The Solution (2)
Po Jeong-sa's question left my mind in a whirl for a moment.
I couldn't read his intentions.
During the investigation into this incident, the Murim Alliance had come up, so it was only natural that he harbored some suspicion toward them.
In that context, what was he getting at by asking me—the one they'd propped up as a hero—this way?
Was he trying to pin down my stance on the Murim Alliance?
Or on him?
I turned the question back on him.
"Are you curious about my view as the Murim Alliance's hero? Or as a merchant?"
"A foolish question to a foolish question."
He muttered that before continuing.
"Last time I asked if you were a hero or a merchant, you said you were a merchant. People are honest when it comes to profit."
"That's true."
"So I'll ask again. What's your take as a merchant?"
"The Murim Alliance..."
Honestly, I wanted to say they were the blackest-hearted, most duplicitous scum of the lot—the ones slathered in hypocrisy, the pettiest and dirtiest bastards alive, my sworn enemies to the death.
But blurting that out would just make him look at me like I was crazy.
I smiled and answered.
"Frankly, they're not a great business partner."
"That's unexpected. Aren't they one of the most reliable ones out there?"
"Not particularly."
"They're the ones who pushed you as a hero, aren't they? I thought you two were on friendly terms."
"When someone's in danger right in front of you, how can you just stand by? Especially with my parents there. If I hadn't stepped in, countless people would've died or been injured, and the Yongbong Martial Tournament itself might've been canceled outright, don't you think?"
"Hah..."
He nodded as if he understood.
"In that case, I can ask this much."
"What is it?"
"Did the Murim Alliance really try to kill Lady Ja-ryeong?"
"...!"
I hadn't expected him to be so direct.
That meant he'd already pieced together the Murim Alliance's involvement.
As expected of someone talented enough for the Emperor to entrust him with governing a province despite his youth.
In that case, the truth was the best answer.
"Yes."
"What on earth for...?"
Because Lady Ja-ryeong was a seer of the future. But I couldn't say that.
"I don't know the reason myself."
"Then they might target her again..."
"That's why I was hoping to discuss something with you here in Guizhou, Governor."
"Understood. We'll do that."
He nodded, then looked at me earnestly.
"But I do think you're a hero. Whether your parents were there or not, the heart that couldn't just stand by and watch people in crisis—that's the heart of a hero."
For some reason, his words made my cheeks itch.
.
.
.
We set off for Guizhou City.
Traveling with the Honam Provincial Governor made it smooth and swift for us as well.
Soon, we arrived at the Guizhou Provincial Administration Office.
The Guizhou Provincial Governor came out personally to greet us.
"Welcome."
"Thank you for such a warm reception."
"It must have been a long journey."
We exchanged formal courtesies, and then he praised Young Master Dong Hang-su and me.
"Eun, you've had it rough too, haven't you?"
"Not at all."
"And you as well."
"Yes."
A simple reply.
The Guizhou Provincial Governor took it in stride.
We went inside.
He personally escorted the Honam Provincial Governor to his quarters.
Now it was time for me to rest.
I said to Young Master Dong Hang-su,
"You've had a hard journey."
"N-no, not at all."
Ever since that day he met Jin Yeong Daehyeop, he'd been treating me with utmost deference.
From an imperial official's perspective, it was only natural he couldn't be casual with someone who had the Emperor's trust.
No matter how socially awkward, anyone would know better than to cross the man holding their lifeline.
"Please, go and rest."
With that, he vanished from my sight.
* * *
Dong Hang-su trudged along, letting out a sigh.
What will my brothers say if they find out?
He had two older brothers and two younger ones.
Stuck in the awkward middle, he'd been squeezed from both sides so often that he'd unwittingly turned cynical to avoid getting hurt, and his poor social skills stemmed from keeping everyone at arm's length.
But even he was warm toward his little sister, Dong Ja-ryeong—cherishing and loving her dearly.
Yet she'd nearly been poisoned to death by someone.
He was furious, but as always, he didn't show it.
Then he'd ended up traveling to Honam Province with this Eun Seo-ho fellow.
He hadn't liked Eun Seo-ho from the start—not even the message from Ja-ryeong asking him to pass on her regards.
Sure, Eun Seo-ho had informed him of her poisoning symptoms and recommended a physician who saved her life. He was grateful for that.
But gratitude was gratitude... and dislike was dislike.
As he pondered why he disliked him, the reason dawned on him. First off, it was simple jealousy.
I was so childish.
Looking back, it embarrassed him.
Second, Eun Seo-ho was a merchant.
His father had praised the man effusively, but that hadn't sat well.
A merchant's a merchant, that's all.
He'd told Eun Seo-ho he was a Guizhou magistrate, but that was a lie.
His real position was deputy commissioner at the Guizhou Provincial Inspectorate.
A fifth-rank post handling inspections on the ground.
Due to the nature of the job, impersonating other officials to conceal his identity was permitted—which was why he'd said that.
And his disdain for merchants stemmed from the role too.
Conducting field inspections meant constant bribes, mostly from merchants.
So he'd lumped Eun Seo-ho in with them.
But this time, it seemed he'd been wrong.
Not only is Jin Yeong Daehyeop, the Ice-Eyed Sword, close to him, but even His Majesty seeks his counsel!
