He Became King Sejong’s Lifelong Prime Minister - Chapter 63

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Japanese Pirates Can Be Useful Too (1)

 

It’s the way of the world that rewards follow when work is done well.

 

Therefore, I received a tremendous reward from Lee Bang-won as compensation for my great contribution to implementing the Bangwon Method.

 

“It’s nice that he gave me a house, but I don’t understand why it had to be this particular house. If he was going to give me one anyway, it would have been better if he’d given me somewhere else.”

 

My complaint is equivalent to receiving something as precious as a Gangnam apartment—no wait, a grand mansion in Seongbuk-dong—and then grumbling for something else instead.

 

I’d have nothing to say even if I got rolled up in a mat for this…

 

But once everyone learns the name of this house’s previous owner, they’ll all understand my complaint.

 

Because the previous owner here was none other than Ryu Jeong-hyeon, the loan shark who was possessed by Goryeo delusions.

 

I’m really happy to have received the house… but why do I feel so uneasy about it?

 

At this rate, if Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s ghost appears, I might have to pretend to be crazy like Jeong Chang-son and submit a petition asking them to fire cannons for exorcism.

 

As I was looking around various parts of the house like this, Kim Man-deok approached me.

 

“This is truly a spacious and fine house, as vast as a whale’s back. It suits My Lord well, who will become Chief State Councilor in the future. Gyeoul-i will really love it too.”

 

“It will be decades before I become Chief State Councilor. Come to think of it, there’s no guarantee I’ll even become a high-ranking official.”

 

Kim Man-deok blinked his eyes as he looked at me.

 

He was probably trying to protest with his eyes, asking what kind of nonsense that was.

 

However, positions like Chief State Councilor or high-ranking official aren’t things you can achieve simply by being competent.

 

Moreover, since he noticed that my way of speaking was different from usual, he kept tilting his head in confusion.

 

“I serve the Royal Ancestral Shrine and State, and it would be enough for me if I could simply help His Majesty comfort the poor and hungry Common People.”

 

“I’m sure you would.”

 

Kim Man-deok said that and chuckled.

 

“But why did you call this humble servant to this house that has nothing in it yet? And why are you suddenly using that way of speaking? It’s too awkward, My Lord.”

 

Lee Bang-won bestowed tremendous rewards upon me.

 

Officially, he granted me Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s entire house, and through the Royal Treasury Office, he also gave me loads of laundered land, silk, rice, and other things.

 

I heard that while I was resting, the Royal Court was in an uproar over the matter of granting me Ryu Jeong-hyeon’s house.

 

In particular, the principled Heo Jo stepped forward to oppose the rewards, saying that even though Kim Dae-bung’s achievements were great, the rewards were excessive… and ended up imprisoned in the State Tribunal jail.

 

He was released the very next morning and wasn’t tortured or anything, but it was quite an amusing incident.

 

However, the greatest reward Lee Bang-won gave me this time wasn’t the grand Hanyang mansion where Ryu Jeong-hyeon used to live, nor was it material things like land or silk.

 

“Father-in-law.”

 

Kim Man-deok’s face suddenly stiffened upon hearing the title “father-in-law.”

 

The honorific speech I rarely used was already awkward, but seeing me use respectful titles on top of that, he must think something serious has happened.

 

Well, something did happen.

 

It’s not something bad though, but a 100 percent pure celebration, so he just needs to be genuinely happy.

 

“Congratulations.”

 

“Don’t tell me Gyeoul-i is with child, My Lord?”

 

“We’ve been working hard at it lately, but she’s not pregnant yet. Don’t be too hasty about it.”

 

“Yes, I understand. But why are you suddenly using honorifics and respectful speech with me? It’s very burdensome. Please stop.”

 

Actually, ever since I took Winter as my concubine, I’ve wanted to call Kim Man-deok “father-in-law” and treat him with respect in private settings.

 

However, that’s 21st-century common sense, and in Joseon with its clear class system, addressing him that way would be extremely uncomfortable for Kim Man-deok.

 

It would be like a division commander holding hands with a private and saying, “Private So-and-so, how are you doing?” That’s why I didn’t do it.

 

“I asked you to wear your finest dopo and gat today, and I’m so glad you did as I requested.”

 

“No, My Lord, why are you treating me like this?”

 

Kim Man-deok was truly suffering from the burden of it all.

 

Yes, this is exactly why I hadn’t used honorific speech with Kim Man-deok until now.

 

But from now on, the situation will be completely different.

 

“Kim Man-deok of the Ten Major Guilds of Hanyang, receive the royal command.”

 

At the mention of a royal command, Kim Man-deok looked bewildered and then froze on the spot.

 

A royal command for a mere merchant from Hanyang.

 

It would be stranger if he wasn’t flustered upon hearing such words.

 

In front of Kim Man-deok, who was standing there in a daze, I unrolled the royal decree scroll that had been wrapped in silk.

 

Now that I think about it, the thoughtfulness of Lee Bang-won and King Sejong seems truly profound.

 

Originally, this kind of royal decree should be delivered through a royal messenger.

 

Since I was already without an official position, they temporarily appointed me as a royal messenger to add another military career to my record, allowing me to deliver this royal command to Kim Man-deok.

