Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: 21. H's Will (1)
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Officially, my Northern Learning lectures came from books imported from Qing.
So no matter how much the crown prince pressed me, I couldn't obtain any "new interpretations" until the next envoy mission.
But the crown prince was, after all, the prince of a nation.
His thinking was on a different level from ordinary people, given his exalted status.
A few days after devouring that book whole, he summoned me again.
"Last year, in the twelfth lunar month, Prince Haecheon left as an envoy of gratitude and winter solstice emissary. He should return in about four months. Did he happen to take any of your acquaintances? If you'd told me in advance, I could have slipped in some reliable people and valuables—such a shame."
He's so desperate for erotica right now he's blind to everything. Trying to stuff his own people into the delegation and ignore export limits on precious metals? No wonder the ministers opposed regency.
I quickly smoothed things over before the crown prince could trigger the unprecedented scandal of dispatching a mounted messenger to Uiju.
"Of course, a few friends are along. If they bring back good books upon return, I'll surely present them. However, if word spreads that a low official like me made private requests on the envoy route, I couldn't escape unscathed..."
The crown prince made a face like a benevolent ruler who understands his subordinates well.
"I already know that much. From the chief envoy down to interpreters and even horse tenders, everyone entrusts private items—it's an open custom, but the Censorate can't expose it outright. I'll handle it all. Not a word will leak."
"I am deeply grateful."
And just like that, I was thrust into the position of completing another volume of erotica before the envoys returned from Beijing.
Cursing my seventeen-year-old libido, I dove straight into the work.
I was busy with Hongmungwan duties and various ventures, so time was short. I had to start now.
Even a normal mission would return in just two months.
Moreover, this time's winter solstice emissary, Prince Haecheon Yi Yeong, was the great-grandson of the fastest monarch, King Seonjo.
And his route was exactly the one through Uiju, Seonjo's dimension gate.
It was like unleashing a monster machine on the autobahn.
No room for complacency. The emperor might glimpse his lingering image and show up in Seoul tomorrow.
Fortunately, the blood had thinned a few generations down—Prince Haecheon didn't return quickly.
And there was more good news.
I'd achieved my first promotion in the Censorate.
The crown prince's daily excuses about honing new Qing learning had paid off.
I hadn't written a new book yet, but I'd edited the existing ones, inserting passages from the Four Books and Three Classics so no intruder could tell.
The crown prince shared his honest impressions with his attendants.
"With Assistant Instructor Kim Unhaeng lecturing daily on scholarship, my path grows ever brighter."
And King Yeongjo was displeased.
In my view, Yeongjo didn't truly want the crown prince to study.
He wanted mischief instead—that way, he could rage without guilt.
But ministers didn't want the throne collapsing from the king's temper.
So in original history, regardless of faction, they'd urge him at every chance to stop tormenting his son and sided with the crown prince.
Thus, this time too, they didn't probe what exactly he read. It was all classics, unconditionally.
As ministers sang praises that the crown prince's conduct aligned with the Way, even Yeongjo couldn't ignore it entirely.
"Appoint Assistant Instructor Kim Unhaeng to Instructor (Regular 5th rank). Normally, after a year in Hongmungwan, one should rotate through other Censorate offices, but since even the Censorate recommends retaining his Si-gangwon post, I approve the promotion."
It was the same spot where my predecessor Kim Seonhaeng had sat.
From his wording, it seemed they'd soon pull me from the crown prince and shift me elsewhere. Even better.
Sehwa was overjoyed.
"I trusted you. Climbing ranks in the unforgiving Censorate like it's child's play—you're set for a smooth path ahead."
Ascension to Premiership Chart? My expression must have looked odd. Sehwa tilted her head.
"Did I say something wrong?"
I quickly changed the subject.
"No. Now that I've been promoted, and my close brothers too, I should treat them. I sent Jangbok, so he'll be back soon and off again."
The promotion wasn't just mine.
Unlike Kim Seonhaeng, my actual close kin and also my brother-in-law Hong Daeyong's teacher, Brother Kim Wonhaeng, had soared in rank too.
Assigned to Censorate Investigator (Regular 5th rank). From a 7th rank originally—a huge leap.
He'd been dismissed himself but reinstated because it was too heavy-handed; on Left Minister Kim Yakro's (not Andong Kim) recommendation, Yeongjo let it slide.
Possibly part of the Andong Kim clan's growth plan centered on my appointment three years ago.
