Chapter 96
Chapter 96
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: Sejong's Shadow (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yoshida Shichizaemon, the 58th superintendent of the Choryang Japanese Enclave, sat on the veranda in Japanese style, gazing wistfully at the outside.
There stood a stone wall encircling the entire enclave.
Originally, the enclave hadn't been so strictly isolated.
But after that "minor" incident in the past, the Joseon bastards had nitpicked, leading to the walls being built much higher. The material had changed from earthen to stone as well.
Scattered before Shichizaemon were records of the enclave's history.
They had been brought in while reviewing precedents related to this ginseng incident.
Of course, looking at the long history objectively, Japan had nothing to say in its defense.
Even excluding the Imjin War, it was the same.
When they weren't given an enclave, they turned to piracy; when one was provided, they sent funds and manpower across the sea for even bigger piracy. That was the history of Joseon-Japan trade.
That was why Kim Unhaeng had brought up the Righteous Army to Expel the Barbarians.
But Shichizaemon didn't see it that way.
At least for now, Japan's justification held the high ground over Joseon's.
"Isn't it laughable that the Joseon dogs, who mix in bellflower roots with ginseng and call it a diplomatic gift, dare lecture us on morality?"
Tada Kazue, the emissary judge dispatched from Tsushima, was sitting formally beside him and replied faintly.
"Indeed."
The current situation was far from the dignified records in the annals portraying it as a mere low-quality ginseng refund fiasco.
Mixing in low-quality ginseng had been tacitly allowed from above due to the ever-rising prices of diplomatic ginseng gifts.
But the enterprising spirit of the Joseon people, ever eager to cut costs in line with His Majesty's frugal wishes, knew no bounds.
The interpreters and clerks on site had a brilliant idea.
"What if we make it even lower quality?"
They removed the ginseng from the gifts and filled the boxes with bellflower roots.
To use a modern Korean example, it's like the president gifting an artifact-level ceramic to a foreign diplomat as a token of friendship, only for a mid-level handler to swap it with a thousand-won plastic bowl.
And not only did they do it poorly—someone leaked the info, so when the enclave opened the ginseng box lids, the wave function collapsed, observing bellflower roots instead.
The enclave side promptly sent both the opened box and an unopened one to Seoul. Even the historians couldn't bring themselves to record it in the annals—a total humiliation.
The Joseon court, unable to contain the shame, punished those involved in order.
First, they dismissed the responsible officials, identified the ginseng-trimmers as culprits and beat them to death, then punished those who accepted the returns.
It was like the customer service policy of a one-star shopping mall.
"You just take back that crap like idiots?"
"What else could we do? Insist bellflower roots are ginseng?"
"Of course insist! Sweet-talk them to keep it, plug your ears and shout, whatever it takes to prevent the return! This is basically admitting we're at fault. You idiots don't even know the basics of trade?"
The handlers, unversed in trade and diplomacy, were rounded up one by one.
But that didn't make the Japanese go, "Oh dear, no need to go that far on our account," and take back the ginseng (or bellflower-lookalikes).
The Tsushima folk hunkered down in the enclave and started protests. They hadn't heard about the Ulleungdo and Hwanghae Province incidents yet, so it was something they could pull off.
They genuinely believed the Joseon court, which had deceived their innocent selves, was in the wrong.
The enclave had put up with a lot already.
They even had open markets like those against the Qing.
Private trade was allowed here, dealing in far higher-quality ginseng than the diplomatic trash. That was another reason the gifts looked like garbage.
They'd gritted their teeth and accepted low-quality ginseng for diplomatic relations, but now fraud in a national gift under the king's name? Even in that chaotic Warring States era, no such bastards existed. They called themselves a moral powerhouse, but their morality was superpower-sized.
So Tsushima had dispatched an emissary judge to show they took this seriously.
Shichizaemon turned to Tada Kazue.
"Your responsibility is grave. Don't yield to the Joseon dogs' impudence—secure proper ginseng."
Tada Kazue looked displeased.
"I'll negotiate my best with the incoming deputy when he arrives. Superintendent, please soothe the Dongnae magistrate well."
Shichizaemon frowned.
His real name was Taira Hisataka. He was kin to the Lord of Tsushima, sharing the surname.
He wasn't the type to beg favors from some petty local official.
How could a "commoner who had to pass exams" equal a "noble-born from birth"?
The Dongnae magistrate Yi Ichang probably thought the opposite, but Shichizaemon couldn't fathom it.
"Must I stoop to that?"
"Isn't it your duty as the lord's kin? Digging deeper, this mess happened because we left it to underlings. For big matters, the big shots step up."
Shichizaemon scowled and grumbled.
"Fine. When are they coming?"
"They're already here. The scouts say a young fellow, maybe mid-twenties. Could make things easier."
Shichizaemon chuckled, folding his fan.
He then tapped the old records before him with it—a meaningful gesture.
"Haha. Young lads have ways to handle them. I'll leave it to you. 'Preparations' are sufficient, right?"
Tada Kazue, getting the hint, smiled thinly.
"Yes. Word's already spread to various places."
