parentshiftbook Chapter 287
Chapter 287
Chapter 287
“Princess Jeong-ui has shown interest in mathematics and astronomy and wishes to learn them. I am considering having her study at the research institute. What are your opinions on this matter?”
As soon as the morning court session began, King Sejong brought up this agenda item, and the ministers’ gazes unanimously turned to the head of the Censorate. Although his current nameplate read ‘Head of the Censorate,’ the one he had worn until recently was ‘Inspector General.’
Jeong Inji, who received the gazes of King Sejong and the ministers, organized his thoughts for a moment and immediately answered.
“Although they are considered miscellaneous studies, it is praiseworthy that she has set her mind on learning. However, since she is still unmarried, it would be better to assign a separate teacher for her to study.”
“Father, may I interject?”
“You may.”
As Hyang interjected after hearing Jeong Inji’s remarks, King Sejong immediately granted permission. With Hyang’s participation, Jeong Inji became tense.
“I am grateful that the head of the Censorate regards Jeong-ui’s studies favorably. However, assigning a separate teacher is not possible.”
“Why is that, Your Highness? If an unmarried princess studies among men, it may lead to a scandal.”
“Currently, all those who can teach mathematics and astronomy in the palace and the research institute are men. And you suggest leaving just two of them in a room? It will lead to an even greater scandal. It would be more helpful in preventing scandals to have her study in a public place.”
At Hyang’s point, Jeong Inji had nothing to say. After pondering for a moment, Jeong Inji immediately withdrew his opinion.
“I believe the opinion presented by the Crown Prince is correct. It would be better for her to study confidently in a situation where many people are watching.”
“Is that so? Hmm... I will ask the Crown Prince.”
“Please ask, Your Majesty.”
“I heard that the level of mathematics and astronomy taught at the research institute is very high. Will Jeong-ui be able to keep up?”
“I’ve heard that Jeong-ui’s skills are quite remarkable. And since it’s something she wants to do, she will do her best.”
“Won’t it be a hindrance to others?”
When King Sejong expressed doubt, Hyang answered with a wry smile.
“What could be more embarrassing than having inferior skills compared to a mere woman?”
At Hyang’s answer, King Sejong and the ministers simultaneously had the same thought.
‘This fearsome fellow! He never does anything that would put him at a disadvantage!’
‘Scary, so scary! When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, there will be endless lamentations!’
Regardless, Hyang continued his explanation.
“In our Joseon, the research institute is the only place that intensively studies and educates mathematics and astronomy. Since there are no competitors, the atmosphere has become somewhat lax these days, so there is a need to instill a sense of urgency.”
“Is that so? Hmm...”
After pondering while stroking his beard, King Sejong reached a conclusion.
“Very well. Listen, ministers. I think it would be best to follow the Crown Prince’s opinion regarding Jeong-ui’s studies. Diligent study and refinement... If it can serve as a good stimulus for those studying mathematics and astronomy, that alone is a good thing.”
“We shall obey your command!”
And so, it was decided that Princess Jeong-ui would learn mathematics and astronomy at the research institute.
***
When the news about Princess Jeong-ui reached the research institute, Jinpyeong muttered with a worried face.
“The path of hardship lies ahead.”
“Pardon?”
When a nearby researcher tilted his head, Jinpyeong continued.
“I know my sister Jeong-ui well. Jeong-ui will persist until she understands.”
“Ah, is that so...”
Jinpyeong gathered his reports and concluded.
“The person teaching Jeong-ui will probably sweat quite a bit.”
After Jinpyeong left, the remaining researchers whispered in a small voice.
“Is this what they mean by ‘the bloodline of His Highness’?”
***
A few days later, while Hyang was organizing his work in his study at the Eastern Palace, a eunuch came to inform him of a visitor.
“Your Highness, Princess Jeongso has arrived.”
“My sister?”
Hyang pushed the documents aside and ordered the eunuch.
“Let her in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
A moment later, seeing Princess Jeongso enter with the eunuch’s guidance, Hyang welcomed her with a delighted face.
“Sister, welcome.”
Seeing Princess Jeongso disappear into the distance, Hyang grumbled softly.
