Part 1 - The Selection of Chief Meritorious Retainers and the Distribution of Rewards (Min Mu-jil Becomes the Power Behind the Throne)
Yi Seong-gye might be shedding bloody tears right now, but those of us who were key players in this recent uprising—including me, Yi Bang-won, and Min Da-yeon—were enjoying a banquet. We'd originally planned it for yesterday, but making Lady Gyeongsun a nun put a damper on things, so we postponed to today.
As we drank, Yi Bang-won raised his voice.
"You all were the main actors in this uprising, and to me, you're precious retainers. I will never forget this favor."
"We are grateful, Jeongan-gun."
In truth, even when Yi Bang-won later purged his retainers, he only stripped them of political power—he spared their lives and property, at least. In-laws were, of course, the exception. So I always had to stay on my guard.
Yi Bang-won went around toasting and praising everyone. He especially lavished compliments on Ha Ryeon and Sin Geuk-rye. He called Ha Ryeon a Zhang Liang in his eyes, and for Sin Geuk-rye, he expressed deep gratitude for the support from the darkest days.
Then he turned to Min Mu-gu and me.
"I'm thankful to all the retainers, but words can't express how grateful I am to my two brothers-in-law. Without my father-in-law and you two, would we even be sitting here today?"
He listed our contributions one by one, while Min Da-yeon chimed in enthusiastically beside him, and no one around us raised any objections. It was embarrassing.
"Especially Mu-jil—you're the undisputed number one retainer in this uprising, the very pinnacle. I couldn't name you as such for political reasons, but I'll grant you an office befitting that status, so don't feel too slighted."
"Not at all, brother-in-law. How could I possibly feel slighted?"
There was no reason to, and feeling slighted would only raise my purge risk anyway. Besides, second-class retainers were the real power holders. Excluding Ha Ryeon and Yi Geo-i, all the actual power players were second-class.
Yi Bang-won burst into laughter at that.
"By the way, how are Jeong Do-jeon's books treating you?"
"Yes, his personality was prickly, but there are definitely many useful policies in there."
It wasn't empty flattery—it was true. His central administration and local systems were remarkably advanced, systematic, and solid. If I had to score him, I'd give far higher marks to those than to his prime minister-centric operations.
For instance, requiring central officials to have strong performance records as local magistrates was brilliant. Of course, some parts struck me as unrealistic or flawed, but there was plenty of good stuff. Jeong Do-jeon's real problem was his personality.
From what I recalled, Taejong and Sejong pushed this hard, but Sejo made exceptions for retainers, and it fell into disuse. I had to make sure it took root with no exceptions.
It's no wonder people say blaming Sejo and Yeonsangun covers most of early Joseon's messes. Sejo was a better king than Yeonsangun with real achievements, sure. But he handled key issues shortsightedly, and above all, his favoritism toward retainers rendered his reforms meaningless.
If I survive the purges, I'll have to think about how to check Sejo.
"Hmm. Then tidy them up and show me later. I'm looking forward to it."
The pressure hit hard.
"And I agree with Mu-jil on reinstalling the Office of Armaments and Gunpowder. Joseon must advance its cannons going forward. I felt it clearly from the Tsushima expedition records. What do you think, Senior General (Sin Geuk-rye) and Adjutant (Yi Geo-i)?"
Yi Geo-i replied,
"I agree. Cannons are undoubtedly the best weapon against the Japanese pirates, and the same for the Jurchens. The issue is saltpeter supply."
Exactly. Joseon's chronic problem was always insufficient saltpeter production. But there were solutions.
"Brother-in-law, I've given some thought to that. I'll present something soon, so please wait a bit."
Ha Ryeon laughed heartily.
"Is that so? You've got your work cut out for you."
Ha Ryeon unleashed a torrent of his own policy ideas—he'd clearly prepared them separately. He was a reformer on par with Jeong Do-jeon, but unlike him, he didn't make enemies everywhere.
We drank and chatted about all sorts of things and policies. When someone suggested sending a condolence mission, Yi Bang-won said he'd consider it.
Later, at home, as I read and organized Jeong Do-jeon's books, I heard one piece of news: Yi Seong-gye kept summoning Yi Bang-gwa. Obviously, he was trying to make him king to block Yi Bang-won. Futile effort. Yi Bang-gwa hated the throne. Besides, I could foil Yi Seong-gye's schemes without worry. Unless he raised an army from the Northeast Frontier, he posed no threat. Laughable, really. I knew exactly what Yi Bang-won was up to.
The next day, a royal command summoned all the high ministers, including me, Min Mu-gu, Yi Suk-beon, and others. It was clearly for naming the meritorious retainers and distributing rewards from the uprising. Everyone probably knew. Yi Bang-won had already laid the groundwork.
I'd be second-class, but I was curious about the office. Hopefully something useful. He told me to expect great things, so I could, right?
I headed to the palace with Min Mu-gu. He was thrilled... Hopefully his expectations are met. Complaining about a low rank could backfire.
Meanwhile, in the throne hall, numerous ministers gathered, buzzing with talk. The merit naming and reward distribution were imminent.
Those who'd joined the uprising were especially eager. When Min Mu-gu and I arrived, the tension spiked—particularly at the sight of me.
I was Yi Bang-won's brother-in-law, one of his most favored men, and I'd shone openly in the uprising. Everyone knew I'd get merit status and a top post.
Soon, the new crown prince Yi Bang-gwa and the real power, Yi Bang-won, appeared. Yi Bang-gwa had tried to bring Yi Seong-gye, but he'd stormed off in rage, telling them to handle it themselves.
