Chapter 117
Chapter 117
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: Breaking the Cartel (1)
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There's no denying that the heart of Joseon is Hanyang.
Joseon's precious goods all converge on Hanyang no matter what, spreading out across the nation only after passing through it.
In that sense, Hanyang could be seen as the heart that pumps Joseon's money around.
But right now, Hanyang had one massive problem that needed solving.
"Father-in-law, have you never thought that Hanyang is far too modest for a capital city?"
Father-in-law tilted his head.
He looked like he had no idea how to respond.
I must have blurted it out without any context.
Then Father-in-law's expression suddenly darkened.
Even though recovery work was underway after the fire, he probably thought I was lamenting Hanyang's unfinished restoration and saying this out of pity...
Considering over a thousand dead or injured and thousands of homes reduced to ash, I felt the same heartache...
But that wasn't what I meant to talk about.
Winter had put it this way.
Even those who'd lost homes and families had thrown themselves into fighting the blaze and were grateful to me for it.
I too had suffered trauma after the Hanyang inferno, enduring painful days, but I'd decided the right path was to shake it off quickly and work hard for Joseon. I'd strived to restore my physical and mental health.
And now, I'd mostly recovered to a normal state.
"The population has long surpassed 100,000 and shows no signs of slowing as it races toward 200,000 or 300,000, yet the market district is too small by comparison."
"Is that so? You might see it that way, son-in-law, but I think it's fine as is... Isn't Unjongga always swarming with people and goods like a flock of clouds? Even now, when I read the ledgers our boy sends every month, I get dizzy. The volume of goods and the sums involved are just staggering."
"I heard after your big investment in Bokseon paid off handsomely, your monthly net income hit 3,000 seom of white rice. That means 36,000 seom a year—dizzying numbers even just to hear."
In Korea, they often call them billionaires.
People with over a billion dollars—more than a trillion won in Korean currency—are deemed major tycoons.
In Joseon, the equivalent is a "manseokkun"—someone harvesting 10,000 seom of white rice annually.
Father-in-law was raking in what three or four such manseokkun would earn combined. No wonder he felt lightheaded.
At this rate, our father-in-law could be called Joseon's chaebol heir.
Father-in-law chuckled at my words.
"You're probably the only one in all Joseon saying Jongno market is too narrow, son-in-law. And here you are, getting dizzy over my monthly earnings—it's more bewildering to me."
"The Uijeongbu handles hundreds of thousands of seom without batting an eye because it's state funds, so it doesn't feel real. But hearing you've made that much? It's dizzying, and it doesn't quite sink in. Building warehouses for all that rice must be a huge undertaking too."
Korea had this awful law called kinship exemption from punishment.
Financial crimes like fraud, theft, or embezzlement among relatives were completely exempt from criminal prosecution.
Even if a cousin swiped your cash and bolted, punishment was impossible, or sentences got slashed at the judge's whim.
But when that system was created, it wasn't seen as evil—it was utterly commonplace.
In patriarchal times, when family wealth was viewed as shared by all members, it was natural for the family head to handle such matters internally.
In Joseon, being exiled from the family basically barred you from society altogether.
Given that social backdrop, Father-in-law and I were so closely bound that his money was essentially mine if I just asked permission.
If I were in dire straits, it would naturally be spent on me.
And vice versa—if he were in crisis and needed our entire family fortune, I'd have the duty to hand it over.
Father-in-law smirked at my words.
"Last time, you didn't even warn me before telling His Highness you'd empty our coffers for Bokseon—I was ready to grab you by the collar. But after hearing the details, anyone could see it was a winner, so I went along."
"I was reckless then—forgive me, Father-in-law."
"Water under the bridge, isn't it? And thanks to you, son-in-law, I'm now one of Hanyang's top five merchants. If it still bothers you... just treat Winter well."
"Yes, I will."
As long as I lived, I had no intention of neglecting Winter.
That was why I hadn't taken a concubine yet.
"So why'd you call me out to the market?"
"You'll see if you follow. Let's head toward the Han River first."
In fact, even during work hours, I'd gotten permission from Hwang Hui and openly brought Father-in-law out for a market stroll.
The reason? I had a favor to ask him.
I needed his expertise for something crucial, and I figured showing him directly while explaining would be best.
As we walked the bustling streets, one merchant came panting toward me with a basket full of yeolbyeong rice cakes in both hands.
"Aigoo, my lord inspector."
"It's privy councillor now. Who are you, and what's with the basket?"
