Everyone Comes Calling
Part 1: There were so many people looking for Min Mu-jil that he ended up paying his respects to Yi Seong-gye.
"You've come."
"Yes, Your Highness Tae-sang-wang."
"You've put on some weight, have you? From what I've heard, it must have been quite uncomfortable for you."
That's rich coming from the man who played a part in that uncomfortable life. Of course, Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon held the biggest shares. But oddly, Yi Seong-gye was badmouthing Yi Bang-won for tormenting Min Da-yeon. How could he treat his first wife like that? Hold on—isn't this the epitome of 'rules for thee but not for me'?
"What are you staring at like that? I treated my own first wife, the queen mother, better than anyone."
Wait, is Gang the first wife? When did the meaning of 'first wife' change?
"Understood."
Best to let it slide. Arguing would just tire me out.
"Anyway, did you bring any new food?"
"Yes. I'll fetch it now."
I brought in freshly fried chicken from outside. After setting it down and explaining, he remarked,
"This must be terribly expensive."
Indeed, oil was precious in Joseon. There was actually a dish called po-gye, a stir-fried chicken recipe, but nothing deep-fried like this. And it was Yi Seong-gye's absolute favorite.
He grabbed a drumstick and devoured it, clearly savoring every bite. Normally he'd chat with me while eating, but this time he just inhaled it in silence. Once finished, he looked utterly satisfied.
"Delicious. But this doesn't count. Too pricey to eat often. Bring something else next time."
What could I even say? It felt like he called me here just to mess with me.
"Still, it was tasty, so I'm in a good mood. I'd like to have it once a month at least."
"Yes, Your Highness Tae-sang-wang."
So that was it—just too expensive for regular meals, bring alternatives. But honestly, it wasn't that pricey. Looked like pure pettiness. After all that time, just one dish in so long.
What to bring next? No chili peppers meant options were slim.
"Speaking of which, you handled the Northeast Frontier superbly. Especially using Mun Teo-mu to weed out hostile Jurchens and deal with them—that was brilliant."
He lavished praise. As expected, I was the best around Yi Bang-won.
"It only gets better with you here. From now on, come instead of that dull Park Seok-myeong."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"But I hear your falcons are exorbitantly priced?"
Where'd he hear that?
"Yi Bang-gwa mentioned it. Something about the cost of dozens of tiled houses? And you have three of them."
True, but... he wasn't asking for one, was he? I shuddered.
"I love falconry too. Show me your skills sometime. Prepare everything for my next hunt. I don't want to ask that Bang-won brat—handle it yourself. And make sure he can't come."
Phew, dodged that. Falconry outings weren't hard. I loved it anyway. Seemed like teasing Yi Bang-won, who enjoyed it too: You stay cooped up in the palace working while I hunt. So childish.
"Yes, understood."
"Good."
After leaving the Soyo Mountain temporary palace, I headed to my father's house. He greeted me warmly.
"Well, Mu-jil. Your face looks brighter—must've suited you out there."
"Yes, Father. But things here..."
"I'm fine. As I said before, I've no ambitions left in court. I'll just manage the estate leisurely. Only Mu-gu worries me."
Min Mu-gu? What trouble had he caused?
"Not that kind of worry. He's been out playing too much lately. Due back the day after tomorrow."
Relief. Money wasn't an issue—we had plenty. I'd cover if needed.
"Where's brother then?"
"Off to Onyang."
Onyang hot springs. Resigned due to illness, so a therapeutic soak was perfect cover. No issues.
We shared a rare family dinner, but everyone was subdued. The recent purge had left its mark. Mother looked especially resentful.
"Two palace maids from our house? Unthinkable that our sons bow to those wenches."
Min Da-yeon's thoughts, our mother's—identical. Like mother, like daughter?
"Mu-hul and Mu-hoe might avoid them, but you'll cross paths often, Mu-jil. That's concerning."
"Not really."
Min Da-yeon was the real worry.
Father then said, "Mu-jil, the queen consort misses you greatly. Visit her tomorrow without fail."
"Yes."
"Still, I'm grateful it ended there because of you. Mu-gu feels the same. Do your best—we need you to protect her, the only one from our clan who can."
"Yes, Father."
A burden, yet oddly reassuring. Maybe because I could finally tune out family worries?
After dinner, chatting with Mu-hul and Mu-hoe: Mu-hul was stoic as ever, timid by nature. Mu-hoe grumbled, but Mu-hul calmed him. I'd talk to Mu-gu later, confirm if I could truly disengage.
The next day, I visited Min Da-yeon, arms full of gifts. She lit up on sight.
"Mu-jil! It's been ages. Do you know how much your sister missed you?"
"My apologies, Queen Consort."
"Life on the frontier suited you—still slim, but you look much better than before."
She added, "All my fault. You suffered so much."
"No, Queen Consort."
