The Long-Awaited - 1
The outcome of the court debate was calmer and more ordinary than I had feared. Of course, deciding to investigate all the murim factions scattered across the land wasn't exactly ordinary, but what I'd dreaded was the scholars flying off the handle, the founding merits losing their tempers, and a barrage of curses and explosive consonants flying back and forth. Things had gradually turned into a participatory debate among the merits toward the end, but thankfully, it never reached the worst-case scenario.
"If it hadn't been for Lord Right Assistant Censor-in-Chief, we never would have had the chance to stand before His Majesty or catch his eye! We will never forget your grace, my lord!"
Crucially, these six scholars—who'd been guaranteed convenience and 'stability' in case of emergencies—didn't just escape with their social lives intact; they caught the Emperor's eye right there and became officials on the spot. A satisfying, beautiful conclusion. New slaves... er, new bureaucrats are always welcome.
"It was His Majesty who granted you this opportunity, and you who seized it. Don't forget that—engrave his grace in your hearts, not mine."
"Yes, my lord! We will keep it in mind!"
Patting each of them on the back brought even louder responses. From their perspective, this promotion had to feel like a blessing. Becoming an official was the greatest honor for a scholar, but these were the types who argued so fiercely in the academies that their passion for learning overflowed. Getting to work at the Imperial Academy, overseeing education? It suited them perfectly. Especially since these six—the most passionate and noisy ones from Akrok Academy—had all been promoted together; Pung-seong's expression was oddly bright. With them gone, his beloved academy would finally quiet down a bit.
You'll have to deal with these six yourself.
But no matter how I looked at it, their passion seemed like something Pung-seong—now in the same Imperial Academy—would have to handle. For the sake of his mental health, I didn't mention it. People have to realize these things on their own.
"Then we'll head back to the academy now, my lord. We need to pack our things and share this joyous news with our families—"
"No rush. Why not stay a little longer?"
At my suggestion, the scholars shook their heads in unison, looking troubled.
"No, my lord. We have eyes and ears—we know you have a major celebration coming up. How could outsiders like us intrude on such an important and joyous occasion? It's best if we take our leave."
"That's exactly why I'm asking you to stay. Our meeting like this is fate, and as fellow officials in Kaepyeong, we might cross paths again. I'd like you to grace the event with your presence."
Guests are a boon if you can handle them. And the Giwang household and Akwang household had more than enough capacity for crowds. Sending these scholars away coldly would be improper. As I said, our meeting was fate—a flashy, eternally unforgettable, scorching kind of fate.
"Don't say you're unqualified. You debated in court and proved your worth; that's qualification enough."
"...An honor, my lord!"
"Your grace and consideration—we'll never forget!"
A sly smile tugged at my lips. Just how many 'unforgettable' graces did these guys have piling up?
"Oh, and this goes for you too, Pung-seong. His Grace Duke of Wei will be there to grace the occasion, so you can catch up."
"Yes, my lord. I will."
Unlike the scholars' fervent reactions, Pung-seong was somewhat subdued. As if he'd already sensed this future. Well, yeah. Pung-seong had rolled around desperately in Akrok Academy until he seemed half-dead, but before that, he'd lived as the Duke of Wei's nephew. A royal wedding wasn't enough to get him all excited.
"Jin-i, you watch your brother's wedding before you go. If you slip back to Song Mountain without a word, we'll come drag you."
"You, brother?"
"No, Grandfather."
Jin-i's head shook violently at that. As a Giwang household member, he knew exactly what it meant if Grandfather came to fetch him. It wouldn't just be a simple kidnapping—Song Mountain and Shaolin would flip upside down. Even Hyun-seung, who hadn't shown his face since the founding war, might leap out in shock.
"Kinda disappointing, though. If you'd become an official too, our family's celebrations would come one after another."
"I'm still sorely lacking. His Majesty has given this unworthy soul a chance to strive harder—shouldn't I live up to that trust?"
"Fair enough."
Still disappointing, so I clicked my tongue softly while eyeing Jin-i. First kid in the Censorate, second in the Imperial Guard, third in the Imperial Academy. The three siblings lined up in inspection, protection, and education. Just imagining it made my chest swell with pride.
Guanhunsangje. The four rites encompassing coming-of-age, marriage, mourning, and ancestral rites. In Confucian society—or any human society, really—these were the ceremonies you upheld even if it meant smashing your head in. I had the second one, marriage, right on the horizon.
