Rumors and Rooming at the Academy
I shook hands with the carriage driver as I grabbed my luggage and climbed down.
“Aigoo, Chef Yoon. I hope we cross paths again.”
“Absolutely. Be sure to call me for your daughter's birthday. Just ask for Yoon Gomyung at the Outer Dining Hall, and they'll get a message to me.”
“Will do! I'll contact you then!”
I waved enthusiastically as the driver started up his carriage and set off down the road. The Central Plains were truly vast. It had taken nearly several weeks to travel from Shandong to this region near the capital, and I had spent every waking and sleeping moment with him. Naturally, we had grown as close as military recruits in a boot camp. He had told me all about his seven-year-old granddaughter who lived near the capital, how she hated that her grandfather had to travel so far for work every day, and how he wanted to prepare an absolutely mind-blowing feast for her birthday. We had talked about literally everything under the sun.
The two guards standing before the massive, red-painted main gates stared at me blankly, seemingly baffled by my friendly rapport with a mere carriage driver. Staring that hard is a bit embarrassing, guys.
“Keep up the hard work,” I said.
One of the guards slowly nodded, accepting my greeting. I probably looked like a country bumpkin who had just arrived in the big city. Since these guards must have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of people like me, I had expected them to openly look down on me. But they didn't.
“What is your business here?”
“My name is Yoon, and I'm scheduled to start working at the Outer Dining Hall today. May I enter?”
The moment those words left my mouth, the guard's face stiffened.
“Could you be... the famous...?”
“Excuse me?”
Famous what? It's not like I'm some kid detective. And I definitely don't want to get shot by a tranquilizer dart from an elementary schooler.
“Ah, it is nothing. Please present your identification documents.”
“Here you go.”
What a tease. I handed over the recommendation letter bearing Dan Buyong's official seal. The guard glanced at it and nodded with a solemn expression.
“It really is you. Everything is in order. You may enter.”
“Thank you. Well then...”
“Wait. Before you go in, there is one thing I must ask.”
Was he going to ask some security-related questions?
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Is it true that... after eating the food you prepared, those esteemed masters achieved the state of Five Qi Returning to the Origin?”
Uh... what? I didn't mishear him, did I? Even I had only heard of the Five Qi Returning to the Origin in legends. It was a state where peak masters meditating would manifest five rings of qi floating above their heads. It was an exceedingly rare phenomenon that only true masters of the martial world could display, and it was said that anyone who achieved it was destined to lead a great sect.
So, he was asking if the Olympic rings had basically manifested above the heads of three absolute masters the moment they ate my Chicken Soup for the Soul. What kind of ridiculous nonsense was that? If you could achieve the Five Qi Returning to the Origin just by eating a meal, why would anyone bother training in martial arts? They'd just eat a piping hot bowl of chicken soup instead.
“I'm sorry, but it would be best if you didn't believe such baseless rumors.”
“But the attendants who accompanied them said they saw it with their own eyes.”
“You didn't hear that directly from the attendants, did you?”
“Well, no, but...”
“The two Academy Directors and Daoist Priest Cheongjo did thoroughly enjoy my cooking, but nothing of the sort ever happened. And the same goes for the attendants.”
There wasn't even YouTube in the Central Plains, so where on earth did he pick up this fake news? It was a classic case of three men making a tiger—rumors spinning completely out of control. I wasn't Pierre de Coubertin; how was I supposed to conjure the Olympic rings over people's heads?
“A friend of mine from the Beggars' Sect swore it was true, though.”
“Hey, stop it. The man said it isn't true,” the other guard chimed in, cutting his partner off. “You can get detailed directions at the Responding Dragon Hall, which is the academy's headquarters.”
“Thank you,” I said.
As the second guard stepped in to guide me, I bowed slightly to express my gratitude. The guard who had asked about the Five Qi Returning to the Origin was still tilting his head, muttering under his breath, "But that's really what I heard..." Talk about persistent. Still, to think the source of this fake news was the Beggars' Sect. I'd have to be extremely careful around those guys.
