Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: 9. Sniper Elite (2)
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Hong Daeyong's talk of "disregarding the law and visiting privately" wasn't just empty flattery.
I agree.
Why come visit me privately? I'm busy.
Besides that, you and I aren't close enough for private visits.
Places like government offices aren't some neighborhood community center... no, not even a district welfare office where anyone can just wander in and out.
If Hong Daeyong weren't from a prestigious family, he'd have experienced the dog days of summer firsthand—drowning in sweat—and been sent packing that very day.
I wouldn't even need to step in. Our office's weakest link, the gatekeeper slaves, would have handled it.
Only in modern Korean government offices would they patiently entertain some hothead barging in like, "Hey, I'm buddies with your district chief! We grab meals! Hit the sauna!"
Come to think of it, why was I trying to become a civil servant back in Korea?
If it weren't for that status window worse than capital punishment, being a civil servant here might feel better. I haven't tried it there, but I bet it would.
Modern civilization? It's plenty comfortable here too. Tell the kitchen to make food, and it appears—just like a 21st-century voice-activated rice cooker.
Anyway, that's beside the point. I'm not saying I wanted Hong Daeyong chased off.
Really, I'm not. It's just that, as an enlightened modern man with a conscience, shouldn't rules apply fairly to everyone?
Things are different from the tavern talk? You need to rethink what "fair" really means.
While I was lost in such thoughts, Hong Daeyong kept chattering energetically.
"The moment Your Excellency arrived, word of your strict and impartial governance spread even to our humble town of Cheonan.
Foolish petty types babble about how you oppressed a shaman and forced unspeakable deeds, or picked on a respected clerk until he met a gruesome end, likening you to Wang Lu—that Tang Dynasty corrupt official. But they're just ignorant gossip. How could a magistrate not crack down on heresy? How could you not reform wicked local functionaries?"
Are you subtly insulting me right now?
Fine, the clerk did meet a gruesome end—that part's true. But the rumors about Yeon reached that far?
I didn't think many in Mokcheon County suspected us?
It's not like I beat to death everyone who suspected and left only the survivors through natural selection.
The reason's simple. Yeon's too famous; her movements are all out in the open.
And as a public official, mine are too.
But we haven't met since that rap battle at the tavern.
Wait, does that even make sense?
Even if our king now has a lowly washerwoman for a mother, there's still hierarchy and decorum... I had no such intentions.
Anyway, which Chief State Councillor romances a shaman? And apparently it's not even romance—it's some abuse fantasy.
Jung Nanjeong? She was common-born, sure, but no mention of her being a gisaeng in the histories. A gisaeng at least gets you a concubine safe zone, but a shaman's different.
Plus, Yun Won-hyung wouldn't care. Even if she were common or married a man, he could've been Chief State Councillor. His sister was the queen mother.
In short, baseless nonsense riddled with impossibilities. Yeon would laugh if she heard.
But there's one guy who'd spread such nonsense.
Shin Man-heung, who somehow survived that 70-tael installment plan while lying flat, has sent people sniffing around. From outside.
His intent's obvious. Bah, should've just seized more with interest.
And it's reached the ears of the Hoseo gentry class.
Hong Daeyong's perfect for leading rural society by status. So he's gathering their opinions to relay to me.
No, honestly, he doesn't quite fit. The Namyang Hong clan are national aristocrats.
Then why was he sulking earlier?
Since my goal is central government success, shouldn't I befriend a historical giant like Hong Daeyong?
Exactly because that's my goal, I have zero interest.
This guy's never passed the civil service exam in his life, right? So, what's he good for?
I was talking about becoming top dog in the court? Me.
A gentleman chooses his friends carefully.
I might not know mainstays like Yi Il-je, but Silhak scholars are more famous in modern times, so I know them at a cultured level. Silhak discourse had waned by the 21st century, but my professors were 20th-century folks.
By my knowledge, many Silhak scholars failed the exams repeatedly.
No backing? Some, yeah. Lowborns like Park Je-ga or Lee Deok-mu weren't even eligible.
But even heirs of prestigious houses with no such excuses fared the same.
Park Jiwon too—and Hong Daeyong, as I recall, barely snagged a post in middle age. Probably via appointment, like Park Jiwon?
Not all Silhak scholars sucked at exams, of course. Jeong Yak-yong's a notable exception.
