We're Going to Found a Newspaper
In the end, just as Ye-eun had boldly promised, Hwiyeom succeeded in recruiting Lord Bang Un. Without missing a beat, he founded the Legal Affairs Division.
The Legal Affairs Division—formally known as the Standing Board of External Legal Advisors of the Sichuan Dang Family—boasted a roster so dazzling it was almost absurd.
"Former Judicial Commissioner, former Vice Judicial Commissioner, former Censor, former Inspector of the Censorate…."
Elder Bak Chang-eon read through the résumés with a look that suggested his soul was leaving his body, then let out a series of hollow, disbelieving chuckles.
"Can we actually give these men orders?"
"Orders? No. We simply seek their counsel whenever someone picks a fight with our family."
Of course, that "counsel" had nothing to do with the literal interpretation of statutes. Elder Bak Chang-eon knew perfectly well what truly made them terrifying: the network of connections and factional power they could place at the family's disposal. He stared at Hwiyeom with a thoroughly appalled expression.
"Young Master, you are far more frightening than I ever imagined. With the power of this list alone, you could take the Provincial Governor's head."
"Hahaha, don't even joke about that. Why would I gut the goose that lays the golden eggs?"
Hwiyeom smiled brightly.
"Besides, the Legal Affairs Division is fundamentally a defensive force, not an offensive one. If we start swinging this power around too aggressively outside the family, we could easily end up hoisted by our own petard."
"But then aren't we paying them far too much for how little work they'll do?"
Sensing a hint of dissatisfaction in Bak Chang-eon's voice, Hwiyeom continued,
"Which is why, in peacetime, I intend to have them research our potential enemies outside the family."
"Pardon?"
"Take a look at this."
Elder Bak Chang-eon scanned the document Hwiyeom handed him. His face drained of all color.
"Research service proposal regarding the Qingcheng Sect's violations of customs law… Research service proposal on the legal interpretation of the Qingcheng Sect's illegal land occupation and privatization… Research service proposal on bribery charges and applicable statutes concerning the Provincial Governor's process of amassing family wealth… W-what in the world is this…?"
"We need to know our enemies' vital points in advance. Well? Doesn't this make the salaries feel a little less wasteful?"
"But originally… weren't we just going to put their names on an office roster and let them collect pocket money without actually doing any work?"
"Ah, that was the original plan. But Lord Bang Un and the people he brought with him simply cannot stand sitting around idle."
Hwiyeom had hoped for a simple mutual arrangement—pay them, receive influence in return. But when the other side responded with, "Money is nice, but we refuse to become guardians of corruption!" there was nothing for it. He would simply have to give them what they wanted: identify the enemy's weak points in advance, entirely within the bounds of the law, and then crush them before any corruption could take root.
"…Young Master's words are correct."
The direct-line elders and the members of the Elder Council who had been listening in silence all wore ashen faces. Dang Un-sang voiced the sentiment they all shared.
"Terrifying brat…."
"Well, this is only preemptive preparation for defense. We have a separate means of attack."
"And what is that?"
"A media company. More precisely, we're going to found a newspaper."
"A newspaper? What is that?"
"The brush is mightier than the sword."
Hwiyeom grinned.
"And they will be the foremost witnesses to that truth."
In truth, the idea of establishing a media company had been one of the projects Hwiyeom had been considering for quite some time. As a man from the twenty-first century, he understood the power of the press better than anyone else in this world. The recent public-opinion war against Hong Ilgon's schemes had only driven that necessity home more sharply.
He spent a great deal of time explaining the importance of the media to Dang Un-sang.
"The larger our family grows, the more we will need four kinds of power."
"Martial strength, financial power, renown, and relationships with those who hold political authority—is that it?"
"Exactly. In this murim, lacking even one of them can mean losing everything."
As a martial clan, their priority on political connections was somewhat lower than that of ordinary aristocratic houses. But that only applied to families small enough for the established order to overlook. Clans that bore the names of entire regions—the Sichuan Dang Family, the Hebei Peng Family—were no different from warlord clans. The authorities could not simply leave such threats alone.
Come to think of it, there were a lot of strange points about the demonic cult's rise thirty years ago, the very spark that began the Dang Family's decline… but let's set that aside for now.
Hwiyeom reined in the digression of his thoughts and pressed on.
"We have already secured financial power and renown. Martial strength, too, is only a matter of time as my research progresses. The remaining problem is our relationship with those in power. Relying solely on the Provincial Governor is far too precarious. The entire family could easily share his fate."
"Hmm."
"Moreover, simply becoming friendly with those in power is not enough. We need a means of keeping them in check—so that we do not become hunting dogs that can be boiled alive whenever it suits them. Power's true nature is to swallow the sweet and spit out the bitter. Even Emperor Gaozu of Han discarded a brilliant general like Han Xin once he was no longer useful, did he not?"
"True enough. But was that not why we created the Legal Affairs Division—to defend against such things?"
