Brother Jin-ho's In-Laws (3)
The Emperor was showing me favor, but with two rewards already under my belt, I couldn't push for too much more.
Getting my nose pierced under that pretext would be a disaster.
So I decided to ask for something very modest.
"Your Majesty, I have a cousin sister living in Beijing."
"Ah, the younger sister of Hong Su-chan from the Hanlin Academy, right?"
I inwardly stuck out my tongue in amazement.
Not that he knew it, but that he remembered and brought it up right away.
With so many people working in the palace, for him to remember that!
"Yes, that's correct."
The Emperor nodded as if to say, go on.
"Would Your Majesty grant my cousin sister the honor of sharing a cup of tea with Her Majesty the Empress?"
"Hmm, now that you mention it, isn't your cousin marrying Won Si-gang around summer?"
No, Your Majesty... what don't you know?
"That family does have quite the high nose, don't they?"
The Emperor's face was full of mockery.
From his perspective, they'd seem utterly ridiculous, of course.
"And yet they're taking in a merchant's daughter... hahaha."
The Emperor burst into laughter.
"I see what you're thinking. But isn't it a waste to use this chance for your cousin?"
"Yes. It's not a waste at all."
I answered immediately.
"If my cousin sister is scorned by her in-laws and that pains my aunt, it would pain me too."
"Tsk, such a soft-hearted yet cunning fellow."
"......"
"Still, I don't dislike it."
The Emperor continued.
"Very well. I'll ask the Empress."
"Your grace is boundless, Your Majesty."
I bowed deeply in gratitude.
"By the way, off to the North Sea again?"
"Yes. Circumstances require me to make another trip."
"You're like the wind itself. Even for a merchant, no one travels as much as you."
"It just happened that way."
Honestly, I don't even want to leave home that much.
The world outside the blanket is dangerous, after all.
"Fine. Travel safely."
As I emerged from the Emperor's presence, Jin Yeong Daehyeop was waiting for me.
His demeanor had shifted from wariness and curiosity to one of goodwill and gratitude.
The events from last time had clearly made an impact.
"Did you meet His Majesty well?"
"Yes, Daehyeop. I think we can head back now."
"Then let's go."
Jin Yeong Daehyeop led me out of the palace, his steps somehow hurried.
As if he were rushing to keep someone from snatching me away.
Suddenly, I recalled what he'd said earlier about the eunuchs taking an interest in me.
Ah, so that's it.
But did it even matter?
They could meet me anytime if they wanted.
Whether I'd help them or not was up to me, of course.
* * *
A pitch-black night cloaked in darkness.
In a humble home in Beijing.
Several men had gathered there, all sharing one trait: no beards.
They were eunuchs from the Eastern Depot.
"So, what's the latest on those fellows?"
"What more can disgraced men do? They just read books, play go, and paint all day."
"These are men who rose to Minister of Revenue and Minister of Works. They know we're watching, so don't let your guard down."
"Understood."
"And don't slack on surveilling the regional lords either."
Recently, a major incident had shaken the palace: the dismissal of the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works.
The palace housed the Gunghyeon Pavilion, an assembly of high officials of third rank and above.
Originally meant to offer wise counsel on state affairs.
But over time, its role had twisted, becoming a tool to pressure the Emperor.
Until recently, its leaders had been those two ministers.
They had voiced opposition to the Emperor's flood prevention measures.
But when no flood came thanks to his actions, their influence plummeted.
Then there was his order to buy up and store grain.
The Minister of Revenue had strongly opposed it, claiming no famine could follow last year's bumper crop.
Yet reports of barley crop failures were already trickling in.
He'd even ordered bribe-takers to redeem themselves by delivering equivalent grain, but they dragged their feet.
One thing piled on another, giving the Emperor ample justification to dismiss them.
With the situation as it was, even their supporters couldn't step forward.
And using the incident, he'd successfully abolished the Gunghyeon Pavilion entirely—a thorn removed for him.
"But this isn't entirely good for us."
"True. His Majesty's favor, which was tilting our way, is now shifting back to the Gold Guard."
"It's fine for now, but we need countermeasures. We could lose ground to the Gold Guard if we're not careful."
"Countermeasures..."
The Eastern Depot's chief continued.
"From what I see, those men had one thing in common."
"What was that?"
"Eun Seo-ho was involved. Too coincidental to be chance. I suspect he's behind it all."
"Then what should we do?"
Someone offered a suggestion.
"How about kidnapping him and blackmailing him into joining us?"
"He's a favorite of His Majesty. That would cost us our heads."
"......"
"First, win his favor. Above all, stick to our duties. Fail at that, and we'll end up like the Gunghyeon Pavilion."
"Understood."
The Eastern Depot chief sighed.
Suddenly, he recalled words from a senior eunuch that day.
"Eun Seo-ho, you say?"
"Yes. How can we pull him to our side? You've seen him often by His Majesty's side, so I thought you might have insight."
"Hmm, what methods have you considered?"
"Kidnapping him..."
