Chapter 423
While the other ministers nodded at Jo Mal-saeng’s words, they inwardly didn’t believe him at all.
Since Sejong came to power, the ministers had been asked for a lot. Especially after the bribery incident involving Jo Mal-saeng, they had to be particularly careful about their conduct.
If any corruption was discovered, the lightest punishment was to forfeit at least half of one’s property and work in that position until death, taking responsibility. If the degree of corruption was severe, one would be demoted to a lower rank and work until death, or be confined to the archives to organize documents until death.
Of course, the worst case was indefinite hard labor in the mines, like Hwang Hui’s sons.
“For those who relied on their meager literary skills and abilities to cause trouble, even the archives are too luxurious!”
This was due to Sejong’s decision.
Although it was such a demanding and dangerous position, the ministers remained in their posts because of the sweetness of power.
While corruption couldn’t be desired, Sejong promised and delivered on realistic salaries, pensions, and courtesies.
Every time they went out and had people clear the way for them with shouts of “Make way!”, seeing the people bow in respect was an addiction hard to break free from.