Marriage Over Tombs - 2: The Deep Ties Between Giwangga and the Jo Clan
The bond between Giwangga and the Jo clan runs far deeper than casual acquaintance. Back during the founding war, Jo Wi-cheo's grandfather served as my grandfather's adjutant, charging through battlefields side by side. He owed his life to Grandfather multiple times, and in turn, Grandfather relied on him as his right-hand man, easing both body and mind on countless occasions. There are tales they knew each other even before the war, but I've never heard confirmation straight from Grandfather, so who knows. He doesn't outright deny it, though, so it was probably just a few passing greetings.
At any rate, the connection forged solidly during the founding war endured well after Daesong's establishment—as the tie between lord and retainer, Giwangga and the Jo clan.
The Jo clan could hold their heads high anywhere. "Retainer" might sound modest and subservient, but objectively speaking, they're no lightweight family. Jo Wi-cheo's grandfather entered service to repay Grandfather's grace, and his father and Jo Wi-cheo followed suit out of loyalty. If they struck out independently tomorrow, they'd wield influence rivaling any major house. After all, they serve one of Daesong's sole two wang clans. And you can't just serve any wang—you have to earn it.
Though I never imagined it'd span three generations. I chuckled watching Buong waddle diligently around the garden on his diet today. Jo Wi-cheo's grandfather attended my grandfather; his father supported my father. No one foresaw this thread extending to me and Jo Wi-cheo. The Jo clan, breeders of military officers, had their firstborn son Jo Wi-cheo veer straight into civil service instead. So I figured I'd never cross paths with Jo clansmen. Little did I know I'd follow the same path.
Looking back now, I suspect Grandfather influenced Jo Wi-cheo toward bureaucracy too.
Thanks to that, I'm alive. If so, it was a stroke of genius. My real partnership with Jo Wi-cheo kicked off when I became Left Deputy Censor-in-Chief. The moment the Central Plains tour was greenlit, he was assigned as my de facto adjutant. What if he hadn't gone civil?
Horrifying. Just imagining it made my limbs tremble. A Central Plains tour without Jo Wi-cheo? Pure hell. Sure, Dochalwon would've assigned someone else, but not likely anyone as capable, diligent, and steadfast. Be real—who grows talent like Jo Wi-cheo on trees?
No matter how populous the Central Plains, elites like him aren't common.
So yeah, like the profound link between Giwangga and the Jo clan, my bond with Jo Wi-cheo runs deep too—at least I'm confident of that. I don't know how he sees me, but he's the reason I survived without crumbling. In gratitude, I dispatched Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i to him. His one-and-only wedding deserves the grandest fanfare for my cherished subordinate.
"You've toiled hard as Inspector Escort all this time. If you missed your chance at marriage serving Giwangga's cause, we must help however we can," I said.
Even Yi Yeon wholeheartedly approved sending Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i. They'd shone at our wedding, so she could've clung to possessiveness—"Let's keep Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i as our special memory"—but she nodded along readily. Can't make my wife jealous just to pamper a subordinate. Fortunately, she backed Jo Wi-cheo too. Probably out of consideration for the man who's supported me so long.
I'm thrilled. Competent subordinates and a kind wife—what more could I want?
- Buooooong...
"That's enough. Catch your breath, then snack time."
As I basked in quiet pride, Buong—lapping the garden furiously—let out a dying wheeze, so I called for a break. No plans to bulk him into a musclebound tank; no need for overkill workouts. As long as meals stay moderate, treats are fine in moderation.
- Buooooong!
At my break-and-treat decree, Buong spun his nose like a propeller and barreled toward me. Hmmm... Maybe deploy Buong at the wedding too? Scooping up the pattering arrival, I fiddled with his nose while mulling it over. Adorably petite and charming to anyone. Symbolic as a spirit beast. Legends of nightmare-eating, plus his trait of devouring human negativity like Maek. Perfect flower-boy material? Waltz in late ceremony with a bouquet in his trunk—
No. Solid idea, but scrapped it. Recreating our events for Jo Wi-cheo is thoughtful. Gifting him something we never had? Different story. Folks might whisper they fretted more over others' weddings than their own. Overthinking? Maybe, but can't drop guard. Central Plains face culture, 14th-century rigidity, era's class divides—gotta mind the fallout.
