Chronicles of the Northern Heavens Chapter 36 - One Cannot Violate the Solemnity of Military Orders
Somubaek and Cheol Gun-ak returned to Baekya-beol. Seok-ho-jin, the leader of the White Night Cartel's secret unit, the Night Wolves, was in poor condition and couldn't depart with them.
Returning to the Jo family manor, Yeon-hoo received the morning meal brought by the maids as if nothing had happened. It was a veritable feast fit for an emperor.
But Yeon-hoo found it far from welcome.
"From tomorrow, serve it the same as what the warriors eat."
"The family head commanded that every meal for you be prepared like a royal banquet..."
"I understand. I'll speak to the family head myself, so could you at least bring a bowl of porridge?"
"Yes, my lord."
The porridge was for Seok-ho-jin. Yeon-hoo fixed his hardened gaze on the man sitting rigidly and spoke in his characteristic emotionless tone.
"Treatment will take at least another month, so think of it as leave and rest well."
"I'll depart as soon as I'm fit to move, even if sooner."
"That seems like something for you two to settle..."
As Yeon-hoo trailed off, Seok-ho-jin let out a quiet sigh and turned to Cheol-u.
"To reiterate, I held back only because I had no choice in front of Young Master So. I had no intention of insulting you."
"We'll talk when you're recovered."
"......"
At Cheol-u's curt response, Seok-ho-jin fell silent.
"Eat."
Yeon-hoo picked up his chopsticks. Though the table overflowed with rare delicacies, his hand hesitated. Thinking of the Iron Blood Family warriors—whose finances were strained—eating their simple morning fare only weighed heavier on his heart.
'Today, at least, think of it as a gesture of sincerity.'
Cheol-u asked, "Why?"
"Do the maids eat our leftovers?"
"Probably."
It was absurd. This wasn't some king's banquet.
"Eat it all clean."
"Yes."
As the meal ended, Yun Hoe arrived. Yeon-hoo explained everything and emphasized that Seok-ho-jin's identity must remain secret.
"Replies have come from each sect. They'll all arrive by afternoon at the latest."
"It says that explicitly?"
"Yes. I confirmed every one personally."
"Any movement from Northwest Murim?"
"Nothing unusual yet. I've doubled the scouts, so word will come the moment they mobilize."
"To repeat: our purpose here isn't to strike Northwest Murim disguised as bandits. No engagements without my permission, not even skirmishes."
"I've informed everyone. No need for concern."
Tak!
Yeon-hoo set down his chopsticks and rose.
Before leaving the room, he turned to Seok-ho-jin.
"Circulate your qi and heal your internal injuries until the herbs arrive."
"......Yes."
"Cheol-u, stay by his side."
"Understood."
"To the family head's quarters, Commander."
"Yes."
"Welcome, my lord."
As Yeon-hoo entered, Jo Chung rose and bowed deeply. His deference was so profound it drew a wry smile from Yun Hoe.
'To think that stubborn man could change this much...'
"Please, sit here."
"Thank you."
Jo Chung gladly yielded the seat of honor and took the one below. Yun Hoe sat opposite him.
"As instructed, I sent the notices, and all confirmed attendance. Naturally, I didn't mention your presence at the main house."
"Impressive influence, Family Head Jo. Men who defied the military order are all coming at your call."
"Well... I owe them many debts, it seems."
Jo Chung kept it brief. No good drawing more attention than Yeon-hoo.
"No word from the Jang family?"
"None since the missive demanding they heed the order. I'll inform you immediately if contact comes."
'Heavens.' Yun Hoe barely stifled a laugh. Jo Chung now looked every inch the loyal retainer who'd served Yeon-hoo for years. Yeon-hoo's command over people was astounding. From what Yun Hoe had seen, once entangled, no one escaped his overwhelming dominance.
Yet unease lingered. 'A man who could turn anytime...' Their bond was shallow-rooted—that worried him.
"The heirs of each sect and house... how capable are they?"
"Levels vary, but most sects and houses hire top experts as instructors, so they won't lag behind peers from Northwest Murim or elsewhere. But why...?"
"I'm planning something... Details when they're gathered. Mind preparing some tea here?"
"Yes, my lord. Right away."
Leaving Jo Chung's quarters, Yeon-hoo headed to his own. En route, Yun Hoe asked, "May I inquire what you're planning?"
"No concerns, Commander?"
"About what...?"
"That those who've submitted to me could turn anytime."
"Frankly... yes, I'm worried. I trust you'll succeed, but if things go awry, it could be worse than nothing..."
"Anyone would feel the same. Loyalty can't be forced. So, to prevent betrayal preemptively, I'm considering establishing a martial academy at the main house."
