Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 141

Chapter 141

As soon as the word got out that Hyang intended to dine with the staff of the research institute, court ladies, eunuchs, and royal guards in the newly established cafeteria, the censors immediately objected.

“This goes against etiquette! How can the Crown Prince of a nation dine with those of lower status?”

Hyang responded with the same points he had mentioned to Sejong:

– First, there’s a hygiene issue. Even with the use of separate plates, there are still potential hygiene risks.

– Second, although they would dine in the same space, it wouldn’t be a joint meal per se. The dining times for himself, the research institute staff, court ladies, eunuchs, and royal guards would be distinct.

– Lastly, and this is a personal opinion, but those working in the palace are also of a certain rank. Why should they be treated like beggars?

As the censors turned to Sejong for his opinion, he defended Hyang’s plan.

“I too find the Crown Prince’s opinion to have merit. Reflecting on it, when superiors skip meals, those below them tend to do the same. The issue of prolonged meal times due to ‘sangmullim’ (leftovers) is regrettable. I won’t elaborate on hygiene issues, as they have been pointed out by various medical texts and physicians.”

With Sejong defending Hyang’s idea, the voices of the censors weakened. However, they continued to cling to the issue of etiquette.

“But, according to traditional etiquette…”

As the censors persisted with their etiquette argument, Sejong added,

“What is the origin of ‘toisun’ (retiring the meal), or the start of ‘sangmullim’? It’s the king sharing his precious food with his subordinates. This signifies the king’s affection and trust for his subjects through his actions. Isn’t the cafeteria initiated by the Crown Prince a meaningful form of ‘toisun’, beyond just sharing a meal?”

Faced with Sejong’s logic, the censors had no choice but to remain silent, as they were out-argued.

On the opening day of the Eastern Palace’s Grand Cafeteria, established by Hyang, began its operation, Sejong left Geunjeongjeon and headed to Eastern Palace.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

Awaiting Sejong, Hyang bowed deeply to greet him. Accompanied by the Crown Princess, Yangje, Yangwon – titles for the Crown Prince’s concubines – along with the staff of the research institute, including Jeong-cho, as well as the eunuchs and court ladies, all bowed in unison. The royal guards guarding the vicinity of the Eastern Palace saluted respectfully.

“Long live the King!”

“Chung!”

“You all have worked hard.”

After Sejong’s acknowledgment, those who had bowed straightened up.

Sejong, having encouraged those working at the research institute in the Eastern Palace, turned to Hyang.

“Let’s take a look at this cafeteria.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Led by Hyang, Sejong toured the cafeteria.

Exploring the communal dining area, which was an extension of Eastern Palace’s small kitchen, Sejong asked Hyang questions.

“Have you divided the cafeteria into several sections?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Even though we eat together, it’s burdensome for lower-ranking individuals to dine with their superiors.”

“Is that so?”

At Sejong’s inquiry, Hyang firmly responded, “Yes.”

The lower-ranking officials following them nodded in agreement.

‘Eat with superiors? I’d rather take poison!’

‘Not enough to get scolded during work hours, now they want us to swallow insults with our meals?’

“But wouldn’t dining together foster camaraderie and facilitate discussions about work?”

“Meal times are for rest. A proper break enhances efficiency.”

“That makes sense.”

Agreeing with Hyang’s response, Sejong nodded. With no further comments from Sejong, the lower-ranking officials sighed in relief.

“Phew~.”

Meanwhile, Hyang explained the different sections to Sejong.

“This area is for dining with officials of rank, including myself and Chief Scholar Jeong-cho.”

“Very neat.”

Touching the polished tables and chairs, Sejong nodded and followed Hyang to the next area.

Sejong continued asking questions as they inspected the dining areas for middle and lower-ranking officials, and a separate area for eunuchs and court ladies.

“You’ve separated the court ladies’ area?”

“Yes, according to protocol…”

“Well done, but isn’t the space too cramped?”

“We’ve arranged shifts for dining.”

“Hmm… What about the meal times?”

“From 11 AM to 1 PM.”

“Good. It’s almost time for lunch, isn’t it?”

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Sejong looked at Hyang.

“I should have lunch before leaving.”

“Please do.”

Hyang quickly agreed. At this, the faces of Jeong-cho and Jeong In-ji behind them turned pale.

‘Dammit!’

After washing his hands at a nearby sink, Sejong followed Hyang, carrying a tray along the serving line and filling it with rice and side dishes.

As the kitchen staff and court ladies bowed deeply to Sejong at the counter, he said with a smile,

“No need for formalities during mealtime. I came to eat, not to receive bows.”

“Your grace is immense!”

Sejong enjoyed the experience as he received his meal.

“This is interesting. One can take as much or as little as they want. Done right, this could reduce waste.”

“That’s right. But, Your Majesty, perhaps take some more lettuce.”

“My son…”

“For your health, Your Majesty. You should eat more greens to avoid…”

“More! Pack it in!”

Interrupting Hyang, Sejong ordered the kitchen staff in an irritated tone to add more lettuce to his plate. Observing the heap of lettuce, Sejong glared at Hyang.

“They say even dogs are left alone while eating.”

