Chapter 626
Chapter 626
Chapter 626. The Sword Tomb of Chungyeong Fortress (5)
Captain Kwon Jik continued.
“As you said, on the way back, I will have the weight of the cart those men are pulling increased a little.” (Kwon Jik)
At those words, I grinned inwardly.
They should have gotten somewhat used to it by now, but what a shame…… the road back will be hell.
The banquet did not continue until very late.
Because we had to depart tomorrow morning, everyone wanted to go in early and sleep.
. . .
Jang Gal and Song Cheong opened their eyes at the sound of someone waking them.
“It is time to get up now.” (Senior Royal Guard)
“Just a little…… just a little longer…….” (Jang Gal)
“Please…….” (Song Cheong)
But the voice that reached their ears was as cold as frost.
“Can you not get up this instant? You call yourselves Royal Guards, yet you have gone soft! Do you need to be put through assembly once before you come to your senses?” (Senior Royal Guard)
“Huk!” (Jang Gal)
“N-no, sir!” (Song Cheong)
They sprang up at the senior Royal Guard’s command.
Soon, he spoke in a gentle voice.
“Did this not begin from your desire to show that loyalty? But if you show such slackness, that makes it worse than not doing it at all.” (Senior Royal Guard)
“…….” (Jang Gal and Song Cheong)
“It will be hard, but once you accomplish it, you will feel proud and rewarded for what you have done yourself.” (Senior Royal Guard)
“Yes…….” (Jang Gal and Song Cheong)
As they answered like that, Jang Gal and Song Cheong screamed inwardly.
‘This is not our will!’ (Jang Gal)
‘We are not doing this because we want to either!’ (Song Cheong)
They thought back to when this matter had first begun.
They also knew well that Eun Seoho had achieved many merits and that his skill was outstanding.
After all, not only the Emperor but even the Commander of the Royal Guards were helplessly fond of Eun Seoho.
But that was exactly what they found so unbearable.
‘A lowly merchant is poking his nose into affairs of state! He should know his place!’ (Jang Gal and Song Cheong)
There was an incident that had set fire to those feelings of theirs.
It was the Emperor granting Eun Seoho limited immunity.
The Royal Guards had the authority to arrest and interrogate anyone, at any time, if that person was suspected of treason.
That was why they had been waiting for a chance to give Eun Seoho a beating, but that had fallen through.
They had barely been suppressing the irritation that arose because of that, and then they just happened to work together with Eun Seoho.
On the morning of departure.
Kwon Jik was just then having an audience with the Emperor, and the others were busy with personal maintenance, so they could not pay attention elsewhere.
At that, they stealthily approached Eun Seoho.
And even though they had not been assigned to inspect the supplies, they used that as a pretext to pick a fight in voices low enough that others would not hear.
No matter how much immunity he had, it was limited immunity.
If he laid hands on the Royal Guards, he could not avoid responsibility for it.
That immunity might be withdrawn, or he might be punished by the Emperor.
So they insulted him and also harassed his fiancée.
‘Hit me! Hurry and swing your fist at me!’ (Jang Gal)
‘At this point, it should be time to swing your sword, shouldn’t it?’ (Song Cheong)
‘You want to beat me, don’t you? You do want to beat me, right?’ (Jang Gal)
‘Is it still not enough? Should I scratch at him a little more?’ (Song Cheong)
And yet…….
When they came to their senses, they were pulling a cart in place of horses.
While Eun Seoho was traveling comfortably in a carriage, at that.
The problem was that Eun Seoho had talked so well that they had become Royal Guard members with deep loyalty.
Once that happened, they could not quit this work.
Because in order to explain that it was not their will, they would also have to explain what they had done.
Then they would become people who had gone against the Emperor’s command, and that would be even worse.
For the first two days, they denied the situation in which they had to pull the cart.
But on the third day, it sank in that they really had to pull the cart all the way to Chungyeong Fortress.
Naturally, the arrows of their anger turned toward Eun Seoho, who had created this situation.
‘Eun Seoho! You × bastard!’ (Jang Gal)
‘Just you wait and see!’ (Song Cheong)
But there was absolutely no way to vent that anger.
Eun Seoho was always with Kwon Jik, and whenever they rested, they collapsed into sleep.
After traveling like that for several days, they began to harbor another hope.
The hope that, after they had done this much, someone might suggest that they had suffered enough and could stop now.
However, not a single person told them to stop.
They gradually began to grow depressed.
‘I did not become a Royal Guard for this!’ (Jang Gal)
‘I miss Mother.’ (Song Cheong)
‘What is there to life? Eheyradiya.’ (Jang Gal)
After pulling the cart and walking and walking like that, they even began to feel the hardships of horses, and just as everything was becoming somehow sorrowful, they arrived at the main headquarters of Eunhae Trading Company in Hubei Province.
