Black Corporation: Joseon

“Did you call for me?”

“Yes, there’s something you must do.”

Sensing something unusual from Sejong’s expression and tone, which were more serious than usual, Hyang immediately lowered his voice.

“What must I do, Father?”

“We need an informant.”

“Pardon?”

Sejong handed Hyang a report. After receiving and grasping the situation, Hyang asked Sejong:

“Do you intend to arrest and interrogate this person who appears to be a former Ming eunuch?”

“No, I plan to silence him. With Joseon’s current strength, we’d only lose if we confronted Ming. Moreover, we must prevent the existence of the Secret Police from being revealed.”

Sejong explained the reason for Hyang’s observation.

“It’s for dealing with the collaborators. While we can quietly dispose of the spies who’ve infiltrated from outside, we must set a precedent of judging internal collaborators strictly according to the law.”

“Ah…”

Hyang let out a small exclamation at Sejong’s words before asking another question.

“Is it because of dictatorship?”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s question.

“Although we have the court and ministers, all decisions are ultimately made by the king. Even if we hide the Secret Police, the ministers will vaguely sense its existence. They’ll become cautious, and what do you think will happen then?”

Hyang immediately answered Sejong’s question.

“Even if a tyrant like Jie or Zhou were to appear and run amok, they couldn’t be controlled.”

Sejong nodded at Hyang’s answer.

“Exactly. That’s why we must maintain at least the rule of law as the final barrier. The rule of law is the last defense for the ministers who should check the monarch’s unilateral actions.”

Understanding Sejong’s intention, Hyang prostrated himself before Sejong.

“I will absolutely carry out your orders, Father!”

“Thank you.”

As the atmosphere between father and son warmed, Hyang, remembering something, asked Sejong:

“But what if the ministers try to oppress the monarch using the law as a weapon?”

“Like Ryu Jeong-hyeon in the past?”

“…Yes.”

Sejong answered firmly to Hyang’s response.

“A monarch so incompetent as to be pushed around by his ministers is unfit to be a ruler. Since ancient times, a proper monarch should overwhelm his ministers with intellect and eloquence, not force.”

“…Yes…”

Hyang suddenly felt pity for their descendants.

***

The next day, Hyang, who had arrived at Area 51, summoned Seong Pan-sul.

“Your Highness, did you call for me?”

Pan-sul appeared very tense at being summoned by someone he rarely met face-to-face.

Hyang’s face was unprecedentedly cold as he looked at Pan-sul.

“Chief Seong Pan-sul.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Why did you do it?”

“Pardon? What…”

Seeing Pan-sul’s unconcealed bewilderment, Hyang briefly added:

“Im Dae-su.”

“Gasp!”

When Hyang mentioned his brother-in-law’s name, Pan-sul immediately fell to his knees.

“P-p-please spare my life!”

“You should know well that those working in Area 51 have an obligation to maintain secrecy, right?”

“I have committed a mortal sin! It was just that the alcohol was to blame!”

***

Those working in Area 51 were under strict obligation to maintain confidentiality. However, as Area 51 grew larger and the families of the workers gathered in one place, this clause had become somewhat faded.

It was customary for those coming to Area 51 from other regions to hold a feast when leaving their hometowns.

“I’m going to Area 51 in Hanseong!”

Even after entering Area 51, it was hard to fully grasp the gravity of maintaining confidentiality.

This was because as soon as they stepped out of their gates, their neighbors were people who commuted to and from Area 51 together.

As they became neighborly, drinking sessions became frequent, and it became routine to share all sorts of stories—from personal matters to work assignments.

Upon receiving related reports, Hyang muttered with a resigned expression:

“Didn’t they say that even in Los Alamos, maintaining confidentiality went to the moon? Is this unavoidable? No, is it better than the situation where a pub owner does the coding?”

Eventually, Hyang and other high-ranking officials of Area 51 began to turn a blind eye to some extent.

