For the Sake of the Realm - 4
For the realm, Jung San Wang Seo Dal-i was appointed supreme commander of the expeditionary force, with Giwang Han Jung, Gi Gangwang Jin U-ryang-i, Dong-gu Wang Jang Sa-seong-i, and Yangyang Wang Maeng An assigned as his advisory staff. Not only the Iseongwangs but also Weiguk Gong Pung Seung, Jo-guk Gong Yi Mun-chung, Cho-guk Gong Deung Yu, and other steadfast dukes—founding merit subjects all—joined the expedition in great numbers. This made our force even stronger than the Northern Expedition army assembled in original history by the Ming Dynasty. After all, in original history, Gi Gangwang and Dong-gu Wang weren't Ming generals, Grandfather wasn't around, and even the merit sects that had aided in the founding war were participating this time too.
Frankly, the expedition itself had a high chance of victory. Jung San Wang's presence alone was rock-solid assurance. But more than win or lose, the real question was how much time it would take and how many soldiers would fall on the steppes. A Pyrrhic victory at this early stage of the founding era? That would be a fatal blow to the Dasong realm.
'It'll be fine. No problems.'
That's why, after the expedition set out from Kaepyeong, I'd been reassuring myself nonstop. The army would return victorious without a hitch. In original history, the Ming had gloriously burned Karakorum and subdued the Mongols, so our stronger Dasong should do the same. And Grandfather, who had survived against a Mongol force several times fiercer during the founding war, would return safely this time too.
"It'd take all three of the world's supreme masters to even scratch Grandfather, right?"
- Ppiae!
- Kkieak! Kkieak!
Ppiae and Kkieak nodded vigorously at my mutterings. Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i licked my face, while Samshik in my arms and Buong wagged their noses or tails at me. It felt like they were comforting me, bringing a smile to my lips. The spirit beasts seemed to guarantee Grandfather and the army's safety—it warmed my heart.
"Tell me if you want more to eat. I'll get it right—"
- Ppiae!
Before I could finish, Ppiae smacked the liquor bowl with its front flipper. Yeah, yeah, more booze coming up. Let's drink heaps and get smashed today.
"Feeding them extra today, huh? Got a feast going on?"
"Father?"
I was about to fetch a new jar when Father's voice came from behind. Father had failed to join Grandfather on campaign and stayed at Giwangjeo. His excuse for remaining was preparing for Mongol beast raids, so he couldn't complain. His face carried a touch of bitterness as he approached and filled Ppiae's bowl to the brim—overflowing enough to wet the ground.
- Ppiae!
Ppiae went wild with joy, dunking its head into the massive bowl bigger than itself. At that point, I started worrying. If it peed now, would it be ammonia or straight alcohol? If it weren't a spirit beast, it'd be dead already.
"Eats well, doesn't it? Makes the giver happy and want to pour more."
"That's the problem—eats too well."
Father chuckled softly at my reply.
"Heaven knows your sincerity. Once they're full, don't overfeed—let them digest. Spirit beast tummy ache would be trouble."
He patted my shoulder like he could see right through me, offering classic advice: excess can backfire. Pushed aside by Grandfather and the Emperor to stay home, Father still couldn't hide the savvy of a crown prince. He read his son's heart without a word. Or maybe any father can do that with his son?
"Yes, of course. Naturally."
I nodded at once to Father's advice. My lavish feast for the spirit beasts wasn't because they whined for food—it was a ritual offering. Spirit beasts are heaven-sent creatures, right? Interpreted that way, they're heaven's envoys or proxies. Treating them with utmost sincerity honors heaven itself. Wouldn't heaven be moved and ensure the army's safe return? It had to. Heaven's used me plenty— with a ritual plea on top of a simple request, it'd grant it. If it had any conscience.
"Un-a."
"Yes, Father."
"Your grandfather is beyond the world's best. Even that Hwanggakcheolmok brute wouldn't dare lift its head before him, and now he's heading to the steppes with other masters. No need for our worry."
Those weren't words I'd expect from the man who'd tried sneaking onto campaign to serve Grandfather. I gazed quietly at Father.
