Chapter 32: A Separate Purpose
The moon had yet to rise in the pitch-black night. Yun Hoe, Seomun Gyeom, and the commanders of each unit had gathered in Yeon-hoo's tent at his summons. There, Yeon-hoo dropped an unexpected bombshell.
"We're moving the main camp to the Jo family estate."
"Pardon?"
Everyone was stunned. The Jo family estate lay ten li north of their current position. Relocating the main camp there was tantamount to a retreat.
Seomun Gyeom asked cautiously, "May I inquire as to the reason?"
"As you all know, these bandits are a ploy by the Northwest Murim. Fighting them head-on here would play right into their hands."
"What do you believe is the Northwest Murim's true aim, my lord?"
"Even with the truce agreement, they're dragging us into endless skirmishes to keep us mired in chaos. That's what Wi Yeon Gwang wants. The longer we in the Northern Murim delay regaining stability, the more opportunities they get..."
All nodded in agreement. Yeon-hoo took a sip of tea before continuing.
"I can't let our warriors die needlessly falling for the enemy's scheme. Prepare to depart immediately."
"Immediately... right now?"
"Once the decision is made, the sooner we act, the better, no?"
"A wise point, but shouldn't we send word to the Jo family estate first?"
Yeon-hoo fixed Seomun Gyeom with a steady gaze. "Do I need to spell that out too?"
"..."
"We leave in one shichen. Dismissed."
No further questions followed. As they filed out, Seomun Gyeom looked visibly flustered, while the younger commanders hurried back to their units. Yun Hoe caught up last, calling out to Seomun Gyeom who was walking ahead.
"Chief Secretary."
"Yes?"
"The lord has a plan. Trust and follow him."
"Do you know what kind of place the Jo family estate is? I'm worried it could lead to conflict with the Jang family."
"That's precisely why we're heading there."
"What do you...?"
"You'll learn the details soon enough. For now, just obey the lord's will."
Pat pat. Yun Hoe clapped Seomun Gyeom on the shoulder with a faint smile.
"Look at the young ones' reactions. They didn't hesitate to criticize the former lord sharply, yet in less than a day, they've started trusting and following our new one. I did the same..."
"Then let me ask one thing."
"Go ahead."
"Could you stake your life on the lord?"
"I've already staked something even more precious than my life."
"..."
Seomun Gyeom's eyes wavered in that moment.
"See you shortly."
Yun Hoe turned back toward Yeon-hoo's tent. Staring at his retreating figure, Seomun Gyeom suddenly looked up at the sky. The moon that had hung there moments ago was gone, and rain had begun to fall. Considering winter had yet to pass, it was an unexpected downpour.
'Did he foresee even the rain and choose tonight for this?'
"They're... gone."
At his subordinate's report, Go Gwang's face stiffened.
"What do you mean, gone?!"
"I personally checked their main camp, but they'd vanished without a trace—not a single tent left. I've sent out troops to track them, but... the rain is pouring so hard, it'll be tough to find any signs."
Just then, thunder boomed loudly.
Rumble!
Lightning flashed across Go Gwang's face, turning it ghostly white.
"There's no way they'd retreat after such a great victory. Then..."
What realization struck him? Go Gwang's eyes bulged as he bellowed at his men.
"They might be heading here—search every inch around the canyon. Hurry!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Jo family estate was one of the factions supporting Jang Cheon as the next lord. With wealth accumulated over generations that ranked among the top in the Northern Murim, and a considerable force of skilled warriors, it was also the place Jang Cheon invested in most heavily.
Its patriarch, Jo Chung, was a man of great ambition. He rarely revealed his true intentions, so no one knew his dreams for certain, but rumors abounded that he eyed the position after Jang Cheon.
In the pre-dawn hours, Jo Chung rose earlier than usual and lifted his teacup. Across from him sat Chief Steward Jo Yeom.
He poured hot water into Jo Chung's half-empty cup and spoke. Pour.
"As confirmed, no one has obeyed the military order."
"Expected. Even if he's the legitimate heir, without formally ascending as lord, he has no authority to issue commands."
"But doesn't it feel a bit off? Rumors say he's openly acting like the lord... Could there be something we don't know?"
"Without a council vote recognizing him as lord, even the former lord's legitimate heir can't just claim the seat. The rumors are probably exaggerated."
Thud! Jo Chung set down his cup with a smug smile.
"This must have made him realize how utterly unfavorable the board is for settling the next lord. He won't dare any more reckless moves. Heh heh heh."
"Will he give up the lord's seat so easily?"
"If not, we'll force him."
Just then—
"Patriarch, it's me."
"Come in."
A warrior entered. It was Jo Byeok, in charge of Jo Chung's guard. He proffered a message tube.
"A express letter from the Jang family."
