King of Commerce, Yeonsan-gun Ch.23
Common People - Part 3
As Kyung-sik exited Gwanghuimun (光熙門), a row of shanties stretched out before him.
They were identical to those he had seen in the refugee camp — filled with people waiting for death.
With winter in full swing, many sick had already died and lay waiting to be buried. The ground was still frozen, making burial impossible.
'What kind of medical welfare does Joseon have... besides the Hyeminseo? What about the rest of the world at this time?'
In Joseon, the only formal medical institutions were the Naeuiwon, Jeonuigam, and Hyeminseo in Hanyang. Each province had a few medical students, but these positions were typically inherited and trained by the local magistrates, lacking proper facilities or institutions.
Contemporary Western societies weren't highly advanced either, but they had towns developed around monasteries and hospitals for the poor or pilgrims, offering better relief compared to Joseon.
Of course, even if pre-modern medicine were expanded, it wouldn't save these people. Throughout most of history, medicine was of little practical use.
Improvements in human lifespan during the transition to modernity were mainly due to better nutrition, hygiene, and reduced infant mortality rates.
'Even if we do something for these people... perhaps all we can do is let them spend their final days in warmer places...'
As Kyung-sik mentally organized his tasks as king, he turned back towards Kyunggang's ports.
In the space that should have allowed the merchant class to grow unregulated by the government, Yongsan had transformed into a small city with earthen walls and wooden fences, managed by appointed officials.
The sajuin who dominated this area would, in later Joseon history, evolve into innkeepers, guest masters, and gongin (licensed merchants) as they accumulated capital. But under Kyung-sik’s management, these sajuin were forced to adapt more quickly.
Despite having official inns and storage facilities run by the government, former sajuin still operated as private lodging and warehouse services.
The state-run facilities were often just confiscated homes from some of the sajuin, so they weren’t particularly superior, and the surge in logistics overwhelmed the state facilities.
However, the difference now was that those running these businesses were officially registered with the government. With the state as their official backer, they thrived and paid taxes diligently according to the merchant standards.
This developing commercial town had already begun to expand its entertainment district, openly conducting activities that would have been more discreet within the Seoul city walls.
Despite the king's efforts to instill discipline among officials and increase administrative staff, a year was too short for everything to become immaculate. In fact, some things had worsened.
Illegal breweries had already established themselves with a nod from the authorities.
Winter meant fewer guests due to frozen rivers, but it was a perfect time for side businesses. Companies with headquarters in Seoul operated secondary businesses here, including the brothel An Jung-nam protected.
“Pant, pant! Did we lose them?”
“Do you think they already know we’re smuggling the liquor? Otherwise, how could they follow us so precisely?”
“Then isn’t hiding the liquor useless? Should we just ditch the barrels and run?”
“Don’t talk nonsense! Do you know how much each barrel is worth?”
With the yeast not fermenting well in winter, they had to rely on the liquor made in autumn to get through the season. With the prohibition raising prices, abandoning the barrels was unthinkable.
So, they were lugging the barrels around on their backs without using carts, struggling as they went.
Finally, they arrived at Yongsan. Their mission was nearly complete if they could return the barrels to the branch’s brewery.
But something strange happened.
“Hold on, what are you carrying? There’s no official seal. I need to check this.”
A suspiciously sharp soldier, whom they hadn’t seen before, was guarding the gates of Yongsan and stopped the smugglers.
Assuming the new soldier was yet to be bribed, they slyly offered him some paper money.
“How dare you try to bribe your way out of this! You must not have heard, but I am Kim Mak-dong, a loyal soldier favored by His Majesty! I will not forgive such corruption!”
If the king had heard, he might have thought, 'Just because I gave him some candy doesn’t mean he’s my favorite!' Nonetheless, this was how Yongsan’s order was being maintained.
An Jung-nam desperately tried to steer the king away from Yongsan to anywhere else within Kyunggang’s three ports.
“Your Majesty, as you have already inspected Yongsan, perhaps we could head to Mapo or Seogang this time?”
“Hmm, that’s a good idea, but isn’t it already past 2 PM? We won’t have enough time to return before dark.”
“Indeed, even reaching Yongsan might take some time. It’s still January, and the days are short.”
“That’s true... Shall we head back then?”
‘Finally!’
“No, wait. Isn’t the auction until 3 PM? Even if the river is frozen and no boats are coming in, the peddlers' auction should still be happening. If we hurry, we can catch it.”
‘Damn it! We’re going after all!’
Serving a whimsical superior is challenging. An Jung-nam, with a sullen expression, followed the king. In his haste, the king even borrowed a horse and rode straight to Yongsan.
But upon arrival, something seemed off.
“How dare you flaunt His Majesty’s favor! Who do you think you are?”
