Part 1 - Min Mu-jil Heads to Ming Again
Jo Jun's proposal left Jeong Do-jeon thoroughly flustered. Yi Cheon-u was one thing, but suggesting Min Mu-jil? Jeong Do-jeon opposed Jo Jun's opinion outright, and in the end, the court's views split between Jeong Do-jeon and Jo Jun. As the debate divided into two camps, Yi Seong-gye adopted Jeong Do-jeon's stance, noting that Yi Cheon-u had never participated in battles against Yildigu and thus it made no sense to send him. With that, he adjourned the meeting.
Once the meeting broke up, Jeong Do-jeon sought out Jo Jun.
"My lord, why did you recommend those two?"
"For the sake of Joseon."
Jo Jun believed that to resolve this matter smoothly, they needed to send either a relative of Yi Seong-gye whom Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't easily detain, or someone the emperor had shown favor to. Yi Cheon-u hadn't fought Yildigu, but with Min Mu-jil along, that wouldn't be an issue.
When Jo Jun explained this to Jeong Do-jeon,
"My lord, you know only one side and not the other."
He openly rebuked him. Jeong Do-jeon had absolutely no intention of sending Min Mu-jil. From what Ha Ryeon had told him, he'd intuited it. Judging by Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude toward Gwon Geun, someone from Yi Bang-won's faction would resolve things favorably. Zhu Yuanzhang showing favor to Gwon Geun just because of poetry? That didn't fit the emperor's nature at all. Jeong Do-jeon judged it as a clear signal of favor toward Yi Bang-won's side. He suspected Yi Bang-won had pulled some strings behind the scenes through Ha Ryeon. But to confirm it for sure, he'd recommended someone from that faction. Of course, there was a risk of misjudging and getting detained, but Jeong Do-jeon deemed it worth the gamble.
Still, he didn't want to send Min Mu-jil as that person. They'd already failed to sideline him to a minor post despite his massive achievements; if he succeeded this time, they'd have no choice but to promote him higher. And Jeong Do-jeon truly despised Min Mu-jil. The man had repeatedly made a fool of him. He had no desire to give such a person even the slightest chance at more merit. Especially since Min Mu-jil always pulled off uncanny feats in the strangest ways. It had happened on the previous trip to Ming, and in Dongnae too. So Jeong Do-jeon had a very ominous premonition that he'd return with unexpected accomplishments again. Moreover, as someone Zhu Yuanzhang had favored, Min Mu-jil was even less likely to be detained—and more likely to scheme something. That's why Jeong Do-jeon wanted to exclude him and send his brother instead. Min Mu-gu wasn't clever enough for intrigue, and substituting him would keep Min Mu-jil from causing trouble in the meantime.
But Jo Jun had thrown a wrench in that plan. Luckily, Yi Seong-gye had rejected it, or it could have been disastrous, thought Jeong Do-jeon. So he warned Jo Jun:
"My lord, a word of advice. Next time, consult with this man first."
With that, he left abruptly. Jo Jun was dumbfounded. As Left Prime Minister and head of the Do-dang faction, he was being treated not just like a subordinate, but outright dismissed. Since Jeong Do-jeon had acted this way for days on end, Jo Jun let it slide for now. But this incident planted growing resentment toward Jeong Do-jeon in his mind.
In any case, per Jeong Do-jeon's opinion, Sin Geuk-rye and Min Mu-gu were selected, and Min Mu-jil heard the news.
Ha. What the hell... What was Jeong Do-jeon thinking, trying to send my brother? And what was Jo Jun thinking, nominating me?
I don't know Jeong Do-jeon's exact intent, but it's definitely impure. No way he's doing this out of goodwill. Probably hoping my brother gets detained. Or maybe some kind of test? The guy's mind works deviously for petty schemes.
And Jo Jun probably thought sending me, someone Zhu Yuanzhang knows, would be best for the country... I get it, but it still pisses me off. Not malicious like Jeong Do-jeon, so I won't hold it against him too much. Maybe tease him once later and call it even.
But is sending Min Mu-gu really okay? No matter how positively I spin it, all I see is him falling out of favor with Zhu Yuanzhang. My brother checks every box the emperor hates: clueless, ambitious, brash personality, but capable. Exactly the type Zhu Yuanzhang despises. Especially the lack of tact—he's killed plenty for that. The emperor's crazy rampage was from 1397 to 1398, when he executed envoys. And it's January 1397 right now, smack in that period. Probably his illness sharpening his nerves before death.
I should go. No matter how I look at it, Min Mu-gu won't do. Worst case for me is detention; for him, it's death. Fuck my life... Having to meet that Zhu Yuanzhang pig half-willingly again...
So I met with Father, Yi Bang-won, Min Da-yeon, Min Mu-gu, and Ha Ryeon, declaring I'd go.
"Mu-jil, you'll go?"
"Yes. I think it's best if I do. No matter how I see it, Jeong Do-jeon's intent in sending my brother feels highly impure."
Father just sighed. Lately, he only sighed. He'd thought he'd settle comfortably in Hanyang, but now his son was headed abroad.
