The next day, Min Mu-jil resumed his patrols through Jeolla Province, throwing himself back into work. But Yi Bang-won's expression suggested he had a lot on his mind. Min Mu-jil could guess what it was—probably whether to launch the Princes' Revolt, and if it would succeed. In any case, he had his own duties to attend to.
With harvest season over, Japanese pirates began slinking into Jeolla in small numbers. Not many, though. Perhaps because Jeolla was relatively far from Tsushima and the favorable winds? They concentrated on Gyeongsang Province instead. Still, these were the same pirates who sailed all the way to Ming, so distance alone didn't explain it. Either way, Min Mu-jil spent his days accompanying Yi Bang-won, repairing fortifications and drilling troops. He also scouted sites in Jeolla suitable for new garrisons and camps, compiling reports separately.
Yi Bang-won planned to submit them straight to Yi Seong-gye upon their return. He seemed eager to showcase his abilities and prove himself worthy of the crown prince position, but Min Mu-jil doubted it would yield meaningful results.
In any event, today they were heading back after a hunt. It had been a long one—the last before returning to Kaesong, where proper hunting was scarce. Yi Bang-won had insisted on making the most of it.
"Brother-in-law, hunting in Jeolla feels a bit lacking. The real sport is in the northeast."
"Yes, brother-in-law."
True enough, the northeast offered far richer game than Jeolla. But Yi Bang-won wasn't particularly skilled at it; he just enjoyed the pursuit. Come to think of it, he'd once fallen from his horse during a hunt. Mortified, he'd sworn Min Mu-jil to secrecy. Little did he know it would end up recorded in the annals.
"Still, it's nice to hunt at leisure here."
"When do we head back, brother-in-law?"
"Eager to go already?"
"The work here turned out lighter than expected."
"Fair enough. I want to get back soon myself."
Yi Bang-won's reasons differed from his own, no doubt. He was probably itching to return to the court. During their time together, Min Mu-jil had sensed why Yi Bang-won had been sent here in the first place: to distance him from central politics and erode his influence. But the posting wasn't indefinite—likely out of fear he'd fully seize control of Jeolla's forces if left too long. Keep him in the capital, and he was a threat; station him in the provinces, and the same risk. So they spun him around like a top: capital to provinces and back. Clever.
After the hunt, they shared another lavish round of drinks. A few days later, they led their troops back to Kaesong.
Upon arrival, a crowd awaited them—starting with Min Mu-jil's father and mother. Min Da-yeon was there too. Yi Bang-won exchanged greetings with the ministers, his in-laws, and Min Da-yeon before announcing his return to the palace. The ministers bowed and departed.
Min Da-yeon then spotted them and cried, "My lord!" rushing to grasp Yi Bang-won's hand. Husband over brother, it seemed.
Min Mu-jil paid his respects to his parents as well. They beamed with joy, praising his hard work. Min Mu-gu did the same. Min Mu-hul and Min Mu-hoe had grown so much in his absence.
After reporting his return to the court and saying he'd head home, everyone dispersed, inviting him back for a welcome feast they'd prepared.
Min Mu-jil then accompanied Yi Bang-won to the Three Armies Bureau to report in. As they emerged, a familiar face caught his eye.
Yi Bang-won spoke first. "Lord Sambong. It's been a while."
So that was Jeong Do-jeon.
"Indeed, Lord Jeongan. Fresh from Jeolla, I see."
"Yes. How fares your time as the crown prince's tutor?"
"His Highness follows along splendidly. He's exceptionally gifted."
Min Mu-jil beg to differ—the crown prince seemed far from gifted in his knowledge.
"And how was your trip?"
"I have matters to report to His Highness regarding it. Suggestions for Jeolla's defenses."
Jeong Do-jeon replied, "Best give them to me now. His Highness is quite occupied with the capital relocation."
So the move to Hanyang was imminent. Kaesong was cramped, after all. In his view, the only fitting capitals on this peninsula were Seoul or Pyongyang.
Hand them over personally? That was pushing it. Yi Bang-won was a provincial commander and a prince, intending to present them to the king first. Was Jeong Do-jeon, as head of the Three Armies, claiming precedence?
"I still believe they should go to His Highness first, Lord Sambong."
Jeong Do-jeon pressed, "I'm already reforming the military structure per His Highness's orders. Jeolla defenses fall under that. I must review them."
Jeong Do-jeon had indeed overhauled the military system.
"Submit to His Highness first, then discuss."
"If you insist. The outcome will be the same, Lord Jeongan."
Jeong Do-jeon bowed to Yi Bang-won and left. Yi Bang-won muttered, "Arrogant fool. Thinks being the crown prince's tutor blinds him?"
Yi Bang-won was clearly irked. Jeong Do-jeon's conduct lacked decorum. Yi Bang-won had once held him in high regard, nearly on par with Jeong Mong-ju. But since becoming Yi Bang-seok's tutor, tensions rose—and today's behavior had ignited real anger.
Yi Bang-won then went to see Yi Seong-gye and returned swiftly.
"All done?"
