Exile to the Northeast Frontier
Not only the Sahyeonbu but even the Six Ministries sided with Jeong Do-jeon's impeachment, causing the situation to spiral out of control. The ministries outright declared they would halt all government affairs unless Jeong Do-jeon stepped down, making paralysis of the administration inevitable. Heo Jo from the Ministry of Rites went so far as to submit a separate memorial calling Jeong Do-jeon a "public menace" who must be expelled.
With things reaching this point, Yi Seong-gye summoned Jo Jun, Kim Sa-hyeong, Nam Jae, Nam Eun, and others.
"How did you let matters come to this?"
Kim Sa-hyeong replied, "Your Highness, it is true that the Pan Uiheung Samgunbusa pushed for an excessive impeachment. Especially considering the target this time— even I have nothing to say in his defense."
Through this roundabout statement, Kim Sa-hyeong made it clear he supported Jeong Do-jeon's impeachment. Nam Jae felt the same. To him, Jeong Do-jeon's actions this time were nothing short of utterly shameless. Jo Jun simply hoped the crisis would resolve itself, while only Nam Eun and Shim Hyo-saeng opposed the impeachment.
Seeing their reactions, Yi Seong-gye said, "I have no intention of stripping Sam Bong of his offices. It is true he overreached with this impeachment, but Sam Bong is the foremost among the founding merits. I cannot revoke his positions over something like this."
Yi Seong-gye deeply trusted Jeong Do-jeon. Though he often earned the enmity of those around him, Yi Seong-gye believed it was all for his sake. Ever since Jeong Do-jeon had visited him at the Hamju barracks, it had always been that way— Yi Seong-gye regarded him as his own right arm, someone he cherished enough to sacrifice an arm for.
"The Left and Right Prime Ministers must calm the officials of the Six Ministries, no matter what it takes. This is a royal command."
"But Your Highness, if no measures are taken, many officials will rebel."
At that, Shim Hyo-saeng interjected, "We can always mobilize the Capital Army and arrest them."
Nam Jae shot back, "Is that something you should even say? Suppressing an impeachment with the Capital Army is something that must never happen in Joseon!"
"Then have Sam Bong step down from his role as Pan Hojosa. We'll keep the Pan Uiheung Samgunbusa, Munsahilang Chansangsa, and Pan Samsasa positions intact. That should suffice."
This was Yi Seong-gye essentially declaring no real punishment. Nam Jae and Kim Sa-hyeong argued it wasn't enough, but Yi Seong-gye snapped that it was more than sufficient. If they couldn't persuade with this concession, he'd have no choice but to pressure the Sahyeonbu with the Capital Army— he ordered them to make it work.
As everyone withdrew, Nam Eun returned alone to seek another audience with Yi Seong-gye.
"So, do you have a plan?"
Nam Eun had long served as Yi Seong-gye's idea man. Yi Seong-gye thus expected a clever scheme from him now, figuring he hadn't spoken up earlier due to the others present.
"Your Highness, I have a solution."
"What is it?"
"Do you remember when Sam Bong once asked to be sent to Hwaryeong Buyun so he could inspect conditions in the Northeast Frontier?"
"Yes, I remember."
"If you outright reject the ministers' demands, it'll be trouble. Why not appoint Sam Bong as Hwaryeong Buyun temporarily and send him to the Northeast? He wanted to go anyway, so frame it as a demotion. This way, you've at least partially accommodated the censors and Six Ministries officials, giving the prime ministers grounds to persuade them. Moreover, the officials joined this impeachment because the Bingjo Jeongnang's intelligence on Japan proved so valuable— impeaching him was the spark. If Sam Bong goes as an act of atonement and thoroughly investigates the Northeast, they won't have grounds to complain further. The key is convincing the Six Ministries. Once they're appeased, the Sahyeonbu will fold easily."
"Even you have no other way?"
Yi Seong-gye was deeply disappointed that even Nam Eun, whom he'd hoped in, suggested exile.
"This is something Sam Bong wants too, so no need to worry."
"Sam Bong does?"
Nam Eun nodded and relayed Jeong Do-jeon's words: He wished to investigate the Northeast this time and earnestly requested to be sent; he apologized for causing concern.
Tears welled in Yi Seong-gye's eyes. "I'm so sorry to Sam Bong. Very well, if that's his wish, I must grant it. Tell him how sorry I am, to take care of his health, that I'll call him back soon, and not to overexert himself."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"But what about his other duties?"
"Have Shim Hyo-saeng as Pan Samsasa, I Mu as Pan Hojosa, and Heung'an-gun (I Je) temporarily as Pan Uiheung Samgunbusa. They're all on the Crown Prince's side and close to Sam Bong— no issues there."
Yi Seong-gye nodded. "Do as you say."
Afterward, he summoned Jo Jun and Kim Sa-hyeong again, asking them to persuade the officials as much as possible since he'd demote Jeong Do-jeon to Hwaryeong Buyun. They were puzzled by his sudden change of heart but soon satisfied and agreed.
Jo Jun and Kim Sa-hyeong began convincing the officials, and through their efforts, some returned to duties. Yet many still refused, their hatred for Jeong Do-jeon deeper than Yi Seong-gye, Jeong Do-jeon, or Nam Eun had imagined.
Yi Bang-won, deeming it settled enough, persuaded the Six Ministries and Sahyeonbu through Min Je, Ha Ryeon, Nam Jae, and others. They accepted, returned to work, and the impeachment crisis ended.
Meanwhile, Min Mu-jil watched with regret.
