That's the Problem - 4
Back when Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i were rampaging on Hengshan, we searched the entire mountain the moment we realized they weren't naturally occurring spirit beasts but artificially created ones. If there was a facility capable of producing not one, but two spirit beasts in succession, the court had to secure it without fail.
But what we found wasn't traces of advanced techniques or talent. It was the remnants of the Mongols' human sacrifices.
It was horrifying.
A cave tucked away in a corner of Hengshan. The evidence of human sacrifice inside that cave and Gi Gangwang's fury are still vivid in my memory. If things had gone just a little differently back then, Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i might not have survived in this world.
Yeah, it's still fresh. Just a brief recollection brings the scene right back.
Damn it.
That's why I realized it the instant I saw the map. Those half-finished—no, not even half, barely a fraction—dots and lines were a massive ritual formation the Mongols were crafting.
"A ritual formation?"
The Jiayu Commandant stared piercingly at the map, his face paling as he heard my explanation. "...And they were drawing something like that right under Jiayu Pass's nose, yet I knew nothing about it?"
His expression twisted with a mix of anger, shame, and humiliation as he ground his teeth. A perfectly natural reaction.
The Mongols hadn't hidden while drawing it—they'd worked openly. They were crafting this enormous ritual formation within plain sight of Jiayu Pass's soldiers, and now the man in charge was only just realizing its true nature? It proved his incompetence.
But I could identify it from these incomplete dots and lines because I'd seen a completed one on Hengshan myself. Without that experience, even I wouldn't have recognized it.
It was the ritual formation the Mongols used before being driven from the Central Plains.
This one was from decades ago, and even that had only been discovered recently. Not even a king could have identified it, let alone the Jiayu Commandant.
"Don't take it too hard. I only recognized this formation because of my recent firsthand experience. It's been decades since the founding of Daesong with no records of it—who could identify it from just these dots alone?"
I consoled the flushed Jiayu Commandant. This was an unavoidable situation, and it was only natural he hadn't reacted sooner.
"I appreciate the kind words, but I am the commander responsible for Jiayu Pass and our borders. How can I rest easy when my incompetence nearly unleashed a great disaster?"
Of course, as a man with a strong sense of self, the Jiayu Commandant wouldn't just brush off his own mistake. People with such responsibility and resolve change like this when they rack up achievements...
"Thanks to the Left Vice Inspector, I could cover for my incompetence. I am truly grateful."
As I gazed at him with complicated feelings, the Jiayu Commandant bowed deeply in thanks. It was embarrassing. Even as a central inspector, his rank outstripped mine.
"You're too kind, sir. I wouldn't have known without your consideration either."
I returned the bow to save his face. A third-rank official bowing casually in front of his soldiers would be problematic.
"And sir, we haven't fully resolved it yet."
"Of course not."
At my words, the Jiayu Commandant slowly straightened and looked down at the sand-covered ground.
"It's not complete yet, but a ritual formation drawn right in front of Jiayu Pass. We can't call it truly resolved until we've properly erased it."
Saying that, he stroked his chin as if pondering, then nodded decisively.
"We'll plow up every area corresponding to the dots and have the Taoists perform a re-purification rite over it."
"An excellent decision."
I nodded at the sound judgment. We don't know what the Mongols did in those dot-marked areas. They might have buried something or sprinkled blood for a curse. So dig deep, remove any buried items or cursed soil, then overlay a rite to turn the curse into blessing and peace. That was the best immediate response Jiayu Pass could show.
"I'll report this to the Left Censor-in-chief."
"Please do."
He flinched briefly at the mention of notifying the capital but agreed readily, knowing the gravity. Don't worry. I won't write something like, 'This commander's backyard had a ritual formation drawn in it, and he didn't even notice.' On the contrary, reporting that he took the optimal measures the moment the Mongol plot was uncovered would delight the capital's old guard. Those who grind their teeth at the mere mention of Mongols would surely approve.
Thanks to the messenger pigeon Han Un sent, I had to hurry over. My desk as Left Censor-in-chief was piled with urgent tasks, but none outweighed the letter the pigeon brought.
The Mongols had been drawing a massive ritual formation near Jiayu Pass. Only someone reveling in chaos could learn of it and dawdle.
