The Poetry Thief (1)
“Yes, that sounds good.”
What are you going to give me?
“Your teamwork with the Gold Guard turned out better than expected. So, as a reward, I'll allow you to learn the imperial palace martial arts.”
“……Pardon?”
“You're a merchant, but you're also a martial artist. I think it's a pretty decent reward.”
Pretty decent?
It's great. Jaw-droppingly great.
I honestly didn't expect this as a reward.
“What do you think? Is this enough to settle things to your satisfaction?”
I clasped my hands in a fist and bowed at the Emperor's amused question.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Your Majesty's grace in considering my humble position. Tears blur my vision.”
“You always know what to say.”
Working alongside the Gold Guard warriors had sparked my interest in the imperial palace martial arts.
The reason the first internal energy cultivation method you learn is so crucial is that you can't easily pick up a conflicting one afterward.
If two or more energies clash inside your body, you risk qi deviation, ending up crippled or dead.
But as someone once said, human determination is a powerful thing.
The Emperor wanted a formidable force to protect him, and the best way was to recruit large numbers of martial artists who already had training into the imperial army.
However, with such a diverse group, their varying martial arts styles caused issues when trying to coordinate.
You couldn't just force trained martial artists to learn new techniques.
That would be as good as a death sentence.
So the Emperor issued an edict to the various sects and clans, ordering research into martial arts. The result was the imperial palace martial arts.
It posed no conflict for those already cultivating internal energy, and it was a supreme art that incorporated the strengths of many styles.
With this foundation, the Emperor built his unbreakable imperial authority.
In short, any warrior loyal to the Emperor had to master the imperial palace martial arts.
But learning it without permission was treason, punishable by a bitter price.
So this was a technique I'd secretly longed for, but never dreamed I'd actually get to learn!
One reason I wanted it was its distinctive signature.
That mark would let me fleece bad guys very effectively...
Ahem. Anyway, it's a fantastic opportunity.
“I'll send word separately, so you can go now.”
“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace. This humble merchant bids you farewell.”
I withdrew from the Emperor's presence with a joyful heart.
.
.
.
“Have you finished?”
As I exited the palace, the Seo-u Warrior waiting nearby spoke to me.
“Ah, yes.”
I'd come to the palace with Palgap, the Seo-u Warrior, and the Yeo Eung-am Warrior.
I'd told the other two to wash up and rest first.
Having all four bodyguards trail me constantly was too inefficient.
Even pairing up like this felt burdensome and apologetic.
We rotated shifts of four si—about eight hours—guarding me.
Honestly, after eight hours on duty, they deserved sixteen hours off.
Especially since it required constant vigilance.
Still, once the Myeongjong Warrior and Changun Warrior joined in a few months, the burden on my guards would lighten.
“Let's head back.”
“Yes, sir. I'll escort you.”
We returned to our temporary lodging in Beijing. By then, evening was approaching.
“You're back?”
Turning at the voice, I saw Jeong Ho standing there, watching me.
“You've worked hard these past days.”
“No trouble at all. Everything was so well-organized from your setup that it was a breeze.”
“Really? Then why are you still here...?”
“Want me to smack you?”
I burst out laughing at Jeong Ho's stern face.
“You know I haven't seen my kids or wife in months, right?”
“Of course! Just kidding.”
“That's why I didn't hit you.”
“Hahaha.”
“Come on, let's eat.”
He gestured outside and continued.
“I found a great noodle spot.”
I nodded, told Yeo Chang's deputy to clock out, and handed over generous dinner funds.
Then Jeong Ho and I headed to the noodle house.
Jeong Ho had picked yuanyang hotpot for me.
A type of hotpot, it involved simmering broth in a wide, shallow pot to lightly scald thin slices of meat and vegetables—a Beijing winter staple.
Yuanyang got its name from dividing the pot with a partition: one half spicy red broth, the other mild white.
“Hotpot is the way in winter.”
I nodded at Jeong Ho's words.
Since you cooked and ate as you went, it was perfect for Beijing's biting cold.
Jeong Ho, me, Palgap, and his attendant sat at one table; the other guards split to either side.
“I've tried a few places, but this one's the best.”
“I like this spot too.”
It had been my go-to in my previous life.
The meat quality was superior, and portions generous.
Nothing beat meat when your energy was low.
As we savored the meal and sipped tea, Jeong Ho asked,
“So, what's your next plan?”
“Hm?”
“Your schedule. Staying here longer?”
I shook my head.
“Nah. We can't do construction in this cold anyway.”
“True.”
Beijing was cold by nature, but this winter, following last year's, was brutally so.
Working through midwinter risked frozen materials weakening structures and endangering workers.
“Father said to wrap things up here and return to Hubei with you.”
“Got it. Then the local operations...”
“Hand 'em to the branch manager.”
Of course, learning palace martial arts would take time, not days...
“Oh! Almost forgot to mention.”
“...?”
