Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: Dice Rattling in the Woodshed (2)
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Namin scholar Seongho Lee Ik had been ceaselessly expanding his Discourse on the Dialectics of All Things in the Universe through exchanges with the Jesuit priests held at Bukhansanseong Fortress and the occasional British naturalists dragged into Seoul.
But now, he sensed his own end drawing near.
Lee Ik summoned his youngest grandson and disciple, Yi Gahwan—a man who would one day become one of Joseon's first Catholics, though no one, including himself, knew it yet.
"I've taught you a bit of the sages' scholarship and the poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties. With your sharp mind, you should be able to achieve great mastery on your own. The world is now dominated by the Noron faction, but if we Namin are to carry on our scholarly lineage and serve the nation loyally, we must learn what they do not."
"And what might that be?"
"Western learning. His Majesty is currently striving to greatly reform the kingdom. Amid the great upheavals shaking the Qing, his acceptance of foreigners surrendering from all directions must have deeper intentions. In the future, those versed in Western knowledge will surely rise to prominence."
Yi Gahwan asked cautiously.
"You mean someone like Supreme Commander of the Five Directions and Eight Provinces, Dog-Beating Stick Kim Unhaeng?"
"...That's different. The Noron reject foreigners, don't they? Kim Chunsik speaks Western languages well, but just because interpreters know Chinese doesn't mean they've read every Chinese book. He's simply quick-witted by nature and good at improvisation—likely not deeply versed in Western scholarship. That's all the more reason we must pursue it ourselves."
Lee Ik stopped short of saying that someone ignorant of Eastern learning couldn't possibly know Western learning. As a scholar who valued books, he knew he owed Kim Chunsik a debt of gratitude.
"Fortunately, the Universal Encyclopedia has gained the world's recognition, and with the funds Kim Chunsik shared, we've been able to establish this modest Namin hall here in Seoul. I don't have much time left, so use this to hire your tutor."
"Grandfather, what are you saying? I will serve you for many years to come."
"I've lived past eighty—long enough to be ashamed of my greed for more years. You know the Theory of Universal Lineage I've researched in my later years. All things in the world trace back to common ancestors in their lineages, but some lines eventually die out. My line ends here, but by leaving you behind, it continues."
This was the birth of the 'extinction' concept in Joseon—a notion Georges Cuvier wouldn't propose until the next century—but Yi Gahwan had no time to ponder it. Lee Ik fixed his grandson with a stern gaze as the young man panicked.
"Listen carefully. Many Westerners have surrendered to His Highness's immense prestige, but most are sailors, soldiers, or merchants. However, the two priests at Bukhansanseong have served from the Qing's Imperial Astronomical Bureau—they truly deserve the title of Western scholars. Let them live here and support them with the Encyclopedia's revenues."
Of course, Jesuit priests Hallerstein and Ko Kaesul couldn't freely leave Bukhansanseong. Only because Lee Ik was a uibin guest had he been able to meet them.
Yet judging by the king's intentions, he would surely want to let them operate if given a suitable pretext.
And a memorial from a great Confucian scholar like Lee Ik provided not just a pretext, but overflowing justification.
Indeed, Yi Hwon wept as he read Lee Ik's final memorial.
"When birds are about to die, their cries are mournful; when men are about to die, their words are sincere.[Analects] How could I not heed this?"
Yi Hwon granted the house a signboard reading 'Joseon Catholic Church.'
These two priests became the first foreigners permitted free movement in Joseon (separate army irregulars still bore interpreter status, like other Joseon troops).
Their experience as 'Qing Imperial Astronomical Bureau officials' set them apart from rootless barbarians. Catholicism was permitted even in China, making it hard to challenge.
Moreover, this was a private Catholic church funded by Lee Ik and his heir Yi Gahwan, not state capital—leaving even less room for objection. Lee Ik well understood Joseon's principle of self-reliance.
Fellow Namin Chae Je-gong, a vice premier, also supported the policy.
"His Highness's esteem for sages is profound. The crown prince occasionally inquires about foreign curiosities. Having these fascinating Westerners visit the Eastern Palace now and then to share wondrous knowledge would surely encourage scholarly zeal without harm."
Of course, Chae Je-gong didn't mention that Crown Prince Yi Jeong had broken a telescope smuggled in from somewhere and they were desperately seeking a Westerner to replace it. It wouldn't do for the Namin to face extinction in the next reign.
But Yi Hwon was more swayed than expected.
Rest was important. Like in the Kim Unhaeng Deputy Commander of the Royal Guards major operation, Yi Hwon believed he understood and empathized with children far better than his father—especially their hatred of studying.
Indeed, Western learning was fun, even if he didn't know what it was for beyond military tech. In a Joseon that would open further to the world, Yi Jeong's aptitude could prove valuable for a successor.
Thus, Yi Hwon issued an edict allowing them regular access to the Eastern Palace. It was around then that Kim Unhaeng, having returned the Supreme Commander title and resumed training commandant duties, heard the news late (since it wasn't military business) and rushed over frothing at the mouth.