"Good. Things'll get busy—off you go. You handle your duties too."
With that, they rose.
Both being Japanese, they were short, so sitting or standing made little difference, but their movements looked nimble enough.
To pressure the enclave into canceling the ginseng return, various preparations were needed.
Just shoving the Ulleungdo and Hwanghae incidents in their faces wouldn't work.
I knew from the future—they'd cry "misunderstanding," "Joseon exaggeration," "we're victims too," "we can't contain our remorse."
To shut them up, catch them red-handed.
The enclave crimes I'd looked into in Seoul were exactly that.
Ask any envoy or Dongnae/Gyeongsang officials, and it'd come right up. On the way, I'd stopped in Ulsan to bond with salt pan captain Han Jungnyang over hot-blooded scholar passion and inquire locally.
The results were as expected.
My conviction that the Japanese wouldn't avoid sex crimes was spot on.
Prostitution—allowed in Japan but absolutely banned in Joseon—was rampant around the enclave.
With hundreds of men crammed in, I got the situation, but hadn't they nearly gotten the enclave shut down even under King Sukjong?
Prostitution was basically banned (gisaeng are "attached" not "sold"), but foreign-targeted was "illegal border-crossing adultery," a heavier separate crime.
Not emotional—state secrets leaked in the process. No better spy spot than a secret room no one enters.
Japan back then recovered European trade losses in Nagasaki via public prostitution—an unimaginable state policy—so they didn't grasp why it was a crime.
So they ignored Joseon's demands to punish their people, and it continued.
Joseon, out of options, just heightened and rebuilt the walls in stone. The court was busy with the Hwanguk purges then too.
But Joseon wouldn't grant consular jurisdiction to Japanese scum twice for face-saving? They didn't have an Unyo-ho incident yet. And the king now was Yeongjo.
This was my second blade for the enclave.
The pornographic commerce maps weren't for my viewing—they tied to "those crimes." Proof that filth-makers would do prostitution too. Of course, this deputy commerce envoy gig was under the Little Councilor's orders, so evidence goes to him.
I was pondering how to align words with the Dongnae magistrate when Jangbok burst in.
I was puzzled by his quick return from the errand. Non-wage slaves here weren't that motivated.
"Already back from Dongnae office? Did the magistrate promise travel funds and grain?"
This trip's expenses burdened even me. Had to squeeze everywhere possible.
In Daegu, Inspector Yoon Dongdo was bedridden sick, so I browbeat his clerks in the deputy's name and squeezed a fortune. Recent Gyeongsang famine meant hoarded relief grain to skim.
Dongnae Deputy Governor Yi Ichang was Soron-awkward, but Seja faction—I sent him Sado Seja's letter via Jangbok. He'd cooperate.
But Jangbok's reply disappointed.
"I was heading there fast, but a more honored guest arrived, so I rushed back to report."
What? Who tops the Dongnae magistrate in Dongnae?
The enclave superintendent? Nah, Jangbok's Joseon-born; he'd look down on island barbarians even if titled duke. No way he came.
Then a loud voice from outside.
"Chun-sik! You make it big in Seoul and ignore your brother come to see you?"
Hmm? Who? Acts like my superior.
But I had no Dongnae ties.
Moment later, mystery solved.
Too much going on lately—I'd forgotten his voice. It was my big brother Kim Jeokhaeng, salting at Myeongji salt pans right nearby.
After grabbing my collar and shaking (family ignores Eoji), Park Sangsoon and Jeong Seon intervened, and he finally let go.
Hard labor bulked him up good.
Sister-in-law'd love it. If she recognized him by just whites of eyes and teeth in that soot-black face.
"You human? Come to Dongnae, don't visit brother first?"
Why? You higher than Dongnae Grand Governor (Junior 3rd)? Or brought debt payoff?
He'd left Myeongji briefly for salt sales, spotted Jangbok near office, chased him down.
Useless slave. Can't you see I'm busy? Even if unavoidable, shake him off properly.
NTR interpreter Park Sangsoon eyed me with dead-fish eyes saying, "Money for all these guys but not to free brother from salt pans?" Ignore.
Elder Jeong Seon, senior here, spoke cautiously.
"Hmm. Without family bonds, how discuss filial piety, loyalty? Inspector Kim Chunbae's right."
"As expected of famed Master Gyeomjae!"
I glared as client; Jeong Seon coughed, looked away. Knowing me, he sensed mood, changed topic fast.
"Th-that drawn en route?"
"Yes. Thanks to your brother, captured landscapes on canvas during travels."
"Ooh! Amazing painting... Ah, blank space for a poem?"
"No, lacking literary talent, not for composing. Anyway, it's there. Not finished."
Yeah. Needs Master Variance's touch to complete.
Jeong Seon's full-power true-view landscape: waterfall below... and pavilion/main hall in delicate-bold strokes... Printing that forward pricks my conscience. Future art historians or heritage officials might kill me?
No time for chit-chat. I deployed invincible logic on brother.
"I'm on official duty. Ancient King Yu of Xia, on flood-control order, worked seven years with twisted hands, sunburnt face, passed home and son without entering. Prior public, post private—that strict duty. How can scholarly brother not understand?"
