Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Let's Earn Money! Let's Do Business! (1)

“Ugh…”

Eun-taek, the Minister of Revenue, groaned as he looked at the book in front of him.

“No matter how I do it, it doesn’t work….”

Eun-taek, who had been moving the abacus beads on the desk to calculate, suddenly scattered them and shouted.

“It doesn’t add up! There’s no room to cut the budget! Aaah!”

“Hey!”

As Eun-taek lost control and went on a rampage, the nearby officials grabbed him.

“Hold him! Hold him!”

“Calm down, sir! Calm down!”

Once the commotion died down, Eun-taek was immediately dragged to Kim Jeom, the Prime Minister of Revenue.

“You seem to have a lot of energy left, don’t you? You even overturned the desk.”

“I apologize, Your Excellency.”

“What’s the problem, then?”

“There’s no budget, Your Excellency.”

Eun-taek’s answer made Kim Jeom’s face crumple.

“Damn….”

* * *

The biggest issue in Sejong’s gradual reforms was the budget.

After the founding of Joseon, the court significantly reduced the budget used for administration.

This was because they were well aware of how the excessive taxation at the end of the Goryeo period had driven the people to despair.

They minimized various taxes and, as a result, the government’s revenue decreased, leading to a reduction in expenditures.

This is why Sejong set the period of the gradual reforms to 10 years.

The goal was to gradually change the revenue system, reform the administration in the central and local governments, and ultimately strengthen Joseon’s capabilities to expand outward.

Sejong also understood the importance of the budget in this process, so he focused on implementing monopolies.

Coincidentally, the Crown Prince’s proposal to monopolize sugar production was a significant opportunity to expand the treasury.

However, as the monopoly extended to the county level, a considerable amount of funds was consumed for facility investments, reducing the budget’s flexibility.

Moreover, the decision to purchase key components for the gunpowder weapons from the private sector further depleted the budget.

In fact, Sejong was well aware of this issue.

That’s why he always kept track of the budget’s limits, from purchasing the key components for the weapons to constructing the national ironworks.

However, Sejong was not pleased with the slow progress on national defense due to budget constraints.

To solve this, Sejon took a bold step.

He seized control of the finances of the Naesu-byeoljo.

The Naesu-byeoljo was an institution created to manage the assets inherited from the Goryeo royal family and the private properties of the Yi Seong-gye family in Hamgyeong Province. It also managed the land and assets allocated to the royal family, and Sejong had a firm grip on this.

At a gathering of the royal relatives, Sejong made the following request.

“For the prosperity of our Joseon, the sacrifices of the elders and brothers are necessary.”

No one dared to oppose the king’s request, so the royal relatives all agreed.

Once they agreed, Sejong distributed individual agreements to each of them.

The content of the agreement, written by Sejong himself and sealed with the royal seal, was as follows:

-For the next five years, 70% of the existing salary will be paid. For the following five years, the original salary will be paid, and after that, an additional 20% will be added.

It was a fairly reasonable offer, so the royal relatives all suppressed their complaints.

Thus, these agreements were recognized as the first national bonds of Joseon.

* * *

“Father, get out!”

After being chased away for requesting additional funds, Hyang complained as he headed to the Crown Prince’s residence.

“Lately, he doesn’t even call me Crown Prince …… Damn, what’s a budget….”

While complaining, Hyang noticed the monks following an inner court official.

“What monks are these?”

The inner court official, who was following behind, immediately answered.

“They seem to be going to the Queen’s quarters to give a sermon.”

“Is it really okay for them to walk around openly….”

Recalling the ministers who would have a fit at the mere mention of ‘Buddhism,’ Hyang stopped in his tracks.

“Your Highness?”

“I’ve got it! Let’s attack Japan, no, let’s sell to Japan!”

“Pardon?”

The inner court official’s head tilted to the side, but Hyang quickly retraced his steps and hurried to the Geunjeongjeon.

“What’s the matter now? I’ll say it again, there’s no budget.”

Sejong drew the line first when Hyang returned. However, Hyang was undeterred.

“Father! What about starting a book business?”

“A book business?”

“We’ll sell Buddhist scriptures to Japan!”

“Huh?”

Sejong’s eyes widened at Hyang’s words. The prime ministers who were still in the room also had their eyes widen.

* * *

The relationship between Joseon and Japan at the time was not particularly bad.

In the early days of Joseon, the first approach to prevent the damage from the Japanese pirates was diplomatic.

The Joseon court, while outwardly severing ties with Japan, inwardly strengthened its relations.

They established diplomatic relations not only with the shogunate but also with local lords such as the Kyushu Constable, the Ouchi family, the Soi family, the Ootomo family, and the lord of Tsushima.

This diplomatic policy was gradually showing results when an unexpected obstacle appeared.

Ouchi Yoshihiro and the lord of Tsushima, Sou Kitashige, died.

Then, Wada Saemon, who seized control of Kyushu and Tsushima, encouraged the Japanese pirates to plunder Joseon, nullifying the efforts of the Joseon court.

However, the friendly ties between Joseon and the Japanese lords still remained.