What a shame. I had high hopes this time. Learning Jeong Do-jeon had more enemies than I thought, I planned to drag out the impeachment as long as possible. I figured when Zhu Yuanzhang killed our envoys soon after, sparking Jeong Do-jeon's Liaodong campaign push, I could paint him as desperate to dodge impeachment— making the Princes' Revolt easier to resolve. But dodging to the Northeast like this... it's just a temporary shower shelter. Sure, the court sidelined him, and while some were swayed by Jo Jun and Kim Sa-hyeong's persuasion, many rebelled knowing the true intent. I considered raising a fuss myself, but Yi Bang-won stopped me. "This is enough," he said. Pushing Yi Seong-gye further might provoke him to intimidate the Sahyeonbu with the Capital Army, setting a terrible precedent. His words were spot-on, so I agreed. Still disappointing, though.
Anyway, Yi Bang-won then calmed the Six Ministries and Sahyeonbu through his father and other faction leaders. His words were something else: If Jeong Do-jeon tries to return, he'd block it desperately, so cooperate this time. To the Sahyeonbu especially, he promised to bolster their power later, soothing them. Expanding Seo Gyeong-gwon (recommendation rights for high officials) sealed it— Yi Seong-gye had nearly abolished it, fueling their resentment. This shows Yi Bang-won's impeachment goal was expanding his influence over the Sahyeonbu and ministries, minimizing backlash for the future Princes' Revolt. And he succeeded spectacularly, making his presence known. A chilling politician. He used me in a way, but no complaints— I confirmed my own standing too. Turns out I'm more popular among ministry officials than expected. Thanks to those Zhu Yuanzhang-satisfying reports? Father was somewhat pleased too. Min Da-yeon grumbled, but Yi Bang-won soothed her.
She truly loves him. Hwaryeong Buyun, though. Why pick Hwaryeong specifically? Nam Eun wouldn't suggest it alone; he must've coordinated with Jeong Do-jeon. But why there? Is this bastard seriously planning to rally Jurchens for a Liaodong campaign?
As Min Mu-jil pondered Jeong Do-jeon's intentions, Yi Bang-won suddenly summoned him. Yi Bang-won was preparing for a trip.
"Brother-in-law, why did you call?"
"Shall we see Jeong Do-jeon off on his way?"
Mockery?
"As you know, brother-in-law, Jeong Do-jeon often slips up verbally. Probe him there. I suspect ulterior motives for Hwaryeong— let's confirm."
Yi Bang-won shared the same suspicion.
"But why me?"
"He especially dislikes you, so he'll blunder more with you around."
Convincing. So Min Mu-jil went with Yi Bang-won to see Jeong Do-jeon off. Jeong Do-jeon's face soured at the sight of them. Fine for me, but before a prince?
"Sam Bong, safe travels to the Northeast. You love hunting, don't you? Plenty of game there— spend your days hunting. Not a bad life."
Bluntly: Rot there hunting. Too bad he'd return soon— Zhu Yuanzhang would aid him unprecedentedly.
"I'll keep that in mind, Jeong'an-gun. Allow me a word too."
"What?"
"Heed your princely duties. Stay out of state affairs."
"If meddlers like you don't interfere, I will."
"Is that so, Lord Jeong'an-gun?"
"You're definitely a meddler. You'll pay one day."
"Think what you will, Lord Jeong'an-gun. I need a word with that Bingjo Jeongnang— mind stepping aside?"
Yi Bang-won, as if expecting it, agreed and left. Alone with Min Mu-jil, Jeong Do-jeon glared.
"Min Mu-jil, this is your warning. When I return, you won't get away with it. And I hope Hanyang's miserable without me."
Ranting at me again.
"Do as you please."
Yeah. You can't kill me now. Think I'm some corrupt pushover? To avoid Yi Bang-won's future purges, I haven't taken a single grain of bribe.
"So cocky. Arrogant with the young officials fawning over you."
Not words from you, Jeong Do-jeon. Who embodies arrogance more?
"Just don't come back. Good option, Lord Sam Bong."
Time to push back. He's already threatened me.
"What will you do while I'm gone?"
"What could a lowly official like me do? I just want some peace."
"One thing: I actually admire your abilities."
"Really?"
"But you're Yeheung Min Clan. Joseon has no need for capable ones like you."
Yeheung Min original sin? First time hearing a whole clan called the problem. You'd think we were Goryeo restorationists.
"No wild schemes out there— just hunt as Lord Jeong'an-gun suggested."
"I'll do what's needed for this Joseon. Beyond your imagining."
"Someone like me, huh. You'll provoke Zhu Yuanzhang, sending men to Liaodong?"
He flinched. Bingo. He's long plotted a Liaodong campaign. I'd wondered in my past life if it was genuine or a dodge— turns out real. Brain-damaged? Gotta ask properly when he pushes it later. Nothing more here. Just warn.
"Don't chase empty dreams like someone."
"Who?"
Choi Young, same Liaodong pusher. But no answer.
"Insolent cur. We'll see when I return. You won't escape then."
With that, Jeong Do-jeon departed for Hwaryeong. Never want to see him again, but months from now... Zhu Yuanzhang, Joseon's top presence, would erupt— ordering envoys killed and Jeong Do-jeon seized. He'd return; can't discuss without the man.
Min Mu-jil returned home with Yi Bang-won. On the way, Yi Bang-won asked about Jeong Do-jeon's Hwaryeong intent; Min Mu-jil brushed it off as just threats against him.
"You provoked him too much."
"My existence is the issue, brother-in-law."
"Classic Jeong Do-jeon. Regrettable, but let's go."
"Yes."
They went home. Until Zhu Yuanzhang flexed, enjoy Hanyang without Jeong Do-jeon.