1592 The Empire We All Dreamed of - Chapter 339
Only Krnovel
1592 The Empire Everyone Dreamed of (339)
state of affairs
The first time I saw the Goryeo king’s prayer, it seemed like ‘warrior’.
He had a tall stature, short hair, broad shoulders, and a strong waist, giving off a manly vibe.
As the conversation continued, I could sense the general’s prayer from him. I was reminded of a common joke I had heard somewhere called ‘The Military Officer Who Went North’.
‘Similar to Taejo’s achievements, but different.’
I had to admit what needed to be admitted. Lee Seong-gye succeeded in his rebellion, and the King of Goryeo succeeded in founding a new nation, so their achievements cannot be compared.
He also seemed to have good qualities as a ruler.
“It was only a few months ago that men had to take up the axe to protect their families. We’ve created a code of laws, but we don’t have enough professors to teach it and train judges.”
“It takes a lot of time to teach talent.”
“I agree.”
Jiwoo let out a long sigh.
“Goryeo’s education system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school. Students advance to higher levels of school based on their academic achievements. It took 13 years to implement this.”
“Is the state running the school?”
Joseon also had a national educational institution. Professors were dispatched to local Seowon to provide support, and those recommended by them or who passed the minor civil service examination were re-educated at Sungkyunkwan.
“Are you saying that elementary school is for all children? Do you mean that the children with high achievements are sent to higher-level schools?
Jiwoo nodded.
“They are trying to create a four-year course here at the university.”
“Daehakdang? Are you planning to create Sungkyunkwan?”
“Similar, but a little different. We’ll start with the medical, military, and judge departments, and then expand to the iron and steel, agriculture, and chemical fields.”
“It seems to be a classification centered on general knowledge.”
The question was, ‘Why is there no department that studies Confucian classics?’
Jiwoo smiled bitterly.
“There was a misunderstanding. Judges are trained on the basis of Confucianism. Weren’t the Gyeongguk Daejeon of Joseon written by Confucian scholars? That Gyeongguk Daejeon is the basis of the Goryeo law code.”
“Can we say that the judges are nurturing scholars?”
“You can see it that way too.”
Jiwoo nodded.
“You can’t judge all cases by the law. At that time, shouldn’t you judge right and wrong based on the teachings of the sages? And.”
At that moment, Habur brought out some warm tea. Yoon Geun-soo stood up and greeted him.
“thank you.”
“For dinner, I have stir-fried lamb.”
“Good. I’m thinking of eating while looking at the night view after a long time. What do you think?”
“Yes. I will prepare it.”
Jiwoo, who had savored the scent of the tea, put down his cup.
“Where did I leave off? Oh, every department requires a study abroad course. A person lacking intelligence cannot lead soldiers and govern the people.”
“Your Majesty, what you say is ‘based on Confucianism’?”
Jiwoo shook his head.
“Let me be clear. The absolute superiority of Confucianism is always from the perspective of ‘morality.’ Guns and swords protect the people, and agriculture feeds them. And commerce and industry make a country rich.”
“Are you saying that the scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants are equal?”
“Consideration will do so. Class should not be inherited, but achieved through effort.”
“Hmm.”
Yoon Geun-soo couldn’t bring himself to respond.
If this had been a debate, I could have easily brought up old stories and argued back, but this was not Daejeon. The fact that I was caught up in a purge triggered by the greed of a local lord also played a part.
“Okay, I understand. Then what should I do?”
“I don’t mind being the president of the university, but I’m thinking of appointing him as the dean of the law school for now.”
On the one hand, Yoon Geun-soo felt relieved.
There was no need to keep my integrity when I was cast out as a traitor. What kind of glory could I hope for as an old man living alone in a foreign land, but my life was precious.
But it wasn’t a case of one moment of joy or one moment of sorrow.
“So you’re telling me to raise a judge?”
“I’m not simply asking you to act as a professor. I’m asking you to establish a system that can produce good judges.”
“I think the law enforcement system of Goryeo… … .”
Jiwoo stroked his beard.
“I may ask for advice on state affairs from time to time. The work of the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Justice, or the Office of the Inspector General may overlap. However, please understand, as this is a new country.”
“I don’t have any problem doing what I’m told, but why me?”
“I needed someone who would do it according to the law.”
“According to the law.”
Yoon Geun-soo quietly thought about Ji-woo’s words.
“In a world without Yoon Du-soo, you’re the best old fart?”
“Ahem.”
