1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 335



Only Krnovel

1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (335)

Eulsa Massacre

On an autumn night, the inner courtyard of Jeongneung Palace was quiet.

The red glowing embers passed through the palace corridors and crossed the moonlit Daejeon courtyard.

After a while, the eunuch holding the brazier took a deep breath in front of the bedchamber.

“Your Majesty, I am here for the day.”

“Ilbok, here.”

The answer came not from the sitting room but from the main hall, which overlooked the palace garden at a glance.

Gwanghae was looking at the moon there.

“The night wind is cold. I brought a brazier here.”

“Thank you. You’re the only one who takes care of this guy.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

“How is your life in the palace these days? Is there anyone bothering you?”

Ilbok looked around at Gwanghae’s easygoing attitude.

“Hahaha, there’s no one here. Even the historian has retired.”

“Ugh.”

Ilbok sat up straight and relaxed.

“Who can do anything to me, who receives Your Majesty’s favor? Except for the old man who tries to take my pepper every time he sees me.”

“ha ha ha.”

A soft laughter echoed through the courtyard.

“The only person in all of Joseon who makes me laugh is my younger brother, Ilbok.”

“Hey, what.”

The corners of Ilbok’s mouth went up slightly.

“I haven’t seen you all day. Where have you been?”

“I went to the market after instigating one of the eunuchs.”

“Well done. I always felt bad for you because I kept you close to me and it felt like I was trapped inside the palace.”

Gwanghae’s gaze turned to the full moon again.

“So, what are the public sentiments toward the author these days?”

“The people were relieved to see the nobles being exiled.”

“It is truly shameful that we are only punishing the guilty.”

Gwanghae was shocked to detect the attempt to cover up the incident rather than the misconduct of some noblemen.

Rather than expelling the guilty and maintaining the dignity of the noble class, they protect them. This was to create a precedent that ‘noblemen can harm commoners without being punished.’

The intention is to make the people give up, thinking, ‘Anyway, the nobles won’t be punished.’

It was truly a terrible thing.

“Who can we blame? This is all the royal family’s karma.”

“majesty…….”

How many people were killed by Imhae, Sunhwa, and Jeongwongun, who were neglected by the previous king? The crimes they committed were committed against the people, but the king forgave them. That was something that should not have happened in a civilized country.

Now the aristocrats are following suit.

“If anyone has to do it, it’s me.”

Gwanghae’s voice was soft but quite resolute.

Joseon is a country of the aristocrats. It is said that the farmer is the foundation of the world and the people are the foundation, but the class system is the foundation of Joseon. The moment the aristocrats fall, Joseon will fall as well.

This is why he went to such lengths to carry out the purge.

“But Your Majesty, is it really necessary to make such a big deal out of it?”

“Our Ilbok is hitting on my sore spot.”

Gwanghae’s shoulders shook.

“Oh, sorry. I was just curious.”

“Some say that it is not a big deal if Joseon falls. They say that the people are only concerned about the will of the Ming Dynasty and are plundered by the Japanese, and that the nobles are greedy and only care about satisfying their own desires.”

“No, that’s what I mean.”

“However, it is not true that the people of Ming are happy, and the people of Wa are the same. Although there is much talk, Joseon’s tax rate is the lowest among the three kingdoms.”

“I was also surprised to hear that the tax rate was 70%.”

“Then what can we do to benefit the people?”

“It’s about reorganizing the system and getting rid of the corrupt.”

Gwanghae nodded.

“Many true men died in the last war. My father failed to fill their void with proper greetings. Now that I am king, I intend to do so.”

“The later it gets, the more blood will flow.”

“I have already handed the axe and sword over to the commander.”

Ilbok thought of Minister of War Jeong Hyeon-ryong, whom he had met in the hallway. He greeted him, but his usual playfulness was gone and he looked full of anger.

“If you accept it obediently, there will be no bloodshed.”

Gwanghae’s gaze followed the fireflies floating across the garden.

Ilbok felt a chill down his spine for a moment.

‘You’re really going to do it, hyung.’

If he had not been treated by Gwanghae when he was young, he would have already died or at least become crippled. At that time, the number of people saved by Gwanghae must have been hundreds at most.

The kind brother-in-law finally drew his sword.

“It’s late at night. It’s time to go to bed.”

“Even if I lie down now, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. I’ll just look at the moon a little more.”

“Then I’ll bring some pajamas to cover your shoulders.”

Gwanghae took care of his younger brother without forgetting.

“Ilbok, bring something to cover yourself with. It’s been a while since I’ve had a late-night snack with my brother.”

