Chapter 5

< Chapter 5: Who is Father? (3) >

Chapter 5: Who is Father? (3)

"History has not changed."

Ryang rubbed her still tingling calves and looked out of the palace. In her eyes, which seemed older than her years, there was a lingering sense of regret.

The struggle for the position of crown prince, which can be summarized by Yangnyeong's defense of the city and Chungnyeong's attack, ended with Chungnyeong's victory as history dictated.

Yangnyeong was not an incompetent person. Although it is not recorded, he also had ambitions, as shown at the doljanchi (first birthday celebration).

However, he enjoyed hunting in the mountains and fields more than studying, and he was a "free spirit" who loved drinking and women, as recorded in the official history.

Because of this, he could not handle the immense stress that came with the competition.

In the end, he indulged in hunting and drinking to relieve his stress, and even went as far as committing the taboo of private communication.

Ultimately, Yangnyeong's defeat in the struggle for the crown prince position was not only due to Chungnyeong's outstanding qualities but also because he could not handle the stress and sank himself.

* * *

Although Chungnyeong won the struggle for the crown prince position, he also suffered a great wound. His in-laws were wiped out.

When Chungnyeong was appointed as the crown prince, Shim On rose to become one of the most powerful figures. However, Taejong was not the type to let such a rise go unchecked.

On the day Chungnyeong and his family entered the palace and met Taejong for the first time, Hyang recalled her past life.

When Jin-ho, Hyang's past self, was a high school student, the history teacher, known as "Samcheonpo" for often going off on tangents during class, evaluated Taejong as follows:

"If Catholic priests who advocated the 'divine right of kings' had arrived in Joseon during Taejong's reign, Taejong would have probably made Catholicism the state religion. Of course, he would have beheaded everyone except a few loyalists afterward."

Samcheonpo's words were hypothetical. However, when Hyang first saw Taejong, she agreed with Samcheonpo.

'That man was right!'

Taejong's face, though worn with age, had a gaze that made people feel intimidated.

"Welcome."

Taejong, who received the bow of Chungnyeong and his wife, spoke in a surprisingly gentle voice.

"Many things have happened, but from now on, you are the crown prince. Prepare thoroughly to govern this country after me and deepen your bonds with your brothers."

"I will engrave Your Majesty's words in my heart like golden rules."

After Chungnyeong's response, Queen Min, who was sitting next to Taejong, spoke.

"Crown Princess, from now on, the inner court must be managed by you. You must work hard to ensure there is no discord in your support."

"I will engrave Your Majesty's words in my heart."

The gazes of Taejong and Queen Min, who had just offered their congratulations, turned to Hyang, who was sitting beside them.

"What a bright and intelligent child."

In response to Taejong's words, Chungnyeong smiled and replied.

"She is already learning the elementary classics."

"Already? Isn't she only four years old?"

"She will turn four this October."

"Truly remarkable!"

"She shows even greater talent than I do."

Chungnyeong's response pleased Taejong.

"A blessing to our Joseon and the royal family!"

Observing Taejong and Queen Min, Hyang quickly straightened her posture when their gazes turned to her. Seeing Taejong and Queen Min pleased by Chungnyeong's praise, Hyang grumbled to herself.

'I've worked so hard!'

As the competition between Yangnyeong and Chungnyeong intensified, Hyang repeatedly pondered what was best for her.

"Why can't this child eat properly all of a sudden? Nurse, please call a doctor."

"Yes, my lady."

Hyang, who was so troubled that her mother, Lady Shim, called a doctor, made a decision.

'I will hone myself! I must have at least a minimal intellectual and physical foundation, even in the worst-case scenario! No, even if a physical foundation is impossible due to time constraints, I must have at least a minimal intellectual foundation!'

Determined, Hyang started learning the Thousand Character Classic as soon as she could speak after her second birthday.

"This child seems to be a prodigy!"

"Indeed!"

Despite her young age, Hyang's efforts to memorize the Thousand Character Classic pleased Chungnyeong and his wife. Unaware of their satisfaction, Hyang continued to study diligently.

'Fortunately, I have good hardware! Is it because I am the reincarnation of Munjong?'

Thanks to the excellent memory and understanding of Munjong's body, Hyang, who had the memories and personality of a person in their mid-30s, progressed from the Thousand Character Classic to the Essentials of the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government at a much younger age than others. By the time Chungnyeong was officially appointed as the crown prince, she had moved on to the elementary classics.

"What bright and beautiful eyes! It's a pleasure to look at!"

While bowing in response to Taejong's praise, Hyang observed the atmosphere between Taejong and Queen Min.

'The atmosphere is indeed delicate.'

- 'There's a saying that enemies from a past life become couples in this life.' Looking at Taejong and Queen Min, this saying seems to be true. They are a couple of love and hate.

Recalling Samcheonpo's story, Hyang returned to reality when Taejong spoke to her mother.

"I hear that the royal father-in-law is very busy with both public and private affairs."

"Since I stay in the room, I am not well-informed."

"Is that so?"

Taejong's brief response lacked a smile.