Passing through the main gates, I finally stepped into the illustrious Mutual Righteousness Academy. Just as even the most ordinary-looking person is instantly viewed as a future leader of society the moment they carry a 'Seoul National University' title, martial artists from the Mutual Righteousness Academy were treated with a completely different level of respect.
Admission to the academy was proof in itself that one was a top-tier talent certified by both the martial world and the Imperial Court. Even if someone graduated dead last, they could clear their throat in front of a mid-to-small-sized sect's gate and be welcomed inside with deep, respectful bows.
Even if they chose a career in government rather than the martial world, they received similar treatment. If they joined the military, they could enter the Brocade Guard to protect the Emperor; if they went into administration, they could become local magistrates. It was essentially a civil service exam-level academy.
Though I was entering as a staff member rather than a student, it was still a massive boost to my resume, making the competition for staff positions incredibly fierce. If you're going to be a servant, it's best to serve in a minister's house; if you're going to be a nutritionist, you might as well do it at the finest school in the Central Plains.
“Whoa!”
A completely different world unfolded before me as I walked inside. It was vast. And absolutely massive. After staring at nothing but mountains for five years, seeing these grand, majestic pavilions filled me with a fresh sense of awe. What caught my eye in particular was the paved road made of square, dressed natural stones. It was perfectly flat, without a single protruding rock to trip on.
And that wasn't the only impressive thing. Next to the main gate, a wooden map of the academy stood tall like a bulletin board, clearly outlining the layout of the campus. Yep, a prestigious school really is on another level.
I slowly scanned the map. Even though it was just a simplified sketch, the campus was incredibly vast, easily matching the size of a modern university. The most prominent building in the center was the Janggyeong-gak, which was the library... Ah, the academy's headquarters, the Responding Dragon Hall, was located toward the upper left. When I looked for the Outer Dining Hall where I would be working, I found it slightly off-center toward the top. Above it stood the academic halls, consisting of four buildings. Perfect location for the kids to sprint over for lunch.
Perhaps because it was still summer break, the campus was quiet. Aside from the occasional servant bustling about on errands, there wasn't a soul in sight.
“...”
By the way, there wasn't a single tree in the vicinity. I understood why imperial palaces kept trees to a minimum—to prevent assassins from hiding in them—but surely an academy was different. Why were there so few trees? At this rate, a couple of kids were bound to pass out from heatstroke while walking through here under the scorching summer sun.
Critiquing the layout in my head, I finally reached the Responding Dragon Hall. Here, it finally felt like a place where people actually lived, as the bustling sounds of human activity filled the air.
As I stepped inside, I saw people hurrying about carrying heavy stacks of books, alongside well-built, muscular warriors. The largest warrior among them strode toward me, scanning me from head to toe.
“Impressive. Where have you come from?”
“My name is Yoon, and I have been appointed as the Head Chef of the Outer Dining Hall.”
“Ah! The legendary Chef Yoon!”
The massive warrior bellowed in a booming voice, causing everyone in the hall to startle and look back and forth between us. Seriously, first the guard, and now this guy? Just how far did these rumors spread for everyone to react like this?
“I'm not sure about 'legendary,' but I am indeed Chef Yoon.”
“Hahaha! A talent truly worthy of our academy has arrived! Is anyone out there? How dare you let our precious guest carry his own luggage all the way here!”
“W-We are terribly sorry!”
Aaaargh! Stop it, please! Seriously, what kind of rumors went around to subject me to this public humiliation? I felt more embarrassed than the time I accidentally shouted "Loyalty!" at the top of my lungs during a silent salute to the flag back in my military days. I wanted to die.
In an instant, two similarly muscular men rushed over, snatched my luggage from my hands, and the massive warrior who had first greeted me stepped forward.
“Now, follow me!”