"That alone is insufficient. The Legal Affairs Division can serve as our shield, but a shield can block blades and spears; it cannot stop a driving rain. Even if we can fend off attacks that come through law and political authority, we still need one more weapon. That weapon is the press."
Even in the twenty-first century, those in power did not fear the media because they lacked power of their own, nor did they court media companies out of weakness. The press possessed a terrifying force unique to itself, and Hwiyeom knew it better than anyone.
"To keep those in power in check—or to move them when necessary—we must obtain the power they fear most."
"And that power is the press?"
"Yes. Power does not fear money or martial strength. Those things come attached to power itself. There is only one thing power cannot control: the hearts and the reputation of the people under heaven. Lose the people's hearts and even an emperor loses his nation. That is why those in power, even as they drive the common folk like livestock, still fear their mouths and their eyes. Therefore, to wield those in power, we need the force that creates popular sentiment and reputation."
"Create popular sentiment and reputation…?"
"Yes. You have heard of the Minjeongwon's recent performance, have you not?"
"Hmm. I have."
In less than three days, the Minjeongwon had not only completely buried the rumors Hong Ilgon had spread, but had successfully counterattacked. As a result, Hong Ilgon had been left in a worse position than if he had never lifted a finger at all, and had fallen silent.
"That was the feeblest power the press possesses—barely worthy of the name. The true power of the media is boundless."
"Is it not enough to use the enemies' weaknesses uncovered by the Legal Affairs Division as leverage for blackmail?"
"It depends on how one uses it… but an attack launched through the Legal Affairs Division is not suited to mere threats. Once you know the other party has broken the law, you must finish them. It is like a killing technique—once the hand is extended, blood must be drawn. The press is different. With it you can assume any posture, deliver light pressure, or inflict a fatal wound. It is an extremely versatile form."
Hwiyeom explained the many advantages of the press from every angle. Listening, Dang Un-sang nodded.
"Yet I have a concern. If we try to control those in power through the media, will those same people simply leave the media alone?"
"At that point the Legal Affairs Division can step in. And if there are other power holders who benefit from that media, and if popular sentiment supports it, then even those in power cannot treat the press lightly."
"Hmm. So we use other power holders and the eyes of the people to keep him in check."
"Precisely."
"Hmph."
When Dang Un-sang nodded in understanding, Hwiyeom spoke with renewed force.
"We possess facilities capable of mass-producing steel and highly skilled blacksmiths. We can cast metal type for large-scale printing. If you grant permission, I will establish a printing house, print a 'newspaper,' and distribute it to the influential houses of Sichuan, the government offices, the sects, and every branch of Baekga-jaengsik."
Given the high illiteracy rate, a subscription model aimed at individual readers was virtually impossible. Hwiyeom had therefore decided to structure the business around supply contracts with government offices and restaurants.
"For reference, I casually floated the idea to the Provincial Governor some time ago, and he agreed quite readily."
"That old raccoon? How did you talk him into it?"
"I whined that I wanted the entire land of Sichuan to know of Grandfather's magnificent achievements. He's human too—wouldn't he want his own merits talked about far and wide for generations?"
"So you offered to scratch the itch he was too embarrassed to scratch himself."
"Exactly. It's not as if I'm inventing things that never happened. If a man who has done well wants a little praise, what's the harm?"
"And so we launch the business under the Provincial Governor's protection and supply newspapers to every government office? All well and good—but does this not still leave us dependent on the Provincial Governor? The moment our relationship sours, the whole thing could vanish like foam…."
Hwiyeom smiled as he answered his father's doubt.
"The opposite, actually. We need the press precisely so that we can gradually free ourselves from the Provincial Governor's influence."
"How so?"
"Who will spread the praise of the Judicial Commissioner and the Regional Military Commander? If we take the lead in publicizing their virtues, do you think they will sit quietly if the Provincial Governor one day decides to cast us aside?"
"Ah!"
Dang Un-sang slapped his knee with a look of pure delight.
"So the Provincial Governor is not the only one with an itch that needs scratching!"
"Exactly. At first we will report nothing but good news. 'So-and-so of such-and-such office is an incorruptible official,' 'So-and-so of another office achieved this merit,' 'Thanks to the Provincial Governor's measures, life in Sichuan has improved,' 'Thanks to the Judicial Commissioner's efforts, crime has vanished.' The praise of the press will seep into their lungs like a sweet poison."
And only after they had become completely addicted to the media would they belatedly realize the truth: the press could serve as the trumpet that celebrated their achievements—or as the assassin that held a blade to their throats. By the time they understood, it would already be too late.
Though Dang Un-sang already looked thoroughly convinced, he still posed one more question.
"Will people find it interesting?"
"We're simply tossing reading material and topics for debate at people with too much free time, aren't we? Even if we only write articles about what is currently happening in the merchant groups owned by the Qingcheng Sect, sell-outs are guaranteed."
