Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 2614 The Filial Son's Return (Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and great fortune!)

Years later, standing before the Great Han Gate, Wang Changxing will recall that distant morning when he accompanied Vice Minister Han Bidong to Chang'an.

On this day, a C727 plane took off from Seoul Airport and flew south towards Chang'an.

At this moment, Han Bidong, sitting in business class, would involuntarily look out the window, his inner emotions a complex mix.

The complexity doesn't stem from the fact that a few years ago, South Korean officials could only travel in economy class when visiting foreign countries, but now they can fly business class; rather, it's due to the mission they are undertaking on this trip.

After a long silence, he finally spoke:
"Changxing, I heard you're originally from Taiyuan, is that right?"

The surname "Wang" is unique in South Korea. The vast majority of people with the surname Wang belong to the same clan name – Gaeseong Wang. When the Goryeo Dynasty was replaced by the Joseon Dynasty, the descendants of the royal family adopted the original royal surname "Wang" as their own surname in order to avoid disaster and survive. They also designated the capital city of Gaeseong as their clan name to show that they did not forget their ancestors.

At the same time, there are a very small number of people with the surname Wang who immigrated from China in South Korea. They retain their original hometowns, such as Taiyuan and Langya, as their ancestral home. Although they are almost never prominent, they still register their names in order to show that they do not forget their ancestors.

"Yes, Vice Minister, my family is originally from Taiyuan, but we moved to Korea during the Yongli era."

"Ah, so you're a descendant of the Ming Dynasty! It's my mistake that I only just realized it. My apologies."

He bowed slightly in apology, glanced at his secretary, and said:

“Then, Chief Royal, do you know? My ancestral home is the Han family of Qingzhou.”

When he spoke of his ancestral home, his words were filled with pride, a pride that was hard to conceal.

It's not that it's hard to hide, but rather that it's a straightforward, undisguised declaration to everyone—I'm proud, I'm honored.

Uh?
Wang Changxing was taken aback, and he quickly flattered him:

"The Han family of Qingzhou has produced many outstanding figures throughout the generations, how could I not know about them?"

In South Korea, the most important thing is one's clan name (bongwan). During the Joseon Dynasty, bongwan was an important basis for indicating family origin and status. This tradition continues in South Korea to this day.

Moreover, the person in front of him was his direct superior. Naturally, he needed to know about his background and family history.

In the Joseon Dynasty, this Vice Minister would have been a member of the Yangban aristocracy, a group quite different from ordinary people.

Of course, this ordinary person does not include his family. Although the Wang family was not a Yangban noble family, because they came from the Ming Dynasty, as Ming loyalists, their status was naturally far higher than that of ordinary people in Korea, almost equivalent to that of Yangban nobles.

During the Joseon Dynasty, there was neither a tax burden nor a labor service obligation, and this remained the case for over 200 years.

Therefore, he and his family still have a strong sense of identification with South Korea. After all, after losing their homeland, they received protection in another country and enjoyed preferential treatment for more than 200 years.

That's why he didn't go to Southeast Asia like many others. In fact, there are many people like him in South Korea today.

They were all Chinese.

But none of them left the country. For more than 200 years, they have, in a way, integrated into the vassal state that once welcomed and sheltered them.

"Um,"

Han Bidong was already used to such compliments. But today's compliments gave him a completely different feeling than in the past.

"The Han family of Cheongju served as officials for generations during the Joseon Dynasty. Although they produced many outstanding figures, there was one ancestor in the Han family of Cheongju whose identity was extremely special. It was not because he had served as a high-ranking official or held a prominent position, but because he had shouldered a special mission."

When he said these words, Han Bidong finally mentioned his ancestor, Han Shangzhi.

Upon hearing the name, Wang Changxing immediately feigned sudden realization, a fact recorded in history books.

"Ah, I see. The Joseon Dynasty's nearly five hundred years of rule all stems from the merit of our ancestor, the Vice Minister, who requested the name of the country!"

After Yi Seong-gye overthrew the Goryeo Dynasty through the "Wihwa Island Retreat," he needed to obtain investiture from the Ming Dynasty emperor for his regime to have legitimacy.