"Pah!"
"......!"
"Do you have a death wish?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do you think those insolent Gold Guard are fawning over him?"
The senior eunuch spoke gravely.
"Win his favor, no matter what. That's the best—and only—way."
"Is it really necessary? What makes this guy so..."
"He's a favorite of His Majesty. Far more than you imagine!"
"......"
"If His Majesty learned of your insolent deeds, what do you think would happen? Haven't you considered ending up like the Gunghyeon Pavilion?"
"......"
The eunuch chief, having risen to his position, possessed wisdom, experience, and savvy not to be dismissed.
So he decided to heed the advice.
* * *
The next day, we set off for the North Sea.
With so many eyes on me now, leaving Beijing quickly seemed wisest.
On horseback, we soon reached Liaoning soil.
"It's getting colder by the day."
I nodded at Brother Jin-ho's words.
"Means we're closing in on the North Sea. But compared to its chill, this is nothing."
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin agreed.
"Young Hero Eun is right. Snow blankets it year-round."
"Living in a place like that... must be tough, no?"
His wife asked, and Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin shook her head.
"I don't know about others, but I don't feel that way. Born and raised there, maybe that's why."
She continued.
"Everyone's adapted, so no complaints that I know of."
"That's a relief."
His wife relaxed, and Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin added.
"The North Sea Ice Palace is still home to people. No need to worry."
"Yes."
Before departing, I'd revealed her identity. Since then, Brother Jin-ho and his wife had treated her with utmost caution.
Makes sense—she's the next leader of his mother-in-law's family.
Then an inn came into view ahead.
"We can stay there tonight and head out tomorrow morning."
We made for the inn.
And there,
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
I ran into a very welcome face.
"Who do we have here? Isn't it Branch Chief Eun Seo-ho?"
"Branch Chief Bok-yun!"
We exchanged smiles and greetings nonstop.
"What brings you all the way out here? You came last year too."
It was August, so less than a year ago.
"Circumstances took me to the North Sea. Oh! Late introductions."
I quickly introduced Brother Jin-ho and his wife.
"A close friend of Branch Chief Eun Seo-ho, Branch Chief Bok-yun of the Gwangjun Merchant Group."
"I've heard about you from Seo-ho. Nice to meet you."
After a brief chat, I moved to introduce Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin.
"And this young lady is..."
"Gasp!"
But Branch Chief Bok-yun's reaction was unexpected.
"Greetings, Little Palace Lord!"
Huh? How does he know her?
"You know Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin?"
"Of course. Every merchant in Liaoning knows her."
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin explained.
"Our North Sea Ice Palace's location makes things difficult without merchants' help. We rely on them greatly."
Ah...
Now it made sense.
The North Sea Ice Palace might be secluded, but it had no shortage of disciples.
Which meant substantial needs for supplies.
Liaoning merchants handled the procurement, no doubt.
"So we come to Liaoning to trade."
That raised a question.
"What does the North Sea Ice Palace offer in return?"
"Money, of course."
"I mean..."
"How we earn it?"
I nodded at Bing Hae-rin's question.
"We sell unique local products and earn from commissions."
"I see."
Then Branch Chief Bok-yun spoke up.
"It's getting cold. Let's go in for some tea."
We entered the inn.
He was out on business and heading back to the Gwangjun Merchant Group.
"Actually, I was en route to the North Sea to deliver a letter from my father to your guild leader, planning a stop at Gwangjun on the way."
Branch Chief Bok-yun brightened at my words.
"Perfect. Travel together. Even rushing, we'd overnight near Gwangjun anyway—stay with us."
I nodded readily.
"Then I'll impose on you."
The next morning.
We headed to the Gwangjun Merchant Group with Branch Chief Bok-yun.
The journey with him was enjoyable.
Suddenly feeling eyes on me, I turned to find Brother Jin-ho gazing at me fondly.
What? Why that look?
I learned why at lunch.
"First time seeing you chat so animatedly. You have friends after all."
"Why say it like it's news?"
"Because it is."
Brother Jin-ho smiled.
"From childhood, you never truly mingled with peers."
"......"
They weren't worth mingling with sincerely.
"Seeing you with a true friend like this makes me happy."
His expression was that of pure joy at my camaraderie.
Is this what a brother's heart feels like?
.
.
.
We arrived at the Gwangjun Merchant Group as the sun dipped low.
"A face in a long while. Come in."
I greeted the Gwangjun Guild Leader politely.
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
I introduced Brother Jin-ho and his wife. As for Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin...
"Who is this? The Little Palace Lord?"
No introduction needed.
After dinner, Branch Chief Bok-yun and I shared tea privately.
Not intentional, but our talk stretched on until the others retired.
Oh, nearly forgot the most important thing.
"Branch Chief Bok-yun, sorry to ask this, but... could I borrow that signaling horn you lent me before, one more time?"
I wanted extra convenience and safety crossing the plains.
But his expression turned odd.
"You must not fully grasp what the Little Palace Lord means here."
"What do you mean by that..."