I Hate These Linked Quests - 2
The excavation plan for the Western Chu Overlord's tomb proceeded smoothly under Grandfather's leadership.
"Since it's in Zhejiang Province, the search and excavation will be led by Jang Sa-seong-i. That said, finding the Western Chu Overlord's tomb was also thanks to Uryang discovering the Huainan King's tomb first, so he'll be lending a hand too."
"Will you be joining us as well, Grandfather?"
"I've already reported it to His Majesty, so of course I will. If I backed out now, Uryang would curse me out behind my back."
After wrapping up my duties at the Dochalwon and heading back to Giwangjeo, Grandfather caught me in the rear garden, where he was enjoying a light drink.
The matter of the Western Chu Overlord's tomb was still unknown to Father, Mother, and Yi Yeon. No matter how bothersome, we needed to discuss it discreetly.
"What will you do, Un?"
I was just about to take a sip of the liquor Grandfather poured me when his words made me lower my hand again.
"What do you mean...?"
"If you wish, you don't have to join the excavation of the Western Chu Overlord's tomb. If I ask the spirit beasts to heed my words on your behalf, I can take your place."
Oh.
It was a highly tempting offer, and I couldn't help but be intrigued.
In truth, it wasn't me who shone during tomb excavations—it was the spirit beasts. I just went along because they obeyed me well, and they knew Grandfather was my blood kin and a mighty Hwa-gyeong high master. If I asked them to "Cooperate with Grandfather as much as you do with me," they'd treat him the same way they treated me.
Besides, it wouldn't just be Grandfather at the site—Dong-gu Wang and Gu Gangwang would be there too. No matter how wild their natures, they'd have no choice but to behave with three Hwa-gyeong masters holding the fort.
"That said, if I may offer my personal opinion, I'd prefer if you participated in the excavation, Un."
I reflexively started to declare my non-participation but swallowed it at Grandfather's words.
"I'd like to hear your esteemed advice, Grandfather."
If Grandfather wanted me to join, I could set aside my own wishes. He cared for my well-being more than I did myself. After the Jiayu Pass incident, he'd rush over at the slightest hint of danger to me. Why else would he have come along with the Ten Thunders even for the bandit subjugation with Dong-gu Wang and Gu Gangwang?
If such a Grandfather wanted my participation over my absence, there had to be a good reason. It was wiser to heed his judgment than that of an unseasoned youth not yet thirty.
"With me, Jang Sa-seong-i, and Uryang participating, there'll be no safer place. And if Hwa-gyeong masters are moving, how many super peak experts do you think will be below them? The excavation site will be as secure as the imperial palace itself at that moment."
"That's true, but..."
"So, when safety is guaranteed, add your hand and claim your share. Just lending the spirit beasts gives you a substantial stake already, but it's better to be on-site."
In short, put your spoon in while you can, and make sure it's a big one.
"Who knows? If the Western Chu Overlord's martial arts are discovered, His Majesty might even bestow a replica edition."
This meant I could secure the Western Chu Overlord's martial arts by boldly claiming my share. It was quite persuasive.
Back when the new Ha-o-mun was founded in Fujian, I'd requested martial arts suitable for the new Ha-o-mun from the Hanlim Academy, and hadn't they sent Baek Qi the Undefeated Army's arts? True, it was a replica, not the original, but the precedent of an ancient martial art being released to someone was what mattered.
The Western Chu Overlord's martial arts.
Perhaps because I was from a martial family, my heart started pounding at the mere mention—even if it was just a replica. Even if I had no interest in learning it myself, possessing the Western Chu Overlord's martial arts (replica edition) meant I could legally pass it to my future children.
I could teach the child inheriting the blood of two Hwa-gyeong high masters—Giwang and Ak Wang—the Western Chu Overlord's arts. The thought alone made my pulse race. If my child had any talent for martial arts, they'd achieve great things—at least super peak, maybe even Hwa-gyeong.
"You said the excavation would be after Wi-cheo's wedding, right?"
"Of course. That way, the lad can join the excavation too!"
Grandfather burst into loud laughter and poured himself another round into his empty cup. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
His determination to bring Jo Wi-cheo into the excavation team for my safety was crystal clear.
Wi-cheo would probably like that.
Jo Wi-cheo was an exceptional martial artist who'd reached super peak in his thirties. He'd surely be thrilled by the Western Chu Overlord's tomb, so inviting him to join might even make him happy. Not that it mattered if he disliked it—Grandfather had already decided to rope him in.
In recent days, Hangzhou and Zhejiang had been extraordinarily peaceful. The Goryeo troublemakers causing a ruckus in Hangzhou had quieted down somewhat, and the Japanese pirates' presence had faded since their base on Tsushima burned to the ground. They weren't completely eradicated, of course, but compared to their peak, they were as good as gone.
