The battle between Seo Seons remaining soldiers and the secret police was fierce.
The remaining soldiers fought desperately to escape, while the secret police, seeking revenge for past grievances, fought with a do-or-die attitude.
Why are you blocking us?
Didnt I tell you? Debts must be repaid!
Clang! Clash! Crash!
Chase them!
Catch them!
In the back alleys of Unjongga, a battle even more brutal than the one at Gyeongbokgung Palace unfolded.
The martial skills of the soldiers, gathered by Yangnyeong as he road the country, were outstanding.
However, the secret polices mbers were no less formidable. They were either soldiers from powerful families or skilled martial artists who had not passed the military service examination.
Moreover, the secret police had the advantage in numbers and knew how to fight dirty.
Swoosh!
Cough!
Still so tough after Ive already killed three of you
As Ki Nam, who had just slashed open a the secret police mbers chest, surveyed the area to find a way out, sharp throwing knives flew from behind, piercing his arms and legs.
Ugh!
As a knife struck his leg, Ki Nam staggered with a short cry.
Seizing the mont, a the secret police mber plunged a sword into Ki Nams chest.
Clang!
As the sword pierced his chest, Ki Nams sword fell from his hand.
The the secret police mber who had stabbed Ki Nam kicked him away.
As the sword was pulled out, Ki Nam reached out his hands. He tried to speak, but with his pierced chest, his breath escaped him.
Eventually, Ki Nam collapsed to the ground with a look of despair.
The battle that ensued lasted for over an hour before it finally ended.
Weve killed them all.
Good work. What about our losses?
Eight in Dadoong, six in Bukchon, and we lost eight.
Tch What a loss!
The head of Unjonggas the secret police clucked his tongue upon receiving the report.
The damage was more severe than anticipated. Adding to the losses suffered in battles against those cursed traitors, they had lost about half of their mbers.
What about these bodies?
Gather all the weapons and dump the bodies in front of the governnt office.
Yes, understood.
After issuing orders to his mbers, the head of Unjonggas the secret police walked over to the other leaders.
Our losses are significant.
Indeed.
The leader from Dadoong agreed briefly, but the leader from Bukchon looked particularly distressed.
At least the dead will be taken care of by our lord, but filling our ranks will be a problem.
The other two leaders nodded gravely at the words of the Bukchon leader.
The leader from Dadoong, pondering the problem of replenishing their numbers, looked at the other leaders.
It seems targeting those who failed the military exams would be our best bet.
With the ongoing reforms of Sejong, the distinction between the literary and military branches beca more pronounced. Positions nominally in the military branch, but actually held by literati, had disappeared.
Consequently, the number of applicants for the military exams had significantly increased.
Especially with the impending official confirmation of rumors about the establishnt of a military academy, the competition had beco even fiercer.
With the increasing competition, the expansion of military recruitnt opportunities had not brought much change.
Hence, the leader from Dadoong suggested targeting those who failed the military exams.
At this suggestion, the leader from Bukchon pointed out a problem.
The idea of targeting those who failed the military exams is indeed the best, but the problem is how to handle their stubborn pride, especially since they have attempted the exams. Dont they see us as uncultured swordsn?
The leaders from Bukchon voiced this concern, and the other two leaders responded simultaneously.
Werent we uncultured rascals until not so long ago?
Thats what Im saying
These people, really!
After so back-and-forth, the leaders eventually agreed to recruit those who failed the military exams and moved on to the next topic.
What do you think will happen next?
What do you an?
The uprising in the palace has been quelled, but isnt the south still in chaos?
At Dadoongs leaders words, the leaders from Unjongga and Bukchon fell into thought. After a prolonged silence, the eldest leader from Bukchon spoke up.
For now, we should lay low. Except for executing orders from our lord, we should not take any initiative.
The other leaders from Dadoong and Unjongga nodded in agreent to the words of the Bukchon leader.
Thats the best approach. We should preserve ourselves for the ti being. A harsh winter storm seems to be brewing over Gyeongbokgung.
Theres also the saying about being discarded after use.
The leaders believed that while they might be useful tools for Sejong, they could also beco a nuisance politically.
Now is the ti to stay low and just observe the situation!
* * *
As the leaders had anticipated, a severe storm was brewing inside Geunjeongjeon.
Seated in the council hall still in armor, Sejong glared down at his ministers with a fierce expression.
The ministers, unsettled by Sejongs deanor, could only swallow their words in discomfort.
What should we say
Its been a while since the last regular dismissal!
I wondered why these past few days felt unusually peaceful!
The council hall of Geunjeongjeon was filled with silently protesting ministers, councilors, and senior officials.
With the uprising in the south, Sejongs attention had been focused solely on the Ministry of Military Affairs. While he had not completely neglected other matters, given the circumstances, all affairs of the court revolved around military concerns.
Furthermore, due to the uprising, various petitions and administrative reports from the provinces had ceased.
Consequently, departnts other than the Ministry of Military Affairs had unexpectedly found so respite.
As a result of this newfound leisure, officials in the Six Ministries enjoyed the rare pleasure of regular dismissal from court duties.
However, this period of ease was disrupted by the unimaginable event of the palace uprising.
Amidst this silent observation of Sejongs mood, Chief State Councilor Lee Jik cautiously opened his mouth.
Despite the grave situation, Your Majesty remaining unhard is truly a blessing from heaven.
Indeed! It is surely divine protection!
Echoing Lee Jiks words, the ministers unanimously praised the heavens protection.
To the ministers words, Sejong responded briefly with a calm face.
I think so too. However, great credit goes to the Inner Palace Guards and the Golden Army, including the Crown Prince, who exerted all efforts to suppress the traitors.
Imdiately, the Royal Inspector raised an objection.