Han Shangzhi was sent to the Ming Dynasty as the first envoy and successfully completed the mission of requesting a new name for the country, which was the most important contribution of his life.

It is precisely because of this that Han Shangzhi became associated with this country. Whenever we study history, we must mention the envoys who sought investiture from the Ming Dynasty, and Han Shangzhi will naturally be mentioned.

This has naturally become a source of pride and honor for the Han family of Qingzhou. After all, their family is closely connected with the country.

This is also the first achievement that comes to mind when people mention the Han family of Qingzhou!
What was on Han Bidong's mind when Wang Changxing was flattering him?
It was his ancestor, Han Shangzhi, who went to the Ming Dynasty to request a name for their country. It was from that time onward that this country became inextricably linked with the Celestial Empire.

He even imagined whether his ancestors felt the same way he does now.
His ancestors originally wanted to request a name for the country.

And now?

Although he went to Chang'an not to obtain a title of state, he hoped to gain another opportunity—to truly integrate into Southeast Asia—by joining the military operations of the Allied Forces and uniting with the allies.

He even felt that perhaps this was not destiny.

In 1392, his ancestor carried a letter of state to the Ming Dynasty, requesting that the Ming Taizu bestow a name and title upon him.

And now?

Han Bidong was going to Chang'an to do something that seemed different, but in reality, was no different.

It's all about fitting in.

It's about truly integrating into a group, like an orphan who has wandered for half a lifetime finding their mother again.

At this moment, this orphan, who had lost his home more than 200 years ago, finally found a home.

When this thought popped into his mind, Han Bidong felt no resistance. Why was that?
When Japan occupied Korea, he remembered feeling resistance and deep pain when they were asked to give their children Japanese names.

But now?
He didn't feel any resistance; instead, he felt a sense of relaxation, a feeling of coming home. This inexplicable sense of closeness made him smile involuntarily, as if it were the natural thing in the world.

It was at this moment that he even thought of his own name.

Although his name comes from Xunzi's "Youzuo" chapter, which says "Its myriad turns will inevitably lead east, like a will," meaning that rivers will eventually flow east into the sea, it also implies that no matter what twists and turns things may have, they will always develop according to their proper laws.

However, after the fall of the Ming Dynasty, this phrase took on a different meaning in the Joseon Dynasty. The phrase "No matter how many obstacles we take, we will go east" became the slogan of "Respecting the Zhou and repelling the barbarians" at that time, or rather, it became the belief of everyone.

At that time, in order to worship Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty and Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, a temple called Mandong Temple was built in Hwayang-dong, Hoesan County, Chungcheongbuk-do. The name of the temple was taken from the handwriting of King Seonjo of Joseon: "Wan Zhe Bi Dong, Zai Zao Fan Bang".

Cheongju is located in Cheongju, which is under the jurisdiction of Chungcheongbuk-do, so Han Pil-dong's name comes from there.

"Through countless twists and turns, it will surely turn east..."

Perhaps, this is fate!
As this thought crossed his mind, Han Bidong recalled that his ancestor's journey had laid the foundation for nearly 250 years of peace and prosperity for the Joseon Dynasty. Would his own journey to Chang'an also lay the foundation for 250 years of prosperity and peace for the Joseon Dynasty?

Thinking of this, an unprecedented sense of mission immediately rose in his chest, making his breathing become somewhat rapid. His bright eyes revealed a yearning for the future, and of course, a sense of mission.

He believes that this is his mission and that of this generation of Koreans.

Every generation has its own mission!
More than an hour later, the plane landed at Chang'an International Airport.

Just as Han Bidong and his entourage's plane landed, the waiting area near the airport customs channel was bustling with activity. Passengers from various countries were dragging their suitcases among the crowds, and boarding announcements in different languages ​​were being broadcast over the loudspeakers. The strong breeze from the central air conditioning system made the hall feel slightly cool.

John and his colleague pulled their shirts tighter and leaned against a pillar in the waiting area, their eyes fixed on the direction of the customs exit.

As an ABC reporter, after learning about the South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister's visit, I came here with reporters from other countries. The reason for paying attention to the South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister's itinerary is that it is widely speculated that South Korea is very likely to join ASEAN's military operations this time.

