Please Don't Raise Your Voice - 4
It had been ages since I'd seen these familiar faces. Not just the Gongsin Earls scattered across the Central Plains, but even those who'd passed their titles to their kids and become total layabouts. My old comrades from the days we'd roamed the world alongside the Great Ancestor had finally gathered in one place. Sure, decades had passed, so some had already kicked the bucket, but the ones still kicking outnumbered the departed. That alone was enough to be grateful for.
"Gu Gangwang."
"Hm?"
As I exchanged grateful greetings with these long-lost faces, a familiar voice called out, and I turned.
"Oh, Dong-gu Wang's here too?"
"How could I sit idle when His Majesty summons us old fogeys? Thanks to those Goryeo folks, the wokou pirates have quieted down, so I can step away for a bit."
"Damn it. Don't mention Goryeo in front of me."
The word Goryeo made my brows furrow instinctively. Even now, hearing that name jolted me awake from sleep. Just thinking of that Park Wi or Park Ji or whatever made my teeth grind. I'd prepared so ambitiously for the wokou extermination and Tsushima conquest—my greatest anticipation—and those bastards ruined it all. Truly lamentable.
"It's the Great Ancestor's will that you not eye the seas. Guarding the Yangtze steadfastly is plenty for you."
But this heartless Dong-gu Wang offered no understanding, no sympathy for his comrade's sorrow. Stingy bastard. The Yangtze was vast, but it couldn't compare to the ocean. How could you tell a frog to be content with a well instead of a lake? Though if it was a well like the Yangtze, the water would keep springing for a thousand years.
"More importantly, it looks like only you, me, and Yangyang Wang made it from the Ija Kings."
"Nang-jung Wang and Jung San Wang can't step away easily. Unless it's something that absolutely requires us all, better to stay put."
"They'll be bummed. Prime chance to hear what the young scholars think."
Dong-gu Wang's words drew a chuckle from me. That was exactly why I'd rushed to Kaepyeong with such glee. Discussions on the old murim had always been with the same old faces, recycling the same old arguments. New logic only popped up briefly with new ministers, but no real change. And even those new ministers often had familiar faces and views from long bureaucratic careers. Stagnant pond getting more stagnant water, not fresh.
"Exactly. I'm dying to hear what our young friends say. Our heads are set in stone, but theirs aren't."
I kept laughing. Next time I saw Nang-jung Wang and Jung San Wang, I'd tease them mercilessly. I got to watch the fun play, while you bored border-sitters did what?
"...Ah, Dong-gu Wang."
"What?"
After laughing for a good while, I casually shifted topics.
"Heard Han Un and Yi Yeon-i are getting married after this imperial debate. You know?"
"Hm?"
His reaction said he hadn't.
"Rare for all us Gongsin to gather. Looks like the two Ija Kings arranged it so we don't have to meet twice."
"Tricky. I figured a wedding was coming soon, but I came empty-handed this time."
"So what? Gifts don't run away. Send 'em later—no problem. Those two will understand."
"Fair enough."
Dong-gu Wang nodded at my persuasion. They set the wedding after the debate. No way they'd gripe about empty hands.
Enjoy the ceremony leisurely first, ship gifts from the estate later. Perfect.
"Anyway, Giwang must be over the moon. Grandson home, promotion, wedding. I'd be grinning nonstop."
"Huh. Promoted already?"
"You think he wouldn't?"
"Nah."
We both burst out laughing. After all Han Un endured for the realm, of course he'd get promoted. How many bureaucrats rolled as hard as him for the world? Amen.
His Majesty must feel secure too.
Among military officials, Won Jang-i's fourth son. Among civil, Giwang's grandson. What sturdy pillars.
Won Jang-i in heaven must be pleased. Better if he'd lived to see it, though.
My gut feelings of dread never failed me. Even a vice-minister like me—a nobody—was summoned to this noble gathering of Gongsin and ministers. Truly lamentable and tragic. How could a vice-minister show his face among grandees? Did trash like me deserve it? Wasn't I tarnishing this exalted event?
I wanted to wail and beg to withdraw, but no dice.
"Giwang Highness."
"Greetings to Giwang Highness."
"Mm, been a while, everyone. Glad to see you haven't croaked yet."
