Although he said he would “think deeply about it,” Sejong’s mind was already set on accepting Hyang’s proposal.
The next day, Sejong summoned Hyang and said, “Explain your plan in more detail to me and the ministers.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At Sejong’s command, Hyang began providing a more detailed explanation to Sejong and the ministers.
“First, we will select suitable areas in the eight provinces of Joseon to begin pilot construction projects.”
Sejong, who had briefly expressed doubts about Hyang’s words, immediately nodded.
“Pilot construction? Ah, yes. I am also choosing counties to conduct trials before reforming local administrative organizations. It’s the same concept, right?”
“That’s correct, Your Majesty. Depending on the constraints like flat land, mountainous areas, ease of obtaining gravel and sand, distance, and whether it’s a general road or bridge, we need to confirm the approximate construction costs to prevent merchant associations from making excessive profits.”
The ministers nodded at Hyang’s explanation. Kim Jeom, who was listening to the explanation, asked a question.
“Since this is not a relief project, we must pay wages to the workers. Should we leave the decision on wage standards to the merchant associations?”
At Kim Jeom’s question, Hyang paused for a moment before answering.
“I planned to explain that part later, but since you asked, I will share my thoughts. By my standards, if the workers labor for half a sijin (1 hour), they should earn enough to buy a meal. If they work for a full day (12 hours), they should be able to support a family of four for a day. That can be considered the minimum standard.”
Kim Jeom, who had been doing various calculations based on Hyang’s answer, nodded.
“That seems reasonable.”
“Let’s add one more condition to that.”
When Sejong interjected, the ministers and Hyang turned their attention to him.
“I am all ears, Your Majesty.”
“It’s not a grand condition, just a small addition. I think it would be good to require the merchant associations in charge of the work to provide free porridge and snacks.”
At Kim Jeom’s remark that the merchant associations would strongly protest the reduced profits, Sejong’s expression sharpened.
“Is it acceptable for merchant associations to pursue profits, but not for those at the very bottom doing the actual work?”
“Th-that’s not what I meant…”
“If they should be content with just filling their stomachs day by day, why bother leaving their villages? Even now, if you go to the markets, there are countless commoners working odd jobs to get by. Aren’t we trying to reform so they can also accumulate wealth and pursue a better life? What’s the difference between only nurturing merchant associations and nurturing local magnates?”
At Sejong’s rebuke, Kim Jeom immediately prostrated on the ground.
“Please forgive my rashness, Your Majesty!”
“Get up. And think before you speak next time.”
“I will engrave it in my bones, Your Majesty.”
Kim Jeom bowed his head and let out a small sigh.
‘Phew, that was close.’
Through various experiences, the ministers had acquired the skill of gauging the danger level based on Sejong’s tone when speaking to them.
- Under normal circumstances with no major issues, he uses hasoche (low formality).
- When the ministers or Crown Prince achieve great merits, he shows respect for their age by using honorifics.
- If they fail to properly understand his intentions or oppose him at every turn, he uses harache (high formality).
- In even more displeasing situations, he clicks his tongue and uses direct, aggressive language.
- If the situation escalates further, the State Tribunal gets involved.
Based on these conditions, Kim Jeom had narrowly escaped a crisis.
‘This job is really unbearable!’
While grumbling inwardly, Kim Jeom focused on Hyang’s words.
Amidst the chilled atmosphere from the recent exchange, Hyang continued his explanation.
“Regarding wages for the workers at the bottom, I believe His Majesty’s thoughts are most appropriate.
Moving on, we should secure construction merchant associations in every province of Joseon, signing contracts with at least three associations per province.”
“By at least three, do you mean a minimum of three?” Kim Jeom asked for clarification, and Hyang nodded. At this point, Jo Mal-saeng, who had been listening to the conversation, interjected.
“Wouldn’t it be more convenient to manage if there are fewer merchant associations in charge?”
Just as Hyang was about to respond to Jo Mal-saeng’s question, the Inspector General answered.
