Social Life at the Grand General's Residence
Seo Jun planned to rest in the annex for the rest of today, visit the Grand General's residence tomorrow, and then pay his respects to Gyeon Eom the day after. Having already heard the full story from Jang Jung about how he had been recommended as a Xiaolian, it was only proper to make a formal visit and greet both Ha Jin and Gyeon Eom in person. Especially if he wanted to establish himself firmly in Luoyang, he needed to make a good impression on Ha Jin—one of the most powerful figures in the capital.
The next day, Seo Jun spent quite a busy time in his room. He was carefully examining the contents of his subspace to choose an appropriate gift for Ha Jin.
Hmm, this one is too expensive. It might raise questions about its origin. That one looks too weak.
As he looked through various items, his eyes settled on a modest-sized gilt-bronze incense burner. Its lid was intricately carved in the shape of a turtle.
“This should work nicely. A turtle symbolizes longevity, so the meaning is good too. Yes, let’s go with this.”
Having decided on the gift, Seo Jun found a wooden box that matched the incense burner and wrapped it carefully with luxurious silk.
Truly, social life is exhausting.
In the past, he might have already given up on such things. But ever since he began moving toward Luoyang, the sense of responsibility that came with becoming the head of a family had grown stronger, and Seo Jun had learned to control his emotions far better than before.
When the sun began to set, Seo Jun left the inn. He had already received permission to visit that evening and timed his arrival to coincide with Ha Jin’s return from court.
Ha Jin’s residence was located in the area between the Southern Palace, Yeongnyeong Temple, and the Central Secretariat—an area where many high officials’ homes were clustered. It was quite a walk from the inn.
After some time, Seo Jun arrived in front of the house. He straightened his clothes once more and knocked on the gate.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
“Who is it?”
“My name is Seo Jun. I have an appointment to see the Grand General this evening.”
Clank!
With the sound of a bolt being drawn, the small side gate beside the massive main gate creaked open.
“Young Master Seo, please come this way. The General returned from court a short while ago and is currently changing his clothes.”
A middle-aged man with a rather kind face came out to greet him and led Seo Jun inside. Some might think that receiving a guest through the side gate instead of the main gate was disrespectful, but for someone of Ha Jin’s status, the main gate was only opened for visits from very prominent members of the imperial family or high-ranking officials.
Following the middle-aged man’s guidance, Seo Jun passed through several gates set in the walls between the buildings until they reached a rather large hall.
“Has the Grand General arrived?”
“Yes, he entered his room just a moment ago. Chief Steward Kang!”
The middle-aged man who had guided Seo Jun was the chief steward in charge of all major and minor affairs of the Ha family. He held considerable authority. Yet he was a man of such good character that he continued to treat even the still-young Seo Jun with perfect courtesy.
“Young Master Seo, the Grand General and the others are waiting. Please come inside.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Chief Steward.”
Seo Jun handed over the gift box he had brought and bowed politely before stepping through the open door. The chief steward would present the gift to Ha Jin at an appropriate moment according to the atmosphere inside.
Inside the room, four men were seated around a large central table, watching as Seo Jun entered. In the center sat the generous-looking Grand General Ha Jin. To his left and right were the Grand General’s Chief Clerk O Gwang and Major O Wang Gwang. Beside O Gwang sat a slender young man dressed as a scholar, who appeared somewhat frail and delicate.
“It is an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Seo Jun from Yanghyeon in Hadong, who has been recommended as a Xiaolian thanks to the great kindness of the Grand General.”
Seo Jun brought his hands together and bowed deeply toward Ha Jin, who occupied the seat of highest honor.
“Come in, come in! I am Ha Jin, who holds the position of Grand General of Han. These two are my right and left arms—Chief Clerk O Gwang and Major O Wang Gwang. And this is my son, Ham. Since he is around the same age as you, I thought it would be good for you two to become acquainted, so I had him join us.”
“I am O Gwang, Chief Clerk.”
“I am Wang Gwang, Major.”
“I am Ha Ham, Left Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture. It is a pleasure to meet the widely rumored Young Master Seo.”
At Ha Jin’s introduction, O Gwang and Wang Gwang merely offered slight nods while remaining seated. However, Ha Ham—who had been staring at Seo Jun with bright, sparkling eyes from the very beginning—stood up directly and greeted him with a face full of genuine delight.
