While preparing for the civil service examination in his hometown, Yisun enjoyed solving arithmetic problems for fun more than memorizing Confucian classics.
His talent was a serious concern for his parents.
"Sir, what if we let Sunji become a scribe?"
"A scribe? No, no! I will pretend I didn't hear that! Even if he passes the scribe examination, he will only become a low-ranking official. What about the family's reputation?"
"To become a high-ranking official, one needs a family background. Do we have such power in our family?"
"Hmm!"
"And, do you think Sunji has that kind of potential?"
"Hmm, hmm! That's true, but..."
Yisun's father was at a loss for words.
He knew his son's academic abilities to some extent.
While Confucian studies were common, his talent in mathematics was exceptional.
The problem was Yisun's character.
He loved to laugh and was carefree, but he also had a sharp tongue that could silence or make enemies of others with just a few words.
The biggest concern for his father was this sharp tongue.
'Even if he rises to a high position, his tongue will cause storms...'
In the end, Yisun's parents reached a temporary agreement.
"Let's see the results of the preliminary examination and decide then."
When Yisun returned from the preliminary examination, not only did he pass but he also entered a direct subordinate institution of the Crown Prince, his parents were in an uproar.
"Kill all the cattle in the village! Slaughter the pigs, the chickens, everything! Our family has a great cause for celebration! A feast!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Wait! Wait!"
Hearing the news of Yisun's success, relatives and friends who rushed to his house tried to calm his father down.
"Killing cattle and pigs will also uproot the posts! We know it's a celebration, but it's too much!"
"Is this an ordinary celebration? Our son, our son! He has entered right under the Crown Prince! What does it matter if we uproot the posts!"
"Entering right under the Crown Prince is good, but he will start as a low-ranking official. Also, we need to think about the household items for Sunji and his wife in Seoul. With such a meager salary, will it not be a burden?"
"Hmm? That's true."
Convinced by his relative's advice, Yisun's father regained his composure.
Thus, the celebration, though smaller than expected, was still quite grand. Even the local magistrate in charge of the region came to offer his congratulations.
* * *
As Yisun settled into his position at the research institute, he began to showcase his talent.
He passed the basic mathematics exam in just ten days, the intermediate level in one month, and the advanced level, taught by the Huaihui people, in two months.
Holding the mathematics education report of the new recruits, Hyang discussed with Jeong Jo and Jeong Inji.
"I want to give Yisun the rank of Jeong 5th class."
"But he just passed the preliminary examination."
"While it may not be a problem for us, it could cause talk in other parts of the government."
Despite Hyang's suggestion, Jeong Jo and Jeong Inji expressed their concerns, but Hyang shook his head.
"If he has the ability, he should be given the appropriate treatment!"
"You have a point, but..."
"If you feel that way, I have nothing more to say."
Convinced by Hyang's argument, Jeong Jo and Jeong Inji agreed. They had their own reasons for doing so.
* * *
During the last inspection, the two of them were recognized for their contributions and promoted to Jeong 2nd class and Jung 2nd class, respectively.
While their ranks remained the same, their titles were elevated.
This benefit was not limited to them. Among the officials at the research institute, those with lower ranks were promoted, and those above the rank of Tangha were given higher titles.
This benefit also extended to the craftsmen who worked with them.
Jang Yeong-sil's position was changed from Byeolsa to Jeonglang.
"Your grace is boundless!"
Upon hearing that his position had been changed from Byeolsa to Jeonglang, Jang Yeong-sil shed tears of gratitude to Sejong and Hyang.
Rising from a slave to a Byeolsa was already a miracle, but changing from a Byeolsa, an unpaid position, to a Jeonglang, a paid position, had a different meaning.
Jang Yeong-sil was not the only one whose status improved.
Craftsmen from the Military Equipment Bureau, including Go Yajang, also saw changes in their positions and departments.
