Luoyang Once More (1)
We arrived in Beijing.
First, we stopped by Aunt's Yeonjun Merchant Group to report our safe return.
Grandfather was still staying there as well.
"Grandson, I've finished the job and returned."
"Good, I heard about it from Jeong Ho. There was some troublesome student at Jeongin Academy, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"From the look on your face, it seems you handled it well."
"Yes, we resolved it successfully."
Grandfather pulled a letter from his desk drawer and handed it to me.
"That's a relief. This is a letter from your father."
"From Father?"
"Read it."
I unfolded the letter right there.
"……."
It was a letter stating that this year's Hundred Great Merchant Groups assembly would be held in Luoyang.
"But it's sooner than I expected. I remember the assembly usually happens around autumn every year."
"This autumn, there's no Dragon-Phoenix Tournament."
"Ah!"
The Dragon-Phoenix Tournament was a martial assembly hosted by the Murim Alliance every five years.
"Holding the assembly early in Luoyang... it must be for securing spots."
"Exactly."
Countless people gathered in Luoyang to participate in or spectate the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.
And where people gathered, money followed.
Merchants wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
With so many merchants converging, the Murim Alliance handled spot selection in advance.
Though representatives from each merchant group had to attend, they were all busy people.
Hence the idea: "Let's meet in Luoyang while we're at it."
I finished reading the letter.
It explicitly said that I would be attending this Hundred Great Merchant Groups assembly on behalf of our group.
In truth, I wanted to go anyway, since I'd promised to meet Gwangjun Merchant Group's deputy leader, Bokyun.
But with Jeong Ho as the official heir, I planned to yield the spot reluctantly.
Accompanying the assembly usually signaled a key successor.
Yet I was the one going!
I glanced at Grandfather with that implication in mind, and he smiled faintly.
"You went last time, so it should be Jeong Ho or Jin Ho's turn. But circumstances are different this year. As I said, the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament."
Grandfather continued.
"After discussions at Eunwol Pavilion, they decided someone quick on their feet was needed to seize opportunities amid the Tournament's rapid changes."
"……."
"No one in the main house matches your resourcefulness, after all."
Praise, I supposed?
"So get ready. A letter will arrive for you soon."
With that, our talk ended, and I left Grandfather's room. On my way to Jeong Ho's quarters, I paused.
"You're here."
"Brother."
Having heard of my return, Jeong Ho waited out front.
"It's hot... wait inside."
"It's hotter inside."
"True..."
I scratched the back of my neck.
"Uh, I heard. I'm going to the Hundred Great Merchant Groups assembly this time..."
"I heard too."
"Sorry I get to go again."
"No need to apologize. Truth be told, I hoped you'd go this time. I don't have your knack for quick thinking."
"That's not true. You're pretty sharp yourself."
"A slug compared to you. I even considered yielding the leadership to you."
"……."
Words straight out of my past life.
"But I won't, since you hate it."
"How'd you know I dislike the leadership role?"
Jeong Ho chuckled at my question.
"It's obvious. You thrive on dashing about freely."
"Not that I love it or anything..."
"Better than holing up with paperwork or awkward chats at stiff gatherings?"
"Yeah, that'd be worse."
Jeong Ho looked to the sky.
"So I'll take the leadership as you and Jin Ho want. I'm good at the heavy stuff. Just lead Eunhae Merchant Group to greater heights."
"Of course."
He smiled at my reply.
"Oh, and... good news."
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Ten students from Jeongin Academy passed the civil service exams this time. Mansuk and Yunbyeok among them."
"R-Really?"
"Yes."
Ah...
Perfect.
"The posting of results is in half a month."
The exams essentially ended with the review. The posting just set rankings.
"Once it's done, I'll gather the instructors for a feast at a nice restaurant."
"Great idea. They earned it."
Two days after my return to Beijing.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop visited our temporary Beijing residence to pick me up.
He said the sentences for the pirates rampaging in Mansuk's hometown and their backer, Jihyeon, were finalized—but execution pending.
During national events like the exams, executions were postponed by law.
"They're to be beheaded and exposed. Hanging upside down, awaiting it now."
"Still? After all this time?"
He nodded at my question.
"His Majesty was furious. Even after arriving here, they're still dangling inverted."
"……."
So people should live righteously.
Soon after, I had an audience with the Emperor.
"Your merchant, Eun Seo-ho, greets the empire's supreme sovereign, His Majesty the Emperor."
"Raise your head."
"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace."
"Well done again. You saved innocents from ordeal—thanks to you."
"Just luck on my part; I merely discovered it. The credit goes to the two students who reported to Jin Yeong Daehyeop and those dispatched by Your Majesty."
I quickly deflected all praise.
The Emperor burst into laughter at my words.
"As expected. That's why you had those two deliver the letter, right?"
"……."
Sharp as ever.
"Those two students are fine talents too. Passed the review with flying colors."
