Chapter 7 – 5. The Chundangdae Avengers (1)
Not long after, the news we had been waiting for finally arrived.
It was announced that a special Chundangdae examination (春塘臺試, a one-day imperial exam held when the king personally visits Chundangdae at Changgyeonggung) would be held soon. This special exam wasn't originally scheduled.
The decree came from our holy king, who, roughly ten years later, would be the same one to execute his own son in a torturous scene worthy of a horror film:
"I've heard bizarre reports that young lower officials have been fighting in government offices with sticks. Even if they hold the positions of Jeongja (正字) or Juseo (主書), they are fundamentally different from clerks or miscellaneous servants. Can this really be brushed off as youthful rashness alone?"
"Maintain the dignity of high-ranking officials?" I didn't want to hear such words.
"As for my strict governance of them, one word of caution suffices. However, the annals of past kings show that they always preferred teaching through virtue rather than coercion with punishment."
The discussion probably went like this: the high officials, including those who had experienced it themselves, were lukewarm about expanding disciplinary measures. So the king decided it was better not to waste legitimacy on minor quarrels or incur political debt to opposing factions.
"Therefore, I shall follow that example and personally attend Chundangdae to guide the scholars on the right path, giving them a chance to inspire their studies. Ah! You subjects must understand my utmost intent and act without deviation."
Throwing a few red certificates was basically a preemptive "shut up and stop fighting within your clans or factions." Got it.
Of course, I didn't hear this decree firsthand. Park Ji-won had relayed it from his grandfather.
Park Ji-won laughed audaciously while discussing the king's decree.
"Brother, with just a swing of the rod, the path of many scholars has been illuminated. Ah, this calls for a poem, I think."
I shuddered.
Politically speaking, King Yeongjo likely perceived the resentment of the four chief ministers and the welfare of their descendants, noticing the discontent of other officials. So, as the annals of past kings indicate, he simply distributed some exam certificates to appease grievances. Passing the exam didn't necessarily mean immediate appointment, so there was no heavy burden.
Perfect. All I need now are the red certificates.
Even if Park Ji-won teased me, I didn't care. My soul was at stake. In a way, I had already carved out the future.
Anyway, if the rumors had spread this far, the official announcement would still come later. Given past precedents, it would probably be postponed at least twice, so there was still plenty of time before the actual exam.
Park Ji-won asked,
"Since the decree has been widely announced, the special exam will definitely take place. You must devote yourself to your studies even more."
"Yes. Did I mention that the high-ranking scholar sent by Vice Minister was truly exceptional?"
"Yes. Your grandfather called you 'one who understands my intent,' though I don't quite understand what that means."
Heh. That's because you're still young. The meaning will become clear later, or my grandfather will explain it himself. So I focused on my studies as I promised Park Ji-won.
And yes, I really did study.
All day long, I practiced writing so intensely that the paper turned nearly black. My father admired my diligence, my older brother was jealous, and my mother worried about her youngest son's health, sending people here and there to get him good medicine.
Of course, all I was doing was practicing writing quickly.
Active skills, unlike passive skills, required focus to develop, and practice improved proficiency. If passive skills were the raw strength itself, active skills were like sports or martial arts.
After two months, I could write in the style of Seokbong Han Ho—nearly perfect regular script—at three times the normal speed.
At this level, I was among the top scribes in Joseon. Even if I were a mercenary at someone else's exam, I wouldn't be out of place. Since I had spent my entire budget on Go Bong-hwan and couldn't hire additional scribes, this was a huge relief.
No one on my raid team wanted official positions anyway, so I didn't need to write multiple certificates. I had to maximize this advantage. My goal was to rank within the top ten.
By the autumn of that year, about half a year after arriving in Joseon, the Chundangdae exam was finally confirmed. I had completed all preparations.
Bidding farewell to my parents, I arrived at Changgyeonggung, where the exam would be held.
The crowd was as large as the one ten years ago.
King Yeongjo, the longest-reigning king in Joseon who had presided over many exams, had all previous exam trends and strategies taught through Go Bong-hwan. And of course, the previous Chundangdae special exam had been recorded in detail.
So I wasn't fazed by the massive human scale that could only be seen in war or premodern times. Last time, the official examinees alone exceeded 15,000.