"A martial academy?"
"Yes. Enroll the heirs of each sect and house, train them in martial arts and more to hone their talents. No one would refuse their successors growing stronger. It seems the best way to build bonds."
"......"
Yun Hoe's eyes widened. He saw the true intent. 'Hostages, in other words.'
Yeon-hoo eyed him oddly. "Guessed it?"
"Yes."
Yun Hoe smiled. "It work?"
"Seems the surest method for now."
"Then let's proceed."
Total overseer Jo Yeom entered Jo Chung's quarters.
"I saw him leave. What did you discuss?"
"'Him'? Mind your tongue!"
"......Pardon?"
"He's our lord. One more slip, and you'll forfeit your position!"
"......!"
Jo Yeom couldn't hide his shock at the unexpected reprimand.
"He holds all our weaknesses—mine and the house's. One leak, and we're done. Until I say otherwise, no words or actions to irk him. Understood?"
"My apologies. I'll etch your words into my bones."
Regretting his harshness, Jo Chung poured hot water into Jo Yeom's cup himself.
Pour...
"Have some tea."
"Thank you."
As Jo Yeom lifted the cup, a strange glint flickered in his eyes, unseen amid the steam by Jo Chung.
Jo Yeom ventured cautiously, "Then... have you fully resolved to support the young master—no, the lord?"
"For now, no choice but to play both sides."
"Meaning...?"
"The house's fate hangs on this. Watch and fully commit when the time comes. From now, utmost caution in words and deeds toward the Jang family and all sects and houses."
"Understood."
"Finish and go."
"......Yes."
Jo Yeom left his barely touched tea and departed. Outside, he hurried to his quarters. His aide greeted him puzzled.
"Back so soon?"
"He told me to leave."
"......Pardon?"
"Fetch a messenger pigeon linked to the Jang family—secretly. No one can know, especially not the family head."
"Yes."
Alone, Jo Yeom sank into his chair with a sneer.
"Hmph! Cringing before a brat over a few weaknesses. Just hire an assassin and end it..."
A smirk twisted meaningfully on his lips.
"Frame the situation right in the report, and even the Jang family head will back me over him. I must seize full control of the Jo family this chance."
Noon approached. People crossed Jo family manor's main gate one by one—clad in splendid silk robes, trailed by dozens of guards flaunting their status. They were the local powers who had defied Yeon-hoo's military order.
Jo Chung guided them to the banquet hall and waited until all four arrived before informing Yeon-hoo.
"All present."
"Got it."
Yeon-hoo entered the hall with Yun Hoe and Cheol-u.
None of the guards milling outside recognized him. Moments later, as Yeon-hoo appeared, the four powerhouses eyed him curiously.
Ignoring them, Yeon-hoo headed to the head seat. Yun Hoe stood behind; Cheol-u locked the door and guarded it.
Murmurs rose. Only then did they realize who he was.
Jo Chung addressed them sternly. "Rise and pay respects to our lord."
No one moved. As he opened his mouth again, Yeon-hoo stopped him.
"Enough."
Shing.
Yeon-hoo drew his sword—symbol of his lordship—and placed it on the table. Sunlight from the window gleamed blue along the blade, bathing him in azure light that amplified the oppressive air.
"Gasp, that's..."
"How is the lord's sword here..."
Chaos erupted anew. Eyes turned accusingly to Jo Chung for the omission.
Yeon-hoo slowly scanned the room, then spoke coldly.
"Defied my order, yet came at Family Head Jo's call. Shall we hear why you refused? I'll consider extenuating circumstances after."
No one spoke first.
"If no reason, no choice. Commander."
"Yes, my lord."
"Bind them."
"Understood."
Then, a middle-aged man shot up.
"Yang-seok, head of the Yang family, greets you... my lord. Forgive our unavoidable failure to heed the order; allow me to explain."
Yang-seok's lead prompted the others. One by one, they offered excuses. Yeon-hoo listened silently, face impassive, until all finished.
"That's all."
As the last—a portly middle-aged man—sat, uproar erupted outside.
Clang!
"Argh!"
"Grah!"
"Drop your swords and kneel!"
Metal clashed, screams rang, a resonant command boomed—then silence.
"What's happening outside?!"
"Sounds like fighting!"
All leaped up. Yun Hoe hand on hilt stepped forward.
"Any who leave without the lord's permission dies here. Sit."
"......!"
Yeon-hoo eyed their awkward stances, voice low, cold, detached.
"Don't worry about your guards. Subdued, not killed."
"......!"
"Now, what to do with you?"