Return to Dongnae
In the end, things turned out just as I'd planned. I'd received my appointment to serve as magistrate of Dongnae starting next March.
Of all the arguments, it was probably Emperor Taizu of Ming who proved decisive. In this era, Emperor Taizu wielded an unmatched presence. He was the ultimate authority figure, the super heavyweight who could turn even the most absurd demands into reality. So when Emperor Taizu threw a tantrum, there was no countering it—that was the harsh reality of this nascent Joseon.
In a way, it felt like I'd benefited from his grace, but I wasn't grateful in the slightest. If anything, he should have been thanking me. After all, I was going to save his precious Zhu Yunwen. Of course, that would spell misfortune for Ming, but that wasn't my concern.
Along with my appointment as Dongnae magistrate, I was granted a fief of fifty households, allowing me to legally maintain a substantial private force. Fifty households might not sound like much, but the very fact of receiving them gave me legitimate grounds to keep private soldiers. Before this, I'd been borrowing my father's influence on a temporary basis; now, I could sustain them with my own resources. That meant I could legally overhaul the defenses of Dongnae and its subordinate counties.
The funds from the court and local offices might fall short, but I could cover any shortfall with my personal wealth or by borrowing from Father. No issue there.
First things first, I needed to report to Yi Bang-won. I'd promised to explain once it was settled.
When I arrived at his residence, he greeted me warmly. His wife, Min Da-yeon, was heavily pregnant and finding it hard to move about, so he'd come out personally.
"You've crushed Jeong Do-jeon's schemes, brother-in-law. Brilliantly done. Holding military authority is crucial, after all. Well played."
As expected from a sharp mind—he grasped it without explanation. His expression suggested he was delighted at having landed a blow on Jeong Do-jeon.
"But I'm curious about your ultimate goal."
"To enter the Elite Guard Commandery among the Ten Elite Units."
I explained why: to succeed in our great endeavor, we'd need to win over the soldiers and officers of the central army's Ten Elite Units, which required standout military achievements to draw attention.
"You're right, but I'm not sure you can rack up merits that eye-catching."
"I'll do my best, Prince Jeongan."
"Good. But Jeong Do-jeon won't make it easy."
"He'll likely be too busy dealing with Emperor Taizu."
Yi Bang-won nodded immediately, as if it made perfect sense. Emperor Taizu truly was a magic word—deployed in any situation, it fit seamlessly. And he did stir up chaos. The Table Memorial Incident, which would soon rock the Ministry of Rites, was proof. Well, "soon" might be a stretch; it was about a year away. But it would halt every plan Jeong Do-jeon had in its tracks. Good for us, but I couldn't stand this Emperor Taizu trying to bully our Joseon on a whim.
"Brother-in-law, I won't stand idly by any longer. Do as you will."
"Yes, brother-in-law."
"I'll have Mu-gu keep ties with those officers and friends you share connections with."
"Yes. I've already asked him. They're close to him anyway, not just me."
Frankly, men like Park Sil had befriended me first, but now they were tighter with Min Mu-gu. Better to have Mu-gu maintain those bonds and secure them as our allies.
After that, I prepared for Dongnae. Then one day, Jeong Do-jeon summoned me. As the de facto prime minister, I had no choice but to go.
He eyed me appraisingly. "You've got real talent. Manipulating the Minister of War like that—I never saw it coming."
"He simply made his own judgment. Isn't the Minister of War an expert in military affairs?"
"Smooth talker. And I have good news for you."
Good news? What?
"Your brother is heading to Jeolla Province too. Brothers both stepping up to guard against the pirates—how admirable."
This bastard. Why ship Min Mu-gu off to Jeolla and stir trouble? And no fief granted—that was blatant demotion.
Jeong Do-jeon leaned in close. "You played your tricks well this time. I'll give you that. Go to Dongnae and pour everything into the pirate suppression you love so much. I shudder at the thought of pirates myself, so I won't interfere there."
If this isn't interference, what is?
"So you brothers block the pirates diligently. But abandon any thoughts of wielding private forces for influence or climbing higher. Aim beyond that, and I can't guarantee your lives."
A bald-faced threat. Part of me wanted to punch him, but I held back—couldn't handle the fallout.
"Understood."
"And I'll be watching how long you can keep those private soldiers."
Already plotting to disband them? Not immediately, though. Relocating the capital to Hanyang was the top priority, with Yi Seong-gye pushing hard. Private army reforms were out of the question for now. Even after the move, incidents starting with the Table Memorial would pile up.
"Then I'll take my leave."
I bowed to Jeong Do-jeon and left. We'll meet again during the Princes' Revolt, you dog. I'll turn you into mincemeat.
Soon after, I received my fief soldiers and selected exactly fifty. Combining them with my personal retainers and Father's loaned men, I now commanded two hundred private troops. Costs were sorted—parents and Yi Bang-won had covered them—so sustaining the force wouldn't be an issue.
Min Mu-gu prepared for Jeolla too. He cursed Jeong Do-jeon but seemed optimistic about earning merits.
