Hainan Island (5)
The flower petals fell so heavily that even the Western Fragrance Maiden had to hold an umbrella, showering down without restraint.
And beside her, flute and string music played.
The Cheongryu warrior I'd seen before was covering his forehead with his hand, as if embarrassed on my behalf.
His eyes seemed to say, "I'm sorry. I tried to stop them... but there was nothing I could do."
"Welcome! Hahaha!"
Among them, the one who appeared to be the most senior approached me.
"I am Yeonggyeol, elder of the Haenam Sect."
"I am Eun Seo-ho, young division head of the Eunhae Merchant Group. Thank you for this warm welcome."
I continued.
"However, I haven't done anything deserving such a grand reception."
"Hoho! What are you saying? How many lives were saved thanks to you!"
Too much praise could be troublesome.
I glanced at Jangwon Daehyeop behind me and said.
"Elder, those words are too much. His Majesty the Emperor worries far more for the people of Haenam Island than I ever could."
"Of course. I know that well."
"That's why this feels a bit burdensome."
"Hoho! Just graciously overlook this much. But if His Majesty visited, would we scatter flowers only here? The entire island would be adorned with them."
"I see."
As expected from someone with experience—he was quick on the uptake.
"Now, let me guide you to the Haenam Sect. Please board the palanquin."
Pardon? A palanquin?
"Not a carriage?"
"The road is too rough for one."
"......"
I politely declined.
"It's fine. I'll ride my horse."
"No, please board."
"Truth be told, I get motion sickness in palanquins."
"Is that so? Then there's no helping it."
Only after such an excuse could I finally avoid the palanquin.
Still, how did they know I was coming to prepare such a welcome?
Was it that red smoke signal from earlier?
I saw a disciple approaching the boat captain who'd ferried me, bowing in greeting.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
"No, no—the honor was mine."
Um, Captain? Over there?
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We followed their guidance toward the Haenam Sect.
Word of our arrival must have spread, as people lined the way, waving flowers in welcome.
"Seonhyeopmirang Daehyeop! Thank you!"
"Thank you!"
"Welcome!"
At their cheers, I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
The islanders' favorability was at its peak.
Embarrassing, but the sect leader had truly gone above and beyond.
In the center of Haenam Island stood Oji Mountain, named for its resemblance to five fingers—Five Fingers Mountain.
Atop its highest peak, Yeomo Peak, the Haenam Sect had made its home.
—My lord, if they know we're visiting the Haenam Sect, won't they be on guard against us?
To Seo-u Warrior's query via sound transmission, I shook my head slightly and replied.
—On the contrary, it's good. They won't suspect I'm here to investigate their corruption.
—True enough. Who would think an investigator arrives to such fanfare?
Hahaha. Exactly.
On the way, spotting an unfamiliar sight, I asked the Haenam Sect disciples.
"Is that a paddy field down there?"
"Yes. The lower areas are planted with rice, but up here on the island, it's not warm enough, so we grow barley or rapeseed."
Thanks to Haenam Island's mild climate, triple cropping was possible.
And famines were rare.
Paradoxically, that made it a target for exploitation.
If corrupt officials had managed rather than plundered the island's grain, the inland damages might have been lessened, even if just a bit.
But their looting had worsened even Haenam Island's plight, enraging the Emperor.
"Rain should ease soon. Winters are mostly dry. Instead, from late spring to early autumn, it pours heavily. That's why houses cling to mountainsides, with living quarters on the second floor or higher."
"So the first floor..."
"Left empty. It floods during rains."
Different reason from the Flood Palace, but same result.
Truly, customs vary by region.
Chatting like that, we reached the base of Oji Mountain.
The path was steep for horses, and the warm, rainy climate made the dense forest even more treacherous.
We left our mounts at a guesthouse at the entrance and began climbing on foot.
"You climb well. Though with your reputation, it's no surprise."
"Hahaha."
I just smiled sheepishly, saying nothing more.
What was I supposed to say here...?
After a long climb, we reached Yeomo Peak and were led to the Haenam Sect's reception hall.
"Please wait here a moment."
"Yes."
We sipped tea while waiting.
Haenam Island had famous teas too.
One was this nangwiin tea, with its orchid scent and sweet aftertaste.
One of my favorites, though pricey due to limited growing areas.
After about the time to finish a cup,
Bang!
The door flew open, and the sect leader entered.
"Hohoho! Good to see you again!"
"It's been a while."
"Sit."
I sat back down, and he took the seat of honor.
"I expected you soon after our last talk, but faster than thought."
"Couldn't afford delays."
"So, satisfied with how I handled things?"
I nodded with a smile.
"Yes. Things are going smoothly thanks to you. But, Sect Leader."
"Yes?"
"I only needed to boost favor for the Eunhae Merchant Group—why spread such good rumors about me?"
"We merely spoke the truth of your deeds."
"Ha, but..."
"I only wanted to express gratitude. Perhaps this old man overdid it."
"No, that's not..."
The sect leader looked wistful.
No, what does that make me?
Sigh...
