The State Shall Guarantee Marriage Rites - 4
It was a situation where I had nothing better to do anyway, and hearing about the wedding of someone closer than anyone else felt right. Honestly, considering the deep bond and poignant, heartrending memories between Jo Wi-cheo and me, it wouldn't be strange if I'd played matchmaker myself. But he'd gone and found a bride? The proper thing was to celebrate in person.
That said, the marriage was so sudden that the real question was whether Jo Wi-cheo actually wanted it—
'Not something you can dodge just because you don't like it.'
This wasn't the 21st century. Talking about staying single was practically a sin, and even getting married in your twenties or thirties was outrageously late. Take me: Yi Yeon had fallen into qi deviation, and I'd been rolling around the Central Plains like a dog, so we'd only just tied the knot. Marriage in this era was an unavoidable fate, a duty anyone human had to fulfill. Crucially, for those from prestigious families, it wasn't about personal happiness—it was a union of houses. Your marriage wasn't decided by you, but by the elders.
'A grand slam, huh.' I couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
He was past marriageable age by a mile. Jo Wi-cheo had finally finished his pilgrimage across the Central Plains and settled in Kaepyeong. The Jo family leadership must have lost their minds over his wedding. Now there were triple reasons why it had to happen. To stop it, either Grandfather or the Emperor would have to step in personally. And neither had any reason to.
'What to get them for a wedding gift?'
I'd just check out the groom-to-be's face before the big day. The Jo family estate was pretty close to Giwangjeo. When my great-grandfather made Kaepyeong the capital and rebuilt everything on a grand scale, families basically vassals to Giwangga had settled around Giwangjeo like guards. Thanks to that, quite a few houses were nearby, not just the Jos.
"We greet the Crown Prince."
"Good to see you again. Thank you for coming to the wedding."
"How could I miss Your Highness's joyous occasion? Seeing you joined with such a beautiful bride in my lifetime is an honor that moves me deeply."
Anyway, Yi Yeon and I headed to the Jo estate, where Jo Wi-cheo's father, Jo Mun-pyo, greeted us with overwhelming enthusiasm. It was so lavish it felt embarrassing, drawing an awkward smile from me. I was used to honorifics, but being treated like this by a friend's dad? It felt like getting formal bows from your buddy's father.
"My own father would surely be delighted to hear this. Once my son marries soon, I'll announce the happy news together."
Jo Mun-pyo beamed with affection and pride, regardless. Jo Wi-cheo's late grandfather had been fiercely loyal to Giwangga. He'd received direct favors from Grandfather during the founding wars, so his devotion matched or exceeded his son Jo Mun-pyo's. In fact, before I came of age, the old man would visit every holiday to pay respects, stuffing gifts on me and my siblings like we were all his lords to serve.
"If it's alright with you, Lord, may I join to pay my respects? I saw the elder often as a child. Now that the boy he knew has grown and is marrying, I'd like to greet him properly."
"Such gracious words—they honor us too much."
Jo Mun-pyo bowed deeply in gratitude at my offer. A family overflowing with loyalty to Giwangga would see a crown prince visiting their ancestor's grave as the highest glory—a reward for their house's and forefathers' service. Sure, if a simple visit made a vassal family that happy, I'd do it a hundred times. It wasn't like I had no connection to Jo Wi-cheo's grandfather.
"But Lord, where's Wi-cheo?"
"The boy's at the Jeong family estate. Shall I send for him—"
"No need. He's gone to meet his future wife—how could we call him back?"
I stopped Jo Mun-pyo, who looked ready to dash out himself. This wasn't a quick stroll; he'd gone to the Jeong estate to see his bride-to-be and her family. How could you summon someone like that just to show their face? He'd come back in his own time anyway.
"I've felt uneasy knowing Wi-cheo suffered without marrying because of me. Without serving you, he'd have found a good match and started a family long ago."
