Welcoming Guests (3)
“Hmm, this has a fine aroma.”
Moyong Gun smiled as he spoke.
“So, how goes the training of the Tang Ma Army these days?”
“It’s proceeding smoothly. Though I believe a few more real battles are needed, of course.”
“If you’re confident, then it’s certainly worth looking forward to.”
Mo Yong Woo shook his head.
“It’s useless if it doesn’t hold up in actual combat. They can probably handle a full-scale battle on open plains well enough, but urban warfare or mountain combat in those special environments... I’m not so sure.”
“They’re all clad in heavy armor and mounted, aren’t they? They weren’t meant for urban or mountain fights from the start.”
“The Myeol Sa Army is different.”
“Hm?”
“The Myeol Sa Army excels in urban and mountain warfare too. Their skill in open-field battles is probably exceptional as well.”
Moyong Gun chuckled softly.
“Most of the Myeol Sa Army comes from prestigious families. Prestigious martial arts are all distinctively unique. Tactics that play to each individual’s strengths will be more effective than forcing them into a unified crush. That’s why Yeon Hojeong equipped his troops with light armor.”
“I think so too.”
“The Tang Ma Army is an organization specialized in overwhelming firepower for frontal assaults, while the Myeol Sa Army excels in versatile adaptability for special operations. It’s good for both to develop their respective strengths.”
Mo Yong Woo thought to himself that Moyong Gun seemed truly devoted to the Martial Alliance in moments like this. The sincerity in his words only reinforced that impression.
“That aside.”
Moyong Gun smiled.
“You handled this matter splendidly.”
Mo Yong Woo’s eyes deepened.
“Thank you.”
“Your business acumen is no ordinary thing. This was a tricky affair to settle, yet you managed it beautifully.”
“The Gui Ju Merchant Association is one of the hidden powerhouses in the merchant world. If I hadn’t seized the initiative right away, it would’ve given us no end of headaches.”
“Well done.”
“Trade with the main family will be much smoother from now on. You can rest easy.”
“Hahaha!”
Moyong Gun burst into hearty laughter.
“I knew you’d changed when you offered to help me, but this exceeded even my expectations. I never imagined you had such resolve in you.”
“Cultivating one’s character is important. But failing to do what must be done out of mere virtue is a sin.”
Anyone who knew what Mo Yong Woo was aiming for would find those words profoundly meaningful.
Moyong Gun smiled with evident satisfaction.
“Well said. Hah! It seems you’re truly ready now.”
Mo Yong Woo cut in sharply.
“I can’t just wait for you to toss me scraps, brother. Now it’s time for me to charge ahead in my own way.”
“Kuhahaha!”
Moyong Gun, who had been tightening his own reins after a single mistake—in other words, reorganizing himself—welcomed his younger brother’s newfound resolve. He wondered if his brother had ever felt this reliable before.
It was then.
“Family head.”
“What is it?”
“Pardon the interruption, but a letter has arrived for the Tang Ma Army Leader.”
“For Woo? Bring it in.”
Mo Yong Woo took the letter and unfolded it. His eyes sparkled in an instant.
“Who’s it from?”
“The Myeol Sa Army Leader.”
Moyong Gun’s eyes sharpened immediately.
“From Yeon Hojeong, that bastard?”
“Yes.”
“What does it say?”
“Brother.”
“Hm?”
Mo Yong Woo rose from his seat.
“I’ll go meet Commander Yeon and return. I’ll fill you in on the details later.”
* * *
“Hey.”
Yeon Hojeong waved from the window on the upper floor.
Mo Yong Woo chuckled.
“Should I come up?”
“You planning to drink out in this freezing weather?”
“Drink?”
“What’s a conversation without liquor? Hurry up.”
Did this guy always love booze this much?
Mo Yong Woo entered Yeon Hojeong’s quarters. On the table by the window sat fragrant braised pork and two bottles of potent fiery liquor.
Mo Yong Woo clicked his tongue.
“Fiery liquor again?”
“What’s wrong with fiery liquor?”
“I don’t hate it, but chugging nothing but this stuff will ruin your gut. It’s brutally strong.”
“Strong booze has the best aftertaste.”
“Clean and strong booze has the best aftertaste. This fiery stuff looks like it was made just to get you hammered.”
“That’s why you drink it—to get drunk. Sit down already. You haven’t eaten, right?”
“Fair enough.”
Mo Yong Woo picked up a piece of well-stir-fried meat and ate it.
“Did you cook this, Commander Yeon?”
“Yeah, too much snow to bother going to a restaurant.”
“If you wanted to, you could get there in a flash. What’s so bothersome?”
“Just the mood. How’s the taste?”
“It’s surprisingly good. Quite delicious. You’re a fine cook too, Commander Yeon.”
“Living alone teaches you this much, even if you’re an idiot.”
“Guess I’m an idiot, then...”
Yeon Hojeong refilled Mo Yong Woo’s cup.
“So, how’s Moyong Gun?”
Mo Yong Woo replied calmly.
“He’s playing it safe. Seems he’s deeply realized his own mistake this time.”
“As expected.”
“Your brother’s moves were indeed too sloppy. Reckless, even.”
Mo Yong Woo refilled Yeon Hojeong’s cup as well.
“So, is that why you didn’t counter properly? Because of Muk Ryong Bu?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Your insight’s gotten sharp.”
