Sprouts of Rebellion (3)
I couldn't help but smile at the place my master pointed out.
Right there in front of us were white flags. Not just one, but dozens of them fluttering from every corner of the mountain stronghold. It was a crystal-clear declaration of surrender.
"I'm glad they've accepted our proposal."
My master nodded at my words.
"I think the same."
I sent a letter to my father via Geum-ryeong, and it darted off swiftly. About an hour later, it returned with his reply.
"Kui. Kui."
Geum-ryeong's eyes sparkled as it gazed at me.
Yeah, yeah, I got it.
I held out a piece of silver, and Geum-ryeong snatched it up and swallowed it whole. My master watched with a small sigh of admiration.
"It's radiating a far more substantial presence than before."
"Can others sense that Geum-ryeong exists now?"
"No. Only those who practice the Supreme Yin Ice Sea Divine Art can detect this aura."
"That's a relief."
"Still, to feel this level of presence from a Han-ho-su... remarkable."
I chuckled and replied.
"I saw it using sound transmission before."
My master tilted his head.
"What do you mean? Sound transmission?"
"Huh?"
Flustered, I stammered.
"Geum-ryeong definitely used sound transmission."
"I'm not aware of any such ability in Han-ho-su. Nor have I seen any records of it."
"......"
What? There's no way I imagined it.
"But just because there's no prior record doesn't mean it can't happen," my master continued with a smile. "No one's ever fed a Han-ho-su this much silver before."
"......"
True. When I mentioned to the palace lord of the North Sea Ice Palace how much silver Geum-ryeong eats, he was pretty shocked.I wonder what other abilities it might unlock with even more.
I untied my father's letter from Geum-ryeong's tail and read it. It instructed to proceed as negotiated previously.
I tucked Geum-ryeong into my sleeve and said, "Then let's go."
We soon arrived at the stronghold.
"Welcome."
The bandits greeted us, a far cry from our visit three days ago. They were all fawning smiles now.
"Thank you for making the wise choice."
"How could we refuse such generous terms? Haha!"
"Exactly."
I smiled and said, "Shall we all sign the contracts, then?"
This time, we were allowed inside. There were more women and children than I'd expected. Their faces were gaunt, as I'd calculated—their food supplies must have run out by now.
"Mommy, I'm hungry."
"Just hold on a few more days."
"How many more? I hate eating grass roots."
I focused my inner energy to catch their whispers and sighed.
"What's wrong?" the stronghold leader asked, glancing nervously at me.
I turned to him. "How many days since your food ran out?"
"Pardon? Why do you ask...?"
"Just tell me."
"Four days."
"......"
Faster than I thought.
He added defensively, "Well... the number of people increased..."
"So how many are here now?"
"Around three hundred."
"I see."
I gave Palgap instructions and sent Yeo Eung-am Warrior as escort. Then I turned to the group.
"Let's draw up the contracts now."
A table was set, and I sat down, unrolling the prepared paper. I drafted the contract and presented it.
"The terms are as follows."
I explained them aloud, since most of these farmers were illiterate.
"...That's the gist. If anyone can read, check it over carefully."
A few stepped forward but shook their heads—no Gyeong In-juk among them.
Why? Can't they read?
Those who checked nodded. "It's fine." "No issues."
"Then sign here and thumbprint."
The literate ones wrote names and had others thumbprint beside them. Things proceeded smoothly until everyone had signed.
That's when wagons began rolling up from below. All eyes turned to them. I grinned.
Palgap did well.
The wagons were loaded with grain—from the nearest source, it seemed.
"Young master! I'm back!"
I nodded at Palgap. "Good job."
To the crowd, I said, "Use this grain to tide you over for now."
"What is this?"
"You know the contract terms. The Eunhae Merchant Group honors its deals."
"So... you mean..."
"Yes. You'll repay it all. No need to worry."
I continued, "Your future selves will repay it in five years. But if you starve now, there is no future."
They nodded. Soon, pots were set up everywhere, smoke rising as rice cooked. They'd caught wild game for side dishes too.
