A Vice-Commander's Gratitude
A dinner invitation for pirate subjugation? That was no small affair one man could handle alone. It demanded organized operations—army against army. The same held true here in Jiangsu Province.
It was good to exchange names with the soldiers and familiarize ourselves with faces all around.
"As of today, looking forward to working with you all for the time being. Name's Yujin."
Clap, clap, clap.
At my request, the bustling camp paused to throw together a modest welcome ceremony.
There was the ever-stoic Yugu Su, his expression as lifeless as always; Muyul, who showed up without fail to suck up to me just like today; and
"Welcome aboard!"
Bijong, eyeing me with a strangely eager glint.
What to say? Back when I sent word from Jiangsu about my schedule, I'd planned to keep ties with him going.
Not just to help him and Yurin, but because he was a promising talent with real potential.
In the original story, he'd rise to become the alliance leader of the seventy-two bandit clans through sheer grit and skill.
Sure, his martial prowess and savvy might be lacking now, but once he hit his stride, he'd be a force to reckon with.
If things got dicey, maybe I could round up guys like him and shove them at the General. She'd probably let me off the hook then, right?
Hmm, yeah. Genius-level plan.
Satisfied with my scheming, I nodded to myself as the busy camp dispersed, everyone returning to their duties.
So, what's next?
Still gawking at the unfamiliar camp life, I spotted Bijong lingering in the distance, like he had something to say.
...But first, one annoyance to shake off.
"Haha, so how've you been liking the lodgings these past few days?"
Muyul beat Bijong to my side, yapping away as usual. Man, this guy was noisy—no matter how used to him I thought I'd gotten on that long Nanjing trip, nope.
"Actually, we've got this prime stallion in stock now. Folks say it's on par with that legendary Red Hare from history! It's got that foal-making vibe—if you're interested..."
Everything's great, except for you.
Channeling that creepy smile from the poster guy, Muyul launched into another endless pitch. How do I ditch this clown?
As I stewed in frustration, my eyes met Bijong's. Did he read my mind?
"Young Master Yujin."
Bijong stepped up from where he'd been waiting.
Muyul paused mid-sentence, irritation flashing across his face, but he smoothed it over the second I glanced his way.
"Vice-Commander, what's up?"
"Looks like you need to head to the site right away, so sorry for interrupting."
"No, no—not at all. It's just your duty as a military officer, right?"
I snuck a peek at Muyul's expression. Yeah, we weren't here to play around. This was work, wasn't it? So officers head out to work, got it, Mr. Civil Servant?
"...Everyone, keep up the good work. Guess I'll head out too."
Muyul bowed curtly and vanished beyond the camp gates. Only then did I breathe easy.
Bijong, nice assist.
I flashed him a thumbs-up in thanks, and he gave a small smile back.
"So, looked like you had some business?"
"Truth is, you helped us out big time before, and I never properly thanked you."
"Just did what anyone would. No need to feel obligated."
"Can't have it that way! It'd been ages since a proper subjugation—felt damn good."
"Haha."
It reminded me of my first deployment with the General. Guess the situation here mirrored Zhejiang's.
"As thanks, how about I show you around Suzhou's terrain and treat you to a simple meal?"
Bijong got to his point.
A guided tour? Hell, that was a favor to me. I never turned down goodwill like this.
"Sounds good—lead the way."
*
Walking side by side out of camp brought us right past the market street and the sundries shop.
"Hey, boss."
"Well, if it isn't the powder keg crew. Plenty go radio silent after buying—nice to see a decent one. Good to see ya."
"Haha, guilty as charged."
"Speaking of, what're a couple soldiers doing slacking off mid-day?"
"Not slacking—official business!"
"Wandering around's business? My taxes are bleeding out!"
"Haha, then I'll buy more stuff with those taxes. Deal?"
"...Can't argue with that."
To kill time en route, we stopped at Gwakssi's shop. I'd noted his simple snacks last time, so I grabbed a few and popped one in with Bijong.
Honey and herbs molded into sweet-bitter pills, their flavor slowly blooming in my mouth.
Perfect for a long stroll.
Paid up, said goodbye, and out we went—following Bijong's lead along Suzhou's streets toward the coast.
More plains than Zhejiang, a flatter, duller shoreline and terrain. This mission didn't look too tough.
"We just wrapped a long-term aquatic bandit op and returned to base."
Not Hangzhou-level pretty, but nice scenery. Though my eyes and ears were drawn elsewhere.
Bijong. First familiar face since realizing this was the Hongsim Yeonhwa world—felt surreal. He shared stories I never knew from the game.
He and his unit were originally army, tasked with river pirates up the Yangtze, only now thrown into coastal pirate hunts.
"So we're both greenhorns here, huh?"
"Pretty much."
Timing lined up perfectly, huh? Truth be told, no real need for me to deploy to Jiangsu.
Easier defense than Zhejiang by a mile, and with a capable guy like Bijong thrown in, he'd grind himself down wiping out pirates and rack up merits.
But that draws Governor Jo Unhyeon's eye. Invited to his mansion under pretense of commendation, and Yurin—caught in his sights—falls prey.
Hence my dilemma.
Deep down, I'd love to storm that bastard's estate and torch it with Hon Yeon.
But the fallout would be massive—I'd be dumping way too much trouble on the General. Couldn't act rashly.
Nor could I drum up legit cause to hit Jo Unhyeon with my skills or smarts.
So here's the play: if I snatch all of Bijong's upcoming merits and fame, doesn't that cut off Jo Unhyeon's chance to get at Yurin?
He'd head to the capital soon after anyway—bitter pill, but it'd avert the immediate tragedy.
Active interference or passive watching—that was the fork in the road.
"Young Master, this way!"
Trailing him back along the sandy path to camp, I realized we'd slipped into a small roadside inn.
Oh yeah, he mentioned a meal. Perfect timing—stomach was rumbling.
"Bijong! Over here."
"Saved me a seat? Thanks!"
A familiar face caught my eye. Yurin—Bijong's lover, more from game art than that brief market glimpse.
Caught off-guard by her surprise appearance, I fumbled,
"Told my wife how much you helped, and she insisted on treating you right."
"I'm so grateful, I wanted to thank you personally—even if it's rude. Young Master Yujin."
She bowed deeply.
No need for all that—I hadn't done anything huge, and this wasn't a hassle; just unexpected.
"Rude? Nah. More the merrier for a meal."
Of course, I hesitated a bit.
Game characters or not, I wanted to aid those in need, but I hadn't planned on getting too chummy.
Watching their happiness from afar felt rewarding enough.
Just hoped they wouldn't get dragged too deep into the messes.
"Have a seat."
"Don't mind if I do."
Not easy to refuse, so
—Yeah, a brief brush with daily life like this? Fine.
With that, I sat across from the couple.