“It’s because of the monopoly issue. In the military, the simpler the chain of command, the better the efficiency. But in private sector projects, monopolies only increase the number of people who suffer losses. That’s why the sages advised paying attention to commerce.”
“The Inspector General is correct. If we select only one merchant association per province, they will eventually control everything. The money for the construction comes from the people’s taxes, so we can’t waste it recklessly.”
“In that case, we could bring in merchant associations from other provinces… Ah, it’s a matter of efficiency.”
Heo Jo, who was about to point out an issue in Hyang’s words, closed his mouth upon realizing the problem midsentence.
Hyang continued speaking.
“The government’s role is to prevent monopolies and collusion among them and to encourage competition. By doing so, as they build their skills, we can select the most capable companies and assign them to develop the pioneer lands in the northeast. By then, they will have sufficient experience and expertise to minimize trial and error.”
“I see.”
After some time, Hyang finished his general explanation and began to summarize.
“Now, let me summarize the proposals regarding construction and the military reforms I mentioned before.”
- The number of people dying from disease has decreased due to cow pox vaccinations, medicinal herb cultivation, and active distribution of relief grains.
- Irrigation projects carried out in exchange for relief grains and the expansion of flood control facilities have increased agricultural productivity and reduced the number of famine deaths.
- As deaths from disease and starvation decrease, the population continues to grow.
- Even with the existing direct sowing method, there was an excess of labor. The problem of labor surplus has worsened as the transplanting method becomes more widespread.
- Although the yield has increased slightly with the transplanting method, the population consuming the crops has grown even more, forcing tenant and self-employed farmers into debt.
- To address this, jeonjang (government-run markets) will be established to sever the ties between local magnates, tenant farmers, and self-employed farmers.
- Starting with road expansion, large-scale construction projects will be undertaken to draw surplus labor out of rural areas.
“…That is all.”
Having finished speaking, Hyang politely bowed.
The ministers, who had been carefully listening to avoid missing a single point, fell into deep contemplation.
Sejong was no exception.
After a long silence, Sejong spoke.
“I have a question for the ministers.”
“We are listening, Your Majesty.”
“Do you remember the ‘National Land Development Plan’ submitted by the Crown Prince some time ago?”
“We remember, Your Majesty.”
The ministers answered in unison. Many aspects of the current reforms were being coordinated and adjusted according to the contents of that plan.
“What do you think about combining it with the proposals made by the Crown Prince today?”
In response to Sejong’s question, Chief State Councilor Yi Jik stepped forward and answered.
“Since it aligns with the ultimate goal of the comprehensive national land development plan, I believe it is appropriate to accept it.”
“Are there any objections?”
“…”
As the ministers responded with silence, Sejong made his decision.
“Then, actively accept the proposals put forth by the Crown Prince and prepare an implementation plan to submit.”
“We shall obey your command!”
The ministers answered in one voice.
“The fate of Joseon rests on every single character written in the plans you draft, so please do your utmost.”
At Sejong’s request, the ministers prostrated themselves and replied in unison.
“We will engrave it in our bones and devote ourselves to the task!”
This was the ministers’ sincere commitment.
Despite groaning about the daily fatigue, threatening to resign at the slightest provocation, and feeling perplexed by policies that seemed to contradict their familiar and trusted Neo-Confucian perspectives, the ministers persevered in their positions for a single reason.
‘If this work is done properly, a Joseon completely different from the one we knew, thought about, and pursued will be born—a much better Joseon! I want it to be recorded that I was part of that process!’
Five days after Sejong and the ministers unanimously decided to implement reforms and construction projects…
“Your Highness, His Majesty summons you.”
Late in the evening, as Hyang was organizing documents and preparing for a pleasant time with his second concubine—he had created a co-sleeping schedule to regularly spend nights with his three concubines—he tilted his head at the eunuch’s words.
“At this hour?”
“Yes.”
“I understand. Lead the way.”
Following the eunuch’s guidance, Hyang arrived at Gangnyeongjeon, located behind Geunjeongjeon.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
“Yes, please enter.”
Entering Gangnyeongjeon, which served as Sejong’s personal office and bedchamber, Hyang found Heo Jo present alongside Sejong.
