Chapter 60
Chapter 60
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Reunion
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The Song family estate was bustling from early morning.
Was an important guest arriving?
The servants sweated profusely as they cleaned every corner of the mansion, while Yi Yeong busied herself in the kitchen with the maids, preparing food.
Song Cheon-ho personally prepared the tea, with Song Cheon-mu assisting at his side.
“It’s nice to see the place so lively for once, brother.”
“Indeed. And it’s all thanks to our Great Prince.”
“Is this the first time Her Highness has visited since she arrived?”
“No. She stopped by once a very long time ago, but we only met briefly outside.”
Thud, thud, thud.
Song Cheon-ho’s hands ground the tea leaves with utmost care. The tea he was preparing now was the finest Dragon Well tea, renowned as the Supreme Fragrance of the World. Even in the Song family, once called the kingdom of tea, it boasted the most exceptional aroma and quality, reserved only for tribute to the emperor or entertaining the most esteemed guests.
“I’m coming in.”
At Yi Yeong’s voice, Song Cheon-mu quickly opened the door.
As she entered, the rich aroma of food began to fill the room.
“Have you finished already, madam?”
“Yes. Only the dishes to make upon arrival are left. Oh! You can’t grind the leaves that roughly.”
“…….”
“Give it here.”
Yi Yeong snatched the mortar from Song Cheon-ho and ground the tea leaves herself.
“Isn’t it too fine?”
“My brother likes a strong flavor. So it needs to be as fine as possible.”
“Ah! I see.”
It was then.
“Your Highness! The Great Prince has arrived!”
* * *
Yi Hwan, passing through the main gate, headed straight for the main hall.
The path from the courtyard to the main hall was paved with fine marble slabs, flanked by red pines that spoke of the Song family’s glorious past.
He had visited twice recently, but coming in his true identity made it feel fresh anew.
Cheol Mu-ok and Go Mi followed behind him.
“Brother!”
Yi Yeong’s voice rang out from the annex.
Yi Hwan gazed at her. Her eyes were moist as she hurried toward him with quick steps.
A pang tugged at Yi Hwan’s heart.
This strange feeling was a first for him.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, brother.”
Tears finally traced down Yi Yeong’s cheeks.
“Welcome, Great Prince.”
Song Cheon-ho bowed his head. Song Cheon-mu stood beside him, grinning like a child.
Yi Hwan said one more thing to Yi Yeong.
“I was too late.”
“Sniff!”
He gently patted the shoulders of his sobbing sister. Meanwhile, Song Cheon-ho gestured toward the main hall with both hands.
“Please, come inside.”
* * *
Once the emotions of reunion had settled, the meal began.
After a few rounds of drinks, Song Cheon-ho spoke.
“We’ve received such immense grace. I don’t know how to repay it or where to put myself.”
“This is only the true beginning. Steel your resolve.”
“What do you mean?”
“You must reclaim the trade routes and markets that were taken. That Wang fellow is merely a means to that end.”
Song Cheon-ho’s eyes widened. Yi Yeong, seated beside him, was equally stunned.
“It seems you lack confidence.”
“It’s not that, but the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group is under the protection of Her Majesty the Empress and the Second Prince…….”
“No need to worry. I plan to settle it before they can even step in.”
“…….”
“We’ll discuss the details later. For now, let’s eat.”
“Yes.”
Yi Hwan ate more than he ever had in his life.
Yi Yeong kept bringing out dishes without end, making it impossible to say he was full.
Of course, how delicious the food was played a part too.
* * *
After the meal, Yi Hwan and his wife moved to the annex.
Go Mi drank tea in the garden beside the annex with Cheol Mu-ok and Song Cheon-mu.
Cheol Mu-ok asked Song Cheon-mu,
“What do you think of the friends I sent?”
“Just seeing them fills me with reassurance. Her Highness is very pleased too.”
“Good to hear.”
The warriors from the Blade King’s lineage, the topic of conversation, were divided between two inns and the estate, handling security.
“But is it alright for the two of you to be away?”
“There’s a scary fellow handling it, so yes.”
“A scary fellow?”
“You’ll see him soon enough.”
Song Cheon-mu was still unaware that Ju Tae had joined them. Cheol Mu-ok turned to Go Mi and asked,
“When will the investigation into the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group be complete?”
“Almost done.”
“Already?”
“Compared to gathering intel on enemies, it’s nothing. By the way, how long do you plan to keep it secret?”
“Our connection with the Great Prince?”
“Yes.”
Cheol Mu-ok smiled faintly.
“It’s not for me to say. Ask the Great Prince yourself later.”
It was then.
The annex door opened, and Yi Hwan poked his head out.
“Can I see you for a moment?”
“Me?”
“Me?”
Go Mi and Cheol Mu-ok both pointed to themselves simultaneously.
“Moon Lord.”
Go Mi set down her teacup and entered the annex.
* * *
“From now on, on days without missions, stay here and help my sister.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan looked at Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho as he continued.
“If you ever face any unjust treatment from the officials, ask the Moon Lord for help. It’s best to resolve conflicts with the court as quickly as possible, so don’t hesitate—report it immediately.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Yes, I will.”
Yi Yeong’s eyes reddened again.
For her, simply sitting across from Yi Hwan discussing family affairs was profoundly moving.
Go Mi spoke up.
“Your Highness, may I ask something?”
“Go ahead.”
“Has the county magistrate ever demanded bribes?”
“How did you know?”
“We’re investigating various matters now, and we caught signs that he demanded money when you took over the inns. Is it true?”
