Upon arriving at Sucheong Palace, Yi Seong-gye and a crowd of others came out to greet us. We dismounted at once and prostrated ourselves in bows. Yi Seong-gye said,
"You've worked hard. I heard everything went well. Come inside first, and we'll discuss the details."
"Yes, Father."
We entered the side hall, where Nam Jae began reading the Ming emperor's reply. From the tribute issues to military provisions and even saltpeter, everything had been resolved. Yi Seong-gye lit up with pleasure. He was especially delighted by the hint that, based on future conduct, they might allow tribute three times a year. Three tributes per year would be a massive boon for Joseon—receiving gifts worth at least five times the tribute value, a huge financial windfall. Of course, there were strings attached, making it unlikely to happen. In fact, it only became reality under King Taejong Yi Bang-won. In any case, Yi Seong-gye lavished praise on Nam Jae.
"You truly worked hard."
"This wasn't my doing, Your Highness. Prince Jeongan impressed the emperor greatly. Moreover, the Bingjo Chamui who accompanied us left such a strong impression that the emperor granted an extra four thousand geun of saltpeter."
"Is that so? Well done, Prince Jeongan. But tell me more about this Bingjo Chamui. I've only heard vague reports that he pleased the Ming emperor, and it's piqued my curiosity."
Nam Jae then recounted the events I'd experienced. Gasps of admiration rose around us—embarrassing. Why was Nam Jae painting it in such glowing terms? I'd been trembling before Zhu Yuanzhang, but he made it sound like I'd been utterly composed. Historical revisionism in action. Yi Seong-gye heaped on more praise, saying it took exceptional skill to win over that prickly emperor.
"But whose son is this Bingjo Chamui?"
"The second son of Bomun-gak Daejehak Min Je, Your Highness."
"Ah, yes. Bomun-gak Daejehak has raised a fine son. To catch the emperor's eye and secure saltpeter—no wonder I'm so pleased."
"I am deeply honored, Your Highness."
Father looked ready to heave a sigh of relief. From one angle, this was a near-death story, not exactly cheerful. But Bomun-gak Daejehak? Father had been one of the Three High Ministers—now this powerless sinecure? Damn, Jeong Do-jeon was at it again. Ha Ryeon had been shipped off as Hwanghae Province observer too. He was purging all of Yi Bang-won's people.
At that moment, Yi Seong-gye announced,
"I shall host a banquet for the entire envoy delegation to honor your efforts. Everyone must attend without fail."
So we attended the banquet and drank. I wanted to rush home to see my parents and Han Yeo-ul, but it was a royal command, so I drank dutifully. Suddenly, Yi Seong-gye stood, cup in hand, and poured for Yi Bang-won.
"You worked hard. Jeongan, you've been sharp since childhood and have aided your father greatly—even this time."
"No, Father. I merely fulfilled my duty as a prince of this realm."
"I hope you'll continue to help—not just me, but the crown prince too. Aren't you his brother? I trust you'll support him well."
Was this deliberate? Why always bring up the crown prince? Telling a mere prince to just assist the heir? He circled the table pouring drinks, then reached me and filled my cup. I had to accept.
"I never imagined Bomun-gak Daejehak had such a talented son. To win over that demanding Ming emperor..."
"No, Your Highness."
"Bonghwa Baek even mentioned it—you're exceptionally skilled in mathematics and well-versed in scholarship."
Jeong Do-jeon praising me? No way.
"From what I've seen of your work this time, you truly have ability. I have high expectations. With young talents like you, Joseon will grow strong."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Yi Seong-gye seemed genuinely impressed—probably pleased I'd curried favor with Zhu Yuanzhang. He returned to his seat, and I sipped my drink. Then Yi Bang-won excused himself to the privy and pulled me aside.
"My father-in-law told me that your acquaintances, whom you and Mu-gu introduced, along with our people, have all been sent to provincial posts or idle sinecures."
"I suspected as much when I heard you'd become Bomun-gak Daejehak."
"But things will change now. We succeeded in Ming diplomacy—especially you, catching the emperor's eye. Even Jeong Do-jeon can't touch you anymore."
We'd see. Jeong Do-jeon was bolder than expected. But in two years, his momentum would break—with the Pyojeonmun incident and Lady Gang's death. Then he'd overplay his hand. Until then, rack up merits, climb high, and join the Princes' Revolt. At this point, I'd gladly participate.
Then,
"Prince Jeongan, what are you discussing there?"
This voice...
"Sambong, what brings you here?"
Jeong Do-jeon greeted Yi Bang-won.
"Indeed, Prince Jeongan. I came to congratulate you on your great merits during the Ming mission."
Hollow words.
"Why send a man like my father-in-law to a sinecure?"
"That's no concern of yours."
"Sambong!"
"A word in advance: the Bingjo Chamui will become the crown prince's instructor."
"What nonsense is this?"
"With eloquence and courage enough to satisfy Zhu Yuanzhang, surely he's fit to teach the crown prince? I'll soon petition His Highness."
"How dare you treat a meritorious envoy this way?"
"Precisely because of his merits. Instructing the crown prince—what greater honor?"
Instructing? More like exile to a dead-end post. Rumors swirled that the crown prince shunned studies for hunting. If I couldn't change that, they'd impeach me for incompetence and oust me. Bastard...