“Your Majesty, you summoned me?”
“Yes, have a seat over there.”
“Yes.”
As Hyang took his seat, Sejong began to speak.
“I called you here because of the slave issue.”
At Sejong’s mention of ‘slaves,’ Hyang’s face stiffened.
‘The time has come!’
Seeing Hyang’s expression, Sejong opened his mouth.
“Since the previous dynasty, only marriages between slaves were allowed, while marriages between commoners and slaves were prohibited. However, as is the way of the world, as marriages between commoners and slaves increased, the ‘law of the lowborn following the mother’ was implemented.”
“Yes, I am aware of this from the records I have read.”
When Hyang confirmed his knowledge, Sejong took a moment to wet his throat before continuing.
“Looking at the state of marriages between commoners and slaves, the overwhelming majority involve commoner men marrying slave women. In response, the previous king established the jongbu law, which determines a child’s status as a commoner or slave based on the father.”
“Yes, I am aware of that as well.”
“However, many petitions are being submitted claiming that this jongbu law has numerous drawbacks.”
Hyang immediately responded to Sejong’s words.
“King Taejong implemented the jongbu law because the number of slaves was increasing while the number of commoners was decreasing, causing problems for state finances and national defense. Are those who oppose this law prioritizing their small interests over the nation’s security? If so, I believe they should be severely punished.”
At Hyang’s hardline remarks, Heo Jo replied.
“The problem is more complex than you think.”
“Complex, you say?”
“Yes.”
Heo Jo began to explain the issues that arose while implementing the jongbu law.
- The jongbu law literally determines the status of a child born between a commoner and a slave based on the father’s status. Its purpose was to increase the number of commoners.
- Accordingly, the number of commoners increased significantly, but the number of slaves decreased dramatically. This is where slave owners’ discontent erupted.
“Wasn’t the jongbu law created to reduce the number of slaves in the first place? If it was properly implemented, what’s the problem?”
When Hyang asked with a face of utter incomprehension, Heo Jo answered.
“In principle, that’s correct. And if the decrease in slaves had occurred naturally, it could have been ignored. However, problems arose from the drastic reduction and the customs in rural villages.”
“Pardon? Why?”
“It was due to the customs related to the jongbu law. More precisely, the customs regarding manumission.”
“Pardon?”
As Hyang continued to struggle with understanding, Sejong stepped in to explain.
“In principle, when a female slave gives birth to a commoner’s child, she is immediately granted manumission. That’s where the problem started.”
“Ah!”
With Sejong’s explanation, Hyang immediately grasped the issue.
Female slaves could bear children until their menstruation ceased. From the perspective of a slave owner, granting manumission to such a female slave meant losing at least ten future slaves.
“I understand. But what about the issue with customs?”
Heo Jo promptly answered Hyang’s question.
“There have been frequent cases where female slaves claim the child belongs to a different commoner, even when they have a male slave husband of the same status. Or, there are common instances where the child’s father is unknown. In such cases, the female slave who gave birth always insists that the father is a commoner. It’s because of manumission.”
“Oh my…”
As Hyang sighed, Sejong added.
“Do you remember what you said before you got a Crown Princess? ‘Lust can make even Buddha sit back down.'”
“Yes.”
“It’s the same principle. Even if they are recognized as a commoner’s child and granted manumission along with the child, many end up becoming vagrants, unable to endure the abuse from the main wife. It’s a sad reality.”
At Sejong’s words, Hyang asked Sejong with a resolute face.
“Your Majesty, are you considering abolishing the jongbu law?”
Sejong shook his head at Hyang’s question.
“I have no such intention. That’s why I summoned you. You have a task to carry out.”
“Please command me.”
“Find a way for the manumitted female slaves to make a living with their children!”
At Sejong’s order, Hyang bowed his head and replied.
“I accept your command!”
He answered with conviction, but Hyang was crying inside.
‘Damn it! Another top-difficulty mission!’
(Note 1) Source: Reading the Annals of King Sejong in One Book by Park Young-gyu, Woongjin Knowledge House