You Who Went to the Island? - 3
I even lent Ppiae to Jang Kang as he set off for Taiwan—not just a boat to carry people, but for the performance value too. Folks like him, who suffered discrimination and contempt just like his own people, head off to the Central Plains, and before long, he returns astride a spirit beast with a grand fleet in tow? What a flashy, unforgettable spectacle that would be. Honestly, pull off a show like that, and not just the mixed-bloods—even the pure-blooded Taiwanese might flock to join him.
The guy procures a massive fleet right after hitting the Central Plains, chosen by fate as the rider of a rare Millennium Turtle. If I were a Taiwanese native, I'd have jumped on the Jang Kang train in a heartbeat.
With that, Jang Kang smoothly sailed off to Taiwan, swiftly returning to Tianzhou. "Three hunnert compatriots in the same boat as me!"
"Quite a few."
No fewer than three hundred souls now set foot on Central Plains soil.
Compared to the overall population of the Central Plains—or even just Fujian and Tianzhou—three hundred is a drop in the bucket. Hell, you could call it a pinch. But these are people who endured scorn yet abandoned their homeland. For three hundred of them to take that step? That's no small matter.
It speaks volumes about their burning desire for a new life and the trust they've built in Jang Kang.
"Is this three hundred the end of it?"
"No sirree. These're the three hunnert I know of—there's bound to be more kin I ain't heard from yet!"
Solid logic, so I nodded. I hadn't expected to scoop up everyone in one voyage anyway. Jang Kang might be a Super Peak master who moves like lightning, but how's one man supposed to track down every mixed-blood scattered across all of Taiwan?
Frankly, rounding up three hundred in mere days deserves praise.
"People don't vanish—they'll still be there. No need to rush. We'll handle additional transports later. For now, focus on settling these newcomers."
"Yessir!"
Jang Kang snapped to a salute at my advice. I was a bit surprised by the prompt compliance. He's not impulsive or stubborn by nature, but fresh off corralling three hundred kin, he could've been riding high on adrenaline. Even so, he chose to heed me over pushing for another launch.
Because of Ppiae?
I glanced down at Ppiae, sulking in my arms with a grumpy face. Among the spirit beasts that travel with me, Ppiae's the only water-type. And at a size just big enough for a person to stand on, I'd loaned her out for Jang Kang's triumphant return.
Having ferried strangers across the sea and back, Ppiae had been pouting since. But ever since the loan, Jang Kang had grown even more polite and deferential—like he'd been deeply moved by my lending a spirit beast.
Can't blame him.
Perfectly understandable. Plenty of folks would weep and faint just touching a spirit beast, yet Jang Kang got to ride one. And for a homecoming parade, no less. Anyone with a heart would be touched.
"Thanks to you, a lot of people are happy."
After Jang Kang and the three hundred migrants departed, I gently stroked Ppiae's head.
They probably would've come to the Central Plains without Ppiae, but her presence surely sped things up. In this era, the title "chosen by a spirit beast" carries serious weight. Folks who might've mulled a sea crossing for a day would've wrapped up their deliberations in an hour after seeing her.
Ppiae deserves major credit for this migration op.
- Ppiiiaek!
Despite my thanks, Ppiae flailed her flippers, squeaking nonstop—like protesting that a dragon king's subordinate shouldn't be stuck with such errands.
What can I do? You're the one who stuck to me despite being a dragon's underling. If you'd latched onto someone else, you'd have braced for chores like this.
"Sorry. You worked hard, so here's tons of booze as thanks."
But she did work hard, so I soothed her sincerely. If this soured her on me, it'd be a headache. A puberty-stricken Ppiae spitting acid? That's apocalyptic.
Dangle booze as payment, and her flailing quieted fast.
- Ppiae.
Soon, her cries turned calmer, almost peaceful. Like she was urging me to hit the inn for drinks, stat.
"Baijiu do the trick?"
- Ppiae!
She nodded eagerly, delighted. I couldn't help but chuckle.
I learned spirit beasts love food like regular animals thanks to Kki-ing and Kki-ong, but a booze hound like Ppiae? First I'd seen. She'd down liquor before snacks. Probably snuck tastes from the sailors' sea offerings for safe voyages. Otherwise, why the obsession?
The necessity of a Taiwan expedition cannot be denied, but it is not an urgent matter. The expedition will proceed later under the leadership of Fujian and Haomun. The Left Vice Inspector General is to resume provincial inspections.
A few days after the first migration wrapped, a follow-up order from Jwa Do-eosa arrived.
Taiwan expedition on hold for now—no need to linger in Tianzhou.
Saved.
A sigh escaped the moment I read it. Whew. Logically, with Mongols holding firm, who'd launch a Taiwan op? But comparing a Taiwan jaunt to war with the Mongols felt unfair to the Mongols. What if they shrugged it off as "Easy peasy—Taiwan first, Mongols later"?
Groundless worry. The capital's old guard might be quirky, but they've got common sense.
This is how it should be.
Daesong's tightening internal security, with Left Vice Inspector Generals prowling the provinces. And now the Mongols' top sword at the border. Better stockpile strength than poke a quiet Taiwan.
- Buo?
Tension eased, I leaned on the railing. Buong, playing with butterflies, trotted over, worried-like. My lips quirked up.
As one of the babies alongside Samshik, Buong's extra clingy and attentive. Sometimes feels like he sees me as Dad.
"No biggie. Just sunning myself."
- Buooo~
Lame excuse, but Buong hopped up like he wanted some rays too. Too tiny for the railing, though—ended up in its shadow instead.
- Buoo...
"Wanna be held?"
- Buo!
I scooped up the nose-wiggling Buong. Now the warm sun hit him too.
"...Growth spurt lately?"
- Buo!
He felt heavier than before. Good—Buong's thriving on the road with me. No apologies owed to his parents.
The moment I read Grandfather's letter, I bolted to Gaga.
Recently, there was talk of launching a Taiwan expedition centered on that rascal Han Un and the new Haomun. The consensus is it's premature, so it's on hold—but he was probably anxious inside.
— Grandfather
Gaga might not show it, but he'd been fretting, per the advice. Yeah, his complexion had been off lately—subtly dimmer. I'd wondered since Gaga's never super cheery, but Grandfather's words confirmed it.
Should've noticed sooner.
Self-loathing hit. Stuck to him all day, every day, yet blind to his strain?
How can I be his wife, Giwangga's grandson-in-law, with zero awareness?
Idiot.
I kept berating myself inwardly. Gaga said Jo-ma's role is recording—chronicling travels, detailing the oddities.
Yet the recorder ignores the person closest? Obsessed with his work, oblivious to his fatigue.
Reflect. Can't achieve squat without eyeing your surroundings. Can't grasp anything without embracing your betrothed.
Ah.
I meant to comfort him, suggest a stroll—but spotting his back, I ducked behind a pillar.
Buong nuzzling in Gaga's arms. Samshik coiled atop his head, swaying side to side.
"Nice weather today."
- Shiiik!
- Buooo~
Already getting spirit beast therapy, I smiled softly. Felt lame handing off my job to them, but glad heaven's gifts were consoling him. Means he's heaven's favorite.
Kki-ing and Kki-ong at the inn, Ppiae in her booze jug—they'd soothe him too if here.
Won't lose to them.
After watching a while, I approached cautiously. They beat me to it, but better late than never. Showing up late beats not at all.
If Gaga starts thinking "One spirit beast beats ten Ak I-yeons," that's catastrophe.
"Gaga."
"Yeah?"
- Shiik?
- Buooo?
At my call, Gaga, Samshik, and Buong all turned—like a husband and kids responding to wifey. I burst out laughing.