Last Dance (True Finale) - 3
To resolve an incident, it's crucial not to just hear one side but both. That's why I chose to stay at the inn rather than rushing straight to the academy. The scholars there would come to me on their own anyway, and I needed to gauge their reaction to me first. Would they ask me to step aside? If so, would it be a polite request or a forceful demand? I had to confirm that much at least.
The innkeeper might be the one scheming. And though the odds were slim, he could be framing innocent scholars, so I held back from acting rashly. Deep down, though, I'd already concluded the academy and its scholars were corrupt. In this world where Confucianism holds supreme esteem, for a mere innkeeper to slander academy scholars? Only a complete madman would attempt such a thing. Scholars endure injustice and humiliation time and again before they can even file a complaint. And these aren't your average local scholars coughing politely in the village square—they're the elite of Seokgosan Academy, handpicked by the Emperor himself, sons of Hunan province's most powerful families. Even as an innkeeper, he must have staked his life on this report.
How bad must it have been?
The 14th century is a world where the class system is taken for granted. Everyone accepts that superiors can be a bit unhinged toward their inferiors. If the scholars had just thrown a moderate tantrum or caused a minor ruckus, the innkeeper would have brushed it off as everyday life. So what on earth did they do to push him beyond that?
It stirred rage, doubt, and astonishment all at once.
"My lord."
"Hm?"
"Wouldn't it be wise to hide the spirit beasts for now? If they spot them, they might realize who you are."
He had a point, so I nodded. The scholars of Seokgosan Academy all hailed from families with considerable influence. They'd get all the latest gossip from home, and that could include word about me. Even a total hothead would turn into a meek lamb at the sight of a Left Vice Inspector General. Then I wouldn't get to see their true colors.
"I can conceal Samshik and Ppiae, so take the others out with you."
"Understood, my lord."
Jo Wi-cheo bowed briefly and led out Buong, who was playing with chicken bones we'd left, and Kkieak, who was pecking at an empty plate. They left the inn.
- Kieak!
"I'll get you something later, so hang in there."
- Kiiik...
Watching Kkieak storm out in a huff made me a little uneasy. What if the scholars showed up and it went berserk at the entrance? It might peck them mercilessly for interrupting its mealtime.
"I hope it's nothing serious."
As I watched Jo Wi-cheo head toward Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i with the two beasts, Ak I-yeon spoke up with a bitter expression.
"I wish the innkeeper was just being overly sensitive... or even if the scholars were arrogant with their privileges, as long as they hadn't gone too far."
"I'd like that too. These aren't local gentry—they're scholars. For them to torment the common folk is unacceptable."
The tyranny of rich brats isn't on the same level as that of scholars. What is a scholar? One who studies Confucius's teachings and reveres the sages who bettered the world before them. A rich fool acting out is just an uneducated lout's tantrum. But learned scholars causing chaos? That's enough to make your neck snap in shock.
Those who studied Confucius tormenting the people. Those who honor ancient sages besmirching Confucianism's name. How horrifying is that?
That's why, if the innkeeper's accusation proved true and not a frame-up, I'd tear Seokgosan Academy apart spectacularly. It would uphold the Emperor's authority, Confucianism's honor, and the realm's stability for the people.
They're coming.
As I mulled over "18 Ways to Dismantle Seokgosan Academy Like Dough" and downed my drink, I sensed a considerable group approaching outside the inn.
Here come the bastards. Wasting time playing old money in Hunan instead of prepping for the imperial exams.
"Innkeeper! Get our usual!"
"Y-yes, s-s-sirs!"
I quietly clenched my fist as the scholars burst in noisily. Starting off by talking down to the innkeeper, barking vague orders like "the usual" without specifying—zero consideration—and their light footsteps showing they were regulars enough for that crap to fly. Minus 50 points right out the gate.
"Innkeeper!"
One scholar finally locked eyes with me and called out again.
"If you knew we were coming, you should've cleared the place out ahead of time!"
No, looks like we start at minus 70—
"Was it that hard to just make room? Or are you too dim to understand something so simple?!"
"Brother Jin, go easy. Some grasp a hundred truths from one lesson, but others never learn no matter how much you teach."