 

The moment Kim Man-deok saw me unrolling the royal decree, he immediately prostrated himself and bowed.

 

“Kim Man-deok of the Ten Guilds of Hanyang Market assisted Secret Inspector Kim Dae-bung in uncovering evidence of criminal Lee Seok-do’s collusion with Buddhist temples in his treasonous deception, and made efforts to ensure the government office could purchase tribute goods at appropriate prices, which is commendable. Thus, the taxes in the 11 counties inspected by Secret Inspector Kim Dae-bung are now properly collected and used, making his contribution exceedingly great.”

 

Even if I had gone alone, I would have quickly discovered that the Buddhist monks at the temple, the magistrate, and the clerks in Anseong County were all conspiring together.

 

However, it would have been difficult for me to find out exactly how much they had embezzled on my own.

 

This is because I am not a merchant, so I don’t know their tricks well.

 

Moreover, I really couldn’t have written an official report detailing what methods they used and what solutions should be implemented.

 

Therefore, about 10% of my achievements, or generously speaking, about 15%, can be attributed to Kim Man-deok.

 

So I didn’t hide any of his contributions and wrote them all in my official report.

 

Tears were streaming down Kim Man-deok’s eyes.

 

I could also see him clenching his teeth tightly, trying to suppress his emotions.

 

Even though he had accumulated a lot of money, he must feel like all the resentment from being despised by people his whole life for being a merchant was finally being released.

 

“Furthermore, the nation is now establishing markets in all counties nationwide and greatly promoting commerce to benefit all people. However, since court officials regard commerce as a base occupation and look down upon it, there are none who know about this matter. Since Joseon’s founding, we have gladly employed those with talent regardless of their lowly status and used them beneficially for the nation and people. Although he is a merchant, we wish to employ Kim Man-deok, who loyally assisted in national affairs, to bring widespread benefit to Joseon.”

 

Surprised and moved by the word “employ,” Kim Man-deok began to sob audibly.

 

Up to this point was the encouragement written by Lee Bang-won and King Sejong, and this is the real core.

 

“Royal Decree: Kim Man-deok is appointed as Assistant Director of the Market Administration Office under the Ministry of Taxation. First year of Honghui, November 4th.”

 

When I finished reading the royal decree, Kim Man-deok was almost wailing as he sobbed and bowed.

 

“Your boundless grace is overwhelming, Your Majesty.”

 

Tears continued to stream from his eyes, and his nose was running like water.

 

This is exactly why I delivered this Royal Decree in a place where only Kim Man-deok and I were present.

 

While this is certainly a great celebration both for his family and personally, it would be awkward for years to come if his daughter saw him wailing and crying like this.

 

So this is my consideration – let him pour out all his emotions here, wash his face clean, then put on his Official Robes and proudly show off in front of his daughter and others.

 

“A government position for someone as lowly as me, for a commoner like me to become Yangban… Is this really a dream? Or am I awake?”

 

“Congratulations, father-in-law.”

 

“I thought I would just live my whole life doing business. That’s why I worked so hard, only looking toward becoming the best merchant. But now I’ve received the grace to serve the Royal Ancestral Shrine and State, to serve the country and elevate my family’s name…”

 

Kim Man-deok suddenly embraced me so tightly I could barely breathe, then began wailing again.

 

“How can I repay this grace? How can I repay My Lord’s kindness as well? I couldn’t repay it even in death.”

 

“Please speak comfortably, father-in-law. And it’s His Majesty’s great grace that matters. I merely helped you demonstrate your abilities.”

 

“… Son-in-law.”

 

Just because Kim Man-deok has become a true Yangban doesn’t mean Gyeoul-i becomes my primary wife.

 

So if we’re being strict about it, my calling Kim Man-deok father-in-law goes against proper etiquette.

 

But in the world where people live, you can’t just follow the law so rigidly. People need to have flexibility.

 

“Please wait here for a moment, I’ve prepared a gift for you.”

 

I went to my room and brought out the box I had prepared in advance.

 

A black lacquered box that looked very expensive at first glance.

 

Kim Man-deok carefully opened the lid after receiving it.

 

“… A Court Robe… isn’t this a Green Court Robe, son-in-law…?”

 

His way of speaking is still very awkward. Well, he’ll gradually get used to this too.

 

But at least now he’s calling me son-in-law.

 

“This is my gift to you, father-in-law. Please wash your face first, then hurry and try it on.”

 

Kim Man-deok hurriedly put on the Green Court Robe along with the Samo.

 

Dressed like this, anyone would see him as a proper government official and Yangban.

 

“It suits you well. How do you feel?”

 

“… I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it. Am I dreaming?”

 

“A dream? You’re the Deputy Minister who must report to the Ministry of Taxation starting tomorrow.”

 

“Hah, haha. Deungcheong, indeed deungcheong.”

 

“I’ll go in a little later, so go ahead first and boast to Gyeoul-i. I’ve prepared a mule and servant outside.”

 

That night, the sound of my father-in-law and Gyeoul-i crying together leaked from Winter’s room and carried over the courtyard wall.

 

And after roughly finishing household affairs including moving preparations during the month-long honeyed vacation period and returning to work… the Royal Court was in complete uproar.

 

Because Japanese Pirates had appeared in the dead of night.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————