Chapter 699
Chapter 699
Chapter 699. The Ice Palace Marriage (4)
A bear came running toward me.
“Young Master!” (Palgap)
Behind him, my escort warriors followed in.
“How did all of you get here?” (Eun Seo-ho)
The one who answered that question was Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin, who was at the very back.
“If the people who are always with you could not attend such an auspicious occasion, that would be very disappointing.” (Bing Hae-rin)
She smiled.
“So the Palace Head temporarily allowed them entry.” (Bing Hae-rin)
“In truth, it had been weighing on my mind, so please tell her I am grateful for her consideration.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes. I will. Then I will come to escort you when it is time.” (Bing Hae-rin)
Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin left my quarters.
“Our Young Master is already handsome, and wearing clothes like these, there is no celestial gentleman like you.” (Palgap)
“Really?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Really. When have you ever seen me say empty flattery about you, Young Master?” (Palgap)
Well…….
Palgap does not pointlessly gild my face.
“But the silk used to make those clothes is quite beautiful.” (Yipil)
At Warrior Yipil’s words, I nodded.
“Yes. This is my first time seeing silk like this as well.” (Eun Seo-ho)
If I could sell this, I would be able to make quite a profit.
“They told me to guess what kind of silk it is, but honestly, I have no idea. Does anyone know?” (Eun Seo-ho)
Everyone examined my clothes, then soon shook their heads.
“I do not know.” (Escort Warrior)
“I cannot even guess.” (Escort Warrior)
Warrior Seo Woo changed the subject.
“But where is Officer Gwak?” (Seo Woo)
“She is getting dressed elsewhere.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“It seems you are looking forward to seeing how beautiful she will be.” (Seo Woo)
At Warrior Seo Woo’s words, I flinched and smiled awkwardly.
“As expected, since you are a married man, you know well.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“I know that feeling well.” (Seo Woo)
At those words, Warrior Yeo Eung-am, who was also married, nodded as well.
At that, Warrior Yipil said.
“For some reason, I feel envious.” (Yipil)
“If you are that envious, I could introduce you to a young lady.” (Yeo Eung-am)
At Warrior Yeo Eung-am’s words, Warrior Yipil smiled and said.
“It is all right. The truth is, I tend to pursue natural meetings.” (Yipil)
“If you say that…… do you perhaps have a young lady in mind?” (Myeongjong)
At Warrior Myeongjong’s question, he waved his hand.
“It is nothing like that.” (Yipil)
“Somehow suspicious…….” (Myeongjong)
Warrior Yipil quickly changed the subject.
“Ahem, more importantly, when I came here, it seemed they had prepared an enormous amount of alcohol.” (Yipil)
On the way to the North Sea, I had heard news from Gwangjun Trading Company.
That the prohibition order had been lifted.
This year’s barley crop had looked quite good, and it seems the imperial palace judged it that way as well.
Well, last year too, there had been signs that the famine was ending.
So grain prices had now almost recovered to normal-year levels.
In the memories of my previous life as well, this autumn had been a great harvest.
Because of that, among the trading companies that had bought up grain in advance to resell it, those that failed to move nimbly suffered considerable losses.
Father and Brother Jeong Ho must be moving busily.
Because they must begin distributing the liquor from the liquor house owned by Eunhae Trading Company.
The courtesan houses and taverns in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province that I had bought will now spread the wings they had folded.
I had told them to operate independently once the prohibition order was lifted.
It is not as though I am well versed in running courtesan houses and taverns.
They would each have their own methods of operation, and if I interfered for no reason, the result would likely be worse than not meddling at all.
They will have a hard time moving busily, but there will be smiles on their lips.
Because they have experienced the hardship of business not going well for years.
I can hear the sound of money piling up neatly.
* Kkui!
Seeing Geumryeong excitedly wiggle its rear these days makes it certain.
It will not take that long to recover the funds I spent buying those places.
To begin with, I bought them quite cheaply.
At that moment, both of Palgap’s eyes shook violently as he looked at my bed.
“B, b, but why are there two pillows on the bed?” (Palgap)
“Ah……. The Palace Head gave us only one room. She said, since we are already holding an Ice Palace marriage, are we not husband and wife already?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At those words, Palgap asked with eyes still trembling.
“Seeing as there is only one blanket too, by any chance, have the two of you already, th, that…….” (Palgap)
“No, nothing happened.” (Eun Seo-ho)
Then, feeling puzzled, I tilted my head.
“But Palgap, why are you the one more embarrassed?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Kkui?”
See, even Geumryeong thinks it is strange.
.
.
.
A little later.
Disciples came to my room.
“The marriage preparations are complete. We will escort you.” (Disciple)
“Those who have come as guests, please follow me.” (Disciple)
Like that, I parted from my party and followed behind two disciples somewhere.
Soon, I arrived before a certain room, and I felt Miss Seohyang’s presence inside.
“You need only go inside and bring the bride out.” (Disciple)
“Understood.” (Eun Seo-ho)
The door opened, and I went inside.
Inside, Miss Seohyang was sitting gracefully.