“You’re acting all high and mighty!”
From afar, it looked like the soldiers guarding the gate were in a scuffle with the peddlers trying to enter.
This was a perfect moment for a noble to intervene, and Kyung-sik stepped in.
“What’s the commotion here?”
“Ah...! Sir...!”
Kim Mak-dong, recognizing Kyung-sik, lit up with a smile.
In contrast, the peddlers and An Jung-nam paled.
Mak-dong began to explain the situation eagerly.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t a case of righteous soldiers versus smugglers.
Mak-dong, insisting on strict adherence to rules, had clashed with his fellow soldiers and even been reprimanded by his superior, the gatekeeper.
In a kingdom where corruption is the norm, those who adhere to rules often face punishment.
The gatekeeper also recognized the king and turned ashen.
“Why do you reprimand Mak-dong when he is right? Inspect their goods.”
No one questioned the young noble’s authority to issue such orders anymore.
The peddlers, prostrated on the ground, watched as the soldiers and guards searched their load, revealing barrels of rice wine and soju.
While everyone else tensed up, the king remained calm.
‘As expected, illegal alcohol surfaces as soon as a prohibition is enforced...’
Seeing the guards ready to draw their swords with expressions asking, ‘Shall we cut them down?’, Kyung-sik calmed them. He couldn’t fathom why they always seemed so ready to escalate things.
“Who are you, and why are you bringing such alcohol into the city? Judging by the soju and rice wine, it seems you were planning to serve wealthy patrons.”
Thinking all was lost, the peddlers confessed everything.
They admitted to smuggling liquor from a brothel in Seoul, brewing it here in Yongsan, and bribing officials to keep it hidden.
Fortunately for An Jung-nam, his name didn’t come up, thanks to Kim Gyeo-ul’s involvement in the tip-off process.
The king turned his attention to the gatekeeper.
The man was trembling more violently than the peddlers.
“Gatekeeper Ju Yoon-moon of Yongsan, though your duties are pressing and I am not in the royal chamber to punish you now, don’t expect to remain in your position tomorrow.”
Then, looking at Mak-dong, he added,
“Soldier Kim Mak-dong has shown great integrity and deserves recognition. Your service will be discussed further in the royal chamber, so continue your duties here until then.”
Finally, he addressed the captured smugglers.
The peddlers feared the king’s prolonged silence towards them.
“It’s too cold to handle this here. Let’s discuss it back at the palace. Take them into custody and hand them over to the Hanseongbu.”
After observing Yongsan a bit more, Kyung-sik decided to return to the palace.
With the river still frozen, no boats were visible. Instead, goods were carried on backs and in carts, indicating that most traders were peddlers during this season.
In addition to government-run warehouses, private storage buildings had expanded significantly. Though hastily constructed and in poor condition, they caught Kyung-sik’s attention.
‘There are quite a few carts around each warehouse. I thought people were reluctant to use carts.’
Contrary to popular belief that ‘carts were not used in Joseon,’ Kyung-sik, despite his critical view of Joseon, knew this was a misconception even before coming here.
The argument about why carts weren’t widely used in Joseon often revolved around the lack of roads and technology. However, even in regions with more challenging terrain, China frequently built roads, and carts were commonly used during the Three Kingdoms period within Korea.
Lack of demand due to underdeveloped commerce and peace, reducing the need for large-scale transportation, seemed a more plausible reason to Kyung-sik.
Despite encouraging the use of carts, reports often stated that carts broke down outside the city walls, forcing people to carry loads on their heads.
Thus, Kyung-sik planned gradual improvements. But seeing the widespread use of carts in Kyunggang's three ports indicated that they were more common than he thought.
Peddlers were bidding on items at the nearing end of the auction.
These traders, consistently paying their 5% transaction tax, were the most diligent among Joseon’s merchants.
“This next item is of exceptional quality! Sable pelts from the six frontier towns! Even the palace would envy these!”
“Every item today claims to be the finest. Where’s the integrity?”
“Yeah! Looks like rabbit fur brushed with charcoal!”
“Hey, I haven’t even started the bidding! If you’re not buying, don’t spoil the auction! Starting at 100 jeon for ten pelts!”
“...”
“See, no one’s bidding! Lower the price!”
“Boo!”
The auctioneer scowled at the jeering crowd.
“Is cho-pi (sable fur) that popular in Joseon? Everywhere I go, it’s all anyone talks about.”
“Since King Seongjong’s reign, the trend of luxury in cho-pi has been recurring annually.”
“At least it’s the end of winter, so the prices seem lower than last month. The merchant in the market was definitely overcharging.”
Reflecting on his studies of early modern European economic history, Kyung-sik thought about the fur trade.
Although he had primarily applied his knowledge of economics to Joseon, his other major in history had focused on early modern European social and economic history.
