Chapter 4: Slave Cap System (1)
"…Sir, are you alright?"
"I'm not."
"Ugh… why did you make things so complicated?"
Standing before me was Nam-eun.
Nam-eun was often called Jeong Do-jeon's soulmate—someone who shared his political path. He had stood by him during the great enterprise of founding Joseon at the end of Goryeo, checked princes like Yi Bang-won, and supported campaigns such as the Liaodong expedition. Considering that Jo Jun, who planned the dynasty change, eventually diverged politically from Jeong Do-jeon, it was not an exaggeration to call Nam-eun his soulmate, even to the tragic end of his life, killed in Yi Bang-won's rebellion while still assisting Jeong Do-jeon.
But Nam-eun was not valued only as a political ally. Overshadowed by Jeong Do-jeon, the architect of the dynasty, and Jo Jun, the backbone of internal reform, he still possessed enough skill to lead the nation as a prime minister.
"There's a rumor that Her Majesty the Queen gave you a scolding."
"Half true, half false."
"Who wouldn't know? Did Her Majesty actually raise her voice? Probably she just complained until people were exhausted."
Even the queen, the second most powerful person in Joseon, could not call in Jeong Do-jeon and lecture him. Yet the rumor that I was thoroughly scolded spread instantly.
"Why ask if you know?"
"Because it's too satisfying."
"What?"
"Everyone who passed by asked if you really got scolded, so I said yes."
"…Why?"
"Simply because I was displeased."
"Ugh… was it because I didn't give you prior notice?"
"Hah. You think I'm that petty?"
"Then?"
"You should have told me. How could I hear such an important matter through someone else? Truly vexing."
His disappointment wasn't about missing political discussion—it was human disappointment.
Nam-eun wasn't someone seeking fame or concerned with others' opinions. That was likely why he could share his will with the stubborn Jeong Do-jeon.
"I was too caught up. I apologize."
"Never mind. But why the sudden change of position, sir?"
"Just my usual principle."
"Principle? Even passing dogs would laugh at that. When you insulted Jeongan-gun so fiercely before…"
"When did I?"
"You cursed him the whole time your eyes were open. Want me to tell you what you said?"
"Stop the nonsense. Jeongan-gun is the very man to place the new nation on solid ground."
Unnecessary discord is undesirable, so I firmly expressed my annoyance.
Nam-eun quietly agreed.
"Very well. In any case, I will trust and follow you, Sir Sam-bong. But what will we do now? The king said to achieve merit—you understand the meaning, don't you?"
"If he doesn't achieve merit, the crown prince appointment proceeds as planned."
"Exactly. In other words, all merit gained so far becomes void. For Jeongan-gun, it's disadvantageous. That was all I had to offer."
"You only know part of it."
"Excuse me?"
I clicked my tongue, wagged my right index finger, and Nam-eun looked puzzled.
"I mean covering the past. That is, even the assassination of Po-eun is forgiven. Therefore, if you achieve great merit, a clear path opens for Jeongan-gun as well."
"Isn't that the same thing? Where can merit be earned now? No one opposes the new nation."
"Why not? There's a mountain of work."
"The princes cannot act because they have no authority."
It was Jeong Do-jeon himself who blocked the royal clan from participating politically.
No wonder Nam-eun looked incredulous.
"Hear me out. Aren't you and I here?"
"What do you mean?"
"We do the work, and Jeongan-gun stands by. How about that?"
"Truly brilliant trickery. As expected of Sir Sam-bong."
"Not trickery—strategy."
"Very well. But what should I do?"
"Of course, achieving as much merit as possible is best. Don't you agree?"
"Of course."
"I'll start the first step, you prepare the next."
"The next?"
"Listen carefully. Your task is…"
Nam-eun frowned at first, then nodded in understanding.
After assigning a task to Nam-eun, I went to Yi Bang-won's residence.
Crossing the gate with hands behind my back, a voice called out.
"Sam-bong, brother."
Turning my head, I saw an unusual man.
His eyes darted at incredible speed, a person clearly skilled in maneuvering the world. At that moment, Jeong Do-jeon's memory stirred.
"Long time no see."
It was Ha Ryun, Yi Bang-won's kingmaker in real history.
No need for long explanation—his ability was genuine.
He contributed decisively to the success of the Prince's Rebellion and left countless achievements during King Taejong's reign.
