If It's Too Easy, It's No Fun
Songyeong's words dragged on for two full shichen. Yeon-hoo listened silently, emptying his teacup three times. After another shichen passed like that, Songyeong finally finished speaking.
Thud! Yeon-hoo set down his teacup and sank deep into his chair.
"So, six-tenths of the main family supports Jang Cheon..."
"That's a conservative estimate, I'd say."
"It could be even higher, then."
"Yes."
This was truly beyond expectations. If even the Iron Blood Family—his own clan—showed that level of support, the situation was far graver than he'd thought.
"Well, he's been preparing steadily ever since Father was alive."
"It won't be an easy fight."
"I was prepared for this much. Besides, if it's too easy, it's no fun."
Yeon-hoo actually smiled. Cheol-u and Songyeong exchanged glances.
"After Father passed, the forces supporting the Jang family head grew, right?"
"Yes. I heard nearly three-tenths declared their support afterward."
"Then we need to win them back first. They probably followed the tide thinking my legitimate bloodline was completely severed... Now that I've returned, we can turn the tables."
Thud!
"Anyway, what else?"
"Here."
Songyeong handed over a slim book.
"There was too much to cover, so I compiled it into a book."
"I don't need to read this... Summarize it simply so I can understand."
"Well... With an investment of one hundred thousand nyang in silver, we can expect at least ten thousand nyang in profit every month starting a year from now."
"Confident?"
"Just leave it to me."
"Hm. So the priority is scraping together that one hundred thousand nyang in silver right away. Of course, you've already thought of ways to raise the funds?"
"That's..."
Songyeong scratched his head. Yeon-hoo handed the book back.
"I'll handle that. You just prepare thoroughly. And don't forget to double-check for any gaps."
"Yes, understood."
At that moment—
"My lord, it's me."
Sama Song's voice drifted in.
"Come in."
Sama family's head, Sama Song, opened the door and entered. He bowed deeply to Yeon-hoo with a smile.
"You called for me?"
"There's something the family head needs to handle right away."
"Give the order."
Yeon-hoo pulled a sheet of paper from his bosom and handed it to Sama Song. Several names from the Iron Blood Family's personnel were listed on it.
"Secure these people as quickly as possible."
"...Pardon?"
"They're implicated in Chief Guardian Hong Mun's corruption. I've already spoken with the Elder Council Chairman, so take this."
When Yeon-hoo drew his precious sword and offered it too, Sama Song bowed with resolute eyes.
"Understood."
"Cheol-u, assist the Sama family head."
"Yes."
Once everyone had withdrawn, Yeon-hoo shed his clothes and headed to the rear garden. Steam from the small outdoor bath soon enveloped his entire body.
Splash.
'Maybe tonight I can finally get some sleep...'
Total steward Hong Myeong was someone who had openly declared his support for Jang Cheon. Before Yeon-hoo returned, he'd preached Jang Cheon's cause brazenly and even clashed badly with Sama Song over it. As Hong Mun's cousin, he'd visited the prison multiple times after Hong Mun was locked up, but Yeon-hoo's strict order barring visitors had left him empty-handed every time.
Hong Mun, entangled in secrets that couldn't see the light of day, was like a live volcano to him—one that could erupt at any moment. Today, too, he'd prepared bribes and gone to the prison, only to be firmly turned away by the warriors. Hearing Yeon-hoo had returned, Hong Myeong rushed straight to chief guardian Hong Son-pae.
Their expressions were grave as they conversed over teacups placed between them.
"Now that he's back, the investigation into Hong Mun will ramp up soon... If he talks, our Hong family will face irreversible disaster. We need to find a way, no matter what, before that happens."
"Hong Mun knows his own head will roll if he opens his mouth. Don't worry too much. He's in there for insulting that man, so he'll just take the punishment for that."
"Still, shouldn't we prepare for the worst case?"
"What, you want to kill your cousin?"
"...If there's no other way, we might have to."
Despite Hong Myeong's agitation, Hong Son-pae's stony face yielded no further words.
Then—
"You can't go in!"
"Out of my way!"
Crash! Clatter!
The sudden commotion outside made Hong Son-pae and Hong Myeong leap to their feet, staring at each other. Sama Song burst through the door at the same moment.
Bang! One door panel shattered off its hinges, and Hong Son-pae roared in fury.
"What insolence is this, Sama family head!"
