On the Way to Beijing (4)
I soothed Palgap.
"Did I hurt your feelings?"
"Not at all, young master."
He was definitely hurt.
"Palgap. You know how your eyebrows droop when you're upset?"
"Ahem."
"Whose servant are you?"
"Of course, I'm Young Master Eun Seo-ho's servant."
"Then doesn't it make sense for me to be the best to you?"
"Am I the best to you, young master?"
"No need to ask twice—it's obvious!"
"Really?"
"Of course."
After sweet-talking Palgap like that, he finally cheered up and headed to his room.
Now it was time to pack.
I turned to look at my second sister-in-law.
"Phew... that was a close one."
"Hohoho."
She laughed as she watched me.
"But what brings you here? I was just about to go find you."
"I figured it was better if I came in person."
My second sister-in-law pulled a letter from her sleeve and held it out.
"Could you deliver this to my husband?"
"A love letter?"
"Trying to pry into a couple's private talk? You're such a tease."
"Ahem, I'll make sure he gets it."
Feeling awkwardly embarrassed for no reason, I took the letter and tucked it into my sleeve.
I tried joking around and didn't even break even.
"Well, I'll be off then."
"Yes, take care."
My second sister-in-law picked up Hong-ryeo and left the pavilion.
Watching her go, it suddenly hit me how tough it must be carrying a baby around like that.
Babies are heavier than you think.
Holding one for long takes a real toll on your arms and back.
And the bigger they get, the worse it is.
Isn't there a good solution for this?
Before leaving for Beijing, there was one more thing to do here.
Meet Gong Mil.
Right after lunch, I headed to his workshop.
Inside, Gong Mil was deep in his research.
He'd been just ten when I brought him along, but now he was nineteen.
A sturdy young man all grown up.
Just a few months from adulthood.
To me, who knew how gaunt and frail he'd been in my previous life, the sight was moving.
I quietly turned to leave.
"Oh? Leaving already?"
Gong Rae was standing there beside me.
She was fourteen now, starting to look like a young lady, and her familiar features were emerging.
"My brother would be thrilled to see the branch leader."
"I didn't want to interrupt his work."
I knew exactly what Gong Mil was researching right now.
Medical devices for Manhaeng-ui-gu, the new venture under the Eunhae Merchant Group.
Father had returned from the Murim Grand Assembly and, after deep discussions at Eunwol Pavilion, decided to launch it in earnest.
The name Manhaeng-ui-gu means hoping for everyone's happiness.
It sells products to help those with physical ailments live happier lives.
Things like wheeled chairs for the immobile, or the chest plate I'd designed for Brother Jin-ho.
Ah... wait.
Wheeled chairs?
Chairs on wheels for people who can't walk.
But babies can't walk either, right?
Then...
"Gong Rae, could I borrow some paper and brush for a moment?"
"Of course."
A great idea had struck me, so I borrowed her writing tools and jotted it down.
"Could you give this to Gong Mil when he takes a break?"
"Sure."
She took it and slipped it into her sleeve.
Her brush was quite worn, as was the inkstone.
She must use them a lot.
"Have you decided what you'll do in the future?"
"Hmm... not really yet."
Gong Mil and Gong Rae were young ones I'd brought with me. I felt responsible for their futures.
I wanted to help them live pursuing what they truly wanted.
Gong Mil's path was set, but Gong Rae's wasn't.
She'd been a genius who taught herself the Thousand Character Classic at five, but fate had made her a courtesan.
Not for long, though.
She'd died young, caught in a knife fight at the brothel.
So in my previous life, I'd never learned what she really wanted to do.
This time, I wanted to help her live the life she chose.
"Whatever you pick, I'll support you. Try what interests you and think about your future that way."
After visiting Gong Mil and Gong Rae, I returned to the pavilion to prepare for departure.
I hadn't planned to stay long—just a quick stop on the way to Beijing.
And my business with the Emperor wasn't done yet.
There were plenty who envied my favor with him.
No need to give them fodder.
Thanks to Jukangma saving time, I could make this detour, but no more.
Still, it's good to be home.
I finished packing, stepped outside, and strolled through the compound.
"Out for a walk?"
"Father."
I looked up to find myself in the rear garden.
"Nice day for it."
Beijing would call this cold, but here it was just a bit chilly.
Cold didn't bother me much anyway.
"Walk with me?"
"Gladly."
I strolled the garden with Father, while the guards discreetly kept their distance.
"Must have been tough on Haenam Island this time."
"It wasn't too bad."
"Still the same, huh? To others, it was no small feat. They hid their rot for years, thoroughly prepared. Dealing with that takes risking your life."
Father sighed.
"I wanted to stop you, but knew you wouldn't listen, so I didn't. Still worried, though."
I answered sheepishly at his words.
"Sorry, Father."
What could I say?
It was my fault for worrying him.
"Heard from intel... you traveled with that beauty this time."
"..."
Father turned to look at me.
"To protect Adjutant Gwak, I assume."
"Yes, exactly."
"Intentions aside, folks down south will think you're married now, her your wife. How do you plan to explain?"
"Well..."
"Think carefully. Denying it later stains her honor."
