Reunion in the Hometown
Three years had passed since Seo Jun last saw his hometown of Yanghyeon, and little had changed. Though it was not his true birthplace, the emotions stirring within him felt exactly like those of a man returning to his roots after a long absence. The fountain flowing west of the county still surged powerfully, carving through the land, while the foothills of the Taehyang Mountains to the east remained cloaked in the deep green of autumn at its peak. Nestled in classic baesanimsu terrain with broad plains, Yanghyeon had suffered greatly during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, yet it remained a sizable settlement with many residents still living and working there.
Entering the town walls, Seo Jun made his way toward the house where he had lived before departing. Memories surfaced with every familiar sight—running and playing through these streets as a child. In the distance, his old home came into view. When he and Seo Jeong had left Yanghyeon, they had entrusted the house to his cousin, so unless something extraordinary had occurred, the man should still be living there.
His cousin was two years older and the son of his uncle. Orphaned young, he had come to live with Seo Jun’s family and grown up like a true brother. Three years ago, when Seo Jeong and Seo Jun left Yanghyeon, the cousin had stayed behind because he was betrothed. Unable to offer more help at the time, they had at least left him the house as a wedding home rather than selling it.
Passing through the last familiar alley, Seo Jun arrived at a modest but well-maintained house. Through the open gate, he could see the small courtyard where he had played as a boy.
“Is anyone home?”
A faint sound came from inside, but no one appeared.
“Is anyone there?”
“Who is it?”
With a creak, the old door opened and a plump, typical countrywoman stepped out carrying a child who looked a little over a year old. It was Kang Su, his cousin’s wife—looking a bit more filled out than he remembered.
“Sister-in-law, how have you been?”
“Eh?! Young Master Jun!!! Is that really you?!”
“It’s me, Sister-in-law.”
Kang Su shifted the child to one arm and grasped Seo Jun’s hand with the other, shaking it vigorously as she burst into laughter, her joy unmistakable.
“Aigoo! Young Master, how I’ve missed you! And why has your face become even more handsome?!”
Having grown up together in the same neighborhood, the two fell into easy conversation despite the years apart, as comfortable as old friends. Kang Su had not changed much, though her skin looked rougher from hardship and her figure seemed swollen rather than plump, stirring a pang of sympathy in him.
“Is this child my nephew?”
“Yes! You’re seeing him for the first time, aren’t you? His name is Seo Gae. He’ll be one year old in a month. Gae-ya, your uncle has come!”
“He takes after both of you.”
Even at such a young age, Seo Gae already showed a sturdy frame and healthy build—an exceptionally robust infant who clearly inherited his parents’ strong physiques.
“Where is my cousin?”
“He stepped out to the market. He should be back soon.”
“Who’s here?”
As if on cue, a man carrying a bundle of vegetables appeared at the gate. His eyes widened.
“Eh?!”
“Cousin!”
“You rascal!!”
“Hwang-hyung!!!”
Without hesitation, the two men rushed forward and embraced tightly. Seo Hwang, Seo Jun’s cousin who had grown up like a brother, had returned from the market.
Though slightly shorter than Seo Jun, Seo Hwang possessed a massive, tree-trunk-like build. Seo Jun still found it surprising that the man who had been raised alongside him bore the same name as the renowned general from the stories.
“You’ve grown a lot.”
Seo Hwang’s voice remained calm and measured, though his eyes shone with quiet affection as he looked up at his now-taller cousin. Even as a child, Seo Hwang had always been prudent and composed, skilled at controlling his emotions, and had often taken the lead among the neighborhood boys. Now, meeting after three years, his outward reaction was merely a small, gentle smile.
“Dear, is that any way to greet him after so long?” Kang Su chided.
“I’m very glad to see him as well.”
The childhood friends turned husband and wife seemed to share the same easy camaraderie.
“You’ve grown taller than me, and from the rumors, you’re now called the Black Wind and your martial skills have greatly improved. I’m glad things turned out well for you.”
Seo Hwang had not heard every rumor, but he knew of Seo Jun’s early exploits against the Qiang and the nickname that had spread.
“Many things happened.”
“How are Uncle and the others?”
While tidying the goods he had bought, Seo Hwang casually asked after Seo Jeong and Seo Pyeong. Seo Jun’s expression darkened.
“Cousin…”
Seo Jun recounted everything that had occurred at Yishuse—how Seo Jeong and Seo Pyeong had been dispatched there, perished in the Qiang attack, how he alone had charged into enemy lines, recovered their bodies, and held the funeral in Shuofang.
“Kuh… How could they have met such an end?!”
Seo Hwang clenched his teeth, swallowing the sob that threatened to escape. Those men had been like parents to him after he was orphaned. Hearing of their deaths filled him with grief, yet he forced it down, unwilling to burden Seo Jun further.
“Oh dear… What a terrible thing. You must have suffered greatly, Jun. Are you all right? You weren’t hurt?”
“Young Master! You’re not injured anywhere, are you?”
Having calmed their sorrow somewhat, both Seo Hwang and Kang Su immediately turned their concern to Seo Jun’s well-being, as family would.
“I’m perfectly fine, as you can see.”
“So you’ve settled things in Shuofang and returned home? What about your stepmother and aunt?”
Seo Jun explained how his achievements in Jizhou had earned him a recommendation as Xiaolian, and that he was now on his way to Luoyang. He also told them he had taken Seol Ryeon and Yi Hyeon as wives through levirate marriage. Both Seo Hwang and Kang Su stared in stunned silence.
“A Xiaolian recommendation? That’s wonderful news.”
“I was fortunate.”
“Fortune had nothing to do with it. If you accomplished such deeds in Jizhou, it was only right. The fact that what should be natural no longer is—that’s why the realm is in this state.”
“The country is indeed a mess.”
Seo Hwang’s smile faded into a worried frown.
“It’s good that you care so deeply for your stepmother and aunt, but I wonder if it will be safe once you reach Luoyang.”
“I intend to keep it as discreet as possible.”
“You must avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Even here, people speak of it in whispers. I’ve heard from the county officials that with the world growing chaotic, old customs thought long dead are resurfacing.”
Kang Su offered to prepare a meal and handed Seo Gae to Seo Hwang before heading to the kitchen. While Seo Jun and Seo Hwang caught up, she soon announced that food was ready. Though their household was modest, the table was generously laden.
After the meal, they sipped herbal tea.
“Cousin, have you ever considered taking an official post?”
“Huu… Of course I have. I worked as a low-ranking clerk for about a year, hoping to contribute something to the county, but I grew disgusted watching the officials care only for lining their own pockets instead of looking after the people, so I quit.”
“Young Master, do you perhaps have a way?”
Seo Jun had been subtly steering the conversation toward bringing Seo Hwang with him to Luoyang. Kang Su, quicker to sense his intent, asked directly.
“Sister-in-law, I’ll be going to Luoyang. After two months of training as a court gentleman, most are posted as magistrates or assistant magistrates in small counties, or as mid-level military officers in the army or central forces.”
“I’ll be allowed to appoint one or two personal retainers. If Cousin is willing to start under me, I thought it might be a good opportunity. I know serving beneath your younger cousin may feel awkward, but having someone I can trust by my side would be a great comfort to me, and it would give you a chance to enter official service.”
“We’ll do it! Young Master! What does it matter if he’s beneath you or not? Our household is barely scraping by as it is.”
Kang Su raised both hands in enthusiastic approval.