Karma's Retribution (1)
The name on the envelope was Han Jae-ik.
It belonged to someone I'd met on my previous trip to the North Sea.
He'd come to enlist his younger sister in the North Sea Ice Palace, and I'd saved him when he was being chased by Seol Pyo.
At the time, he'd said his sister was about to be dragged off as the ninth wife of a local clan lord nearby, so they'd fled to the North Sea to escape that fate.
The clan lord had seemed like the type who'd torment her, so I'd told him to seek me out if anything went wrong. But to think he'd actually send a letter...
What could it be about?
I quickly tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter inside to read it.
"......"
It was the kind of content that drew nothing but a sigh.
"Father."
"What is it?"
"I need to make a trip to Henan Province."
"Because of that letter? You just got back from Hangzhou—will you be all right? Henan isn't too far, but you'll have to cross Mount Buryong in this cold."
"I know. But I feel like I have to go."
I explained my connection with him to my worried father.
"...So I told him to come to me if things got bad. But from the letter, it seems he can't even make it here."
With that, I handed the letter to my father.
There was nothing secretive about it, and I figured he'd understand once he read it.
As expected, my father's hand trembled as he read the letter.
"How can there be such an outrageous scoundrel in this world!"
"That's why I have to go. Father, as the saying goes, a man's word is worth a fortune in gold. I promised to help him—I can't just ignore it."
"You're right. Then go. And since you're at it, handle it properly."
"Thank you."
Then my father brought up the Hangzhou matter.
"So, how did things go in Hangzhou?"
"Yes. But I might need to head back there soon. I found something delicious."
"Looks like you'll be busy traveling again this year. If you call it that good, it must be. I'll look forward to it."
With that, I finished my report to Father.
"Then, this son will take his leave."
"All right."
Just then, Father called me back.
"Ah! Wait a moment."
"Yes?"
"You probably haven't heard since you were in Hangzhou, but the imperial palace recently announced the rankings for the Hundred Great Merchant Groups of the Realm."
Ah, it's already that time.
"Did we climb a lot?"
"Yes, up to fortieth place."
We'd been forty-ninth before, so nine steps up.
The successful delivery of silk to the imperial household was probably the biggest factor.
Just thirty-nine steps left to the top merchant group in the realm.
I headed to my quarters.
I needed to tell Palgap and the guards I'd be going to Henan.
And wash up a bit.
After that... off to Hyeonpung Manor for work.
.
.
.
The next morning.
Master appeared right after I finished my morning meditation, as usual.
"Good morning."
"Has Master arrived?"
"First..."
Master clasped his hands in greeting and bowed to me.
"I heard from Ha Pyodu. Thank you."
I quickly waved it off.
"Master, you're showing this unworthy disciple too much courtesy. I only did what was natural as a disciple of the Seolpung Palace."
"I understand. And I'll enjoy the Ice Lotus Wine as well."
"Yes. Please savor it."
Yesterday, as I parted from Ha Pyodu, I'd sent him off with two bottles of Ice Lotus Wine.
One for him, and one as a gift for Master.
"Honestly, I thought I'd never taste the Ice Lotus Wine brewed at Seolpung Palace again until the day I died."
Master gave a wry smile.
"Seolpung Palace was destroyed, and when I finally went looking, everything had been thoroughly demolished—even the warehouse storing the Ice Lotus Wine."
His expression darkened as he recalled those days.
"I hope I didn't stir up painful memories."
"No. I'm deeply grateful. And thank you for teaching the children to write letters."
"I'm glad. Did the warriors who received them like them?"
"Yes, they loved them."
Master smiled warmly at me.
His eyes were filled with gratitude.
"So, with heartfelt thanks, I'll guide you in martial arts with even greater diligence."
No, please don't...
If you train me any harder than this, your disciple will drop dead.
.
.
.
But I didn't die.
I must be pretty impressive to endure it again. How do I keep surviving?
From Master's appreciative gaze, it was clear he'd ramp up the intensity even more tomorrow.
Hah, I'll have to tough it out again.
With that resolve, I handled the backlog of work all day and delegated tasks.
So that capable employees could manage even without me.
Oddly, the staff seemed delighted at the news of my trip.
But no helping it.
This hustle was all to ensure Brother Jin-ho's wedding went smoothly.
That was when it happened.
"Young master! Young master! Are you in here?"
"Yeah, right here."
The door flew open at my reply, and Palgap rushed in.
"You need to head to the reception hall right away."
"Huh?"
"A guest from the imperial palace is here."
A moment later,
I sat face-to-face with a familiar man in the reception hall.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop of the Gold Guard, whom I'd met several times before.
"Eun Seo-ho pays respects to Daehyeop."
"Good to see you. I've brought His Majesty's decree."
As I moved to bow properly, he waved it off.
"I know your loyalty, but no need."
"Ah... yes."
What's this? He's got an edge to him.
Puzzled inwardly, I accepted the decree he offered.
I unwrapped the red silk and pulled out the letter to read.
Ah, so that's it.
Explain to Jin Yeong the circumstances behind the county magistrate of Hangzhou sending grain to the capital at your instruction.