“I mistook it for the same case as mine... By the way, have I been deceived by both my older sister and younger sister? Then, am I the royal family’s pushover?”
Anyway, although it was Princess Jeongso’s request, Hyang also thought it was a necessary task.
“Since we’re doing it anyway...”
Hyang began to spread out a sheet of paper and draft a proposal.
***
Two days later, Hyang submitted a memorial to King Sejong.
“Producing female physicians for women?”
Upon seeing the title of the memorial, King Sejong immediately looked down at Hyang.
“Crown Prince, please explain it yourself.”
“Yes, Father.”
Hyang began by telling the story of Princess Jeongso’s visit to him.
“...So, she wants to learn medicine. Isn’t this a beautiful thing?”
At Hyang’s words, King Sejong and the ministers nodded.
“Indeed, it’s truly a beautiful thing that Jeongso had such a thought.”
“It is, Your Majesty. It is truly a beautiful thing for someone in a noble position to come down to a lower place and work for the people.”
As the ministers unanimously praised it as a ‘beautiful thing,’ King Sejong got to the main point.
“But why has that story developed into a memorial like this?”
“Aren’t there countless women throughout Joseon who suffer from illnesses?”
At Hyang’s question, Heo Jo, the Minister of General Affairs, immediately raised an objection.
“Female physicians are already being dispatched.”
“How many of those assigned female physicians are there?”
Looking at the history before Hyang’s intervention, the female physician system was established during the reign of King Taejong as medical personnel for women living in the palace. Later, during the reign of King Sejong, two female slaves were sent from Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang Provinces to receive medical education and then sent back. However, this was literally a ‘drop in the bucket.’
At Hyang’s point, Heo Jo fell silent. After silencing Heo Jo, Hyang explained to King Sejong why it was necessary.
“Looking at the situation in Joseon, the number of physicians is not large, and there are virtually no physicians who can treat only women. To properly diagnose and treat a patient’s illness, it is crucial to accurately identify the symptoms first, but no matter how much of a physician one is, they cannot carelessly lay hands on a woman’s body outside of their family. Therefore, I believe the best solution is to select women and train them as physicians. Moreover, the status of female physicians is also a problem.”
Hyang continued to point out the problems with the current female physician system.
The girls selected as female physicians were mostly government slaves. Selecting female physician candidates from among government slaves was because it was easy to fill the positions. However, due to their low status, they were often subjected to contempt and mobilized for tasks other than medical activities.
After pointing out the problems with the female physician system, Hyang presented his conclusion.
“Through the commoners’ school, even women of the commoner class have been able to acquire knowledge. Among them, we must select bright girls who wish to learn medicine and teach them medical skills.”
Thereafter, this issue was debated back and forth for several days. As the issue remained unresolved and only arguments were being made, King Sejong stepped in, and a decision was immediately reached.
“After continuous deliberation, I believe the Crown Prince’s opinion is reasonable. I hope you will establish policies accordingly. Any objections?”
As soon as King Sejong’s question ended, all the ministers answered.
“None, Your Majesty!”
“Huh?”
King Sejong tilted his head for a moment and then smiled enigmatically, reaching a definite conclusion.
“Since the ministers have no objections, establish the policies as quickly as possible.”
“We shall obey your command!”
The scribe who recorded all of this added the following:
-Thus, when His Majesty reached a conclusion, the ministers began to create policies to train female physicians for women.
The scribe comments:
Compared to the arguments that went on for several days, the conclusion was reached too easily. This is not limited to this case alone. Previously, issues that would have been quite sensitive are now being passed immediately once His Majesty makes a decision. Have the ministers been caught with some weakness?
***
That night, in Gangnyeongjeon, where the scribes had been dismissed, King Sejong and Hyang had a conversation.
“Women are increasingly making their presence felt.”
“As you said, Father, Joseon lacks people. We don’t have the luxury to discriminate between men and women.”
At Hyang’s answer, King Sejong nodded.
“By the way, I’m looking forward to 10 or even 20 years from now. There will be individuals breaking through barriers and emerging from various places, starting with the commoners’ school.”
“I only hope they don’t become another barrier themselves.”
“We’ll have to prevent that.”