< Chapter 41: Laughing and Crying Over Fandom (6) >
Chapter 41: Laughing and Crying Over Fandom (6)
Having returned to Gyeongjeongjeon, Hyang began explaining to Sejong and the ministers.
"Like the monopoly on salt, sugar and pepper must also be monopolized by the state."
"The necessity for a monopoly on sugar is even stronger, due to its highly addictive nature."
"If left to private merchants, the most likely outcome is a monopoly or cartel, and indeed, it will inevitably lead to one. This is because sugar is not produced in our Joseon."
"If a monopoly or cartel were to form, all the burden would fall on the common people, and their grievances would be directed at the court and the king."
"However, if the state monopolizes it, we can earn a reasonable profit to fill the national treasury and stabilize prices."
The Minister of Personnel, who had been listening to Hyang's explanation, asked a question.
"If there are such risks, wouldn't it be better not to import it at all? After all, we've managed well without sugar until now. For sweetness, don't we already have jochung and honey?"
In response to the Minister of Personnel's question, Hyang countered with another question.
"Honey is hard to obtain, and jochung... with the current lack of rice and barley, is it even possible?"
"… I see."
Faced with Hyang's rebuttal, the Minister of Personnel had to step back.
In reality, to produce 1 kg of jochung, 2 kg of white rice was needed. Taffy required even more grain.
Hyang, who had been unaware of this fact in the 21st century, learned about it at the market.
With Sejong's permission, Hyang went to visit the market and began haggling with a taffy vendor. However, upon hearing the price of taffy, Hyang was taken aback.
"Hey, taffy is more expensive than I thought?"
Despite wearing a robe and a hat, Hyang was still young, and when he started arguing about the price, the taffy vendor smiled and replied.
"Oh! Young sir, you don't seem to understand the market well! Do you know how much barley or rice goes into making this taffy?"
The taffy vendor then explained the process of making taffy to Hyang. After listening to the explanation, Hyang nodded.
"I see. I understand. Then, give me some of this taffy."
"Sure thing~."
After settling the price, Hyang left, and the taffy vendor scratched his head.
"Never seen this young sir before. Is there a new yangban family that recently moved to Hanyang?"
* * *
Sejong and the ministers discussed Hyang's explanation.
"Indeed, if we import sugar, it can replace jochung and taffy, reducing the waste of rice and barley."
"I disagree. Since sugar is not produced in our Joseon, it will drain our wealth to foreign countries. However, jochung and taffy, though made from precious rice and barley, are produced on our land, preventing wealth from leaving the country."
"I disagree with that opinion. Even now, those who can afford it can get sugar. But compared to the price the Crown Prince paid, they have to buy it at least dozens of times more expensive. Moreover, as a banned item, they will have to bribe at every border crossing, leading to corruption. It would be better for the state to monopolize it, reducing corruption and stabilizing prices."
The ministers were divided into supporters and opponents, engaging in a heated debate. The opponents argued, "Why spend money to import something when there are alternatives?" The supporters argued, "Those who can afford it are already getting it. It would be more beneficial to import it openly."
As the debate was reaching a stalemate, Hyang asked a question.
"Has anyone here ever tasted sugar?"
The ministers' gazes scattered at Hyang's question.
"Once, a long time ago..."
"When I passed the civil service exam..."
"Unfortunately, I have never..."
Hyang's eyes widened in surprise at their answers.
'These so-called noble gentlemen!'
Thinking this, Hyang looked at Sejong and realized something.
'Now that I think about it, I haven't had sugar since entering the palace!'
Even during his time as Grand Prince, and after entering the palace, Hyang had never tasted the unique sweetness of sugar.
Realizing this, Hyang muttered to himself.
"Our Joseon is truly isolated and backward..."
"Ahem!"
"Hem!"
Sejong and the ministers blushed and cleared their throats upon hearing Hyang's mutter.
"Ahem! Crown Prince, our Joseon is frugal, not backward."
Although Sejong spoke, Hyang's face was full of disbelief. Seeing this, Sejong shouted.
"You brat! Believe me, will you? Just a little!"