The county magistrate of Hangzhou had sent grain to the capital along with a letter claiming I'd instructed him to do so.
The decree ordered me to explain the situation to Jin Yeong Warrior.
Which meant Jin Yeong already knew about it—hence the sharpness.
"His Majesty already knows that grain was bought with bribe money."
"As expected of our wise Emperor."
"Why did you order that magistrate to do it? Punishing officials is His Majesty's prerogative—usurping that as a subject is a grave crime."
But I had my say.
"I only gave advice. Is advice a crime now?"
"Advice?"
"Even knowing the magistrate's corruption, I have no authority to punish him. That falls to our wise Emperor."
"True."
"So I gave one piece of advice: if he wanted to save his worthless life, he should empty his coffers and offer grain as tribute."
"Hm..."
"There was no coercion in my words. Just advice. Whether he followed it was up to him."
I continued.
"And since punishing officials is His Majesty's right, that's why I suggested it. Only if it pleases His Majesty can he save his skin."
"......"
Silence fell for a moment.
"Ahem."
Jin Yeong cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Your words aren't wrong, but you should have reported it to His Majesty."
"I got back yesterday."
The magistrate had moved fast.
Chunil had mentioned it before I even left Hangzhou, meaning he'd acted the instant I advised him.
He must value his life that much.
So he'd keep quiet about that 'real contract' too.
Especially after my deliberate show of intimidation.
"I was planning to head to Beijing tomorrow after handling His Majesty's task. Your timing saves me the trip."
I pressed on.
"Frankly, I doubt His Majesty is unaware of other officials taking bribes."
"Hm, true."
"But he can't punish them all, or the administration would grind to a halt."
"Exactly."
"Truth be told, my advice to the magistrate was out of loyalty to His Majesty."
Jin Yeong nodded.
"Go on."
"Spread this incident far and wide."
"What? Spread it?"
"Yes. Any bribe-taker will grasp the meaning immediately: offer grain matching their crimes, and forgiveness may follow."
"Ah..."
"It'll ease the palace's burden to buy grain, and curb official corruption."
Jin Yeong, who'd been staring blankly, snapped to and asked,
"Not a bad idea. But won't that drive up grain prices?"
"You're right again. Most perceptive."
"Hahaha. I have my moments."
I chuckled inwardly and explained further.
"This year's grain is dirt cheap compared to normal years. It should have been a bumper crop. Even if prices rise, they'll match average years."
"I see. But after buying forgiveness this way, they might take more bribes to recoup losses."
"That's where the Gold Guard comes in."
"Us?"
"With your capabilities, you can uncover how much they've taken. Can't you?"
"Of course."
"Then send separate letters to those offering grain for absolution, with records of their bribes. It'll chill them to the bone—no more graft."
"Oh ho... clever."
Jin Yeong nodded.
The earlier edge was gone; now he was soft as cotton.
"I'll relay your words to His Majesty."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
"Heh, pity. A man like you should serve at His Majesty's side."
"...!"
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
Crisis.
I humbly deflected.
"This humble one has a small vessel—can't handle great affairs. In a place full of magnanimous figures like you, I'd crumble fast."
"Nonsense. His Majesty holds you in high regard."
Need to change the subject...
Ah, right—Jin Yeong's with the Gold Guard.
"Hahaha. Ah, may this fool seek Daehyeop's wisdom on a matter?"
"Speak freely. I'll answer what I can."
"Thank you. Actually..."
* * *
As Jin Yeong left the Eunhae Merchant Group, he chuckled.
'Just as His Majesty said.'
The Emperor had laughed heartily upon investigating the massive grain tribute.
Then he'd summoned him.
"I'll write a letter. Take it to that rascal Eun Seo-ho and see what he says."
"To interrogate him for his crimes?"
"Waste of time. He never does anything that could trip him up. Sly fox at navigating the world."
"......"
"The reason is different. He's sure to have a plan for this—hear it out."
"Understood."
Bowing, he ventured cautiously,
"Your Majesty seems to hold Eun Seo-ho in great favor."
"He's entertaining. Who else makes me laugh like this?"
"Then why not keep him close for important duties?"
"Tempting, but he's like a fresh, flapping fish."
"Pardon?"
"Keep him by my side, and he'll lose his spark like a rotten fish eye. No fun in that. Plus, I hear all sorts of tales through him."
Understanding the Emperor's intent, Jin Yeong prostrated himself.
"Forgive our incompetence."
"No, no. You have your duties; I never ordered otherwise. Rise."
"Your grace is boundless."
As he rose, the Emperor added,
"But when I tease about palace service, his reactions are priceless—I can't resist."
"Pardon?"
"Try dropping a hint yourself sometime. You'll see what I mean."
"If the chance arises."
"But withdraw gracefully. Push too hard, and he'll bite your nose off."
Jin Yeong could see why the Emperor found it irresistible.
Still, he had to stay cautious.
The Eun Seo-ho he'd met was no mere fledgling dragon—he truly deserved the name.
The Emperor could afford to say he'd only lose his nose.
For someone like him...
He'd be swallowed whole.
'Should I butter him up now? I haven't done anything wrong... right?'