Even Yi Bang-won, who purged many meritorious officials, kept Ha Ryun close to the end.
This alone showed his loyalty and capability.
"Yes, long time no see. I heard you owe Jeongan-gun a debt. Pleasure to see you."
"Yes. I expected you today. He waits for you, but I have an urgent matter to convey first."
"Go on."
"I do not intend to compete with you, brother."
"Why compete? We share the same goal."
"Precisely because we share the same goal, there's competition."
"Huh. Thought even nonsense words would be understood."
"Excuse me?"
"Listen, Ho-jeong."
Ho-jeong was Ha Ryun's courtesy name.
"Jeongan-gun might not have told you, but I will retire once this is done."
"…."
"I am not scheming—I will genuinely retire. No need to regard me as a threat."
"…."
"Jeongan-gun's chief strategist is not me but you. You can lead the nation as prime minister. Truly."
Ha Ryun, a man with strong ambition, might not have been entirely pleased that Jeong Do-jeon partnered with Yi Bang-won.
That was why he initially tried to intimidate me.
"Let's end today's discussion here. We'll meet again later."
"As you wish. May I see him now?"
"Follow me."
"Welcome, sir."
Yi Bang-won greeted me with a broad smile.
Clearly, he was genuinely pleased.
Undoubtedly, it was because he had shaken hands with me, someone he never thought could be on equal footing.
"What are you doing?"
"Oh, just making various plans."
"Plans, hmm? I'm curious."
"You created the time, so I'll fill it meaningfully."
"And?"
"First, I plan to meet the high ministers. I must persuade them."
"…And?"
"Also, the brothers. There must be no discord among siblings."
"…Anything else?"
"To prepare for any contingency, the soldiers' training will be sufficient."
Yes. That is exactly like you.
I couldn't laugh. Just sighed deeply.
"Sir Sam-bong, why so serious?"
"Wait."
What Yi Bang-won elaborated was simply political engineering.
Even in modern Korea, politicians overfocus on political engineering. Two gather, they study it; three or more, they almost write papers.
The common illusion: forming factions aids elections.
The common temptation: political engineering can build a giant faction.
True to some extent.
Joseon princes weren't elected; no voters existed.
But one thing remains: someone must choose.
In modern Korea, power requires voters' selection. In Joseon, it requires Lee Seong-gye's selection.
And if he watches closely, openly writing political papers will fail instantly.
Those with selection power transcend time and dislike political engineering.
I turned to glare at Ha Ryun.
"Did you request this?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Are you mad?"
"Brother, what do you mean?"
Ha Ryun flared up.
Understandable—politicians often think political engineering is the pinnacle of politics.
Even across time, this truth remains.
The tension grew; Yi Bang-won intervened.
"Sir, why so?"
"Jeongan-gun, what must one do to become crown prince?"
"…What do you mean?"
"Did you think persuading powerful ministers alone would make you crown prince?"
"Gathering public opinion helps, doesn't it?"
"No. It's meaningless. Only the king decides the crown prince. Even if all officials call, if the king disagrees, it counts for nothing. Don't you know your father's temperament?"
"…."
"During campaigns, the king annihilated tens of thousands of enemies. Do you think he would sway at ministers' words? Lucky if he doesn't cut their tongues off."
"…I know. Better than anyone."
"Then what are you doing now? Trying a duel?"
"…."
Yi Bang-won shut his mouth. Ha Ryun's face flushed red.
"Brother Sam-bong, then what do you propose?"
"The king said to achieve merit. Then we must achieve merit."
Yi Bang-won tried to intervene, stopping Ha Ryun.
"How can this man achieve merit? Royal clan's participation is blocked. Only through your hand can it happen. Is that why you bought time? If so, what's the plan? Tell me."
Yi Bang-won's voice now bore sharpness.
"Do not worry about the court's factions. They are irrelevant."
"Go on."
"The foundation of the new nation must be completed."
"What do you mean?"
"The king wants the completion of minbon—people-centered governance."
"Completion of minbon?"
Combining Jeong Do-jeon's encyclopedic knowledge with my rational modern insight yields policies like this. This is exactly what Joseon needs.
"Now, what you must prepare, Jeongan-gun, is the Slave Cap System (노비상한제, Nobi Sanghanje)."