– It was allowed to reveal that one worked in Area 51.

However, Pan-sul found himself in crisis because he had blabbed while drinking with his brother-in-law, Im Dae-su.

“Brother-in-law! You know those iron horses in Hanseong? I made those!”

***

Looking at Pan-sul, who had turned pale, Hyang continued:

“We said it was okay to mention that you work in Area 51. But we didn’t say you could talk about what you do there. You know that well, don’t you?”

“P-p-please spare my life! It was just that the alcohol was to blame, and he was my brother-in-law…”

“Even if he was your brother-in-law, shouldn’t you have stopped his nonsense talk, and reported it if he spoke or plotted against the country?”

Hyang’s voice was ice-cold. At Hyang’s words, Pan-sul begged, banging his head on the floor.

“Oh, Your Highness! That fellow, my brother-in-law, is known for his frivolous talk, so I just ignored it! He’s a man who frequents gambling dens every day, so I thought it was just nonsense!”

“If he came to spout this nonsense four times, wouldn’t a normal person become suspicious?”

“Y-yes, that’s true. But…”

“But what?”

“He’s known for his wild talk, and although we’re not blood-related, he became my in-law…”

Hyang replied briefly to Pan-sul’s words.

“I don’t know how much nonsense he used to talk before, but this time, he was right on the mark.”

“What?”

“There was a merchant with foreign connections backing him.”

“Oh no!”

Only then realizing he was truly in a life-or-death crisis, Pan-sul prostrated himself so low he nearly stuck to the floor, begging for his life.

“P-please spare my life! Even if I heard those words, I would never have agreed to them! I swear by heaven and earth! I never harbored any wicked thoughts!”

“Is that so…”

Having confirmed Pan-sul’s reaction, Hyang immediately threw out bait.

“Then you have a job to do.”

“What must I do, sir?”

Pan-sul lifted his head and looked at Hyang, seeing a sliver of hope. Looking at Pan-sul’s desperate face, Hyang informed him of his task.

“Go to the State Tribunal and report this.”

“What? But then my brother-in-law…”

“Would you rather you, your brother-in-law, and even your family face dire consequences—you’d be lucky to end up as government slaves—or would you rather at least you and your family survive? Make your choice. I’ll tell you in advance, His Majesty already knows everything.”

At Hyang’s words, Pan-sul fell into deep contemplation. But he had no choice. Finally, Pan-sul gritted his teeth and answered.

“I will go to the State Tribunal and report this treason.”

Upon hearing Pan-sul’s choice, Hyang immediately stood up.

“You’ve chosen wisely. Hey there! Gather the soldiers at once! We must go to the State Tribunal!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

At Hyang’s command, the eunuch waiting outside immediately responded.

***

When Hyang arrived at the State Tribunal with Pan-sul, the Chief State Tribunal Officer came rushing out.

“We greet the Crown Prince!”

“You must be busy with official duties, but given the nature of this matter, I had to come here.”

“What brings you here…”

At Hyang’s words, the faces of the Chief State Tribunal Officer and the officials who followed him behind stiffened. If it was a matter that brought the Crown Prince himself, it couldn’t be an ordinary issue.

To the Chief State Tribunal Officer’s question, Hyang turned to look at Pan-sul standing behind him and answered.

“I learned through this man’s report that there are individuals trying to smuggle craftsmen from Area 51 to a foreign country.”

“What! There are such treasonous individuals?!”

Alarmed, the Chief State Tribunal Officer commanded the bailiffs of the State Tribunal standing behind him.

“Bring that man in!”

“Yes, sir!”

***

Shortly after, an interrogation scene unfolded in the courtyard of the State Tribunal.

“Since he reported this trusting me, I should be present.”

With Hyang insisting strongly on being present, the interrogation began.

“You, speak in detail!”

At the Chief State Tribunal Officer’s order, Pan-sul began to speak, trembling.

“I-I am Seong Pan-sul, working in Area 51…”

***

“…That is all.”

