded.
It can’t be helped. This era can’t even dream of online reservations. So what would be good…
While Hyang was searching for an appropriate method, Finance Minister Park Jong-wu spoke up.
“What about holding an auction, like when we sold the Tripitaka Koreana printing blocks to Japan?”
“An auction?”
“An auction…”
“That seems good…”
When the method of “auction” was suggested, the ministers nodded. However, Sejong shook his head.
“While an auction is good, it could lead to excessive competition if we’re not careful. Let’s say someone throws in their entire fortune to purchase a law book. Having spent all their wealth, wouldn’t they certainly try to sell it again at a profit to recover their money? Then the law books would be treated like market commodities.”
At Sejong’s point, the ministers and Hyang nodded. Hyang particularly empathized strongly.
There’s bound to be resellers.
As various proposals were being discussed, Hyang presented an idea.
“How about this?”
“Speak!”
Five days later, notices were posted at government offices and stores across Joseon.
-Announcing Rules for Limited Edition Foundation Law Purchase.
- Limited edition Foundation Law sales will be conducted through auction.
- Auction participants must meet the following qualifications: -Must possess wealth exceeding 1,000 gold nyang -Must be able to submit bank account balance records from the Treasury and tax payment records from the National Tax Office as proof
- Sale is prohibited if the amount offered by the successful bidder exceeds one-fifth of their total wealth.
- Those who obtain a limited edition in an auction are prohibited from participating in subsequent auctions.
- Those who obtain law books through auction cannot transfer or sell them to others for 20 years. Exception is made for inheritance due to death.
- After 20 years, when transferring or selling limited edition law books to others, recipients must meet the criteria recorded in Item B. However, these criteria will be adjusted according to prices at that time.
Reading the notices posted at government offices and stores, people nodded.
“So basically, those thinking of making a quick profit should stay out.”
“That’s right.”
“Saying only the truly wealthy should try.”
“But could you explain the content of Item F in more detail?”
“Well, if after time passes and everyone and their dog has a thousand gold nyang, they’ll raise the standard higher. Though for someone like me, I wouldn’t qualify even after 20 years…”
“You’re not alone there…”
While common people were nodding, the wealthy were steeling their resolve.
“If we can get our hands on a limited edition this time, we can widely show how great our family is!”
“Let’s show these nouveau riche rabble who the real wealthy are!”
Conversely, there were those beating the ground in regret. These were people who had been reducing taxes through clever tricks and hoarding wealth in kind rather than in bank accounts.
“Damn it! This was a perfect chance to get our hands on a priceless treasure!”
“If we properly correct things now…”
“Then we’d lose everything to charges of deceiving the ruler!”
***
What Hyang had proposed was a kind of ‘VVIP service.’
This came from a story told by an acquaintance from the 21st century.
This acquaintance, who had come from an ordinary family, achieved high income when their startup succeeded. Naturally, their spending increased along with their income.
One day, this acquaintance told Hyang:
“Hey! I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d get a text from a credit card company inviting me to test drive cars! And not just domestic cars, but real million-dollar imported brands! They even added, ‘If you have a specific model from the brand you’d like to test drive, we’ll prepare it for you!’ And this was just with a regular card, not even platinum or black! I can’t even imagine what real VVIP or VIP services must be like!”
From this memory, Hyang had found his solution.
After finishing his explanation, Hyang added:
“Generally, those who have much want to show off how different they are from those who don’t. However, if they boast carelessly, the world’s sentiment is more likely to respond with criticism or mockery than praise.”
At Hyang’s words, Sejong and the ministers nodded. Seeing their response, Hyang spoke with more confidence.
“However, if they gain qualification through these established standards, others will know without them having to raise their voices, making it the perfect solution for them. They’ll likely gather just to gain participation qualifications, regardless of whether they obtain the law books or not.”
As Sejong nodded at Hyang’s words, he pointed out a problem.
“Wouldn’t that deviate from our original purpose of moderating competition rates and avoiding excessive competition?”
To Sejong’s point, Hyang answered clearly.
“That’s why we added the additional clause. We won’t sell to anyone offering more than one-fifth of their total wealth. And there’s another benefit. During the qualification verification process, the National Tax Office can conduct another review – isn’t that good?”
“Ah!”
At Hyang’s words, Kim Jeom and Park Jong-wu slapped their knees.
And thus the above notice was posted.
On a day in March when spring was in full bloom.
Finally, the auction began.
The auction house was prepared at the entertainment complex next to Hanseong’s bell tower, and the country’s most prominent wealthy gathered there.
And Hanseong’s residents gathered to watch these wealthy individuals arrive.
“Wow! Their attire is different from the start!”
“Hey! Look at the finial[4] on that hat!”
“And how about those hat strings!”
People exclaimed in admiration at the clothing and accessories of the wealthy entering for the auction. Not only the common people, but craftsmen who made ornaments and those who considered themselves fashionable stared intently, taking in the wealthy’s attire and accessories.
“So that’s what the rich wear…”
“Oho… those patterns…”
While the auction was in full swing, the Four approached Hyang, who was working in Seunghwadang.
“What brings you here?”
At Hyang’s question, Han Myeong-hoe stepped forward as representative.
“We have come with a request for Your Highness.”
“A request? What kind? Speak.”
At Hyang’s words, the Four brought forward the Foundation Law books they had been keeping behind them.
“Well, about your signature…”
Hearing the Four’s request, Hyang was momentarily stunned before glaring at Han Myeong-hoe.
“This was your idea, wasn’t it?”
“…”
“Hand it over.”
“Your grace is boundless!”