Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Do You Know the Way? (3)
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The core of our faction, which people call the Noron Chundang, consists of two pillars.
One is the Haeng clan—veterans by age and experience (excluding me, of course)—and the other is the students from Gangnam Academy.
Forming 'Team Japan' at the Chunsik Ranch to procure all sorts of pocket-money items has been good, but my ultimate goal is Chief State Councillor. It's time to focus on political factions.
So, using the pardon of Jeolla Left Military Commander Park Jaeha as a trigger, I rallied the loosely scattered Chundang members.
Before submitting memorials or proposing major agendas, we shared information among ourselves.
People who ride the right lines at work don't advance solely because of personnel orders pulling them up. It's because this kind of information sharing lets them post better results than others.
My core project is the Equal Service Three Provisions, and the first cohort—Hong Daeyong, Sim Hwanji, Yu Eonho, and others—are already placed in relevant positions, assisting me.
For the second cohort, like Kim Jong-su or Seo Myeong-seon, I didn't drag them into practical work. They need the elite path of passing through the Three Offices first, and the Censorate transcends positions to wield the strongest influence. Like in that previous memorial.
And among the second cohort who didn't step forward in Park Jaeha's pardon process was Won Inson, son of Left Minister Won Gyeongha of the Central Military Command.
Won Inson was originally a famous gambler in the capital.
His skills were so exceptional that renowned gamblers challenged him daily.
Furious, his father Won Gyeongha tried to break his son's habit.
Won Gyeongha showed Won Inson dozens of gambling cards, then flipped them all over. He threatened that if his son couldn't memorize and identify them all, he'd smash his hands with a maul (entirely possible in Joseon).
The model answer is 'Sado Seja.' Naturally, one must grovel and kowtow.
But Won Inson matched them all with chimpanzee-level eidetic memory.
Of course, even if he won, Joseon wasn't a place where you could say, 'I won, so back to climbing the ladder.' In a society where sons could bargain equally with patriarchs, Sado Seja wouldn't have needed the rice chest.
Won Inson's victory only enraged his father further. But since Won Gyeongha wasn't King Yeongjo, he sent his son to Gangnam Academy instead of the rice chest.
I successfully reformed this incorrigible gambling addict into a court official.
His excellent memory made passing the civil service exam straightforward. He received ample covert support from Won Gyeongha, naturally.
Anyway, Won Inson has some shady connections from the gambling dens, unbefitting a yangban.
That's why, despite being a Censorate Expositor, he was left off the list of proposers for that memorial. Can't risk him getting fired.
One summer day, Won Inson brought me a memorial.
The Noron Chundang now has a system where anything submitted to the king first gets my unofficial approval.
As I reviewed the memorial with satisfaction, my face stiffened.
"Wh-what is this?"
Won Inson smirked, as if expecting my surprise.
"Ah, it's because of the Prime Minister's name. But that's just window dressing. The real target is impeaching Soron leader Yi Ye-bo..."
"Not that! What's this about gunpowder here?!"
Won Inson glanced at the back of the memorial and waved it off casually.
"Doesn't Lord Chunsik, as Military Armory Superintendent, know? All the gunpowder in Mokcheon, Chungcheong Province, has vanished recently. Including this state affair avoids suspicions of pure factionalism. Investigating the nearby camp commanders and magistrates will wrap it up."
I broke into a cold sweat. Damn, it's out already?
Who was the Mokcheon magistrate again? This idiot. Couldn't even cover that properly?
I first instructed, 'Gunpowder loss can happen; the military isn't for us civil officials to fuss over—cover it up,' and had him revise the memorial. Can't have anyone digging into it.
"If Lord Chunsik says so, then it shall be done."
Won Inson replied crisply, then crawled over on his knees and asked slyly.
"B-but, not to call it a trade, could I get a dose of that Chunsik Box too? Turning thirty-something, you know..."
I gave him unlimited electric shocks and even tossed in Longdong Kim clan's family pills.
Then, amid Won Inson's groans, I calmly reviewed the situation.
Yes, during my time as Mokcheon magistrate, I did siphon off and sell the gunpowder.
But why hasn't it been exposed until now? Because I replaced it with my special Chunsik safe gunpowder.
In other words, the gunpowder wasn't physically gone. This isn't 'me' being exposed.
I double-checked.
"The gunpowder warehouse is really empty?"
"Yes, it is. Quite shocking, really."
Safe gunpowder looks identical to the real thing, so it could be mistaken and 'privatized.'
But this privatization direction felt off.
Selling to hunters like me is possible, but they don't use massive amounts. Hunting's traditionally with traps, not guns.
So no one would withdraw it all at once, taking the risk for nothing. There's another purpose.
I stood up.
In the past, Soron's demon king Kim Il-kyeong nearly annihilated Noron with the New Impeachment Purge.
Executed almost immediately after Yeongjo's ascension, his demonic influence lingered, sparking the Yi In-jwa Rebellion even after death.
For the current Noron-dominated court, vigilance is natural.
But completely exterminating Soron would remove Noron's check, so even Yi Geum couldn't wipe them all out.
Thus, some key figures survived unexpectedly.