Unfortunately, my not-so-scholarly brother ignored reason. That's why he failed exams.
"Twisted hands, sunburnt face—that's me! Yours still powdered-fair, hands lady-delicate? I don't seek office. Just fire me. Wanna go home, see family."
Hey. Brother talks wild. Folks'd think I'm corrupt official pulling court strings.
And fired? Lounge home on my dime? No way! Want freedom? Repay debt fast.
Honestly, I'd cleared that debt ages ago. Salt pans print money with effort. Can't even? Side gigs with salters' labor...
Wait.
Idea to use this deadweight brother.
Salt pans at Myeongji, but distribution needs peddler links lugging salt bags.
Such drifters tie to underworld. Dongnae, next to Myeongji, is salters' front yard.
Via them, gather useful info. Slim chance, but brother involved maybe.
Sudden brotherly affection surged. Excused brotherly talk, dragged him outside.
Kim Unhaeng returned shortly and pushed things forward fast.
First, sent Jangbok to Ulsan with punishment-letter for clerk Hwang Domyeong.
Paired Jeong Seon with Park Sangsoon to sketch enclave.
Of course, hidden tasks for painter and interpreter.
Park Sangsoon, ex-courtesan spy, suited enclave perimeter scouting.
Jeong Seon: sweet-talked into "new painting for Hong jinsa," using enclave as backdrop. Dash of imagination completes "proof of enclave illegal border-crossing adultery."
For comms/rumor collection, lower hands needed—brother Kim Jeokhaeng deployed his peddler/salt worker contacts.
With board set, two days later Kim Unhaeng met Dongnae Grand Deputy Governor Yi Ichang.
Yi welcomed him.
"You're that Kim Chunsik none match in wisdom, as Crown Prince said!"
As Kim Unhaeng knew, Yi was Seja faction.
Imo Fire Incident: Yeongjo claimed "Queen Jeongseong's spirit warned rebellion imminent!" to arrest prince.
Impossible legally, so fabricated raid drama.
Amid stunned ministers at king's shaman act—unprecedented—Yi boldly stepped up.
"Killing crown prince on some woman's word?"
Sounds like countering spirit tale, but likely sid swipe at urging concubine Yi (alive).
Considering Yi's Vice Minister role, shows Yeongjo's sorcery absurdity.
Couldn't change tide. Yi dragged off, prince jailed.
Forgetting Noron/Soron, Yi grabbed Kim's hand, led to main hall.
"With Little Councilor's special order, I'll help fully. Japanese choke me already."
"Still defiant?"
"Gritting teeth again! Court dismissed prior Dongnae mag, punished ginseng-trimmer clearly—yet they play dumb."
Kim Unhaeng floated future plans.
"They shielded enclave rapists under Sukmyo regs, ignore our Sage King's clear judgments—true barbarians."
"Talks sense. Moral uprightness like old Jeongam (Jo Gwangjo)—no wonder Little Councilor favors."
Yi leaned in secretively.
"Heard my Seoul pals call you Crown Prince's Zhang Liang. High hopes. Slight illegal ok. Pirates anyway. Break their noses, I'll give my post!"
Kim smiled—not Zhang Liang, more Sima Zhongda.
"With your resolve, I have one 'stratagem'."
Next day, "drastic measure" in Dongnae Grand Governor's name hit all enclave traders.
Dongnae open market closure.
Ban all private commerce—harsh order.
Ginseng included. No mercy in Kim's Righteous Army blade.
Now belly bigger than pot. Trivial gifts shatter Tsushima's key Joseon ginseng revenue.
Shichizaemon, prepping bribes for Yi, switched carts fast.
Letter "How about a meet?" with lavish gifts straight to Kim. Proof he had Dongnae ears.
Kim flicked the letter.
"Interpreter (Park Sangsoon), come with. Entering enclave today."
"Yes, Deputy."
Author's Note
1. The bellflower incident isn't in the Annals but recorded in Diary of the Royal Secretariat and Diplomatic Guest Registry. Nuance suggests more than a root or two swapped.
Likewise, enclave superintendent Yoshida Shichizaemon and ginseng emissary judge Tada Kazue from the registry. Tsushima dispatched XX-judges for enclave issues; emissary judge handled non-routine like grain/criminal cases.
2. Yoshida Shichizaemon's real name 平久敬 lacks reading note, so used common based on Tsushima claiming ancient Taira surname (not their usual So clan).
3. Enclave sex trade rampant throughout. Joseon punished harshly (executions), but Japan ignored demands, even smuggling escapees to Tsushima. Dejima gisaeng like in Nagasaki (only locals allowed)—not crime to them, and unafraid of Joseon.
4. Gyeongsang Inspector Yoon Dongdo illness-impaired then, later replaced by Dongnae mag Yi Ichang—who earned post via high eval. Actual ginseng trade ban originally his.
Prior note miss: Hamgyeong Observer Hwang Jeong originally died in post winter Yeongjo 28 without Kim Unhaeng.
5. Jeong Seon admitted lacking literary skill. Most paintings title-less, rare inscriptions (his own).