Yet he couldn't oppose it—the top three fitting Zhu Yuanzhang's criteria were me, Sin Geuk-rye, and Min Mu-gu. No one else had fought on every front. So one of us brothers had to go, and Father instinctively knew I was the better choice but couldn't bear to send me to Ming again.
"Zhu Yuanzhang... really..."
Father was seething with rage toward the emperor these days. What if he outlives his historical lifespan? Nah, he's already cursed by the tens of thousands he's purged—no difference.
Then Ha Ryeon spoke up.
"Lord Jeongan, may this humble servant speak?"
"Go ahead, Lord Ha."
"If one of the two must go anyway, I believe the Bingjo Chamui is the right choice."
"Why?"
"When I met Zhu Yuanzhang, I was certain. Until Jeong Do-jeon goes, all issues are just temporarily patched. That's clear. From the start, when we explained the tribute document, he had no intention of listening—he'd already decided Joseon was wrong. So the document's meaning isn't key; it's that he dislikes Jeong Do-jeon and his faction, especially Jeong himself."
Spot on. It ends only if Jeong goes to Ming or Zhu dies. Chills—figuring that out from one meeting?
Ha Ryeon continued.
"Zhu Yuanzhang doesn't want Jeong Do-jeon handling Ming diplomacy anymore. He's signaling through Gwon Geun that he wants to deal only with us opposition. The Tsushima conquest is the same."
"What do you mean?"
"He said it must please him. That means words matching his preconceived conclusion, from someone he likes. So the Bingjo Chamui, who won his favor in person, is better than the Jungnangjang."
Makes sense.
"And Jeong Do-jeon is the issue. He clearly wants to confirm something, but thinks the Bingjo Chamui won't reveal it clearly, so he recommended the Jungnangjang. Blocking that confirmation isn't bad."
Yeah, that's the unknown part.
Yi Bang-won responded,
"It fills me with self-loathing. Having to choose one brother-in-law for the wolf's den... Blame Joseon's weakness. I have nothing to say to Father-in-law."
"No, Lord Jeongan. Is it your fault? It's Zhu Yuanzhang and Jeong Do-jeon. So Mu-jil must go. Even I saw Zhu wouldn't be easy for Mu-gu."
Hard for me too... But yeah, Father agrees Min Mu-gu's no good. Ha Ryeon probably thinks so but held back due to ties with Father—skipping that logic.
In the end, I was decided. I immediately submitted a memorial volunteering in Min Mu-gu's place to Yi Seong-gye. He summoned me, asking why I'd volunteered. I said the one who'd earned Zhu's favor should go, and I couldn't send the eldest son into danger, so I'd substitute. Partly to win his favor—though true; Min Mu-gu really would be in peril.
Yi Seong-gye replied,
"A filial son, brotherly, loyal servant. Truly grateful. I thought you'd be best, but couldn't ask after your constant hardships in the provinces. Volunteering like this... thank you."
He grasped my hand.
"I'll give ample funds. Go safely and return. I'll use you well."
"Yes, Your Highness. Worry not."
A bit guilty, since I'll eventually backstab him—but he started it by making Yi Bang-seok crown prince. Our clan would be purge target one if that fool kings it.
Yi Seong-gye changed the envoys to Sin Geuk-rye and me. Later heard Jeong Do-jeon tried to block but failed; Yi Seong-gye overruled, saying he couldn't stop a volunteer. Jeong cut by Yi Seong-gye—salty satisfaction.
And Yi Seong-gye wasn't lying about funds; he gave gold. Gotta save it well.
Thus, I prepared for Ming. During prep, I asked Min Mu-gu to house Wol-i's and Jang Yeong-sil's families from Dongnae. Probably arriving while I'm gone or back. He agreed readily, feeling terribly sorry—thinking it my burden due to his inadequacy. Nothing to apologize for; Zhu's the problem. That pig bastard...
Han Yeo-ul just cried; nothing to say but hold her.
Min Da-yeon summoned me. She teared up immediately.
"Sorry, brother. Always suffering... No help from your sister."
Min Da-yeon crying? That Min Da-yeon?? Pregnancy mood swings?
"No, sister."
"I'll make Jo Jun regret recommending you. Just return safe."
"No worries. As Ha Ryeon said, I'm best."
"Hope you're right."
Her revenge though... scary. Jo Jun, marked by the most dangerous person. Prayers...
While assembling the envoy group, Jeong Do-jeon visited.
"Surprising you volunteered."
"Can't send the eldest."
"Advice: Expect nothing from Zhu. He won't help you."
"My lord, I expect nothing, so no worry."
So that's why he didn't want me—fearing schemes. But I've never schemed? Scheming Zhu? Suicidal.
"You say that, but volunteering means reason. Go then."
Just for that? Busy guy.
Three days later, preparations complete. Not just Sin Geuk-rye and me; Ha Ryeon too. Yi Bang-won asked him to ensure our safe return, so he volunteered. Thought Jeong schemed again—thanks to them.
Family saw me off: "Take care." After farewells, I boarded the ship to Ming.
Hoping this is Zhu's last in-person Ming trip before he dies.