He'd once called Eun Seo-ho a lowly merchant, thinking to himself, At least he knows his place.
But no.
How could someone the Emperor consulted be a mere lowly merchant?
Ah, damn it!
Reflecting, he cringed at his past slights toward Eun Seo-ho.
I was too narrow-minded. I should apologize properly later.
His resolve to apologize came partly from self-reflection, but also from worry: what if Eun Seo-ho held a grudge and targeted his family over it?
Middling third son or not, he'd been hurt plenty unintentionally, but he still loved his family.
* * *
I was reading a book in my quarters at the Guizhou Provincial Administration Office residence.
"Is that interesting, young master?"
Palgap asked, and I shook my head.
"Nah, not really."
"Then why read it so intently?"
"It's no fun for me, but plenty of people love it. Like my customers?"
"Isn't it tough reading something boring?"
"Of course it is."
"Nothing easy in this world."
I chuckled.
"Some things are easy."
"Like what?"
"Work that suits your nature. That's the easiest."
I figured that's why I could do this merchant thing—because it fit me.
As we chatted with Palgap, I sensed footsteps approaching my quarters.
This presence...
Soon, the voice of Yi Pil, my guard outside, rang out.
"My lord, Young Master Dong Hang-su is here."
What could this be about?
Tilting my head, I opened the door and stepped out. There stood Young Master Dong Hang-su.
"What brings you here?"
"I... have something important to say."
"Come in."
I ushered him inside.
Palgap brought tea, and we sipped as we talked.
"What brings you all this way?"
"To apologize for my rudeness up until now."
"..."
Anyone else would've beaten around the bush before getting to the point.
Diving straight in like this? Impressive guy.
No time wasted on fluff, which I appreciated.
But an apology...?
He hadn't seemed the type. Was he worried I'd retaliate against him or his family?
Of course, I'd long since seen he wasn't truly cynical.
Real cynics don't care what happens to those around them.
Dong Hang-su was just acting cynical. I didn't know why, but it was amusing.
"If you're apologizing because you're afraid I'll hold a grudge and go after you or your family, there's no need."
I continued.
"I hate dragging people into trouble over personal feelings. Why would I do something I hate?"
"..."
He bit his lip, then spoke after a pause.
"That's part of it, but really, I realized how childish and petty I've been."
"...?"
"Truth is, I was jealous that Ja-ryeong has feelings for you, Eun."
So that was his true heart.
It showed how much he cherished Lady Ja-ryeong.
"And actually, I'm a deputy commissioner. Because of that, I've gotten bribes from countless merchants, so I don't think highly of them."
He clasped his hands in a fist salute and bowed his head.
"I apologize for my narrow-mindedness in lumping you in with them."
So that's what it was.
The guy had his reasons.
Good that the misunderstanding was clearing up, at least.
"Apology accepted."
"Thank you."
"In return, I need your help with something."
"What is it?"
I let out a deep sigh at his question.
"I hear Lady Dong's brothers are on their way."
"Yes. How did you know?"
"They were cleaning out the annex like mad."
Palgap had told me earlier: with news of Lady Ja-ryeong's recovery, her brothers were rushing over.
"Please explain things so there's no misunderstanding."
"Leave it to me. I'll make sure there's no headache."
.
.
.
That evening, I followed a servant sent by the Guizhou Provincial Governor.
The place he led me to wasn't an office or guest hall.
It was a secluded corner of the outer grounds of the Provincial Administration Office.
A single pavilion stood there.
Was there always a place like this?
Nothing surrounded the pavilion's site—not even trees or low shrubs.
Just a shallow stream, barely deep enough to cover a hand, encircled its four sides. Terraced between sides, it cascaded in tiny waterfalls, their murmur blocking out surrounding sounds.
I could guess what this pavilion was for.
Secret discussions.
No hiding spots anywhere—no eavesdropping.
Guards posted at a distance couldn't catch the exact words either.
Unless security was a major concern, of course.
The pavilion already had visitors.
The Guizhou and Honam Provincial Governors.
I ascended and bowed politely to them.
"You summoned me?"
"Come, sit comfortably."
"Yes."
As I took the empty seat, the Honam Provincial Governor spoke first.
"We arranged this spot because of what you mentioned last time. Didn't you say there was something urgent for us three to discuss?"
"Yes, that's right."
So that's why they called me here.
They must've figured whatever I wanted to discuss shouldn't leak out.
And judging by their bright expressions, any misunderstanding between them had cleared up.
Good. These two needed to stick together.
"As you both know, this incident was the Seowoon Faction targeting Lady Ja-ryeong's life. And behind them is another force."
The Guizhou Provincial Governor said,
"I heard. Some Ham Song from the Murim Alliance gave the orders?"
"Yes. But I don't think it was his solo decision."
"..."
"I don't know why they want her dead, but..."
I knew, but I couldn't say it here.
"I can say this with certainty: they'll try for Lady Ja-ryeong's life again."
Yes.
That was the real problem.
We'd resolved the quadruple-layered poison thanks to me and the White-Haired Flower, but the Murim Alliance wouldn't back off.
Deploying something like that meant they saw her ability as a dire threat.
They'd never give up on killing her.
"So what the hell do we do?"
I looked at the Guizhou Provincial Governor and said,
"I have one idea in mind."
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