Fortune Amid Misfortune
Should I call it a silver lining in the misfortune, or the Emperor's final mercy? At least I didn't have to bolt from the breakfast table.
"His Majesty commanded that you enter the palace before the oh-si hour."
Before the oh-si—that meant before 11 a.m. I could leisurely finish breakfast, even enjoy some tea, before heading in.
"Then this humble servant will take his leave—"
"Where do you think you're going? If there's no urgent business, stay and have a meal while you're here."
"No, no, Your Highness. How could a lowly one like me dare share in the joy of two royal houses?"
"It's because it's a joyous occasion that we're sharing it. You think I'd ask you to share misfortunes? The moment you stepped into my home, you became a guest. Have a bowl and be on your way!"
But just as one person sighs in relief, another gets dragged into trouble—that's the balance of the world. The moment I dodged the palace summons, the official who'd come to relay the Emperor's command got snagged by Grandfather.
And with the unbeatable excuse that anyone visiting Giwangjeo was a guest who couldn't just be sent away empty-handed.
Refuse that, and the official becomes "the fool who spat on Giwang's hospitality and crushed his face." A truly heart-pounding situation.
"I am grateful for Your Highness's consideration...!"
Thanks to that, the poor bureaucrat who'd arrived with a light heart now had to eat under the watchful eyes of Giwang, Ak Wang, Giwangga's crown prince, and Akwangga's crown prince.
Still, on the bright side, he'd caught the eye of the high and mighty. And not for any bad reason, but while delivering good news. From now on, whenever that official stood at a crossroads for promotion, he'd sail through smoothly.
And so, one bureaucrat ate while glancing nervously about, and one crown prince finished his meal with a carefree heart.
"Has the Left Vice Inspector General arrived?"
"Yes. It's been a while, Commander of the Imperial Guard."
We headed toward Muyoung Hall, where the Emperor resided. Seeing the stern-faced Geum-ui-wi Commandant guarding it stirred complicated feelings.
Just this morning, I'd thought, Here it comes. But now that facing the Emperor was right around the corner, a sigh nearly escaped me. I held it back.
A bureaucrat and crown prince showing tension or reluctance before the Emperor? I'd have no defense against being called a rebel-in-training. Demotion would be the least of it—I could end up imprisoned.
"His Majesty commanded that the Left Vice Inspector General be admitted at once. Please, enter."
"Ah, yes."
The Geum-ui-wi Commandant stepped aside with precise deference, clearing the path. It only added to the weight in my chest.
The Emperor's consideration in allowing immediate entry, and the Commandant's personal gesture of opening the door—both felt heavy. Should I be glad they were treating me according to my "balls" rolled? Or mourn that it was prep work for even bigger ones?
This lowly crown prince had no idea...
The moment I entered Muyoung Hall, I prostrated myself toward the jade throne.
"Long live the Emperor! Left Vice Inspector General Han Un pays his respects to His Majesty!"
A swift prostration, just like when I'd received the governorship after the Jiayu Pass incident. I couldn't even properly see the Emperor's face—which was fine; a subject shouldn't gaze casually upon His Majesty anyway.
But just before I bowed fully, I glimpsed something by the throne: the hazy outline of an imperial dragon robe, and someone nearby. Who was that? Not a eunuch, by the attire.
Who else had entered before me?
If someone else was here, a heads-up would've been nice.
Suddenly, I resented the Geum-ui-wi Commandant outside. Better a warning about company inside than the courtesy of holding the door.
"Raise your head."
Fortunately, the Emperor's prompt reply let me lift my gaze soon enough. And then, ah.
I recognized the identity of the figure beside him. Hair and beard whitened by time, unable to evade the years like martial artists could. A face carrying a subtle playfulness thanks to his smile. An elder standing calmly with hands clasped behind his back, even beside the Emperor.
Taesa Yi Seon-jang.
Excluding the Iseongwangs, no one could deny he was Daesong's greatest founding merit subject—the miraculous administrator who'd managed the high ancestor's faction during the founding wars. Honored for his achievements, he'd become the head of Daesong's civil officials. Now, in de facto retirement, he lived as a successful idler, basking in all officials' respect and awe.
Why is he here?
Caught off guard by the unexpected figure, I stared blankly at Yi Seon-jang.
The Iseongwangs, who'd reached Hwagyeong, were still active. But Yi Seon-jang, a pure civil official, was an elder who could pass any day without surprise. That's why even the Emperor, who revered him, rarely summoned him to Muyoung Hall. No need to make an old man travel and risk collapsing.
"Left Vice Inspector General. Even I feel a bit shy under such fervent staring."
After staring far too long, Yi Seon-jang spoke with an even deeper smile. My mistake.
Gawking silently at a rare sight, even a fantastical species, was rude. Especially in the Emperor's presence.
