Chapter 21

< Chapter 21: Germination... Carcinogenesis? (14) >

Chapter 21: Germination... Carcinogenesis? (14)

"There is a difference between doing something knowingly and doing it unknowingly. The ministers who are making and implementing policies now may well understand why these policies were created, but after just a generation or two, most people will not know why they are being implemented, and will simply follow them because they are 'customs.' Isn't that so?"

'Damn customs! Bureaucracy! I'm sick of it!'

The reason Xiang suffered from depression in the 21st century was due to these customs, bureaucracy, and desk-bound governance.

However, the opposition from the ministers was not to be underestimated.

"That may be true. But a well-crafted policy will function without issues even after 100 or 1000 years."

"As the saying goes, 'In ten years, the landscape changes.' There is also the phrase 'fields turn into seas and seas into fields.' The world is constantly changing. If the same policy continues for 100 or 1000 years, it means not that the policy is well-crafted, but that the entire country has stagnated. If the world changes and you alone remain stagnant, it is tantamount to regression."

"Changes in the tide are not without substance. If you only follow the changes in the tide, you will lose depth and eventually forget the fundamentals. In that sense, a policy that flows like the wind is less ideal than one that remains consistent."

The Left Minister, who adhered to Confucian principles, responded, and Xiang's voice rose.

"Changes in the tide are not without substance, but people cannot keep up with the flow. If we consider this, what was the reason for changing many laws and systems from the previous dynasty? These laws and systems have been passed down for a few hundred years, or even from the Three Han period for thousands of years."

"That is..."

"Take war as an example. If we followed your logic, we would still determine the outcome of wars through single combat between generals. But what about now? Different military units move as one, and new weapons like cannons are being used. Therefore, your words are not the virtue of consistency, but the folly of a frog at the bottom of a well."

"Your Highness, Prince! Isn't your statement too harsh!"

As the Left Minister's voice rose in response to Xiang's criticism, Sejong interjected.

"Enough! There is nothing wrong with the Prince's words! Just as the landscape changes over time, people and customs also change. Therefore, it is right to discuss measures accordingly! Prince, speak about your measures!"

With Sejong's support, the ministers fell silent. Xiang, now backed by Sejong's firm support, explained his measures.

"All six departments of the government must keep records. Whether a policy is implemented, rejected, or deferred, everything must be recorded. This should be done monthly or annually. Each policy should record the reasons for its creation, the results of its implementation, and the reasons for its rejection or deferral."

The Left Minister immediately challenged Xiang's statement.

"Everything is already recorded in the diaries of the historians and the records of the Office of the Royal Secretariat. This would be a redundant and unnecessary task."

"The diaries and records are not even accessible to the king. And while the records of the Office of the Royal Secretariat are comprehensive, they are not well-organized. In ten years, it will take days just to find records related to a policy. However, if the policies implemented by each department are classified and preserved, how much time could be saved?"

"The Prince's opinion is correct."

"I also believe the Prince's opinion is correct."

After hearing Xiang's explanation, the ministers of the six departments all agreed. With the majority of the ministers in favor, Sejong nodded.

"Since ancient times, it has been said that 'by reviewing the old, we learn the new.' However, as humans are finite beings, they return to the earth over time, and it is inevitable that future generations will not know the reasons behind certain practices. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that future generations do not lose their way and can find the right path. Ministers of each department, accept the Prince's proposal and ensure that records are made, classified, and carefully preserved."

"Understood."

"And..."

"Father, I have another petition."

Sejong, who thought Xiang's petition was over and was about to move on to the next agenda, stopped speaking. After a moment, Sejong smiled and nodded.

"Go on, speak."

"During the revision of the 'Xiangyao Jisheng Jicheng Fang,' I realized something. In this Joseon, there are certainly many farmers who have lived to their sixtieth or even seventieth year."

"Indeed."

"We should seek out these farmers, ask them about farming, and record their knowledge."

Sejong stroked his beard and murmured.

"Ask and record their knowledge about farming? Hmm..."

Sejong's face brightened as he thought for a moment.

"That's right! They must have a wealth of experience from their long lives! Many of them must know the secrets to bountiful harvests! Just like how the blacksmith knew the secret techniques of the swordsmith!"

Sejong's words made Xiang nod vigorously.

"Yes, it's not just about the secrets of farming. They would also know the signs of natural disasters like droughts! Individually, these signs may seem minor, but if we compile them into a reference book..."

"We can prepare in advance!"