But the groom himself didn't need to bustle about. Marriage wasn't just the union of bride and groom; it was the union of families. Meaning the family heads had to discuss and coordinate.
No place for a mere grandson to butt in.
With the family head—the king himself—or occasionally the crown prince standing in, how could a grandson stick his nose in? Just breathe quietly and follow the elders' decisions. It wasn't like I was marrying someone I didn't want; we loved each other. No forced match, so leaving the ceremony details to the adults was fine. Compared to all the perks I'd gotten as a Giwang household member so far, this wasn't even oppression.
"You guys think the same, right?"
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong!
Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i, sitting pretty in loaf position, gave short cries in response. Yeah, I knew you'd get it. You're my seniors who've already been through marriage.
"...So when are you two having kids?"
Curiosity struck me genuinely, and my mouth opened on its own. They'd lacked time for love thanks to a lousy owner until now, but with Giwangjeo as a solid base, things had changed. As the crown prince's pets and spirit beasts, they'd get the utmost care from the household. No better setup for mating.
That said, back in Nanjou when I saw Ji Wi-pyeong with the Maek family, he'd mentioned spirit beasts rarely had offspring. They lived so long that even after finding a mate, it took ages, and most only birthed one in a lifetime. Buong-i's parents must've had great chemistry to pop out three. Wonder how.
- Kki-ing! Kki-ing!
"Got it. Won't ask anymore."
Curiosity's price was steep. Even with a base secured, Kki-ing-i scolded me fiercely, as if these things needed careful, mood-setting timing. Fair; my consideration was lacking. Even as owner and pet, pushing mating outright was too much. And they were wiser than regular beasts. Needed a gentler touch.
They'll do it when the time's right.
Still, I'd love to see grandkids before I die. With spirit beasts outliving humans, they might wait till after. ...
"You're not heading back to Hyeong-san after I croak, right?"
They just licked my cheeks silently in response. What? Yes or no? Don't dodge—say something. I didn't want my pets reverting to Hyeong-san's monsters.
***
While receiving comfort from Wu the Black Tortoise, Qilin, and Do-cheol in the rear garden, Giwang elder requested a private audience. At this time, it had to be about the Right Assistant Censor-in-Chief's wedding. I sent Wu briefly under the lake, then accepted.
"Giwang Han Jung greets His Majesty the Emperor."
"Come in, old man."
- Kiriring...
What? Why are you here?
At the elder's appearance, Qilin and Do-cheol hesitated and hid behind me. Couldn't help but laugh. They'd lived in Guangxi before getting nabbed by him. Makes sense they'd fear him.
"Hiding cowardly behind His Majesty? If you have something to say, speak up boldly."
- If we do, you'll hit us.
"True enough."
The follow-up had me chuckling nonstop. A sa-hung fearing humans, and an elder who smacked sa-hung without hesitation—neither was ordinary.
- Kiring...
Qilin whimpered softly, sharing the sentiment. Truly bizarre, wondrous, intriguing.
"Elder, Do-cheol talks tough, but he's soft-hearted. Don't bully him too much."
- Who's soft—
"Heh, my apologies. I've been rude to beasts under His Majesty's protection."
The elder chuckled and bowed at my intervention.
"But elder, to what do I owe the visit?"
"I have urgent words for Your Majesty—important enough that I dared request privacy."
I wiped the smile away at 'important.' Coming from Giwang elder himself, it was no trifle. Had to listen earnestly and prepare swift measures.
"Speak freely."
"Your subject Han Jung. By the sky-like grace of Grand Progenitor Emperor, I ascended to kingship and gloriously took on the heavy duty of guarding Your Majesty, Kaepyeong, and Zhili. Every honor I enjoy bears the touch of the late Emperor and Your Majesty; nothing happened without your permissions."
He prostrated and continued.
"After decades of glory, my eldest grandson has reached rank three and come of age for marriage. The Yangtze's waves push the front ones aside—thus, I wish to retire from all posts."
"Elder, you're not abdicating, are you?"
"No abdication, Your Majesty. The crown prince says if I do now, he'll renounce like Taibai and flee."
Laughter bubbled up again, mixed with questions. Then what posts is he retiring from? Without Giwang title... what was left? Wasn't he already retired and idle? Did he have some secret role I didn't know?