With their arrival, the merit selection began.
First-class retainers: the princes who'd joined, Yi Hwa, Jo Jun, Kim Sa-hyeong, Ha Ryeon, Yi Geo-i, Yi Mu, Yi Ae, Jo Yeong-mu, and others.
Second-class: Yi Ji-ran, Yi Yang-u, Yi Cheon-u, Min Mu-gu, Min Mu-jil, Yi Suk-beon, Sin Geuk-rye, Park Po, Park Eun, and others.
The princes and Yi Hwa received the title of Duke, no longer "gun." Retainers got "gun" titles.
First-class were mostly political placements (excluding Yi Geo-i and Ha Ryeon), while second-class packed the uprising participants—making the real powers obvious. Especially Yi Cheon-u, the Min brothers, Sin Geuk-rye, and Yi Suk-beon.
The reward distribution confirmed it.
Yi Bang-won appointed himself Commander of the Central Army (overseeing the Yiheung Guard's two armies, Yin-Yang Guard, Golden Falcon Guard—a military post among the Ten Positions).
Among first-class, Ha Ryeon became Chief of the Three Armies Office, Yi Geo-i Right Army Commander (overseeing Tiger Guard divisions—a military post). Most others stayed the same.
Second-class saw massive promotions, proving they were the true powers.
Yi Suk-beon to Right Deputy, Park Eun to Hojo Inspector, Park Po to Deputy Loyalty and Chastity Guard Commander. Sin Geuk-rye to Left Army Commander (overseeing Dragon Guard divisions—a military post).
Yi Cheon-u to Vice Minister of War, concurrently Left Adjutant of Yiheung Guard and Deputy Central Councilor—showing Yi Bang-won's full trust.
The Min brothers: Min Mu-gu to Senior General and Adjutant of Dragon Guard Division; Min Mu-jil to Senior General and Adjutant of Dragon Wing Guard Division.
Thus, they could recruit 1,000 private troops via battalion quotas—immense real power.
Min Mu-jil additionally got Academician of the Office of Literary Publications and Records. Most found it odd—unrelated to generalship.
But the reason soon emerged.
After rewards, Duke Jeongan Yi Bang-won declared,
"Joseon's pressing task is resolving frictions with Ming. With the Ming Emperor's passing, we'll send a condolence mission to mourn and untangle issues. Left Prime Minister Jo Jun as Chief Envoy, Yeoseong-gun (Min Mu-jil) as Vice Envoy to Ming. The tribute to the new emperor will be finalized by Yeoseong-gun, then confirmed by me. Henceforth, all tributes and documents to Ming will be proofread by Yeoseong-gun."
In short, appointing Min Mu-jil as core figure in Ming diplomacy. Overseeing all tributes left no other interpretation.
Ming relations were Joseon's top priority; previously, powerbroker Jeong Do-jeon handled them.
This made Min Mu-jil Ming diplomacy chief—and regime powerhouse.
Everyone was stunned. They'd expected a high post for the 25-year-old, but not this.
Seeing the shock, Yi Bang-won smiled faintly.
He knew better than anyone: to rule stably as king, Ming diplomacy must stabilize first. Jeong Do-jeon's death stemmed from stubbornness, but ultimately Ming failures. Each flop destabilized the court; overreaching to recover killed him—that was Yi Bang-won's view.
Thus, he'd stabilize Ming ties as foundation for easier kingship, then solidify Joseon.
And show his father Yi Seong-gye: he and his people could do it. Prove Yi Seong-gye wrong again—that he lacked kingly vessel, when Yi Bang-won surpassed him.
Hence sending his most trusted Min Mu-jil.
Yi Bang-won trusted Min Mu-jil's proven abilities: satisfying picky Zhu Yuan zhang, plotting the uprising with competence rivaling or exceeding Ha Ryeon, eerily accurate foresight with flawless logic. And above all, unwavering loyalty—not just family, but a subordinate who'd do anything ordered.
Audience over, Yi Bang-won headed home, telling everyone to enjoy their rewards. They'd earned rest and honors today and tomorrow.
Min Mu-jil would work starting tomorrow—Ming trip and Jeong Do-jeon's books awaited.
As court ended, Min Mu-jil wore a meaningful smile.
I was shocked by the high rank. Junior Grade 3 Senior General and Adjutant? From Grade 5 straight to Junior Grade 3—a meteoric rise.
But it made sense. To strip Yi Seong-gye's power and bolster his own, he'd place allies in key spots—favoring in-laws was natural. Yeheung Min Clan were solidly his people.
In history, Taejong gave Min Mu-gu and me massive powers for six years post-accession. If memory served, original-history Min Mu-jil held posts like Military Commander of the Capital, Right Army Commander, Junior State Councillor, Grand Royal Scribe—all top jobs.
Then died. But I'd climbed faster—thanks to Tsushima and Ming exploits.
Yi Bang-won trusted me deeply. Giving military command and literary office was a loophole. Using it for Ming diplomacy showed immense faith.
All that effort paid off. I'd keep proving myself while pursuing my goals.
Ming, huh. Time for real diplomacy, not just flattering Zhu Yuan zhang.
A real test. Perfect chance to use my plan against Yi Seong-gye.
As I moved to leave, crowds approached.
"Congratulations, Yeoseong-gun."
They bowed openly. Min Mu-gu beside me grinned ear-to-ear. He was a Senior General too.
"Mu-jil, let's celebrate with family first."
Sure. Yi Bang-won's expression earlier said enjoy. Today for fun—prep for Ming tomorrow.