As Your Majesty says, their contribution is significant, but the sin of allowing the uprising is also great. This must be scrutinized.
It was my command.
Your Majesty?
Confused by Sejongs response, the Royal Inspector raised his voice further.
Then the sin is even greater! Regardless of Your Majestys command, allowing traitors into Geunjeongjeon is unthinkable! If Your Majesty were to be hard, it would be a disaster shaking the very foundation of the nation!
The commanders of the Inner Palace Guards and the Training Commander initially insisted on my evacuation. It was my unilateral decision, so they cannot be blad.
Sejong, referring to himself as I, humbly protected the Training Commander and the commander of the Inner Palace Guards.
However!
As the Royal Inspector continued to object, Sejongs voice sharpened.
Royal Inspector! Then, what would you have considered the right course of action? Should we have allowed the traitors to incite a street battle outside Gyeongbokgung Palace? Would it have been right to turn the many alleys of Hanyang into battlefields, using innocent citizens as shields and firing muskets at each other? If things had turned out that way, could we have suppressed the rebellion in such a short ti?
Challenged by Sejongs rebuke, the Royal Inspector fell silent.
Sejongs point was valid. If a battle had taken place outside Gyeongbokgung Palace to suppress the uprising, it would have led to a fierce urban combat. Such a scenario would have undoubtedly resulted in trendous civilian casualties.
There had already been a precedent for such an event.
The urban combat in Gaegyeong between the armies led by Yi Seong-gye1, who had turned back at Wihwa-do, and those led by Choi Young was one such example.
[TL/N: Turning back the army from Wihwa Island refers to the 1388 episode in which General Yi Seong-gye of the Goryeo dynasty was ordered to march north with his army and invade the Liaodong Peninsula (northeast China, which was under the control of the Ming dynasty), but instead decided to turn back to Kaesong and trigger a coup dtat, thus securing the governnt. This was the first of a series of Yis rebellious actions that eventually led to the establishnt of the Joseon dynasty, with him being installed as King Taejo. Read more on the Wihwa-do Retreat sen.wikipedia/wiki/Wihwado_Retreat]
Finally, the Royal Inspector had to bow his head and admit his mistake.
Please forgive my short-sightedness.
I understand that you said this out of concern for , but it was a decision made after much deliberation, so let us not speak of it further.
I will take your words to heart.
As Sejong silenced the Royal Inspector, Maeng Sa-seong, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.
Your Majesty, did you anticipate that such a treacherous and unfilial event might occur?
To Maeng Sa-seongs question, Sejong responded briefly.
There was intelligence.
Then, wouldnt it have been better to apprehend the traitors beforehand?
Are you suggesting I should have arrested my own brother without solid evidence?
At Sejongs question, Maeng Sa-seong too had to bow his head.
Please forgive my short-sightedness! I was rely concerned for Your Majestys safety!
I understand why you said so, and I will not fault you for it. However, know that I too had much to consider.
I am profoundly grateful.
As the conversation with Maeng Sa-seong concluded, the Minister of Punishnts stepped forward.
How shall we deal with the culprits?
The unrest in the south has not yet been quelled. Once that is settled, we will handle the cases together.
I shall obey Your Majestys command.
Not long after Sejong finished speaking, the Chief Eunuch entered to report.
The Training Commander requests an audience, Your Majesty.
Let him in.
Shortly after, the Training Commander entered Geunjeongjeon, paid his respects to Sejong, and then spoke.
I have imprisoned the leaders of the traitors.
Good work.
Also, a ssage has arrived from the law enforcent office. A group of bodies has been left in front of the office. Judging by their attire, they appear to be traitors involved in the recent uprising.
Is that so?
Seems like the secret police has wrapped things up.
Sejong, having a rough idea of who was behind this, imdiately gave an order.
Find out who has done this good deed and report to .
Yes. Additionally, reports have co from our soldiers sent to Bukchon. They have secured a list of the leaders and accomplices of the traitors.
Those who have received training are at risk of fleeing. Apprehend them imdiately and imprison them.
I obey Your Majestys command!
And what about the handling of the traitors family estates?
According to the report brought by the ssenger, the suppression has been completed.
Send ssengers at dawn to transport them all.
Yes!
And ensure the soldiers are given sufficient rest. They may need to move to the south imdiately if required.
Yes!
Having received Sejongs orders, the Training Commander saluted and promptly exited.
The sll of blood is overwhelming
I feel like I might vomit
As the ministers listened to Sejong and the Training Commanders conversation, they were hit by a strong scent of blood, evoking a sense of nausea.
It was a reminder of the grueso political purges they had experienced during King Taejongs reign, which had left a lasting impression of bloodshed and revulsion in their minds.
* * *
As soon as day broke the next day, a ssenger rode swiftly to the Gyeonggi military camp.
Sejong continued to conduct state affairs while still clad in his armor.
Your Majesty, isnt it ti to take off the armor now?
Chief State Councilor Lee Jik suggested Sejong should remove his armor, but Sejong decisively refused.
I will not remove it until the unrest in the south has been resolved.
The ministers had no choice but to remain silent in response to Sejongs firm decision.
Reports of the battle between the rebel forces in the south and the Joseon army reached the court on the sixth day after the uprising began.
Your Majesty! A report from the Chungcheong military camp! Its a great victory!
Entering Geunjeongjeon breathlessly, Jo Mal-saeng announced the victory of the Joseon army and handed the report to the Chief Eunuch.
After receiving the report from the Chief Eunuch, Sejong quickly read through it.
Having finished reading the contents of the report, Sejong turned to the ministers.
This is indeed good news. The soldiers of the Chungcheong military camp have annihilated the rebels in Cheonan.
It was the first victory report that the court had been eagerly awaiting.
King Taejo[]
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