"They're from Jeongin Academy."
"Yes, I haven't forgotten my promise when founding it. It's coming to fruition."
The Emperor looked expectant.
"Especially those two who earned merit delivering the letter."
Suddenly, I worried for the pair gaining imperial favor, but it was good news.
"Running a gambling house under the imperial family... bold yet wise."
"I'm honored you see it that way."
"Keep being my strength going forward."
Chills ran down my spine unbidden.
"What's wrong?"
"Your Majesty's words moved me so..."
"……."
But his eyes said, You? That excuse.
"You'll focus on the Beijing branch now?"
"Actually, I won't be in Beijing long. Heading to Luoyang for the Hundred Great Merchant Groups assembly and Dragon-Phoenix Tournament."
"Luoyang... where those pests nest."
"……."
There was only one Emperor in the world.
Only his appointees could be kings or lords.
Warriors calling themselves Sword Kings or Emperors must irk him.
He'd overlook it if they stayed in murim, but the Murim Alliance sneaked agents into the court, building influence.
Cracking down risked chaos, so he watched.
"Return safely."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
I bowed and withdrew.
But doubt lingered on the way back.
Strange?
He let me go to Luoyang without assigning work?
Days later.
A letter arrived from Father.
It instructed me to our pre-arranged Luoyang lodgings.
Beijing to Luoyang was farther than Hubei to Luoyang.
Luoyang's site for the Murim Alliance was chosen for smooth logistics and prosperity—yet distant from Beijing.
Anyway, the assembly was late August.
We had to depart within three days to make it.
With Luoyang as the venue, Jin Yu Warrior's movements would be restricted.
Then came welcome news amid my deliberations.
Yeo Eung-am Warrior had fully recovered.
"I request to return to duty, my lord. The physician says I can wield a sword again. Allow me to protect you at your side."
I nodded with a smile.
"Glad you're back. We can go to Luoyang together. Here's to more good work."
"The honor is mine."
"To celebrate your return, shall we grab something tasty?"
"Sounds good!"
"Welcome news."
We headed to a restaurant, and Jin Yu Warrior's sound transmission followed.
I worried about the gap I'd leave, but Yeo Eung-am's return is a relief.
Indeed.
On second thought, even masked in Luoyang, shouldn't I stay by your side?
I shook my head at the transmission.
No need to push yourself. And if you don't want to go to Luoyang, stay here.
"……."
Jin Yu stared at me.
Why the stare?
You truly are an exceptional lord.
Embarrassed by the transmission, I scratched my neck again.
At the Murim Alliance in Luoyang.
The Alliance Leader sat in his office, reviewing documents.
"How's the tournament arena construction for the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament?"
"Progressing smoothly."
"Weren't you short on wall planks before?"
"As per the report..."
"I see. You're dismissed."
In the midst of brisk work, he caught sight of his eyes in the mirror and recoiled.
"……!"
He quickly covered them; moments later, his pupils returned to black.
"This old fool should know when to quit..."
Grumbling discontentedly, he eyed the letter on his desk.
A red-sealed imperial missive.
It detailed ample evidence linking Yang Eunsik to the recent rebellion—followed by his murder by an unknown party.
It requested the Alliance's input.
Sufficient evidence ties Yang Eunsik to the rebellion. Yet he was assassinated.
Submit your position forthwith.
He was useful... pity.
The letter hinted at deliberate elimination by the Alliance.
Even as Leader, he was baffled.
It wasn't his doing.
Someone interfered, then...
The plot had failed utterly.
He'd planned a rebellion with mass deaths as blood offerings—but instead, the Emperor's prestige soared.
Now suspicion fell on the palace, and a valuable asset lost.
All loss from start to finish.
Failed ventures must be discarded; other schemes awaited.
Hope the tournament yields promising youths.
Having oblivious young murim talents serve him was a delight.
My party and I finally reached Luoyang.
This time, different lodgings from last.
"Where to now?"
"Look for Yeonpung Inn."
I knew exactly where it was.
"This way."
I pointed and led; we soon arrived.
"Amazing! How'd you know Yeonpung Inn was here?"
I smiled wryly inside at Palgap's fuss.
Couldn't say it was my go-to from past visits.
"Saw it last time. Good memory, remember?"
As we approached, Silver Wind Squad members recognized and greeted me.
"Greetings, Third Deputy Leader."
"Good to see you. Are my parents inside?"
"Yes, sir."
I entered, straightened my attire, and paid respects.
"Father, your son has arrived. All well at the group?"
"Welcome. Nothing amiss."
"Relieved to hear."
"Heard you shone in Beijing too. Rescued Seonmi's husband from kidnapping?"
Grandfather and Jeong Ho must've written.
"And major merit quelling the rebels?"
"……."
"Wiped out those pirates too."
"……."
Father, even Grandfather and Jeong Ho don't know that last one—how do you know everything?