The Hainan Faction's Banquet in Yingtianfu (Part 8)
“Brother!”
Indeed, the Emperor was not someone anyone could become.
I was deeply impressed by Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi’s bold move.
“This brother doesn’t get angry over trifling matters, after all.”
Zhu Gaochi had been gentle and kind throughout his life, with proper conduct and a love for reading.
Had he not been castrated, he would have become a great sage who devoured his father’s reputation over his long life.
The reason I liked Zhu Gaochi was because he was a ruler who understood the suffering of the lowly.
There was an incident where Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang summoned his grandsons to line up as guards in the palace.
All the grandsons except Zhu Gaochi completed the lineup and rushed to the emperor, but when Zhu Yuanzhang noticed Zhu Gaochi was missing, he asked him why he was late.
Zhu Gaochi replied, “The morning weather was unusually cold, so the guards waited for breakfast before lining up, which made me late.”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang praised him, saying he knew how to feel compassion for his subordinates and was worthy of great commendation.
Another time, during a famine, when Zhu Gaochi passed through Shandong province, the provincial governor who came to welcome him boasted about remitting taxes on the people, hoping for praise.
But instead of praise, he received a scolding.
“The people are starving to death, and remitting taxes is meaningless! Is that what a governor should say! Release the relief immediately!”
It seems even the Emperor had never scolded like that.
Now I get a sense of what kind of person Zhu Gaochi is.
His courtesy name is Ren, so his name is Ren.
Anyway, he’s a refreshing person.
Not to mention, the Death-Exemption Iron Token had already made me furious.
When it comes to punishing, he does it viciously, so this brother is also quite something, even if not a eunuch.
“Gao, I need to wait for the next opportunity. How is the wound?”
“It’s fine, Your Highness. I was a swordsman, so this is nothing. However, the measures His Highness the Crown Prince took are remarkable. For now, this should suffice. There will be another chance to complete the revenge.”
Zhu Go answered in his usual heavy tone.
This guy is right.
When in a hurry, the saying is to go back.
Although we like direct and aggressive approaches, there are times when we have to play it safe, like now.
Our brother is determined to fix my meridian.
The task of completing the revenge can be done by my own hands.
“Remarkable, indeed. Since he has been stripped of his meritorious title, he must also return the lands he received as compensation. With the civil-military mountain and sea system abolished, he has become a commoner without official rank. Having his salt and grain seized, he must have lost more than half of his annual income.”
“Is the value of salt and grain that high?”
This guy is from Hainan, but he was just a disciple of mine, and he was obsessed with swords, so his knowledge in other areas was limited.
“Of course. Salt is literally gold, and only those with salt can trade it. Without grain, he can't receive taxes from trade routes, can't catch pirates to seize wealth. In the end, he’ll have to uproot a few pillars to sell.”
“...I see.”
“Why, I can tell you have something to say to me. Go ahead.”
The guy sighed and seemed hesitant, so he had something to say.
“I am worried about Seong Sojeo.”
“Seong Sojeo?”
“Nam Geonhu and Geum Hwayeong have been released. Sojeo is someone like me who was saved from a pirate slave trader. She has no background...”
The guy's expression darkened again.
As expected, Seong Munjeong will face difficulties ahead.
Geum Jong-mu and Nam Yeonghak won't punish their own grandchildren or sons.
Seong Munjeong has heard about the betrothal, so she will clash with the two young men and the leaders.
Not just clash, but the trust and affection of sworn brothers will be shattered.
As the guy said, Seong Munjeong has no outstanding background, only martial skills and rankings as her assets.
Since his brother is worried, the brother can't ignore it, so he has no choice but to step in.
* * *
A short while later.
Zhu Gaochi left the seat for a moment, but the martial competition continued under the auspices of Sa Hapji, the Commander of the Jinyiwei.
And Zhu Gaochi went to find the Yongle Emperor.
Zheng He and the Directorate of Ceremonial eunuchs were gathered in front of Fengtian Hall where the father and son were in private audience.
Of course, they couldn't talk about state affairs inside the hall.
Eunuchs have always hated boredom and monotony.
The content exchanged inside would be reported by the scribes and close eunuchs who came themselves.
“Eunuch Yi.”
“Yes, Public.”
Zheng He called for Yi Gwak.
“You seem to have known about this.”
“Huh? What does this servant mean?”
“Jang Jinmyeong.”
“...”
It had come.
Yi Gwak feigned innocence, but it was obvious.
“Was it discovered... Well, the Grand Director is Political 10 and Eunuch 10...”
Yi Gwak swallowed his words.
“This servant was in charge of the education of the oarsmen during the time you were at sea. You couldn't have not known about this eunuch's abilities. I heard about how he saved the Crown Prince, but I didn't expect this level. What happened?”
The situation had come where I had to return the bet.
I, who had been the loser in the bet, was receiving money after a long time.
“First, let's settle the financial matters.”
As expected, as expected.
Yi Gwak had no choice but to reach into his sleeve.
From the sleeve, a lone silver coin was pulled out.
The cold touch made the fingertips tingle and the chest ache.
“...Here it is, Public.”