And this guy was going to guide me?
“I would like to express my gratitude for your help, but I have yet to hear your esteemed name, Great Hero.”
I wrapped the question "Thanks, but who are you?" in polite, elegant language, prompting the warrior to burst into a hearty laugh.
“Bwahaha! I am hardly worthy of being called a Great Hero. My name is Hwangbo Seong! I serve as an administrative instructor in the Discipline Hall, and I am in charge of managing the academy's staff!”
“Ah, so you are from the Hwangbo Clan?”
No wonder he had such a sturdy build; he was a member of the Hwangbo Clan. The Hwangbo Clan was one of the most renowned martial families, not just in Shandong Province, but in the entire Central Plains. They were most famous for their Thunderous Divine Fist, a technique unleashed with those heavy fists of theirs.
In this world, an 'instructor' held a position similar to a professor in Korea, though it wasn't a perfect one-to-one match. Rather than having highly detailed ranks like government offices, if you held an important position in a department, you were an instructor; if you were entry-level, you were an assistant. That was why departments like the Discipline Hall used the title of instructor. Still, a member of the Hwangbo Clan working as an administrative instructor felt like a tragic waste of muscle.
“I also came up from Shandong,” I said. “I'm from a small village called Gaeun.”
“Gaeun? Could it be... the place that serves that famous Pork Noodle Soup?”
“Oh, you know of it? I'm actually the one who created that dish.”
“No wonder! There was a reason my clan members praised that inn so highly!”
The moment we realized we were fellow provincials, my initial awkwardness vanished, replaced by a sudden wave of hometown solidarity. Ah, the Hwangbo Clan really knows their stuff. Gaeun was practically my second home, so hearing praise for the village and the Gaeun Inn naturally put me in a great mood.
“Guangdong and Sichuan may be famous for their cuisine, but the 'real deal' is obviously Shandong cuisine!”
“Of course, absolutely! There's no place with as many delicious dishes as Shandong.”
At this rate, we were about to form a Shandong Alumni Association right here in the Mutual Righteousness Academy. As I tried to calm my excitement, Hwangbo Seong asked me a question.
“Chef Yoon, have you seen your lodging for this semester yet?”
“Not yet. I was just heading to the Responding Dragon Hall to get guided there...”
When I answered, Hwangbo Seong bowed his head slightly, his face clouding over with an apologetic expression.
“I... must apologize.”
“Pardon? For what?”
“Normally, you should be staying in the West Blue Bird Hall, but all the rooms there are currently occupied.”
“Am I sleeping on the streets, then?”
“Heaven forbid! You won't be in the West Blue Bird Hall, but rather the East Blue Bird Pavilion.”
“Are they different lodgings?”
“The East Blue Bird Pavilion is... where the servants and those holding minor, low-ranking positions in the academy reside.”
Hwangbo Seong's face practically dripped with remorse as he spoke. I hadn't understood why he was being so deferential, but now it made sense.
“Even though Academy Director Dan Buyong and Academy Director Man Hanseok gave strict instructions, as an administrative instructor of the Discipline Hall, I have no choice but to offer a fellow Shandong native such shabby lodging...”
“Don't worry about it. As long as the roof doesn't leak and it keeps the wind out, it's fine by me.”
I was quite tall myself, but seeing a man even larger than me fret over something that wasn't even his fault made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Besides, the lodging didn't really matter to me. Whether it was the West Blue Bird Hall or the East Blue Bird Pavilion, any place where I could stretch my legs and sleep was good enough. Why would someone who had slept in a cave for four years complain about a bed?
“It was a sudden decision, and the previous Head Chef of the Outer Dining Hall had rented a house outside the academy... I will make sure to secure a room in the West Blue Bird Hall for you next semester.”
“Is the West Blue Bird Hall really that nice?”
“Of course it is. It rivals any high-class inn. Even visiting dignitaries and government officials stay there when they visit.”