Sama Song coldly eyed the two and raised his drawn sword.
"Eek!"
"Why do you have a drawn sword..."
"My lord's order is to secure you both. If you don't want this to blow up bigger, submit quietly."
Sama Song's tone was like an imperial decree. Cheol-u entered silently behind him.
"Resistance means I can take your heads," Sama Song continued.
"...!"
Hong Myeong quickly scanned beyond the open door. Spotting the corridor packed with Sama Song's warriors, despair washed over him.
'Damn it, they moved this fast...'
His hand, reaching for his sword, went limp.
Hong Son-pae asked in a subdued voice.
"...What crime have we committed for this?"
"I'm just following orders. Ask my lord yourself later for the details. What are you waiting for? Take them away!"
"Yes!"
Resigned, perhaps? Hong Myeong and Hong Son-pae offered no resistance, yielding to the warriors' hands.
Hong Son-pae asked,
"Just us two?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
At Elder Council Chairman Song Gyeom's residence, a close aide approached with a startled expression.
"The total steward and chief guardian were just thrown in prison!"
"No incidents?"
"...You knew?"
Song Gyeom nodded silently and lifted his teacup.
Clink. Thud.
"You aren't connected to the Jang family, are you?"
"Pardon?"
"Just your face. Sit and have some tea."
"So they were arrested for supporting the Jang family head?"
"Hardly. Even my lord can't imprison people just for not supporting him—that would lose him the people's hearts. The truth will come out through investigation, so stop panicking and just watch."
Song Gyeom was utterly relaxed. A faint, enigmatic smile even played on his lips.
"What do you make of my lord?"
"You want my honest opinion?"
"Would I ask for lies? Tsk tsk tsk."
The aide took a breath and continued.
"Frankly, many, including me, think he won't take the lord's seat. Aside from the precious sword, he has no real support base. That's why everyone's puzzled you handed over the sword."
"Support follows ability. Judge him by his qualities, not that."
"He hasn't shown much yet. But making that proud Jang family head yield peacefully, and his valor on the northern front—everyone's impressed. Oh, and I heard he crushed those Northwest Murim scum disguised as bandits this time too."
"I heard as well. Not long after returning, he's already popular with the young warriors. Especially the crucial Northern Legion—Commander Yun Hoe claims to be my lord's confidant, so they're fully his now."
"True, but... What do you think of him, Chairman?"
To the aide's question, Song Gyeom drained the last of his tea with an odd smile.
"For now, like a wolf with sharp fangs. If he shows tiger's claws later..."
"You'll support him?"
"We'll see."
Then—
"Chairman, it's me."
Songyeong's voice.
"You may withdraw."
"Yes."
As the aide rose, Songyeong entered. The aide glanced at him and hurried out.
Song Gyeom's gaze on Songyeong was endlessly warm.
"Come in."
"This month's profits."
Songyeong offered a thick ledger. Song Gyeom flipped it open, his eyes widening.
"Oh ho, revenues doubled."
"Thanks to your bold decision, Chairman."
"Nonsense—I just followed your lead. Well done regardless. Thanks to you, we have enough to replace all the warriors' armor. Ha ha ha."
Song Gyeom's booming laugh—one he rarely voiced—revealed his excellent mood.
"I've been thinking."
"About what...?"
"After discussing with my lord, we should give you an official title. Ideally one where you bow to no one but him and me. That way, you can act freely without watching over your shoulder."
'It'd happen anyway without you stepping in, old man...'
Unlike his inner thoughts, Songyeong bowed deeply.
"I'm deeply grateful for your favor toward this lowly one."
"Keep up the good work. The Iron Blood Family's finances rest on you—never forget."
"Understood."
"Shall we go eat?"
"Dining out today?"
"Need to buy some meat for the larder. We can grab a drink on the way for once."
"You could send a warrior."
"How can I burden warriors with personal errands? As an elder, I must lead by example. The late previous lord did the same, so this old man must follow suit."
Songyeong watched Song Gyeom don his robe, subtly rubbing his belly.
'Damn, if I'd known, I wouldn't have eaten that boiled meat...'
Regretting his recent heavy meal, Songyeong followed Song Gyeom out.
Moments later, Song Gyeom and Songyeong rode in a carriage out the Iron Blood Family's main gate. After about one geng had passed, a bird took flight toward the west.