“Ugh, yes.”

Ilbok sighed and walked towards the bedroom.

* * *

Late at night, the streets of Hanyang were quiet.

The city’s security was strictly controlled. However, just as there is bound to be lawlessness wherever people live, the smell of alcohol, food, and lights leaked out from every alley.

“Hehehe, it’s Cheongsanri Byeokgyesu. Come on.”

The man who had been singing loudly was dancing in front of the wall.

“Oh, good.”

After a while, his body trembled and he pulled up his pants.

“After eating my fill and having a drink, what else is there to envy in the world?”

The man staggered for a moment and then took a staggering step.

“Why did someone like that step into the sword world?”

“Huh? Who said that to me?”

The man pulled his head back and looked around. After confirming that no one was there, he looked at the soldiers in front of him.

“Where are you from? Don’t you know me? Training Corps… … .”

“Are you Yu Gye-Hwan, a 9th-rank officer in the training command?”

“Huh, huh? How about that.”

“Would you like to go quietly or would you like to have some fun?”

“Hmm.”

Yu Gye-hwan, the training superintendent and leader of the Do-seong Geomgye faction, hesitated. Three soldiers surrounded him from a distance.

“Hmm.”

Yoo Gye-hwan swallowed hard and clenched his fist.

As the three men closed in, his kick cut through the air without a sound.

After a while, the training center’s lights were brightly lit.

Iron Fist.

“Ugh.”

Several military officers were kneeling next to the thrown man.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, why are you rebelling for no reason?”

“Ugh, old man. Why are you doing this?”

“I really don’t know, though.”

There was absolutely no emotion on the face of Jeong Hyeon-ryong, who was sitting on a chair in the main hall.

“Is it perhaps because of the swordsmanship?”

“That is true. It is a great sin to take advantage of the country’s money for personal gain.”

Yoo Gye-hwan responded with a frown.

“Even if I say it’s a salary, it’s only 6 mal (5 kg) of white rice a month. How can I feed my parents and a family of six with that? And I dare say that I kept my salary to a certain level.”

“degree?”

“I have never broken the rules of the class system.”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong’s shoulders shook. It was the first time he had shown such emotion.

Meanwhile, the soldiers brought out the torture instruments and set up a frame in front.

“This commander (4th rank) is to have the military standby.”

“Yes, General.”

Pa-chong Lee Heung-rip saluted and disappeared.

Jeong Hyeon-ryong turned his head and urged the military officers.

“Okay, there are about two hours left until daybreak. Tell me about the faction that attempted to invade Jeongneung Palace.”

“Oh my, that, that kind of thing doesn’t happen.”

“I promise you clearly. If you tell me, I will spare your life.”

‘lie.’

Yoo Gye-hwan shouted inwardly.

There is no example of a king sparing traitors. The only case in which a king exiled a large group of his subjects to the north when he ascended the throne is a very rare one.

“I have received the decree from His Majesty. Do you know what that means? It means that I have full authority in this matter.”

“Are you serious about what you said?”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong nodded.

“I also feel something when I hear about your salaries. Since the North is also a place where people live, there are many positions for military officers. What about Gando? I heard that Goryeo favors military officers.”

Dozens of pine fires added to the heat, but the autumn dawn was cold.

Unlike the initial chilling atmosphere, the military officers who had surrendered to Jeong Hyeon-ryong’s gentle soothing words began to confess the whole story one by one.

“I am leading the gang from Nammun. Im Won-yong, who used to be the chief of the Ministry of Rites, sent someone.”

“I have enemies in the Jongno gang. I am a former Hongmungwan… … .”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong straightened his back as he glanced at the official taking notes next to him.

The bright full moon was brighter than the pine fire.

And the day dawned.

About 1,000 soldiers lined up on the site of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Jeong Hyeon-ryong walked among them and inspected them.

“His Majesty’s command has been given.”

The sight of the burnt-out palace resembled a battlefield.

“The enemies we face today are those who harass the people and those who seek to take control of the government.”

“… … .”

There was speculation in the silence. Perhaps their hearts had already been on a battlefield since they stood in the ruined palace courtyard.

“Woo Yeong will follow me and arrest the people in Yeonpanjang. Left Yeong will be in charge of the pursuit of the sword under the command of Pa-chong Lee Heung-rip. Does everyone understand?”

“all right.”

The commanders repeated in front of the soldiers.

“Left spirit, let’s go! Right spirit, wait and go with me.”

“Yes, all forces, depart!”

“Ahhh!”

