Black Corporation: Joseon
Chapter 179

In the twelfth year of King Sejong’s reign (1430, the year of Gyeongsul).

Mid-January. With the New Year festivities concluded and state affairs resuming in earnest, King Sejong issued a decree to his ministers.

“Proclaim an edict regarding the national farmlands confiscated during the Giyu Rebellion.”

“Your command shall be obeyed!”

“Clearly disclose all information related to eligibility for tenancy, land rent, taxes, and such, so that the people are well-informed and can act accordingly!”

At King Sejong’s admonition, the ministers bowed once more and responded.

“We shall bear it in mind!”

Thus, the ministers reviewed the contents of the proclamation once again. Finally, after King Sejong’s ultimate approval, the proclamation was posted throughout the entire Joseon territory, not only in the Samnam region but also in the Gyeonggi and Seobuk areas.

It was an official proclamation related to the national farmlands secured through the ‘Giyu Rebellion.’

While the previously issued proclamations had the nature of ‘prepare for this upcoming event,’ this time, the posted proclamation contained detailed information related to the matter.

1. 1. The court is seeking tenants for the farmlands confiscated this time. The priority is given to free commoners who have established households.
   2. The land rent for the national farmlands is set at 30% similar to that of palace farmlands, and the tax rate imposed on tenant farmers follows the law.
   3. The size of the farmland to be allocated ranges from a minimum of 2 Gyeol to a maximum of 5 Gyeol, based on the grade of the land and the number of family members of the applicant.
   4. Those who were tenant farming the land before it was confiscated as national farmland must choose according to the following scenarios.

A. Those who had their own land but had to entrust it to bandits due to unavoidable circumstances.

In such cases, one of the following two options must be chosen

i. Review the family register and reclaim the entrusted land to become an independent farmer.

In this case, the ownership of the land is recognized, and new family and land registers are created.

However, since they have transitioned from tenant farmers to independent farmers, they are subject to the corresponding tax obligations.

ii. Choose not to reclaim the land and continue living as a tenant farmer.

In this case, the right to tenant farm is guaranteed until the death of the individual who signed the tenancy agreement, and the taxation is adjusted according to the standards for tenant farmers.

However, the contract becomes void upon the death of the party who signed it.

B. Those who continued to live as tenant farmers without entrusting their land to anyone.

Individuals in category B follow the same approach as the second option for A, but the contract duration extends to the current tenant and his son.

i. Those who own their farmlands but cannot harvest a minimum of 1 Gyeol due to the small size of their lands, and those who have been tenant farming but similarly own small plots that yield less than 1 Gyeol, can tenant farm up to an additional 2 Gyeol.

However, this is only applicable if there are remaining lands after distribution to those who applied for tenancy.

ii. Those in category B, those who were tenant farming lands not belonging to bandits, and those who have been exiled along with their families and are landless, can move without regional restrictions to receive tenancy. This, however, is limited to those who possess a document issued by the magistrate of their hometown, proving one of the three conditions mentioned above.

As the “Proclamation on Tenant Farming of National Farmlands” was posted in government offices nationwide, the tenant farmers had to think hard.

Some pondered so intensively that there was an increase in visits to physicians.

In Boeun, Chungcheong Province, a farmer visited a physician’s office located in the marketplace.

“Physician, I need some medicine…”

“Have you come because of a headache too?”

“Yes.”

Hearing the farmer’s reply, the physician casually selected a few medicinal herbs, mixed them, and handed them over.

“That will be 50 won.”

Grumbling, the farmer opened his purse.

“I’ve been living carefree all my life, and now in my old age, what kind of trouble is this…”

“Are you also troubled by the tenancy issue?”

“Yes. The scholar’s family I was tenant farming for got swept away in this recent rebellion… And now my head’s about to burst from the worry.”

Hearing the farmer’s complaint, the physician offered some advice.