"Of course, worrying for family on the battlefield is human nature. I'm not saying ignore it."
Sensing my silent reproach in my gaze, Father cleared his throat softly and continued.
"But your grandfather worries for you and me far more than we do for him. He's a lofty Hwagyeong master, while we're weaklings not even touching Hwagyeong's heels."
"If Chojeoljeong is weak, who the hell's strong?"
"You rascal. Peak's fine, but you nitpick Chojeoljeong. Sneaky as hell."
We both burst out laughing.
"...I'll make sure to take care of myself so Grandfather doesn't worry."
It sounded like empty banter on the surface, but the meaning ran deep and gentle. A Hwagyeong like Grandfather worried for us, so imagine how much he fretted over his Chojeoljeong, Peak son and grandson. Even stationed inside borders, it wasn't 100% safe from Mongol beast raids—just safer than the steppes. We couldn't just worry about him; we had to look after ourselves, body and mind.
"More importantly, Un-a. Good to tend spirit beasts, but people need feeding too. Don't just feed them—drink with your old man."
"Ah, yes. To the rear garden, then."
As Father and I shifted spots, the engrossed spirit beasts followed in a pack. What? Sharing food like good pals?
"Looks like heaven accepted your ritual."
I snorted a laugh at Father's words and petted each clustered around me. If that's why, they could even share my bed.
The expedition from Kaepyeong linked up with Jung San Wang's forces, Habuk, and Shanxi troops, then split into left and right armies for advance. I joined the right army heading to Shanhaiguan and entered the steppes.
"Rides well."
"Sure does."
And perfectly matched with me—Gi Gangwang. Right on steppe entry, we torched the place flashy-like, a greeting to the Mongols. With wind arts user Gi Gangwang beside me, we raised a pillar of flame reaching the heavens.
"But Dong-gu Wang."
"Yeah?"
"Uh, how long you gonna hold it? Looks weird."
Gi Gangwang ducked his head slightly, meeting eyes with Bonghwang, who craned up from my arms.
- Boooong~
It flapped tiny wings with a serene cry. No clue what it meant, but it didn't hate my embrace.
"It's a precious symbol of His Majesty's virtue. The king carrying it himself shows sincerity—ensures it'll stay by His Majesty long-term."
"Not that it wants your energy?"
Mindful of eavesdroppers, Gi Gangwang desperately avoided naming Bonghwang. Even if heard, they'd dismiss it as his odd joke. And if I mentioned Bonghwang, no one'd believe. Hell, even I could hardly believe it.
'Knew His Majesty was generous, but...'
Never dreamed Bonghwang would appear during his reign—let alone revive in Gonghuwon after mutual destruction with Do-ol. Plus, Qilin was already by his side. Qilin follows the upright; Bonghwang appears only in grand peace. Such auspicious beings around him? Obvious—he's the realm's unparalleled sage king.
And for the realm's stability, people's peace, soldiers' safe return, His Majesty entrusted these noble auspicious ones to this lowly me. Qilin and Bonghwang obey his command without question. How moving. Clear proof heaven smiles on Dasong. Proof we'll surely win.
'And I get some virtue rub-off too.'
No basis, but holding Bonghwang feels like everything'll go smooth. For a merchant-sailor like me, baseless superstitions matter.
"Anyway, you're tagging along with Qilin too."
- Kiriring!
Qilin at Gi Gangwang's feet cried purely at my words.
"Hey! Not tagging—paths just overlap by chance!"
"What even."
His dishonest reply drew a chuckle. Gi Gangwang, denying doting on Qilin after I'd seen it plenty.
"Anyway, care for 'em while visible. Precious things—trouble if hurt."
I let it drop; no telling his reaction if pressed.
"Hmm."
"What?"
Instead of answering, he stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Makes me wonder who to worry for in the left army."
"Ah."
Random, but I got it. We had the Four Auspicious Beasts, but left army had Do-cheol and Do-ol. Two of the dreaded Sa-hung,
"As long as they don't get hit, we're good."
Like Gi Gangwang said, even Sa-hung might cower before certain kings.