Aoji, A Good Place to Live
Plato once compared the human soul to a chariot drawn by two horses. The noble, obedient white horse represents "spiritedness," while the base, unruly black horse represents "desire." In this metaphor, the charioteer, representing "reason," controls both horses to steer the chariot of the soul in the right direction.
And right now...
"..."
"..."
"..."
Yi Do's desire was running wild. His black horse had gone utterly mad, foaming at the mouth and thrashing about. He was practically salivating. Ominous impulses surged through his mind. I want him. I must have that genius in my hands this instant. No, I absolutely must.
A certain "project" that Yi Do had been pondering and researching for years flashed through his mind. Because it was such a deeply personal endeavor, he had no choice but to summon his princes to work on it. Funding it with state treasury funds was too politically risky. Yet, regarding the ultimate goal of this "project"—a secret known to almost no one outside a tiny circle of the royal family—someone had just spoken.
—"But perhaps... I have wondered if there might be something better than Idu or Hyangchal."
To be precise, the child had conceived the very seed of "it." That young child. And he was no ordinary child; the people had already dubbed him the "Seven-Year-Old Sage."
Yi Do recalled how much help he had received from the boy's writings while researching phonology and consonants. Indeed. My thoughts were not mine alone. Anyone who ponders with sufficient wisdom would naturally arrive at the same truth. The fools in this court are all unlearned illiterates who cannot grasp this principle. Truly, genius recognizes genius. And a genius must be surrounded by geniuses. The conclusion was clear! To complete that grand, monumental project, he had to bring this boy in immediately and—
...Just as his thoughts reached that point, Yi Do's reason shrieked and yanked back the reins. Reason, wielding a massive club, began to brutally beat the black horse. It was reminiscent of how Jo Yeong-gyu, his father's henchman, had battered Jeong Mong-ju at Seonjuk Bridge. The King barely managed to pull his thoughts together. Had I temporarily lost my mind?
Why had Heo Jo, who had so fiercely opposed the northern development, finally backed down? Was it not because of the boy standing before him? The mere fact that a once-in-a-generation filial son and genius had emerged from this land was already a massive political victory for Yi Do. This country was a Neo-Confucian state. That reality was exhausting at times. If a drought struck or a flood raged, it was blamed on the King's lack of virtue. But the reverse was also true. If a filial son or a virtuous woman emerged, it was attributed to the King's profound moral influence.
Moreover, that filial son had emerged from the northeast, of all places—the very land Yi Do was pouring his heart and soul into developing. Above all, as if responding to the child's profound filial piety like a tale from ancient lore, wheat and cotton had sprouted. It had already been verified that this wheat and cotton were incomparably superior to any other. He simply had to leave the child in the north. Doing so would accelerate the northern development and elevate the majestic authority of the sovereign. Why on earth would he disrupt that?
...Well, because having him nearby would be incredibly entertaining. They had only conversed for a single hour, yet it had been this thrilling. He could not even begin to fathom how electrifying it would be to keep him close and converse with him year-round. ...Of course, it is madness. I cannot stuff a seven-year-old into the Hall of Worthies. I cannot secretly summon him to help the princes build "it." ...Though, now that I think about it, why can't I? No, maybe I shouldn't... but then again, maybe I could...
*Slap!*
"Your Majesty? Why did you strike your knee so suddenly?"
"...I was simply so delighted and astonished by An Heon's wisdom. It is only right that he be properly rewarded."
Ultimately, Yi Do's reason and desire reached a temporary truce. If he remained silent any longer, everyone from the high ministers to the court servants would go mad with anxiety. He was the King, after all. He needed to finish what had to be done and said before overthinking. Thus, Yi Do performed his royal duty.
"Is there anything in particular you desire?"
At those words, the boy froze for a moment. It was an unexpected reaction from a child who had just breezed through the King's high-stakes interrogation without breaking a sweat. The King watched him with curiosity. The other ministers also cast subtle glances at the boy. Finally, the boy spoke.
"Your humble servant... has already received overflowing grace from the state, and having been granted the honor of beholding Your Majesty's countenance, I have nothing more to desire."
Ah, how boring.
For once, everyone in the room shared the exact same sentiment. The atmosphere deflated slightly. In truth, it was the textbook response. It was just that the adrenaline-fueled spectacle from moments ago had caused everyone to lose their grip on reality.
"However..."
And just like that, the mood flipped once more on a single conjunction.
"...Though I desire nothing for myself, I have a debt of gratitude to repay. How could I ever forget it?"
"What is this debt of gratitude? To whom do you owe it?"
"It is the debt I owe to the people of Aoji."
Ah.
"The villagers, who barely had enough to feed themselves, rolled up their sleeves to help a young, useless child."
At that moment, Yi Do's wild desire took a fatal blow and collapsed, bleeding out. His blood-soaked reason let out a triumphant roar of victory.
"In that freezing mountain valley, on barren soil, a young child was left entirely alone after losing his parents."
Even Yi Do's most rampant impulses stood no chance against such a narrative. Of course, if it had been Kim Jong-seo saying this, the King would have ignored it. But Kim Jong-seo was not seven years old.