Although it's just speculation, the outside world is still paying close attention to this news, and the group has been waiting here for almost an hour.

Occasionally, they would also talk about South Korea there, especially South Korea's current stance.

"In the past, Seoul's position was to closely follow Washington, but now? They are following Chang'an. Therefore, South Korea's joining the military action of the coalition is inevitable."

"That's right, they might even send hundreds of thousands of troops, just like in the past..."

"In the past, Washington was the priority; now, Chang'an is the priority."

"Yes, Vice Minister Han is a well-known pro-South Korean in Seoul."

While everyone was talking, the surrounding area was crowded with people waiting like them, many of whom were colleagues carrying cameras and recording pens.

Of course, there were also many people holding up signs and eagerly waiting, clearly there to welcome their relatives and friends.

Meanwhile, journalists from various countries pointed their cameras and microphones at the customs passage while whispering amongst themselves, their eyes occasionally glancing towards the exit, waiting for the arrival of the Deputy Foreign Minister, who was described by outsiders as "pro-South Korea."

Bored, John looked around and inadvertently noticed a figure.

He was a young soldier, tall and upright, wearing a dark green uniform. The insignia on his shoulder straps were somewhat unfamiliar. In fact, even as an American, or even as a journalist, John didn't know much about the military insignia here.

However, the uniforms worn by these soldiers were very beautiful. To a large extent, their uniform design concept was influenced by wartime Germany, reflecting an extreme perfectionist design philosophy. They emphasized meticulous tailoring and uniform materials, making the uniforms look majestic and imposing. Wearing them made one look heroic, and they are still sought after by many people today.

Compared to soldiers from other countries, the SEA soldiers' striking uniforms are very eye-catching, and some even collect them in Europe and America. Their uniforms have a magnificent appearance and a well-tailored cut, exuding elegance within their solemnity; their design alone is breathtaking.

These well-tailored, richly detailed, and dashing uniforms are the hallmark of SEA soldiers. This is also influenced by the views of SEA leadership, who believe that military uniforms represent combat effectiveness, and that uniforms must be attractive and convey a sense of style to attract young people to join the military.

Therefore, the beautiful military uniforms, together with the handsome soldiers, form a beautiful sight.

That's where it is right now. An ordinary soldier stands there, his handsome uniform making him look extremely dashing.

Even as a man, John couldn't help but take a few more glances at him.

The soldier, carrying only a simple military backpack, stood silently at the end of the queue at the economy class boarding gate. He stood there quietly, gazing ahead, his smart uniform distinguishing him from the other passengers.

His handsome appearance, upright posture, and smart military uniform made him stand out from the crowd.

John subconsciously glanced at the other person a couple more times, secretly guessing their identity.

Perhaps he is an infantryman who will soon be sent to the front lines.

But why didn't he have a girlfriend or wife to see him off?
Just as John was speculating about this, the passengers were checking in one by one.

The flight attendant, who was checking passengers in, glanced back, calculating how many passengers were left, before her gaze finally settled on the soldier. She paused, then looked down into the microphone, cleared her throat, and said softly:
"Attention, Private First Class, please proceed to the first-class lane for priority boarding. We have reserved a private lane for you."

The flight attendant's voice rang out over the loudspeaker in the waiting area, and the previously noisy crowd instantly quieted down, with everyone's eyes focused on the soldier.

The announcement ended, and a brief silence fell over the waiting area as everyone turned their attention to him. The soldier, clearly surprised, quickly replied:
"Miss, I am on vacation right now and do not need any special care."

In response to the soldier's answer, the flight attendant paused, then emphasized again into the microphone:

"Sir, please note that as long as you are wearing a military uniform, you can use the first-class lane for boarding anytime and anywhere. Thank you very much for your service to the country!"

After a moment of surprise, the soldier nodded slightly to the flight attendant, picked up his canvas bag, and followed her toward the first-class aisle.

Passengers around him made way for him, many with expressions of admiration, expressing their gratitude for his service to the country, while others spontaneously applauded.

For a moment, applause filled the waiting hall.

(End of this chapter)