"Probably around 50,000 here; the actual examinees are likely 10,000. If many came alone, the number could be higher. Still within expectations."
As Go Bong-hwan had said, one could register for the exam only by passing the preliminary exam, being a student at Sungkyunkwan, or receiving a recommendation from a legal institution. Normally, the number of examinees shouldn't be this high.
But by this era, verification procedures were rarely enforced. That's why I knew from the start that Go Bong-hwan had no intention of taking office.
Glancing ahead, I noticed that even the lowest-ranking officials of the central administration, though technically higher-status than most, weren't visible among this noisy, crowded front gate. Only lower officials and miscellaneous servants were busy directing the crowd. Some examinees who got too close to the gate were beaten with sticks.
It looked like the exam gates would open soon. My heart raced like a soldier awaiting the first shot of battle.
I took a deep breath and looked at my proud companions.
First, Eoji had regained much of his intelligence after working in a normal environment. He still spoke awkwardly, but understood and acted perfectly.
With his hair topknot neatly tied, he looked surprisingly dignified, like a supporting guard in a historical drama. Tall and broad-shouldered, he seemed reliable enough for any Joseon maiden to trust.
I found him trustworthy as well. The oversized umbrella he lightly held like a stick was reassuring.
The umbrella was essential for sitting long hours at the exam. I had specially crafted it from strong wood for other purposes too, which cost quite a bit.
I patted Eoji on the shoulder.
"If we do well, I'll set the table so full you can eat your fill. Take down anyone who blocks our path."
Eoji memorized my words like a divine oracle.
"Anyone in the way, all of them. I will drive them off."
"Yes. I repeat, no exceptions. Nobles, officials, it doesn't matter. Break their bones or crush them so they can't rise. I'll handle the consequences. Our goal is the front."
Let those who want to judge my character first consider what I had staked on this exam.
Without hesitation, I then held the hand of another companion: Go Bong-hwan.
Eoji and Jang-bok didn't know about Daebyeok, so I whispered to him.
"Your turn next, teacher."
"Rest assured. If we succeed, as promised…"
"Not just the promised reward, but in the future, all young men of my peers and those with connections to fathers or families will compete to serve you."
Go Bong-hwan's skill as a top instructor was sufficient, but being young and unknown, publicity was crucial. I promised him both money and fame. My father's connections could spread the word, even if we were materially modest.
Finally, I turned to the last member: our household pharmacy assistant, Jang-bok.
"You won't be left out. I know about the glances you shared with Song Jin-sa's maid. When I pass, I swear to tell my father to assign a matchmaker. Your task will be swift: carry loads, handle items, respond as needed. It may be the hardest."
The overall 'conductor' role fell to Jang-bok. He pounded his chest.
"I may be ignorant, but I've heard that the master trusts old retainers. I've served since the young master's hair was tied. Even as a servant, I can't be considered a mere retainer. Leave it to me."
"Good."
This team was invincible. We were Joseon's finest!
Facing tens of thousands at the exam gate, I felt no fear. No one here was more desperate than I.
Then a long shout and the clang of a bell rang out—the exam gate finally opened.
I clenched my fist and shouted with all my strength.
"Let's go! Eoji, your turn!"
With a roar like a tiger, Eoji charged, and we all surged forward together.
According to Go Bong-hwan, seeing so many people struggling like this, the king likely left the palace early.
After all, this exam replaced the regular retest; the king didn't have to attend personally.
Trying to control everything now would be physically impossible. And the special exam's purpose was to boost the morale of the scholars. Yet leaving it unchecked posed issues for security.
Not because of assassins, but troublesome petitioners. Many wanted to claim grievances or bribe the king for positions. Just two years ago, leftover scraps from this very Chundangdae had been offered to secure minor posts.
"Too bad. I hoped to glimpse the king's face, even from afar."
Go Bong-hwan licked his lips, but I wasn't disappointed. That allowed us to wreak havoc freely.
"What is that monster?!"
"Who dressed that beast in human clothes?!"
Despite cries from students and servants with torn hats and broken noses, Eoji ignored everything.
"Clear the way!"
"Someone stop that madman!"
Three men charged at him simultaneously. Clinging to a wild bull might have been easier.