These traitorous Namin scum, potential Catholic sprouts—I knew it even back in Korea. They're bewitching the king to uproot the nation.
Are they insane? Officially harboring priests who fled China?
Of course, Joseon is blatantly deceiving China right now. Just recently, they fabricated a story that 'Supreme Commander Kim Unhaeng avenged Nagasaki and routed the British' to explain their withdrawal.
Thanks to the efforts of the Office of Diplomatic Correspondence officials moonlighting as novelists, the Qianlong Emperor trusts and favors Joseon considerably. Joseon is the only country trading with China now.
But this is different.
We could excuse avoiding war as lacking power and funds.
These priests are criminals against the emperor. Protecting them isn't emergency refuge or self-defense—it's undeniable treason.
Claiming the king didn't know only works until they're at Bukhansanseong. Are they planning some passive northern expedition?
I swear I hear mad laughter from some hyperdimension god. Must be tinnitus.
I petitioned the king directly—a job usually led by premier-level elders with retinues, but I could do it. I'd just avoided it often for fear of arrogance charges.
My impassioned advice to expel the plague priests immediately and banish Chae Je-gong—who tried feeding the crown prince tainted food—to Sam-su Gap-san was the epitome of heroic resolve.
The king ordered the historian beside him not to record it—historians' discipline is worlds apart from my time. The king says don't write, and they set down their brushes? How did historiography decay so much?—then whispered secretly.
"Just say it's not them."
What?
"Change their names, shave their queues—who would know? Hide them when envoys come. Envoys hear at best rumors; claim they're castaways from another country, and no one can disprove it. They suggested posing as Frenchmen. Apparently, France has no particular grudge with China."
Are Catholic priests telling them to break the Ten Commandments? What kind of Jesuits send missionaries to convert nylon believers? And you're the king of a nation saying this?
No choice. Time for 'Expel the Barbarians and Preserve Righteousness.'
"Your Highness, they preach godless, disloyal heresies. Once ensnared, devotees revere their so-called Lord of Heaven above parents, even burning ancestral tablets without hesitation. They're worse than the ancient Yellow Turban rebels—true deceivers of the age."
This hit home. The king looked startled at the tablet-burning mention.
"Is that so? Then summon them and ask."
"No need to trouble yourself. Once the nation soaks in heresy like paper in ink, the people will obey only those claiming to speak for Heaven, even guiding foreign armies to trample the borders in treasonous betrayal."
I didn't lie once. History major guarantees 'historical accuracy.' All true events.
My mistake? They were all 'future' events. To present-day Joseon, untouched by Catholic incidents, it rang hollow.
And the summoned priests brazenly lied without flinching.
"This issue has been discussed with the Holy See many times. We never urge prostration before idols, but humbly await in silence pleasing to God. We've never advocated violence like burning ancestral memorials revered by Chinese and Koreans."
"Hallerstein speaks true. How else could we have missioned in China? The Lord's teachings place filial piety foremost among the Ten Commandments."
Like illegal entry geniuses, they spoke decent Joseon-ese and wrote Classical Chinese better than most scholars—no twisting the translation.
Cornered, I pulled out the ultra-orthodox 'Expel the Barbarians' rhetoric from Japan.
"If your words are true, trample this cross—"
"Is that necessary? How's that different from telling Joseon men to burn tablets? Don't provoke the commandant. Kim Chunsik's vigilant because he's subdued so many Western pirates."
"We understand. After Englishmen, Dutchmen, Russians—all heretics who turned from the Universal Church—it'd be harder not to. Even foes deserve forgiveness per the Lord's teachings. We've forgiven General Kim and pray for his peace."
I blacked out.
Of course, I know Victory Chart Corporation (provisional) can't manipulate the future. If it could, Status Window wouldn't be so stressed.
Yet this country, rolling toward doom, breeds doubt even in that logic.
My assumed Easy Mode quest assignment needed time. Like stirring new political strife to rally and crush my foes. Neo Butcher Party remnants probably lurk underground.
The cliché of external threats to quell internal strife flips to internal strife to quell external threats. Promotion too.
But no time for prep now.
My dice escaped the board—not to freedom, but the woodshed. That woodshed prince rattles it like backgammon, aiming for a jackpot streak.
No, what’s tackle expert Park Mun-su doing? The king needs elder ministers' weight. Or what? Easy to hassle me, hard to remonstrate the White Man-Slayer King?
As I returned fretting over the nation's fate, Jangyongyeong Commander Kim Seong-eung awaited in the training grounds (does he skip work?) and greeted me warmly.
"Took you long enough. Lord Yeongseong-gun seeks you. Hurry."
Thinking of him summons me. What ancient god is this? Did they catch me scrapping training fleet ships for the Chunsik Squadron amid booming China trade?
Anyway, I'm busy. Don't summon me—petition the king for a heresy ban.
"I must obey, but I've military duties from Changdeok Palace..."
"Ah. Is His Majesty at some villa? If not, go. Between us, he might not last the night."
