Give Bureaucrats a Break Too - 3
Do you know a bureaucrat who rocketed to Jeong 3rd-rank Tong-ui Da-bu in his twenties? Just two more steps up, and he'd hit Jong 2nd-rank—the symbol of meteoric promotion destined to go down in Daesong history. I don't know about Central Plains annals, but it'll definitely stick in ours.
The eldest grandson of a founding merit subject and crown prince of Giwangga, climbing ranks at this insane speed? From a future perspective, it'd scream nepotism no matter how you slice it. Who'd believe it was pure merit?
'Yeah, it's the bloodline.' Honestly, even me joining the Dochalwon and racking up achievements as Left Deputy Censor-in-chief was only possible because I'm Giwang's grandson. That's why it stings.
I didn't ask for early court debut or this hyper-promotion, but future generations will peg me as 'the guy who rode his bloodline to high office.' Not wrong, but it invalidates my sweat and tears.
'And of all things, traveling with spirit beasts.' On top of that, I've roamed the Central Plains surrounded by them the whole time. No one person could tame so many, so my and Jo Wi-cheo's exploits with them will likely get dismissed as crown prince propaganda myths.
That pisses me off. My Central Plains pilgrimage is my alpha and omega of achievements. If it's mythologized away, what's left for me? A true bloodline one-trick pony?
"Hmmm."
As I brooded alone over my identity crisis, the Emperor seemed lost in thought. Unsettling. He wouldn't pull a double-promotion now, right? I trust His Majesty wouldn't stoop to flip-flopping like some petty lord.
"The Right Deputy Censor-in-chief's merits are immense. His diligence and wisdom outshine any bureaucrat."
"I am deeply honored, Your Majesty."
Caught off-guard by the sudden praise, I reflexively bowed. What? Promotion's already done—why gild the lily? Is he gunning for a double bump after all?
"I have no doubt the Right Deputy Censor-in-chief will forge new merits, ascending beyond Jong 1st-rank to Jeong 1st."
The Emperor sighed softly after that.
"Yet even at Jeong 1st, there's no fitting post to assign him. The two Censor-in-chiefs excel in their duties, and we can't uproot the Dochalwon's pillar. How regrettable."
"Your Majesty, serving you and tending the people brings boundless joy. With your excessive grace already bestowed, how could I covet position?"
My mouth moved before my brain caught up. He's right. Right Deputy Censor-in-chief is vice-ministerial. Only the two Censor-in-chiefs—ministerial-rank—sit above, and fortunately, they're paragons of competence and grit. No way I'd displace them.
"What matters position in upholding righteousness, or authority in fulfilling duty? With your trust alone, I can traverse the realm and stand with the people."
"Is that so."
The Emperor chuckled softly at my decent improv. Positions symbolize real power; ranks symbolize honor. Even at 20s Jong 2nd or Jeong 2nd, sticking as Right Deputy Censor-in-chief is manageable—like a low-rank bigwig in a key post.
'Thank you...' I silently thanked the Left and Right Censor-in-chiefs. So grateful my superiors are competent, not deadweight. Plus, as post-founding gen, they're relatively young. I might outpace them to Giwang over waiting for their retirement.
"The Right Deputy Censor-in-chief speaks truly. Positions are mere human constructs—how could they constrain heaven-ordained duty? A noble ignoring duty is but a commoner; a starving beggar upholding it is a sage."
The Emperor's laughter echoed through the throne hall. Whatever struck him, he kept chuckling.
"Right Deputy Censor-in-chief."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your loyalty and scholarly virtue set an example for all. I anticipate your exploits."
I froze mid-formulaic reply. Anticipate your exploits. Standard phrase, but it felt off. Usually it's future exploits, right? Why phrase it like I'm deploying now?
"I shall repay your faith without fail."
Can't just stonewall the Emperor. I bowed deeply and responded.
'I'm overthinking it.' Yeah, fresh off promotion—nerves on edge. Words slip; future or not, meaning's the same. Probably not even omitted. Must be.
After bumping the Right Deputy Censor-in-chief's rank, I headed to the rear garden for a breather.
'What need for position or authority?' I recalled his words and chuckled. Spot on—one of Confucius's core teachings. Position and honor mean nothing; become a sage through learning and practice. Anyone can, per the Master.
The Right Deputy Censor-in-chief stated that obvious crux boldly. No hesitation before even me, the Emperor. He must truly live it, heart and soul.
"Isn't it—"
I started addressing the qilin and Do-cheol—then remembered they're in the north and wryly smiled. Embarrassing. I sent them and forgot. Too scattered lately?
"Mu-ya."
- Mwoooo.
Instead, I called to Mu in the lake. Soon, his face peeked out.
"It was just us before, but now alone feels lonely. Those kids have become indispensable family."
- Mwoooo.
Mu rumbled in agreement. The rear garden's for imperial use, but somehow only I visit. My headache break spot—no one else, not even the Empress, approaches. Like they're deferring.
Since Grandfather's passing, it's just me and Mu. Even then, I'm not here all day—mostly Mu's solo domain.
- Mwoooo...
I approached at Mu's glum cry. To him, the Four Auspicious and Four Evils were precious friends and kin. All gone at once—heartbreaking.
"Mu-ya, once work's done, I'll return first. Don't grieve."
- Mwoooo.
Consoled, Mu glided shoreside, nuzzling me. I stroked his head tenderly.
Absence unnoticed at first; but once known, the void looms huge.
"Who knew the Black Tortoise felt loneliness so keenly."
Understanding aside, I chuckled. What is Xuanwu? Even the mythical Four Auspicious and Evils bow. One of the Four Divine Beasts, supreme as Zhenwu Dadi. Yet here he acts childish. Wondrous, pitiable, adorable.
"If only we found another Divine Beast."
- Mwoo!
Mu's tail swished wildly at the reaction. Just imagining thrilled him. Sure, Auspicious and Evils are fine, but kin Divine Beasts hit different.
"Perhaps the Right Deputy Censor-in-chief will find one. He found Auspicious and Evils—who says no to Divine Beasts?"
- Mwoooo—
"You've glimpsed him from afar, Mu. Someday, show yourself proudly."
I'd kept Mu secret—fearing rejection or profaning his name. Mu shies from people since the Mongols. But the Right Deputy's fine. He's met and chatted with Auspicious and Evils; he'll accept Divine Beasts sans greed.
'Might meet another before Mu.' Qilin, Do-cheol, Bonghwang, Do-ol's beloved. Six spirit beasts adore him. Even Divine Beasts would notice—especially roaming the realm, unlike my Kaepyeong tether.
'Sorry, Right Deputy Censor-in-chief.' A quiet apology to him, likely informed by now. My anticipate your exploits wasn't fluff. Dire need looms; hence the careful phrasing.
Back at Giwangjeo, a letter from the Left Censor-in-chief awaited.
The movements of murim forces in Hubei and Hunan regions are highly unusual.
The opener hit like a gut punch; I shut my eyes grimly. That punchy content, sent to me specifically, plus the Emperor's exploits line. Guess I wasn't overreacting—spot on.
'Damn it.'
Promotion-celebration business trip. Tears well up. I didn't even want this bump.