A bad premonition always proves true.
It's become almost a cliché, but if you look closely, it's a bit more complicated.
People generally overestimate positive possibilities in the future and underestimate negative ones.
Typical examples are gambling, lotteries, stocks, gacha games, and so on. Businesses that no rational human could ever succeed in.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. Hope is a crucial driving force in life.
Yet, if a bad premonition strikes, it likely has solid grounds—strong enough to penetrate the defense mechanism of hope.
The same applies to me.
When the Crown Prince summoned me, I was annoyed but not surprised. I had anticipated it.
In other words, it felt like "what's coming has come."
Fifteen days before the scheduled regency, the Crown Prince summoned me to the Eastern Palace with just a word.
The hope that the scheduled regency (which the Crown Prince surely knew about) and the Crown Princess's formalities would make them completely forget about someone like me was completely opposite to reality.
It was proof of how much authority the Crown Prince actually wielded.
As a modern person, drawing from my historical knowledge, and as Kim Unhaeng, internalizing an abstract awe of the palace, I couldn't imagine him doing this without the king's permission.
Then again, I had underestimated him. One of the historical misdeeds attributed to Crown Prince Sado was that he brought ruffians and thugs into the Eastern Palace.
That act alone meant the Crown Prince could at least decide who stayed in the Eastern Palace.
This is the Crown Prince's domain. Yi Hwon is also a prince of a nation. Not just a powerless son tormented by his father until driven mad and executed.
The Crown Prince's excuse this time was, "I want to discuss methods of scholarly cultivation together with Junjae, who topped the civil service exam in this past era."
Well, that's… quite positive.
Much better than the future Sado, who would gather clowns, shamans, courtesans, and thugs to throw an obscenely mosaic-covered party. He hadn't corrupted yet.
But if he's discussing scholarship, why is there a need for bows and arrows across this wide courtyard?
"Guanzhong!"
Flags rose, drums and gongs sounded. Though naturally simplified compared to the Grand Archery Ceremony of the king, it maintained the general form.
Of course. This is a man ranked fourth in the state's ceremonial hierarchy.
Considering that the queen dowager and queen cannot project power outside the palace, he is effectively second to the people.
So I had no choice but to give him proper respect. I approached the Crown Prince with the expression and movements expected by all sycophants.
"Even the famed archers Yang Youji of Chu and General Li Guang of Han could not match such miraculous skill. That Your Highness demonstrates our founder's valor in this way."
Not entirely flattery; perhaps a small fraction of it was genuine.
Crown Prince Yi Hwon was well-built, unlike Park Ji-won's generous frame—his was firm and solid, likely from growing up well-fed.
Even his visible wrists and arms didn't seem like those of a noble.
Pulling a bow requires full upper-body strength. I had heard that a slender archer's build in games wouldn't suffice unless their body composition was exceptional.
The Crown Prince lowered his bow and said,
"Now. You shoot."
I naturally declined.
"How could I display such crude skill before Your Highness and trouble your eyes?"
But the Crown Prince was persistent.
"Then shall we duel in staffsmanship as initially mentioned? I must observe your stick techniques."
"Please, spare me such praise. If Your Highness commands again, I can only beg you to kill me."
"Enough words. Shoot. You are said to be proficient in a hundred martial arts; surely a bow is within your skill."
Hmm. I wonder if Yeongjo could arrange a think-box for this precious boy earlier… He needs a few days of calm reflection.
Anyway, he's right. I can use a bow.
Because of a skill I thought useless until now.
I didn't want to reveal it in such a setting with no benefit, but it was better than risking death if I opposed the Crown Prince.
I gave in and took the bow. Perhaps not intended for such moments.
[Active Skill 'Lee Seong-gye's Archery' activated.]
Yet even the Crown Prince's words were flawed. "Just a bow"?
Archery is an advanced art. One must train for years to wield it in battle.
Elite skills like the "Baby Arrow" level require at least ten years, even in Joseon, the birthplace of archery. From kings to courtesans, everyone practiced.
