The Long-Awaited Reunion - 4
As the wedding drew just a few days closer, familiar and welcome faces began popping up at Giwangjeo.
"How have you been?"
"Too well. And you?"
"The same."
Not long after my return celebration feast ended, Jo Wi-cheo had headed off to the Jo clan's estate. After enjoying some cozy rest there—enough to call it rested—he came trudging back to Giwangjeo, volunteering once more as my bodyguard and aide.
"You could've rested longer while you were at it."
Seeing Jo Wi-cheo, the picture of diligence, I couldn't help but smile. There weren't many places in Kaepyeong safer than Giwangjeo, so I didn't really need a bodyguard. He knew that full well, so rooting himself at the Jo estate to shake off his accumulated fatigue would've been no issue at all.
I knew better than anyone how hard Jo Wi-cheo had been working. I wasn't some tyrannical boss, so I had no intention of griping about his precious vacation time.
"It's fine. Too much rest as a martial artist can harm the body instead."
But Jo Wi-cheo chose to stay by his superior's side over a peaceful, warm home.
"Besides, the family keeps giving me subtle hints. Better to stay by your side, my lord."
"I see."
Whether it was pure duty as a warrior or loyalty from the Jo clan, who owed a debt to the Giwang household, I couldn't say. But what did it matter either way? The important thing was that Jo Wi-cheo was back.
"There won't be much to do here anyway, so relax. I've just been eating and sleeping lately myself."
"Understood, my lord. Thank you for your consideration."
I patted his shoulder with genuine warmth, and he bowed his head lightly in response.
"Once the wedding's over, things'll get busy, so enjoy it while you can—no regrets."
But at those words, Jo Wi-cheo's body flinched. I got it. After rolling around the Central Plains like a dog and finally returning, hearing that busyness was coming right back must've triggered instinctive dread.
"Don't worry, it won't be touring the provinces again. We're just sorting reports from the locals now."
His expression softened instantly. Even if compiling reports was tough, it couldn't compare to provincial tours—that's what his face said.
You might be better off not being in the capital.
I felt a pang of pity. Sure, central duties were easier than bouncing between provinces, but Jo Wi-cheo was an elite who'd racked up achievements and experience alongside me. Thanks to the public merit oil I'd given him, he was even a super peak expert, versed in both civil and martial arts.
For such a man to finish his provincial rounds and settle as the right deputy censor-in-chief's close aide in the capital? In the heart of power—the Dochalwon offices, no less? This was a straight shot to deputy inspector.
Even at junior 6th rank, he can't let his guard down.
I could see the future. Once this murim survey wrapped, he'd climb to senior 5th on that pretext. Then, before long, some unexpected excuse would bump him to junior 5th. From there, senior 4th was a breeze. When higher-ups decide to push you, promotions fly— I'd experienced it myself.
And at senior 4th, the vacant left deputy inspector spot would likely be his. Even if deputy inspector was junior 4th rank, the excuse of "We can't leave it empty forever—hold it temporarily" would get him appointed in a heartbeat.
Hang in there.
I patted his shoulder again, already dizzy at the thought of his future. I knew he hated promotions. That's why I avoided bragging about his skills and achievements in front of the emperor or left censor-in-chief. As crown prince, even a little praise from me created the miracle trinity of talent, results, and backing.
Still, the saying "a crane among chickens" wasn't born in vain. No matter how quiet you stay, competent officials catch the eye of the higher-ups. My silence only delayed things; I couldn't stop his rise.
"Wi-cheo."
"Yes, my lord."
"We won't be leaving Kaepyeong anymore."
That was the best false comfort I could offer.
My mother, who had been in Shandong, returned. She'd caught a minor illness and was recuperating in her hometown, but despite not being fully recovered, she'd dragged her uneasy body to Kaepyeong for her daughter's wedding.
"My Yeon-ah. How long has it been since I last saw you?"
Spotting me, Mother teared up and pulled me into a warm embrace. I hugged her back, quietly burying my face in her shoulder.
She knew I'd escaped the qi deviation's aftereffects thanks to Grandmother. Even apart, our hearts were always together. We exchanged updates every few days via messenger birds.