"Since the royal father-in-law is getting older, it would be good if he could live a more relaxed life. Even the best times are meaningless if one loses their health, don't you think?"

The crown princess bowed, sweating coldly, in response to Taejong's veiled warning.

"Yes, I will certainly convey the message."

It was a warning from Taejong.

* * *

However, history continued to unfold.

Four months after Chungnyeong was appointed as the crown prince, on September 9th, Taejong abdicated the throne to the crown prince. In the imperial edict announcing the abdication, Taejong declared:

- Until the new king comes of age, I will personally oversee military affairs, and for matters that are difficult to decide, I will order the State Council and the Six Ministries to deliberate and implement them, but I will also participate in the deliberations.

This was a clear statement of his intention to support his son, who, despite his intelligence, would likely be overshadowed by the experienced ministers, and to solidify the still unstable foundation of the nation. Not only did he declare his intention, but he also established the Office of Righteous Construction to retain military power.

Despite Taejong's firm declaration of his continued military control, conflicts arose.

The incident began with Gang Sang-in, the Minister of War. Gang Sang-in reported directly to Sejong, even though Taejong still held military power. Furthermore, he illegally appointed his brother, Gang Sang-rye, to the position of Fifth Rank Military Officer.

As a result, Taejong had Gang Sang-in interrogated. Despite numerous petitions from the censors to impose severe punishment, Taejong, considering Gang Sang-in's status as a founding meritorious subject and his past contributions, exiled him to his hometown and confiscated his merit certificate and official documents. This was the first handling of the "Gang Sang-in Incident" from August to September.

However, the incident that led to Shim On's downfall began when he left as an envoy to China to seek approval for the transfer of the throne.

When Taejong learned that many high-ranking officials and commoners gathered to see off the envoy Shim On, he felt a sense of crisis.

- The father-in-law of the next king and the Prime Minister, whose brother, Shim Jeong, held a key military position as the Deputy Commander of the Yiheung Three Armies.

As Taejong's suspicions deepened, they turned into certainty.

On November 26th, An Heon-o, a junior official in the Ministry of War, reported to Taejong.

"Gang Sang-in, Shim Jeong, and Park Seop met privately."

"And?"

"At the meeting, they said, 'Recently, orders are coming from two places, and one of them does not seem to be as effective.'"

In response to An Heon-o's report, Taejong slammed his armrest and shouted.

"What!"

The "Gang Sang-in Incident" resurfaced, even more prominently.

* * *

As the "Gang Sang-in Incident" reignited, Hyang's maternal family faced a sudden disaster.

Gang Sang-in was executed, and Park Seop and Shim Jeong were beheaded. Shim On, who returned from his mission in China, was subjected to severe interrogation and ordered to commit suicide, and his entire family was reduced to slavery.

During this turmoil, a storm also swept through the palace.

"Is it not enough that you have ruined my family, but you must also ruin my daughter-in-law's family?"

Queen Min, who saw the tragedy that had befallen her family, raised her voice, but Taejong pushed through with the purge.

During this chaotic period, Hyang was deeply troubled.

'Being just a child is so frustrating!'

If she were a normal four-year-old, she might have overlooked the situation, but for Hyang, who had the memories and personality of a person in their mid-30s, it was a truly difficult time.

'If there were a suitable maternal family, they could have been a strong shield. If I could have reduced the disaster that befell my maternal family, it might have been a great help to me in the future.'

After entering the palace and considering her future, Hyang ultimately decided not to intervene.

'No, it's better to stay silent. In the actual history, it unfolded this way. I might succeed with a 'tearful show,' but it could also backfire and make things worse. The most important thing is that my father... '

Despite his in-laws being destroyed, Sejong showed no significant reaction. Even though Taejong's power was like a storm, his complete lack of response was excessive.

Based on his father's reaction, Hyang decided on her course of action.

'Taejong and Sejong have reached a silent agreement! The best strategy is to remain still!'

As a result, Hyang had to watch her mother shed tears for several days and nights.

Although the "Gang Sang-in Incident" destroyed Sejong's in-laws, the aftermath did not subside easily.

"The daughter of a traitor should not be on the throne! She must be deposed!"

The censors from the Office of Censors and the Office of Remonstrance demanded the queen's deposition, but Sejong strongly opposed it, risking his throne.

In the end, Taejong concluded the "deposition debate" with the following words:

"She has not committed any crimes. It is not right to depose someone who has already given birth to three sons of the king."

Sejong's opposition and Taejong's decision allowed Queen Soheon, Lady Shim, to retain her position.

Observing the conclusion of the "deposition debate," Hyang nodded.

"I'm glad I didn't get involved."

Praising herself, Hyang looked toward the main hall.

"Is it true that family blood cannot be denied?"

- Perhaps because of his military lineage, both Taejong and Sejong were very cold when making decisions.

"Ultimately, the goal was to strengthen the royal power."

Watching the unfolding events, Hyang shook her head at Taejong and Sejong's objectives.

"Being a king is not easy..."

< Chapter 5: Who is Father? (3) > End

ⓒ National Pride

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