Chapter 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: As of Today, the Westerners Withdraw Support for Heo Gyun
-----------------------------------------------------------------
***
“Heh heh, Gyun, that official robe suits you perfectly.”
“Th-thank you...”
“Well, who would've thought this day would come in my lifetime. Going to court with all my grown sons together.”
After King Seonjo's edict came down, our entire family gathered in the courtyard of the main house as if by prior agreement.
Watching Mother pull out a small green official robe that fit me like a glove, as though she'd been waiting for this moment, it was clear everyone knew but me.
What the hell is this?
Alright, stretching it generously, I could understand up to being a playmate for the princes.
It's true I'd gotten tangled up with Prince Imhae through various connections, and though I wasn't thrilled about it, occasionally dropping by to keep that grumpy kid company and chat wasn't so bad.
But Royal Tutor? The king's teacher?
And even for all the princes and princesses yet to be born?
How much does Seonjo underestimate his own stamina?
Get a grip, Seonjo. You're the Sperm King. Your virility is number one in Joseon.
Off the top of my head, Prince Imhae, Prince Gwanghae, Prince Yeongchang—no, Prince Sinseong, Prince Jeongwon, Prince Sunhwa, Prince Yeongchang, and unnamed princes already made well over ten. Add in a similar number of princesses, and that's at least twenty? Twenty-five?
All those precious royals... on me alone?
Ow, my head. I clutched the back of my neck as thick stress welled up from my spine.
Unaware or perhaps sensing my turmoil, my beaming eldest brother scooped me up in a tight hug.
“But isn't Gyun rising too fast? Nangcheong is junior sixth rank—how are you outpacing your big brother? Ha ha ha!”
“...”
“Brother! Rank isn't the issue. He's the Royal Tutor to the king himself. His Highness must have seen Gyun's brilliance at a glance, right?”
“...”
“Gyun, His Highness and the princes all think highly of you, so always mind your conduct and avoid bringing shame upon them.”
“...”
“Baby, so you're working now?”
“...”
This was bad.
Something had gone terribly wrong.
One slip, and I'd be commuting to the palace from age six.
I couldn't hold back amid the barrage of teasing from all sides and turned to Father.
“Father, what happens to me now...?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well... from now on, do I attend court with you every day too?”
“Ha ha ha, of course not. There's an order to these things. You're still too young.”
“Huh? Order?”
Right, no law saying I had to die.
There must be a way.
As I gazed at him expectantly, Father tossed me a lifeline.
“Hmm, well, since you're a playmate for now, once a month? No, even as Royal Tutor, probably every half month. You'll keep the princes company then.”
“Really? Just every half month?”
“Yes. You've got the title, but you're too young to teach properly. The main education will follow the usual path through the Bureau of Palace Education and the Crown Prince's Academy. You just play with the princes until then. You'll start real Royal Tutor duties after passing the higher civil service exam. Of course—the princes' teacher must take the exam.”
“Ah.”
What? That's all it was?
Exams are tough to pass but a breeze to fail—even with eyes closed.
Study half-assed and flunk. Done.
Besides, Dae-gwa isn't some neighborhood dog's name. With scholars failing even the Saengwon exam across Joseon's eight provinces, who'd dare point fingers at failing Dae-gwa?
It'd be tough watching the royal brats for a while, but not daily—just every half month. Fine.
I'd gotten worked up for nothing.
“Ha ha, got it, Father.”
“Good, now let's go. Too far to walk to the palace—have your brother carry you.”
“Yes, thank you, Brother.”
“No thanks needed. You must be exhausted from preparing. Sleep. I'll wake you when we arrive.”
“Okay.”
I was exhausted.
Up before dawn for the edict, cold bath, struggling into the robe.
Either from Father's tip easing my nerves or sheer fatigue, my eyelids felt like lead weights.
Nestled in my big brother's arms with eyes closed, Father's and brothers' conversation faded into white noise.
“By the way, what's with the Westerners? I figured faction strife would drag on for ages before collapsing.”
“Exactly. Yi I showed up out of nowhere to pay respects—I thought some scheme. Next day in audience, he recommends Gyun as Royal Tutor.”
“Must be some agenda. Handing future power to us Easterners? Hard to believe they'd agree so easily...”
“True. Better safe—keep a close eye on the Westerners. They might target Gyun.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Yes.”
Hongmungwan's lounge. Okdang Hall.
After months of Westerners' blood and tears, laughter finally bloomed here once more.
