Part 1: Yi Bang-won's Gathering Forces
So, I headed to my father's house with Han Yeo-ul. Upon arrival, Min Mu-gu greeted us warmly, and we soon went inside to pay our respects to our parents.
"It's been a while. Father, Mother."
"Yes. Mu-jil, how's life treating you?"
"Fine."
He seemed quite pleased. It looked like he was happy to see his son thriving after branching off.
Then Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon arrived, turning it into a full family gathering. During the meal, Father remarked,
"Come to think of it, this year has been full of turmoil."
That was true. Starting in March, a chain of events led to the massacre of the Wang clan, and just recently, a massive royal scandal erupted.
The March trigger was Park Wi's foolish antics. For some reason, he suddenly had a fortune-teller divine through Kim Ga-haeng and Park Jung-jil—and the subjects were legendary. He asked whose fate was better between King Gongyang and Yi Seong-gye, and among the Wang clan, whose destiny shone brightest. Divining the fates of former dynasty royals was outright treason in this era.
The founding merits who were already itching to wipe out the Wangs saw no better opportunity. Look at that—leave them be, and some fool pulls this stunt. Officials from the Censorate, the Ministry of Punishment, and countless others petitioned en masse, even threatening a strike unless the Wangs were executed. It was an extreme standoff.
Yet Yi Seong-gye held firm. With Ming's investiture in hand, what did the Wangs matter?
But then the Ming envoys returned with word that Emperor Taizu claimed Yi Seong-gye was Lee In-im's son—the so-called Jonggye Byeonmu scandal exploded. Using that as pretext, even young officials joined the founding merits in mass petitions to kill the Wangs.
In the end, Yi Seong-gye tried to limit it to those named in the divination, but the censors pressed harder, unsatisfied. He finally relented, allowing the Wangs' slaughter.
Nearly 200 perished. Primarily King Gongyang's direct line and descendants of the Chongja colluders, down to the children. Gongyang and his sons were strangled in Samcheok, some in Ganghwa, and over a hundred drowned off Geoje.
Petitions demanded more deaths, but Yi Seong-gye ended it by forcing Wang survivors to change surnames.
In short, Park Wi's blunder sparked the whole massacre. And Park Wi himself survived thanks to Yi Seong-gye's ironclad protection—he declared he'd employ Park Wi no matter what Joseon thought, refusing all compromise.
I'd always liked Park Wi, but I never knew the backstory to the Wang massacre. Right after branching off, I'd secretly prayed for his peace. It was the least I could do.
Then another bombshell hit recently: Crown Princess Consort Ryu caught in adultery with Yi Man.
It was a humiliating scandal for the royals. Yi Seong-gye flew into a rage, executing Yi Man and exiling Ryu. He vowed to punish anyone mentioning it.
Thanks to that mess, scrutiny on us eased up. They were still trying to undermine us other ways, of course—especially Yi Bang-won, who was stripping power outright.
Anyway, with Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon there, we enjoyed rare family time. Everyone congratulated her pregnancy. Then Mother said to Min Da-yeon,
"This time, you'll surely have a son."
"Yes, Mother. I hope so too."
Mother's blessings rang true for sons. When I chimed in that I'd have one too, Min Da-yeon looked to Father:
"If it's a son this time, we'll have another house raise him."
She explained it was to spare him the fate of her three lost infant sons. She looked so pitiful then—my nose tingled.
"So once he's born, we'll entrust him to you, Father, Mother. Would that be all right?"
They nodded, of course they'd take him. How could they refuse, after losing three grandsons?
I get why those two dote on Crown Prince Yangnyeong. How precious that son must be. Problem is, he's early Joseon's worst spoiled brat—until King Seonjo's three sons later on.
Afterward, Min Da-yeon turned to me:
"Now that Mu-jil's wed, I hope to see a nephew soon."
Why bring that up? No plans anytime soon.
Mother asked,
"Is my Mu-jil treating you well, dear?"
"Yes, Mother. My husband always does. He even cooks what I crave."
She listed dishes I'd made, and Min Da-yeon said,
"Mu-jil's so devoted. I'd love to try some."
Sure, self-serve. Ask Yi Bang-won. But I couldn't say it.
We chatted warmly as family for the first time in ages. Then Yi Bang-won said he had private words. He left Han Yeo-ul, Min Mu-gu's wife, and Mother talking, pulling Father, Min Mu-gu, Min Da-yeon, and me aside.
"Prince Jeongan, what is it?"
"Father-in-law, I can't endure it anymore. Jeong Do-jeon and the Gang clan are hounding me relentlessly. Even Father is swayed by their slanders now."
True enough. Yi Bang-won lost his elite guard of 500 Gabyeolcho troops.
