495. Liquor Tasting Conference (5)
The Crown Prince up until now hadn't been so sly and calculating.
If I had to put it into words, he'd been the picture of leisure—a man who didn't need to scheme to get what he wanted...
Had he learned that from me in the meantime?
And nationwide, no less...
Unlike the liquor tasting where the participants were brewmasters, the poetry contest drew an enormous crowd.
Which meant the workload was that much more intense.
Whew, no rest for the weary.
We withdrew from the Emperor's presence and dove into the real discussions.
First things first: posting announcements across the nation.
But we couldn't delay selecting and inviting judges either.
A few days later.
I was slumped over my desk in my office.
"Um, are you okay?"
Seo-hyang Sojeo asked with a worried look.
"Ah, yes. I'm fine."
"You seem to be pushing yourself too hard."
"I'm still getting my sleep on time."
If I skimped on sleep, the guards would drag Master back here.
So I made sure to get at least two full hours.
"That's a relief. By the way, is Father coming to Beijing this time?"
Ah, she saw the future.
Galhyeon Vice Officer was off on an errand elsewhere, so it was just me and Seo-hyang Sojeo in the office.
She must have asked about it for that reason.
"Yes. There's no one in Guizhou Province with as keen a palate for liquor as him."
I sat up as I replied.
"That's why I sent an invitation for him to judge the liquor tasting."
"I see."
She smiled brightly, her face lighting up.
She must have foreseen meeting Father too—no need for further explanation.
Pojeongsa Dong Hwi of Guizhou Province arrived in Beijing and headed straight to his residence.
This time, he'd come at the Emperor's decree to judge liquors at the tasting conference.
Though it was an imperial command, he was thrilled beyond measure.
For one, he could sample and critique a wide array of liquors he loved.
The liquor ban had kept him sober for three long years.
The anticipation of tasting so many varieties filled him with excitement.
Secondly, he could see his daughter.
His daughter, presumed dead, was currently under Eun Seo-ho's protection.
He hadn't loved her working as his vice officer—it seemed too grueling—but since it was her choice and helped avoid prying eyes, he'd allowed it.
He smiled.
Truth be told, the prospect of seeing his daughter excited him more than the liquors.
But there was a problem.
"Father."
He turned at the voice calling from behind.
His eldest son, Dong Hyeok-su.
An unexpected travel companion.
He was a military officer, serving as deputy lake commander of Jungcheon Lake Garrison in Guizhou Province.
A mid-fifth rank position.
Impressive for his age.
Unlike his father, he'd taken leave to come to Beijing.
"I'll go see a friend this afternoon."
"Hoo, you're something else."
"Not just any friend—my sworn brother from childhood. With him facing the Emperor, how could I not cheer him on?"
Dong Hyeok-su had a childhood friend who'd also entered government as a military officer but resigned abruptly, unsuited to it, and returned home.
And the path he'd chosen? Brewmaster.
He seemed talented at it. The liquor Dong Hyeok-su had brought back from a visit rivaled any famed vintage.
This time, that friend was entering the tasting with backing from the merchant group sponsoring him.
So Dong Hyeok-su had taken leave to support him in person.
'Please don't tell me that merchant group is Eunhae...'
A twinge of unease.
His son had mellowed since his daughter's "death," but that fiery temper hadn't vanished.
Dong Hwi knew it best.
His eldest, who took after him most among his spitting-image sons.
"Just don't cause any trouble."
"Don't worry."
The day before the liquor tasting conference.
The brewmasters sponsored by our Eunhae Merchant Group had arrived in Beijing.
We'd given over an entire building in the Beijing branch for their stay.
It was built oversized from the start, so space wasn't an issue.
Today's arrivals hailed from Hubei Province.
Leading them were Brother Jin Ho and Chaeng In Escort Agency.
"Brother, you made it?"
"Yeah. What's with the lukewarm welcome?"
"You're a guest now?"
Jin Ho flinched at my words.
"W-well, no..."
"Then quit sulking."
"Tch, way to make me feel small."
I chuckled at his pouty face.
Then I approached the escort leader and carriers to greet them.
They'd hauled liquor, tools, ingredients—essential for the tasting, so we'd hired extra carriers.
The leader was Mak Chung, whom I'd met before.
"You've had a hard journey."
"No need for that."
"The road wasn't too rough."
"Glad there were no incidents. We count on you for protection here in Beijing and the return trip."
"Of course."
Our commission covered escort to the Beijing branch, security during their stay, and the journey home.
We'd requested guards even in Beijing because the stakes were high—the interests tied to the tasting were massive.
Sabotage against the brewmasters was a real risk.
Finally, to the brewmasters themselves.
"You've come far—thank you for your efforts."
"Not at all. Thanks to you, it was smooth."
"Rest up, then, and give it your all at the tasting."
"Yes."
"And be extra careful with storing your liquors and ingredients. Any mishap, and it's all for naught."
"Understood."
"Especially the liquor and ingredients—keep at least one person guarding them at all times. String up ropes and bar entry, even to familiar faces."
I continued.
"You're wondering why I'm so strict about security."
"..."
No one spoke, but their faces said it: Why the overkill?
I wiped the smile from my face.
"When big money's on the line, people will stoop to depths beyond your imagination. If they held your family hostage and ordered you to ruin the liquor, could you refuse?"