Just before the invasion of Tsushima in the first year of Sejong, Joseon informed the Japanese lords of their intentions.

When Joseon announced their plans to invade Tsushima, the Kyushu Constable responded as follows:

“The Japanese pirates are enemies of Japan, so we request that Joseon use military force to punish them.” (Note 1)

* * *

“Father, we need more budget!”

“Get out, you!”

Such conversations occurred a couple of times a month, as the research institute in Hwanghae Province was a budget-draining, or rather, a budget-guzzling institution.

However, Hyang had something to say about this.

“Not at all! I’m not just spending recklessly! What can I do with the budget in this state!”

As proven in the previous audit, Hyang did not waste the budget.

The problem was that the absolute value of the Joseon court’s budget was too small.

Moreover, the location of the ironworks in Hwanghae Province was problematic.

Built under the command of Kim Deok-su, the ancestor of the Anju Kim family, the ironworks was about 200 ri (approximately 80 km) from the border.

Due to its location, a new defense unit had to be formed and deployed, which was the decisive reason for the budget’s depletion.

* * *

Although the budget was depleted, it wasn’t as if the treasury was completely empty.

There was enough money to run the government, but the emergency reserves were all used up.

Kim Jeom, who confirmed the situation, clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, it will be resolved once the Mid-Autumn Festival is over.”

The subordinate officials raised objections to Kim Jeom’s statement.

“The problem is whether we can get through until then. If there’s a flood or an epidemic, it’s all over.”

Kim Jeom barked at the subordinate officials.

“You’re the problem for being so pessimistic! Try being more positive!”

“I apologize.”

“Apologize, then don’t create situations to apologize for! Get to work! Can’t you see the scrolls piled up over there!”

“Understood, sir!”

At Kim Jeom’s stern command, the subordinate officials hurried back to their seats.

Alone at his desk, Kim Jeom sighed deeply.

“Sigh~. The lack of budget is a problem, but there’s no solution….”

Faced with this daunting problem, Kim Jeom sighed again and grumbled.

“Sigh~. Should I just write a petition to be sent to a local post?”

* * *

“Get out, you!”

Chased away after requesting additional funds, Hyang grumbled as he headed to the Crown Prince’s residence.

“Lately, he doesn’t even call me Crown Prince …… Damn, what’s a budget….”

While complaining, Hyang noticed the monks following an inner court official.

“What monks are these?”

The inner court official, who was following behind, immediately answered.

“They seem to be going to the Queen’s quarters to give a sermon.”

“Is it really okay for them to walk around openly….”

Recalling the ministers who would have a fit at the mere mention of ‘Buddhism,’ Hyang stopped in his tracks.

“Your Highness?”

“I’ve got it! Let’s attack Japan, no, let’s sell to Japan!”

“Pardon?”

The inner court official’s head tilted to the side, but Hyang quickly retraced his steps and hurried to the Geunjeongjeon.

“What’s the matter now? I’ll say it again, there’s no budget.”

Sejong drew the line first when Hyang returned. However, Hyang was undeterred.

“Father! What about starting a book business?”

“A book business?”

“We’ll sell Buddhist scriptures to Japan!”

“Huh?”

Sejong’s eyes widened at Hyang’s words. The prime ministers who were still in the room also had their eyes widen.

* * *

The relationship between Joseon and Japan at the time was not particularly bad.

In the early days of Joseon, the first approach to prevent the damage from the Japanese pirates was diplomatic.

The Joseon court, while outwardly severing ties with Japan, inwardly strengthened its relations.

They established diplomatic relations not only with the shogunate but also with local lords such as the Kyushu Constable, the Ouchi family, the Soi family, the Ootomo family, and the lord of Tsushima.

This diplomatic policy was gradually showing results when an unexpected obstacle appeared.

Ouchi Yoshihiro and the lord of Tsushima, Sou Kitashige, died.

Then, Wada Saemon, who seized control of Kyushu and Tsushima, encouraged the Japanese pirates to plunder Joseon, nullifying the efforts of the Joseon court.

However, the friendly ties between Joseon and the Japanese lords still remained.

Just before the invasion of Tsushima in the first year of Sejong, Joseon informed the Japanese lords of their intentions.

When Joseon announced their plans to invade Tsushima, the Kyushu Constable responded as follows:

“The Japanese pirates are enemies of Japan, so we request that Joseon use military force to punish them.” (Note 1)

* * *

“Japan has requested the printing blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana more than once, hasn’t it?”

Sejong and the prime ministers nodded at Hyang’s question.

“That’s true.”

“It happened just a while ago.”

In April of this year, an envoy from the Muromachi Shogunate, recognized by Joseon as the ruler of Japan, had requested the printing blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana.

At the time, Sejong had refused the request.

“There’s only one set of the Tripitaka Koreana blocks, and they have been passed down from our ancestors, so I cannot give them away freely.”

The Japanese ruler’s demands were persistent, sometimes even threatening war, and envoys were occasionally detained.

However, Sejong could not give away the Tripitaka Koreana blocks, and cutting ties would mean losing the source of copper, so he could only treat the envoys well and send them off.