Thus, even modern nations restrict bows less than guns, knives, or spears.
Like limiting bare-hand martial arts would, bows aren't strictly prohibited unless accidents happen.
It's not an easy weapon.
I… am an exception.
Whether this skill reflects the "idealized image of Lee Seong-gye's archery" or his actual archery, I don't know.
Honestly, I think Lee Seong-gye's archery anecdotes are about as reliable as the legendary sage's teleportation tales.
Unlike Han Seok-bong's calligraphy, no video confirms Lee Seong-gye's shots.
Yet when I first practiced, I could pierce even a flying goose's eye.
Compared to modern rifles, which I struggled with—buying an administrative soldier's help to punch holes in a target with a pen—this was jaw-dropping.
Do I envy it? Not really. I'd rather order fried chicken than take down a goose.
I didn't boast of the skill. A passing scholar hides his archery. And I intend to keep it hidden. At least in this Seoul.
Before me, the Crown Prince's subtle archery revealed itself in a curious way.
He estimated the Guanzhong's position, then shot slightly off.
Even if he wanted to show humility like his future son, King Jeongjo, he couldn't intentionally miss—it would be obvious.
Out of ten shots, I intentionally let him win most, claiming one or two victories.
Nearly flawless. I strained fully yet showed helplessness.
Like in Go, losing subtly without notice requires a few moves ahead of the opponent. Luckily, I met that condition.
After a while, my arms shook from exhaustion.
"My skill cannot reach Your Highness's."
That wasn't acting.
Even if the skill handles the bow, it is my body that sustains it.
I'll need push-ups at home. Fingers might snap, shoulders dislocate.
Luckily, the Crown Prince seemed satisfied. Playing with a child is exhausting, disgusting even.
But he wasn't just a reckless kid.
"I see your skill is not in vain. Still, as I summoned you, it would be improper to send you back yet. Enter. Recite a few poems while controlling the chill in the palace wings, then return."
Good. Today, we can claim to have been immersed in poetry all day. Other courtiers seemed to understand the atmosphere.
I followed the Crown Prince inside, relieved.
Though it was a show, perhaps to prepare for intrusions, he rummaged through books to use for decoration.
I wondered why no attendants followed.
Apparently, the Crown Prince wasn't meticulous with tidiness. He knocked over some books while searching.
"Your Highness, are you unharmed?"
I leapt toward him, ready to shield against projectiles—that's the loyalty of a minister. Not just for show.
But my movement was too quick.
The Crown Prince flinched, reaching to block me.
By then, I had already lifted the audacious books covering his feet.
Those books were truly audacious.
As I opened them, I was shocked by the illustrations.
In Joseon, where stimulating media was rare, the impact was intense.
Even the hidden titles inside covers were shocking.
"≪Byeonichae≫…?"
Why is this legendary hardcore BL novel here?
You… read this?
After the commotion, the Crown Prince dismissed everyone and we sat alone.
Unsure what to say, I decided to comfort him.
"Even if ≪Jin Ping Mei≫ is forgivable, ≪Uichunhyangjil≫ too… I know these are hard to obtain in Yan Jing due to prohibitions. The bindings and illustrations are exquisite. Truly remarkable works."
"…You truly are a past exam top scorer, mastering all books from past to present."
No, sorry, this is a hero's knowledge from another world.
These were all ultra-explicit novels.
Let's not mention the rare case where women don't appear—except in Jin Ping Mei. Respect diverse tastes; that's modern morality.
I recalled recent academic research in Korea.
Many focus only on Sado's death.
But Yi Hwon had a life and achievements that burned brightly.
He compiled ≪Chinese Novel Illustration Collection≫ with detailed illustrations, reviewing various Chinese novels.
Why was this literary accomplishment unknown? Think of it as modern Korea's equivalent of curating a shocking porn wiki.
It wasn't until the 2000s that scholars confirmed these were Sado's.
