Imperial Year 9 (1457), January.
Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Geunjeongjeon Hall, carpenters from the Office of Construction and Maintenance (Seongongam) were bustling about in a flurry of activity.
Meanwhile, in one corner of Geunjeongjeon, Wan and the ministers watched the work with faces full of concern.
Their worried expressions stemmed from the fact that renovations were currently underway on the royal dais—the emperor’s elevated platform.
***
As reforms progressed, the volume of administrative work that the king and court needed to handle had exploded.
Consequently, while state affairs had previously been conducted in Sajeongjeon Hall, since the beginning of the reforms, most official business was now handled in Geunjeongjeon.
This was because the space was more spacious, and it was more convenient to bring in additional or supplementary documents when needed.
Finally, as Joseon’s power had grown even stronger, the purpose of displaying its magnificence had also increased, leading to all state affairs being handled in Geunjeongjeon.
“The Taihedian Hall in the Forbidden City might be too ambitious, but Geunjeongjeon is necessary to maintain our dignity!”
Among the changes that came with conducting state affairs in Geunjeongjeon was the introduction of desks and chairs.
Looking down from the royal dais, conference tables and chairs were arranged in rows on both the left and right sides.
The front row seated the Prime Minister, the Left and Right Deputy Prime Ministers, and the ministers of each department, while the rows behind them accommodated vice ministers and officials assisting with the work.
With this arrangement, the traditional cross-legged sitting posture naturally disappeared.
“With so much work to do, sitting cross-legged all day is simply impractical!”
This was the position of the Prime Minister and ministers, while the subordinate officials had a different perspective.
“Having to jump up several times a day to fetch documents makes cross-legged sitting impossible!”
Though their reasons differed, they all agreed that desks and chairs were more convenient, which led to this arrangement.
Wan and the ministers’ concern as they watched the renovation of the royal dais wasn’t about returning to floor seating.
It was because a new seat was being added, raised one level higher behind the Emperor’s position.
And the person who would occupy that added seat was Sejong.
***
Although Hyang was the current ruler of the Great Han Federal Empire, he regularly sent letters to Sejong to report on the empire’s situation.
Naturally, Wan’s regency was also reported to Sejong.
To summarize the content of Sejong’s reply:
“I know exactly what you’re up to.”
“While I don’t doubt Wan’s abilities, verification is obviously necessary.”
“Since I’m returning to the capital for my sixtieth birthday celebrations, I’ll conduct a mid-term review. So prepare a seat for me!”
Due to this command from Sejong, the Office of Construction carpenters were now modifying the royal dais.
And that was why Wan and the ministers were watching the scene with faces full of concern.
‘His Majesty has remarkable administrative ability, but the former emperor is even more formidable…’
‘When the former emperor clicks his tongue, we can’t even sleep properly that night…’
‘Hmm… would a resignation letter be better, or sick leave?’
While the ministers pondered their optimal escape routes, Wan gazed at them with envious eyes.
‘At least they can submit resignation letters if things go wrong. I have nowhere to run…’
“Haah~.”
As Wan unconsciously sighed, a eunuch approached and announced to him and the ministers:
“His Majesty says that the Office of Construction will handle the work at Geunjeongjeon, so please proceed to Sajeongjeon immediately.”
“Ah, understood.”
At the eunuch’s message, Wan and the ministers left their positions and headed for Sajeongjeon.
As he walked toward Sajeongjeon, Wan suddenly had a question.
‘Wait a minute? When His Majesty served as regent, he handled all affairs from Seunghwadang Hall. The former emperor only evaluated the results. So why am I…?’
Recalling details about Hyang’s regency period, Wan’s face brightened.
‘Good! I’ll confront him about this!’
Having made his decision, Wan turned to the ministers following him and ordered:
“Please wait outside for a moment. I have something to discuss with His Majesty.”
At Wan’s words, the ministers bowed their heads in unison and replied:
“Yes, Your Highness.”
***
After having the ministers wait briefly outside Sajeongjeon, Wan entered the hall alone.
Hyang, who was sitting on the dais reviewing documents, expressed confusion when only Wan entered.
“Hmm? Where have the ministers gone, that the Crown Prince enters alone?”
“I ordered them to wait outside for a moment.”
“Why?”
“I have something I wish to ask Your Majesty.”
At Wan’s response, Hyang put down the document he was reviewing and straightened his posture.
“Very well, what do you wish to know?”
“I’ve heard that when Your Majesty served as regent, you worked from Seunghwadang Hall, and Imperial Grandfather only confirmed the results. Yet why must I conduct business in Your Majesty’s presence? I wish to know the reason.”
“Ah, that?”
Hyang explained the reason with a dismissive expression.
“First, at the risk of sounding boastful, I had considerably more experience than you in operating the research institute and Area 51. Additionally, I already had substantial experience as regent during the Mengtemu Rebellion and various other incidents. That’s why His Majesty trusted me and made such a decision. Second, despite this, there were times when His Majesty found the results unsatisfactory. Such situations required corrections or adjustments, but going back and forth between Geunjeongjeon and Seunghwadang wasted quite a lot of time. However, when work proceeds under my direct supervision, I can intervene immediately, saving time. Lastly, although I am Emperor, I must follow His Majesty’s orders.
Does that answer your question?”
At Hyang’s explanation, Wan bowed his head with a gloomy expression and replied:
“Yes.”
“Then, tell the ministers to come in. It would be a great loss if they caught colds in this cold weather.”
“Yes. Eunuch.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As the eunuch scurried away to relay the order, Wan headed to his seat with a resigned expression.
