"Yes? Tell me."
After receiving Sejong's permission, Hyang turned toward the eunuch. Another eunuch followed Hyang and respectfully presented a slightly larger box to Sejong.
"Hmm?"
Sejong opened the newly delivered wooden box with interest. Inside were numerous pen nibs and pen holders. The nib he had previously received had been inlaid with silver and gold, and its holder had been an exquisite piece of lacquerware. This time, however, the nibs were simply made of gold, engraved with a plum blossom, and the holders were plain but finely crafted wooden pieces.
"Distribute those gold pens to the historians and officials."
"These?"
"Yes. The officers record the affairs of the court and ministers without rest. It is a very labor-intensive task, so I thought better tools might ease their burden."
Sejong, who had been contemplating the earlier incense proposal, exchanged opinions with his ministers.
"I believe the Crown Prince's idea is excellent. What do you think?"
All the officials who tested the mass-produced nibs agreed.
"Your Majesty's judgment is wise!"
"At such a young age, to show such consideration for the officials—what a beautiful sight!"
With their approval, the officers who would use them also tried the pens and expressed satisfaction.
Thus, the pen nib and holder were adopted as official supplies for both court and palace.
Returning to his quarters, Hyang smiled and muttered to himself:
"Now then… what kind of butterfly effect will this create?"
As the officials received pen nibs and holders labeled Golden Brush, Hyang's favor among them steadily increased. Young officials—especially the historians—began to show unprecedented goodwill toward him.
"Have you tried the gold pen His Highness made?"
"I have. It's truly excellent!"
Those who favored it most were, as expected, the record officers. Even with the finest brush, writing upright in traditional style required significant effort. The gold pen allowed the arm to relax naturally, reducing strain on the wrist and arm.
In addition, the incense was compressed into tablet form and presented.
"When a general commands troops, there are moments when urgent orders must be issued. I devised this for such times. It would be ideal to use it alongside the gold pen."
"Excellent!"
Delighted, Sejong ordered mass production of the tablets and gold pens for distribution to the military.
Reactions among commanders were mixed. Younger, literate officers welcomed them enthusiastically, while illiterate ones looked puzzled.
Yet Hyang understood Sejong's decision.
As soon as Sejong had ascended the throne, he included the Four Books in the military service examination. Hearing that, Hyang nodded.
"That's right. This is no longer an era where victory depends solely on personal bravery or martial skill. In the future, that will be even more true."
Though the tablet received mixed reviews, certain officials—especially those conducting field inspections or inventory surveys—quickly embraced it. Writing on a suspended book was awkward and unstable. The tablet provided a clear solution.
Demand for gold pens and writing boards surged, keeping the military workshops busy.
As the items spread through court and army alike, more officials began carrying their gold pens outside their offices. Besides their practicality, the plum blossom engraved on the nib filled owners with pride.
At a fish market, a young scholar asked the price of fish.
"How much?"
"All together, two mal and three doe of white rice. But since you're a regular, two mal and two doe."
[NOTE - 1 Mal = 5.3kgs, 1 Doe = 530grams]
"That's expensive."
"It's winter, sir. The waves are too strong for boats."
"In summer the heat spoils fish, in winter the waves stop boats… when is fish ever cheap?"
The merchant laughed awkwardly.
The scholar glared, then extended his hand.
"Give me the ledger. And the inkstone."
He wrote in the merchant's ledger:
"Fish purchased today… two mal of white rice."
"Sir!"
"Let's settle it cleanly. Wouldn't that be better?"
The merchant sighed, then noticed the pen.
"Is that the rumored gold pen?"
"You've heard of it?"
"Yes. I heard every government official carries one these days."
The merchant stared at it with fascination.
"It must write beautifully."
"It's convenient to carry and use in a hurry. Deliver the fish to my house—I must go to work."
As the scholar left, the merchant spat.
"What's so urgent? Off to a brothel, probably, after haggling over rice!"
Yet his eyes gleamed.
"That gold pen… it looks useful. Could it make good money?"
* * *
Soon, imitations of the gold pen began appearing. Word reached the palace.
"Your Majesty, troubling matters are occurring in the streets."
"What kind?"
"Counterfeit gold pens, modeled after those presented by the Crown Prince, are circulating."
"This is outrageous! To imitate an item bearing the royal emblem—severe punishment is required!"
"Severe punishment!"
After listening, Sejong spoke.
"I will hear the Crown Prince's view before deciding. Summon him."
Hyang entered the hall.
"You called, Your Majesty?"
"Yes. I wish to hear your judgment."
Sejong explained the situation.
"What do you think?"
Hyang fell into deep thought. The sight of an eight-year-old frowning so seriously made even the ministers smile.
At last, he spoke:
"The Military Inspectorate's primary role is producing weapons for national defense. Therefore…"
* * *
One Month Later – Ministry of Taxation
Merchants gathered in a palace chamber.
Hyang entered and took his seat.
"I hear this item circulates in the market."
He placed a replica pen on the table. The merchants prostrated themselves.
"We have committed no such impiety!"
"I did not summon you to condemn you. Sit."
Despite Hyang's words, the merchants still couldn't rise. Hyang clicked his tongue slightly at the sight and opened his mouth again.
"Don't make me say it twice."
"Get up and take a seat!"
At Hyang's warning, the Minister of Taxation hurriedly gathered the merchants. As they sat down again, Hyang got to the point.
"His Majesty has issued a decree."
The decree stated:
-Production of gold pens and holders would transfer from the Military Inspectorate to private merchants.
-Bidders passing quality standards and offering the lowest price would be selected.
-Official products would bear the royal plum blossom seal.
-Only authorized producers could sell them. Counterfeits would incur severe punishment.
-Producers must pay 20% of sales revenue to the state.
-Prices may not exceed 60% above market rate.
Quarterly inspections would be conducted. Failed inspections would revoke the seal and terminate contracts. Terminated producers would be barred from bidding for one year.
The merchants pondered.
One spoke cautiously:
"Your Majesty… regarding pricing standards?"
"It refers to the final sale price."
"With a 60% margin, after wages and distribution, only 30% remains to us. If the government takes 20%, what remains?"
"Silence!"
Hyang's voice cut sharply.
"Who do you think you deceive? I said 20% of profit. If profit is 30%, 20% of that is 6%. Do you dare lie in this hall? Household Judge! Remove him and revoke his bidding rights!"
The merchant was dragged away.
After silence returned, Hyang addressed them coldly:
"His Majesty and I consider merchants vital to the people. No one can produce everything alone—trade is necessary. But so long as men like him persist, merchants will never rise above contempt. Remember that."
"We will remember, Your Majesty!"