Why so late? The preface author hid his identity, calling himself only "Wansan Yi."
Why hide it? Embarrassment.
By the era's standards, erotic novels weren't considered refined. Being erotic was criminal if discovered, regardless of homosexual or heterosexual content.
Sado mainly collected such works for ≪Chinese Novel Illustration Collection≫. He did include "legitimate" works like ≪Romance of the Three Kingdoms≫ or ≪Water Margin≫, but the main intent is clear.
His mastery started accumulating then.
The collection was likely completed just days before he was placed in the rice chest.
That's why no one followed me into his room.
I wanted to tease him but didn't dare. I lowered my voice and bowed slightly, saying,
"I swear to keep your secret. Youthful desires are natural; there's no shame. Please rest your mind."
In hindsight, a contradiction: not shameful, yet secret?
Like teaching elementary students that sexuality isn't shameful—they still hide folders from parents.
I lifted my head with a solemn expression. The Crown Prince mirrored it.
"What do you want?"
Hmm? He's progressing fast. Makes sense—he wouldn't want discovery by the bride in a few days or by the father. I understand.
I had no intention of using secrets for gain, but if offered first, that's different.
Of course, if I revealed my desires now, that would be rookie. I spoke contrary to my heart.
"What could I desire? I deserve death for disturbing Your Highness's mind, even after passing the civil service exam through talent."
"You mean you know I chose your poetry for review?"
No, I meant that passing was thanks to the king, not him.
But what else could I say?
"Most humble thanks."
"Do not find it strange. I've never left the palace until fifteen. Thus, I freed my restless body through martial arts and my lonely heart through such books… Anyway, you'll soon have the regency edict, won't you?"
The Crown Prince, after complaining, regained composure and offered a deal.
"My father would not forgive, so as regent I must obey orders. I can do a small favor for you. You have not yet been reinstated after dismissal. Shall I send you to the Office of the Secretariat?"
No, silly. That pays nothing. Ah, he doesn't know my finances.
I sighed inwardly, contemplating how to hint my wishes subtly yet clearly.
Though distorted by some kings for political use, regency was a useful system in a lifelong monarchy. In Joseon, it had its function multiple times.
Even if Yeongjo started it to torment his children and control officials, it had to be formally observed.
On the 20th day of the first lunar month, the regency edict arrived as scheduled.
The court divided into two: the regent as "de facto king" and the real king handling major matters.
If the regent only handled routine matters, he'd just advertise his foolishness.
The Crown Prince showed humility by asking about minor affairs. Makes sense.
Yet Yeongjo scolded, "Then why have a regent?"
If handled arbitrarily, he scolded, "He thinks he is king now!"
Moreover, in February, he lectured the Crown Prince on governance, warning, "Be upright in front and avoid licentious acts behind, like Emperor Cheng of Han."
Of course, the shocking folders weren't discovered. Emperor Cheng's story: married multiple beauties, overindulged, and died from excess. Not exactly a first-night lecture material.
Hearing it firsthand, Yeongjo transcended history. The man was… something else.
Despite struggles, the Crown Prince kept his promise. Likely to recruit me quickly before misbehavior caused problems.
Was Na Gyeong-eon's accusation the trigger for Sado's eventual execution?
I have no intention to expose the Crown Prince.
In Joseon, who dares to expose royal misdeeds? The accuser must first secure legal and VIP protection.
Yeongjo acknowledged Na Gyeong-eon's loyalty, yet punishment followed. Hierarchy comes first; morality later.
Thus, I abandoned interest in Sado's folders. Kids will be kids.
Instead, Jangbok and Eoji packed our things, whistling. Among them were gifts from the Crown Prince.
Jangbok sighed exaggeratedly.
"Master… How can you be so joyful, leaving your hometown and hardships ahead? What mischief occurred in the Eastern Palace?"
"Tch. Mouth too free. Do not guess my intentions. Know only that your master passed the civil service exam."
"If I pass twice, I'll die as a wandering ghost."
