episode_0015

The exact number of soldiers’ deaths is not recorded, but considering the death of a significant figure like Manho and the fact that about half of them perished, it’s evident that the losses were severe.

Using the pretext of the Biinhyeon Waegu Incident, Taejong resolves to attack Daemado.

After appointing Yi Jong-mu as the inspector of Samgundo, Taejong leads around 17,000 troops on 200 ships to attack Daemado in June 1419, just one month later.

This marks the third conquest of Daemado.

As a result of the third conquest, they kill around 100 Waegu members, burn over 2,000 homes, and rescue Chinese and Korean captives held as prisoners.

However, the casualties on their side amount to around 180 individuals (according to the Japanese record ‘Daeju Pyeonnyeonnak,’ it states that 123 of their own died, while 2,000 Koreans perished), and they fail to eradicate the Waegu completely.

The main reason being that most of the Waegu had already left for Ming China.

Reflecting on this event, despite hastily mobilizing the army due to the Biinhyeon Waegu Incident, many mistakes were made.

Firstly, they rushed into the expedition without proper preparation.

Just one month after the Biinhyeon Waegu Incident.

Historians suggest that Taejong had been contemplating and preparing for the Daemado expedition even before the Waegu Incident occurred, enabling such a swift response.

In fact, the Waegu had been a significant issue since the Goryeo era.

Records from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty show persistent problems dating back ten years after Taejong’s reign.

Therefore, it is clear that Taejong had long harbored thoughts of expelling the foreigners from Daemado and must have made some preparations in advance.

Yet, even with all that said, isn’t it quite a feat to organize such a large army in just one month from what we call the “Hell Joseon”?

Secondly, it was due to Yi Jong-mu’s lack of judgment and command skills.

Although the Biinhyeon Waegu Incident had not yet occurred, I had prepared in advance to crush them.

I could have gone to Pyeongyang in Pyeongan Province like in the original history and gained fame by defeating the Jurchens, but Taejong’s current focus was on Daemado, so it was better to shine here for a quicker promotion!

There was also a motive to eliminate any seeds of the Imjin War that would occur in the future.

Of course, occupying just Daemado wouldn’t prevent the Imjin War, but shouldn’t we prepare in advance from a reincarnated perspective?

Clap clap clap.

“Oh, Janghagu! Truly Janghagu!”

Sejong exclaimed in admiration, even applauding.

Since he was on a roll, he decided to take one step further.

“Please provide only 500 troops. I will clean up Daemado and return!”

“Just 500 troops? Do you think that will be enough?”

“It’s sufficient!”

He shouted confidently.

The reason for requesting fewer troops was his own calculated reasoning.

No matter how many troops there are, in the confined environment of Daemado, the actual combatants are limited.

Even thinking back to the original historical expedition, it holds true.

Among the 17,000 led by Yi Jong-mu, a third would be involved in transportation or rowing the ships, another third in tasks similar to engineers.

The actual fighters would be a third, but even among them, how many would truly engage in combat?

Based on historical facts, the statement that 17,000 managed to kill only around 100 Waegu members implies that the actual combatants might not have exceeded 1,000.

Furthermore, equipping a large force adequately is not easy and incurs significant costs.

Moreover, a large force demands extensive supplies, making movements sluggish and hindering my plan of striking swiftly and retreating.

In my view, a small force well-equipped is better than a large force.

“If you’re uncertain, discuss it with your subordinates.”

With that, the meeting with Sejong concluded.

Before parting ways with Sejong, I debated whether to give a slight spoiler about the future.

It’s about Sim On, Sejong’s mentor.

Sim On was the fifth son of Shim Deok-boo, one of the founding contributors of Joseon, and Sejong’s mentor.

He wielded great power from a prestigious family, even influencing Taizong to be wary while grooming Sejong as the crown prince.

In the end, he receives a royal decree in January next year and passes away.

“Alright. I shouldn’t overstep my boundaries. If I say something wrong and Taizong catches wind of it, our household will be ruined.”

Quietly stepping back from Sejong, I exited outside.

