General Zhang Bi’s Fury Ignites Over Corrupt Official’s Actions
Feeling a deep sense of unease, Zhang Bi sought solace in drink. Several cups later, astride his horse, he passed the imperial palace gates. There, he witnessed a scene of profound distress: fifty to sixty elderly individuals were lamenting loudly before the entrance.
Upon inquiring about the cause of their outcry, he received a unified response. “A scoundrel named Dok-u is attempting to frame our esteemed elder, Yoo Gong, by concocting false accusations,” they explained. “We have all come to reveal Yoo Gong’s innocence, but the guards refuse to let us in. We are overcome with such indignation that we are crying out like this.”
Zhang Bi Intervenes, Delivering Swift Justice
The sorrowful cries struck a chord with Zhang Bi. His anger flared, his eyes widening as he dismounted his horse and stormed directly into the palace. He forcefully pushed aside the two guards at the entrance and rushed into the inner court. There, he found Dok-u seated arrogantly on a large mat, while the apprehended elder was bound and lying on the ground.
Enraged, Zhang Bi unleashed a torrent of reprimands. “You villain who preys upon the people! Do you recognize me?” he bellowed.
Before Dok-u could even react, Zhang Bi seized him and dragged him out of the palace, all the way to the public square. Finding a hitching post, he tied the official to it and began to lash him with branches from a bird tree. The beating continued for a considerable time, resulting in more than ten broken ribs.
Hyun Deok Learns of the Incident
Meanwhile, Hyun Deok, who was in the rear of the palace, heard the commotion. He asked a nearby attendant what was happening.
“General Zhang Bi has tied a man to the palace gate and is beating him with a stick,” the attendant replied.
Hyun Deok rushed to the scene and was stunned to see that the bound man was none other than Dok-u. Pale with shock, he asked what had transpired.
Zhang Bi, pausing his punishment, gasped for breath. “This man is a thief who bleeds the people dry! He deserves to be beaten to death. Can we simply let him go?”
Dok-u, clasping his hands together in desperation, pleaded, “Lord Hyun Deok! Please, spare my life!”
Hyun Deok’s Mercy and a New Path
Hyun Deok’s compassion remained unchanged. Hearing Dok-u’s plea, he quickly intervened, stopping Zhang Bi’s assault. Guan Yu, who had arrived with Hyun Deok, spoke up.
“Our esteemed elder has rendered great service, yet he only holds this minor official position. To be subjected to such humiliation by a scoundrel like Dok-u is truly lamentable! This place, like a thorny bush, is no environment for a phoenix to alight. It would be more prudent to eliminate this thief, discard this rat-like position, and return to our hometown to devise a grander plan,” Guan Yu suggested.
Hyun Deok nodded gravely. He ordered the imperial seal to be brought, placed it around Dok-u’s neck, and spoke in a low voice, admonishing him. “For your crimes of harming the people, you deserve death. However, out of pity, I shall spare your life! Now that the seal has been returned, I shall depart this place.”
Dok-u, fleeing for his life, returned to the capital and reported the events to Tae Su. Tae Su, in turn, informed the court. The court then issued an order for the arrest of three individuals across the nation: Hyun Deok, Guan Yu, and Zhang Bi. The three men fled to Daeju and sought refuge with Liu Hui.
Upon learning that Hyun Deok was a member of the imperial family, Liu Hui secretly harbored him in his home, strictly ordering his household to keep the matter confidential.
The Era of Ten-Rank Officials and Widespread Rebellion
In the imperial court, the ten-rank officials (십상시) wielded significant power. They engaged in mutual back-scratching, ruthlessly eliminating anyone who did not comply with their wishes. Among these officials, Jo Chung and Jang Yang, whose families had profited greatly from their service to the emperor, demanded heavy bribes from the decorated generals, threatening them with severe punishment if they refused. Generals Hwang Bo-sung and Ju Jun, however, refused to pay.
In response, Jo Chung’s faction submitted a formal impeachment request to the emperor. The young emperor, unable to discern right from wrong, appointed Jo Chung as the Grand General and promoted thirteen members of Jang Yang’s faction to the rank of Marquis. Consequently, the court became increasingly corrupt, and the people’s grievances grew daily.
Adding to the turmoil, Gu Seong led a band of thieves in Changsha, initiating a rebellion. In e’e, Jang Geo declared himself ‘Son of Heaven,’ while Jang Sun proclaimed himself ‘Great General.’ Despite widespread calls for their suppression, the ten-rank officials remained indifferent, refusing to even report the matters to the emperor.
