Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 351

1Hyang turned the page. The next page showed a floor plan of the third floor. Hyang pointed to various parts of the floor plan with his pointer and continued his explanation.

“As you can see, the space is divided around a central stage.”

Listening to Hyang’s explanation, Sejong stroked his beard, thought for a moment, and then asked a question.

“You’re planning to hold competitions for baduk and janggi too, aren’t you?”

“That’s correct.”

Hyang continued to explain about the rankings he had in mind.

“…Thus, we’ll call the person who occupies the highest rank among these divisions the ‘National Hand’. Those who reach this National Hand position will not only receive prize money but also the privilege of teaching baduk in the royal court.”

“Those who play baduk would become desperate for that.”

“Indeed.”

“There are two problems. First, as the story of King Gaero of Baekje from the ancient Three Han period shows, becoming obsessed with baduk could lead to the collapse of state affairs.”

***

King Jangsu, who was pursuing a southern expansion policy, devised various methods to attack the Han River basin occupied by Baekje. Upon learning that King Gaero was fond of baduk, King Jangsu sent the monk Dorim to Baekje.

Dorim, who entered Baekje under the guise of defection, used baduk as a means to approach King Gaero and gain his trust.

Subsequently, King Gaero, deceived by Dorim, was made to enforce excessive construction projects. As Baekje weakened through this process, King Jangsu immediately began his southern advance and was able to occupy the Han River.

***

To Jo Gye-saeng’s point, Hyang immediately replied.

“Have you ever seen Father having leisure time?”

“…”

At Hyang’s words, not only Jo Gye-saeng but all the ministers fell silent.

Although officials of the court, regardless of rank, often complained, “There’s so much work, I’m dying. I want to leave work on time,” Sejong’s workload was no less intense.

Once, when Hyang saw some mid-level officials complaining about their workload without noticing him, he had made a remark:

“At least you have homes to return to and rest, don’t you? For Father, the palace is his home.”

“We, we are sorry!”

Therefore, the implication of Hyang’s question was simple:

‘Does the King of Joseon have enough spare time to become addicted to baduk?’

The ministers, well aware of the king’s enormous workload, could only keep their mouths shut.

While that answered the first problem, Jo Gye-saeng pointed out the second issue.

“Secondly, to reach the level of skill to be called a National Hand in baduk would require considerable time and effort. If so, someone with good skills but lacking in character or learning might become the National Hand and form ties with the royal family. We must certainly find a solution for this aspect.”

Hyang had to nod at Jo Gye-saeng’s point.

“I acknowledge that this could be a problem.”

‘Even in the 21st century, there were quite a few professional players with character issues… No, not just professional players. From celebrities to BJs…’

Recalling examples of celebrities causing scandals due to various character issues even in the 21st century, Hyang immediately continued.

“Therefore, if those who reach high levels through these competitions commit crimes related to character, we will strip them of all their positions and expel them from the field.”

“That’s not enough…”

“That’s sufficient!”

As Jo Gye-saeng tried to raise more objections, Maeng Sa-seong quickly intervened.

“Even ministers and nobles are dismissed or removed from the local register when they cause problems.”

“Isn’t that right?”

“Indeed it is!”

Strongly affirming Hyang’s words, Maeng Sa-seong glared at Jo Gye-saeng and the other ministers.

‘These people are digging their own graves! If His Majesty decides to crack down, quite a few of them would be in trouble!’

Seeing Maeng Sa-seong’s glare, Jo Gye-saeng and the ministers immediately bowed their heads and replied.

“That seems appropriate!”

At the ministers’ reaction, Hyang turned to look at Sejong. Sejong, who had been observing the ministers’ reactions from his elevated position, muttered quietly.

“I should conduct an audit sometime. For now, Crown Prince, is your explanation finished?”

“Not yet. We’ll sell food because people will get hungry while enjoying gambling in this ‘Siunru’ (Hall of Fortune Testing).”

“Siunru? Hall of Fortune Testing… What a poetic name.”

“Thank you. To continue my explanation, we’ll sell food but prohibit alcohol.”

“Why?”

“We don’t know what people excited by gambling might do under the pretext of alcohol.”

“Your words are right!”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong slapped his knee and strongly agreed.

***

Even in this period, there were criminals who used alcohol as an excuse.

‘It’s the alcohol that’s bad, not the person.’

This was a common belief.

Contrary to this, Sejong was making decisions to deal more severely with alcohol-related crimes.

– It’s true that alcohol tends to cloud people’s minds. However, if a person who committed a crime initially had no intention of doing so, they wouldn’t commit a crime even if they were extremely drunk! Moreover, if one gets so drunk as to forget conscience and morality, they can barely move properly! Therefore, saying alcohol is the cause is absurd! No, it’s a cunning trick to avoid punishment using alcohol as an excuse, so it should be punished more severely!

Regarding this, Hyang fully supported Sejong’s decision.

“If nothing else, we must eradicate the practice of giving lenient punishments using ‘diminished capacity due to intoxication’ as an excuse!”

***

By now, Hyang’s presentation was almost over. Judging from the reactions of Sejong and the ministers, the establishment of the ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Venue’ seemed almost certain.

Therefore, the direction shifted from Hyang actively explaining the plan to a question-and-answer session.

“But you know, isn’t just bull fighting and wrestling a bit lacking? Of course, there are performances by entertainers and gisaengs, but it still feels insufficient.”