To solve this, Sejong took a bold step.

“Let’s print exactly 10 sets of the Tripitaka Koreana. One set will be given to the Japanese ruler, another to the Kyushu Constable, and another to the Ouchi family. The Japanese ruler might not, but the Kyushu Constable and the Ouchi family have been good to us.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s words.

“That’s true. What about the remaining seven sets?”

“We should create competition among the other Japanese lords. We’ll sell to the highest bidder.”

“Hmm!”

“Ah!”

Sejong and the prime ministers exclaimed in admiration at Hyang’s words.

Japan, which was culturally far behind, desperately wanted to obtain the cultural artifacts of Joseon and Ming.

Especially, the Buddhist scriptures were extremely rare, which is why the Japanese ruler had requested them.

“Then, instead of 10 sets, wouldn’t it be better to print about 50 sets?”

“Tsk!”

Sejong clicked his tongue at Maeng Sa-seong’s question.

“Have you forgotten that rarity increases value? Why did the Crown Prince set it at 10 sets?”

“I apologize!”

“Don’t apologize, then don’t do things that make you apologize!”

Sejong, who had scolded Maeng Sa-seong, looked at Hyang with a gentle gaze.

“So, you want to sell 10 sets?”

“Yes. The name ‘Tripitaka Koreana’ and the limited quantity of only 10 sets will make them extremely valuable in Japan.”

“That’s true.”

“And, let the monks print or transcribe the scriptures. We’ll sell these scriptures to Japan. This way, Joseon can gain two benefits internally and three benefits from Japan.”

“Two benefits, three benefits?”

Sejong and the ministers leaned closer to Hyang as he explained.

“The two benefits we can gain internally: one is that we can reclaim the land still held by temples.”

“Ah!”

Since the founding of Joseon, the policy of promoting Confucianism and suppressing Buddhism had been consistently pursued.

Taejong had consolidated numerous Buddhist sects into seven, confiscated 80,000 slaves from the temples and turned them into government slaves, and seized 60,000 fields.

Sejong continued this by consolidating the seven sects into Seon and Gyo, leaving only 36 main temples nationwide. He confiscated 3,000 fields of good land out of 11,000 fields and almost all the slaves.

“We can solve the monks’ livelihood by giving them a portion of the proceeds from selling the scriptures. This way, we can stabilize public sentiment, which is another benefit.”

“That’s true.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s explanation.

Despite the consistent policy of promoting Confucianism and suppressing Buddhism, the presence of Buddhism had not diminished, even within the palace and among the people.

“Easing up a bit can also be helpful. Then, what about the three benefits from Japan? The first is that the Kyushu Constable and the Ouchi family will become closer to us.”

“That’s true. Having powerful lords like the Ouchi family and the Kyushu Constable become closer to us is a significant benefit. Another benefit is that by selling the scriptures, we can import rice and silver from Japan, alleviating our budget pressure. The last benefit is that by spreading scriptures clearly recorded as made in Joseon, we can make the Japanese people admire us.”

Sejong smiled and responded to Hyang’s explanation.

“The other benefits are good, but the last one is the most appealing. What do you think, ministers?”

“Truly a brilliant idea!”

“Then, let’s put it into action. Send people to the main temples of Seon and Gyo immediately.”

“Understood!”

* * *

Three months later, the Ouchi family in Kyushu was busy welcoming the Joseon envoy.

“Thank you for your long journey.”

Moriharu, who succeeded his deceased brother as the lord of the Ouchi family, formally welcomed the Joseon envoy.

“Thank you for your warm hospitality. Fortunately, there was no typhoon, so we crossed safely.”

The envoy, belonging to the Ministry of Rites, formally thanked Moriharu for his hospitality.

While serving tea to the envoy, Moriharu got to the point.

“So, what brings you from Joseon to this distant place? Have the pirates caused trouble again?”

“Not yet. I am here on the orders of His Majesty. Here is a personal letter from His Majesty.”

The envoy took out a scroll from his robe and untied it. In front of Moriharu, who had composed himself, the envoy read Sejong’s personal letter.

“Listen, Lord Ouchi of Japan….”

After the reading of Sejong’s personal letter, Moriharu bowed deeply.

“I am truly grateful for your concern. My family has roots in Baekje, so this is even more meaningful.”

“Here, this is a gift from His Majesty to you.”

At the envoy’s gesture, a Ministry of Rites official brought in a large wooden box wrapped in silk.

“What is this?”

“Do you know the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa?”

“Yes, I do.”

“This is a scripture printed from those blocks.”

“Oh!”

Moriharu untied the silk wrapping with trembling hands.

As the wrapping came off, a lacquered wooden box that shone brightly revealed itself. On the lid of the box, a Buddha statue was carved in relief and gilded.

Moriharu, with trembling hands, stroked the Buddha statue and declared to the envoy.

“To receive such a precious item… Our Ouchi family will fully cooperate with Joseon from now on!”

A similar scene played out when the envoy visited the Kyushu Constable.

Only Ashikaga Yoshimochi, the Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate and the ruler of Japan, showed a slightly disappointed reaction.