“This won't do next time. Now, tell me, what happened to that guy Jang Jinmyeong? Truly a gem. A disciple who had only been in the palace for two months had an Eight-Star Yiwoljo?”
Zheng He's question was a common one among the Directorate eunuchs.
The sound I heard just before pushing Seong Munjeong out of the martial arena.
The sound was evidence of an Eight-Star Yiwoljo.
“...It seems like the Harmonious Divine Body, Public.”
“What? Harmonious Divine Body?”
Murmurs.
With Zheng He's surprised reaction, the eunuchs murmured.
“This servant divided the hand with Grand Eunuch Jang and also checked the meridians. I have never seen such a body with pure yin and yang balance.”
“Is that so?”
“The yang qi is a bit stronger, but compared to ordinary inner energy, it is balanced to the point of being heaven and earth apart. Especially for a newly castrated eunuch.”
“Oh ho... Truly amazing. Harmonious Divine Body...”
[Oh!]
The eunuchs who misunderstood the reason for Jin Myeong's yin-yang harmony as due to the Harmonious Divine Body were not just admiring but moved.
If they knew it was the authentic Sunflower Manual, they would be shocked, but...
Harmonious Divine Body.
Not even a legend, but a physique said to possess exceptional aptitude and talent for learning martial arts.
Naturally, it has a wide range of martial art choices.
Even if one practices the strong yang martial arts that men excel in, high achievement is shown, and the same for yin yang.
Of course, the martial art that shows the highest achievement is one that pursues the harmony of yin and yang, like the Supreme Unity of the Mount Wu.
“His internal energy is close to one full cycle.”
[Oh oh! One full cycle!]
“One full cycle? I see, then it makes sense.”
Nods.
Zheng He's words seemed to match their feelings, and the eunuchs nodded.
Moreover, given the nature of the Sunflower Manual, which is most affected by internal energy achievement, an internal energy of one full cycle is sufficient.
Zheng He and Yi Gwak and the eunuchs hadn't personally experienced the Harmonious Divine Body, so they had no choice but to think that.
“One full cycle in the Harmonious Divine Body... How could that guy choose the path of the eunuch. If he had stayed in the secular world, he would have been able to eat his fill, and he couldn't have been refused as the head of the political alliance or the head of the Sado Alliance, let alone the Demon Cult leader?”
Zheng He's question was, of course, a natural one.
Why not.
The owner of the Harmonious Divine Body, who would shout to seize him without distinguishing between civil and military, would secretly receive finger pointing as a commoner.
This doesn't make sense, doesn't it?
But.
That was just the thought of ordinary people.
“This servant, having left the world to become the ghost of the palace, does not inquire about matters before the palace. That is the unspoken rule of our clan, Public.”
Yi Gwak's answer was the common thought of the eunuchs.
“That is true, this Public is right. Unexpectedly, there may be a sad story. We have obtained a treasure that guarantees the future of our clan, so we should be satisfied with that.”
Nods!
The reactions were much denser than when they realized where Jin Myeong's outstanding ability came from.
The vast majority of eunuchs are owners of sad stories.
Just looking at Zheng He's case, he was born in a Hui religion family in Yunnan province, more than five thousand li from Yingtianfu.
Zheng He's father was an ordinary local official.
However, in the 15th year of Hongwu, when Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang sent Mu Ying to pacify Yunnan, Zheng He was captured at the age of 12.
He was forcibly castrated.
People who fled from the horrors of death, starvation, and abuse, etc.
Among those who escaped, a rule was born that there was no point in digging up the secular world's painful stories among the outcasts, and it had been faithfully kept.
If eunuchs don't embrace other eunuchs, who will?
The fierce unity of the eunuch clan came from there.
“Anyway, you finding such talent is a good thing. After the education is over, we should assign him a special duty. Eunuchs, listen.”
[Yes! Public!]
“You have seen for yourselves, the Grand Eunuch Jang today is a treasure that will do great things for our clan. Do not spare praise and encouragement, cherish him. Understood?”
[Yes! Public!]
“The way he toyed with the great sect like Hainan was impressive. Heaven's blessing, he was born for it.”
Zheng He, who was unfolding an interesting imagination, smiled satisfiedly.
Was it the Political 10 who found the political dream child?
Or the Eunuch 10 who found the eunuch dream child?
* * *
A short while later.
Returning to the competition hall, Zhu Gaochi summoned the leaders of Hainan to the hall.
This was to notify the results of the private audience between father and son.
“Therefore, His Majesty the Emperor has shown mercy to Hainan and rejected the seizure of the grain. So, reflect deeply on this.”
[Your grace is boundless.]
As soon as Zheng He and the eunuchs returned, Jin Myeong, who had been standing close and listening, thought about Zhu Gaochi's words.
“This brother's thinking. The Emperor with such fiery temperament wouldn't have done that. Anyway, this brother is skilled in this area. He pretends to take everything away and makes him despair, then gives one to soothe him.”
As Jin Myeong thought, the imperial side's measure was a win-win.
While giving a clear warning and disadvantage, it also prevented Hainan's complete departure.
Moreover, it also tasked them with defending against pirates and foreign invaders.