“Yes. He cited ridiculous laws, saying he’d deny business permits if we didn’t comply.”
“Did you give in? If so, how much?”
Yi Yeong glanced at Song Cheon-ho, who answered for her.
“Two thousand silver taels, plus nearly half a day of free drinks and food.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan, who had been listening quietly, asked,
“How severely can he be punished?”
“If done properly, dismissal. But as you know, with Her Majesty the Empress and the Second Prince, it’s questionable if it’s feasible.”
“Do it by the book. We’ll handle the aftermath then.”
“I don’t have the authority to dismiss them. Instead, I’ll report to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
Song Cheon-ho looked shocked.
“Even for His Highness the Crown Prince, dismissing a magistrate is…….”
“Leave such matters to the Moon Lord. Brother-in-law, focus everything on preparing the goods. If funds run short, we’ll discuss as needed.”
“No need. Minister Wang invested a million silver taels, so we’re well-funded. Of course, recovering all lost routes and markets will cost more, but the inns are generating income now, so no worries.”
The four continued discussing business.
Through the conversation, Yi Hwan realized anew how crucial Go Mi’s role was.
“Is your salary satisfactory?”
“It’s more than enough—overly generous for living alone.”
“It’s good to save as much as you can when possible. Once the business stabilizes, have your brother-in-law take care of you.”
“Understood.”
“Thank you.”
Yi Hwan gazed at Yi Yeong.
In this short time, she felt like a true sister.
“This guy…….”
Remembering the original owner of this body, Yi Hwan said,
“Even as he lay dying from the enemy ambush, he thought of you. He always wished for your happiness and regretted, resented that he couldn’t do anything for you. But seeing how strong you’ve become, he’d have no regrets even in death.”
Tears streamed down Yi Yeong’s cheeks once more.
Yi Hwan’s heart ached.
‘I’ll protect this child, so if your soul lingers somewhere, depart in peace now.’
* * *
Go Mi emerged with slightly reddened eyes.
The siblings’ heartfelt atmosphere had reminded her of her family lost to massacre, bringing tears unbidden.
‘I thought he was just arrogant and rude.’
Song Cheon-mu, drinking tea with Cheol Mu-ok, noticed her red-rimmed eyes and widened his own.
“Why are you crying? Did the Great Prince scold you?”
“Oh, just some dust in my eye. Well, I’ll be off.”
Go Mi vaulted over the wall instead of using the gate and vanished. Cheol Mu-ok and Song Cheon-mu exchanged bewildered looks.
Just then, Yi Hwan stepped out, so they quickly stood.
“Where’s the Moon Lord?”
“Well…….”
“She left first.”
Yi Hwan furrowed his brow. But soon, he turned to the couple with a faint smile.
“I’ll return when the time comes.”
* * *
Ju Tae sat on a chair in the courtyard of his lodgings, enjoying the midday leisure.
‘To meet the Lord of Daye Fortress’s heir and the Blade King’s lineage all at once.’
This reality still felt like a dream. The hardships and trials of wandering the world flashed by like a lantern show. Looking back, there were times he’d nearly abandoned hopes of destiny.
Watching the lineage toil in the shadows, bound by fate’s chains, he’d dreamed of glory more than once or twice.
He hadn’t told Yi Hwan, but he’d even visited Spring Guest Inn once, seeking work as a guard for the powerful.
‘A little later, and I might have given up.’
Crunch, crunch.
Footsteps snapped Ju Tae from his reverie.
Turning, he saw the guards approaching. One asked,
“He hasn’t returned yet?”
Ju Tae just nodded.
Normally, his arrogance would have irked them, but having witnessed his prowess, they held back.
Instead, awe shone in their eyes toward him.
Ju Tae’s arrival had been that impactful.
“Dinner will start soon. Care to join?”
“No interest.”
The guards exchanged glances and turned away.
Ju Tae watched them, subtly narrowing his brow.
Get along with them until the job’s done. They’re comrades until then, after all.
“What’s for dinner today?”
At Ju Tae’s words, the warriors halted and turned back.
“We don’t know either. But the minister’s in high spirits and ordered the chefs to prepare a feast.”
“A feast…….”
Ju Tae shot to his feet and approached them.
“Shall we eat together?”
“Let’s.”
The warriors grinned. One even gestured for Ju Tae to go ahead first, extending his arms.
“No need for that between comrades.”
“You see us as comrades?”
“Problem?”
“Of course not!”
* * *
Wang Ji-kyeong watched the laughing guards through his window. A faint smile played on his lips too.
Unexpectedly, a certain renowned fortune-teller occupied his thoughts.
“A noble benefactor will appear this year to aid you, sir. Worry not.”
He’d visited the seer out of frustration over the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group.
So, who was that benefactor?
Naturally, Yi Hwan.
“Overseer!”
“Yes!”
The overseer entered through the door.
“You called?”
“Check meticulously if the guards lack anything. Resolve any issues immediately. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Especially him—pay extra attention.”
“Of course. I’ve already instructed the maids to tend to him specially.”
Wang Ji-kyeong suddenly frowned slightly.
“But why is he so late?”
“Didn’t you give him leave until evening? The sun hasn’t set yet, sir.”
“Without him, I feel uneasy.”
It was then.
Wang Ji-kyeong’s eyes widened like a calf’s.
He’d spotted Yi Hwan entering through the main gate.
“You’re back!”
The beaming Wang Ji-kyeong drew a quiet sigh from the overseer.
‘He’s fallen hard. Never seen him like this before.’