"Without them, how could I have survived? How could I have properly conducted the funeral rites for my parents?"
The boy's implication was crystal clear. Had he spoken plainly, he would have said: I wish only to return to my remote village, tend to my ancestral graves, and fulfill my duty of loyalty to those who protected me. I beg of you, let me inherit my father's local official post and remain in my village. If you wish to bestow further rewards, please grant them to my village. He had not uttered those words directly, but he might as well have. The child was meticulous, even in this. Yi Do had no choice but to send him back. Finally victorious, his reason instructed him to wear a benevolent smile. Yi Do complied.
"I understand."
The boy bowed deeply once more in gratitude. Yi Do added only one last sentence.
"I shall wait."
Yes, let us wait. A thousand plans to ensnare the boy began to brew in the King's mind. Once he came of age, it would be over. Unlike Kim Jong-seo, An Heon would not even be able to use the excuse of mourning his mother. When that day came, he would not be able to escape. Never.
Ugh... uuuugh...
My head was spinning. Ever since I arrived in Hanyang, there hadn't been a single day where I could keep my wits about me. First, it was a game of tag with every scholar in the capital on my way here. Then, the moment I arrived, I got a front-row seat to the beautiful disaster that was the Goryeong Shin clan. And immediately after that, King Sejong himself practically challenged me to a rap battle.
...Well, yes, the rap battle had been exhausting, but once it was over, a massive gift package descended upon me. First, I was personally showered with various riches, from silk and seal skins to high-quality brushes and inkstones. On top of that, I was granted my late father's local official post, but with a significantly upgraded rank. I also secured various benefits for Gyeongheung County, where Aoji was located. There was even talk of elevating Gyeongheung County to the prestigious status of Gyeongheung-bu. I had been so thrilled by this sudden windfall of gold that I had immediately sent a letter to Old Man Kim Jong-seo.
The next few months were packed with endless tasks, so much so that I completely forgot the new year of 1438, the Year of the Earth Horse, had dawned. First of all, because my mentor's sins were so grave—not writing a single letter home to his family for an entire year? Is this guy insane?—just staying at the Shin household was a chaotic ordeal. But we didn't just stay there. Now that the "Seven-Year-Old Sage" had received the royal equivalent of a certified stamp of approval, the noble families were practically salivating. Whenever I was invited as a guest here and there, a child couldn't go alone, so my mentor tagged along as my guardian.
Wait. Now that I think about it, was that why we were invited to so many places? Because my mentor was actively trying to escape his own house?
"I know exactly what you are thinking."
"Pardon?"
"But how could this possibly be for my own benefit? You will eventually return to Hanyang as a pillar of the state. Do you not need to build connections now with those who will aid you in the future?"
"..."
"...Please, just look at it from that perspective."
Well... fine. Since my mentor was ostensibly thinking about my networking, I decided not to hold a grudge. Besides, without him, things would have been infinitely more exhausting. There were so many different kinds of people out there. He successfully drew the line against those who brought their sons and daughters—especially daughters—and tried to push us together with thinly veiled intentions of "getting along with peers." And honestly, those people were the polite ones. They were overwhelmingly decent compared to the absolute bastards who tried to push their luck.
If some crazy bastards came up to me demanding, "Hey, pull out that wild angelica root. Let's have a look," it would have been awkward for me to reject them directly. But with my mentor standing beside me, roaring, "Silence, you insolent cur!" I could easily deflect with a polite, "Haha... I don't always carry it on me..." That usually shut them up. After all, what could they do if I claimed I didn't have it? Of course, that was a lie. I absolutely kept it on my person at all times. As Spirit Hong-wi had warned me, this thing was... Well, anyway, thanks to my mentor, I avoided a lot of troublesome situations. I was genuinely grateful for that. Especially since he was a man busy enough preparing for his own state exams.
Ah, speaking of my mentor's exams, that reminds me. The most shocking news was...
"Hyaaaah!" Look at this, my disciple! I, Shin Sukju, have done it! What do you think of your master now?!"
"...Congratulations on passing as the Jangwon, Master."
He had taken first place in the literary licentiate exam and passed the classics licentiate exam. How on earth? The man had done absolutely nothing for the past year except lounging around in the countryside with me. Was he pushed through for political reasons? Because it would look bad for the royal-certified genius's mentor to be a failure who couldn't even secure the top spot? Or was it pressure from the Goryeong Shin clan? Truly, what a corrupt world...
"But have you actually read my exam paper?"
"No."
"Then behold! See how lofty your master's achievements truly are."
Huh... he actually wrote it incredibly well. Ah, right. I forgot. This man was historically the valedictorian anyway. He usually acted like such an idiot in front of me that I had completely forgotten. Shin Sukju was originally hailed as a prodigy and a genius in his own right.
In any case, now that he was officially a double licentiate, my mentor had to enter the Sungkyunkwan. After spending some time there and passing the higher civil service exam, he would become a fully-fledged civil official. We briefly shared our thoughts on the matter, adjusted our robes, and stepped outside. After riding our horses for a while, we soon found ourselves outside the gates of Hanyang.