Gulp.
Someone swallowed nervously.
Now they got it—this was no joke.
"Or if they offered hundreds, thousands of silver taels—could you turn that down?"
"..."
"We'll provide guards, but we can't watch your internals. I've said my piece—handle it wisely."
"We'll be vigilant."
"Then go rest. Servants and maids will show you in."
They dispersed.
I turned to Brother Jin Ho.
"You rest too."
"Y-yeah."
He nodded, looking tense.
"What's with the sudden jitters? Excited to be back in Beijing after so long?"
"N-no, it's not that..."
"Then what?"
"You scared me."
"Me? Scary? Come on."
He sighed deeply at my retort.
"You're all smiles usually, then bam—no smile. Gave me chills."
"Chicken!"
I laughed lightly and thumped his back.
"Oof! Hey, that hurts!"
"Think your cute little brother would eat you alive?"
He chuckled.
"Yeah, fair enough. I'm off to rest."
"Sure."
I watched him go far enough, then asked Palgap.
"Was I that scary just now?"
"Have you been ignoring my words all this time?"
"If I don't drill it in like that, they won't take it seriously."
Ordinary folk need it hammered home or they slack off and forget.
Unconsciously, I slipped my hand into my sleeve to stroke the golden bell.
But it shivered under my touch.
Hey, even you? You're hurting my feelings.
Our Eunhae Merchant Group's sponsored brewmasters weren't just from Hubei.
They were scattered across the empire.
And after Hubei, Hangzhou had the most.
They'd been escorted here by an agency on our request.
"It's been a while."
"Indeed."
Among them were familiar faces aplenty. Several taverns I'd acquired brewed their own.
Including moon liquor brewers.
"Did the pavilion master come in person?"
Hong Mae, owner of Wolju Pavilion, smiled warmly at me.
"Of course. Historic day presenting our moon liquor to His Majesty—had to."
"I'm the grateful one."
I gave them the same warnings as the Hubei group.
Hong Mae smiled back.
"I get it. No worries. In the pleasure quarters, I've seen every dirty, petty trick. Same for my companions."
"True enough."
Hangzhou folks could handle themselves.
No need to fret.
Overdoing self-defense could backfire, but they'd manage that too.
While they rested, I kept busy.
Decorating the venue, arranging seats—all fell to me and Cheongsu Merchant Group.
One essential task amid it all.
"Vice Officer Gwak. All set?"
Seo-hyang Sojeo nodded at my question.
She was dressed more neatly and prim than usual.
We were meeting Pojeongsa Dong Hwi today.
The spot: a teahouse on Beijing's outskirts, perfect for discreet meets.
He'd recommended it before.
We headed there straightaway.
Guards ringed the area; a middle-aged man stood on the pavilion.
As I approached, the guard captain recognized me and bowed.
"You've arrived."
"Yes."
"Up to the pavilion. He's waiting."
"Thank you."
The captain's gaze drifted to Seo-hyang Sojeo behind me, softening with realization.
But he said nothing—knowing the circumstances.
I left Palgap and the guards below, taking only her up.
"Branch leader Eun Seo-ho greets the Excellency."
"It's been a while."
"You're as hale as ever."
"Have to be. Paying extra mind to my health lately."
After greetings, he eyed Seo-hyang Sojeo behind me.
She smiled at her father.
They simply gazed at each other in silence for a time.
Finally, Pojeongsa spoke first.
"You look... remarkably healthy."
"Yes."
She'd been training in martial arts to perfect her Gwak Vice Officer role lately.
And she had real talent for it.
Likely inherited from her father.
No longer the frail girl of before—she brimmed with vitality.
It moved him deeply.
"Your mother would rejoice seeing you so well. Still working as vice officer?"
"Yes."
"Not too taxing?"
"I enjoy it every day."
"If you're happy, that's what matters."
He beamed, then glanced at me—a warning not to overwork her.
Oof... hits close to home.
Sigh, time to go.
Can't linger too long.
Risk of suspicion.
I'm overseeing the tasting, and our sponsored brewers are competing.
He's an invitee too—fairness concerns.
I'd considered meeting post-event, but better safe.
"We'll take our leave, then."
"See you next time."
"Yes."
"Ah! My eldest came with me, actually."
Eldest?
Seo-hyang Sojeo's eyes widened.
"Brother Hyeok-su?"
"Yes. To cheer his childhood friend... So... be careful."
"Yes."
We parted from Pojeongsa and returned to the Beijing branch.
Then to where the brewmasters gathered.
As sponsor, pre-event checks on the eve.
"Branch leader, you've come."
"Yes. All going smoothly?"
"Of course."
As I chatted and inspected, a group approached from ahead.
"Ah..."
Seo-hyang Sojeo stiffened and ducked behind me.
"What's wrong?"
"Big brother."
Up close, Pojeongsa's eldest was in the group.
"Ah! Branch leader!"
Beside him, one of our sponsored brewers—from a spot recommended by Jeok Byeong-cheol Pavilion Lord, brewing baekro liquor in the northern mountains of Sungyang County.
Why together?
"Someone I want to introduce."
He beamed, bringing Seo-hyang Sojeo's big brother toward me.
Cold sweat beaded as the situation unfolded.
W-wait... hold on a sec.