Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Faced with the unexpected command to enter official service, Lim Soonwook desperately tried to excuse himself.

“Although it’s an honor to be commanded to enter service, am I truly qualified?”

To this, Heo Jo stepped forward.

“Isn’t it true that you passed the civil service examination?”

“But...”

As Lim Soonwook hesitated, Kim Jeom gently persuaded him.

“Sholar Lim, why did you take the civil service exam in the first place? Wasn’t it to fulfill your aspiration of becoming a distinguished scholar of this country? Circumstances might have forced you to give up on that dream, but now you have another opportunity to realize it.”

“However...”

Still unable to decide, the Inspector General intervened.

“Scholar Lim! Taking the civil service exam and entering official service is a duty of Joseon’s scholars! Why hesitate? Such hesitation is unfaithful!”

“Ah...”

At the mention of ‘unfaithfulness,’ Lim Soonwook’s face fell, and he inadvertently let out a sigh.

At this, Kim Jeom explained the situation in the court.

“It might sound like a bolt from the blue to you, Scholar Lim, but the court is in a difficult situation right now. We are short of people.”

“But haven’t the civil service exams been wide open for a few years now?”

Lim Soonwook’s objection was met with a sigh from Kim Jeom.

“Hoo~. That’s true. But many of those who have entered since then are still in minor positions. Additionally, the ongoing reforms have caused new problems.”

“What kind of problems?”

“There’s a lack of proactive individuals. It’s something we too must reflect upon. But currently, the officials are too busy keeping up with the reforms initiated by His Majesty.”

Kim Jeom elaborated on the situation in the court.

With Sejong’s reforms, the number of officials began to rapidly increase.

There were two ways this increase was being accomplished. In the central government, people were recruited through the civil service exams, and in the provinces, local subordinates were promoted to formal official positions.

Promoting local subordinates to official positions was a double-edged sword. It provided them with a salary and opportunities for promotion but also subjected them to the strict application of the avoidance law, which prevented officials from serving in their hometowns.

As a result, the subordinates either had to leave their positions or move to a different region.

Despite this large-scale recruitment of officials both centrally and provincially, problems continued to arise.

The first issue was that both the new officials and the former subordinates struggled to adapt to the reforms. Both groups were having difficulty learning arithmetic, which had become a basic requirement for officials.

While this process allowed for the identification of promising individuals, their numbers were limited, which was a concern.

Continuing his explanation, Kim Jeom added,

“Of course, from this year, we are giving more opportunities to people from the northwest and the ‘serfs,’ which should help us recruit more talent.”

“Forgive me for saying so, but it seems like a mistake on the part of the court.”

Lim Soonwook’s assertion that ‘the court had made a mistake’ drew the focused attention of the ministers, as well as Sejong and Hyang.

Whether he was aware of their focus or not, Lim Soonwook explained what the problem was.

“Those who take the civil service exams are still primarily preparing by studying the classics and poetry. Of course, some may prepare for arithmetic if they have relatives who are current officials, but how many can that be? It needs to be clearly stated what will be assessed in the exams – whether it’s the classics, poetry, or arithmetic. Only then can people avoid double efforts.”

Continuing, Lim Soonwook pointed out what the court had missed.

“Similarly, it’s necessary to inform those who fail the exams exactly why they failed. I’ve witnessed several exams in Hanyang, and they only announced who passed or failed. A little effort to explain the reasons for failure would help those aspiring to enter service to prepare properly and would more clearly distinguish the outstanding candidates.”

“Ah...”

At Lim Soonwook’s observation, Sejong and the ministers all nodded in agreement.

However, the one who was most shocked was Hyang.

‘I forgot about this! Reflect! Reflect!’

Sejong looked at Lim Soonwook with a pleased expression.

“Indeed, a talent! Definitely needed in the court!”

“Your Majesty, but I am...”

As Lim Soonwook tried to excuse himself, Kim Jeom interjected again.