“It’s not insight. I couldn’t have guessed without prior knowledge.”
Mo Yong Woo toyed with his cup.
“Preparing thoroughly before striking... You’re waiting for next year’s election, then.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“To minimize counterattack risks, you need an unexpected ambush. It’ll be a bit terrifying for Moyong Gun, but what can you do? To win, you can’t pick and choose your methods.”
“You’ll still choose methods. Trying to become just like your brother?”
“I’ll stick to basic ethics even without choosing. Don’t worry.”
“Heh.”
Mo Yong Woo raised his cup.
“A drink, then.”
“Sure.”
The two clinked cups and downed their liquor smoothly.
“Kuh, too strong. This booze hits harder than usual today.”
“That’s when you need side dishes. Eat up. I loaded it with oil on purpose.”
Mo Yong Woo hurriedly chewed and swallowed the meat. With the grease coating his stomach, he felt he might survive.
“By the way...”
Mo Yong Woo wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and asked.
“Something happen?”
“Hm?”
“Your vibe’s different. More stable than before, I’d say.”
“Is it?”
“Did you finally solve some nagging issue?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Not really. My mind’s just at ease now.”
He wasn’t sure if it truly showed, but if his aura had changed, it was probably because his father had accepted his past. He hadn’t shown it outwardly, but carrying that secret alone—never sharing it with anyone—had been a heavy burden. Every action required justifications and excuses, so it was inevitable.
But not anymore.
Muk Bi aside, just knowing his father was aware lightened his shoulders immensely.
“Good for you. A clear mind is essential.”
“You seem sharper yourself, brother.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah. Not tired-looking, though. Planning to go all out now?”
Mo Yong Woo gave a wry smile.
“Your eyes are keen, Commander Yeon.”
“Not my eyes—it’s you being easy to read.”
“Haha, maybe.”
Mo Yong Woo refilled Yeon Hojeong’s cup again and asked.
“So, what’s the reason you summoned me? Sending a letter knowing my brother was here suggests official business.”
“Right.”
Yeon Hojeong pointed at him with his chopsticks.
“If nothing’s up, want to get some fresh air with me?”
“Fresh air?”
“Heard of the Western Divine Maiden?”
“Ah, of course. The saintess of the Yi Sect, right?”
“Oh? You know her? I had no clue.”
“Makes sense you wouldn’t. I hear all sorts of rumors in the merchant world. But why the Western Divine Maiden?”
Yeon Hojeong explained the details.
Mo Yong Woo’s eyes lit up.
“Escort duty?”
“Yeah.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to send the entire Myeol Sa Army or Tang Ma Army?”
“I thought so at first too, but it’s just an escort, not some major operation. Even if our army has freedom of movement, using it for bodyguard work feels off. Plus, our guys are deep into formation drills right now.”
“Ho.”
“Your Tang Ma Army is busy too, right? Weren’t you sweating blood to improve chaotic battle responses?”
“True. We’re still at it.”
“Exactly. Personally, for the Myeol Sa Army’s next campaign, I plan to roam the entire Central Plains and return half-deaf. Wasting time on this feels regrettable.”
“Tch, ‘wasting time’ is a harsh way to put it. Escorting someone of her stature could be a great honor.”
“Let’s share that honor together. Chat along the way, train a bit. Sounds good, right?”
“Hmm.”
Mo Yong Woo’s eyes sparkled.
“Traveling under the pretext of an official mission... Yeah, no headaches there.”
“The Alliance has my father and the strategist anyway. Moyong Gun won’t dare act rashly for a while, and timing-wise, it’s perfect.”
Mo Yong Woo smiled.
“Nothing holding me back, so sure.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“Good. We leave in three days, so prepare thoroughly by then.”
“Perfect. Ah, but...”
“Yeah?”
“Just you and me? No other companions?”
“Well.”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“I’m debating one guy, but I’d have to trust his mental state first.”
* * *
Three days later.
“Alright, have a safe trip.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Send word even if nothing happens.”
“Don’t worry.”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“Good. Oh, and I heard Jipyeong has set out. I told him to keep in constant contact via the Beggar Sect, so if you cross paths midway, bring him along.”
“Oh, perfect.”
It was then.
“Preparations complete.”
Gang Ryang and Muk Bi stepped out.
Yeon Hojeong blinked.
“Muk Bi, why are you here?”
“I’m going too.”
“Where?”
Muk Bi pointed at Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“If you go too, who’ll train the kids?”
“A-yeon will. And what kids? They’re soldiers—they’ll manage fine without superiors.”
“...”
“Besides, we’re escorting a VIP. Even a full detachment wouldn’t be overkill, so if you’re leaving them to train, I should go along.”
Yeon Wi glanced at Yeon Hojeong.
“I didn’t say it, but I agree with Bi-a.”
Muk Bi grinned.
“See? Father agrees.”
Gang Ryang scratched his head.
“Wasn’t this a training trip?”
Yeon Hojeong sighed.
“Fine, come along. If something pops off, your archery will be a big help anyway.”
“Right?”
Just then, Mo Yong Woo rode up to the main gate.
“All set?”
“...More or less.”
Yeon Hojeong slung Gwang Yong Bu onto his saddle.
“What could go wrong escorting one person? Let’s make it quick.”