The court historian who recorded all this added the following:
“…Thus did His Majesty immediately answer the Crown Prince’s question, and the Crown Prince promptly acquiesced.”
The historian states:
- The Crown Prince lost again today. The position of Crown Prince is not an easy one.
***
Imperial Year 9, April.
As the northern sea route that had been blocked during winter reopened, the first regular communication vessel from the New Frontier arrived at Wonsan.
While Sejong’s party waited at the quarantine facility established near Wonsan, Hyang and Wan arrived in Wonsan to await Sejong.
After safely completing the waiting period and passing quarantine, Sejong disembarked from the communication vessel. Hyang, Wan, and the ministers all bowed deeply in greeting.
“We greet His Excellency!”
Sejong, having received their greeting, returned a respectful bow to Hyang.
“I greet the Emperor. Seeing you in good health truly puts me at ease.”
“I am grateful that His Majesty remains robust as well.”
After exchanging these pleasantries, Sejong turned to Wan and his face brightened.
“Oh! Our Crown Prince! You’ve become a fine, dignified man! I see the Emperor had good reason for his confidence!”
At Sejong’s praise, Wan blushed slightly and lowered his head.
“You flatter me, Imperial Grandfather.”
“Hahaha! What flattery! I look forward to seeing the Crown Prince at work later!”
“Hiccup!”
At Sejong’s words, Wan involuntarily hiccupped.
***
To prepare for the sixtieth birthday celebration to be held on May 15th, Sejong’s birthday, the officials in charge moved busily.
They gathered renowned first-class courtesans and gisaeng famous for their performances at entertainment venues throughout the empire, evaluated their artistic skills, and selected the most outstanding ones.
“At first it was a pleasure to the eyes, but now it’s giving me a headache.”
“I agree. This has become quite a burdensome task.”
The officials had to work with exhausted faces due to the stress brought on by the enormous national event of “Emperor Emeritus’s sixtieth birthday celebration.”
The same was true for those preparing the food. In addition to traditional feast dishes, they gathered recipes and ingredients for foods that Sejong had come to enjoy in the New Frontier and practiced making them in advance.
Also, following ancient tradition, they inquired about long-lived elders from across the country and sent them invitations.
***
While the officials preparing for the birthday celebration suffered greatly, those who entered Geunjeongjeon were in absolute misery.
Below the royal dais sat Wan, above him sat Hyang, and one level higher sat Sejong, examining documents, listening to discussions between ministers and Wan, and observing what decisions were being made.
As a result, from the seasoned Kim Jeom to all other officials, everyone had to conduct business feeling as if they were walking on thin ice.
The one fortunate thing was that Wan’s administrative abilities were excellent, so Hyang and Sejong rarely had to click their tongues in disapproval.
However, when Hyang or Sejong did click their tongues, chaos ensued.
The minister of the department being criticized would immediately return to his department and reprimand the subordinates responsible for the work.
“Let’s do better, for heaven’s sake!”
But the worst case scenario was different.
It was when Hyang and Sejong clicked their tongues simultaneously. When that happened, Wan would turn pale and have to rush about to identify the problem.
Again, since Wan’s administrative abilities were excellent, problems were quickly resolved. If Sejong was satisfied with the solution Wan found, he would nod and say to Hyang:
“It seems what the Crown Prince lacks is experience.”
“Indeed.”
“Phew~.”
At Sejong and Hyang’s exchange, Wan would let out a small sigh and regain his color.
But Kim Jeom had to suffer.
“Shouldn’t the Prime Minister have already examined this and found the problem?”
“I… I am deeply sorry.”
“Tsk!”
At Kim Jeom’s response, Sejong clicked his tongue. At the sound of Sejong’s tongue clicking, Kim Jeom raised his lowered head to glare at the responsible party.
And after the council meeting ended, the minister responsible for the problem would be dragged to Kim Jeom’s office and subjected to a lengthy ordeal.
“Hey! At my age! Do I deserve to hear that tongue-clicking sound?!”
“I-I’m sorry. But please maintain some dignity…”
“Sit there talking about dignity!”
After getting an earful from Kim Jeom, the minister would return to his department and immediately shout:
“Everyone under me, assemble at once!”
***
Thus, while the weather outside was warm, Geunjeongjeon and the Six Ministries Street remained frozen in tension as Sejong’s sixtieth birthday celebration took place.
It was a massive banquet attended by all imperial family members, including Sejong and Hyang, as well as high-ranking officials and long-lived elders summoned from across the country.
In celebration of Sejong’s sixtieth birthday, a grand amnesty was announced nationwide, and government monopoly stores conducted special discount events.
The empire’s people responded to these events by cheering in the streets and praying for Sejong’s longevity.
“Hurrah, hurrah! Hurrah!”
“May His Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus enjoy a long and healthy life!”
“May you live to be a hundred!”
The entire empire was in a festive mood.
Observing this scene, European monks, scholars, and university students unconsciously murmured:
“How many rulers are there today who are so beloved by their people?”
***
After the sixtieth birthday celebration ended successfully, Sejong rested briefly and prepared to return to the New Frontier.
Once these preparations were somewhat finalized, Sejong summoned Hyang and Wan separately to explain the situation in the New Frontier in more detail.
“…And so, that’s the current status of development in the New Frontier. The integration of newly incorporated tribes is proceeding smoothly, and the training of native warriors to form naval and army forces is gradually gaining momentum.”
As Sejong continued his explanation with a map laid out before them, Hyang nodded and responded:
“We should now properly prepare the maritime barrier you mentioned before. Now it’s time to—”
“Emperor.”
Sejong immediately cut off Hyang’s words.
“I dislike the number nine. As promised, I will complete the full ten years.”
“…Yes.”