Seeing Brother Kim Munhaeng also promoted to Hongmungwan Assistant Instructor this time, Yeongjo seemed to view us as a counter to giants like Pungyang Jo. True to form, he balanced personal grudges with the big picture.
Whatever.
For now, we were all low Censorate officials, but our new generation, the "Haeng Clan," would charge toward top ranks. With me at the helm, of course.
Even against Joseon's top force, Pungyang Jo, we had hope. You rotten Small Faction bastards. One day, Level 5 into the prison cells with you.
Jangbok soon returned.
Sehwa gasped at the haphazard pile of liquor, meat, veggies, and fish, then snatched it away.
"We're kin who must help each other henceforth—how can I be neglectful? Parading this out, everyone will curse me."
With her touches, the servant-style spread instantly became yangban fare.
Carrying it for the pride-wounded Jangbok, I headed to Kim Wonhaeng's house.
Kim Wonhaeng was host, Kim Munhaeng naturally invited. I even dragged reluctant predecessor Kim Seonhaeng, who claimed distant kinship made it awkward. Ignoring blood ties? He doesn't even know ancestral rites.
We four sat and opened a modest drinking session.
A generation below the rest, but as initiator, I toasted the eldest, Kim Wonhaeng.
"Brother and I aren't just kin—we're linked as my brother-in-law's teacher. That bond is no ordinary one. Here's to your promotion."
Kim Wonhaeng demurely deflected my toast.
"You earned it step by step with merit, unlike me via another's word—it's embarrassing."
"I'm the one sitting unqualified. For you, Brother, this is modest."
"I've neglected Deokbo (Hong Daeyong) lately, but hearing you've taken over his tutelage reassures me."
"Not just as kin—anyone could see he'd ripened under your guidance. No need for my added lessons; he'll pass with flying colors."
Why was Song of the Flying Dragons composed? Always effective.
Even the lofty scholar Kim Wonhaeng was helpless. Kim Munhaeng and Kim Seonhaeng wisely joined in hesitantly.
And just as we raised our cups—
I dropped my cup.
Kim Wonhaeng joked.
"Heavens! Dropping a cup before your half-brother? How to escape Lord Joo's suspicions?"
Newcomer Kim Munhaeng laughed heartily too.
"Beware this petty lord's advance. Who knows if a fish-gut dagger might pop out!"
Scholars' humor is inside jokes like this, giggling over their shared lore. Think internet forums.
Fine for banter, but they debate policy this way too.
That's why moderns reading translated annals often have no clue. Imagine cabinet minutes or Hansard packed with 80s anime references.
But I'm one of those otaku too. Top of the class via chief exam.
"Overcome with joy, I've drunk too much. Dare I beg the magnanimity of King Chao's hat-string mercy? Allow me to offer another bottle in atonement."
I need to enlighten these Joseonites mentally, yet I'm drifting from modern norms.
Deepening clan bonds in harmony, I pondered on the way home.
Now I grasped the Status Window's patterns.
With the Haeng Clan gathered in the Censorate, it wanted Censorate work: impeachments and remonstrations.
Impeachments make colleagues enemies; remonstrations, the king.
In wild Joseon, risks were huge—unlike utopian moderns.
Caning or branding aside, (welcomed by scholars) mere dismissal could kill fragile 21st-century pufferfish.
Modern states solve via legislative separation.
Joseon had no such thing.
Arrest immunity? Start with human rights. Life's difficulty levels differ.
Like Europe's "fighters" as nobles, here too—nobles fight.
No matter republicans' rants, nobles need grit beyond commoners.
Knightly shame in fearing death (and dying proudly, assuming others like them); scholars fear not beheading.
But I'm scared.
Soul-snatching aside, why fear beheading less? They're insane.
I checked sub-objectives with Foresight trait.
This thing reads my mind.
I aimed for easy lowlifes to hit three, but subs ruined it.
Remonstrance to Yeongjo? Easier telling Sejong to feed mutton to troops for Jurchen-slaying morale.
Not mandatory, but ignoring subs wasted coins.
I had 30 coins left—barely for Grade 5 (Wu) pillory.
Oh, test Dark Search trait?
I ducked into an alley, pretending to relieve myself (not a crime), and opened Lottery.
With 30 coins balance, only a shabby Grade 5 pillory showed.
Activating trait, text floated above:
The rest was censored blank.
Chills ran down my spine.