Before I could wail, Grandfather snagged me. Living with him made him the Gongsin of Gongsin—not imperial blood, yet one of two Ija Kings appointed by merit. Him skipping the imperial debate? Weirder. And leaving me—the grandson right there? Unthinkable.
"We heard. Promoted to Left Vice Censor-in-Chief already?"
"Third rank before thirty. Astonishing. Only Yang Wang's fourth son, the Geum-ui-wi Commandant, precedes it since Daesong's founding."
"Heh, our grandson worked hard. His Majesty valued it highly—such an honor."
"You reap what you sow, right?"
Grandfather paraded me like a pet, and Gongsin from across the land showered him with fierce congratulations. His smile stretched ear-to-ear.
"By the way, folks. Since you're in Kaepyeong, stick around. Our grandson's marrying Ak Wangga's girl soon."
"Pardon?"
"Please, catch your breath before dropping bombshells. We're old—can't handle back-to-back shocks."
They said that, but the Gongsin looked serene. My return to Kaepyeong made my marriage to Ak I-yeon a done deal.
"Right Vice Censor-in-Chief. Congrats on the wedding."
"Thank you, Excellency."
As they chatted with Grandfather, eyes turned to me. He was the senior Gongsin, so I'd been pet-status briefly, but the groom was me. Talking to family made sense, but conversing with me was proper.
"Soon a great-grandchild for Giwangga. I can already see His Highness bragging."
"Haha! Great-grandchild? Too early for that talk!"
Grandfather's booming laugh came with a back-pat of monstrous power. The Gongsin who'd offered the blessing crumpled to the floor.
"Oh dear. Worn out from the long trip?"
Watching the pitiful writhing, Grandfather uttered something eerie. Even as kin, he was cruel in these moments.
The imperial debate unfolded in Taihe Hall, the throne room—widest plaza in the palace. Officially for space, but really to frame the young scholars' future-shaping debate as a "national matter," watched by Gongsin and ministers. Kept them from going wild. Even Gongsin hesitated to cause a ruckus in the throne room during His Majesty's "national matter."
"So many welcome faces—truly joyous."
As the Emperor strode majestically into the plaza lined with Gongsin and ministers, none dared lift their heads. To Daesong's sole legitimate ruler. Bowing to Heaven's son with awe.
"Raise your heads, all. Gathered after ages—feast your eyes freely."
The Emperor's jest drew soft laughter across the plaza. They clashed fiercely on old murim issues, but weren't on bad terms. The non-eldest son's crown prince investiture had the Great Ancestor, Baekryeon Cult Leader, and Gongsin backing.
"Jeju."
Once all raised heads, the Emperor called Jeju behind him.
"Despite duties, these loyal retainers heeded my command to Kaepyeong. Explain the event for them."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Jeju bowed deeply, stepped forward, and bowed to the Gongsin too.
"Thank you for your precious time. This debate was arranged for young scholars concerned for the realm and people's welfare. Their passion reached heaven, so His Majesty graced us with this splendid occasion."
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the benevolent Emperor!"
"""Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long live! Ten thousand years!"""
Jeju's opener triggered triple cheers for the Emperor—from gratitude for the event, praise for his mercy toward young voices.
"Moreover, these bold, spirited scholars—who'll awaken us old ministers' eyes for realm and people—ascended with Akrok Academy from the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief—no, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief."
Not him. I flinched mid-listen. Mentioning me now? All aggro incoming.
"And to temper their youthful zeal, Han Jin—Giwang Highness's grandson—and Pung Seung, Weiguk Duke's nephew. These two will moderate."
But Gongsin eyes soon shifted to Jin-i and Pung Seung. Thanks, brothers. Big bro lives.
"This debate concerns proper treatment of the old murim—unfilial, unjust, discourteous, disloyal during the founding war. As young scholars bravely voice opinions, please watch with admiration."
Jeju withdrew, and the six scholars waiting in the corner entered. Predictably, madness glinted in their eyes; resignation and bitterness on Jin-i and Pung Seung's faces.
"Let us begin. Speakers decide order freely."
Silence hung at the declaration. But not long—one scholar raised a hand.
"I speak."
"Proceed."
Jeju's flat permission. The scholar deep-breathed.
"I declare: The so-called murim of today must be utterly erased and reborn from nothing."
Ultimate opener. Mother... I shut my eyes mournfully. I knew you radicals, but couldn't you ease in...?