"Well then, until we meet again."
Now, my master was heading to the Sungkyunkwan, and I was returning to Aoji. It felt strange, feeling this way over parting with someone like Shin Sukju. I quickly bowed my head and spoke.
"Your unworthy disciple, An Heon, is now returning to Aoji. Please take care of yourself, Master."
"We shall exchange letters constantly anyway, so you will barely feel the distance. Why so melancholy?"
How can he talk about writing letters constantly when we're going to be hundreds of kilometers apart? Are you planning to send me DMs instead of letters?
"You should focus on your family first. Both your mother and your wife are feeling neglected."
"Haha! You dare meddle in your master's affairs?"
"I only wish for you not to neglect those who are currently by your side, Master."
At my words, the laughter faded from my mentor's face. The retort he was about to utter died in his throat.
"There is... something I wish to entrust to you, Master."
My voice trembled slightly. I pulled out the object I had been keeping in my breast pocket. My mentor's eyes widened.
"Many of those so-called scholars coveted this."
"..."
"If this child were to lose his parents' keepsake on his journey home, what a great act of filial impiety that would be."
It was the wild angelica root from that day. Dolbi and Spirit Hong-wi had thrown absolute fits over this decision. But even they had to admit it: who else was there in Hanyang that I could actually trust? With hands that trembled uncharacteristically, my mentor pulled out a piece of fine silk from his robes and wrapped the root carefully. Then, the wild angelica root was tucked deep into his breast pocket. Stroking his sparse beard, my mentor spoke.
"...Take care of your health in that freezing place."
"I shall see you again when I eventually return to the capital."
At my words, a strange, suspicious gleam flashed in Shin Sukju's eyes.
"Look forward to it, Heon."
...Look forward to what? A sudden shiver ran down my spine, leaving me with an uneasy feeling. I tossed and turned that night, wondering if something was about to happen.
Of course, nothing happened until I returned to Hamgil Province. Nothing had really changed. It was just a bit lonely and disappointing to lose the presence of someone with whom I had shared all sorts of unsightly moments over the past year. Not that I traveled that long road alone. My mentor's servants accompanied me through the southern regions, and once I entered Hamgil Province, a different escort took over. As I drew closer to home, I was joined by a much more familiar face.
"The Army Commander ordered me to protect you all the way to Aoji."
"..."
"You are quiet."
"I-I apologize."
"Are you exhausted?"
"Y-Yes, that is correct."
...I was traveling with Yi Jingok, a man who looked capable of beating three men to death with his bare hands. Just because someone was familiar didn't mean they were comfortable to be around. He wasn't some dignified warrior from a historical drama; he was a human weapon, ten years younger than his historical counterpart, capable of lifting massive boulders by himself. That made him incredibly intimidating.
Seeing how several Jurchens we encountered fled in sheer terror—only for us to catch them and realize they had already submitted to Joseon and were just suffering from trauma—it seemed I wasn't the only one who felt that way. At any rate, I finally returned to Aoji.
"Young Master!"
"He is an official now!"
"Then, Little Lord!"
"Oh... I actually quite like that nickname."
I was caught up in a whirlwind of laughter and chatter with the villagers for quite some time.
"You have returned, Heon."
"I offer my greetings to the Army Commander."
"Why so formal? Come in. I have had your house repaired."
After exchanging greetings with Kim Jong-seo—the Army Commander—I stepped into my room.
"Indeed. You have returned with a government post. And a senior fifth-rank post at that."
I had been appointed as a senior fifth-rank *Tonguirang*, the highest rank a local official could receive. When the King bestowed this upon me, he had said something like, "Since you will 'continue' to avoid military posts, I shall grant you a civil rank from the start..."
"My wisdom does not match the rumors, so I only worry that I might become a burden to you and the state."
"Haha! Yes, go ahead and worry. But what will you do after you finish worrying?"
The old man stroked his beard and laughed heartily.
"I heard what you said when you requested a post from His Majesty and asked for rewards to be bestowed upon this village. I heard you spoke of your villagers before your own parents. Is your acceptance of this post merely to carry on your father's legacy?"
He's incredibly sharp. I thought a seasoned general would have a simple thought process like Yi Jingok's "Jurchens. Kill." ...Wait, right. The old man was originally a civil official. At any rate, I gave my reply.
"My grandfather and my parents are buried here. Thus, is this place not my home?"
My home wasn't some place in Gyeonggi Province; it was here in Aoji. The people who followed me were also here.
"Now, I must repay the kindness I received from the villagers."
That was why I had to take care of this place. From now on, no matter what I did in Joseon, this place would be my base of operations—
*Thud! Whooooooooosh!*
"The wind blew the door open! Stay right there, Young Master, I'll close it!"
"..."
"..."
Strange. It's clearly March, so why is the cold piercing straight to my bones? ...No, this was just how it was. I needed to recalibrate my common sense. Spending some time in the south had made me soft.
This was my base. I had completed the three-year mourning period for my grandfather and parents here. I could never leave. I would turn this... this horrific, frozen wasteland into a place fit for human habitation. Somehow. I already had a rough plan.