Hwiyeom continued,
"Of course, the profits will still be small. No—for the time being we are certain to operate at a loss. Even if we use cheap paper, the cost of paper is no joke. I am designing a machine to produce paper, but that will take more time."
"So we must undertake this even while accepting financial losses."
"Because the power of the press we gain in return will become the fourth hidden blade that protects our Dang Family."
Even in the twenty-first century, a newspaper's primary income came not from subscriptions but from advertising. Yet Hwiyeom could not imagine receiving that many advertising commissions in this era. In effect, this was simply another form of military expenditure—defense spending to protect the Dang Family from the power of those who ruled.
"Very well! Go ahead and try it!"
"I will not disappoint you, Father."
"You have never disappointed me once, you rascal."
"Hehehe."
"Except for the part where you keep dumping endless work on me."
"…."
"Ahem."
Avoiding his son's eyes—which had somehow become triangular—Dang Un-sang awkwardly drained his tea.
To create the media company, the person Hwiyeom summoned was none other than Elder Yi Gyu-chan.
Originally the operator of the Four Seas Medicine Shop, Elder Yi Gyu-chan had, ever since the Elder Council's power had been broken, no longer dared to resist the direct line's management of the family. He had been quietly carrying out only his own duties in a thoroughly deflated state. He arrived at Hwiyeom's office looking thoroughly cowed.
"Young Master, you called for me?"
"Ah, Elder Yi, come in."
Hwiyeom greeted him with a smile. After serving tea and exchanging a few formal pleasantries, he cut straight to the point.
"These days, the medicinal herb trade isn't much fun, is it?"
"…It is shameful."
Ever since Hwiyeom had separated the water-supply and sewage systems and begun selling soap, the physicians of Sichuan Province had been howling that their patients had drastically decreased. Of course the physicians themselves never connected the drop in patients to these causes, so the arrows of resentment never flew back toward Hwiyeom. The absolute influence of hand-washing had only become known after the nineteenth century, so that much was only natural.
In any case, as the fortunes of Sichuan's medicine shops and physicians declined, the circumstances of Elder Yi Gyu-chan and the other pharmacy-lineage elders—and the branch families under them—had naturally worsened as well.
Hwiyeom said,
"Elder Yi, I'll skip the preamble. Come under me. To speak frankly, the branch families no longer have the strength to stand in opposition to the direct line, do they?"
"…That is true enough."
"Stop wasting time and energy on pointless schemes. If you properly bow your head and come in, I will not impose any additional disadvantages on you."
After a moment of silent deliberation, Yi Gyu-chan lowered his head deeply.
"…I shall do so."
"Excellent. Then let's talk business. Elder Yi, would you be interested in taking charge of a media company?"
"Pardon?"
At the completely unexpected proposal, Yi Gyu-chan's expression went blank. Hwiyeom waved a hand to cut him off before he could speak.
"Ah, ah—that's the wrong way to put it. I should say it like this: You will run a media company."
"…Young Master, I am not trying to defy you. I truly do not know. I do not even know what a media company does. How am I supposed to take charge of such a business?"
"There's no need to overthink it. Using the information provided by the Minjeongwon, you create articles that the people of Sichuan will find interesting, print them with metal type, and deliver them to the designated recipients on time. That is the entire job."
"Will it be profitable?"
"Almost not at all. In practice it is a business that eats money. Ah, don't make that face—I'm not tossing you garbage expenses and telling you to go starve. This is not a business for making money. It is a business for the future survival of the family. It is an extremely important enterprise that must be pursued even at a loss."
Hwiyeom gave Yi Gyu-chan—whose expression currently screamed "Is this bastard mocking me?"—the same explanation he had given Dang Un-sang. Only then did Yi Gyu-chan's face relax. He nodded in understanding, looking impressed.
"…Young Master's schemes are truly astonishing."
"You flatter me."
"I fully understand that the press is essential to the main family. If this old body can be of any help, I will do my utmost. Only… you will take responsibility for the livelihoods of those under me, will you not?"
"The media company's losses will be covered by the Hwieon Conglomerate—ah, no, by the group companies. You need not worry on that point."
"And what of the medicinal herb business?"
"If the two can coexist, I recommend coexistence. If not, you will have to give one up."
"…For now, I will attempt coexistence."
"Good. Metal type is already in production, so please begin by constructing the printing house."
"There are several unused medicinal herb warehouses. We can convert a few of them into a printing house and newspaper storage facility."
"The inaugural issue will be published on the Mid-Autumn Festival. You can make that deadline, yes?"
"Leave it to me."
When Yi Gyu-chan clasped his hands in salute, Hwiyeom smiled.
And thus was born the first local newspaper brand of what would one day become a major media company that spread beyond Sichuan to dominate public opinion across the entire Central Plains—Hwieon Newspaper's Sichuan Daily.
There remained, however, one problem that still had to be solved.