They dragged their heavy bodies along and prepared to depart.
First, everyone gathered and listened to an explanation of the route from then on, and because of that, something called hope appeared for them.
“After moving for two double-hours, we will board a boat and go to Yunnan…….” (Kwon Jik)
Because they would be traveling by boat.
That meant they would not have to go through the hardship of pulling the cart.
Once they boarded a boat, they would have time, and they would have the leisure to take revenge on Eun Seoho.
‘Just you wait!’ (Jang Gal)
‘I will definitely take revenge!’ (Song Cheong)
They did not realize that this was a natural consequence of their own foolish actions.
And two double-hours later.
“Mm, the river’s water level is lower than I expected, so going by boat looks difficult.” (Kwon Jik)
“Yes. It would be fine for twenty or thirty people, but with the current size of the exploration party, we need a large boat. However, it seems difficult to travel with such a large boat.” (Subordinate)
“Then we will change the plan. We will move by land.” (Kwon Jik)
In other words, that meant Jang Gal and Song Cheong had to continue pulling the cart as they traveled.
Thud.
Their legs finally gave out, and they sank down where they stood.
. . .
I gave a faint chuckle.
Because the expressions on Master Jang Gal and Master Song Cheong, who had suddenly sat down, looked as though they had lived out their whole lives.
They must have been hoping we would go by boat.
But unfortunately for them, because almost no rain had fallen since this year’s harvest, the river’s water level was low.
So we could not go by boat.
I knew about this, but the reason I had not said so in advance was because the situation could have changed.
“Oh, dear! Are you all right?” (Onlooker)
“Hueeeeeuk!” (Jang Gal)
“Huuuk!” (Song Cheong)
They suddenly began sobbing pitifully.
I quietly approached and said to the people gathering around,
“They were worried that if we traveled by boat, they would not be able to pull the cart and show their loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor. It seems they are happy they can continue this hardship that lets them show their loyalty like this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah…… so that was it.” (Onlooker)
“If that is the case, well.” (Onlooker)
The people nodded and scattered again, and I said to the ones sobbing,
“No matter how important it is to show your loyalty, you must look after your bodies.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Jang Gal and Song Cheong)
“Please stop and travel comfortably.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, they glared at me.
“No! We will go all the way!” (Jang Gal)
Seeing them reject my offer with eyes full of anger, they had not come to their senses yet, just as I expected.
In that case, they would have to suffer more.
Because I had no reason to help when they said they did not want it.
“Understood. Then I will continue to be in your care.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….” (Jang Gal and Song Cheong)
They will regret rejecting the hand I offered just now.
Since we are heading farther and farther south, the real hardship begins from here.
As I returned to the carriage, I asked Palgap,
“Palgap. Do you think I went too far?” (Eun Seoho)
“They were the ones who touched you first, Young Master. And through this chance, they need to learn too. They need to learn that our Young Master is someone who, if touched, will even turn a person into a horse pulling a cart.” (Palgap)
At his words, the guards around us nodded.
When those two Masters picked a fight with me, I had seen through their intentions.
They must have planned to make me use my hands against them and turn me into a criminal caught in the act.
It is still a thousand years too early for you to trap me.
Why would His Majesty the Emperor have sent me to help the Royal Guards?
Is it not because I possess something the Royal Guards lack?
Most of the Royal Guards know that, which is why they treat me favorably.
Because they do not know when they might need to ask for my help too.
Those who disapprove of me are only those who do not know that, or do not want to know it.
And this incident was also a warning to people like that.
It was a silent warning that I do not care if they dislike me, but if they mess with me, they will suffer harshly like those two.
We went farther and farther down.
The route led through Hunan, then Guizhou, and then to Yunnan.
The northern part of Hunan Province, which we would pass through, was relatively flat, but Guizhou had many highlands.
In other words, it meant they would have to pull the cart up hills and down hills.
“We are in Guizhou now.” (Seo Hyang)
At Miss Seo Hyang’s words, I nodded.
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I read the look in Miss Seo Hyang’s eyes.
It was longing for her hometown and family.
In my heart, I wanted to let her meet her parents, but it was difficult right now because we were in the middle of a mission.
As though Miss Seo Hyang had read my expression, she shook her head slightly.
“I am all right. I do not want you to neglect the mission because of me.” (Seo Hyang)
“On the road back to Beijing, we should have some leeway.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Even so, please do not overdo it too much. I am satisfied simply by being alive like this.” (Seo Hyang)
At her words, I could not say anything.
Before we knew it, we arrived at Chungyeong Fortress in Yunnan Province.
“Welcome! We have been waiting for you.” (Magistrate)
The Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress came out and welcomed us.
One sleeve of the Magistrate fluttering in the wind.
It was a trace of what had happened before.
“Thank you for welcoming us like this.” (Kwon Jik)
At Captain Kwon Jik’s words, the Magistrate lowered his head.