“While I’m at it, I have a question for you. Is what’s said in the unofficial history true? Why, when your brother was alive?”
“… … ?”
“You say you stopped the former king by the collar from trying to cross the Amnok River and go into exile?”
“Keuh-hem.”
Yoon Geun-soo awkwardly coughed in response to the teasing question.
“Why can’t you tell me that much?”
“phew.”
Yoon Geun-soo shook his head inwardly.
I learned a lot from my conversation with Jiwoo. I also got a glimpse of the Goryeo system in that it was a country with no hereditary status and all people were commoners.
As the sun began to set, the guards lit a bonfire in the yard.
“Put it here.”
“Yes, Mom.”
The servants brought food to a long table.
Ten days on foot and then ten days by boat, the smell of spices that I hadn’t smelled in a long time stimulated my appetite.
“There’s nothing. Just meat, mixed vegetables, rice, and soup.”
“That’s all there is to it.”
“Is that so? Hahaha.”
Contrary to Jiwoo’s words, the servants continued to bring food.
The palace, which had only about 50 rooms, was overly simple, except for the tile-roofed house. However, the huge city seen during the day was as overflowing with goods as it was with people.
The view of the harbor lit up beyond the low wall was beautiful.
Yoon Geun-soo’s thoughts deepened.
* * *
The steam escaped and hung low on the ground.
Beep, beep. Chwiik.
“Two platoons board one space. Formation.”
“What’s that guy floating around? Surely it’s not because he’s cold.”
“Kill, kill, kill.”
Soldiers lined up on the train that had become a famous attraction in Chaho-han.
Rattling.
“Boarding starting from the front row, each of the four platoons will board after loading supplies.”
With 72 people in two platoons per carriage, one battalion and its supplies were loaded into all eight carriages.
The beast that was staring at the sight licked its dry lips.
“The 1st Battalion has completed boarding.”
“What about the military horse?”
“The ranch has taken over the animals. They said they will resend them after two months of treatment and selection.”
The fatigue of battle was not limited to the soldiers. The beasts that accompanied them in war also needed care.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, let’s go!”
At the adjutant’s instruction, a man who had been tidying up the engine on the tracks came up and knocked on the locomotive window.
“depart.”
Choaak.
Thump, thump, thump, rattle.
As the iron horse that had left the station disappeared from sight, a waiting train entered the station and stopped. The same sequence was repeated.
“Line up in front of the door by squad. Two platoons per space.”
“Solbin is right in front of you now. Move quickly.”
The mobile brigade, which had displayed its might while traveling across Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi, began its journey home after the governors settled in. Afterwards, it disbanded the shield regiment at Haeranbu and arrived at Chahohan.
What greeted them were trains lined up on the tracks.
“The 5th Battalion has finished boarding. Next is the artillery.”
Another train pulled out of the station. Then a train with six passenger cars and two luggage cars entered.
Rattling.
As the platform emerged from the cargo hold, the soldiers pushed the cannon.
“Gunpowder in the last compartment, cannon in the compartment before it. There is a chain to secure it inside.”
“1st Artillery Battalion boarded.”
“check.”
As the ox nodded, another iron horse set off.
It was exactly one dahyeong (15 minutes) apart. A train carrying soldiers and supplies was seen returning from the opposite direction.
“It’s a relatively short distance, so it’s a bit inconvenient.”
“If it weren’t for the purpose of training, it might have been better to just go back.”
You could travel 150 li (60 km) in one hour (2 hours) and stay in a passenger car, so the longer the distance, the more useful it would be.
“At least 900 li (360 km) per day, you can reach Beijing in 5 days.”
“That’s a speed that truly lives up to the name of the Mobile Force.”
The bastard shook his head at the adjutant who was once again impressed.
“Of course, assuming that the orbit is laid out.”
“ah.”
It was daunting to think of carrying that precious iron across a path thousands of miles.
“If you look at it another way, the day that path opens, the rule will be solidified.”
“Maybe so.”
Then the escort soldier approached and reported.
“Sir, the last train has arrived.”
“egg plant.”
The monk boarded the carriage with his escorts.
Rattle rattle.
Outside the car window, trees swished by. Beyond them, a white sand beach and a sunset could be seen.
“The coachman, or rather the conductor, says it takes about an hour.”
“I see.”
He tilted his head back and closed his eyes.
It was my first time riding a train, but it didn’t feel that unfamiliar. To those who had been riding horses for a long time, the train was just a carriage that kept running without getting tired.
