Dense Nightmare - 1
The punishment unit we'd secured from Guiju delivered satisfying results and capabilities. Enough that I didn't regret personally traveling all the way there. Those fellows handled tiny ferries with effortless skill or even climbed waterfalls with their bizarre beasts. Thanks to them, no corner of the vast Yangtze remained beyond the subjugation army's reach. Narrow passages too tight for ordinary ships, stretches of rapids too fierce to navigate upstream—all now firmly in our grasp. A truly joyous development.
Maintaining the government's prestige meant deploying massive ships and grand fleets, which was fine—until the water bandits exploited it, slipping away and forcing us to waste time in pursuit. But now, the moment we spotted them, we could eradicate them on the spot. No amount of desperate flailing let them shake our chase.
This is using barbarians to suppress barbarians. Water bandits crushing water bandits, just like that. How brilliant.
So my recent days had been peaceful and enjoyable. Until—
To discuss the peace of the realm.
—the Emperor issued his stern imperial command. Identical to the one after we'd uncovered Mongol sorcery at Hengshan.
Damn it. Not a thought for someone holding the edict, but the instant I suspected Mongol trouble, a sigh escaped me. We'd only recently confirmed their strange, vicious sorcery. Hell, a unit under Huoguo Tie Muer—that top Mongol sword—had even appeared near Shanhaiguan. Clashing with those bastards was now inevitable. To prepare for war, Han Uni was touring the provinces. Stabilize the interior before facing external foes.
But another imperial summons in this climate? No light matter. The Emperor never moved lightly to begin with.
Guess I'll find out when I get there. I stowed the edict carefully and sped toward Kaepyeong. The war already flickering at the edge of my vision now felt oppressively close.
Arriving at Taehwa Hall, I found it packed with familiar faces. Kings gathered from across the land, heads of departments stationed in the capital. The empire's top brass, every one capable of shaking Daesong with a single word.
"Giwangwang."
As I marveled at their splendor, Dong-gu Wang approached with a light smile.
"You're the last one again. Even if you're deep in subjugation duties, back-to-back tardiness is no good."
"Tardiness? When people gather, someone's always last to arrive, right?"
I forced a smile in reply. An out-of-nowhere jab, but his way of easing tension with humor and consideration.
"Of course, arriving after His Majesty would be true tardiness—but thankfully, that's not the case."
I glanced at the empty throne. A relief, truly—no disaster of a minister outpacing the Emperor.
"...More importantly, Dong-gu Wang. Know anything?"
Gazing at the vacant seat, I murmured to him. He'd arrived before me, traded across Daesong and even with the barbarians. He might have intel I lacked.
"Regrettably, nothing you don't. Circumstantially, it's those Mongol dogs for sure—but seas and Mongols don't mix, do they?"
"True enough."
A disappointing but convincing answer. His trade routes favored sea over land. Even he, master of the waves, had no contact with landlocked vermin like Mongols.
Zhong San Wang or Nang-jung Wang would know better. Embarrassing, really. I'd overlooked the obvious in my Mongol-triggered frenzy. For Mongol news, Habuk's Zhong San Wang or Gansu-adjacent Nang-jung Wang were the ones.
"That said, I heard His Majesty summoned us over a report from Jiayu Pass."
"Jiayu Pass?"
"Yes. Jwa Do-eosa mentioned it."
Following his gaze, I spotted her chatting with other officials.
Ah, so the source was Jwa Do-eosa...
"Han Uni, huh."
"Has to be. Hangzhou wasn't long ago—how'd he reach Jiayu Pass so fast?"
Dong-gu Wang's chuckle drew a reluctant laugh from me too. Truly bizarre. From Guiju in the southwestern fringe to the northwestern edge at Jiayu Pass, filing an ominous report. Daesong brimmed with devoted officials beyond count—yet it felt like Han Uni handled it all alone.
"Well, his promotions match the toil—"
"His Imperial Majesty arrives—!!"
Before Dong-gu Wang finished, the announcement rang out. Everyone in Taehwa Hall dropped to the floor, heads bowed.
