Black Corporation: Joseon

The four men collaborating at Hyang’s order were recognized talents.

“At least they earn their keep…”

When officials heard these four would work together under Hyang’s command, they all nodded with positive reactions.

However, the four’s joint work unexpectedly stalled.

Hearing reports through his eunuchs, Hyang slightly shook his head and muttered:

“As expected with group projects…”

***

The reason their collaboration stalled differed slightly from what Hyang had experienced in the 21st century.

The first cause was that all four were both capable and ambitious.

Though their initial individual proposals had similar ideas and content, they constantly clashed in the process of working out specific details. Each tried to make their own ideas central.

“No! That part is wrong. The cause and effect are incorrectly linked!”

“You can’t analyze this part that way!”

“How can such a conclusion come from this?”

“That’s just your opinion!”

The four clashed fiercely over every aspect of the proposal’s structure.

The second cause was that the four were difficult to mix due to their circumstances.

Han Myeong-hoe and Gwon Ram had entered government service through Sejong’s special appointment. However, Seong Sam-mun and Ha Wi-ji had entered through the orthodox path of passing the civil service examination – Ha Wi-ji had even placed first.

This created subtle boundaries.

Furthermore, lines were drawn between Han Myeong-hoe, skilled at improvisation, and Seong Sam-mun, who emphasized principles. Similarly, tensions arose between Gwon Ram, from a new founding merit subject family, and Ha Wi-ji, from an ancient noble family with roots in the Goryeo dynasty.

It would have been fine if things had ended there.

The third reason these four split was Hunminjeongeum.

Han Myeong-hoe showed favorable reactions, and Seong Sam-mun actively supported it. However, Gwon Ram was cynical about Hunminjeongeum, while Ha Wi-ji despised it.

The final reason was Hyang himself.

“Though you four collaborate, using rank to force your opinions is forbidden. Take only what all four consider most reasonable and best.”

Simply put, he ordered them to work as equals to produce the best results.

Of course, Hyang wasn’t unaware this would happen. He simply ignored it.

“They were just historical records, but their abilities were truly outstanding. I need to verify this.”

Han Myeong-hoe and Gwon Ram were central figures in the Geyujeongnan coup and later power core. Ha Wi-ji’s talents were so valuable that King Sejo constantly tried to win him over. Seong Sam-mun had received King Sejong’s dying wish to look after the young Crown Prince.

They were all extraordinary individuals.

Because they were such people, Hyang applied relentless pressure.

“Do it again!”

Whenever they submitted results, Hyang harshly criticized and rejected proposals if they had even slight problems.

The stress from Hyang’s pressure, individual differences mentioned earlier, and pride in overconfidence in their abilities combined to make the four constantly clash.

Though only four people, they perfectly demonstrated how people divide.

***

“Hmm… They’ve been tempered enough, time to forge them together.”

After observing the situation, Hyang made this decision and summoned the four.

“Still no results?”

“We deeply apologize.”

“We are sorry.”

“Due to our inadequacy…”

Watching them bow their heads at his words, Hyang continued in a sharp voice:

“Inadequacy? I think not. You’re overconfident in your abilities being too sensitive for such work, aren’t you?”

“…”

The four closed their mouths and bowed their heads at Hyang’s point. Watching their behavior, Hyang continued the pressure.

“Do you take me lightly?”

“Absolutely not!”

“How could we have such outrageous thoughts!”

“Never!”

“You misunderstand!”

Though the four desperately denied it, Hyang didn’t stop pressing:

“Then what’s this situation? It’s been nearly fifteen days since I assigned you this task, yet nothing proper has reached my hands. And you say you’re not taking me lightly?”

“No, Your Highness!”

“Absolutely not!”

“Your submissions have been rejected four times. If you truly intended to do proper work, there would be no reason for four rejections. Are you trying to have a power struggle with me?”

“No, Your Highness!”

“We were simply inadequate! Please forgive us!”

“Please punish our incompetence! We had absolutely no other intentions!”

The four prostrated themselves flat on the floor begging forgiveness. Watching them, Hyang delivered a final warning:

“I’ll give you five days. Submit a proper proposal within five days. If you exceed this deadline or if I must reject it for inadequacy, be prepared. I’ll ensure you never set foot in the Six Ministries district of Hanseong for the rest of your lives. There will be no dismissal, and resignation won’t be allowed. I’ll just have you circulate through provincial posts until you die. I’ll personally ensure this happens.”

At Hyang’s declaration, the four pressed their foreheads to the floor and shouted:

“We shall do our utmost!”

“Don’t just say it – bring results!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

The four received Hyang’s dismissal, paid their respects, and left the office.

***

Ministers visiting Seunghwadang Hall to coordinate policies with Hyang witnessed this scene and internally screamed with pale faces:

How ruthless, how cruel!

A Crown Prince even worse than His Majesty!

I must resign before he takes the throne!

Need to quit those medicinal supplements!