Nothing stings like a gift reclaimed. Then handing them to Yi Bang-beon openly backed the crown prince. When Yi Bang-won protested, Yi Seong-gye snapped, acting like they were his to begin with.
Yi Seong-gye...
"Worse, the defenses my brother-in-law and I built—Jeong Do-jeon claims them as his own, ignoring our contributions."
I'm fine; my name's on the Yeojin Garrison system he credits. Yi Bang-won's isn't—hence his fury.
The checks on him were intense. I get watched daily too, but not like him. Probably my lowly post.
"Prince Jeongan, what do you want?"
"I need a faction to counter their persecution. Bolster me, Father-in-law. I want to show them I'm no pushover."
He's resolved at last. Force will come later—and I'll join. Without the throne, our clan faces extinction.
Min Da-yeon grasped his hand:
"Don't worry, husband. Our clan will stand by you, come what may. Father will help, I know."
Father replied,
"We'll gather talents Prince Jeongan needs."
"Thank you."
"And if you wish, our private troops too. We'll protect you—have no fear."
"Thank you."
With his 500 gone, our clan guards were Yi Bang-won's sole lifeline. Jeolla levies would take time.
"Mu-gu, Mu-jil—you scout talents to aid Prince Jeongan too. We need young blood for the future."
"Yes, Father."
Park Eun's moderate enough. Skip Heo Jo—too rigid. Park Eun's someone I see often; less suspicion.
We rejoined family talk, then Han Yeo-ul and I headed home. She seemed thrilled en route. What'd they discuss?
Anyway, I rested, focused on work, and recruited Park Eun. Easy, since Min Mu-gu and I had ties—and his grudge against Jeong Do-jeon helped.
Jeong Do-jeon, why so many enemies? I liked him once, but knowing him sours it. He surveils me viciously. Just being Min clan feels criminal.
Days later, we met Yi Bang-won with our recruits. Father brought Park Po, Min Mu-gu Yi Suk-beon, I Park Eun.
Yi Bang-won approved—especially Yi Suk-beon and Park Eun. Yi Suk-beon seemed manly to him. More like a chuunibyou teen. Puberty makes boys men, I guess.
Father brought one more:
"One other. Exceptional talent, insulted by Jeong Do-jeon. I think he'll help greatly."
Ha Ryeon. Finally.
The kingmaker who made Yi Bang-won king.
Ha Ryeon bowed. Father said he'd planned to recruit, but Ha Ryeon insisted on meeting Yi Bang-won directly. Confidence?
"I am Ha Ryeon. I request a private audience with Prince Jeongan."
Yi Bang-won eyed him curiously, then agreed. They entered a room.
Curious what they discussed.
Ha Ryeon met Yi Bang-won privately.
"Why request this audience?"
"I've seen you before, Your Highness, and crossed words as political foes."
"True. You were Lee In-im's man."
"From then, you impressed me greatly."
"Skip to the point."
"Yes. I know you're gathering talents, fixated on the throne. Why else?"
"So you'll inform on me?"
"Jeong Do-jeon called me a 'schemer relying on ghosts and gods'—the worst insult for a Confucian."
Implying reliance on superstition over reason.
"Why inform after that? Who'd believe a stray cur's ravings?"
Sound logic; Yi Bang-won nodded.
"So what now?"
"That insult burned. I plot revenge on Jeong Do-jeon—but beyond personal grudge, greater purpose."
"Greater purpose?"
"He calls himself Joseon's Zhang Zifang. I aspire to be Joseon's Zhen Ping."
"Explain."
"Zhang Zifang's merit founded Han. Zhen Ping stabilized it. Now, the queen meddles, Jeong Do-jeon dominates—like early Han's Empress Lü. Zhen Ping ended her clan's tyranny. I seek a prince to crush them, enthrone him, and solidify Joseon—like Zhen Ping."
"Why me?"
"No truer kingly talent than Prince Jeongan. I've seen Goryeo's kings: unlearned, swayed by flatterers or indecisive. But you slew Jeong Mong-ju decisively. Joseon needs a strong monarch—and to overawe exam-passed elites, profound Confucian knowledge. Your young exam triumph proves it. Accept me, Prince. I'll exhaust my steed to crown you."
Yi Bang-won was awed. Ha Ryeon's words mirrored his ideal Joseon—and dispelled his lingering doubts on his throne-right.
Further questions met flawless answers; Yi Bang-won marveled more.
"Meeting you is heaven's fortune. Together, we'll secure Joseon's foundation."
"An honor to serve Prince Jeongan as lord."
Thus Ha Ryeon became Yi Bang-won's advisor. Yi Bang-won resolved to plot the future with the Min clan and their talents.
But days later, Joseon faced crisis. Emperor Taizu condemned border militarism and army buildup, demanding the eldest or second prince explain—and the officials responsible too.