"You little shits."
I couldn't hold back. I shot up from my seat. I'd planned to observe patiently, starting from that minus-70 first impression to see how low they'd go. After all, I didn't have clear grounds to ransack the academy yet—no secret ledger like in Namyang. But sitting quiet after that? Not the way of an official.
'Never learn no matter how much you teach?' You insane bastards. Is that what scholars say?
"Bastards? How dare you call us—"
I flung my official badge at the fuming scholar.
"...Huh?"
"D-Docha...lwon?"
"No, it says Left Vice Inspector General..."
The scholars who'd been raging over "bastards" deflated in an instant. Pathetic. Confucius taught that even the lowliest could become a sage through learning—that's the heart of Confucianism. Yet these scholars spat that some people never learn. They'd forgotten their duty. And knowing my rank made them shrink back. No backbone at all.
How the hell are those scholars? Just spoiled sons of local bigwigs. Honestly, I didn't even want to call it an academy anymore. Judging by their vibe, it had long become a playground for rich kids.
"Return to Seokgosan."
So I sent the scholars back to Seokgosan. Without the qualifications of scholars, they were just commoners. No need for a Left Vice Inspector General to punish every random peasant personally. They didn't even deserve my judgment. If anyone's getting punished, it'd be the Hyeongju-bu officials who turned a blind eye—and the ones overseeing Seokgosan.
"M-my l-l-lord... We meant no offense to you..."
"Get out—now!"
Damn fools making me repeat myself twice.
After sending the Seokgosan scholars packing, Gaga stood silently at the entrance for a long while, staring out. Even from behind, his fury was palpable. Just like in Namyang.
- Shiiik, shiiiik.
- Ppiae.
I wasn't the only one worried about him—Samshik and Ppiae poked their heads out from his bosom.
"I-yeon."
"Yes, Gaga."
"I was gonna take it easy here, but no can do."
With a sigh, Gaga sat back down. His voice carried bitterness. His shoulders slumped like they bore a crushing weight. It was heartbreaking. Why should Gaga suffer like this? Why witness such ugliness in Hyeongju-bu, where he'd come with light intentions?
"This is an era where the brush should govern the world. And those holding the brush spout that nonsense."
Why did Gaga have to worry about such things?
"Gaga."
"Hm?"
I carefully embraced him. I couldn't fathom his disappointment fully, but as his fiancée, I couldn't ignore it. Nor, as a fellow official however inadequate, could I let him shoulder this alone.
"Not everyone's like that. The officials we've seen traveling the realm were all fine scholars, save a tiny few, right?"
"True..."
"This is just a small stain. One you can wipe away easily."
I patted his back, offering comfort that it was trivial—and that he could handle it without a second thought.
"So don't worry about it. Do what you think is right, your way."
Whatever method he chose, I'd support him.
I'd said I'd back any approach, but I never imagined this one.
- Kkiiing!
- Kkooong!
I smiled awkwardly at the wildly thrashing Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i. I'd heard they were troublemakers back in the day. Gaga had joked about his "Hengshan days" a few times. But these gentle, adorable creatures? How bad could it be? Snacking on random stuff and pestering people—that was it, I figured.
Wrong.
My misconception. Their Hengshan days far exceeded my wildest imagination.
"L-Left Vice Inspector General, sir! Please rein in those spirit beasts!"
"Why? If they're causing a ruckus, there must be a reason."
The two beasts had suddenly gone haywire in the Hyeongju-bu government office. The Branch Manager was pleading with Gaga in a panic, but Gaga remained nonchalant.
"E-even spirit beasts can't cause this much chaos in an official office—!"
"Hm. Even the most precious being can't be excused for disturbing the peace?"
"Disturbing the peace? No, it's just that the officials and people might get rattled..."
"If you're worried about that, why turn a blind eye to the tyranny on Seokgosan?"
The Branch Manager's eyes darted wildly under Gaga's blunt questioning.
"Looks like you and I need a long talk."
Gaga patted the Branch Manager's shoulder and waved at Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i. They calmed instantly, as if their frenzy had been a lie.
Spirit beasts can be used like this too...
Another lesson learned from Gaga today.