Part 1: Yi Bang-won's Coronation and Yi Seong-gye's Runaway
My preparations for Yi Bang-won's enthronement ceremony were put on hold for a bit.
The reason was that Yi Bang-won wanted to hold it in Hanyang, and the entire court agreed, so we decided to start with relocating the capital. I was all for it. Honestly, the house in Gyeongseong was just a temporary rental, and it was pretty uncomfortable. Is that why everyone supported holding the ceremony in Hanyang? Or maybe because Yi Bang-won was openly signaling he'd govern from there, so they figured we were heading that way anyway—might as well do the coronation too.
With that, the capital relocation proceeded smoothly.
And then there was the shocking news: Yi Seong-gye had come to Hanyang too. The reason? He wanted to visit the Gang Clan's grave. He was truly devoted to her. It seemed his love for her outweighed even his hatred for Yi Bang-won.
In the meantime, something joyful happened to me. Han Yeo-ul had given birth to a daughter. She wanted a son, but I didn't mind. She was still young, after all.
Anyway, on June 5, 1400, the move to Hanyang was finally complete, and I resumed preparations for the enthronement.
Today, when I got home from work, there were guests: Park Eun-go and Heo Jo.
"What brings you here?"
"We came to congratulate you on becoming a father. We brought gifts—surely you're not going to refuse them?"
"As if I would. I'll gratefully accept."
I don't take bribes or favors, but I'm not stingy enough to turn away gifts from friends who came to celebrate.
So I accepted the gifts and treated them to a meal.
"Your cooking skills never fail to amaze me."
"Exactly. It's not for nothing that even the Supreme King seeks you out."
True enough. It was famous how Yi Seong-gye had taken a liking to my food.
As we chatted about this and that, the conversation inevitably turned to politics. Couldn't be helped. We covered everything from the Ming civil war to all sorts of topics, but nothing particularly riveting.
The only noteworthy bit was talk of how Jeong Do-jeon’s predictions on the Ming civil war were being highly praised lately. Of course, no one thought well of Jeong Do-jeon himself, but his predictions had hit the mark perfectly, so it kept coming up.
Even Yi Bang-won agreed on that point... I hope this doesn't lead to calls for Jeong Do-jeon's rehabilitation. Should I expose his weaknesses sooner? But Yi Seong-gye's watching... If he gets offended and runs off again, it'll be trouble.
"You probably want Zhu Yunwen to win, right? You've got thick ties with his faction."
"Personally, yes, but I think it's better for the kingdom too."
"Is that so? I figure a prolonged civil war would be ideal. That's how Joseon gets to live peacefully like now. Back in Zhu Yuanzhang's day..."
We both shook our heads. Spot on. A weakened Ming benefits us. This era didn't worship Ming as much as one might think. It was more like grudging submission to their power, with plenty hoping they'd get a real taste of their own medicine. The envoys' abuses were outrageous, and Zhu Yuanzhang's arrogance was beyond imagination. No wonder Yi Seong-gye toasted when he heard Zhu Yuanzhang died.
After more talk, I sent them off—with gifts of my own. I insisted they take them. Those two deserved my goodwill. True friends are rare.
After that, I continued preparing for Yi Bang-won's enthronement.
One day, our family gathered to celebrate Yi Bang-won's ascension. I left our newborn daughter with the wet nurse Wol at her mother's and went to Father's house with Han Yeo-ul.
Everyone was there to greet us warmly: Father, Mother, Min Mu-gu, Min Mu-hul, and Min Mu-hoe.
"You've arrived."
"Yes, Father. Mother."
"Come, let's chat as family first."
As we talked, Min Mu-gu chimed in.
"Now that brother-in-law's becoming king, our clan's era has arrived."
"Brother, it's not brother-in-law anymore—he's about to be His Highness."
"Right, Mu-gu. Mu-jil's correct. Mind your words. He's ascending the throne. No more casual titles."
Thank goodness Father was sensible. Though he worried me lately too. He'd gotten greedy for money, battling Ha Ryeon and Jo Jun over the slave release edict.
Ha Ryeon was always blatantly greedy, so no surprise there. But Father and Jo Jun? Shocking. Was Father tasting power's allure? His titles were staggering: Right Prime Minister, Chief State Councillor, Grand Harmonizer of the Bureau of Rites and Music, Academician of the Yeheung Pavilion, Director of the Literary Works Office, Supervisor of the Royal Academy, Duke of Yeheung.
Still, he watched his words, so no real worry. Yi Bang-won tolerated some greed anyway.
Min Mu-gu was the concern. Too sociable, too many connections. I'd told him to cut back, but it fell on deaf ears. He listened to me more than most, but Min Da-yeon overruled it—she wanted more networking. Her word trumped mine.
Time to ship him to the provinces. Only way to save him.