Well, when he put it that way, I did feel a bit envious. A lodging fit for famous figures and imperial officials? But if there were no vacancies, there was nothing to be done. I'd just have to bear with it for this semester.
“It's a poor substitute, but let me at least show you around the area near the East Blue Bird Pavilion.”
“Are you sure you have the time?” I asked, surprised that an administrative instructor of the academy would offer to act as a tour guide.
“One way or another, it is my failure to coordinate properly that prevented you from getting a comfortable room, Chef Yoon.”
“The appointment was made so suddenly, I'm just grateful for what I have.”
“No. This is strictly my oversight. I should have had the ability to create a vacancy where there was none.”
The Hwangbo Clan's sense of responsibility was truly something else. No wonder they had risen to become the undisputed rulers of Shandong.
“This building we are passing now is the Outer Dining Hall. This is where you will be working, Chef Yoon. You could say it is the place where the future champions of righteousness build their strength.”
“Ah, so this is the Outer Dining Hall?”
“Isn't it magnificent? Anyone passing by would mistake it for a martial arts training hall.”
Hwangbo Seong pointed toward a grand pavilion. Just as he said, the Outer Dining Hall was so impressive that it was hard to believe it was a student cafeteria. As we walked past, the savory aroma of vegetable broth wafted through the air, suggesting they were preparing dishes made from all sorts of fresh greens.
“Opposite the Outer Dining Hall are the four academic halls and the dormitories where our Fellow Daoists sleep. It's quiet now because of the break, but it will be bustling with noise every mealtime.”
“They're growing kids, so it's only natural they'd make a ruckus,” I replied.
“I'm glad you see it positively. Right next to the East Blue Bird Pavilion is the Yeonggwi-gwan. That's where the instructors stay when they don't have classes or are conducting martial research. The buildings directly in front of it are the lecture halls.”
Listening to Hwangbo Seong's explanation, the Mutual Righteousness Academy seemed to function as both a high school and a university. Well, the essence of school was acquiring basic knowledge and common sense anyway; once they became adults, learning their own sect's martial arts would be their top priority.
“Behind the Outer Dining Hall is the Great Martial Arts Arena, where the academy hosts various events.”
“Do they hold martial arts tournaments there as well?”
“Indeed. You are well-informed.”
Chatting about the school like this, we eventually arrived at the East Blue Bird Pavilion. Since it was meant for those of lower status within the academy, it certainly lacked the grandeur of the other buildings. It wasn't flashy, but 'antique' would be a fitting description. Still, the room was much better than I had expected. It felt a tiny bit worn, but it had all the necessities and absolutely nothing to complain about. It was just a perfectly normal, decent room.
“You had me worried with how much you apologized, Instructor, but this is more than enough.”
Compared to the cave I had lived in for four years, this place was a five-star luxury suite.
“I am glad you feel that way.”
“Well, now that we've arrived, I can take my luggage...”
“Nonsense! Hurry up and carry Chef Yoon's luggage all the way into his room!”
“Yes, sir!”
In the end, Hwangbo Seong insisted on coming all the way into my room to inspect its cleanliness. He even checked the window sills for dust before finally nodding in satisfaction.
“...Everything seems in order. If you experience any discomfort, just speak to the warden of the East Blue Bird Pavilion, and they will resolve it immediately.”
“Oh, not at all. I'm just incredibly grateful for your kindness.”
“Hahaha! I appreciate you saying so. I'll see you around!”
“Take care,” I said, bidding him farewell.
Once Hwangbo Seong and the staff from the Discipline Hall departed, I was left alone once again.
“...”
It felt a bit desolate. The adjacent rooms were completely silent, as if unoccupied. Spending the entire day cooped up in my room felt like a waste, so I figured I'd head over to the Outer Dining Hall once I finished unpacking. I tossed my clothes into the wardrobe, shoved the rest of my belongings into a corner, and headed straight out the door.