#

When news spread that I had rapidly risen through the civil service exams up to the literary department, those who knew me were greatly surprised.

My father, who had been estranged due to my marriage, even came all the way to Hanyang himself.

However!

“Father, do you know what this reckless fool said to the king?”

My brother who followed along excitedly recounted tales of suppressing rebels.

Upon hearing this, Father’s face immediately darkened, erupting in anger as he shouted.

“What? Suppressing rebels?”

“…”

“Do you think you’re a high-ranking official or a governor? How dare you talk about suppressing rebels with just 500 men? Just by staying quiet, you could have gotten somewhere, but why dig your own grave!”

“I also have my reasons, Father.”

“You crazy fool. I knew from the start when you started causing trouble! Not only did you pass the civil exams, but you also excelled in the literary department, which brought joy to my heart! Get out!”

Father stood up abruptly and left the room.

Glancing at the trembling Gemi holding the tray, he exclaimed loudly once again before departing.

“Tsk tsk tsk. You foolish boy. I always knew you were naive since you were young, but I never imagined you’d act this foolishly.”

My brother clicked his tongue and followed Father out.

“Hehe. Let’s see who laughs last.”

Internally chuckling, I quickly took the tray from Gemi and comforted her pale face.

Despite being pregnant and full, Gemi insisted on carrying the tray herself, determined to fulfill her duties as a daughter-in-law.

At that moment, she didn’t realize the gravity of the situation.

Contrary to my expectations, there was no laughter in store for me.

Why?

My curiosity wasn’t a demerit; it was an added bonus.

However, Gemi’s actions led to criticism from the courtiers, mentioning that if I held an official position with such a wife, the people would mock the government.

In the end, Gemi’s actions once again hindered my progress.

Sejong expressed regret at losing a valuable talent, but the opposition from the courtiers was strong. As Sejong had recently ascended the throne, he had to consider the people’s sentiments and advised against granting me an official position.

Not only did the expedition to suppress rebels fail, but I couldn’t even secure an official position.

I excelled not only in the civil exams but also in the literary department!

I found myself trapped in an endless waiting game for a government position.

“Huh. What is this?”

It was all too absurd.

I thought I was clever, but now I see I was a fool.

Upon returning from vacation, I had lost my position and was left waiting, oblivious to the signs…

I thought the rumors about Gemi would die down over time, and I never imagined that excelling in both civil and literary exams would affect my official prospects.

“How will my life turn out from here?”

The original history had changed so much that it was unpredictable.

“Should I wander like a beggar?”

Feeling lost.

Right now, I was stuck with no way forward.

Later, Han-hwak, upon learning of the situation, brought expensive liquor to console me.

“I feel very sorry because of my sister…”

“It’s not your fault.”

“However, you were more talented than I thought. To achieve such success even in the civil service examination is quite impressive.”

“Well, it has become useless now.”

“So what should we do? Can you just age without ever receiving an official position?”

“I don’t know for sure right now.”

There was no separate plan in place.

“While rumors are easy to start, they are hard to erase…”

“That’s true.”

Gyemiduchang had become a household name in Joseon.

“Hmm. How about asking your father for help?”

“I heard that even the Prime Minister couldn’t do anything as everyone is against it. It seems like a situation where no one can help.”

“I see. Well then.”

Hanhwak frowned and left, never returning until things were resolved on my end.

Was he being cunning?

Is it natural to sell off your sister and younger brother as concubines?

But in the case of my brother, he directly pointed fingers at Gyemi, expressing his dissatisfaction.

“That’s why there’s nothing wrong with the old saying that a good woman should enter the house.”

“… … …”

“No need to drag this out. If our household is to prosper now, you must make a decision.”

“What decision?”

“Expel her!”

In other words, to let go of simplicity.

“No, I can’t.”

“You can’t! Are you only thinking about yourself? Because of you, it will undoubtedly be difficult for me to rise to a high position in the future, and even if your brother excels in the civil service exam, won’t he be unable to obtain an official position because of you?”

“That won’t happen.”