Thus, I was enjoying days free of worries for the first time in ages—until
[Zhejiang Province is believed to house the tomb of the Western Chu Overlord. Search and excavation scheduled to commence in two months.]
Huh.
a letter arrived that shattered that peace in an instant.
It was a personal letter from Giwang himself. He'd already reported to His Majesty and received approval. And a postscript urging absolute secrecy until the search began, as its revelation would cause massive uproar.
Sensible advice. I burned the letter immediately after reading it. Such matters were best kept solely in my head—no room for even the slightest leak.
No wonder things were so quiet.
Reading it also explained why Gu Gangwang had been uncharacteristically silent. I'd heard he'd successfully excavated the Huainan King's tomb, so it was odd he wasn't bragging about it. He must have been keeping quiet because something bigger was in the works.
With the Western Chu Overlord's tomb dangling before him, who cared about the Huainan King?
Two months from now—I need to prepare in advance.
Two months until the search begins. Since it's in Zhejiang, Dong-gu Wang's troops would form the core force, so I needed to get them ready discreetly. But moving too openly would arouse suspicion. I had to use the most natural pretext to position the soldiers so they could mobilize the instant the two months were up—
"Y-Your Highness!"
The office door burst open suddenly.
"What is it?"
The abrupt intrusion furrowed my brow. Good thing I'd burned the letter already, or its existence might have been exposed.
"I-I'm sorry! But there's urgent news I must report to Your Highness...!"
"Catch your breath first, then speak. I can't understand you like that."
I gave the panting official time to breathe. No point in him speaking if half of it was drowned out by gasps—I'd just have to hear the report two or three times. Better to wait for a clear first telling.
"...A tomb! A massive tomb has appeared!"
"What?"
But once he caught his breath, it was my breath that caught.
"A small earthquake struck the outskirts of Hoju-bu, and a nearby hill turned into a tomb!"
"What does that mean? A hill turned into a tomb?!"
"Th-that's...! Witnesses say it was an ordinary hill that suddenly shed its soil, revealing the tomb beneath!"
Confusion and bewilderment were thick on the official's face. It must be as incomprehensible to him as it was to me. If the messenger was baffled, how could the listener stay calm?
"Dispatch troops immediately to secure it! I'll brief the Prefectural Governor and Local Commander myself, so go!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
But I couldn't let emotions delay what needed doing. Amid the chaos, I strove for rational judgment.
A massive tomb. In Hoju-bu of Zhejiang, no less. And right after Giwang mentioned the Western Chu Overlord's tomb? Its identity was obvious.
Of all places, Hoju-bu.
Moreover, Hoju-bu was where the Western Chu Overlord had built his initial stronghold, Anti-Wang Castle, when he first rebelled. The place where his legend began—perfectly fitting for his tomb.
That's why I instinctively knew it was his, even without a proper search.
If it wasn't his tomb but someone else's, that spelled trouble too. I'd have to excavate this one while separately hunting for the Western Chu Overlord's—
What a headache.
I sighed as the official hurried out.
Thanks to Giwang's letter, I could identify it right away. Others wouldn't be so quick. But a hill-sized tomb emerging with an earthquake? In the Western Chu Overlord's rebel homeland? Fresh off the Huainan King's excavation? Put those together, and anyone would conclude it was his tomb soon enough.
This vast Central Plains—surely someone would reach that conclusion. And if even a few whispered it, the rest was predictable. People flock to sensational tales, so no matter what the officials said, Hoju-bu's tomb would be branded the Western Chu Overlord's—the most thrilling possibility.
"Two months my foot."
I muttered at the ceiling in despair. We needed to start excavating in two days, not two months. Otherwise, every fly in the realm would swarm the tomb.
A tomb had emerged in Hoju-bu amid an earthquake. Not some forgotten or buried grave, but a colossal one the size of a hill.
Damn it.
The moment I heard, I clutched my head reflexively. We'd planned to find and excavate it discreetly, but it revealed itself in a blaze of glory for the history books.
Grandfather, I think we're screwed... Forget the wedding— we need to start excavating right now or it'll be a disaster...
Damn that Huainan King bastard.
My frustration and anger soon turned to the Huainan King. He'd known of the unknown Western Chu Overlord's tomb. The freak who'd woven text-altering sorcery into his will. High chance he'd laid similar sorcery on his own tomb.
So if the tomb appeared shortly after we found the will, it was likely his doing.
The dead Huainan King screwing over the living crown prince.
Traitors gonna traitor—vicious to the end.