She'd once stubbornly insisted on coming to Kaepyeong after hearing of my recovery. What parent could stay put when their bedridden daughter was suddenly roaming everywhere and regaining her martial arts? Of course, Mother's stubbornness didn't last. If she overexerted herself traveling to Kaepyeong and something happened, it'd be a disaster. I couldn't allow my mother's health to worsen because of me.
"Mother, are you feeling better now?"
"Of course I am. How could I feel anything but joy when my Yeon-ah is finally marrying Un-i?"
As I gently broke the hug to check on her, Mother replied with the brightest expression and voice imaginable. I couldn't help but smile. Good thing I'd talked her out of coming earlier. Focusing solely on recovery had improved her far more than before. If she'd pushed herself here mid-recovery, she'd be in worse shape now.
"Yeon-ah, even if Mother's thrilled, aren't you treating this big brother like yesterday's leftovers?"
"Ah."
Just as I moved to hug her again, a familiar voice came from behind.
"That 'oh right' reaction hurts a bit."
I felt embarrassed at Big Brother's words. It had been ages since I'd seen not just Mother but also Big Brother, who'd been with her in Shandong. I'd been so focused on her that I'd neglected the rest of the family. Now guilt crept in. He hadn't been away on vacation—he'd gone to Shandong to attend to Mother. To slight such a brother, without even thanks...
"S-sorry, Big Brother."
"It's fine. Seeing my little sister after so long makes this brother happy enough. Consider any hard feelings forgotten."
Even so, Big Brother burst into laughter at my apology, gazing at me with warm eyes.
"And today is the day I see you walking strong again—and celebrate your wedding. How could I feel slighted on such a joyful occasion?"
His sincere words left me grateful yet sorry. I'd barely shown up to his wedding.
"There you go overthinking again. Whoever did you get that sentimentality from?"
With that, Big Brother gently took Mother's shoulder, as if steadying her.
"Mother, shall we head inside? You must have so much to say to your daughter after so long—standing here won't do."
"Right, yes. I got carried away..."
"Staying clear-headed in this situation would be the real oddity."
Chuckling again, Big Brother nodded at me. I hurriedly took Mother's hand. She'd linger outside if I didn't.
"Exactly. I was so excited to see you, Mother, I didn't even notice Big Brother."
Only then did Mother smile softly and start walking—
"By the way, Yeon-ah, where are your father and Father-in-law?"
Her question made me flinch.
"Th-they're both at Giwangjeo."
"At Giwangjeo? Your father alone would've sufficed for wedding talks—why Father-in-law too?"
"Well..."
This was awkward. How to break the news of Grandfather rushing to Giwangjeo after hearing of Great-Grandfather-in-law's "retirement" without shocking her?
Jo Wi-cheo's return to Giwangjeo must've been a warning to brace myself.
Ak Wang stormed in alongside Father-in-law, his eyes blazing murderously—as if he'd send anyone who crossed him straight to the grave. Thanks to that ferocious aura, I, Father, Jo Wi-cheo, and even nearby Ppiae and Kkieak quietly vacated the premises.
"Han Juuuuung!"
The moment we withdrew, Ak Wang bellowed like thunder.
He's here at last.
His echoing roar drew a wry smile from me. If Ak Wang was this furious, it had to be over Grandfather's so-called retirement. But he hadn't come right away—instead, days later. That was scarier. An immediate rush would've been raw instinct, but arriving after time had passed? It meant he'd tried—and failed—to hold back. Couldn't stop ruminating, no matter what. That pent-up rage had finally erupted. Truly regrettable.
"Sorry for the commotion."
"Not at all. We family know well the peculiar depth of your friendship."
Even more regrettable: Father-in-law and Father, as crown princes serving their kings up close, weren't fazed. They just stepped aside without surprise or panic.
"Ah, I heard your wife is coming to Kaepyeong soon?"
"Probably arrived by now. I wanted to greet her myself, but she bolted suddenly, so..."
Ak Wang had chased after her in a killing frenzy, forced to follow. Father gave a wry smile at the pitiful tale.
"At this rate, both Giwangga and Akwangga will see grandsons inheriting the throne over sons."
Father-in-law chuckled, unable to deny it.
Deny it, damn it.
Why weren't they denying getting screwed over? I didn't want to be next king after the crown prince—I really didn't.