The fur trade was a significant topic in early modern European history.
The Little Ice Age in the 17th century had increased the demand for warm clothing, making fur both a necessity and a luxury.
Sable and beaver furs were particularly sought after. Russia expanded into Siberia for sable, while Western Europe pursued beaver in Canada.
‘Although it’s not the Little Ice Age yet in the 16th century, the demand for fur in Joseon could be due to the continental climate and increased wealth. I might have stumbled upon a new business opportunity.’
Considering how he could use the fur trade for development, Kyung-sik continued to observe.
As the auction neared its end, nearby inns began to solicit customers.
“Sir, are you here for business in Seoul? Instead of entering the city, why not stay with us? The prohibition in Seoul means you won’t even get a sip of liquor.”
‘With illegal liquor flourishing just outside the city, what’s the point of prohibition?’
As a merchant attempted to solicit him, a soldier intervened, trying belatedly to enforce the prohibition.
“You rascal! Do you think the law doesn’t apply here? How dare you defy the prohibition!”
The merchant, accustomed to bribing his way out, slyly slipped some paper money to the soldier.
Since the king’s arrival, the previously lax soldier turned strict. “Do you think I’m looking for a bribe?” he barked.
“Soldier, come here.”
The soldier’s voice dropped when addressed by the 'high-ranking noble' whose identity remained unknown.
“Yes, sir?”
“It’s fine. You can go.”
“But...”
“I’ll speak to your superior. There’s no need to trouble these merchants.”
The soldier sheepishly retreated.
Sensing something off, the merchant adopted a more humble tone.
“Ah... I didn’t realize you were such a distinguished guest... I understand if our establishment isn’t suitable for you.”
With that, he retreated.
But the hawkers were many. A second merchant approached.
“Judging by your attire, you must be of high status. Why not stay at our inn?”
Kyung-sik was surprised to see a merchant dressed so opulently. The man's silk clothes, multiple layers of sable fur, and large hat were far from what a commoner would wear.
High-ranking merchants, like those from the bo-sangdae-go, were often criticized by officials for mimicking the attire of noblemen. It seemed this man was a perfect example.
Judging by his attire, Kyung-sik could guess how well his establishment must be doing.
“No, thank you. I’ll be returning to Seoul soon. I’m just out for a brief inspection.”
“Is that so? Then I won’t keep you.”
“By the way, what’s your name?”
Kyung-sik called the retreating hawker back.
“Nothing noteworthy for a lowly merchant like myself, but I go by Cheon Gu-ji-geum (千仇知金).” (*3)
Kyung-sik inspected Cheon’s attire from head to toe before speaking.
“You’ve made a fortune in the fur trade. You must be dealing in cho-pi here. I suspect you trade not just sable but various hides. Likely, your father established this business long ago.”
“That’s correct. How did you know?”
Kyung-sik hadn’t suddenly developed Sherlock Holmes-like powers of deduction; it was a simple inference.
Given the auction for cho-pi, Cheon was likely a merchant dealing in related goods. His heavy use of sable fur indicated he was promoting his own product.
Since sable fur is limited in supply, Cheon probably dealt in various hides to sustain his business. Not participating in the fake sable auction suggested he recognized other types of furs.
Given the time it takes to accumulate such wealth, and since the trend of cho-pi started during King Seongjong’s reign, it was plausible that Cheon’s father began this trade a generation ago.
Seeing Cheon’s grand attire, Kyung-sik understood why nobles grumbled about regulating merchants' attire. It made a lot of sense in this context.
‘I need to find a way to properly tax these merchants. Implementing a corporate tax isn’t feasible yet, but there must be another way.’
Noticing how tense Cheon had become under his scrutiny, Kyung-sik eased up.
“Ahem. It’s nothing. I didn’t mean to hold you up. I must return to Seoul before dark. Farewell.”
“Yes, Lord Yeonsangun!”
‘...Why did I pick that title when asked about my rank earlier... It’s so awkward to hear...’
Hearing that the king had personally captured criminals again, the officials were worried. Did this king think he was a constable?
Even the Royal Medical Office rushed to inquire about his well-being.
“Your Majesty! Have you injured yourself?”
Last time, rumors had spread that the king had personally beaten up sajuin with a mace (though it never happened), so it was natural for them to misunderstand.
“There’s no need for concern. I am unhurt. Cease this commotion.”
Leaving the unsure medical officers behind, the king used the pretext of an evening study session to gather his ministers.
The officials, hiding their weariness, braced themselves. This king often turned study sessions into policy discussions, using unheard-of theories to assert his decisions.
What new and mysterious idea would he present tonight?
Particularly wary were the finance officials. From experience, they knew that when the king started with a casual tone, it often led to a workload bomb landing in their lap.
