Master Jeonghyeon's Sixtieth Birthday Banquet (1)
Seo Jun's household began to bustle with preparations for his wedding to Wang Yi. Though he still had few acquaintances in Luoyang and the guest list would therefore be short, this was the first proper wedding for Seo Jun as clan head. The entire household threw itself into the arrangements with earnest diligence.
"My lord."
A voice called from outside the room where Seo Jun was choosing gifts to present to Wang Yi as wedding tokens.
"What is it?"
"A messenger has arrived from the Grand General's household."
"From the Grand General?"
What could be so sudden?
"Yes, my lord."
"Send him in."
A moment later, a middle-aged military officer entered Seo Jun's chamber under the guidance of a servant. From his robe he produced a small, tightly rolled bamboo slip and offered it with both hands. The slip contained a single urgent instruction: arm himself for self-defense and proceed to He Jin's residence without delay.
Equip yourself with arms for self-defense and come at once to the Grand General's residence.
"Do you know what this concerns?"
"Young Master Seo, I was not informed of the contents. I was simply ordered to deliver the slip to you with all possible speed."
"I see. Thank you for your trouble. I'll prepare at once and head to the General's house. You've ridden hard to bring this; please rest and take some refreshment before returning."
Seo Jun drew a small packet containing roughly forty Osmium coins from his sleeve and pressed it into the officer's hands with both of his own. The man initially refused, but after several polite insistences he discreetly accepted and tucked the packet away.
Combat units lived and died by their reputation among the lower ranks. Though the sum was small, favorable rumors about Seo Jun would now spread a little further inside the Grand General's headquarters.
After dismissing the officer, Seo Jun moved toward the armory to change clothes.
"Brother, has something happened?"
On his way, Seo Jun met Pocheol, who had just returned from an errand outside. Pocheol had seen the officer leaving in obvious haste and had come looking for his brother to learn whether trouble had arisen.
"Perfect timing. Change into your armor quickly and accompany me to the Grand General's residence."
"Me as well? What is the matter, Brother?"
"From the urgency of the summons it seems something serious has occurred at the General's house. This is a good chance for you to show your face to him and demonstrate what I can do."
"Understood, Brother!"
The pair donned the breastplates Po Won had forged for them. Seo Jun buckled a saber at his waist; Pocheol slung a sword across his back. Within the city proper, heavy weapons such as spears or axes were forbidden to anyone except government troops or those with special permits. Only blades that could reasonably be called self-defense weapons were permitted, and many citizens carried them. Still, the rules were not always observed. For Seo Jun, soon to become an official, it was wiser to avoid even the slightest grounds for criticism.
Any such lapse could be seized upon by those who envied him. Having finished their preparations swiftly, the two left the house and strode briskly toward He Jin's residence. The sight of two men in black armor, black weapons, and black robes moving with purpose through Luoyang's streets left a strong impression on those who saw them for the first time, yet no one paid them any particular heed just yet.
Upon reaching He Jin's mansion, Seo Jun and Pocheol were escorted into the inner courtyard. There a young general stood waiting with roughly twenty armed soldiers.
"Lord Seo, you arrived sooner than expected."
The young general approached with a delighted expression, as though greeting a long-awaited friend.
"The order to arm myself suggested an emergency, so I moved quickly. Forgive me, but I have not yet had the honor of learning your name. My experience is limited."
"Ah, I was remiss in my introduction. I am Oh Ui, military marquis in the Grand General's service. My courtesy name is Ja-won. Haha! I've heard so many tales of Lord Seo that it feels as if we've known each other for years. The fault is mine."
"Ah, so you are Marquis Oh! Commander Oh has spoken of you often. I am Seo Jun, courtesy name Baekryong. It is an honor to meet you, Marquis. I look forward to your guidance in the days ahead."
After the exchange of names, the two men drew close at once, for Oh Ui showed open goodwill. A man who prized martial virtue and chivalry, Oh Ui had long felt vicarious satisfaction whenever he heard rumors of Seo Jun, as though the younger man were realizing the very ideal of heroism he himself had always cherished.
