A Favor for the Bureaucrats Too - 1
The news that the crown prince of Giwangga had harnessed two white deer to a plow and tilled the fields spread like wildfire. It was bound to—it was a sight that stunned anyone who saw it, a story no one could forget after hearing it, and I'd deliberately mobilized the Dochalwon officials to fan the flames.
I'd casually dropped hints to the inspectors across the provinces, and just like that, it went viral. 'Inspectors really know their stuff.' I nodded in satisfaction at the results.
From the bureaucrats' perspective, a single word or gesture from an inspector was enough to make them tremble. So when those inspectors were singing the praises of Giwangga's crown prince, how could the officials just let it slide? Officials everywhere spread the heartwarming tale they'd heard, and those around them passed it on to their acquaintances in turn.
Before long, even ordinary folk were hearing, "One of the high and mighty actually farmed with his own hands!"
'It's quieted down a bit.' Thankfully, reports kept coming in that the unrest among farmers south of the Yellow River had subsided somewhat. Not completely, of course. What I'd done was just a show, after all. It only seemed impressive because of my bloodline and position—really, it was no different from a college kid volunteering on a farm.
'No real help at all.' Truth be told, whether before or after reincarnating, I'd had zero connection to farming. As if some clueless guy waving a plow around would actually help. If it didn't get in the way, that was a win. In hindsight, maybe I should've sent Jini instead. On paper, he was basically my downgrade in status and rank, but he knew way more about agriculture. And doing relief work for the people before even entering office? That'd look great on his resume.
What a missed opportunity. I rushed in too hastily upon hearing the farmers were restless. A little more thought, and better ideas popped up.
'But the outcome's good enough.' It wasn't a fatal mistake—just a minor regret. I hadn't provided real aid to farming, but I'd succeeded in soothing the farmers' anger. That was plenty. Honestly, even if I'd devoted myself full-time to farming, would it have helped the vast fields of the Central Plains or the countless farmers there? It was like pouring a bottle of water into the ocean to dilute the salt—the impact was negligible.
So if I'd calmed the people's hearts and planted the idea that officials cared about and worried over the farmers, that was a resounding success.
"Cool off a bit, you two."
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong!
Meanwhile, peace at home was in shambles.
'What now?' Despite my soothing words, Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i sulked and bleated their protests. I was at a total loss facing their fierce backlash. They'd dutifully pulled the plow, but that didn't mean they'd forgotten being dragged out of bed. I'd kept them from bolting midway by feeding them snacks to their hearts' content, but that was the bare minimum.
'Can't blame them.' I got it. These were spirit beasts, reduced to common oxen hauling a plow—how bruised must their pride be? They got sulky just riding ordinary horses or carriages instead of themselves. And white deer were flashy and beautiful by nature, objects of worship and affection. All throughout our travels across the Central Plains, Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i had been fed treats or begged for pets by admirers.
But now they'd gotten their pristine white fur filthy and breathed in dust. If I weren't their master, Kki-ing-i would've gored me with her antlers.
"Still, thanks to you two, the realm's at peace—you've fulfilled your duty as spirit beasts, haven't y—"
- Kki-ing! Kki-i-ing!
"Sorry."
Before I could finish, Kki-ing-i clamped her mouth on my collar. It didn't hurt or even tug my clothes, but it was her maximum protest, so I apologized bitterly, over and over. To think I'd live to have a deer grab me by the collar. People should appreciate my sacrifices.
"Gaga."
"Ah, Yeon-i."
As I dangled there, shaken by Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i, Yi Yeon-i's voice made me turn.
- Kki-i-ing!
- Kki-ong~
Finally, they released my collar and scampered to Yi Yeon-i, bleating nonstop—as if begging her to scold their wicked master on their behalf, to acknowledge their grievances and fury.
"Hehe, you two must feel really wronged."
Yi Yeon-i stroked their necks with a smile. "But Gaga trusted you, that's why. For a farmer, an ox is their greatest asset—just like you are for Gaga, right? He couldn't harness just anyone to that plow."
- Kki-i-i-ing...
- Kki-o-ong...
She coaxed them with logic that had even me nodding. Yeah, that made sense. Farmers treasure oxen as their top asset because they're the perfect farm animal—docile, obedient, strong enough to plow fields in a flash. That's why they pamper them like family.