“It’s not just about you, but your children’s future as well, so give it some careful thought. Don’t just drown your sorrows in alcohol and make rash decisions.”

“Yes…”

As the farmer left with a nod, another farmer entered the physician’s office.

“Have you come because of a headache too?”

“Yes…”

“Ugh…”

With a soft groan, the physician mechanically mixed the medicines.

As such incidents became frequent, the physician piled up bundles of paper-wrapped medicine in front of his office and put up a sign.

• Headache medicine. 500 won per packet.

Until the issue regarding the national farmlands was somewhat resolved, the physician managed to achieve unprecedented sales.

***

Most of those who were seriously contemplating to the extent of becoming indebted to the physician’s office belonged to the category outlined in section 4, A, of the proclamation.

These individuals would sit on the wooden platforms set up in their front yards, sharing a bottle of rice wine with neighbors in similar situations, as discussing their options had become part of their daily routine.

“Should we just continue living as tenant farmers?”

“Man! A true farmer should have his own land, even if it’s no bigger than a booger, right?”

The homeowner nodded in agreement with his neighbor’s words, but pointed out the issue.

“That seems right, but it’s the taxes, you see. The taxes.”

“Of course, the tax rates are worrying since they’re more than double right now, but opting for tenancy isn’t the solution either, is it? Excluding taxes, everything from land rent starts to add up! Plus, you have to consider that tenancy rights end abruptly with your death!”

“Our eldest is smart, so maybe he doesn’t need to stick to farming…”

“What about the second and the third?”

“Ugh…”

Groaning at the neighbor’s pointed observation, the farmer looked at his second and third sons covered in dirt as they came in and shouted at them.

“You good-for-nothing kids! Your father is here worrying himself sick over your futures, and all you do is gallivant around! I ought to teach you a lesson!”

“Good heavens, man! Why are you suddenly taking it out on the kids, causing such a commotion!”

As the farmer, unable to contain his anger, picked up a stick nearby to discipline the children, his wife rushed out of the kitchen to stop him.

Amidst the chaos, the neighboring farmer who had been partaking in the conversation swiftly retreated to his own home.

Back in his house, the farmer opened the door to a room that had been newly added last spring.

“Heaven above, earth below…”

Watching his son diligently reciting the Thousand Character Classic with a content smile, the farmer made up his mind.

“Listen, wife! Let’s have a talk!”

***

Unlike those who were pondering their choices after entrusting their lands and becoming tenant farmers, those who had always been tenant farmers didn’t have much to worry about.

In fact, some were even getting a bit greedy.

“Really? You want to continue with the tenancy?”

“Yes. I don’t have any land of my own, nor do I have any other skills, so I’ll continue with the tenancy.”

“Is that so?”

“I just want to increase the size of the tenancy a bit.”

“Want to expand the cultivated area? Show me your household register.”

“Here you go.”

Receiving the household register, the official from the Ministry of Taxation reviewed the family and land records.

“You qualify, but… won’t it be too much for you?”

The farmer replied with a smile.

“My eldest can now do the work of an adult.”

“The eldest? Hmm… But he’s only twelve, isn’t he?”

“He lifted a millstone not long ago.”

“Oh!”

Impressed by the farmer’s response, the Ministry of Taxation official let out a light exclamation of admiration.

During the Joseon Dynasty, sons of the nobility, known as “sadaebu,” would tie their hair in a topknot and wear a traditional hat called a “gat” between the ages of 15 and 20, while daughters would comb their hair and secure it with ornamental hairpins. Since weddings often took place around this age, there was a common belief that marriage equated to a coming-of-age ceremony. However, strictly speaking, the coming-of-age ceremony and wedding were separate events.

For the common people, the coming-of-age ceremony was somewhat different. Demonstrating strength by lifting a “deul-dol,” a stone weighing about 100 “geun” (approximately 60kg), and offering food to the elders of the village in a gesture known as “jinsurteok” were ways to be recognized as an adult. (Note 1)

***

Impressed by the farmer’s claim, the Ministry of Taxation official did not immediately stamp the document.