Save Buong for later. Like when a kid of mine and Yi Yeon's weds. By then, he'll be full-grown, not this dainty size. Bit of a shame.
"Can't you stay this size forever?"
- Buoong?
Buong tilted his head at my absurd musing. Sorry. Greedy of me. Natural for people or beasts to grow with time.
This size is perfect, though. Truly regrettable. Snug in my arms like this. A heavenly masterpiece, destined to fade with time. Heartbreaking.
Time marches on, and it scares me. Wrapping up massive events—Murim forces survey, Hoju Wang's tomb excavation, Seochuk Paewang's tomb—finally brought relative leisure. Odd, really. Sparked by imperial debate, the survey unearthed Gu Gangwang's Hoju Wang tomb find, which revealed Seochuk Paewang's... Akrok Academy scholars launched that ball sky-high.
Even linked quests wouldn't dare chain like this—pure backlash bait. Dead serious. Stumbling into scholars on patrol triggers imperial debate, Murim survey, tomb digs? What kind of chaining is that? Still, glad the marathon wrapped pre-wedding. When Hoju Wang and Seochuk Paewang artifacts resonated, I flinched—another "Central Plains Mega-Tomb-Raiding Storm" quest? Would've bitten my tongue.
"Deputy Right Censor-in-Chief, you should head out soon."
"Pardon?"
Submitting my report to Right Censor-in-Chief with light spirits, her words drew an automatic echo. Retire...? Still early afternoon? Two full hours shy of quittin' time?
"Tomorrow's Inspector Jo's wedding, right? You two are close, so leave early today, rest up. Only with a relaxed body can you offer genuine blessings at the joyous event."
Her follow-up nearly brought tears. A boss minding even a subordinate's wedding—not the principal's. Ideal, magnificent superior. If Dochalwon harbors any final shred of conscience, it's her.
"Then you should retire early too, ma'am. You've been cooped in Dochalwon for days now."
I urged her sincerely. Won't demand she leave first, but tonight, go home. No more overnighting in the office.
"Heh, tempting, but can't. Too much left to do."
"But you said a rested body is key to true blessings."
"I'm fine. I'll be here tomorrow too."
Staring blankly at her, she chuckled.
"No need for shock. I skipped your wedding too. As Censor-in-Chief, I'd love tending every bureaucrat's rites personally, but my absences burden the ranks below. Better send gifts and stay put—eases everyone."
Her selfless words nearly teared me up again. Steadfastly shouldering work to lighten subordinates' loads. Prompt gifts for their milestones. Exemplary character.
Should I do the same? Question dawned late. Just send Jo Wi-cheo a gift? I see him as prized aide, but he might view me as nagging boss. Dilemma short-lived, though. No-showing risks fueling rumors of rift between Giwangga heir and Jo firstborn. Plus, Jo elders would hound him mercilessly—"What insolence toward the crown prince?!" Better attend. For me, skipping's the real rudeness.
Father's summons halted my training; I hurried over.
"Tomorrow at last."
He spoke the moment I sat. I nodded toward him.
"Sorry for worrying you all this time."
"Enough. You didn't idle away your prime—you served the realm. As a Jo clansman, it's only natural."
His words rang firm, but knowing how pent-up he'd been pre-confirmation, I held silent.
"A bit late, yes, but weddings matter not when, but with whom. What do you think of Miss Jeong?"
"I'd gladly wed her in ten years if needed."
"I get the sentiment—don't say it."
Chastened, I ducked my head sheepishly. Even I knew ten years was overkill. Three, maybe.
"Anyway, tomorrow you become a household head. Training's fine, but rest today—clear mind for the morrow."
"Yes, sir. Will do."
With that, I rose and bowed. Father favors brevity; time to withdraw.
- Kkiiiiiing.
- Kkioooong!
"Feed the white deer on your way. They ate two hours back, but they digest fast."
"Ah, yes."
Unexpected task, but no issue. Feeding those two's routine.