"You never fail at talk, Eoji."
"Shall I… strike?"
"Hit him properly. Looks like he bought the first full-moon heat wrongly since the New Year."
"Ah! Ah! I apologize! Eoji, you… aah!"
"Who would think we're climbing Samsu Gap-san? Walking only to Cheonan, and such drama?"
That February, I was appointed magistrate of Mokcheon County in Chungcheong Province.
Rank: Junior Sixth Grade. The Crown Prince handled it neatly.
Though law would grant me Regular Sixth Grade for passing the exam, my previous dismissal lowered it one step.
Still, not a demotion. From my original Eumseo rank of Eighth Grade, it seemed fine.
But as a top scorer, it's like assigning a central office employee to a local office.
Moreover, being a county magistrate, rather than governor (Fifth Grade), resembles exile historically. Officials often received such posts for minor missteps.
Thus, powerful figures like Hong Bong-han were satisfied.
A young upstart dared to oppose them and was expelled. The image was complete.
Likely why King Yi Geum consented.
Politics is like dance; after a step forward, one must retreat. Yeongjo reminded me and the Andong Kim clan not to expect too much.
In short, the outcome wasn't just trading secrets about the Crown Prince's erotic books.
Yeongjo's political style and complex court circumstances coincidentally produced a favorable outcome for me.
Mokcheon County had little of note.
But a magistrate isn't confined strictly.
Actually, laws do restrict travel, but with thought, plenty of opportunities exist to enrich my household.
Not out of greed, but a Prime Minister needs money. Even local council nominations are competitive—imagine a Prime Minister.
At the time Sado starts spiraling and angering powerful factions, lying low is second best.
Untangling such entanglements is wise. Moreover, to reach high office, serving in the provinces is essential.
I recalled the status screen upon appointment.
[Second mandatory objective activated.]
[Mandatory Objective: Obtain the Merit Monument (Hidden sub-goal: 1)]
I smiled inwardly.
This civil service game seems influenced by my choices.
By disrupting my place at the ceremony, the southern trip triggered the civil exam objective.
Until I solidified my path after completing the first objective, the second didn't appear. First and additional objectives are linked.
Now, with a provincial post, the goal to acquire the Merit Monument appeared.
Both mandatory objectives stemmed from my decisions.
Ah, I hadn't checked the sub-goal.
Having topped the exam, I could see it due to my foresight. Normally invisible.
While Jangbok grudgingly loaded the luggage, I revealed the hidden sub-goal.
Jangbok looked back at my foolish exclamation.
"Did you step on an early snake in Jeong-iwol?"
Even against his disapproval, I couldn't respond.
The status screen seemed to mock me.
[Hidden Sub-Goal: Conduct your own wedding]
Could it be a penalty for manipulating this brat toward marriage?
Notes / Historical Context:
Sado and Yeongjo cannot be simply categorized as innocent victims or malicious perpetrators. Political environment aside, responsibility lies more with Yeongjo, yet both personalities contributed to the tragedy. Sado abused subordinates in the Eastern Palace after the regency and Crown Princess Hye Kyung's customs.
Kim Unhaeng's knowledge is a hybrid of Joseon scholarly and modern historian knowledge. Some historical details remain unknown. The novels Sado collected are modernly known facts. The Chinese Novel Illustration Collection was mainly a review anthology; illustrations existed but weren't extreme in the originals.
According to ≪Hanjungnok≫, Sado didn't leave the palace until age 15. Yeongjo rarely allowed external visits even during formal events.
References to Emperor Cheng of Han were lectures in Yeongjo's 24th and 25th years, as noted.
The "buying the first full-moon heat incorrectly" joke originates from a folk belief where people could sell upcoming summer heat.
In Joseon, a "county" (goeul) usually referred to a jurisdiction, with larger divisions like mok, bu, jun, and smaller ones under magistrates (hyeonryeong or hyeongam). Mokcheon alternated posts between civil exam and Eumseo appointees.