"My apologies, Lord Taesa. Seeing you after so long moved me to impropriety."
"Heh heh. You've been too busy to cross paths lately. But we'll see each other often from now on."
I apologized swiftly, and Yi Seon-jang chuckled lightly before turning to the Emperor—as if to say he had nothing more to add, so talk to His Majesty now.
"No need to heed the Taesa's words. He has no duties at court, so you'll rarely meet. If you spot him in the palace or ministries, he's just there to tease you—avoid him then."
The Emperor spoke with a smile, much like Yi Seon-jang. Or was it my imagination? Yi Seon-jang's eyes drooped as if hurt by the words.
"Your Majesty. This old man lives for the pleasure of seeing young friends. How can you rob me of that simple joy?"
No, not just drooping eyes—he even protested directly. A subject whining to the Emperor like that.
Stack a founding merit title atop Grand Tutor honors, and you birth a monster like this. And Yi Seon-jang had long retired from the front lines, with no reason to bicker with the Emperor.
They're family. Not quite grandfather-grandson—that'd be irreverent—but uncle and nephew fit.
To soothe the somewhat tense Left Vice Inspector General, I exchanged light banter with the Taesa. He'd been summoned amid the banquet's lingering excitement, after all. Even a bold and exceptional man like him couldn't help but flinch.
Best to soften the mood, dispatch business swiftly, and send him back. That way, the cheers welcoming his return from both royal houses could echo through Kaepyeong.
If we're celebrating anyway, might as well do it together.
And add one more reason to celebrate. A small gift from the Emperor to a loyal subject.
"Left Vice Inspector General Han Un, attend."
"As Your Majesty commands."
As he received the scroll from the Taesa and bowed, I smiled faintly.
"I must humbly report: even Grand Progenitor the Great during the founding wars didn't survey the realm as tirelessly as you."
The Geum-ui-wi Commandant's words came to mind. A crown prince born in peace outpacing an emperor forged in chaos. How strange, yet commendable.
"Left Vice Inspector General Han Un has upheld the sacred imperial will, laboring ceaselessly day and night for the realm's stability and the people's peace."
It only strengthened my resolve to handle this quickly.
"Your achievements traversing the land are no small feat—too numerous to list, leaving one in awe."
Typically, one praises officials by detailing merits one by one. But enumerating the Left Vice Inspector General's would drag this audience endlessly. That'd only torment the very man who'd earned them.
So, his feats became "immeasurable merits" in broad strokes. What mattered wasn't the process, but the results. Not what he'd done, but the rewards he'd reap. He knew his own accomplishments better than anyone, without me spelling them out.
"Thus, Junior Third Rank Zhong Da Bu Han Un is promoted to Junior Third Rank Tae Jung Da Bu, and further appointed Senior Third Rank Ga Ui Da Bu."
A high official leaping two ranks at once was exceedingly rare. But his unprecedented feats warranted no less.
"Furthermore, Han Un, formerly Left Vice Inspector General of the Dochalwon, is appointed Right Assistant Censor-in-chief of the Dochalwon."
No longer a vice inspector, he was more than ready for assistant director duties.
Bestow the medal later.
I considered adding the governorship too, but saved it for future delight. A Right Assistant Censor-in-chief would soon return with fresh merits. Promotions were harder to grant repeatedly, so hoard the medals for then.
"...Your grace overwhelms me!"
I smiled contentedly at the Right Assistant Censor-in-chief's cry. A civil official reaching Senior Third Rank before thirty. Having such talent stand shoulder-to-shoulder with military and civil elites was true joy.
I slipped out of the palace weeping inwardly.
"Right Assistant Censor-in-chief. We expect your unwavering loyalty and feats henceforth."
"Yes, Your Majesty... I shall strive harder to live up to your trust."
While matching the Emperor's immense favor.
"Congratulations, Right Assistant Censor-in-chief. Senior Third Rank at your age? Makes me ashamed of what I was doing then."
"You're too kind."
While enduring Yi Seon-jang's teasing.
If no eyes were watching, I'd have rolled on the ground sobbing. I'd expected a promotion, sure—but not a straight two-rank jump.
Right Assistant Censor-in-chief...
And not just rank, but actual position upgrade. I'd guessed it, but hoped they'd space it out a bit. A twenty-something Left Vice was already insane; Assistant Director felt a tad much.
The number two won't be rolling around outside, right?
I comforted myself bitterly. Now I was Dochalwon's number two. With two top directors, maybe number three—but officially, second-in-command.
Surely the second wouldn't wander the provinces 24/7. Occasional trips, maybe. That consolation was my sole gain.
...
Jo Wi-cheo won't be the only one promoted.
I thought of Jo Wi-cheo, who'd rolled in the dirt with me. If even a high official like me got two ranks, how high would a mid-level like him soar?
I didn't even want to imagine.