"I just meant it's embarrassing to be portrayed as better than I am."
"Hoho, nonsense! Who hands over thirty nyang on a whim for strangers' hardship? Even the wealthy hesitate."
"Rumors say I teared up while donating."
"Didn't you? That's how I saw it."
"......"
"Guess my old eyes failed me..."
Argh, seriously! Sect Leader! Why make me look like trash?
"It's fine. Eyes can play tricks. Hahaha."
"Thanks for understanding. Anything else I can help with?"
"Lists of local officials and prominent families."
"Got it. I'll compile and send them."
"And I'll stay at the guesthouse."
"Not here?"
"Yes. Might ease officials' suspicions."
"I understand, but guesthouses may be tough."
"Pardon?"
"We Haenam folk never forget grudges—or favors."
"Noted. Also, know a Cheon involved in pearls?"
"Yes. Unfortunately."
"Pardon?"
"He's backed by the Jibu Lord here."
The Jibu Lord was Haenam Island's top authority.
And for the sect leader to warn like this, one reason only.
"Any official uninvolved in the corruption?"
"Doubt it."
Whew, must tread carefully.
This would be tricky.
Was the Jibu Lord the corruption's head?
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We descended from the Haenam Sect, retrieved our horses, and checked into a guesthouse—the sect leader's recommendation, a large one.
"Welcome! To host Seonhyeopmirang Daehyeop—our honor!"
The innkeeper greeted us personally.
At this rate, they'd erect a statue of me.
I gave a wry smile and booked rooms.
"Please wait a moment."
"Yes."
After my guards searched the rooms thoroughly, we entered.
Then the Western Fragrance Maiden tugged my sleeve lightly.
"Yes?"
"Something to say."
"Speak."
"Tomorrow, the Jihyeon Lord will visit."
"I see. Thank you."
Reason obvious—he wanted something from me.
In that case...
I stepped out and told Palgap.
"Palgap. Preparing for early morning outing tomorrow."
"Got it."
Jihyeon Lord tomorrow?
Then I'd visit the Jibu Lord first.
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Next morning, I left the inn early.
Meeting corrupt officials required gifts.
And I had the perfect one.
After an hour on horseback, we reached the government office.
"How may I help?"
I showed my merchant token.
"Eun Seo-ho, young division head of Eunhae Merchant Group."
"Gasp! Seonhyeopmirang?"
"Embarrassed to say it, but yes."
"My apologies!"
The guards sheathed weapons and bowed deeply.
"No appointment, but visiting Haenam Island without seeing the lord would be rude. Please don't turn me away."
"Turn away? Never!"
"One moment. I'll announce you."
One guard hurried inside, returned, and said politely.
"Please enter."
"Thank you."
We entered and were shown to the reception room.
Jangwon Daehyeop whispered.
"What's your plan?"
"Have one. Just watch."
"......Understood."
Only I, Western Fragrance Maiden, and Seo-u Warrior entered.
The rest waited outside.
Soon, a maid brought refreshments.
Sigh, islanders starving, yet pastries...
Not even offered at the sect leader's.
Anyway, eat what's given.
As we waited, a voice from outside.
"The Jibu Lord arrives."
We stood quickly. A long-bearded man entered.
We bowed in greeting.
"Your humble merchant, Eun Seo-ho, greets the Jibu Lord."
"Your servant girl greets the Jibu Lord."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Geum Sa-gyeon, Jibu Lord here. Sit."
"Thank you."
I and Western Fragrance Maiden sat. But his gaze on us was odd.
"Truly beautiful! Stunning!"
Ah, the lecher Jangwon mentioned.
I forced a smile.
"This is my wife. Proper to greet the lord first upon arriving, so we came together."
"Ah, so?"
His eyes dimmed instantly.
Knew protocol? Or fresh meat only?
Not my concern.
Wouldn't tolerate further lechery.
"Heard you did a great deed."
"I did little. Just contributed what I had."
I continued.
"More importantly, these coincidences must have troubled you greatly. Heard you care deeply for the people."
"Naturally. Heartbreaking to see them suffer."
Well said.
For such a man, face oily and shiny?
"But what's with Haenam Island?"
"Our group considered sourcing goods here. And gifts of pearl jewelry for my wife."
"Hahaha! Quite the doting husband!"
"Grateful for the kind words."
At my words, Western Fragrance Maiden coyly covered her face.
"Hm, then visit Cheon."
"Cheon?"
"Local pearl dealer, sharp eye. Mention my introduction—no cheating."
Excuse me, Jibu Lord.
Good merchants don't cheat anyone.
But I hid my thoughts, smiling along.
"Of course! Who'd cheat your referral?"
He kept glancing at my box while talking.
Time to reveal it.
"Felt awkward arriving empty-handed, pondered the perfect gift."
"Hoho, a gift? Isn't that bribery?"
"Bribery? That's serious!"
I feigned shock.
"Merely a token of respect."
I placed the box on the table, opening it toward him.
"This."
"Oh? What's this?"
"Yes. A golden toad."
The very one from Mu Merchant Group as collateral.
And it's fake.