"From the Jang family?"
Jo Chung opened the tube and unfolded the letter inside. His brow furrowed as he read.
"What does it say?"
"It demands we obey the young master's military order. And it stresses using the proper titles."
"Pardon?"
"Strange indeed. I figured the Jang patriarch would be the last to say we should obey..."
"Indeed. But we've already ignored the order—what now?"
Thud! Jo Chung set the letter down, looking displeased.
"There must be circumstances. Why send an express letter so late, anyway?"
"Perhaps they only just learned of the young master's order?"
"Could be."
As Jo Chung nodded silently—
"Patriarch!"
An urgent shout came from outside.
"What is it?!"
"An unknown force of troops is approaching the estate. You should come out at once."
'For a mere family clan, this scale is impressive...'
The Jo family estate was far grander than rumored. What they called a manor had front gates rivaling those of a fortress city, and walls so high even a skilled expert couldn't leap them in one bound.
"The Jo family has long built its power with vast wealth, but no one knows the true extent."
"Even their subordinate families' troop sizes aren't accurately reported?"
"No. All Northern Murim families and sects must report to the main house. But most don't report honestly..."
"Understood."
Yeon-hoo walked on. Soon, when they were about twenty jang from the main gate, heavily armored troops appeared atop the walls.
"Halt!"
Yun Hoe pointed to one in the center. "The man standing there is Patriarch Jo Chung."
"Go inform them I've arrived."
"Yes, my lord."
Yun Hoe signaled back, and Bi-ryong Unit Commander Jin Mu dashed to the gate in a single leap.
"Bi-ryong Unit Commander Jin Mu of the main house! The lord has arrived—open the gates at once!"
Yeon-hoo gazed indifferently at the figures on the wall, murmuring as if to himself.
"What do you think?"
"Even Jo Chung has to open the gates, right?"
"Is that certainty speaking?"
"...Honestly, I hope so."
In truth, Yun Hoe was pessimistic. Jo Chung had repeatedly refused summons from former lord Yi Yeom with excuses. For someone who'd defied even orders backed by severe punishment, refusing Yeon-hoo—who hadn't formally ascended—seemed likely.
'Please, no mishaps...'
Then, Jo Chung leaped down from the wall. The others followed in unison. As Yun Hoe gripped his sword hilt against possible trouble, Jo Chung approached like the wind and bowed deeply.
"Welcome, my lord."
"Good to see you, Patriarch."
Yeon-hoo acknowledged him coolly. Yun Hoe inwardly sighed in relief but was shocked by Jo Chung's deference.
'Opening the gates is one thing, but calling him lord so readily...?'
As Yun Hoe marveled, the massive gates of the Jo estate slowly parted. Beyond them, a large contingent of heavily armed troops stood in formation.
"Please, enter."
"Very well."
Yeon-hoo stepped inside ahead of Jo Chung. The troops parted, revealing a path paved with precious marble stones that hinted at the estate's immense wealth.
The aura emanating from the lined-up soldiers was formidable. Yet Yeon-hoo strode unperturbed through their midst, Jo Chung at his side.
"I was about to head to the command post at dawn. For you to come in person—I'm deeply sorry."
"Oh? I thought you might be defying the military order."
"Defy? Who would dare defy your command, my lord? It was only our first order, so we prepared thoroughly, causing a slight delay."
"Glad to hear your intentions are pure. That said, I'd like a private word..."
"If it's not urgent, how about dining first?"
"It is urgent."
"..."
Did it feel off? Jo Chung hesitated. He had no trust in Yeon-hoo and was naturally suspicious.
'What harm could there be?'
In the end, he relented. "Understood. To my quarters, then."
"Chief Secretary."
"Yes, my lord."
"I'll speak with the patriarch alone. Join the warriors for breakfast."
"Yes, sir."
With Yun Hoe—who he'd expected to join—stepping back without protest, Jo Chung relaxed inwardly.
'Alone with this one, no worries.'
In truth, Jo Chung found Yun Hoe more uncomfortable than Yeon-hoo. Beyond his power, their relations had soured since Yi Yeom's era.
"This way, my lord."
Moments later, Yeon-hoo entered Jo Chung's opulent quarters. Jo Chung yielded the seat of honor and sat below.
"Bring tea."
He called softly outside, then turned to Yeon-hoo with a gentle smile.
"I meant to greet you upon your return, but heard you'd gone straight to Baekya-beol. I've been awaiting you since."
"Your thought alone suffices."
Maids entered with tea, pausing the talk. Clink. Pour.
As tea filled the cups, a fragrant aroma spread. Yeon-hoo closed his eyes briefly. To Jo Chung, it looked like savoring the scent.
Once the maids left, Yeon-hoo opened his eyes.
"This is your final chance to defend yourself."
"...!"