But why would so-called "Silhak scholars" fixate on "heretical" fields like physics, math, engineering, economics by this era's standards?
Because they couldn't crack the mainstream.
They had talent, sure. But no path to success in this society.
Without Jeongjo, even Jeong Yak-yong would've struggled. Same for the others.
If I were king, I'd take interest in Silhak types.
(Despite the name) they're unrealistic in parts, but closer to modern men, injecting fresh winds and colors—politically useful for a monarch. That's what Yeongjo's doing now.
But I need friends to pull me up, push me forward, form a solid power cartel... no, mutually improve through teaching and learning.
Orthodox Neo-Confucian mainstream nobles fit best.
Even befriending Park Jiwon was more for his grandfather than him.
Park Pilgyun actively restored Kim Changjip—benefactor to our house. Ignore that, and we're sunk. Personally, he sent Go Bonghwan too.
Hong Daeyong, though... no matter how I look, what can he offer me?
The problem is, Hong Daeyong seems eager to befriend me.
"I thought Your Excellency adhered so strictly to law and order that you'd come without wife or children, but it turns out you've truly never married."
Matchmaking again?
I'm getting married anyway, no rush. Need those coins. No reason to stay single either.
But sorry, your introductions are a pass.
Oh, your house is impeccable, sure. But it all depends on who makes the intro, right?
If you want me marrying into your side, bring a central (high-ranking) official as matchmaker. Don't you have plenty?
If it's political marriage, I want zero losses.
Even among great houses, levels differ.
Hong Daeyong being here means he's the best male kin or connection the bride's side can trot out.
Beep. Fail. At least pass the higher exams and land a key post straight away.
Me? Not a key post. But Dog-Beating Stick incident forced this.
Without that, I'd be in Hongmungwan or Inspectorate by now. And as I said, in Joseon, the wife's family is usually higher-status.
I recycled the excuse I'd given Park Jiwon.
"Studies kept me too busy, you see. Now duty does. One worries over lack of merit, not lack of heirs—"
"No, you've achieved unprecedented merit at such a young age— that's success. How does your busyness relate to marriage? Marriage follows parents' command alone."
This Zhuge Liang wannabe is full of hot air. His famous line doesn't apply anywhere now?
And this guy's a cut above Park Jiwon?
"Happily, my house has a young cousin sister. Immodest as it is from my lips, she's cultivated womanly virtue since childhood, utmost filial piety—truly fit to pair with a hero..."
Why so urgent?
I switched tacks.
Pretending reluctance from shyness, not dislike.
"Grateful as I am for Your Honor's regard on our first meeting, linking with the pinnacle of noble houses like Jomun-gwa exceeds my meager character and talent. Moreover, as you say, marriage follows parents' will—so improper to discuss while posted afar."
"That's reasonable."
Hong Daeyong accepted readily.
Did he mean my character and talent are lacking? Or the parents' excuse holds water?
Yeah, let's say the latter. Better than slapping a noble heir.
Meanwhile, he smoothly continued.
"But urgency calls for expedients."
Plain words on paper.
But his tone and rhythm conveyed deeper meaning.
Impressive. Musician instincts?
Of course, I—who'd dropped top-scholar flow at Mokcheon tavern—caught it.
This "urgency" wasn't my age.
"What counsel do you offer?"
"That Mokcheon innkeeper Shin Man-heung hails from old gentry stock. Not quite yangban now, but a major clan locally in Mokcheon. Generations of Hoseo connections—even the Governor hears their name throughout his term."
Here it comes.
Governor Yi Il-je's making a move.
Not sending an inspector yet means punishing me for the inn embezzlement is tricky, so he's hunting excuses. Someone of Hong Daeyong's standing knowing isn't odd.
Then the initial rumor drop was same intent.
Yeah. Frame me as corrupt magistrate, tarnish my character—makes beating the innkeeper not justice, but abuse.
I misjudged. Hong Daeyong's no social butterfly visiting for fun.
He's envoy from Namyang Hong clan's To-hong branch.
Message is simple.
Strike before these rumors refine into the Governor's weapon.
And the method? Scarily direct.
'Marry to quash dirty rumors, ally with us. As fellow Noron, we'll back you against the Soron Governor!'
Hong Daeyong's minority Northern School, but solidly Noron Noron faction. Park Jiwon too.
Rookie level vs. court center... this faction strife?