"Why not just say you're exiling your own brother-in-law outright?"
"Is that the intent?"
"It is. But it won't go your way. You won't touch my people anymore."
"I think otherwise."
" basking in Father's and the queen's favor, clutching all real power as if you own Joseon. Do you think you're the king?!"
Yi Bang-won was livid.
"This realm's king is His Highness."
"Then why do you, Jeong Do-jeon, dictate everything?!"
"I fail to see why you should question it."
"What?"
"You are a prince. Princes do not meddle in state affairs—it's the law. Why worry about governance? As a prince, stay out of it. Returning from a mission doesn't grant you license."
"Jeong Do-jeon..."
He was going too far. In a past life, he'd have been a keyboard warrior extraordinaire. Time for my two cents.
"Prince Jeongan, may I speak?"
Yi Bang-won, seething, nodded curtly.
"Yes, brother-in-law. Speak."
"Sambong, it won't go your way."
"Oh? Ming's made you bold. I'm curious what trick you have."
He bowed to Yi Bang-won and left—without hearing me out.
"That arrogant bastard. I won't let him get away with it."
First time seeing Yi Bang-won this furious. Calming down, he asked me,
"What plan do you have?"
"I'll explain the full intent once it succeeds, Prince Jeongan."
He chuckled.
"Very well. I trust only you, brother-in-law. Let's end this banquet and head home."
"Yes, Prince Jeongan."
Afterward, I went home and saw Han Yeo-ul first. She burst into tears and clung to me—she'd been terribly worried. Once soothed, I visited my parents, Mu-gu, and the rest of the family. Mother wept too upon seeing me. In this era's mindset, going to Ming was a death sentence. Not wrong, given the real dangers. Even Father had reddened eyes—he'd fretted too. Same for Mu-gu and the brothers. Reunited after so long, we shared stories.
Father said,
"Mu-jil, you suffered greatly. Impressing Zhu Yuanzhang means you'll handle major Ming diplomacy ahead."
"Yes. Especially since I built rapport with Je Tae—it bodes well."
"Je Tae? I met him once; he's exceptionally capable. Sure to become premier. Friendship with him benefits you and our clan immensely."
Then I told Father I wanted to go to Dongnae. Partly to dodge Jeong Do-jeon's crown prince instructor ploy. He disapproved of my leaving a central post, annoyed at Jeong Do-jeon's antics, but relented when I argued staying close to military power would invite more harassment. With Father's approval, it was time to move.
The next day, I visited Kim Sa-hyeong.
He saw me and said,
"It's been a while, Mu-jil. Or should I say Bingjo Chamui here?"
U Jeongseung Kim Sa-hyeong knew Father, so we were acquainted.
"U Jeongseung, it's been too long."
"Indeed. You worked miracles this time—securing saltpeter, no less. We were always short on it."
He praised me effusively. As U Jeongseung, he oversaw military matters; saltpeter must've thrilled him.
"But what brings you? A favor?"
"If the Dongnae county magistrate post opens, could you recommend me?"
"Provincial post? After Ming, why not stay central?"
"I insist on Dongnae."
He pondered, then,
"Very well."
"It might burden you, so let me provide a strong rationale."
"Rationale?"
I explained. He nodded.
"With that, you could petition directly—no issues."
Jeong Do-jeon might block it.
"I agree fully—sound logic. I'll ensure it passes."
"Thank you, Excellency."
I left his office. Jeong Do-jeon, taste your own logic—and your hard counter too.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇A few days later, at court, Kim Sa-hyeong declared,
"I wish to address Gyeongsang Province's defenses."
"U Jeongseung, what is it?"
"We should rotate the provincial officials there."
Kim Sa-hyeong noted the rising Japanese pirate incursions, warning of a major invasion soon. The ministers nodded. He presented a list of candidates for provincial posts; they approved. But Jeong Do-jeon objected,
"All fine, but the Bingjo Chamui is unfit. I plan to recommend him as crown prince instructor. Someone else."
He aimed to sideline the entire Min clan. Kim Sa-hyeong countered,
"Sambong, didn't you recommend the Bingjo Chamui for the envoy as an expert on pirates, crediting him for reforming the Yeongjin-gun system? Why unfit now? To test that reform's efficacy, send the very man who shaped it. If he's unfit, who is?"
Jeong Do-jeon was speechless—Kim Sa-hyeong had flung back his own logic from sending me to Ming. But he pressed,
"I judge him better suited as crown prince instructor. His talents suffice."
"Sambong, prioritize properly. The saltpeter was granted to defend Joseon from pirates. If they strike, what will the Ming emperor say? We must prove our military reforms deter them to maintain ties. Offend him again, and who knows the fallout? Nothing precedes this. Besides, the Bingjo Chamui raised the pirate issue directly with the emperor—illogical to make him crown prince tutor. Dongnae, near Tsushima, fits perfectly. Approve this personnel change."
This was my script to Kim Sa-hyeong, whom he deemed spot-on. Jo Jun, Yi Ji-ran, and others agreed. Invoking Zhu Yuanzhang sealed it—Jeong Do-jeon's argument crushed. Kim Sa-hyeong's proposal passed. He also pushed strengthening Dongnae's defenses, granting me command of a warship. Thus, through Kim Sa-hyeong, Min Mu-jil had thwarted Jeong Do-jeon's scheme.
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