Among them, Yun Ji is the son of Yun Chwi-sang, Kim Il-kyeong's closest aide.
Yun Chwi-sang was Soron's top martial commander, the most tangible threat to Yeongjo.
Hence, Yun Chwi-sang was executed, and son Yun Ji exiled for 30 years without release.
Regardless of Soron orthodoxy or loyalty to King Gyeongjong, that lifelong exile gives Yun Ji ample reason to slaughter Noron and their puppet king in one stroke.
Yun Ji mainly consulted his son Yun Gwang-cheol.
The cautious rebel family dismissed all servants before talking. With phones off, no leaks.
Yun Ji tapped ash from his pipe.
"I thought Jeolla Left Commander Park Jaeha's impeachment would bring him to our side, but why did some irrelevant fool step in to help?"
Yun Gwang-cheol bowed politely.
"Even if he has some talent as a general, he's just greedy and unreliable. We've gathered the resolute ones; no need to risk more."
"But is a provincial commander the same as mere camp officers? And now he's become Noron's limb?"
Yun Gwang-cheol said cautiously.
"Not Hong Bong-han's Cheokdang or Kim Sang-ro's Namdang. It's that group people call Chundang lately, and their leader Kim Chun-sik saved the Left Commander, growing very close."
"Chundang? Still Noron at heart."
"Different from other Noron; seems indiscriminate. Associates with Yeongseong-gun Park Mun-su, even Sonjae Minister Jo Jae-ho."
Yun Ji scowled.
"This Kim Chun-sik, descendant of Kim Changjip, forgets his grandfather's enemy and chats with anyone? What kind of unfilial wretch is he?"
"Youngsters often ignore ethics for success. Compared to Father, even Yeongseong-gun or Sonjae aren't steadfast. Kim Chun-sik, Noron's seed, needs no mention."
Yun Ji agreed with his son's blanket condemnation of Noron and even Soron Tangpyeongpa.
"Then, bland as water. Kim Chun-sik will soon stumble somewhere."
"Not quite."
The final retort wasn't Yun Gwang-cheol's. Father and son whipped around.
The entrant was astonishingly former Naju Governor Yi Ha-jing.
Yi Ha-jing, with merits and age, should have received a senior sinecure and retired in Seoul.
Even without that, a former magistrate returning privately to his post was improper.
But plotting far worse than rudeness, no one cared.
Yi Ha-jing spoke.
"Kim Chun-sik's age is just past twenty, rank junior third rank, but few rise to jeongsam-pum so young. He was once Mokcheon magistrate; heard some talk buying medicine there recently."
Both knew what 'medicine' meant. Young Yun Gwang-cheol felt tingling tension in his fingertips.
Seated, Yi Ha-jing took Yun Ji's pipe, inhaled deeply, then told Yun Gwang-cheol.
"Kim Chun-sik's ties aren't just Yeongseong-gun or Sonjae. Close with old Nam-in like Seongho Master Yi Ik or Sunam An Jeong-bok."
In truth, An Jeong-bok—writing evolution encyclopedias instead of past papers—was just pestering Kim Unhaeng for whale stories, but it looked that way superficially.
Yun Gwang-cheol replied.
"Ever more inscrutable. Fallen Nam-in chasing money and power? Hardly."
"If only yangban affairs. But Kim Chun-sik ignores scholar-official opinions. No interest from the start."
"No interest?"
"Yes. Easier to see him eyeing commoners. You in Honam might not know, but in Seoul now, no banquet without Samhwa-dang goods."
Kim Unhaeng's underworld dominance in Seoul was roughly known to insiders.
Officially, he's just one of Yi Jae-un's investors, and like North Korea, Joseon focuses little on general policing absent political crimes.
Better to deal with 'genteel merchant from scholarly house' Yi Jae-un than thugs who beat nobles.
Thus, the police ignored it fully. Pitiful thugs killed by Samhwa-dang, but does the state care for gutter rats?
But Yun Ji's group couldn't ignore it.
In the past, the arm that smashed Kim Jong-seo's head wasn't Sejo's—it was slave Im Eo-ul-un's.
Rebels always mobilize lowly house slaves as initial core force.
No need for persuasion or recruitment with AI; easy to deploy anywhere disposable.
Seizing regular military command comes later, textbook rebellion style. So Kim Chun-sik's moves warranted attention.
Silent until then, Yun Ji spoke of 'another commoner rabble.'
"Before you arrived, we discussed Jeolla Left Commander with my son, but Liberation Vanguard's similar. Suncheon Liberation Vanguard, already large, grew stronger, drawing all able-bodied men from Jeolla."
Yi Ha-jing nodded.
"Not just Jeolla. Ulleungdo's Mulsong Liberation Vanguard first targeted Japanese first. Young general Han Jung-ryang boasts ties to Kim Chun-sik. Seoul Liberation Vanguard he first proposed with Service Three Provisions goes without saying."
Yun Gwang-cheol trembled at the conclusion from their talk.
Yun Ji voiced what his son couldn't.
"No one knows, but... one finger from Kim Chun-sik moves a hundred warships and thousands of men."
Even rebels could only whisper it.