I knew Yeongjo's nagging made me political buzz. Thought it gossip, not eye of the storm.
'Got it. But that's that—this threat doesn't mean I cling to them crying "mommy.'
Accepting marriage here is hasty, looks desperate (key point).
And unlike their view, Yi Il-je's no dire threat needing marriage alliance.
Because I have the Yi Il-je Note—his Pyeongan Path Super Space Fortress blueprint memo.
Scratch that "useless" earlier. Pair it with Namyang Hong, it's stronger.
And this Hong Daeyong too.
Didn't pass higher exams, but history-makers have reasons.
But add exam success? Even better.
Want power?
Receive this forbidden tome, embrace the universe's hidden secrets.
Hong Daeyong beamed.
Not just grasping his words and allying—but I gave him a gift hitting harder than "cousin brother-in-law Kim Unhaeng."
"I'd heard of the book, sent to Seoul but couldn't get it...! Of course, a top-scholar magistrate would have it!"
I hadn't realized my [Standard Strategy for Mathematics] was already famous in Hoseo.
He's tried exams but always failed? Perfect then.
Of course, I played it as "happened upon it" and gifted.
Then kindly added,
"Want the hidden secrets explained? Visit anytime. I heard them direct from the unnamed author."
"My teacher and now Your Excellency—noble scholarship lives up to the name. I'll soon bring gifts to humbly seek instruction."
Gifts! Excellent fellowship tool!
"Haha. Now friends through life and death—how need worldly goods to prove heart? Fragrant liquor bottle suffices."
If he shows with just booze, I'll be gone.
"This Hong humbly admires Your Excellency's integrity and nobility once more."
He's Joseon-born; he'll get it? He won't Silhak only here, right?
Unaware of my unease, Hong Daeyong bowed long and departed politely.
Sniping's grueling labor, as widely known.
Perfect concealment and sure hits demand meticulous, tenacious positioning.
Mine lasted till spring's end.
Wasn't too painful though.
Accepting Hong Daeyong's fitting gifts befitting his house gave me breathing room.
So I eased up on the daily clerk beatings in the outer office.
Truly, wealth brings calm, calm breeds kindness [Those with constant property have constant hearts]. Mencius was right.
Direct dealings with commoners need time for effect. Plus, it's famine season now.
Other ventures planned, but post-Yi Il-je defeat—need funds first.
Clerks' money? Good idea.
But seize leisurely after Yi Il-je.
First, I detailed Yi Il-je's corruption, my situation, countermeasures—and sent to Seoul.
Trusted aide Jangbok played courier.
With Hong Daeyong, disguised as young master heading to capital for studies with servant.
Sending Hong Daeyong? Obvious reasons.
Namyang Hong messenger, deep ties to our An-dong Kim's rising Hang generation (skip Kim Yak-haeng)—two of them.
No better to link clans.
Why link?
Both Noron? Not just.
Dad's well-connected, as said.
Modern otaku—sorry, Father. Odd hobbyist shunned a bit by orthodox scholars, but clan halo prevents scorn.
And otakus have otaku friends.
Top one: current Minister of Punishment Hong Gye-hui.
Like Dad, polymath in trivia—Dad's bosom friend.
Also key in later caging Crown Prince Sado—but don't think now.
Advising Dad cut ties? Our side's urgent, plus unconvincing.
By Yeongjo's vibe I saw, it'd happen sans Hong Gye-hui, Kim Sang-ro, Kim Gwi-ju—Jeongjo's future archenemies.
When Jeongjo ascends as history, plot family escape.
And he's Namyang Hong too.
Well, Tang-hong branch, not Hong Daeyong's To-hong—technically different.
Still solid.
Why so late? Communications envoy to Japan till last year—back only now. Would've used him sooner. Timing sucks.
But now different.
Hong Gye-hui's court veteran. Didn't blurt it.
He's Punishment Minister, not Chief Censor. Duties strictly divided, image aside.
Plus, friend's son—too close in Joseon terms, draws eyes.
Hong Gye-hui acted as hoped.
Waited perfect moment to ram my ammo into Yi Il-je's groin.
Censors heard rumors, itching for a scene anyway.
Why step up? Wish it was Dad's friendship, nephew-love... but other reasons.
By promotion norms and seniority, Yi Il-je's fall likely nets Hong Gye-hui next Chungcheong Governor slot.
So can't rush. He fanned Noron censors irked by Yi Il-je's arrogance, biding trigger.
