The Vanished Epistle (2)
I had decided to formally propose to Lady Seo-hyang this time.
There was my father's advice, but above all, I felt guilty toward her.
She was the woman willing to walk the thorny path alongside me for my sake.
But I couldn't botch the proposal.
I had the means to do it right.
It might be a bit late, but that was still far better than not doing it at all.
"Palgap."
"Yes, Young Master!"
"Everything I mentioned—is it all prepared?"
"Of course, sir! It's all perfectly ready."
The guests savored delicious food, laughed boisterously, and reveled in the feast.
Eun Seo-ho was exacting about work, but when it was time to relax, he let loose with flair.
Of course, he always respected the necessary boundaries.
"That's why I..."
"Back then..."
"Just like I said..."
The lively melodies from the ju-ru's musicians filled the air, and the banquet was ripening into full swing when—
Suddenly.
The music cut off abruptly, and a voice rang out.
"I dedicate this song to my beloved."
The voice belonged to Eun Seo-ho.
He had ascended the platform, drawing every eye from the revelers straight to him.
Eun Seo-ho played the geom himself and sang.
Forgive this timid man,
Who couldn't confess his love for you first—
From that first moment we met, my heart
Was no longer my own.
I, blind to it, was the world's greatest fool.
Now I summon the courage to say it.
My beloved, the fairest in the world.
My beloved, more precious than jewels.
I adore you. I adore you. I adore you.
I adore you more fiercely than my very life.
Eun Seo-ho set down the geom.
"Deputy Kwak... no, Lady Seo-hyang."
At his call, Seo-hyang blinked in surprise.
This was a future she hadn't foreseen.
She had seen herself in this ju-ru, but not him serenading her so sweetly.
And she was a little flustered, too.
She'd complained that his proposal might be lackluster, but she hadn't expected this grand spectacle before everyone.
But she didn't dislike it.
She loved it.
What woman wouldn't adore such a magnificent scene?
And the man was Eun Seo-ho, the one she adored.
Eun Seo-ho knelt on one knee right there, holding a bouquet of silk flowers.
"I can't promise to keep you from tears or to keep your hands from getting wet. But this I vow: my wife will be you alone."
Eun Seo-ho continued earnestly.
"Will you marry me?"
Seo-hyang's answer was already set.
She approached him and took the silk bouquet he offered—violets matching her name, Seo-hyang flowers.
"Yes. I'd love to."
At that moment, the guests showered silk flowers over Eun Seo-ho and Seo-hyang in unison.
Palgap had swiftly distributed them during the song, and the cascade was a breathtaking sight.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Thank goodness Lady Seo-hyang had said, "I'd love to."
She could have changed her mind and said, "I'm sorry, but I must decline."
"Thank you."
"What do you mean? Such a spectacular proposal! I'm the thankful one."
Many had toiled to craft the red silk petals now scattering on the floor and the bouquet in Lady Seo-hyang's hands.
Beijing was no season for real flowers.
But Lady Seo-hyang loved flowers, so real ones it had to be.
"A path of flowers has bloomed."
"Yes. A path of flowers leading to you."
Lady Seo-hyang beamed at my words.
Proposal: a resounding success.
Dawn broke.
The previous night's proposal had stirred quite the buzz—everyone I met offered congratulations.
"Congratulations."
Jeong Ho-hyung was no exception.
"Thanks."
"But how'd you decide on such a public proposal?"
"Ah..."
I scratched my cheek.
"I just wanted to do it that way for her."
"You're too straightforward."
We grabbed a quick breakfast and set off for Nanjing right away.
The merchant ships should have arrived by now.
Traveling with Jeong Ho-hyung's group meant no riding the Zhu-gang-ma.
Instead, we took a carriage pulled by it—which had obediently taken the reins ever since Jin Yeong Daehyeop's scolding.
I wonder what the Emperor has in store for me.
The lack of any hint was unsettling.
We reached Nanjing without incident and headed straight to the harbor.
The merchant ships had arrived.
But they hadn't docked yet—a two-week quarantine to guard against potential plagues.
We secured an inn, and I went separately to the Provincial Commander's Office.
"This humble merchant comes to see the Provincial Commander."
"It's been a while."
Ak Yeong-gyeong Daein, still serving as Nanjing's Provincial Commander, welcomed me.
From the Shandong Ak Clan, loyal to the imperial house.
And he thought well of me.
"Perfect timing."
"Pardon?"
"Let's have some tea, just the two of us."
The words "just the two of us" were key—they meant a confidential matter.
"Of course."
"Follow me."
I followed Ak Daein to the reception room.
A maid brought tea, and Ak Daein said,
"I'll brew it myself—leave us."
"Yes, sir."
The maid withdrew, and Ak Daein personally brewed the tea and handed me a cup.
"Try it."
"Thank you."
I bowed in gratitude and sipped the tea he'd prepared.
Mm, delicious.
He must enjoy tea regularly.
"Thank you for such fine tea."
"You know your tea. What is it?"
"Isn't it Keum-san tea from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province?"