"Crown Prince, what His Majesty said is true."
"That's right, Crown Prince."
As soon as Sejong finished speaking, the ministers unanimously supported his words. Hyang responded with a flat tone.
"Is that so."
"You brat!"
"Your humble servant believes what His Majesty said. By the way, I have a request for His Majesty."
"What is it?"
"Since sugar has arrived, how about distributing it as a reward to the ministers and those working in the palace?"
"Distribute it as a reward?"
At Hyang's suggestion, the ministers' eyes began to sparkle. Hyang, noticing the bright eyes of the ministers, secretaries, and eunuchs, explained.
"They have worked hard to manage the state and the palace. It would be good to acknowledge their efforts by giving them a little."
"Hmm..."
After a moment of thought, Sejong nodded.
"That's a good idea. How would you like to distribute it?"
"Depending on their rank, from 1 pyeong (1.8L) to 1 hop (0.18L)."
After a moment of calculation, Sejong nodded.
"That's reasonable. Minister of Personnel, see to it."
"Your grace is boundless!"
As soon as the Minister of Personnel finished speaking, the ministers and eunuchs, including the palace guards, all shouted in unison.
"Your grace is boundless!"
That day, not only the ministers but also the eunuchs, palace maids, and palace guards received sugar as a reward.
"His Majesty! Your grace is boundless!"
"Your grace is boundless!"
"His Majesty, may you live a thousand years!"
"May you live a thousand years!"
Everyone who received the sugar expressed their gratitude and shouted "May you live a thousand years!" The eunuchs and palace maids, as well as the guards, bowed deeply to Hyang whenever they saw him.
"Crown Prince, we are honored to receive such precious sugar!"
"We are honored!"
"That's enough, that's enough. Use it to make your families happy."
* * *
As Hyang had predicted, the heads of households who received the sugar returned home with a sense of pride.
"Here, take this."
"What is it?"
"It's sugar."
"Oh my! How did you get such a precious thing?"
"His Majesty gave it to me as a reward for good work!"
"Oh my! What an honor! I feel like taking a bath today!"
"Phew! Um... I'm a bit tired today..."
While each household enjoyed their own happy moments, Hyang was having a conversation with Sejong. This late-night discussion, which had almost become a daily routine, had become the final hurdle for the secretaries.
"Isn't it a waste to distribute such precious sugar?"
"It's not a waste. It was necessary for the monopoly on sugar."
"Necessary?"
Sejong, pondering Hyang's words, glared at him.
"What a scary brat! It was a bait, wasn't it?"
Hyang responded with a smile to Sejong's words.
* * *
The bait seemed to work, as the ministers soon agreed to the sugar monopoly.
"Then, as soon as the Joseon Pavilion in Shandong is completed, arrange for the import of sugar. Don't forget to establish the Monopoly Bureau before that."
"Your command will be followed!"
Thus, while tirelessly managing state affairs, the vacant positions were filled. Yi Jik, the new Prime Minister, and the famous Mang Sa-seong and Hwang Hee were appointed as the Right and Left Ministers, respectively, about two years earlier than in the original history.
Upon hearing the news, Hyang muttered to himself.
"Is this finally the appearance of Sejong's Avengers?"
At the ceremony where the newly appointed ministers paid their respects, Sejong warned them.
"You all know why your predecessors had to step down. Keep this in mind as you manage the state and work to make Joseon prosperous."
"We will remember it deeply!"
Meanwhile, Hyang was lost in new thoughts.
"I've always wondered... Is our King Sejong's talent pool small, or are talented people rare in this era?"
After much contemplation, Hyang reached a conclusion.
"No matter how I look at it, our King Sejong's talent pool is too small. Just look at his concubines..."
Hyang's conclusion was based on evidence, specifically Sejong's concubines. For example:
- Queen Sinbin Kim: A former servant of the Inner Palace, she became a concubine after receiving the king's favor.
- Queen Heebin Yang: A former wet nurse who cared for Hyang when he was young and ill, she became a concubine after receiving the king's favor.
Other concubines also became favorites through similar paths. Seeing this, Hyang tilted his head and muttered.