It came around barley harvest.
Top duty for magistrates—all officials: agriculture.
I got diligent farm reports. Must report to Governor too.
Barley crop in famine season crucial.
Therein, I sensed heaven-sent timing.
Back home resting, I dictated a letter to Jangbok—off to Seoul again.
My kindness, really. Wife's family there. Don't know exams? Walking's healthy. Tsk. Run, mouth shut.
Then official dispatch to Cheongju Governor's office.
Yi Il-je—who'd stayed put despite Shin Man-heung's rag status—reacted instantly.
Scientific monarch's dimension artisan finally opened portal to Mokcheon.
Receiving advance notice, I steeled myself, gazed outside.
Mokcheon County's modest barley fields (read: poor) rippled beautifully with ripening ears.
Summer had come.
1. Kim Unhaeng just met Hong Daeyong early—historically, Hong Daeyong was close with his father Kim Yonggyeom too. Just later, when Hong was older.
Famous 18th-century scholar Seong Dae-jung's [Record of the Spring Fortress Music Gathering] details one such concert hosted by Hong Daeyong. He was skilled in instruments, gathered like-minded friends for music nights.
There, elder Kim Yonggyeom attended, was moved to prostrate in awe. Example of his odd values and lifestyle. Much interaction before/after.
2. Notable for Hong Daeyong's clan then: his cousin Hong Dam-yong's daughters married Crown Prince Sado's bastard Eunshin-gun and Chusa Kim Jeong-hui's foster father Kim No-yeong (not yet happened).
Thus Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Eunshin-gun's adopted son Namyeon-gun become half-cousins—leading to Heungseon Daewongun Yi Ha-eung (Namyeon-gun's son) learning calligraphy from Kim Jeong-hui. So to Hong Daeyong, both are like grandnephews via daughters.
Eunshin-gun exiled by Yeongjo in teens, died young. Wife's life probably rough, but no punishment for Hong Daeyong. Fifth cousin once-removed—not direct kin.
Kim Unhaeng naturally unaware of such trivia. In-story, just from Hong failing exams. Though appointed, he later tutored Crown Prince Jeongjo—not lightweight.
Some sources call Chusa's foster/stepmother Hong "Hong Daeyong's cousin sister" (e.g., Korean Wikipedia), but age and Kim Jeong-hui-Namyeon-gun cousin relation don't fit. She's Hong Daeyong's "fifth cousin niece."
Thus, in-story cousin sister is fictional, not that Hong.
3. Hong Gye-hui indeed Communications Envoy head to Japan prior year, 1748. For 9th Shogun Tokugawa Ieshige's enthronement.
But unlike full envoy chief, not ultra-high post. Japan-China rank gap.
4. Unbeknownst to Kim Unhaeng, Hong Gye-hui and Kim Yonggyeom were bosom friends and later in-laws via grandkids. Kim Yonggyeom's granddaughter (Kim Jeok-haeng's daughter, Kim Unhaeng's niece) weds Hong Gye-hui's grandson Hong Sang-gan. Not yet in-story.
Issue: Hong Sang-gan implicated in plot against Crown Prince Jeongjo's proxy rule, trying to kill Hong Guk-yeong (different clan)—code for regicide. Executed.
Brother Hong Sang-beom outright tried assassinating King Jeongjo (avenging bro?), clan branded traitors, ruined. Hong Gye-hui dead by then—posts stripped only.
Why hate Jeongjo? Hong Gye-hui instigator in Imo Incident? Probably figured doomed anyway.
Kim Yonggyeom's clan unsurvivable too. Co-conspirator Yi Gyeong-bin was Kim Jeok-haeng's brother-in-law. Double-linked. No execution, just fired. Pity, given Kim Yonggyeom's rise to Minister despite appointment—Jeongjo's favorite.
5. Joseon local officials barred from bringing family to post. Corruption gateway. Hong Daeyong's line means that.
Instead, local concubines (high officials' shadows secretaries—gisaeng preferred; handling lowly folk/money less weird). Or remote corruption via hometown bribes. Little difference.
6. Cheongyo: shorthand for Cheonghwan (clean service) and Yojik (key post). Elite track.
Cheongjik: Inspectorate, Censorate, Hongmungwan. Yojik: State Council, Personnel, War, Five Guards, Propaganda, Central Army generals. Varied by era.