"Pardon?"
After I brought Peace in Our Time, Park Mun-su, relieved of special inspector duties, rapidly weakened, they say.
Sorry. Honestly didn't know. We're not the type to fuss over each other's health.
Park Mun-su's household knows best how he dislikes me. Yet none viewed me coldly. They probably couldn't supply their own kin with monthly ginseng like I did.
Park Sun-gyu, Park Mun-su's fifth cousin once removed and now like a son, whispered to me.
"My lord, when you enter, please ask if he has final words for his descendants."
"Understood."
Calling me without settling family affairs? What's the rush?
Inside, surprisingly, Park Mun-su sat up. I half-suspected Lord Yeongseong-gun faking illness to assassinate me.
But he barely acknowledged my bow and offered ginseng— this month's shipment from me.
"Take it back. I won't need it anymore."
His voice revealed more than words. I played dumb.
"If ginseng doesn't suit, use it for your heirs' upkeep. How could I take it back from you? Your son worries greatly."
"No need. No family blessings—barely adopted one son. What's there to divide?"
"No treasure exceeds an elder's final teachings."
"Nonsense. From you, even more so."
Fair enough. Total nonsense.
After hacking coughs, Park Mun-su spoke laboriously, never dropping his wry demeanor.
"If you insist on emulating a wretch like me, look at my life's work—that's enough. If you didn't before, no need now. Why force lofty words on my deathbed? I'll say something useful instead."
"What is it?"
"What did you want to do?"
I scanned Park Mun-su's expression.
To Park Mun-su, Kim Unhaeng was an incomprehensible monster.
Reaching premiership after 15 years? Not that rare, especially for 'coup meritocrats.'
The myth that Kim Unhaeng alone solves everything? He's handled flashy conflicts, but Park Mun-su did similar firefighting under the 'upper king' in youth.
Park Mun-su's question was Kim Unhaeng's goal.
Advancement? Shaking society contradicts climbing the elite ladder.
In Park Mun-su's view, Kim Unhaeng caused 80% of the current mess. He returned from Qing, king changed; from Ryukyu, world war erupted.
Loyalty to the royal house? Upper king, king, crown prince—all in his grasp. That's loyalty like a shepherd's to sheep.
Wealth? He has plenty, but most liquid assets go to bribes from yangban or loans to commoners.
Strong nation, prosperous people? Like Kim Unhaeng once quipped to him, if for 'the people (me),' maybe—but Park Mun-su recoiled from the thought.
Or just aimlessly living day-to-day like an ordinary man? Impossible and unacceptable. The 300-year ancestral shrines can't toy in a commoner's hands.
'Enemies' are easy. Known goals enable prediction and negotiation. That's why soldiers and politicians empathize with foes over allies sometimes.
But an 'unknown' can't be opposed. Most awkward, most dangerous.
Park Mun-su had to know before dying.
Park Mun-su's words, growing fainter and more sporadic, were easy enough to grasp.
I felt an urge to spill pure facts.
Status Window, obviously. Chasing its whims made my life seem aimless.
Pointless waste. I deflected with the ordinary man hypothesis.
"You overestimate a lowly man. Shamefully, I've only handled immediate tasks as a minor figure upon meeting you. No grand schemes or steadfast resolve."
Park Mun-su's eyes flashed.
"You may be lowly, but my eyes are not. Even half-dead, I'm Lord Yeongseong-gun Park Mun-su. Think you can brush me off?"
"Deceive? I..."
"No one's listening. Bare your soul—it'll be precious to you. At my age, I know: few get even once to reflect on why they live."
I flinched. Not from fear of Park Mun-su.
Was Status Window's coercion truly all?
Nothing more?
I pondered deeply, swiftly—for our tiresome Lord Yeongseong-gun, lest he deem his final hours worthless.
Author's Note
1. Lee Ik's thoughts on 'extinction' are a simplistic application to lineage theory; Georges Cuvier based his on fossil digs and stratigraphy (discovering past life absent today). Thus, it's hard to say Joseon's biology surpassed Europe's here, but ideas can precede research.
2. Kim Unhaeng's tablet-burning claim references the Jinsan Incident; foreign army guides, the Byeokseo Incident—under Jeongjo and Sunjo reigns.
Papal policy on Chinese rites fluctuated: early Jesuits pushed allowance to enable missions, later forbidden, then 'handle peacefully as needed.' Beyond theology vs. reality, Jesuit, Dominican, Paris Foreign Mission rivalries in East Asia played a role.
By story's timeline, 1715/1742 papal bulls nailed 'total prohibition,' so the priests shouldn't say that—but Jesuits insisted rites couldn't be banned for overseas missions, and their dire straits prompted the retort.
3. Strictly, Kim Unhaeng demoted to Training Commandant (Senior 2nd rank) yet called 'Daegam'—like modern retirees addressed by old titles unless landing better gigs.
4. Kim Unhaeng's 'people=me' theory from democratic republic origins first appeared in Ch. 79 'Loyal Retainers and Traitors'—their first chat.