The rice was ready, and they ate— their first proper meal in four days. Smiles lit every face. It was debt for their future, but they'd glimpsed hope.
After they'd eaten their fill, I approached Gyeong In-juk.
"What's your name?"
"Gyeong In-juk."
"Enjoy the meal?"
"Yes. It's been ages since I was full. Thank you, Branch Leader."
Branch Leader... I smiled at the title. I'd only given my name during negotiations, not my position. Not locals, they wouldn't know me.
Yet he used it...
"You know who I am."
"Yes."
He nodded. "While considering your offer, we sent someone to Shunyáng County to learn about the Eunhae Merchant Group. That's how we found out—you're the third Branch Leader."
"I see."
"Why call me over?"
"Can you read?"
He shook his head. "No. A poor tenant farmer's son—how could I afford lessons?"
"Not at all?"
Hurt pride flickered; he countered softly, "Not entirely. I know about a hundred characters."
"I wheedled them from kids at the schoolhouse."
I was impressed. "Why ask?"
"You asked sharp questions last time."
"Sorry about that."
"No need. In negotiations, you give your all."
I pressed on. "Ever thought of something besides farming?"
"Like what?"
"Isn't it obvious when a branch leader suggests it?"
"You... want me to work for the merchant group?"
"Yes."
In my past life, he'd led a massive rebellion with cunning that pierced imperial defenses. He could've risen high as a military officer, but he'd be useful in the merchant group too. As Eunhae grew, we needed reliable talent most.
Snatch him up quick—he caught my eye first.
He pondered my offer.
"You'd start as a laborer, of course. Unclear background and all."
"Fair."
As wanderers, his origins were murky now. We vetted hires strictly—secrets were vital.
"But at the right time, I'll push for apprentice merchant status."
"I could make it happen now, but if you're joining us, don't you want to climb high?"
"Naturally."
"Build a solid foundation then. Start low, earn respect and trust."
"It's cleaner—no backlash later. Slow and steady wins."
He thought, then nodded. "You're right. I'll carve my own path and win trust first."
"Bring any promising folks too."
"Then..."
He recommended about ten.
That night, we stayed at the stronghold. We'd hand them off to the merchant group arrivals tomorrow.
I patrolled the perimeter. In my past life, this place burned in battle with the rebels, left in ruins. They'd consolidated three counties into a force—with Gyeong In-juk at the center.
That's why I need him.
As I mused—
- Kui?
Geum-ryeong's voice echoed in my mind.
- What? Why sound transmission out of nowhere?
It popped from my sleeve, landed neatly, and wagged its tail.
"Hm? You want me to follow?"
It scampered off; I followed. It dug furiously.
Scrape-scrape-scrape!
Soon, it emerged with something in its mouth.
"Whoa..."
I gasped. A Preserve Moisture Root—a near-spiritual herb. Brewed right, it'd fortify against years of harsh winters. Top-tier tonic, insanely expensive.
Nice one, Geum-ryeong. You sniff out the pricey stuff unerringly.
"Lots here?"
It nodded.
Perfect. Winters ahead will make this feel mild. Gotta feed the merchant folk—and these new tenants. Healthy bodies work harder.
"Dig up three good ones?"
"Kui?"
"For Master."
"Kuu..."
"Your share's in your mouth. Found it, right?"
"Kui... ku..."
"Fine, a few more."
Weak-willed, that's me. It could've hogged them, but sharing showed loyalty. Past life, the ruins hid them—no rumors surfaced. Without me...
Next day, the wanderers packed under merchant group guidance, heading to our bought farmland. No fear on their faces despite the unknown—trust in me and Eunhae. Felt good.
Master left early for business; I'd given him the roots—he was thrilled. We don't need them, but his wife and non-martial folk do.
"Let's go."
Gyeong In-juk and the youths replied, "Yes, sir."
We headed back. Glancing at them, I smiled. Top talent secured, rebellion nipped—one stone, two birds.