“Heh heh, when's young Master Heo Gyun arriving? Hope the little one's not too tired.”
“I reread Culinary Duel: Jang Geum yesterday. Still a blast every time.”
“How does a child that age grasp the Master's teachings so deeply? A dragon from the Heo clan. Indeed.”
“I told you it was fun!”
“Yes, yes—your taste is exceptional.”
“That's why I cherish you.”
“No wonder I keep getting praised!”
“...”
Have they all lost their minds?
Praising Heo Gyun—the next Easterner leader, future power pinnacle, standing utterly opposed to them.
Maybe, with doom inevitable either way, they've given up entirely.
One Westerner, looking deranged, spoke gravely.
“Compose yourselves. Can't let the Easterners notice. Especially not in the throne room—manage your faces now.”
“Mm, good point, Excellency.”
“Excellency, how's my face? Uncomfortable?”
“Perfect. Keep it in the audience hall.”
Thank goodness—they weren't crazy.
Then why act like this?
Their tale rewinds to the throne room a half month prior.
Yi I petitioned King Seonjo.
“Your Highness, as you mentioned before, Heo Gyun has all the qualities of a Royal Tutor. Please issue the edict swiftly and appoint him to ensure the royal family's peace.”
“Really? You think so too?”
“Yes. His mind is brilliant, his heart pure. Perfect for the princes and future infants. No reason for me to object.”
Yi I's words nearly drove the Westerners in the hall mad.
They should be prostrating in protest.
Already weak, beaten for months straight.
Now hand over decades of future power as Royal Tutor?
Only one path left for Westerners: die or be killed.
“Excellency, have you gone mad?!”
“At least consult us! We pulled an all-nighter finding reasons to oppose!”
“Why betray us like this?!”
After the audience, Yi I faced the charging Westerners.
“Calm down. The boy has already pledged to join our cause.”
“Calm down? What did you say?”
“What do you mean, Excellency?”
“Exactly as said. Last night, I visited Minister Heo Yeop's home and got his firm confirmation.”
“?”
What was this?
The Easterner leader's youngest son—the real power grabbing future reins—joining Yi I?
And joining meant...
Defection... to Westerners?
What the—?
As they gaped speechlessly, Yi I drove it home.
“Heo Gyun and I will be political partners. When he matures and enters the palace, we'll advance our shared vision. No reason to oppose the tutor role.”
“Uh... really...?”
“You weren't fooled...? No, impossible.”
From another, it'd sound like idiot babble. But Yi I?
As Westerner leader, no need or reason to harm them.
Besides, Yi I wasn't ordinary.
Unlucky streak aside, his genius mind unmatched across Joseon—immune to a six-year-old's wordplay.
So it was real?
“Heh, what a twist. Heo Yeop's son embraces Western ideals?”
“Come to think, he always valued harmony. Last audience, we nearly lost offices, but per his wish, His Highness let it slide.”
“Right. He was with us from the start.”
Now grasping the situation, Westerners' lips curled slyly.
The son of the Easterner leader—with a Westerner's heart.
As of today, our Westerners withdraw support for Heo Gyun.
Free from opposition,
Heo Gyun and Westerners become one body.
Attacks on Heo Gyun are attacks on Westerners.
That marked the start. Laughter blooming in Okdang.
Back to today.
Dying to enter the throne room and celebrate young Master Heo Gyun's promotion—why won't time pass? Perfect gift for a kid his age? My daughter's similar age—any match there? Sipping tea amid idle chatter, Okdang's doors burst open. A man shouted.
“Excellencies! Emergency—His Highness summons you to the throne room now.”
“Emergency? Something with young Master Heo Gyun?”
“No! Situation's critical—hurry! No time to explain.”
“Excellency, no proceedings today—send the young master home first.”
“...Agreed. Gyun, stay inside. No going out, no academy, absolutely no market. Understood?”
“Uh... yes, Father.”
“Bong, you skip court too. Take Gyun home and guard the house till this blows over. Clear?”
“Yes, Father. I'll see to it.”
What the hell?
I'd dozed off briefly en route to the palace, and now chaos everywhere.
Hundreds of porters clutching torches dashed about busily. Terrified commoners locked their gates tight.
What?
Held close by my second brother racing home, I asked.
“Brother, what's going on?”
“Plague after Chungju—now in Hanyang. Broke out near Mokmyeoksan in Namchon. Dawn messenger. Be careful. Father says it's no ordinary one—likely a big outbreak.”