At Sejong’s point, Hyang provided an answer as if he had been waiting for it. Turning the page, Hyang pointed out possible items with his pointer.

“We can add as much as we want in that area. The easiest addition would be hand-to-hand combat tournaments. Participants in these tournaments will also be divided into ranks, and the final winner will be recommended as a hand-to-hand combat instructor for the army and navy.”

“That’s good.”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong nodded, and Jo Mal-saeng’s face brightened.

***

Although Sejong nodded at Hyang’s answer, he still felt it was a bit lacking.

“While we’re at it, wouldn’t it be good to include polo? It seems quite good to create two polo teams in each of Joseon’s eight provinces and have them compete. Or if polo on horseback is difficult, isn’t there also stick ball that can be played on foot?”

“We’re thinking of creating separate facilities for polo along with horse racing.”

As he answered, Hyang turned the page. The next page showed an oval-shaped stadium.

“This is the racecourse. We’re thinking of building it when both the people and the government have more financial leeway than now.”

“Why?”

“Horses are animals that incur a lot of financial burden. Moreover, to please the spectators in horse racing or polo, large horses imported from the West are more advantageous than ponies. Horses are already economically burdensome animals, and if they’re large, that burden will be even greater. Another reason is that the number of horses bred from these imported stallions is still insufficient. This requires both time and funds, so we must postpone it for later. That’s why we chose bull fighting first. Many households already raise cattle, and it’s a familiar form of gambling for civilians.”

“That’s true. Then explain about the racecourse.”

“Yes, Father.”

After lightly clearing his throat, Hyang soon continued his explanation.

– The racetrack for horse racing is modeled after the battlefield environment.

– Multiple obstacles 2 to 3 feet high are installed, and a pond with appropriate depth and width is also installed.

– The overall shape of the track is not just a combination of simple curves and straight lines, but includes multiple low hills and bends.

– Such a track makes not only the superiority of the horse important, but also the horsemanship of the jockey and the skills of those managing the racehorses.

– Therefore, if this type of horse racing becomes established, it can provide jobs for cavalry who retire after completing their minimum service period or for Jurchens.

– And the horse that achieves the best performance in nationwide touring races can be acquired by the state as a breeding stallion.

“…In this way, the court can consistently acquire stallions with excellent qualities at minimal cost.”

At Hyang’s answer, Sejong unconsciously muttered.

“You never let anything slide… You’re my child, but you’re ruthless. Hup!”

Startled by his own muttering, Sejong was about to say something to the court historian but closed his mouth.

It was already too late, judging by how busily the historian was writing.

“Tsk…”

Clicking his tongue briefly, Sejong looked at the bird’s-eye view and said.

“It’s quite a large facility, so it would require quite a lot of funds.”

“That’s why we’re thinking of building it when finances are more abundant.”

‘In reality, wasn’t it during the Victorian era, when money was overflowing due to the Industrial Revolution and imperial management, that horse racing became popular in the West?’

“Hmm…”

While Sejong was doing his own calculations, Hyang added:

“Additionally, we’ll greatly increase the betting limit for this horse racing. We’ll allow bets from a minimum of 50 copper coins to a maximum of 5 nyang of gold per race.”

“I think that’s too excessive.”

Kim Jeom immediately interjected at Hyang’s words. Hyang immediately responded to Kim Jeom’s objection.

“If you consider the profit distribution, it’s not. Aren’t horses quite expensive animals? If the distribution rate isn’t reasonable, there won’t be any horse owners willing to participate.”

“That’s true, but… still…”

As Kim Jeom continued to object, Hyang added:

“Minister, who do you think will mainly enter the third floor of Siunru?”

“Well, wealthy nobles…”

Kim Jeom, answering unconsciously, suddenly exclaimed.

“Ah! Only those with wealth can be horse owners, and they’ll gamble too, so setting a large amount is indeed more certain!”

“That’s right.”

Hyang pointed to the bird’s-eye view with his pointer.

“We’ll divide the spectator seats into levels. The lower section will have an entrance fee of 10 copper coins for ordinary people, while the upper section will charge 3 nyang of silver. In exchange, all food will be provided free of charge, and during breaks, they can enjoy singing and dancing performances by gisaengs.”

At Hyang’s explanation, Yi Jik interjected.

“Those who consider themselves wealthy would naturally go to the upper level and bet larger amounts.”

“That’s what we’re aiming for. We expect to have 6 to 8 horses compete in each race. So the probability is 1/6 to 1/8. It’s a profitable business even after deducting the profits for the horse owners.”

In the end, Sejong and the ministers agreed to create the Comprehensive Entertainment Venue.

“We should build the racecourse before the Comprehensive Entertainment Venue!”

Of course, there were some extremists like Kim Jeom shouting “Racecourse first, no matter what!”

***

Sejong and the court’s decision was soon announced nationwide through the government gazette.

– …Therefore, ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Venues’ will be built across the country. After these venues are constructed, those caught gambling or betting outside these venues will receive severe punishment.

The public’s reaction to the gazette was half welcoming, half curious. And a very small number of individuals pounded the ground in frustration.

“The country is promoting gambling! We’re headed for ruin!”

While some wrote petitions in indignation at the existence of gambling halls called ‘Comprehensive Entertainment Venues’, others were frustrated for different reasons.

“Dammit! If the country takes over even the gambling dens, what are we supposed to live on!”