Why is he staring at me so intently? It reminds me of the expression I must have had when I first saw Zhang Liao.
Seo Jun offered an awkward smile to Ha Ham, who was looking at him as if he didn’t want to miss a single detail.
Ha Ham continued to examine Seo Jun closely, his eyes missing nothing.
“I have heard even in my remote corner of the land that the Grand General always does his utmost for the imperial family and the people without the slightest hesitation. I have long admired you, General. It is a tremendous honor to meet you in person like this.”
“Hahaha! I had no idea that the tongue of Seo Jun—the one called the Black Wind Heavenly General, whose valor shakes the world—could be so smooth. I hardly know where to put myself in the face of such excessive praise. In any case, I have great expectations for you.”
Even though Ha Jin knew the words were meant to please him, he could not hide the warm satisfaction rising in his chest. Usually, the so-called pure stream and turbid stream nobles and scholar-officials—even if they were young and held low positions—always carried an underlying look of contempt in their eyes when dealing with him. They looked down on him, thinking he was of humble birth and had only risen to his current position thanks to the influence of his sister, who had become Empress. Had it not been for the pure-hearted military officers who revered loyalty and his direct subordinates who followed him sincerely, Ha Jin’s insides would have already rotted away from the bitterness.
Yet the moment he saw Seo Jun’s pure eyes—handsome and likable as the rumors claimed, showing not the slightest prejudice toward him—Ha Jin felt an unexpected surge of favor.
“Master, this is the gift Young Master Seo has brought. Shall I open it for you?”
“Oh? Bring it here.”
The steward gently placed the gift Seo Jun had prepared in front of Ha Jin’s table.
“Hahaha! I’m quite curious now.”
“General, I am ashamed. My family’s circumstances are not yet comfortable, so I have brought what I believe to be the most meaningful item among my possessions. Please understand.”
“That is enough.”
Click!
Although Ha Jin had spoken with apparent anticipation, he had assumed that a gift from Seo Jun—who was not from a powerful provincial clan—would not be anything particularly impressive. He was simply showing consideration so that Seo Jun would not feel slighted. Ha Jin was the kind of man who took great care of those he considered to have entered his fold.
Ha Jin unwrapped the silk covering and opened the wooden box.
“A turtle-carved incense burner. It is not flashy, but it has a certain dignity.”
Compared to the expensive and ornate items that had recently come his way, it felt somewhat lacking. Still, thinking that Seo Jun had put genuine effort into the choice, he spoke favorably.
“Recently, the Taoists say that possessing items or paintings engraved with turtles can bring the energy of longevity. It may be insufficient for Your Excellency’s dignity, but I prepared it with the sincere wish that you enjoy a long life free of illness.”
“Oh-ho~ So a turtle carries such meaning? Then this is truly a precious gift. Seo Jun, I thank you deeply.”
When Seo Jun explained the meaning behind the turtle incense burner, Ha Jin’s eyes widened and he broke into a broad smile. Now that he was getting on in years, Ha Jin had begun to worry a little about living a long life. As if he had read his heart in advance, Seo Jun’s gift left him feeling inexplicably pleased.
“By any chance, after you finish your training as a court gentleman next year, do you have any position in mind that you would like to take?”
“I have not decided precisely yet, but I think the Imperial Guard or the Central Army would be good. Or perhaps a local post near Luoyang. However, if the Grand General decides a position for me, I will devote myself fully wherever it may be.”
“Hahaha, you really know how to say things that are pleasant to hear. Seo Jun, focus on completing your court gentleman training and wait. I will prepare a good position for you.”
“I am deeply grateful for the Grand General’s grace.”
In Ha Jin’s eyes, Seo Jun showed proper respect and firm loyalty, yet he did not appear to be excessively flattering. The thought of gaining another capable subordinate made Ha Jin feel genuinely pleased.
“Come now, all of you—stop being so stiff and treat him more comfortably. He may become family with us next year, after all.”
“Chief Clerk O, Major Wang, and Assistant Ha—I have much to learn from all of you. I ask for your generous guidance in the future.”
Although he had already gained considerable fame, Seo Jun approached them without arrogance or sharp edges. The others gradually began to open their hearts, and soon the room was filled with lively conversation.