"Rise, all of you. The floor's cold—lingering there won't do."
The Emperor settled on the throne, his gracious voice following.
"Much to discuss today. Best not exhaust yourselves already."
His considerate reason, though, left a bitter taste. Much to discuss, so preserve your strength? My bones already ached—was it just nerves?
"Jwa Do-eosa."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She stepped forward, head lowered.
"You explain this matter yourself."
"Yes, Your Majesty. As you command."
After a deep bow, she scanned the assembled officials and spoke.
"Reports from Jiayu Pass's Left Vice Inspector General and Commandant state: Small Mongol forces spotted multiple times north of the pass. A large-scale sorcery ritual detected in progress."
The hall stirred. No raised voices or outbursts in the imperial presence, but the murmur betrayed their shock. Hard not to feel it—I bit my lip, swallowing curses.
"Fortunately, the ritual circle was found before completion—no damage incurred. But to guard against hidden minor circles, they're scouring the sites where the Mongols lingered."
The unrest eased at the positive note. Outrageous for Mongol scum to scheme on Daesong soil, but thwarting it was commendable.
"The Commandant also requested Gongdong-pa's aid for re-inspection. No lingering baleful energy will remain."
Solid follow-up. Ritual circles tainted their surroundings just by existing. Even destroyed early, foul qi lingered. Deploying Gongdong-pa Taoists to cleanse it? No further worries. Jiayu Pass had done all it could on-site.
"The Left Vice Inspector General and Commandant's merits are significant. Foiling the vile foreigners' plot safeguarded the realm's peace. They deserve fitting rewards."
"Your Majesty's words are wise."
"The Left Vice Inspector General, touring as Dochalwon official, has racked up countless deeds. The Commandant fulfilled his duty admirably. Exemplars for all officials—rewards are indeed proper."
"Then, what rewards do you propose?"
The Minister of Revenue advanced at the question.
"Promote Jiayu Pass Commandant Nam Ok, currently Junior Capital Commander at Regular Third Rank, to Minor Martial General. Appoint Left Vice Inspector General Han Un, Regular Fourth Rank Junior Grandee, to Deputy Junior Grandee at Advanced Third Rank."
"Well said. They quelled border chaos—more than worthy of promotion."
The Emperor nodded; a Hanlim Academy scholar swiftly noted it.
Congratulations, Han Uni. I smirked inwardly. Finally out of Regular Fourth Rank to Advanced Third. No office change, so still Left Vice Inspector General, but bypassing Assistant Censor-in-Chief to full Censor-in-Chief was inevitable. In time, Regular Third Rank and Assistant Censor-in-Chief.
"With merits settled..."
The hall fell silent as the Emperor leaned forward.
"Now, the foreigners appearing at Shanhaiguan and now Jiayu Pass. Those two bought us precious time—speak freely."
Time for the real crux.
Showing at both passes. I organized my thoughts as officials began speaking.
East border Shanhaiguan: Huoguo Tie Muer's elite unit prowling. West border Jiayu Pass: Major sorcery attempt. Feint to draw east while striking west? True pincer? Or bluffs masking elsewhere?
Tough. My head throbbed. Mongols' ferocious mobility against our long border made prediction hell. No telling where those chewable bastards aimed.
I'd been stuck endlessly at Jiayu Pass when a messenger pigeon arrived. But this one looked extraordinary—huge even among pigeons, glossy feathers, sturdy beak. I flinched.
Promote Jiayu Pass Commandant Nam Ok to Minor Martial General.
Appoint Left Vice Inspector General Han Un to Deputy Junior Grandee.
Promotion...? My mind blanked. I'd earned merits, sure—but straight to promotion? Unexpected.
"Congratulations, Left Vice Inspector General! Advanced Third Rank now!"
As I stared blankly at the scroll, the newly promoted Commandant beamed with satisfaction. If only I could share his pure joy... Why didn't it feel good?
Office unchanged, just rank up... It sounded like an order: Squeeze the high officials scattered nationwide even harder.