Some remorse? She seemed even warmer. Before, she'd doted endlessly—until I caught her eye wrong.
"How was the frontier?"
I detailed events; she smiled.
"Always knew it—you're ruthless on the battlefield."
"My regret."
"Nothing to regret; that's war. What's that beside you?"
"Clothes from sable fur, from the frontier."
Exquisitely expensive, restricted to high officials. Black sable—the finest grade.
As expected, she adored it.
"Only you, Mu-jil. Bringing something this rare. Got one for Yeo-ul?"
"Yes, already gave it."
"I envy her every time."
A bitter smile; it stung me too. Chatting on, she seemed resigned to Yi Bang-won's womanizing. Smart—clinging would only hurt you.
"Keep helping your sister. I'll heed every word now."
"Yes, Queen Consort."
Good.
"His Highness granted one wish."
She'd make Crown Prince Yangnyeong the crown prince. Asked for my help—fat chance, but I agreed. Then she declared me his tutor for administration.
No fucking way. I'd split the house to avoid that prince, and now direct tutor?
"Mu-jil, why the face?"
"I'm the prince's uncle. Becoming his teacher isn't proper."
"Overcautious. His Highness decided it himself—no issue."
Insane... Schmoozed Yi Bang-won to dodge the purge, and this? Worst twist ever. Retire first. Or flee north on some pretext. Mun Teo-mu could stir trouble in four years—save my skin then. Please, whoever possessed me here—help me dodge this.
"Don't stress. You'll do great."
She saw it as pressure. Truth: pure disgust. Life... Needed an escape plan.
Suddenly, she asked about my smallpox vaccine. I explained earnestly, era-appropriate. She pitied me, stroking my cheek.
"You suffered so. Using horses to cure smallpox..."
Treating me like an invalid? Fair—I wouldn't have accepted it easily either.
"Preparing for the future. Had to try something."
"True. Smallpox is deadly."
We shared laughs, lifting her spirits.
"With you, it's fun. Visit often, cheer your sister."
"Yes, Queen Consort."
After farewells, leaving the queen's palace: Min Da-yeon safe? Had to be. Or trouble.
Heading out, spotted my father-in-law. Time for greetings.
"Father-in-law, long time."
"Son-in-law, indeed. Was about to visit you."
Why so many seeking me?
"What is it?"
"Let's talk somewhere."
We went to a house—Han Sang-gyeong's, my father-in-law's brother, current Minister of Works. Most successful sibling. Demoted but reinstated quick. My doing?
He welcomed warmly.
"Long time."
Seated, chit-chat, then straight: "Why summon this lowly one, Excellency?"
"Persuade Right Prime Minister Ha Ryeon."
Post-Anmyeon Island completion, canals again. Ha Ryeon obsessed. Noble intent, but impossible. Didn't want to fight him—he'd helped our clan. Repay favors.
He'd push regardless. Once fixated, unstoppable.
"Can't. Let him try; failure will stop him—His Highness will intervene."
He needed to crash first. Then Yi Bang-won cuts it.
Han sighed deeply. "If even the Left Army Commander refuses..."
Overestimating me. I couldn't block everything.
"Try Yi Suk-beon instead. He'll help."
Shook head. Why?
"If you need Works Minister later, I'll assist. But Ha Ryeon—no."
"Then handle Anseong Buwongun Yi Suk-beon."
Father-in-law explained: Yi Suk-beon was the planned proxy when I returned. Court hated his arrogance; eyed northern exile.
Yi Suk-beon already strutting? Kim Sa-hyeong bore the brunt—must be egregious. Purge hatchet-man acting like king. Time to rein him in. Trip once.
"I'll watch for an opening."
Han thrilled. Real goal?
Heading out, dinner offered. Family, so joined.
Home, cozy time with Han Yeo-ul.
Next day, Min Mu-gu arrived, seeking me. Reunion.
"Brother, long time."
"Mu-jil, been well?"
"Yes."
Chatting: "Honestly, felt hard done by, but seeing you changed my mind."
Good.
"But your life? No way."
Not that bad...
"I'll enjoy liquor, hunts, women."
Solid plan. Help him?
"Got a gift."
"What?"
Big decision: gave my prized falcon.
Stunned—he knew I cherished them.
"Hunt with falconry—cheapest long-term. Here's one."
True. Falcons pricey upfront, but low ongoing costs, fewer people needed. Mu-gu stuck to booze, women, hunts—help with the best: hunting. He'd handled this one before—no issue.
Deeply moved.
"Your treasure..."
"Take it. Or no."
Snatched it.
"Thanks, Mu-jil. Was eyeing one— this quality? I'll repay properly."
Not a freeloader. Curious what.
"Just enjoy."
"Hunt together sometime."
"Yes."
Hunting. Tell Yi Bang-won—Yi's falconry plan.
Parted with Mu-gu, straight to Yi Bang-won. Busy days.