“The matters of the state must be handled with rigor. Bring that eldest son of yours to demonstrate. Then, I’ll consider your request.”

“Can’t you just take my word for it…”

“What did I just hear? This is a state matter. If your words are true, what’s the issue? Just come and lift a stone, and it’s settled.”

“Yes, understood.”

Chastened by the official’s sternness, the tenant farmer left the government office. Watching the farmer’s retreating back, the official grumbled.

“One wrong move and it’s straight to the records office for me. Who does he think he’s dealing with…”

***

As time passed, many tenant farmers began to leave their ancestral homes and move to the southern provinces, known as “Samnam.”

Their target lands were those cultivated directly by the landlords who had participated in the rebellion, using slaves for labor. These lands, being the economic foundation of the landlords, were prime for farming. Through either appealing to the authorities, using strong-arm tactics, or employing slaves for water management projects, these lands were well-prepared to withstand most droughts or floods, making them the best available for agriculture.

To ensure the safety of the tenant farmer families during their relocation, the royal court devised various measures.

“With a household register and an account book for the land, you won’t go hungry!”

Before they set out, local officials and land management officers explained the use of the account book and the support measures provided by the government.

“So, if it looks like night will fall while you’re on the road, stop by a nearby government office or military camp. They’ll provide a place to stay. Even if it’s just a tent, it’s better than sleeping outdoors, right? Sleeping outside could end up making you a tiger’s meal.”

“Understood!”

“And if you run out of food along the way, just speak to the officials at the government office or military camp. They’ll sell you grain at a low price.”

“Thank you, we understand!”

Thus, the families of the tenant farmers were able to move smoothly. In some cases, they were even escorted by nearby soldiers.

With such escort and support, the tenant farmers praised King Sejong.

“A sage king indeed! A sage king has come to us!”

“Indeed, a true sage king!”

***

While the tenant farmers were praising King Sejong, back at the court, Kim Jeom was reporting to King Sejong.

“…Thanks to this initiative, we have been able to significantly reduce the stock of grain that was close to expiring.”

“Well done.”

The primary purpose of King Sejong and the court’s support for the migrating tenant farmers was to maintain public order.

“It’s good that they have set out, but if they become vagrants, everything will have been in vain. We need a plan for this.”

Following King Sejong’s order, the ministers convened and came up with the support measures mentioned above.

“The greatest difficulties faced by those setting out on relocation are finding a place to sleep and securing food. There will certainly be those who seek to exploit these challenges for profit, using various tricks. We must prevent this in advance.”

Sejong nodded in agreement with Heo Jo’s explanation.

“That’s a reasonable concern. So, what solution have you come up with?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Heo Jo then shared the solution the ministers had devised.

The solution thought up by the ministers was to provide sleeping accommodations for the tenant farmers at local government offices, military barracks, and magistrates’ offices located along the route to the southern provinces.

“…If the scale is small, we can provide vacant rooms in the government buildings. If the scale is large, we can set up tents for them.”

“It’s better than sleeping outdoors.”

Sejong, nodding at the ministers’ explanation, pointed out another issue.

“We can manage sleeping arrangements that way, but what about food?”

At Sejong’s question, Jo Mal-saeng stepped forward.

“We will sell the military’s grain at cost price.”

“The military’s grain?”

“Yes. Among the grains currently stored, there is a considerable amount that is nearing the end of its storage period. If we start by disposing of these grains, we can recover the funds invested in their production and solve the storage problem as well.”

Sejong thought for a moment and then let out a chuckle.

“It seems the ministers have become quite cunning.”

To Sejong’s remark, the ministers internally exclaimed in unison.

‘How could we compare to Your Majesty and the Crown Prince!’

“Anyway, it’s a solution that serves two purposes. Implement it immediately.”

“Your command shall be obeyed!”

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