Kim Chun-sik was rapidly amassing military might, wealth, and power.
The speed and results surpassed their own Soron hardliners' 30 years of toil. Beyond smooth—frenzied.
Clearly no intent to retire comfortably as a recluse.
But too uneasy to peg him as Yi Seong-gye aspirant.
Kim Unhaeng is Noron nobility scion who revived his declining house in one generation.
No reason for such drastic action. Rebellion ill suits incumbents.
Moreover, his Three Provisions clearly bolstered the king's power. Premature to assume rebellion against the throne.
No one knew or cared about his minor caning episode.
Officials expect demotions, exiles, beatings—nothing resentful.
Modern Kim Unhaeng didn't realize; it's purposeful, especially under a king like Yi Geum.
Yun Ji's suspicions naturally veered to the king's foul character, finding a clue.
Those suffering most from the king's personality are nearest him.
And he drew much sympathy from ministers via shared misery.
Yun Ji spoke as if carefully grasping an emerging thread.
"No matter how I think, a mere junior third-rank oversteps. Probably not his solo achievement. Too big for a novice."
No more could be said aloud.
No need.
Among theories explaining Kim Chun-sik's rise, the most accepted was...
Crown Prince's retainer.
With the Prince's backing, Kim Chun-sik gets along with Soron like Park Mun-su or Jo Jae-ho; post-Mun clan's incident, overt regency accelerated his ascent. Neat theory.
Thus, rational to see the Prince grooming Kim as top henchman, orchestrating events. Past exams were Prince-backed, after all.
So question shifts from 'Why Kim Chun-sik?' to 'Why the Prince?'
And the answer came tenfold easier than assuming Kim as mastermind.
Yi Ha-jing clumsily adjusted his official hat—everyone left phones—then rose quietly.
"You can't move conspicuously with ancestors in prison records. I'll meet Kim Chun-sik."
"Round trip to Seoul will tire your legs? Son's no criminal; send him instead."
Yi Ha-jing chuckled softly.
"Exile kept you out of the loop. That postal service lately means many ships between Honam and Seoul. Come to think, Kim Chun-sik's doing too."
Returning to Seoul, Yi Ha-jing reassessed the landscape, focusing on Kim Unhaeng.
Dragon Battalion, practically his creation, was one.
Among them, Outer Dragon Battalion supported Han River ferry Peace Virtue Hall essentially; the hall was the cursed king's cash cow.
If only that, it'd be flag-waving rabble like Training Bureau, but no longer.
Boarding a ferry at Han River, Yi Ha-jing perked at shouts from the sandbar.
"Think lifting pebbles and running makes you true Dragon Battalion after recruit training? Weaklings, scram to Border Defense, Royal Guards, or Arsenal!"
Couldn't hear soldiers' replies; sounded like 'Argh! Aaargh!' to him.
"One by one, touch this Chunsik Box! Only those unflinching are men!"
'Chunsik Box?' Yi Ha-jing noted the name. Joseon brimmed with Chunsik.
Sparks from the box fascinated even septuagenarian Yi Ha-jing. Looked hot to touch.
His guess was right, save burning for stinging.
As Yi Ha-jing crossed, female onlookers surged on the sandbar. Kim Unhaeng would've been dumbfounded.
To Yi Ha-jing and Joseon eyes, it was 'elite troop drill.'
'Watch Dragon Battalion too. If the king keeps building such crack troops, our odds dwindle.'
Noting that, Yi Ha-jing entered the capital, heading straight to Longdong.
I felt surging nostalgia.
In civil service exam prep days, visiting Jongno alone, I'd often hear that line—now repeated verbatim by this stranger elder.
"Your countenance is remarkably pure and extraordinary. No prior ties to your ancestors, but this old man especially wishes to discuss the Way with you."
Can't say 'I go to church.'
Not because Christianity hasn't reached Joseon yet—Neo-Confucians can't say it.
Thus, I missed the timing to chase Yi Ha-jing off.
"Honam famed for delicacies since olden times. This sickly body has little wealth, but I packed modest dishes good for health and tongue."
The jars servants placed emitted a potent aroma.
Enhancing senses with 'Guan Yu's Patience,' it was familiar.
Soy sauce... fermented fish? No, this fishiness...
Chills ran down my spine.
'Soy-marinated crab ferments!'
Author's Notes
1. Chimpanzees generally have lower intelligence than humans, but excel in some areas. They're superior to humans in instant memory tests like Won Inson's ordeal (the incident is from unofficial history).
2. Won Inson's memorial was real. In the chapter where Kim Unhaeng siphoned Mokcheon gunpowder, I foreshadowed exposure years later—this is it.
In original history, the culprits were likely today's Soron plotters. Court context suggests suspicions of 'rebels?'
In-story it's summer, but actual memorial was Yeongjo 30th year, December. Mokcheon gunpowder minor there, but Naju placard incident soon after is intriguing.
3. Yi Ik and An Jeong-bok mentioned after ages. Still compiling encyclopedias like during 'Yulseo Jabsul (Kim Unhaeng's Dialectic on Naming Heaven and Earth's Myriad Things)' (surprisingly, not much time passed).