"Oh! How did you know?"
"This smooth aroma and flavor are hallmarks of Keum-san tea, and its freshness suggests it's locally produced."
"Hahaha! As expected of the Eunhae Merchant Group's young branch head."
"You're too kind."
Ak Daein sipped his tea with a satisfied expression and spoke.
"How's the progress on that martial academy you mentioned before?"
"Truth be told, part of why I came is that matter."
I continued.
"I've obtained His Majesty's formal approval."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. I apologize for the delay in informing you—things have been hectic."
"No need. I've heard of your exploits at the recent Murim Grand Assembly. How could you have had time?"
"Thank you for understanding."
Ak Daein said,
"Then I must keep my promise. Next time you visit, I'll introduce a skilled instructor for spear arts, as agreed."
"My deepest thanks."
We discussed the academy and more, but these seemed peripheral to what he truly wished to say.
They were topics harmless if overheard.
Then.
With a subtle motion,
Ak Daein drew a letter from his sleeve and offered it to me, shaking his head slightly.
No words.
This was why he'd wanted tea alone.
I slipped it naturally into my own sleeve and continued.
"The tea was excellent. As thanks, I'll bring something even better next time."
"Hahaha. I look forward to it. Oh, I nearly forgot to mention."
"What is it?"
"When the sailors disembark, I'll provide drinks at the designated ju-ru."
"Pardon? Drinks?"
The alcohol ban hadn't lifted—why say this now?
"Has His Majesty approved?"
"Indeed. I hear the sailors unwind with liquor after their labors."
"They'll be thrilled."
With that, we parted.
Back at the inn, I immediately unfolded the secret letter from Ak Daein.
"......"
It was the Emperor's edict.
[By now, you're reading this with a face sour as stale tea.]
[But you're suited for this task, so no choice. Get to work. After all I've done, don't think of pocketing the gains and running.]
[The Baegpa Merchant Group seems to be playing games. Recent reports say they're exploiting the tax exemption system for profit. This deceives me.]
[Thus, I formally command: Warn the Baegpa merchants not to deceive me again.]
Yes. Spot on.
Tch! I wanted to bolt.
At least my unease had a source—the Emperor's command awaited.
And as expected, His Majesty never bestowed favors without cost.
Hm, a warning.
Observe first?
The Emperor typically issued one warning for lesser crimes.
But fail to reform, and punishments gold-stamped with terror awaited in nightmares.
I burned the letter.
It said to do so after reading.
Baegpa Merchant Group... bold indeed.
To think they could fatten illegally under the Emperor's nose.
Surely not our Eunhae Merchant Group?
If so, they'd witness my full wrath.
Days passed, and docking permission finally came.
"You've worked hard."
"To have both young branch heads greet us personally—our honor."
"It's the least we can do for your labors in distant lands."
"Your words alone are thanks enough."
"How was this voyage?"
Captain Yong answered with a satisfied grin.
"Outstanding. Especially the liquor—they went wild, gold and silver flying through the air."
"It was that popular?"
"No need to ask."
As I figured.
"We made nearly five times the expected profit and loaded the ships with grain."
"Well done. That eases my mind."
I continued.
"We've prepared an inn for you all. Rest and recover."
Palgap guided the Eunhae sailors to the inn.
Then I approached the other groups' leaders.
"Heard from the Provincial Commander?"
"Pardon?"
"About the drinks at the ju-ru tonight."
"Ah! Yes."
"I've booked rooms nearby—not at the office. Better that way."
"For us?"
"Yes."
They looked troubled.
"What do you want in return?"
A fair question.
Merchants rarely comped rooms without strings.
"Nothing. Just a discreet imperial order."
"Ah!"
"Go to the inn without worry."
Invoking the Emperor got them to the inn—for investigation.
A relaxed inn beat the stiff Provincial Commander's Office; they'd slip up more freely.
And liquor flowed tonight.
From office quarters, they'd cut the party short.
Nearby inn? They'd drink freely.
Sailors craved booze after grueling voyages—denied by the ban till now.
And liquor drew out true hearts.
Baegpa first, but others might be guilty too.
The other groups headed to their inn.
The Emperor would foot their bill.
That night.
The designated ju-ru reeked of liquor for the first time in ages.
Passersby smacked their lips enviously.
They couldn't drink inside but watched the sailors with gleaming eyes.
Hoping the ban's end neared.
Ak Daein was subtly shrewd—true political talent.
"Ah, Captain Yong, know about this?"
"Pardon? What?"
"The pirates you met passing Haenam-do."
"Yes, we struck first and sank them... but how'd you know?"
"I was there. Your fleet's aid made it easy."
"Really?"
We chatted amiably, then I turned serious.
"By the way... no one in Eunhae lines their pockets illicitly, right?"
"Pardon?"
"What do you mean?"
"If anyone's using illegal means to fatten their purse, I'd be heartbroken."
They jumped to deny it.
"No way!"
"We'd never!"
"Good to hear."
The other groups' sailors started tripping over words.
Long sober, even a little booze spun their heads.
Time to act?