“But dogs don’t eat lettuce, do they? As I mentioned before…”

“Anyway, if only I could eat in peace…”

Sejong, grumbling about Hyang’s interference, brightened up upon seeing a griddle at the end of the serving line.

Grilled pork belly was sizzling tantalizingly on the griddle.

“Oh, pork belly?”

“Yes.”

“Pork belly has its own unique flavor. Fill it up, please.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With a tray full of rice, vegetables, and grilled pork belly, Sejong settled at a table with Hyang.

“The alternating layers of fat and meat are quite unique. What do you call this?”

“It’s called ‘Samcheong Jeyuk’.”

Hyang showed Sejong how to wrap the pork belly in lettuce.

Intrigued, Sejong followed Hyang’s instructions.

“Is it already the season for lettuce?”

“We grew it experimentally in a glasshouse. The yield is good.”

“I see. They say ‘Fall lettuce should be eaten behind closed doors,’ indicating its delicacy. I’m curious about this early lettuce.”

Sejong assembled a large wrap with several lettuce leaves, added a piece of thinly sliced garlic, a dab of ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce) with his chopsticks, and then rolled it up to eat.

Hyang’s eyes widened at the enormous wrap Sejong prepared.

‘No way! Is he performing a penalty like those comedians on eating shows? Is that really just one bite?’

Sejong, who swallowed the huge wrap in just a few bites, was impressed.

“This is really delicious!”

* * *

After enjoying a pleasant lunch in the cafeteria and coffee in Hyang’s room at Eastern Palace, Sejong leisurely returned to Geunjeongjeon.

“Your Majesty has returned~.”

Hearing the Chief State Councilor’s announcement, the waiting ministers in Geunjeongjeon straightened their postures and bowed deeply.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

As Sejong ascended the throne, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik shook his head.

“Not at all, Your Majesty. How was your lunch at Eastern Palace?”

“It was truly flavorful. You ministers should also try it when you have time…”

Sejong, who was happily sharing his experience, suddenly stopped mid-sentence and fell into thought.

“Your Majesty?”

Worried by Sejong’s abrupt silence, Lee Jik cautiously called out to him. Sejong, raising his hand, said,

“Wait a moment, please.”

The ministers looked at Sejong with anxious faces.

‘What is he planning now!’

‘This happens every time His Majesty and the Crown Prince are together!’

The ministers were silently screaming in terror, their faces filled with dread.

Seemingly unaware of their panic, Sejong, deep in thought, finally spoke.

“We should establish cafeterias in Geunjeongjeon and the Six Ministries similar to the one in Eastern Palace.”

“What?”

“The work of the court consumes a tremendous amount of mental energy, does it not? While I have meals according to protocol, the ministers and officials of the Six Ministries do not, which is a significant problem. Overexertion leads to rapid depletion of energy. If we establish cafeterias like the one in Eastern Palace for them to have meals, wouldn’t it help replenish their energy?”

The ministers pondered Sejong’s words. Even now, many officials sneak out at noon to buy food nearby or have their meals brought from home.

‘This won’t be a loss.’

Convinced there was no downside, the ministers agreed with Sejong’s proposal.

“Please proceed as you wish, Your Majesty!”

Consequently, cafeterias were established in Geunjeongjeon and the Six Ministries.

The response from the officials was mostly positive, but a few had reservations.

“What’s the matter? You look like you’re counting rice grains.”

A colleague’s inquiry prompted a hesitant response from one official.

“It feels like we’re being fed like cattle before plowing the fields.”

“Even so…”

* * *

On a deep night transitioning from March to April.

“I can’t sleep. Chief Eunuch, let’s take a walk.”

“Yes.”

After finishing his work and before retiring to bed, Sejong quietly left Gangnyeongjeon and started walking.

Wandering around Gyeongbokgung, Sejong’s steps eventually led him to Gwanghwamun’s watchtower. Climbing up, he looked over the night view of Hanyang, his gaze settling towards the area where the Six Ministries were located.

“Lights are still on at this hour.”

“Recently, many officials have been working late,” the Chief Eunuch informed him.

“Is that so?”

Hearing the Chief Eunuch’s response, Sejong continued his walk.

The next morning, as soon as the court meeting began, Sejong, recalling the scene he had witnessed the previous night, asked the Chief State Councilor.

“Are there many officials working late into the night?”

“Quite a few, Your Majesty.”

“Ah, then they must be tired. Do the officials have a place to rest?”

“There are duty rooms in each office, but they are not sufficient in number.”

“Hmm… That’s problematic. Working so hard without proper rest…”

Sejong’s concerned expression prompted the ministers to silently plead.

‘Please, reduce our workload!’

‘If only the workload could be lessened!’

“What to do…”

After pondering for a while, Sejong reached a decision.

“Construct buildings for duty rooms in each office. Install double-decker beds in these rooms so that as many officials as possible can rest comfortably. Also, include washrooms for basic hygiene.”

“…As you command, Your Majesty.”

The ministers replied, their voices trembling.

The officials, upon hearing Sejong’s decree, reacted similarly.

“First they make us eat at the office, now they don’t want us to go home!”

“Our children won’t even recognize their fathers!”

“I might as well submit my resignation now…”

Although they talked of resigning, the officials couldn’t actually submit their resignation letters. Leaving their posts would mean losing their pensions and many other benefits.