The benefit Hainan gains from grain operation is weak compared to the benefit the imperial side gains.
“The meaning of rejecting the seizure of the grain is that Hainan should cherish the people of Guangxi, do its best to rescue them from pirates and foreign invaders. Also, the future treatment will vary depending on how sincerely they fulfill this duty. Understood?”
[With all my heart, I will remember. Your Highness!]
And, as expected, this was Zhu Gaochi's thinking.
If Zhu Gaochi hadn't interceded, given the Emperor Yongle's temperament, he might have twisted Hainan's affairs, even with the Death-Exemption Iron Token.
He wasn't a person who set aside his father's admonition not to employ eunuchs.
So, there was nothing he couldn't do.
Meanwhile, at that time, Jin Myeong was bowing in front of Zhu Gaochi and exchanging telepathic messages with Seong Munjeong.
- The psychology of people is like that. Brothers bend their arms inward. You saw the Death-Exemption Iron Token being extended? Blood relatives do that. Sojeo will become a troublesome existence in the future. Upon closer look, the person who should be troublesome is Sojeo.
Jin Myeong informed Jeong Go of his worries.
To avoid making Seong Munjeong's already unstable position worse by talking to her separately, this was the optimal time.
- This servant is not disregarding Seong Sojeo's feelings, but conveying Jeong Go's concerns. In any case, this servant has nothing to do with what happens to Hainan.
- Understood, Eunuch.
- So, if the situation arises, come out of Hainan. I don't know if I can let you go completely from Hainan, but...
- Huh? Leave the sect?
Seong Munjeong's voice sounded surprised at what that meant.
For her, it was a story she had never imagined.
A disciple of the righteous sect abandoning the sect herself.
That was absurd.
- Is it not a natural truth that Sojeo should abandon the sect before the sect abandons Sojeo? Rather, I would abandon the world, but the world cannot abandon me.
- But abandoning the sect...?
However.
Jin Myeong's telepathic message was casual, as if it was no big deal.
Seong Munjeong thought Jin Myeong was more and more strange and unconventional the more she experienced him.
“...Because he's a eunuch...?”
It ended up concluding with the usual thought that it's because he's a eunuch, but...
Anyway, she didn't feel contempt for losing in the martial competition.
The reason for the defeat was the clear difference in skill, and she didn't lose by dropping the sword or lying on the arena floor, but by being pushed out of the arena.
This was undoubtedly due to Jin Myeong's consideration as a superior.
If defining her feelings towards Jin Myeong now, it was clear favor rather than dislike.
- I know Sojeo's straight spine, but since time is short, listen. If you need a place to stay, come find me. Yuwol Pavilion is my home. Go there.
- Yu... wol?
- Yes, Yuwol Pavilion in front of Xi'an Gate. If Sojeo leaves Hainan, I will arrange a place in my palace.
Seong Munjeong hesitated because of the question if Yuwol Pavilion, famous for its beauties, was her home, but Jin Myeong thought she was asking because she didn't know the location.
- In the palace? What are you saying, Eunuch...?
- Next spring, a new post will be created. This servant plans to put it in there after fixing Jeong Go's meridian. If Sojeo leaves Hainan, I will put her there. There are no empty positions in the palace, so think seriously.
- Excuse me, who exactly are you, Eunuch? With that age, that martial skill, and the great trust of the Crown Prince and high-ranking eunuchs...?
- Who I am? Why ask if you don't know?
- Huh?
- This servant is a eunuch, just a common eunuch.
- ...Ah...!
Seong Munjeong, who was sitting, bowed her head hurriedly upon hearing Jin Myeong's telepathic message.
Her face felt hot.
* * *
A short while later.
After the audience, Hainan immediately prepared to leave.
“Has the preparation been completed?”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Geum Jong-mu and Nam Yeonghak were drained of energy and completely dejected.
What was the point of the banquet?
The future of the sect was in ruins.
Even if there was more, it was just hearing comfort from other sects and families, and that comfort was disguised mockery.
So, what good would staying do?
“Let's go back, I miss the waves and winds of Hainan.”
“Yes, Master.”
Just as the two were about to mount their horses.
Then.
“The rear of the jianghu, Jin Gyeong, pays respects to the Sect Leader and disciples of the great Hainan sect.”
The owner of the sudden voice was a beautiful young woman.
Hainan had many beauties like Seong Munjeong, but this one made the eyes of the other side flash.
“Hainan Island's Geum Jong-mu. The young hero is...?”
“The junior is Jin Gyeong, the head of Wuncheonwon, Sect Leader.”
“Wuncheonwon... Although my knowledge of the gold alliance is short, I haven't heard of it, but judging by your solid demeanor, it must be a remarkable place. However, what business does Young Hero Jin have with this old man?”
Jin Jong-mu's words, the eyes and mouth of the beauty curved slightly, and the Hainan disciples were lost in the sight.
Then.
The woman who introduced herself as Jin Gyeong.
The woman who appeared at the scene on the day Zhu Gaochi was ambushed.
“Will you do one thing with us?”
Yi Yugyeong's seductive voice was heard again.