“I feel comfortable in my hands and feet. I feel like I can take you anywhere like this.”
“Yes, he is truly an iron horse.”
Beep, beep.
Chitchat chitchat.
After a while, the train slowed down and a familiar scene came into view.
“It’s Solbin. I’m home.”
“Wow.”
The cheers started coming from inside the car, and then outside the train as well. It seemed like a welcoming crowd.
The mobile troops that arrived first were lined up in the station square.
“His Majesty the King is here.”
At the adjutant’s warning, the beast hurriedly walked.
“Your Majesty, I greet you.”
“Thank you for your hard work. Let’s disperse the soldiers for now.”
The two walked together. After a while, the beast stood in front of the lined up soldiers.
“Attention, troops!”
Then the monk gave a salute.
“Chung, Solbin Mobile Brigade reports that the mission has been completed and they have returned.”
“Take a rest.”
“Rest in peace.”
“I’m glad you all came back alive. That’s it, go back to your families.”
“Harm the unit.”
“Oh, long live His Majesty the King.”
“Wow, long live Solbin.”
The soldiers who cheered at the short welcoming speech dispersed into the welcoming crowd in groups of three or four. On one side of the station, the training battalion troops unloaded cannons and supplies.
Jiwoo grabbed Chuksang’s shoulder and started walking.
“How was it? Was it difficult?”
“There was no battle in particular. The area north of the Yellow River certainly appears to be following the will of the Wanli Emperor.”
“Long live His Majesty. May the great leader of the beasts live a hundred years.”
Jiwoo raised his hand to the cheering residents.
“You smile too. Wave your hand too.”
“Oh, yes.”
Jiwoo blinked in surprise at the natural smile of the ox, then smiled.
“You can even smile like that, that’s good.”
“I realized that the commander’s leeway affected the morale of the soldiers.”
“Yes. We are no longer the Righteous Army of Myeongcheon.”
Long ago, when they were fighting against the enemy army, day after day, the two of them were always at the front. Their determination to die before their soldiers became the foundation for their victory.
That was the case then, but not now.
It was more convincing to show everyone that he was unwavering than to brandish a sword.
“Congratulations on coming back having grown a lot.”
“No problem.”
As soon as we arrived at the official residence, guards surrounded us.
“Honey, you’re out. The bastard is here too.”
At that moment, someone ran out of the inner quarters and startled Jiwoo. He flinched and stepped back to see a woman wearing an apron running towards the buffalo.
“Beast.”
“Asran.”
The man and woman hugged and called each other’s names.
“Wow, that’s hot.”
“fizzle.”
Habur, who was also wearing an apron, put her index finger to her lips. Then she whispered softly.
“Of all my friends, he’s the hottest.”
“Are you the only one who will do it?”
“Hehehe, that’s true.”
After patting the beast’s entire body and confirming that there was nothing wrong, the wife finally turned her gaze to Jiwoo.
“I was rude in front of His Majesty.”
“Sister-in-law, you are really talking nonsense. Let’s sit together.”
Asran was a cute girl with a round face.
“Let’s talk first. I’ll bring you some tea and food.”
“Hmm, I see. I won’t hold you back for long.”
Asran greeted them with smiling eyes and disappeared with Harbur.
Jiwoo scratched the bridge of his nose.
“Let’s have a cup of tea and go. The food is cheap.”
“Haha, okay, I understand.”
The beast did not refuse.
“Let’s finish what we were talking about earlier. What’s it like north of the Yangtze River?”
“It is certain that the governors have taken control in Shaanxi.”
“It seems that the Yang-Eung-Ryong of Sacheon is not being docile?”
“Yes. Lee Yeo-baek is handling it skillfully, but he is causing trouble by creating anxiety at the border.”
Jiwoo frowned.
“Is this a tactic to steer the negotiations in your favor?”
“That’s what I see, but the cavalry commander said he’ll wait and see how things go and then return.”
“I don’t think Gaarab would do anything unreasonable, right?”
“A cavalry captain is not a person to act rashly.”
“hmm.”
Jiwoo sat back in his chair with his arms crossed.
“Sacheon is like Gyeokreuk. The terrain is rough and barren, so I wonder if conquering it will be of much use.”
“I agree.”
“So, we should leave it as one axis of the continental tripartite division.”
“How about cutting off support through the southern ports?”
“That’s not enough.”
Jiwoo opened his eyes halfway and was lost in thought.
Then Asran brought out a teapot.
She glanced at him furtively, winked at him without saying a word, and disappeared into the inner room.