Father, however...
"That Jeong Do-jeon..."
I'd volunteered, but sending off his eldest to the provinces had him fuming. He wanted to flip the table, but knew the time wasn't right. Still, his patience was wearing thin.
"Father, just hold on a little longer. Jeong Do-jeon's power will crumble soon. Didn't he already clash with Minister Kim Sa-hyeong this time?"
When Min Mu-gu was dispatched and Ha Ryeon returned to the Hall of Worthies, Jeong Do-jeon had argued with Kim Sa-hyeong. Baffling—why antagonize Kim Sa-hyeong? He and Jo Jun were the ones to keep close.
Only after possessing this body did I realize Kim Sa-hyeong was more well-connected and mild-mannered than expected, earning widespread respect. Turning him into an enemy? Bold.
"That's true, but..."
"At least Ha Ryeon is returning to the Hall of Worthies. Consult him. We'll earn merits and return, Father—don't worry."
"Yes, Father. Mu-jil and I will stand tall and come back."
"If you're both resolved, I'll provide whatever you need. Prepare thoroughly."
"Yes, Father."
Afterward, Min Mu-gu and I trained our men while awaiting February.
Late February 1395. Min Mu-gu and Min Mu-jil led their private forces southward to Jeolla and Gyeongsang Provinces, respectively.
Whew, off to Dongnae at last. We departed a bit later than planned, waiting for Min Da-yeon's delivery. Even so, it felt right to leave after she gave birth—and confirmed it was a son. The infamous Crown Prince Yangnyeong.
Min Da-yeon, who had lost three sons already, was overjoyed. How could she not be? Yet this boy would become early Joseon's most notorious spoiled prince.
Once she recovered enough, Min Mu-gu departed south with his men. Everyone saw us off warmly—except Jeong Do-jeon, who sneered.
On the road, Min Mu-gu said, "Mu-jil, we part here. Jeolla means heading that way."
"Yes, brother. Safe travels."
"You too. They're all moving to Jeonju Castle."
"Got it."
Min Mu-gu led his troops to Jeonju; I went with Choi Yun-deok to Dongnae.
En route, Choi Yun-deok admitted, "Brother, I'm nervous."
"I was too, my first time."
I'd recommended him as an officer. He was likable company—close enough for brotherly terms, smart, and kindly.
Park Sil had gone with Mu-gu.
"Your face looks brighter than when we went to Ming."
"Don't remind me. Nearly dying before Emperor Taizu still chills me."
Even if I went to Ming again, it'd be after his death. No desire to face him alive.
Soon, Choi Yun-deok and I reached Dongnae.
Back at last—nearly two years later.
At the yamen, everyone awaited to greet me.
"Magistrate, it's been too long."
"Indeed. Good to see you all."
We knew each other from my officer days. After greetings, I dove into magistrate duties.
This era's Joseon administrative system was incomplete, making local clan heads indispensable. I could crush them as private lord, but now wasn't the time. I needed to fortify Dongnae in a year and a half—oppressing clans would doom that.
While handling duties, I summoned the local clans. Mostly from Dongnae and Gijang Counties; Dongpyeong had few residents—thanks to pirates.
"You summoned us, Magistrate?"
They were deferential. My past pirate victories helped, but so did my superior private force and clan backing. Even marked by Jeong Do-jeon, we Yeheung Min weren't for provincials to trifle with.
Still, best to coax them.
"As you know, His Majesty ordered me to bolster defenses here. We'll prepare accordingly."
The clan heads replied, "For pirates, we'll cooperate fully—no worries."
Everyone hated pirates. Or rather, they wrecked personal fortunes first.
"Thank you."
"But effective defense needs the naval commander's aid."
"I'll handle that. Follow me—we're going somewhere."
I led soldiers and clansmen to Dongpyeong County. They stared oddly on arrival.
"What brings you here?"
"We'll build a camp. And I'll fight the pirates."
This spot was near where I'd routed invaders before—a must-pass for pirates en route to Dongnae, ideal for landings. Perfect for a forward base to clash with them head-on.
I knew Busan-jin Fortress would rise here later as Dongnae grew; preempting it with approval seemed wise.
The clansmen said, "We welcome a camp for pirate defense. But the costs..."
Fearing I'd demand they foot the bill—perks of my status.
But money wasn't the issue. Court funds, family money—plenty. I'd considered selling Ming silk, but Father vetoed it.
What did it matter if Emperor Taizu never knew? But Father's word stood.
"Not at all. Just supply labor. Can you manage that?"
Slaves or tenant farmers for construction—manpower shortage.
They pondered, then nodded. "As you know, pirates keep coming—it's unnerving. We'll provide workers."
Pirates terrified them that much. Even non-cooperative clans before pitched in.
Emperor Taizu-level magic words: pirates.
"Just protect us reliably."
"That's my duty—no worries."
Labor secured. I met naval commander Kim Man-bo, discussed defenses; we aligned and jointly built the camp while drilling troops.