As if sensing the ministers’ thoughts, Hyang turned to Hwang Hui and asked:

“Do you think I was too harsh?”

Hwang Hui shook his head at Hyang’s question.

“Not at all. The old saying goes that the better the iron, the more thoroughly it should be hammered. Though their abilities are widely known as excellent, they’re still young cubs with many shortcomings. Training is essential considering their future.”

“Thank you for thinking so. But by that logic, aren’t I also a young cub?”

“Don’t you have sufficient achievements?”

“Is that so?”

All the ministers nodded at Hwang Hui’s response.

With the Research Institute and Area 51, no one can question the Crown Prince’s experience or achievements.

Wait? Come to think of it, the Crown Prince’s age when the Research Institute and Area 51 were created…

Those poor youngsters who’ll work with the Crown Prince in future… Wait! My grandson’s among them! Damn it!

***

After finishing policy meetings with Hyang, the ministers quickly walked to their respective ministries.

“Must hurry back and check everything one more time. Can’t get scolded at this age.”

As the ministers hurried along, Kim Jong-seo spoke to Hwangbo In:

“Hey, Jibong.”

“What is it, Jeoljae?”

“Seeing today’s events, don’t you think it’s heaven’s blessing that we became ministers before the Crown Prince takes the throne?”

Hwangbo In immediately nodded at Kim Jong-seo’s words.

“I see problems with this section. Please review it once more.”

Even when finding problems, Hyang rejected work with such words. This was because he was still Crown Prince. He drew a line that only Sejong could torment ministers and vice ministers.

Having received silent agreement, Kim Jong-seo added:

“I thought there couldn’t be anyone harsher than working under Minister Banghon until our mouths tasted sweet, but seeing today… Whew~”

Kim Jong-seo shuddered as if he didn’t even want to think about it.

***

Meanwhile, the court historian recording Hyang’s regency wrote about how he tormented the four and added:

-…Thus when the Crown Prince commanded, the four left the hall trembling greatly.

The historian says:

• The Crown Prince handles affairs with sharpness like a keen sword and achieves clear results. That the Crown Prince excels following His Majesty is great fortune for Joseon. However, the Crown Prince should keep in mind the saying “excess is as bad as deficiency.”

But why is this so satisfying?

Though not openly shown, not a few officials felt satisfied seeing the four who had subtly shown off get thoroughly demolished.

***

Five days later, the four submitted their proposal to Hyang.

“Hmm…”

The four watched Hyang with tense expressions, swallowing dry saliva.

After thoroughly analyzing the proposal going back and forth, Hyang put it down and looked at them.

“Not bad. Seems good enough to implement as is.”

“Phew~ Eep!”

The four unconsciously sighed in relief then panicked and immediately prostrated themselves.

“We apologize for showing such unseemliness!”

“We are sorry!”

Watching them beg forgiveness for their mistake, Hyang waved his hand lightly.

“It’s fine, you may rise.”

“Your grace is boundless.”

Rising awkwardly at Hyang’s command, the four stood with hands clasped respectfully, waiting for his words.

“Though it took longer than expected and had many rejections – making me doubt your abilities because of it.”

“We apologize.”

“However, I quite like this final result. Therefore, I shall give you orders. From now on, you will become one organization dedicated to reviewing and improving policies I designate for review.”

The four’s eyes widened at Hyang’s command. Han Myeong-hoe spoke representing them:

“Y-Your Highness, do you mean we should continue working together like this?”

Hyang nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s question.

“That’s exactly what I mean. Seeing this result, you four have come to know each other well and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, I can entrust work to you with peace of mind. Why? Any complaints? If so, speak up.”

Though he said to speak if they had complaints, his true meaning was clear:

Just try complaining! I’ll make sure you’re thoroughly demoted!

Finally, the four had no choice but to accept Hyang’s command.

“We shall obey your command.”

“You’ve worked hard, so you may leave for today. Tomorrow when you come to court, a room will be prepared for your work.”

“Your grace is boundless.”

The four left Seunghwadang Hall with utterly exhausted faces. Reaching Geonchunmun Gate’s entrance, they simultaneously stopped and sighed.

“Haah~”

After long sighs, they looked at each other’s faces. While looking at each other with expressions mixing love and hate, Han Myeong-hoe spoke:

“Since it’s come to this, let’s have a drink first.”

The other three simultaneously nodded at these words, and Ha Wi-ji continued:

“I know quite a good place. Let’s go there.”

Thus was created the Planning and Coordination Office directly under Hyang.

***

While Sejong was carrying out his schedule of business trips and culinary journeys, Hyang was diligently performing his regency duties.

Though much of Hyang’s work involved handling matters coming up from the Six Ministries, he also had quite a few independent projects.

“Your Highness, the Director of the Royal Infirmary is here for an audience.”

Hyang immediately answered his eunuch’s announcement:

“Let him enter.”

After giving the order, Hyang muttered internally:

Have the results finally arrived?