They were transferred to the research institute. During this process, responsible craftsmen like Go Yajang were promoted from Cham-bong to Bongsa.
"Your grace is boundless!"
"I will dedicate my life to you!"
Upon hearing about their promotions, the craftsmen, like Jang Yeong-sil, shed tears of gratitude.
In a society where class distinctions existed, and they were treated worse than farmers, the opportunity to be called 'sir' and achieve a higher social status was a significant change.
What particularly moved them was that Sejong personally granted their new ranks. This was Hyang's doing.
"Would it be good if His Majesty personally congratulates them?"
"Me?"
"If His Majesty personally congratulates them, they will gain hope and be absolutely loyal to you."
Sejong pondered Hyang's words.
Hyang's suggestion was a good one.
Between the common people and himself stood the scholar-officials.
To a king like Sejong, the scholar-officials were a 'double-edged sword.'
They were a strong support base but also a constraint on the king's actions.
After some thought, Sejong made his decision.
"You are right!"
Thus, Sejong personally called Jang Yeong-sil and the craftsmen, granted them their appointments, and encouraged them.
"I am giving you these appointments to praise your contributions and to warn you. With a higher rank comes greater responsibility. Do not forget this and do your best."
"Your Majesty's command, I will remember it well!"
"I will dedicate my life to you!"
As Sejong listened to the craftsmen's tearful responses, he saw Hyang's satisfied face.
Seeing this, Sejong added,
"I call you 'you' now, but I hope the day will come when I and the Crown Prince can call you 'you' with respect. Is that too much to hope for?"
"I will risk my life to meet your expectations! I will not disappoint you! Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
This was the moment when a 'religious' level of support for Sejong and Hyang was formed.
* * *
Because of this precedent, Jeong Jo and Jeong Inji did not resist Hyang's suggestion and immediately agreed.
With their approval, Hyang immediately requested Sejong's endorsement.
"Jeong 5th class? Isn't that too high?"
"In the case of the last Sungkyunkwan students and this year's preliminary examination passers, they started at Jeong 6th class. So..."
"That's why I'm asking. Even the best performers among them start at Jeong 6th class. Isn't Jeong 5th class too much?"
"He has the ability for it."
Sejong firmly rejected Hyang's request.
"If his ability is only based on educational performance, I cannot accept it. If you want to give him that rank, bring me proof of his results. The highest rank I can approve now is Jeong 6th class."
"However, Your Majesty."
As Hyang tried to argue, Sejong raised his hand to stop him.
"Crown Prince, I know you are smart and efficient. I also know you value strict punishment.
However, the most fundamental principles are 'fairness' and 'justice.'
Yisun may be a talent, as you say. In fact, he probably is.
But if I grant him Jeong 5th class based on your recommendation, will others in different departments accept it?
They will think it's because he joined your research institute, not because of his talent.
Therefore, I can only give him Jeong 6th class. Do you understand?"
Sejong's words made Hyang nod.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow your will."
"Thank you."
Thus, Yisun started at Jeong 6th class.
* * *
"Oh, it's terrible!"
"I'm dying, I'm dying!"
"This is hell!"
The new recruits who entered the research institute with Yisun began to wail.
The mathematics classes were tough, but the practical work was even harder.
Seeing the new recruits complain, the senior researchers said,
"Is it too hard? Can't handle it? Then complain to the Crown Prince and ask for a transfer. We only need those who want to be here among the new recruits. It's better to have a few more hardworking people than to suffer with those who don't want to be here."
The new recruits immediately shut up.
The work at the research institute was hell, but the outside world was also hell.
Leaving the institute meant becoming a commoner, and even if they tried to re-enter through the examination, they would have to start over from the beginning.
Seeing the new recruits' disappointment, the senior researchers offered a carrot.
"Don't just think it's hard. Find satisfaction in your work. If you do well, the Crown Prince and the Emperor will reward you greatly. And this work can be interesting."
The senior researchers, in just one year, had reached the level of