I knew that name. One of Joseon's most infamous monarchs alongside Lee Seonggye and Yi Bangwon.
Did Gojong really have "wisdom"?
This was hellish penalty. Mixing sand half into slaves' rice to save grain?
Not necessarily Gojong's "wisdom," but same issue.
My history knowledge yielded zilch useful.
Gojong's wife luck? Father-son bonds? Used goods market?
Save coins. No low grades.
High-rank? I'll blast him somehow.
That level means corruption's inevitable. Heard Yi Ilje tours Hanyang walls like Santa with gifts for reinstatement.
Remonstrance method exists too. Yeongjo rages at son daily, but plays sage king outside, minding image.
Solidifying resolve, I'd reached home unnoticed.
Sehwa from Seochon to Changdeok Palace—rare even in modern times.
Sehwa greeted warmly.
"How'd the brothers' visit go?"
"You prepared so well, they ate heartily. No issues?"
Sehwa glanced around.
"Well... You seemed busy earlier, so I held off. Come closer."
She brought her lips to my ear.
Liquor made blood rush faster.
Hm. Status Window woes later? Hate looking at that crap anyway.
But Sehwa said something else.
"I'll tell parents tomorrow when visiting, but you should know now."
Savoring the tickle, I sat dazed, grasping her meaning late.
"Wait, already?"
Not really "already"—over a year in Seoul.
Plenty possible sans drugs. Good I saved it for bribes.
Reviewing my record, it was overdue. Game HUD would show overwhelming top skill...
Misunderstanding: not just my greed. Sehwa seemed skilled too.
She pouted at my shock.
"Already? You sound like a field owner hit by early frost."
"N-no. You worked hard. Now care for yourself—no liquor, smokes, or anger."
I hugged her shoulders, claiming her lingering lips. She melted in naturally.
Stroking my nape, she gently pulled away.
"Too bad. Can't hold back if more."
No need to hold.
"You hold too. Can't take concubine over impatience. Won't make a pregnant wife jealous, right?"
Stability period talk. I'd mentioned it. Disappointing.
But no concubinage. Modern morals aside, I'm busy.
Affairs for handsome, rich, or—crucially—idle men. I lack the last.
Hong Daeyong might swim Han River over.
Not divorce-level, but in-law chill unavoidable.
No family cheers son-in-law adding concubines, even in Joseon. Snaps Chief Councillor road's wing pre-build.
Harder finding better partner than Sehwa, biggest reason.
She proved it again.
"House prospers more now, so I'll contribute to family wealth too."
Sehwa stayed quiet till now.
No time (husband youngest, sorry), and sons dictate household voice.
Not palace breeding ranks, but "merit" aura exists.
But that's post-birth. Pre-modern knows not overwork pregnant.
I worried.
"Serving parents' sides is taxing—sure no strain? I handle wealth."
Sorry, Father, Brothers. Bluntly, you're money-dumb. Bro, repay loan soon.
Sehwa pointed our yangban flaw.
"Loyal, nimble servants leave me little. Can't idle all day. Got an idea—money and your career boost. Hear?"
Money and power? Hooked.
But her opener tensed me.
"First, need Eoji."
1. Prince Haecheon Yi Yeong was indeed in Qing then as gratitude and winter solstice envoy. Great-grandson of Seonjo true, but not fast—royalty jumped envoys, matchmakes, etc.
2. Kim Wonhaeng promoted to Censorate Investigator on Left Minister Kim Yakro's (not Andong Kim) rec in Yeongjo 27-2.
Kim Munhaeng differs historically. He became assistant instructor then, but... long before protag, he'd brawled Censorate haters of Ancestor Kim Changjip. Kim Munhaeng's career has fiction.
3. The clan's jokes are hugely popular scholar lore.
Records show them citing Tang local govs, Song mid-officials, Ming no-names wildly—"WTF otaku?" vibes. Even Qing and Joseon scholars bantered so.
(Moderns vs. premods care different histories.)
4. If Spring-Autumn-Warring States seems all banquet assassinations/NTRs, not wholly wrong. Records exaggerate chimp-with-swords; Confucius great for reason.
But Chao's generosity, assassin Jeonje accepting Heolyeo's suicide request show clear values. Just alien types/protocols from modern. Big in-story theme.
5. Gojong's used goods market from overbuying Western trash: cameras to warships, outdated junk even then. Gojong-level sucker only.
Mostly "own funds," but self-earning monarchs only—like Sejong.