“I can only thank Heaven and Earth and the spirits that I am able to welcome you all once more like this.” (Magistrate)
“I am also thankful that I could come here again.” (Kwon Jik)
At that moment, a man who had been standing behind him stepped forward.
“This eldest son, Yeon Yoomun, greets the Masters. Please follow me. I will guide you to your lodgings.” (Yeon Yoomun)
The others moved after him, and I approached the Magistrate.
“Magistrate, I am glad to see you again like this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Indeed. Have you been well?” (Magistrate)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“But I did not expect you to come with the Royal Guards like this. What is going on?” (Magistrate)
At his question, I gave the superficial reason.
“Though I am lacking, I am the Young Master of the Trading Company, so I have taken charge of procuring supplies for this exploration party.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. But a Sword Tomb! I have no idea what on earth is going on.” (Magistrate)
“Hahaha. I know.” (Eun Seoho)
Saying that, I glanced briefly at the onlookers watching us.
In truth, although this matter was said to be moving in secret, we were not moving that secretly.
That was in order to find the original owner of the scroll I had found in the haunted manor in Luoyang.
A kind of fishing, you could say.
And looking at those onlookers, it seemed to be going as intended.
.
.
.
I washed in the lodgings I had been shown to and changed clothes.
Then I walked around the area, enjoying the scenery, when I saw Captain Kwon and Master Seo Im heading to the Magistrate’s office.
“So here you are.” (Yeon Yoomun)
At that moment, Young Master Yeon Yoomun’s voice came from behind me.
I turned and greeted him.
“You look healthy.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. It has been almost a year since I last saw you. By the way, is it true that there is a Sword Tomb in our Chungyeong Fortress?” (Yeon Yoomun)
“That is what they say.” (Eun Seoho)
“Could it be…… the events from before were preliminary work aimed at this fortress’s Sword Tomb?” (Yeon Yoomun)
To infer that much, he certainly was not the thoughtless type.
“I cannot be certain, but I suspect the same.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoo…….” (Yeon Yoomun)
He let out a sigh.
“Even now, when I think back to that time, it makes me dizzy. Still, thanks to you, this fortress was able to remain safe, so I can only be grateful.” (Yeon Yoomun)
I smiled wordlessly.
“By the way, are Chungyeong Fortress and this Yunnan peaceful these days?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he nodded.
“Yes. Nothing has happened yet. But there is no guarantee that such a thing will not happen again…….” (Yeon Yoomun)
Well, it had only been a year.
From Young Master Yeon Yoomun’s words, I could feel his frustration and his worry for Chungyeong Fortress’s future.
It was then.
“Young Master! Young Master!” (Servant)
Someone who looked like the Magistrate’s servant came looking for Young Master Yeon Yoomun.
“What is it?” (Yeon Yoomun)
“The Magistrate is calling for you.” (Servant)
At that, he followed the servant toward the Magistrate’s office, and I returned to my quarters.
The next day.
We woke up early in the morning.
Because today, we had to begin the full-fledged search.
After finishing my breathing and qi circulation, I immediately opened the door and went out.
Because I could sense the presence of someone waiting for me outside.
“Liege.” (Myeongjong Warrior)
The Myeongjong warrior guarding in front of the door gave me a clasped hands greeting.
“Young Master Yeon is waiting for you now.” (Myeongjong Warrior)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I turned my head and approached Young Master Yeon Yoomun.
He looked quite troubled.
“You were waiting for me, you said.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. There is something I want to discuss with you, so I came early in the morning.” (Yeon Yoomun)
The faint darkness under his eyes was a trace of having agonized all night without sleeping.
“Please speak freely.” (Eun Seoho)
“Not here. I would like to move somewhere else.” (Yeon Yoomun)
Seeing that he had come personally to get me, I could tell it was because of something quite secretive.
“Let us go.” (Eun Seoho)
I followed him somewhere.
The place he led me to was a clearing in the forest behind the fortress.
“This is where I train my swordsmanship, and it is a place where others cannot come.” (Yeon Yoomun)
“I see. So what matter did you go this far to discuss with me?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is the matter of my marriage.” (Yeon Yoomun)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“His Majesty the Emperor has issued an imperial decree, and he wishes me to marry one of the princesses.” (Yeon Yoomun)
Ah…….
Only then did I think I understood why Master Seo Im had dressed as a man and come all the way here.
A princess’s marriage involved more political interests than expected, so he had secretly sent the princess.
And then all he had to do was notify the ministers that the princess had married.
Still, as expected of the Emperor.
No envoy would come to the place where a princess had married into and commit tyranny while extorting from it.
“Then is that not a good thing? What is the problem?” (Eun Seoho)
“Please tell me the truth. This marriage…… is it a trap?” (Yeon Yoomun)
“……Yes?” (Eun Seoho)