When Pan-sul finished speaking, the courtyard of the State Tribunal was silent. All the officials present at the interrogation had serious expressions.

‘We could dismiss this as nonsense from a delusional person seeking instant riches… But one wouldn’t dare say such things without a solid connection.’

‘Given that he’s a craftsman from Area 51, we can’t ignore this.’

After pondering for a moment, the Chief State Tribunal Officer reached a conclusion.

“Your Highness, it seems we must arrest this Im Dae-su.”

“Indeed. And shouldn’t we inform Father immediately?”

“I will report this at once!”

The Chief State Tribunal Officer immediately took action.

“Seong Pan-sul, listen. Where is the gambling den that Im Dae-su frequently visits?”

“South of Cheonggyecheon…”

After confirming the likely whereabouts of Im Dae-su through Pan-sul’s testimony, the Chief State Tribunal Officer immediately ordered the investigators and bailiffs.

“Arrest this Im Dae-su immediately! Search his house, the gambling den, and Seong Pan-sul’s house where his sister lives!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Inspector, report this to His Majesty the King at once!”

“Understood!”

With the Chief State Tribunal Officer’s words, everyone at the State Tribunal began to move busily. As armed forces left the State Tribunal and the inspector with an urgent expression ran towards Gyeongbok Palace, Hyang muttered quietly.

“Finally, the show has begun.”

***

Meanwhile, the ministers gathered in Geunjeongjeon Hall were shocked by the urgent news delivered by the inspector who had entered.

“How can such a treasonous act occur! Your Majesty! We must immediately verify the truth of this matter!”

“We must arrest all those involved without exception!”

Sejong, with a serious expression, nodded each time the ministers made their stern statements. After listening to the ministers, Sejong turned to the inspector and asked.

“So, what is the State Tribunal doing now?”

“First, they have gone out to arrest a man named Im Dae-su. As soon as he is arrested, they will interrogate him to verify the truth of the matter and investigate his backers.”

“If we’re not careful, those behind this might escape. Handle this as swiftly as possible.”

“I receive your command!”

“And bring all reports directly to me immediately.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Then, I shall expect good news.”

“Yes, sir.”

The inspector who received Sejong’s orders immediately bowed and left Geunjeongjeon Hall.

After dismissing the inspector, Sejong asked the ministers.

“Who do you think is behind this?”

At Sejong’s question, the ministers kept their mouths shut. They were all certain that Ming was behind this. However, Ming was Joseon’s suzerain state. If a minister of a vassal state publicly suspected or slandered the suzerain state in an official setting, it could become a political issue. Hence, they all maintained silence.

Finally, the first to speak was Sejong.

“I cannot understand why our suzerain would resort to such a petty method.”

Alarmed by Sejong’s statement, Yi Maeng-gyun immediately spoke up.

“Your Majesty, the backers have not yet been revealed.”

Sejong snorted at Yi Maeng-gyun’s words.

“Hmph! Do you think Japan could utilize the technology possessed by the craftsmen of Area 51? Apart from our suzerain, who else could possibly do this?”

“While that may be true…”

Sejong’s words were the prevailing opinion. As a result, Yi Maeng-gyun trailed off with an awkward expression.

At that moment, Maeng Sa-seong opened his mouth.

“People tend to pursue convenience. In pursuing convenience, people often abandon principles.”

“Are you saying our suzerain has abandoned principles for this reason?”

To Sejong’s question, Maeng Sa-seong immediately replied.

“Yes, Your Majesty. To proceed formally in accordance with principles would take much time and cost. However, they likely thought that by abandoning principles, they could save both time and cost.”

At Maeng Sa-seong’s words, both Sejong and the ministers nodded. As he nodded, Sejong asked Maeng Sa-seong.

“Then, what should our Joseon do?”

“We must show that we are not to be trifled with. We must demonstrate that following principles is actually more beneficial.”

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