“Happy birthday.”
I scratched my cheek at Jeong Ho's words.
“I'll give you the gift back home—got it prepped there.”
“Sounds good.”
Then someone approached cautiously.
“Um, excuse me... are you Seonhyeopmirang?”
I blinked, then nodded.
“It is you! Hero of the Yongbong Tournament! What an honor!”
Murmurs rippled through the other patrons.
“For real? The hero Seonhyeopmirang?”
“He's so handsome...”
My fame had spread even here...
With Jeong Ho beaming proudly, escape was impossible.
Damn.
I spent ages exchanging blessings with the crowd.
They said good words from a hero—especially one who'd saved many lives—brought luck.
* * *
Jin Yeong hurried to the palace.
The Emperor had summoned him.
Standing before the throne, the Emperor asked,
“Can you teach the imperial palace martial arts to someone?”
Jin Yeong replied at once.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Though that's typically an instructor's duty.”
“I know. But this learner's in a unique position.”
“...?”
“Teach it to him personally.”
From the Emperor's knowing smile, Jin Yeong guessed who.
The Emperor rarely smiled, but that had changed a few years back.
Ever since meeting Eunhae Merchant Group's Eun Seo-ho.
Watching from the side, Jin Yeong had often worried the Emperor might clutch his neck and collapse—from laughter, that is.
Today, he looked delighted, which gladdened Jin Yeong.
As a boy, he'd followed his father to the palace.
The current Emperor was then just one prince among many. But Jin Yeong knew instantly.
This was the man worthy of his heart's blood.
He became the prince's guard as desired, now the Emperor's right hand.
The Emperor called Eun Seo-ho “a cheeky one.”
But Jin Yeong knew better.
It wasn't just boldness making the Emperor smile.
His insight was uncanny, his hit-and-run tactics masterful, but above all...
He delivered results.
Like a diligent bee hauling nectar, he brought benefits to the Emperor.
No wonder Eun Seo-ho looks like a honey pot in His Majesty's eyes. Palace martial arts, though...
Gold and jewels for a favorite? No—something for the future.
That's how the Emperor rewarded those he favored.
“As you command.”
Answering, Jin Yeong thought:
Soon, His Majesty will entrust him with a major task alongside the Gold Guard.
* * *
The next day.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop visited my temporary residence again.
“We meet again so soon.”
“Did you get home safely yesterday?”
“Yes, Daehyeop. Thanks to you.”
Looking around my place, Jin Yeong Daehyeop asked,
“Is there a suitable spot here for training martial arts?”
As expected, he'd been chosen to teach me the palace arts.
“Of course.”
“Change and meet me there.”
“Yes, sir.”
I asked the I-pil Warrior to guide him to the training ground, then went inside.
With Palgap's help, I changed and headed there.
Temporary or not, we'd be here a while, so I'd set up a spacious training ground for practice.
Not just for me—the guards and Palgap trained here too.
Jin Yeong Daehyeop was inspecting the dirt floor upon arrival.
That told me he meant business.
“Dirt floor, huh.”
“Yes. Plain earth.”
“Surprising. I figured a rich fellow like you would have paved it with bluestone.”
“True, it's easier to maintain, cleaner, no dust ruining clothes.”
I smiled.
“But most battlegrounds are just plain dirt, right?”
When using martial arts—or fighting anyone—reading the terrain is key.
And most arts start from the ground.
Unless you're in some transcendent realm, fights happen on the earth.
Footwork adapts to the surface; so does weapon handling.
“Training only on stone would lead to mistakes in real combat.”
“Hahaha. Exactly. Big sects pave with stone mostly for show—useless otherwise.”
Great minds.
“Before we dive in, let me explain the imperial palace martial arts.”
“I'm all ears.”
“Its full name is Imperial Palace Heavenly Reverence Eternal Guard Martial Arts.”
Protecting the palace like heaven for ten thousand generations... quite grandiose.
“Too long, though. We just call it palace martial arts.”
“Makes sense.”
“It covers internal energy, lightness skill, fist techniques, kicking, swordsmanship, formations, and pursuit arts.”
Pursuit arts? What's that?
Reading my mind, Jin Yeong Daehyeop explained.
“You know the rest. Pursuit arts? Think tracking skills. The arts protect His Majesty, but also hunt and capture criminals.”
“Ah!”
His explanation continued.
“...That's the overview. Questions?”
“Yes. I hear eunuchs train in separate arts.”
“Ah, that? True. But physical reasons limit it to them. Why? Interested?”
His gaze flicked downward; I stated firmly,
“No interest. Just curious.”
Whoa, this Daehyeop's playing with fire.
Training ended.
He'd come every other day; today was basic fitness check.
Muttering, “Ready for the real thing.”
Now I'm at the Beijing branch construction site.
Came at night—no time during day.
But... what the hell is that?
Staring at something distant, I yelled in shock.
“Hey! What do you think you're doing on someone else's worksite?!”