As soon as the king began speaking, the finance officials were nearly in a panic.
“Your Majesty! We haven’t even finished last year’s tax settlements yet. Another reform would be too much!”
“Hmm? I didn’t mention any new reforms...”
Kyung-sik thought he was giving his ministers a break by slowing down lately, but the finance department was still swamped. Year-end settlements were their busiest time.
Terrifyingly, the finance officials' apprehension was accurate. Over the past few days, the king had considered numerous changes after observing the city.
“Ahem! I didn’t call this session to announce new laws. While inspecting the city, I noticed soldiers using the prohibition as an excuse to cause trouble. So, I’ve decided to lift the prohibition and instead punish a few slackers while rewarding those who showed integrity.”
“Such matters should be discussed in the royal chamber, not during a study session...”
“I see. You’re right. We can discuss it in the chamber tomorrow. Let’s end this session early.”
The king’s abrupt decision to leave after gathering them prompted the ministers to hold him back.
“Your Majesty! As the sovereign, your health is of utmost importance!”
“Though you say you’re unharmed, the winter cold could have weakened your vitality. The royal physician should examine you.”
The ministers couldn't help but worry about their energetic young king. Assuring them he was fine, Kyung-sik allowed the physician to examine him before retiring to his quarters.
The king’s day of exploration around Seoul ended this way.
Upon hearing that the king had once again personally apprehended criminals, the queen, initially alarmed, was relieved to find him safe and received a gift he had purchased from the market. Contrary to the ministers' concerns, it seemed the king hadn’t lost his vigor in the cold.
A young merchant named Kim Jung-bok, grumbling about being forced to give a sable earmuff on credit to a “young noble,” realized the identity of his customer when palace servants came to settle the 250 jeon bill. He trembled upon understanding who had taken his goods.
Commoners Park Jang-soe and Jo Pal-wol, who had gotten into a scuffle at the market and were amicably detained by the Hanseongbu, felt uneasy as more troublesome characters arrived.
Son Geom-bul, who sold a mal of millet for 1 jeon, finally enjoyed a meal of white rice at home.
Returning to his barracks after duty, Kim Mak-dong regaled his fellow soldiers with exaggerated tales of his exploits.
“So, as I stood firm against those rogues, His Majesty appeared on horseback! Swinging a mace! He struck down the scoundrels!”
“Wow!”
“Is that for real? Why would the king...”
“Hey, don’t ruin the mood. Just listen.”
Separating from the king as he entered his quarters, An Jung-nam, the steward, slipped away to the brothel he managed at the Kyung-joo Inn.
“Haha! His Majesty is lifting the prohibition! You’re all safe! Thank me for persuading the king!”
“Did you really speak with His Majesty, Steward An?”
Kim Gyeo-ul, who had seen An Jung-nam’s bumbling earlier, asked skeptically.
“How dare you doubt your elders!”
Intrigued by the mysterious “Lord Yeonsangun,” whom he had encountered earlier, Cheon Gu-ji-geum discreetly inquired about him from Jung Soo-jo, the highest-ranking guest at his inn.
“Sir Hanam-gun, have you heard of a noble named Yeonsangun residing in Seoul?”
“Yeonsangun? No such noble exists.”
“A pale, fair-skinned man with a handsome face, albeit with some acne. He looked to be about twenty, clean-shaven, tall, and slim. His eyes seemed to have a reddish tinge.”
“...Did you truly meet such a person? Listen well, and do not speak of this to anyone.”
As the officials departed for the day, they couldn’t shake off the anxiety caused by their king, who seemed to create new tasks wherever he went.
It was clear this year would be filled with much work.
Notes:
This is a continuation from Episode 14, "The Finance Ministry Is Being Worn Out." After confiscating properties from former sajuin under Yun Eul-ro, the government repurposed these as “Bangjeo” (official lodging) and “Kwan-go” (state warehouses) for storing auction goods.
The roads and carts of Joseon were often criticized by contemporaries and later scholars, who highlighted their inadequacies. This has sometimes led to exaggerated claims that carts were nonexistent. However, this wasn't entirely true. The underdeveloped commerce and lack of large-scale transportation needs likely contributed to the minimal use of carts and roads in Joseon. For more on this, see Yong-wook Lee’s "Study on the Roads and Carts of Korea from the Goryeo to Joseon Dynasty."
Cheon Gu-ji-geum was a real historical figure mentioned in the Annals of King Jungjong. He lived in Mapo, not Yongsan, and amassed great wealth through trading. In history, he and his family were punished for excessive luxury, leading to their deaths. King Jungjong reprimanded the Saheonbu for their severe punishment, prompting criticism from officials who believed that punishing a lowly merchant for extravagance was justified.
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