"As Lord Sambong said, he's swamped with relocation plans. He's dead set on moving next year, no matter what."
A new dynasty needed a new capital—that was natural. Yi Seong-gye likely wanted it done quickly to counter Kaesong's unfavorable public sentiment and weaken entrenched old forces.
"And he truly directed military reforms to Sambong."
"Indeed."
Yi Bang-won trailed off, as if he'd heard something unpleasant. "Anyway, let's go."
"Where to?"
"To Sambong first, then to Father-in-law."
"Yes, Lord Jeongan."
They headed to the Three Armies Bureau, where Yi Bang-won handed Jeong Do-jeon the Jeolla defense proposals. As Jeong Do-jeon took them, Yi Bang-won remarked, "Just as you said, Lord Sambong."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. But you truly are remarkable."
"In what way?"
"Head of the Three Armies, Inspector-General of the Capital, Senior Scholar of the Bureau of Books and Records, crown prince's tutor—and now even Chief of the Royal Household Treasury. And military reforms on top? You must be stretched thin. Even two bodies wouldn't suffice."
Those words cut deep: Stop hogging it all.
Jeong Do-jeon indeed gripped military and fiscal power—the two essentials.
"This inadequate soul works day and night since His Highness entrusts me so. Thank you for your concern, Lord Jeongan."
Yi Bang-won eyed him briefly before departing. Glancing at Min Mu-jil, he said, "Let's head home. Father-in-law's prepared quite the welcome."
"Yes."
His grim expression hinted at harsh words from Yi Seong-gye.
Back home, their parents hosted a modest feast. They asked about their time away; Yi Bang-won recounted it all. Min Mu-gu chimed in, "Hunting sounds envy-worthy. I'd love to join next time, brother-in-law."
"We'll go together sometime."
"Yes, brother-in-law."
Min Mu-gu did love the hunt.
Min Da-yeon asked, "My lord, did Mu-jil serve you well?"
Right here, gauging his performance?
"He was a great help."
Her face lit up.
Later, Yi Bang-won said, "Father-in-law, shall I arrange a match for Mu-jil?"
"What do you mean, Lord Jeongan?"
"This is family, speak freely."
"Very well, son-in-law. What's this about?"
"Mu-jil's of age for marriage. I'll introduce a fine lady."
Yi Bang-won had mentioned it over drinks: Mu-jil's standards were sky-high, but he'd found the perfect match.
Min Mu-gu nodded knowingly; parents chuckled. But Min Da-yeon scoffed, "All this for that? Mu-jil, ever the same."
Translation: Just picky about looks? Dodging marriage like an idiot obsessed with women.
Unfair, but whatever.
"I'll trust you to look after him, son-in-law."
And my say? Fine—use this to branch off. Escape this house, away from tutoring Crown Prince Yangnyeong. The prince was born around now; time to split households.
Thus, his marriage was subtly settled. They exchanged toasts in warm harmony.
If only it stayed this way...
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇Meanwhile, Jeong Do-jeon reviewed Yi Bang-won's Jeolla proposals.
"Excellent plan. Establish garrisons and camps at key points, station cavalry there. Brilliant. Lord Jeongan has real talent."
He too recognized the provinces' chronic cavalry shortage and sought to address it similarly.
"But not entirely his idea. Someone assisted—Min Je's second son, no doubt."
While Yi Bang-won was away, Jeong Do-jeon had investigated his retinue. Most lacked the insight for such plans—except Min Mu-jil.
"Better keep him close for observation. Prove if he's all talk or truly capable."
He planned to transfer Min Mu-jil to the Ministry of Taxation for surveillance. Far from the military, ideal for testing ability. If competent, find any pretext for impeachment.
He promptly recommended Min Mu-jil as a Grade 7 Jusa in the ministry; Yi Seong-gye approved.
Jeong Do-jeon smirked bitterly. "Lord Jeongan, still no thought of yielding the crown prince? Flaunting talent like this. Should've heeded my advice."
His directive to submit to him first was warning and counsel. Queen Consort Gang ceaselessly cautioned Yi Seong-gye about Yi Bang-won's danger, his excessive military meddling for ambition. Yi Seong-gye wavered, but this proposal earned rebuke.
Jeong Do-jeon agreed—and aimed to render the princes' commands mere figureheads. Stabilize the crown prince, curb princely unrest. Especially from the most threatening Yi Bang-won.
Thus, he systematized military reforms to bolster Joseon's forces while stripping princely power.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇Days later, Min Mu-jil received his Jusa appointment in bewilderment. Ministry of Taxation? Grade 7? Unthinkable that Jeong Do-jeon would elevate him so.
Why now? The pretext: pirate subjugations at Dongnae, Ming rescues, Jeolla raids. Valid, but excessively high—near Min Mu-gu's purchase privilege.
His parents rejoiced, but he felt uneasy. He wanted back to Dongnae, but something ominous loomed. Especially Jeong Do-jeon recommending him. No reason for the king's rival-checker to favor Yi Bang-won's brother-in-law.
First things first: report for duty. Donning his official robes, he headed to the ministry.
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