Even the Sea is Water Too - 1
There was a minor commotion right as our date began when Jang Yeon-hwa latched onto me, but once I shook free of her clutches, we could finally enjoy some ordinary sightseeing in Hangju. Of course, I put in some effort to make the tourism smooth. I walked around on my own two feet, cosplaying as a regular tourist, and even when disturbances popped up while wandering the city, I just let them slide.
As Dong-gu Wang had advised, incidents were inevitable in a city the size of Hangju. Fortunately, he kept the public order tight—most "disturbances" were just arguments between merchants haggling. The assault case with the nun from Bota Temple was a true rarity. After poking around Hangju's nooks and crannies like that, we reached West Lake in the city's southern district.
"Nice view. It's not just a trade hub," I said. Instead of the merchants' booming voices ringing in my ears or flashy goods stealing my gaze, I could see the vast horizon and boats drifting peacefully.
"Yeah. It's surprising to find a lake like this in such a bustling city," Ak I-yeon replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. She clearly liked the scenery too.
West Lake lay south of Hangju. Though smaller than the iconic Dongting Lake, that was only because Dongting and others were absurdly massive. Objectively, West Lake was hardly small. If anything, had it been Dongting-sized, Hangju might not have developed as it had. Tourism was great, but wide open land made business easier and drew more crowds.
"Oh, there's the Ak Wang Temple!"
"Ak Wang Temple?"
Ak I-yeon's voice was a touch more excited than usual, so I whipped my head around. A massive shrine—too grand to call a mere tomb—filled my view, thronged with visitors fitting its imposing scale.
"So that's where Ak Wang Temple is."
A complicated mix of emotions stirred in me. The name made it sound like the tomb of the very much alive Ak Wang back in Kaepyeong. Naturally, it wasn't—this was the grave of Ak Wang's progenitor, Ak Chungmuwang Akbi. No matter Ak Wang's prestige as a top founding merit subject, he wouldn't build a colossal tomb while still breathing. Given his personality, he'd probably refuse permission outright. The moment someone mentioned it, he'd snap, 'You telling me to drop dead discreetly?' No doubt about it.
"I've finally made it to Ak Wang Temple. As a descendant who has always admired Lord Ak Chungmuwang's feats, it weighed on me that I'd never visited," Ak I-yeon said, her eyes sparkling the instant she spotted it. Thinking of the Ak Wang in Kaepyeong, I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
Ak Wang Clan descendants held annual rites at the temple. Even in the 21st century, ancestral rites persisted; in this era of staunch Confucian authority, they were a given. Yet Ak I-yeon had never been. Too young as a child for the long trip, then crippled by qi deviation afterward.
She'd lived as the unfilial descendant who never paid respects to her clan's founder. But now that regret was resolved—from neglectful heir to triumphant one who overcame deviation to visit.
"Congratulations. Lord Ak Chungmuwang would be pleased."
"Heh, I hope so. If he scolds me for taking so long, I'd have nothing to say."
Ak I-yeon giggled, stepping forward briskly. Her excitement and joy were plain as day.
"There's a caretaker over there. Want me to ask him to clear the crowd? It'd be quieter for a descendant greeting her ancestor."
"No, it's fine. The clan visits at set times. I came unannounced outside those, so I can't expect special treatment."
She smiled even more warmly, looking up at me. "Besides, Lord Ak Chungmuwang would like the crowds. The unified Central Plains he dreamed of—its people thriving under good governance, coming to thank him."
"True enough."
Couldn't argue with that. She knew her ancestor's heart well, as expected of blood kin. The sleeping hero in the frontier would be proud.
'Why's it in the frontier, anyway?'
The thought hit me as I followed her. Why was Ak Wang Temple in Hangju? Sure, when built, Song territory was south of the Yangtze, but now the whole Central Plains was ours. Relocating was trivial. Back when they were the Shandong Ak Clan, to Shandong; now, to the capital Kaepyeong.
Yet it stayed here. 'For the tourists?'
A good chunk of Hangju visitors came for the temple, I'd heard. Maybe that? I'd ask at Ak Wang Manor next time. Curiosity piqued.
We'd toured Hangju's highlights, and Ak I-yeon had paid her respects. No reason to linger, so we prepped to move on. Shame—Hangju was in northern Zhejiang; we hadn't covered the province yet. Sightseeing was fun, but overstaying wasn't wise.
"Hangju brims with Your Highness's majesty and benevolence; the people's laughter never ceases. How joyous and beautiful. I shall cherish these days and resume inspecting the realm."
Before leaving, I paid respects to Dong-gu Wang, Hangju's master. Departing without a word to the host was rude. As a guest, courtesy to the end.
"Leaving already? A pity."
But seeing his irritated expression, I regretted it. Maybe skipping propriety once would've been better.
'What's up?'
His displeasure made me uneasy. Had he learned I'd led his granddaughter on? Too late to bolt? No, he looked too composed. If he'd found out, it'd be fury, not mild annoyance—roars or a scowl far worse.
"...No grievances with the Left Vice Inspector General. Just some complicated business."
He read my face, sighing and shaking his head.
"A shame such matters trouble Your Highness amid your duties."
I drew a firm line. Sorry you're tangled up, but if it's not my business, I'll play dumb. No intent to drag out talk and snag a quest. I was heading south Zhejiang anyway—no time now—
"Since you're here, take a look. You'll understand Ye-ui's mind."
'Damn it.'
Dong-gu Wang breezed past my boundary, handing over the letter. Cursed oversight. My lines meant nothing to kings. A rabbit's trembling scratch wouldn't faze a tiger.
"...Yes, Your Highness."
Swallowing gloom, I took the letter. Wanted to "accidentally" shred it, but that'd shred me instead.
From Gi Gangwang Jin U-ryang-i to Dong-gu Wang Jang Sa-seong-i.
How have you been?
I await your reply daily. It's been over a month since I sent mine—why no answer? Did my messenger pigeon die en route?
The naval forces under Gi Gangwang Manor are mighty. Veterans of countless battles, unbowed by mere environmental shifts.
My brow furrowed instantly.
'Gi Gangwang?'
Expected something serious to trouble Dong-gu Wang, but a king writing another king? Unforeseen.
The rest was wilder. Gi Gangwang pressing hard for something. Baffling. With Dong-gu Wang's wealth, he rarely needed favors, but Gi Gangwang was also a top merit holder guarding the Grand Canal—a tycoon in his own right.
Overseas goods? No, Dong-gu Wang wouldn't ignore that for a month.
Mysteries deepened with each line. Navy? Combat? Environment? Gibberish. No clue why Dong-gu Wang sighed or Gi Gangwang begged.
"Your Highness. Regrettably, this is..."
"Gi Gangwang wants to join the pirate hunts."
"...Pardon?"
My brain froze. What nonsense was this?
"Lately, Yangtze water bandits are scarce, and the few found are small fry. So he wants to head to sea—for waegu pirates, not river rats."
Dong-gu Wang chuckled dryly, snatching the letter back with a qi pull.
"River trash or sea trash, same difference to him. No matter how I explain rivers and seas differ, he won't hear it. Been ignoring him a month."
"Ah, yes."
Gi Gangwang's bandit mania spreading to pirates. I nodded awkwardly. Damn water bandits. Trash respawning automatically—slowing down now? For his sake, they should spawn on schedule. They swarmed when unwanted; vanished when he hunted.
'Insolent scum.'
How hurt must Gi Gangwang be, living for smashing them? Begging a fellow king for pirate scraps.
'...Not exactly sane.'
His logic wasn't normal, either. No bandits? Hunt pirates. Unthinkable for most.