Then Father said,
"You must be busy these days, Mu-jil. I hear the newly reorganized Board of Personnel is swamped."
"Yes, quite a lot."
Understatement. Even as Vice Minister, it wasn't light, but now? Buried. Overtime every day. Especially since military affairs from the Three Armies shifted to us—nonstop nights.
"Serve His Highness well. It's a sign of trust."
"Yes, Father."
We covered my daughter's birth and more. Father comforted Han Yeo-ul.
"There, child. Next time it'll be a son. Don't fret."
"Yes, Father."
Soon Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon arrived.
"Everyone's here."
"Yes, Your Highness."
He bowed to Father.
"Father-in-law, it's been too long."
"Your Highness."
"You're my father-in-law and teacher. How could I not show respect?"
True, he always used honorifics with Father.
With them there, conversation bloomed.
Min Da-yeon asked,
"Mu-jil, any new dishes lately?"
"Crown Princess... I haven't had time. Truly swamped."
Laughter erupted. Yi Bang-won especially.
"My brother-in-law's busy, yeah. Geumwi Agency, Armory Oversight, even Father... Grateful to him always."
"Not at all, Your Highness."
"Father really likes you."
Likes? Feels more like torment lately.
"Bear with it a bit more. He's better than before."
Doubtful. My guarantee: Yi Bang-won's misconception. The Seongnyeongbu helped Yi Seong-gye, sure, but it was all show. Yi Bang-won planned to relocate the grave and smash it post-death.
Talk turned to favors. Min Mu-gu chuckled.
"They say you go to Mu-jil's for favors but just eat and leave?"
True. I reject them, but feed guests anyway—for reputation. Annoying as hell. Sometimes wonder if food's the real goal. Blame Park Eun-go; he shows up hungry every time.
"We'll systematize the anti-favor law more. Ease your burden."
Good. Current one's full of holes.
We spent the day in harmony.
Soon, Yi Bang-won's coronation happened.
Civil and military officials gathered in court robes before Gyeongbok Palace. Yi Bang-won's will: start his reign in the new capital, new palace.
Yi Bang-won, in Ikseon crown with scepter, walked with Min Da-yeon; all bowed.
They took the king and queen thrones. In my knowledge, separate originally—but this world combined them.
"Four bows."
We bowed to the new sovereigns.
The ceremony began with the ascension edict. Long, but summary: Make Joseon untouchable; he'd strive for it, aid him. Prioritize kingdom's future over personal ties—subtle warning to merit nobles to behave. I'd never flaunted, but others should.
Also Buddhism critique. His hatred ran deep. Min Da-yeon's face glowed—dream realized.
She's the real worry.
Other rites done, ceremony ended.
Yi Bang-won hosted a banquet for all ministers; I attended.
We reveled. Next day, work resumed.
Yi Bang-won unleashed policies madly; I drowned processing them.
Then Yi Seong-gye vanished. Hunting with Yi Bang-gwa, holed up in Soyosan. Hated Yi Bang-won; build a temporary palace there.
Hunting excuse—planned all along. Heard he lived near there pre-Hamheung.
Reported to Yi Bang-won.
"Ha. Soyosan it is?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Geumwi-sa, sorry, but fetch him. He listens to you."
My life. Dodging purges, now this hassle.
Yi Bang-won sought reconciliation—via Yi Bang-gwa, for royal stability. Met most demands, funded immortality pursuits. Shelved my plan to divide Gang Clan's grave land among merits—at least while alive. Post-death: relocate, destroy.
Pretend respect till then.
Not very effective, though.
Anyway, off I went.
Soyosan in Gyeonggi—quick trip.
Greeted Yi Seong-gye.
"You again? Bang-won sent you?"
"Yes, Supreme King. Hanyang's new palace awaits."
"Said yesterday: won't stay where he is. Building here."
"Please return, Supreme King."
"No. Go."
Failed despite tries. Returned empty-handed.
Yi Bang-won: "If even you fail, no choice. Grant Father's wish. Order laborers for grand palace."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Yi Seong-gye's way. He had a big house already—quick build. Sent Seongnyeongbu too.
Yi Seong-gye refused Yi Bang-won's visits, stay away.
Yi Bang-won persisted, ignored.
Then Yi Seong-gye summoned me for food. Incredible.
For Ming investiture, sent Ha Ryeon—not me. Yi Bang-won's test: see if they'd yield fast without me.
Me: year-end envoy. Civil war shifts expected.
Then crisis: Yi Seong-gye hunger strike.
Over Yi Bang-won's anti-Buddhism policy. Hated it, struck immediately. Yi Seong-gye furious.
Can they reconcile? Yi Bang-won even want to?
Hatred trumps Buddhism hate? Who knows.
Off to Soyosan to soothe him. Life, man...