Same for me. I saw Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i as family, so that's why I enlisted them. If someone called me crazy for putting family in a harness, I'd have no comeback—but anyway.
"And Gaga's saying sorry. Let's be generous and forgive him, okay?"
At that, Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i glanced at me slyly, sidled up, and nudged my shoulder and arm with their muzzles. It was like they were saying they'd let it slide this once, thanks to Yi Yeon-i. 'Thanks...' It stung that they ignored me but melted for her, but even I'd trust a third party's advice over the offender's excuses. I'd just think of it that way—for my dignity as master.
"Oh, right, Gaga. Grandfather wants you at Akwangjeo."
"Father-in-law?"
"Yeah. No rush—come leisurely when you have time."
An unexpected summons left me blinking dumbly. It wasn't odd for my father-in-law to call his grandson-in-law, but these weren't peacetime. In wartime, for Ak Wang to summon the Right Deputy Censor-in-chief—or Giwangga's crown prince—was no small thing. Especially via Yi Yeon-i instead of a formal messenger.
'What's this about?' No clue, no matter how I racked my brain. War discussions should've gone to Father. A casual check-in on me and Yi Yeon-i? That'd be from my actual father-in-law.
'I'll find out when I go.' No point brooding—it'd resolve itself at Akwangjeo. Ak Wang said take it easy, but no one dawdles on a summons from a king and father-in-law. Perfect timing too; I'd just clocked out with nothing else on my plate. He probably knew my rough schedule and timed it accordingly.
"Your subject greets Your Highness Ak Wang."
"You've come."
I headed to the pavilion in Akwangjeo's rear garden, where Ak Wang welcomed me over tea. The sight made my lips twitch. I'd only seen him lately drowning in booze with Grandfather; this serene tea-sipping Ak Wang felt alien. Made me realize Grandfather was wrecking his liver in real time. Deep sins there...
"Faster than I expected."
"Visiting my wife's family to see my father-in-law set my heart racing with excitement—my steps were lighter than ever."
"If you were that excited, you should've come before I called."
It sounded scolding, but the undertone was pleased.
"Sit. How long will you make this father-in-law crane his neck?"
"Ah, yes. Pardon me."
I slipped into the seat at his invitation. Steam rose from a teacup right where I'd sit—he must've prepared it sensing my approach.
"You and your father both inherited your grandparents' blood too thickly."
Ak Wang cut to the chase before I even touched my cup. "No need to mention Han Jung—that man roamed the Central Plains practicing righteousness. I thought your father was the quiet type and let my guard down, but who knew he'd pull that stunt."
I gave a wry smile at "stunt." Had to be Father's surprise frontline deployment.
"You're the same. Not content with the north, dodging rear-guard duty—what's with all the wandering?"
"Daesong's loyal soldiers toil day and night for the realm and people's safety. As an official, shouldn't I do my duty too?"
Ak Wang snorted at my reply. "Do your 'duty' twice more, and you'll end up like Jang Geon."
'What.' I flinched instinctively. Jang Geon? I'd just returned from Beukhaebinggung and was uneasy enough; that'd turn me into an overseas specialist for real. I hated that future.
"Well done."
'On what?' His follow-up shocked me even more. What'd I done right? Chosen the overseas expert path no one wanted? Young enough to push around without backlash?
"His Majesty was greatly pleased too. 'Agriculture is the foundation of the realm,' as the saying goes—he grieved the farmers' suffering. You soothed them and eased his heart—what finer deed?"
'Ah.' Relief washed over me. That was the reason for the summons.
"Harnessing spirit beasts to a plow and tilling fields—truly astonishing. Whatever gave you that idea?"
"Not mine, ma'am Jwa Do-eosa's suggestion. I've received much help from her."
"That one's no ordinary fellow either."
I nearly blurted she'd have to be ordinary to tour the Central Plains with me.
"Prepare for promotion."
...?
"Pardon?"
"Pardon what? You think stirring up that fuss comes with no consequences?"
"No, I just..."
My head spun. I'd expected promotion post-war during rewards, but not mid-campaign with the expeditionary force still in the steppes.
"War's ongoing, yes—but that's why His Majesty decided it. Immediate rewards for merits boost army morale."
Irrefutable logic. I nodded solemnly.