“The issue of junior officials can be addressed as such, but the problem lies with the middle and senior officials.”

“Excuse me?”

“However... a mere merchant becoming a court official could create unfavorable rumors.”

At Lim Soonwook’s hesitance, Sejong asked,

“Do you doubt your ability to avoid the concerns you’re worrying about?”

“No, I do not!”

“Then there’s no problem. Why do we have the Inspector General and the Minister of Law and Punsihments in the court?”

Speechless at Sejong’s words, Lim Soonwook fell silent again.

After more contemplation, Lim Soonwook stood up and bowed deeply to Sejong.

“I, Lim Soonwook, accept Your Majesty’s command! I am profoundly grateful for this immense opportunity given to such an unworthy person like me!”

As Lim Soonwook accepted Sejong’s offer, Sejong made a remarkable move. He stepped down from the throne and approached Lim Soonwook.

“Scholar Lim, stand up.”

As Lim Soonwook stood up, Sejong lightly patted his shoulder.

“I am counting on you in the future.”

“I will devote myself fully, Your Majesty!”

Lim Soonwook was moved to tears, feeling honored by Sejong’s personal encouragement.

Thus, a person who was not visible in the history before Hyang’s intervention now rose to prominence.

* * *

“Then start attending the court after five days. In the meantime, I and the ministers will decide where you will work.”

“Your Majesty, I am truly grateful for this honor, but may I request a fortnight?”

“A fortnight? Why?”

When Sejong asked for the reason, Lim Soonwook calmly explained.

“As per Your Majesty’s word, it will take about five days to sort out my trading company. However, I am not well-versed in the reforms implemented by the court. Although I have observed a lot from the outside, I am unaware of the details, and I need time to understand them.”

“I see. That makes sense!”

Sejong was even more impressed by Lim Soonwook’s explanation.

“Then, as you wish, I will give you a fortnight. However, the key records of the reforms are confidential, and they cannot be circulated outside. Minister of Law and Punishments, listen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sejong commanded the Minister of Law and Punishments.

“Grant Scholar Lim access to the archives where he can study these records.”

“I shall comply with Your Majesty’s command.”

Lim Soonwook bowed deeply again, expressing his gratitude.

“I am immensely grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness!”

* * *

Sejong, particularly pleased with Lim Soonwook, accompanied him to the entrance of Geunjeongjeon Hall.

Lim Soonwook, overwhelmed with emotion, burst into tears, creating a bit of a spectacle.

After seeing off Lim Soonwook, Sejong returned to the throne.

“Now, with whom shall Scholar Lim work?”

Having successfully recruited Lim Soonwook, Sejong asked with a light tone, rubbing his hands together.

Flap! Flap!

Immediately after Sejong’s words, the sleeves of the officials’ robes fluttered as the Chief State Councillor and the ministers raised their hands.

“Huh? Let’s hear from the Chief State Councillor first.”

Surprised by the unexpected turn of events, Sejong commanded the Chief State Councillor, Lee Jik, to speak.

“Scholar Lim’s greatest strength is his discerning eye, making him most suitable for the State Council. The State Council’s work involves coordinating issues raised by various departments, and Scholar Lim Soonwook’s insight will shine brightest there.”

“That sounds plausible.”

As Sejong nodded, Heo Jo urgently cried out,

“Your Majesty! Scholar Lim’s capabilities are perfectly suited for the Ministry of Personnel. The work of this ministry involves managing administration across Joseon. Given Scholar Lim’s insight and experience running a trading company, he is fully capable of handling these responsibilities!”

“Your Majesty! Considering his experience in running a trading company, Scholar Lim is urgently needed in the Ministry of Taxation! Balancing the national finances is a task of utmost importance!”

Starting with Heo Jo and Kim Jeom, the ministers from each department clamored, each claiming that Scholar Lim was necessary for their respective ministries.