"Please, say no more. Building a family is vital, but nothing rivals devotion to Giwangga for us. My son counts it an honor to stand by Your Highness."
"Truly grateful words."
Jo Mun-pyo's voice rang with conviction, drawing a bitter smile from me. I knew better than anyone how much Jo Wi-cheo had endured, So I couldn’t fully let myself be moved.
'Rest up and come back when you're ready...' I silently sent comfort and encouragement to Jo Wi-cheo at the Jeong estate. Marry a good person, enjoy your honeymoon, and return when the time's right. I'd hold things together without you.
An awkward silence hung in the air. Even sipping tea, I tasted nothing through the tension. At least my counterpart seemed just as uncomfortable, watching quietly without speaking.
'Is that a good thing?'
No, don't overthink. It was. Better than one-sided silence while she chattered away. It had to be.
Otherwise, I'd feel pathetically miserable.
"Lord."
"Yes, speak."
As I reached for another sip, she spoke first. Jeong Sa-yeon of the Jeong family, right? Like me, her eyes had been on her duties when a marriage was suddenly arranged on an unexpected date.
Like me, she'd served the realm and people, missing the right moment amid family pressure.
'Must be bewildering.'
I set down my cup, noting the faint tremble in Jeong Sa-yeon's eyes. Everything has its proper time. Miss it slightly, and panic sets in; overshoot it vastly, and detachment follows. Just tell yourself it's not meant to be, no rush since it's already late. Jeong Sa-yeon and I had long passed that point. Our situation was like a massive boulder splashing into a serene lake—ripples from an abrupt outside force.
"I've heard of your reputation, Lord. Roaming the realm with Vice Inspector General of the Right, soothing the people."
"Overstated praise. I merely followed the Vice Inspector General's orders—did little of note myself."
"Doesn't his choice to keep you by his side prove your reputation true?"
The light compliments eased the mood a bit.
"I hear you're with Tongjeongsa."
With her taking the lead, I steadied myself and spoke. A man couldn't just accept a woman's courtesy in silence.
"Tough work, I'm sure. Unseen, yet Tongjeongsa's role is irreplaceable."
Tongjeongsa handled petitions to the Emperor and imperial edicts. Its officials drew no spotlight, but no agency could replace it. It was the Emperor's eyes, ears, and mouth.
"I'm too new for 'hard work.' Just learning daily under my seniors' guidance."
"Oh, newly appointed?"
"Still Regular Seventh Grade, but overpromoted to a Sixth."
A recorder in Tongjeongsa—Sixth Grade, beyond Regular Seventh like Jeong Sa-yeon. Yet she'd attained it. A sign of exceptional talent and diligence.
"How can you call an imperial appointment 'overpromotion'? It means His Majesty trusts your abilities."
A faint smile touched her impassive face. Like me, immersed in officialdom, she'd cherish recognition of her efforts. The awkward start seemed headed for a smooth end.
About two hours later, Jo Wi-cheo returned.
"A diligent, serious woman. Reaching a post beyond her rank means she's highly regarded in Tongjeongsa."
"Is that so."
"Yes. But her sense of duty outweighs ambition. She'd sacrifice her own advancement for Tongjeongsa."
"Hm."
I nodded repeatedly as Jo Wi-cheo spoke. He rarely evaluated others—either sky-high standards or simple disinterest. Either way, praise from him was rare. The Jeong daughter had impressed him. Great news. Really great.
"Wi-cheo."
"Yes, Lord."
"That Jeong Sa-yeon?"
"Yes."
"Favorite foods?"
His eyes flickered at my question.
"Preferred tea?"
"……."
"Holds her liquor?"
"……."
Silence met my barrage.
'This guy.' I sighed inwardly. He'd met his fiancée, yet spoke like he'd consulted a work colleague. Praise for an official, not a woman. What kind of man was this?
'Look on the bright side.'
At least he liked her. Professional goodwill could bloom into personal affection. Plenty of room for that. Probably.