I Humbly Beseech You to Repel Them with an Iron Mace (2)

Minister Heo Jo, the Minister of Rites, came to see me at the Hall of Worthies.

Then, out of nowhere, he began making a request.

The request itself was utterly absurd.

“I mean the person who will take overall responsibility for translating the Thirteen Classics, including Sohak, into Hunminjeongeum. I was hoping you would recommend me for the position. Could you submit a memorial to His Majesty on my behalf?”

Generally, a solicitation is a request for someone to use their influence to secure your promotion or send you to a position where you can make good money.

Although Joseon was quite lenient toward bribery, anyone caught making such a request would have difficulty avoiding dismissal, the stripping of their office, or exile.

Over the years, while serving as an official in Joseon, I had received countless valuable gifts given in gratitude for all sorts of reasons, including presents for the holidays...

‘But I have always flatly refused requests concerning appointments or requests harmful to the nation.’

By my own principles, I should have dismissed the nonsense Heo Jo was passing off as a request.

I should have firmly refused him, telling him to stop talking nonsense and go home to rest...