"Ja-won, this is my sworn brother Pocheol. His courtesy name is Younghak."
"Brother Ja-won, I am Pocheol. Since you and Brother Baekryong have become close, I shall respectfully address you as elder brother from this day forward."
"Haha! Younghak, you have a silver tongue. Today is truly auspicious. I have gained both a fine friend and a good younger brother at once."
Oh Ui burst into hearty laughter, clearly pleased by the friendly approach of the large, powerful-looking Pocheol.
"Ja-won, can you tell me why we were summoned so urgently?"
"What? You came without even knowing the reason?"
"The instruction to arm ourselves made me fear an emergency, so I brought Younghak in full armor."
Creak!
"Oh dear, oh dear! Haha! I have done you a great disservice, Jun. I failed to convey the full details and caused you needless worry."
The door opened and He Jin emerged with He Ham, accompanied by Oh Gwang, whose face was deathly pale and marked with clear signs of illness.
"Yet you still came running the moment you received my vague message. It warms my heart to see such loyalty."
He Jin kept nodding, visibly delighted by Seo Jun's prompt response. He Ham stood beside him, offering a small smile of agreement.
"Today is the sixtieth birthday banquet of Master Kangseong. Originally Commander Oh and Marquis Oh were to escort me with troops, but the Commander suddenly fell ill and cannot travel. I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for you to accompany me, make some connections, and become acquainted with the guests. Will you come?"
"Of course, General. When you say Master Kangseong, do you mean the venerable Jeong Hyeon?"
"The very same. You know of him?"
"He is so renowned that even I have heard the name."
His personal name was Jeong Hyeon, courtesy name Kangseong. In this age he was regarded as the foremost authority on Confucian learning and, together with Chae Ong, represented the pinnacle of scholarly virtue among the great families.
"We have already lost too much time. Let us continue this conversation on the road and proceed to Master Jeong Hyeon's residence at once."
"Yes, General!"
Seo Jun, Pocheol, and Oh Ui took up positions close to He Jin and He Ham while the soldiers formed a protective screen before and behind them. The party set off toward Jeong Hyeon's mansion.
Jeong Hyeon's residence stood two major avenues north of Pyeongseong Gate along the southern wall. Today every servant was hurrying about in preparation for the grand event the household had not hosted in many years.
An elderly man of imposing height, with a magnificent beard and eyebrows that lent his features great dignity, stood at the garden entrance where the banquet would be held. This was Jeong Hyeon himself, master of the celebration, waiting to greet the guests who would soon begin to arrive.
"Master, the guests should be here shortly."
"So it is you, Gong-woo. You have labored long and faithfully at my side. It is time for you to enter official service. Among those who come today, look carefully for someone worthy of your trust and loyalty."
"Master, my learning is still insufficient. Should I not remain at your side a while longer?"
"How long will you merely read and listen? Only by writing, experiencing, and refining yourself through real trials can you complete the vessel that is yours alone."
Son Geon was Jeong Hyeon's senior disciple. He had attended his master for nearly seven years and was dearly cherished. Yet Jeong Hyeon regretted that the young man's talents had not yet found their proper place. In truth, the master's own situation was little better. After the party ban was lifted he had accepted He Jin's invitation and come to Luoyang, only to clash violently with his host over matters of current governance. Unable to take office, he now spent his days teaching those who sought his instruction.
"Minister of the Right Hwa, Censor Jong, and Gentleman of the Yellow Gate Sun have arrived."
While Jeong Hyeon was lost in recollection of his meeting with He Jin, the first guests began to enter the garden. They were Hwa Heum, currently serving as Minister of the Right; Jong Yo, the Censor; and Sun Yu, Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. These were rising stars of the Pure Stream faction, men who would later play major roles in Cao Cao's camp in the original history.
"Haha, come in, come in."
"Master Kangseong! Congratulations on reaching your sixtieth year."
"Thank you. Seats have been prepared over there. Please go and sit for a moment."
"Yes, Master."
Jeong Hyeon gestured toward the individual low tables and seating platforms arranged throughout the garden. Waiting servants immediately stepped forward to guide the guests to their places.