Sejong slapped his knee and finished Xiang's sentence. Xiang bowed his head and replied.

"Exactly. Floods and other water disasters can be mitigated by maintaining dikes and reservoirs, but droughts can cause great damage if we are not prepared in advance."

"You are right! Minister of Personnel, order the Office of Astronomy to compile the data into a book as soon as it is available!"

"Understood!"

No minister opposed Sejong's command. In a nation that valued agriculture, there was nothing more important than a bountiful harvest, and ensuring the people's health was also a significant concern from a Confucian perspective.

Sejong was very pleased. The petitions put forward by Prince Xiang were of great value. Moreover, the ministers, who usually opposed any new proposals, did not raise any significant objections this time and readily agreed.

"Is there another petition?"

As soon as Sejong finished speaking, Xiang began.

"Yes. Our Joseon, as well as the previous dynasty, lacks a proper geographical record. While our Joseon may have fewer natural resources compared to Ming, it is not absolutely scarce. Therefore, we should create a comprehensive geographical record of Joseon."

"A geographical record... It will require a lot of public labor."

"That's true."

Xiang nodded in response to Sejong's and the ministers' concerns.

"Of course. However, a proper geographical record can reduce the hardships of the people."

"A geographical record can reduce the hardships of the people? Prince, explain in more detail."

"Of course. With an accurate geographical record, we can precisely know the natural resources produced in each county, which can reduce the burden of tribute. The heavy burden of tribute has been a major issue since the previous dynasty, and to solve this, we must first accurately know the resources produced in each county."

"That's true, but..."

Sejong hesitated, and the Minister of Revenue, who was attending in place of the Minister of Revenue who was on a mission, spoke up.

"I also agree with the Prince's words and believe it should be implemented. However, the amount of public labor required is not trivial."

"Of course, that's true. But, we are already mobilizing people nationwide for the revision of the 'Xiangyao Jisheng Jicheng Fang' and to record the knowledge of farmers. We can simply add this task to the existing mission."

'1+1 is nothing!'

"Ah!"

Xiang's point made Sejong and the ministers exclaim in unison.

"We didn't think of that!"

"Neither did I!"

"We can significantly reduce the budget!"

As Sejong and the ministers had a moment of enlightenment, Xiang's petition was immediately adopted as official policy.

And from that day on, the famous 'Buoyeong's Six Departments Street' began.

* * *

That night.

"Do not follow me, historians."

"However, Your Majesty."

"This is a private conversation between a father and son."

Sejong spoke firmly, and the historian stepped back. Sejong, having dismissed the historian, led the eunuchs to the Eastern Palace.

"You're still awake."

Seeing the brightly lit room in the Eastern Palace, Sejong asked, and Sangseon, who was following, replied.

"The earliest he goes to bed is between the second and third watches (9-11 PM and 11 PM-1 AM), and it's often heard that he stays awake until the fourth watch (1-3 AM)."

"He's still a child, yet how can he push himself so hard?"

Sejong continued walking, his worry for Xiang evident.

"Your Majesty, please enter!"

The eunuch standing outside Xiang's room announced Sejong's arrival and immediately opened the door. Xiang, who had been standing aside, bowed deeply as soon as Sejong entered.

"Why are you up so late?"

"I was just reading a book."

"Is that so? Sit down first."

Sejong sat down at Xiang's desk and his eyes lit up as he saw the book spread out.

"It's a book from the West. What is it about?"

"It's titled 'A Brief Examination of Alchemy.' As the title suggests, it's a critical book on alchemy."

"What is alchemy?"

"According to the author, it is the study of methods to create gold by adding various substances to metals like lead or iron."

Sejong's eyes sparkled at Xiang's explanation.

"Is it possible?"

"According to the author, despite centuries of research in the West, no solution has been found. In the preface, the author writes, 'Alchemy is impossible. However, further research to create alloys that are useful in daily life is the true essence of alchemy.'"

"True essence of alchemy is to create alloys that are useful in daily life... I see."

Sejong pondered Xiang's words and concluded.

"Indeed, a wise man."

"I also think so, Your Majesty."

Sejong smiled at Xiang's response and began reading the alchemy book.

"Would you like to see the translation?"

"No, I am just curious about the script of the West."

However, Sejong did not put down the book for a long time. Just as Xiang's back was starting to ache from standing, Sejong finally put the book down and spoke.

< Chapter 21: Germination... Carcinogenesis? (14) > End

ⓒ National Pride

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