About 500 soldiers from the training center, Woo Young, left Gwanghwamun.

“All forces, breaking news! Strike quickly while they are sleeping.”

Lee Heung-rip issued missions to his subordinate commanders.

“The first unit will arrest those whose residences have been identified. The second and third units will search Jongro, and the fourth and fifth units will search Gurigae (Euljiro) with me.”

“I will take your order. 1st, forward!”

A cavalry corps broke through the ranks.

Doo doo doo doo.

Then, about 400 soldiers ran to their respective areas.

Jeong Hyeon-ryong, who confirmed the scene, got on his horse.

“Woo Young’s 1st unit will be divided into 20 units each and hide in Samcheong-dong, Sagan-dong, Song-hyeon-dong, Jesaeng-dong, and Anguk-dong. After that, pursue anyone who escapes. Go first.”

“Yes, 1st unit departure.”

About 100 cavalrymen marched out of Gwanghwamun.

Doo doo doo doo.

“The 2nd to 5th generations will surround Bukchon with me. And.”

Jeong Hyeon-ryong took out a document from his bosom.

“We will arrest those whose names are on this petition. The second and third generations will start from the north, and the fourth and fifth generations will start from the south. Let’s go!”

“Form your units, 2nd unit first.”

Chuck, chuck, chuck, chuck.

From the site of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon was just a stone’s throw away.

After a while, soldiers from the training camp began knocking on the doors of the tile-roofed houses in Bukchon.

Boom, bang, bang.

“It is an order. I, Andeokyeong, a former court official, receive the order.”

“Break it.”

bang!

Hammers and axes smashed the gate. Some climbed over the backs of their comrades and climbed over the wall.

“Oh my, what is this?”

“If you don’t want to die, kneel down.”

“Egg money.”

The servants who had gone out to do their morning work lay prostrate on the floor.

“Search the room and drag everyone out. Execute anyone who resists.”

“Hey you, where are the soldiers from? What the heck?”

Thud, thud, thud.

“Eww, ugh.”

On this day, 173 members of the prosecution and 18 current and former government officials were arrested and imprisoned in the Office of the Inspector General until the Sadamun Gate, which had been locked for a short time between 3 PM and 5 PM, was reopened.

The city walls were closed for half a day and Bukchon was left in ruins, but to the people it was just an unrest on an autumn day.

The sky was so blue it was blindingly blue.

* * *

A giant windmill transmitted the power of the wind.

Squeak, rattle.

Large gears meshed and turned to lift the steel frame.

Then, a red-hot copper plate went under the mold and heavy rollers passed over the steel frame.

Boom! Chiik.

“Okay, hang it up.”

Clank, clank, clank.

As the steel frame rose, hundreds of coins the size of a thumb and index finger were revealed, stamped into the metal plate.

When the frame was removed, the coins poured into the water tank below.

Whoosh, whoosh.

Jiwoo looked happily at his own face engraved on the coin.

“In the past two years, we have produced 100 million nyang of silver coins, 200 million nyang of copper coins, and 300 million nyang of iron coins. Of these, approximately 200 million nyang are currently circulating in Solbin, Puhai, Usuri, and Haeranbu.”

“Are the rest in reserve?”

Lee Min-yong, the Vice Minister of Economy, nodded. He was originally a member of Solbin’s upper echelons, but he caught Ji-woo’s eye and was brought up in the command post.

“Yes. Until next year, near Mukden and Guknaeseong… … .”

“I’ll start from now on.”

“yes?”

“There will be no war for the time being. Since there is a stable supply, distribute it whether it is the upper or lower class.”

“What would be a good ratio?”

“I appreciate that you’ve been able to proceed without any problems so far. Do as you please.”

“hmm.”

Lee Min-yong, who had been thinking about it for a while, made a suggestion.

“I understand that three songs will arrive within a month.”

“yes.”

“Half of them will be sent down to Joseon.”

Joseon suffered a major blow to food production due to summer floods. Fortunately, potato farming in Hamgyeong-do and Gangwon-do was less affected.

“With 1,200,000 seats, we should be able to run the government somehow.”

“Isn’t this a good opportunity? 10 nyang, or 1 won, is 1 seok of rice, so you can release 12,000,000 nyang.”

“hmm…….”

“Solbin secured trust by paying the salaries of the officials in cash and exchanging them for rice anywhere on the higher-ups.”

Deputy Minister of Economy Lee Min-yong added.

“And there are 21 upper branches in Joseon.”

“Hmm.”

Jiwoo’s worries deepened.