Everyone Schemes in Their Own Way
"Thanks for all the hard work preparing. We'll be off now~."
He pulled the approved documents from his bosom, obtained from the government office in Nanjing.
Requested Materials List = Fierce Fire Oil, Iron Balls, Gunpowder - Approved
Looking at it washed away any lingering bitterness from the earlier spar. His mood lifted.
Just like any contract, you had to stay vigilant and suspicious until the goods and money changed hands—that was the essence of a deal.
It was a mindset essential across past and present.
People might say they'd support you, but when it came time to deliver, they'd make excuses, bail entirely, or drag their feet until the deadline passed. That was reality.
But with the official seal of the Transport Command stamped on the papers, he could finally relax.
"…."
Were they worried about him after his defeat in the spar? The attendants in the carriage kept stealing glances, looking anxious.
I'm fine, though. Hell, I learned a ton from it.
The duel with Heuk Ung—he didn't seem to go all out either, but even so, it revealed his own shortcomings.
The biggest area for improvement? Probably fire.
In this era where matchlock firearms dominated, fire was key.
But carrying a torch tied up one hand. And worse, it was too damn visible.
The moment he tilted the torch to the fuse, Heuk Ung spotted it, widened the distance, and countered. That's when defeat set in.
He needed a fix: something that freed up his hand and ignited discreetly.
"…I'll brainstorm that later."
He'd figure it out eventually. For now, focus on the task at hand.
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, and the coastal city of Suzhou shared a long wall, so the trip was quick.
"Young Master Yujin, we've arrived in Suzhou."
"Good work."
Stepping out at the coachman's words, he surveyed the familiar skyline. A port city vibe—compress Hangzhou, and you'd get this beautiful gem.
"Weren't we heading straight to lodging? I thought they'd assigned us something."
"The Inspector General said he'd guide us after the meeting. Wants us at the camp first."
"…Really?"
Damn, Jo Unhyeon was bad enough, but this guy's turf has some obsession with procedure.
After trekking to Nanjing, now at the site in Suzhou, he had to wait for a sit-down with Inspector General Yugu Su.
Grumbling inwardly, he strode into the camp at the city's heart.
Guided by soldiers to the innermost room on the top floor, there sat Jiangsu's Inspector General, Yugu Su, at his desk.
The man paused at the footsteps, looked up coolly, assessed the intruder, then spoke once identified.
"…Greetings, Lord Yujin. Must've been a hassle shuttling around."
"You have my respect for your duties, Inspector General."
That soft, measured voice—same as at the welcome banquet. Solid character.
"Take it easy for a few days. Work can wait."
His weary, listless vibe and words screamed I hate this job.
Regardless of truth.
"Suzhou's famed for beauty alongside Nanjing. Won't lose to Hangzhou. Stroll around when you can."
I'm not here on vacation.
"…I'll sightsee after the job's done. Meanwhile, I'd like to scout the area starting today."
Yugu Su showed no reaction—nodded faintly in acknowledgment.
"I'll notify the arsenal for immediate supply pickup. The waiting deputy will guide you to lodging. Arranged for your entourage too—rest easy."
Then he buried his head back in papers, ignoring him completely. What? That's it?
Stunned, Yujin bowed lightly and bolted. All this hassle for that? Crunch—another rage stack.
*
"You saw it, milord. He's just a brute with some muscle—flashy but empty."
After sending off the Zhejiang guest, two men huddled at a cramped table, clinking cups.
Heuk Ung, toasting his spar victory, mocked him anew.
Solo pirate slayer? Thought he'd be a beast. Meh, nothing special.
Pirates who fled from this guy? Useless. Officials begging them? Pathetic.
If the martial world handled pirates instead of the government, it'd be over quick. If worth the effort, that is.
As he sipped, Jo Unhyeon chuckled and replied.
"Still useful. If possible, pull him to our side."
Upper brass recommended it too.
Recruiting a weakling? Didn't sit right, but Heuk Ung hid his disdain.
The military didn't scare him—but the governor enabling his vices did.
Those thrilling "gifts" from him were addictive, binding him like a drug.
So he flaunted his skills to stay in favor.
"If needed, I'll drag him here by force. He can't match me."
Bad idea by normal standards.
The world was vast. Overreach on strength, and stronger foes crushed you.
Heuk Ung knew caution—but not anymore.
Three years since following Jo Unhyeon here as Jiangsu Transport Commissioner.
He had the lay of the land.
Sparse real sects in the quiet south. With the governor backing him?
Nothing to fear.
Like a street king, all eyes held fear and awe.
Mess up? He'd clean it. No stronger foes around.
Forgiven for anything. Like that first day working together.
Lending muscle to his power, crushing foes at whim:
"I have a husband. Please…."
"Shut up and serve."
"Please."
"Fine. Can't be helped. Hey, didn't her hubby screw up last time? Grab him. Off with his head now."
"Wh-what? No!"
"Then do as I say?"
Unmissable scene.
Just watching?
Seductive.
Thrilling.
Too arousing.
"Ngh… hngh."
Never imagined he'd crave this in life.
That first glimpse? Top-tier memory.
People might call him disgusting—worse than the culprit.
Didn't care anymore. Dare glare at me? See what happens.
Impulse harder to curb.
Recalling it boiled his blood—like crushing a master.
He fantasized: beyond scattered incidents, a full voyeuristic saga?
Brain might melt, blood explode from ecstasy.
—How good would that feel?
Shiver-inducing, tongue-licking mere imagination for Heuk Ung.
Then, mid-sip, an official slipped in with trivia.
"Milord, list arrived for Zhejiang's Lord Yujin's arsenal pickup."
"Yugu Su'll handle it. Why report that shit?"
Zero tact—Jo Unhyeon chewed him out, clicked tongue.
As Heuk Ung said, Yujin's limits were clear.
Initially wary if he was uncontrollably strong—but spar revealed otherwise.
Post-job, bigger worries: central duties ending soon, "summons" as Transport Commissioner.
Wrap up fun Jiangsu life, head to capital.
Prioritize rich finale.
"Nothing like county clerk days. Overflowing."
True—big fish for ledgers.
Wealth piled versus petty posts.
Proven smart tying to crown prince faction.
Shallow loyalty for greed? Trivial.
"Milord."
"What now."
Irked by interruptions, Jo glared. Heuk Ung's glare terrified the official; he rushed report, fled.
"Y-Yodong's Moyong clan young master visiting. Says meeting at the 'gathering'…."
"Moyong heir? …Ah."
Moyong Shin? That vigorous youth from the mural feast.
Promising ambition—future pawn for capital run?
So he'd humored him. Chat turned bet naturally.
Bets common at mural feasts. Normally ignored young pups.
But rumor changed mind: attacked Yejin tribe solo with his White Lion Guard, raped chief's daughter on-site.
Perfect.
Jo loved madmen. He was one.
"Bring him."
Tall, handsome man entered at permission.
"Long time, Transport Commissioner."
Obvious even to martial-illiterate Jo: aura dwarfed pet Heuk Ung.
Gold Troops level, at least.
"Welcome. Long journey—tired?"
"Fine. Hope you've been well? Here for greetings—and our bet."
Bold straight-talker.
"Good. You want that 'item'? Rules apply—no freebies."
Gazes locked.
Jo offered cup; Moyong took it, laying groundwork for his goal.
Jo, for amusement's gamble.
They drank.