Father continued.
"My son's rubbing shoulders with the Emperor, guts grown bold. What do you think Governor Dong will do?"
"Uh, about that..."
I stammered under his scolding.
"Governor Dong already knows."
"Hm?"
"I met him and his wife before coming here. He brought it up."
Father's expression grew grave.
"What'd he say?"
"Nothing. Just... smiled and said let's eat."
Eun Gil-sang tilted his head as he headed to his office.
His youngest son's words.
"Nothing. Just... smiled and said let's eat."
They didn't make sense.
The Eunhae Merchant Group had grown fast lately, but its history was long.
Connections with other groups meant he knew about Guiju Governor Dong Hui.
Guiju was a region they watched closely.
Dong Hui of Guiju.
Quiet now, but infamous before marriage.
He'd fought off thugs ruling Guiju despite no martial arts, driving them out—a famous tale.
His fiery temper and tenacity earned him nicknames: Guiju's Fire Dog and Fire Fist for his spicy punches.
Then he met his fate in a woman, studied to win her, and topped the exam.
So Eun Gil-sang's worry was natural.
The Dong Hui he knew would've punched Seo-ho in the face on the spot.
But he smiled?
Last time he'd visited the Beijing branch, Guiju's governor had dropped by.
After talking with him, Seo-ho had told him.
"Just chatted about this and that. And... asked to marry the Western Fragrance girl."
He'd nearly spat his tea.
Out of nowhere.
He'd asked his son.
"Simply put, does she look like a woman to you?"
Seo-ho hesitated, unable to answer easily.
Meaning he had feelings too.
But no firm answer—he needed more time.
Then silence, so he'd thought it over.
Was it not?
He turned his steps.
Time to meet Adjutant Gwak.
Seo-hyang was packing for tomorrow's departure and resting in the pavilion.
"Adjutant Gwak, you in?"
A maid opened the door at the voice—it was Ha Su-min, Eun Jin-ho's wife.
"Oh! Sister Su-min!"
They'd grown close by chance, becoming sisters.
"Where's Hong-ryeo?"
"Finally got her down. Since you're leaving tomorrow."
They chatted about this and that.
"Oh! That pearl hairpin. Did Young Master Seo-ho give it to you?"
"How'd you know?"
p>"Obvious, isn't it?"
Ha Su-min smiled.
"So, what's Adjutant Gwak's heart say?"
"I... don't really know."
"You don't like him?"
"No, it's not that..."
Then the scene before her eyes.
Eun Seo-ho looking at her with a sad expression.
It hurt her heart too.
Then a maid's voice from outside.
"The Chairman is here."
Seo-hyang quickly composed herself, stood, and bowed.
"You're here too."
"Yes, Father. Just chatting with Adjutant Gwak."
"This girl greets the Chairman."
"You've had it rough with my son."
"Not at all. Thanks to him, I've seen so much."
"Working with him isn't too hard?"
"No, it's enjoyable."
Eun Gil-sang nodded.
"Don't overdo it. If he pushes you too hard, tell me."
"No need to worry. He doesn't drive others that way. It's himself I'm worried about."
"Hm, he does have that side."
Then Eun Gil-sang's eyes caught something—the pearl hairpin in Seo-hyang's hair.
As Chairman, he recognized it instantly.
How valuable it was.
Beyond an adjutant's salary.
And not easy to obtain.
Haenam Island's known for fine pearls.
He asked her.
"Heard you saw your parents this time."
"Yes, thanks to the branch leader."
"That hairpin—did Seo-ho give it?"
Ha Su-min jumped in.
"Yes! Father, he gave it to her. Doesn't it suit her?"
"I see."
Eun Gil-sang nodded. Now the Guiju governor's odd behavior made sense.
That night.
I bid Father goodnight, returned to my room, lay on the bed, but sleep wouldn't come—my mind was troubled.
Calling her my wife to protect her, but Father's words made me feel sorry for her.
Honestly, Miss Seo-hyang was a good woman.
Too good for me, really.
That's why she couldn't walk this thorny path with me.
But why did thinking of her make my stomach churn... feel so strange?
Then I sensed a familiar presence.
I quickly straightened my robes and went out.
Father was just entering the pavilion.
"Sorry to disturb your rest."
"No, Father. Your words made me reflect."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I feel bad for Adjutant Gwak. I should apologize."
"Handle that yourself... I came because there's something you need to know."
"Please, tell me."
"I once went to Guiju on business. There was a village that left corpses in caves for funerals."
That custom was from Seo-hyang's hometown.
It let me save her.
"I learned by chance, but there, gifting pearl jewelry has special meaning."
"...What meaning?"
"It's a proposal."
My eyes widened at Father's words.
"Wearing a gifted pearl ornament before parents means the woman accepts the man. Parents overlooking it means they approve."
"..."
I hadn't known, but now the Guiju governor's shift from grilling me to changing attitude clicked.
"Ah, do you know this too?"
Father continued.
"There, if a man proposes and she rejects... the bride's father and brothers hang the groom upside down from the main beam for three days and beat him senseless."
Father said gravely.
"We'd better set a date soon."