"I'm the man you personally saved a month ago. You've bestowed an irrepayable favor, so I sent a small token to your home recently. But that was nothing for my lifesaver, so when I spotted you passing, I grabbed a whole basket of our shop's most famous yeolbyeong."
Back home, subway stations sell packs of 8-10 for under 2,000 won—not pricey. But in Joseon, with ample rice and sesame oil, yeolbyeong was quite the luxury.
And a whole basket like this... I couldn't very well refuse outright. Darn.
"I'm out on official business without a slave to carry things, so I'll just sample some. Father-in-law, try one too."
Father-in-law went first, and when I tasted it, it was nutty and delicious.
The kind you mindlessly keep eating.
"Truly delicious. Could you send two baskets to my home later? I'll have plenty sent for payment."
"I couldn't take money for something like this from my lifesaver."
The rice cake vendor bowed and returned to his shop.
This was why living in Joseon felt so rewarding.
My good deed coming back around like this.
"Hanyang's wonderful, Father-in-law."
"It's not Hanyang—it's your good deeds returning to you."
Chatting idly, we walked an hour until the Han River came into view.
A few ferries and some street vendors dotted the banks, but not many people.
"Father-in-law, from the market to here, weren't there hardly any homes?"
"True enough. The fire wiped them all out. Even before, this wasn't a crowded area."
"Prime location, yet sparsely populated—unique spot. Look over there: cabbage fields right up to the edge."
From what I'd heard, many Gangnam landlords had unwealthy ancestors or grandfathers.
When development boomed and land prices skyrocketed, most farmers sold their fields...
But stubborn holdouts refused, vowing to farm forever. Later, with prices up hundreds-fold, they sold portions and built high-rises.
This Han River plot looked just like that to me now.
Essential for Hanyang's growth, empty enough to develop easily.
"Build a wide new road from here straight to the market. Find more such plots and do the same—what happens?"
Father-in-law's eyes lit up.
"Build a bingo on Incheon bay, load ice-packed ships to catch fish, ferry them swiftly... A fish market here... And beef, pork from butchers in Pyeongan could gather here for Hanyang too."
"Exactly. All specialties traded right here. Desperate tenant farmers unable to find land will flock in, even as porters."
"Hanyang's population will explode. Hanseongbu's already complaining about rapid growth—the Chief State Councillor doubling as governor's screaming... If this happens, it'll surge faster; he'll faint from overwork."
Just minor side effects of national progress.
Absolutely no revenge involved for Hwang Hui and Jo Mal-saeng foisting "feedback" requirements on their approvals onto me slyly.
While they just rubber-stamped.
Lately, those two old-timers took two-hour "lunch breaks" despite His Majesty's piled-up work, then chatted over tea about "state affairs."
Dumping their tasks on me.
"And on these midplots, build workshops. Ship products nationwide via waterways."
I lacked steam engines, but factory-style handicrafts were feasible.
Supply quality farm tools cheaply in bulk, sell sundries and tools...
"...Won't Joseon become truly wealthy?"
Father-in-law nodded.
"Splendid plan. And if we snap up these plots first... Massive private gains too."
"Precisely, Father-in-law. But I'm swamped..."
Father-in-law's face hardened.
Bad premonition?
"I need your help developing this new Hanyang district."
Father-in-law shook his head, sweating coldly.
His expression screamed "someone's chasing me with a sword."
Sheesh, who'd misunderstand?
I was just giving him a chance to serve the nation with his talents.
"No way! I'll stay in the Ministry of Finance. The Minister said if I stick around, he'll make me a full third-rank in five years. No Uijeongbu for me—better a provincial post. Get some young buck, not a washed-up old man like me. There's Kim Bu-bong-sa in Finance—young, sharp. Much better than me. I'll plod along here, advancing slowly."
"Didn't you just say you wanted third-rank?"
"Ah, thinking about it, I've been ill since earlier. Meant to request sick leave but got buried in work. Need to do it soon. Tomorrow, call a physician..."
I knew that illness's name and symptoms.
Sudden sickness at work or school, feverish even.
Beg early dismissal, step outside...
Fever gone, pain vanished.
"Don't Wanna Work-itis."
"I'll send ginseng and deer antler."
Then I handed him the pre-vetted promotion document.
"Congratulations on your promotion to junior eighth-grade privy councillor archivist, Father-in-law."
I'd personally push his third-rank career boost.
Heard he'd been studying the Classics diligently after work lately...
So I'd help build his career.
All for the nation and him.
How thrilled must he be, mouth agape, speechless?
"I'll do everything to help you achieve your lofty dreams, Father-in-law. Trust only me from now on."