Eoji, like a top-tier football player aiming for a touchdown, threw himself forward with a roar from his depths, flinging the three men aside.
One unlucky man stepped on Eoji's calf and let out a scream, probably breaking his leg. He'd likely limp forever. Condolences.
I knew Eoji was strong, but not this strong.
Adrenaline made him far more powerful than usual. People flew like leaves, not just falling but several meters away. Was this a comic?
"Who is this divine being?"
Go Bong-hwan ran behind him, muttering dumbfoundedly.
Eoji followed my instructions, efficiently removing the obstacles with one hand swinging the umbrella like a baseball bat, the other grabbing collars, and feet kicking anyone in the way.
Within moments, a team of eight was out. Terrified people cursed and shoved each other, opening a path.
"Now! Run, Jang-bok!"
"Understood!"
Jang-bok shot forward like an arrow, carrying my exam books (questions about bringing books to the exam came too late).
We followed Eoji, who was holding his own against the crowd. Good. Smooth so far.
Suddenly, a man's fist struck Jang-bok's jaw. He spun and collapsed. Typical of Jang-bok, it was a dramatic down.
But no time for idle thoughts—the burly man with a spiky beard flexed his fist, displaying a bandit-like aura.
"You ruffians. Such young ones, yet you dare behave recklessly in the presence of the king! So much for the so-called minor Confucians being violent."
Go Bong-hwan and I flinched. Could this be part of the king's personal guard? Deployed to maintain order?
It seemed odd, though. No badges, no swords, no official attire.
When I didn't answer, he continued talking fluently.
"Surely of humble birth. From now on, sons of Lord Gyeonggi must pass properly. If you read yet fail in etiquette, General Yi Gwiseo, who crushed rebels in Musin year, shall teach you!"
Musin year? So he was a hero during Yi In-ja's Rebellion? Even if in his twenties then, he must now be over forty—but he still looked robust. Personal differences exist.
Why is he serving as a dog for the Gyeonggi Governor, Hong Bong-han?
Go Bong-hwan quietly explained.
"Many soldiers weren't recorded in the reward register after the war. He likely didn't get a position despite merits. The story goes he was dismissed for corruption as a county governor. This seems him. To survive, he must work wherever possible."
Yi In-ja's rebellion was crushed militarily, so soldiers deserved rewards. But Joseon… well, it's a scholar's country. Or more honestly, it simply lacked money.
Too many soldiers for the king to reward properly; most were ignored. Only high-ranking officials were registered. Discontented soldiers continued raising complaints for decades.
Even so, a former county governor working as a thug—Joseon's social hierarchy shows no mercy.
His name… Gwi-do? I'll handle him carefully.
"Gwi-do… no, sir, calm down and hear me. Young people are eager and reckless, but surely they recognize senior officials."
Eoji could handle anyone, but Hong Bong-han's house was different.
No long explanation needed—he was the father of Crown Princess Hye-gyeong (Hong Hye-gyeong), first political powerhouse and the crown prince's consort.
So, no matter the faction, he was untouchable. Hong Bong-han's influence was on the rise.
Even more, the crown prince's son-in-law held quick posts like Literary Officer and almost immediately became Governor of Gwangju. That's a second-rank official on exam day.
Even if his father was a minister, such promotions are explained only by having a good daughter.
So I had to bow my head.
"Your Excellency, I have no intention of disrespecting the crown princess. Please, go ahead; we shall follow."
Inside, I was furious. Flames of revolution waved in my chest against the corrupt royalists.
Gwi-do arrogantly stroked his beard.
"Even sinners may serve the king if they repent. I shall accept your submission according to the law. Then…"
Suddenly, a blood-curdling shout rang out.
"Ah! You… you did this!"
Eoji roared in fury upon seeing Jang-bok collapsed.
Seeing him charge like that, I felt my vision darken.
When did their friendship become so strong?
Notes from the author for readers:
The student who offered leftover scraps to secure a position is Hong Cheon-bo (洪天普). Despite his grandfather being a high-ranking in-law, the rigid social hierarchy of Joseon meant social elevation was slow, yet "favors" could change it quickly.
Yi Gwiseo was a real historical figure, rewarded after Yi In-ja's Rebellion, but later dismissed due to corruption. The story's timeline is approximately 15 years after that event.