"Left Censor-in-chief? What brings you here so suddenly?"
Soon, I arrived at the emperor's Wuying Hall, where the Geum-ui-wi Commandant guarding the door inquired about my business.
"I have an urgent matter to report to His Majesty."
"You yourself, Left Censor-in-chief?"
He reacted with dismay. Me, a Left Censor-in-chief, showing up unannounced for a personal audience report? Hardly routine.
"Yes. It's a report from the Left Vice Inspector at Jiayu Pass."
"Jiayu Pass..."
The Geum-ui-wi Commandant frowned faintly and clicked his tongue. Left Censor-in-chief's visit, urgent report, Jiayu Pass—headache-inducing words piling up one after another. His head must be spinning.
"The Mongols, I presume. Understood."
Still, he quickly grasped it and bowed toward where the emperor was without further questions.
"Your Majesty. Left Censor-in-chief Joo Ji-hwa requests an audience."
"Let him enter."
The doors opened with the emperor's voice. A chill ran down my spine at the premonition that crossing this threshold would shake all of Daesong.
"Please enter."
But I shook off the anxiety at the Geum-ui-wi Commandant's words and forced my steps forward. Ignoring a disaster out of fear of uproar would be folly.
"Long live the Emperor! Left Censor-in-chief Joo Ji-hwa greets His Majesty the Emperor!"
A bureaucrat tasked with protecting the realm and people can't harbor fear.
"Raise your head."
At the emperor's command, I cautiously lifted my gaze. His eyes held the usual gentle, compassionate smile.
"I'm pleased yet puzzled that my busy Left Censor-in-chief has come to see me. What brings you to Wuying Hall?"
"I am deeply moved by Your Majesty's gracious words, but I dared interrupt Your Majesty's precious time for an urgent report."
"Haha. Speak what must be spoken, see what must be seen—that's all. Don't worry yourself, Left Censor-in-chief."
The softly laughing emperor leaned forward, his smile deepening.
"Speak freely. What brings you to me?"
"Left Vice Inspector Han Un sent a disturbing report from Jiayu Pass."
"The Left Vice Inspector?"
The emperor chuckled again and shook his head lightly.
"When did he go all the way to distant Jiayu Pass? If he returns to Kaepyeong, I must commend him personally."
"Your Majesty's mercy is as vast as Mount Tai."
He nodded at my words and fell silent, urging me to continue. Such considerate grace moved me; I hurried on. I couldn't steal more of his valuable time.
"According to the Left Vice Inspector's report, Mongol forces were sighted near Jiayu Pass. And at their camp, traces of sinister sorcery were found—the scale defies description."
"Mongol forces and sorcery."
The emperor murmured, then voiced his displeasure in a subdued tone: "Like the one on Hengshan?"
"Fortunately, it was discovered before completion, and the Left Vice Inspector and Jiayu Commandant are erasing the traces."
"Truly, my fortune to have such capable retainers."
Saying so, His Majesty tapped the armrest and continued.
"Left Censor-in-chief."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Command me."
"Withdraw for now. I'll summon you when the time comes."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
This meant convening all high officials to discuss the incident. I bowed again.
Damn Mongols, threatening the realm's peace once more.
"Also, order the Left Vice Inspector to stand by at the site."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
I silently pitied Han Un, now stuck in indefinite standby. But it couldn't be helped. His Majesty summoning high officials would take no short time. If the Left Vice Inspector left Jiayu Pass in the interim, it would be a fiasco with reporter and responder at odds.
Still, fortunate we caught it early.
I exhaled in relief as I exited. What if that massive ritual formation had completed on the border? The mere thought was horrifying.
The reply came back via express messenger pigeon.
Left Vice Inspector Han Un shall remain at Jiayu Pass in accordance with this solemn imperial command.
An imperial decree, no less.
Life...
I gave a wry smile at the inescapable order. Even a mere directive from the Left Censor-in-chief would be hard to ignore, but with "imperial decree" boldly stamped on it? No leaving Jiayu Pass until further orders. Defying it could mean exile to Shanhaiguan or Guyongguan for insubordination.
"Left Vice Inspector, your complexion looks poor."
My bitterness must have shown; the Jiayu Commandant beside me asked worriedly. His concern only deepened my misery.