It seemed to be the same silk as the ceremonial robes I wore, but the moment I saw her dressed in splendid wedding clothes with even makeup on, I could only stare at her blankly without realizing it.
The Miss Seohyang I had seen until now had either been sick and frail, or plainly dressed as my officer.
Even that appearance had been beautiful, but now that she had been dressed with such care, she was dazzling.
“Do I…… look very strange?” (Miss Seohyang)
Looking at me, Miss Seohyang asked worriedly.
“No. You are so beautiful that I lost my mind for a moment.” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my words, her face turned red.
Beside her, the disciples who had dressed her smiled with satisfaction.
“It has been a while since we showed our skills, and it seems it was worth it.” (Disciple)
“Do not make even us get goosebumps and hurry up and leave.” (Disciple)
“Now you need to put these red shoes on her, place the red flower crown on her head, and take her out.” (Disciple)
I put the shoes on her, received the red flower crown, and placed it on her head.
“Then will she not wear a veil?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my question, the disciple beside me answered.
“Since everyone here is a woman, is there any need to wear one?” (Disciple)
“I see.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Instead, the red flower crown carries the meaning of blessing.” (Disciple)
I held out my hand to Miss Seohyang, and she took my hand and rose from her seat.
“The door leading to the ceremony hall is this way.” (Disciple)
They guided us to a door different from the one I had entered through, and we stood side by side before it.
Then the door opened.
“……!” (Eun Seo-ho)
And I was startled.
Because the disciples were lined up on both sides, congratulating us.
I had sensed the presence of many people, but I had not thought they would congratulate us with this much sincerity.
A disciple holding an instrument, who had been waiting right in front, played a cheerful tune and led the way.
And the disciples congratulated us while scattering red flowers over us.
“Congratulations!” (Disciple)
“May you enjoy great blessings!” (Disciple)
“May you grow old together!” (Disciple)
What the disciples scattered were petals made from red silk scraps.
In the Empire too, red has an auspicious meaning, but I heard that in this Northern Sea Ice Palace, it has an even greater meaning.
Because the Ice Palace is entirely white in all directions, and for various reasons, using colors is not very free.
Red is a color permitted only on special days.
Every disciple had red ornaments in their hair and wore red sashes.
Those who congratulated us followed behind us.
After passing through the long corridor like that, I smiled when I saw the people at the far end.
The Palace Head and Young Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
“Congratulations on your marriage.” (Palace Head)
“Congratulations on your marriage.” (Bing Hae-rin)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Then let us now begin the Ice Palace marriage in earnest.” (Palace Head)
The Palace Head and Young Palace Head brought us to the seats prepared at the back and sat us down.
Below that, countless ice steps spread out.
At the bottom of those steps, dozens of tables had been laid out, and those tables were filled with delicious-looking food.
“In truth, this seat belongs to me and the Young Palace Head.” (Palace Head)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At those words, Miss Seohyang and I looked at the Palace Head in surprise.
“But today alone, it shall specially become the seat of the two people holding the Ice Palace marriage.” (Palace Head)
“It is somehow embarrassing. I did not think it would be such an impressive event.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“It is too early to be surprised.” (Palace Head)
Meanwhile, the disciples who had followed behind us split to both sides again, went down the steps, and sat before the tables.
At the front sat Palgap and the escort warriors who had attended as my guests, and behind them, all the disciples of the Ice Palace sat in their seats.
The Palace Head took my hand and Miss Seohyang’s hand, placed them together, then spoke.
“Today, as the master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, I hereby declare the marriage of these two complete. Also, as the witness of this marriage, I promise that I shall not forgive anyone who separates these two.” (Palace Head)
“…….” (Eun Seo-ho)
The Palace Head’s words, in a way, were quite frightening.
In other words, anyone who separated Miss Seohyang and me would be personally punished by the Palace Head.
“Today is also a festival of our palace celebrating the completed marriage of these two, so everyone, raise your cups.” (Palace Head)
At those words, every disciple raised their cup.
“I pray that these two live happily together until their hair turns white.” (Palace Head)
At her words, Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin spoke.
“We pray that these two live happily together until their hair turns white.” (Bing Hae-rin)
At Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin’s lead, everyone shouted after her.
“We pray that these two live happily together until their hair turns white!” (Everyone)
“Then, everyone, eat and drink joyfully.” (Palace Head)
Like that, the banquet began in earnest.
Watching that joyous scene, Master and his wife suddenly came to mind.
It would have been nice if the two of them had attended this place as the hosts of the wedding.
And the two of them, as the Palace Head of the Snowstorm Palace and his wife, naturally have the right to enjoy this Ice Palace marriage.
But because the circumstances did not allow it, Master was skipped after the previous Palace Head, and Miss Seohyang and I came to enjoy this luxury.
Someday, I will definitely rebuild the Snowstorm Palace, and even if it is late, I will let Master and his wife hold this Ice Palace marriage.
Then Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin approached us.
“I prepared a gift.” (Bing Hae-rin)
She held out one pouch made of white silk each to Miss Seohyang and me.
“May we open them?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At my question, she answered.
“You ask something obvious.” (Bing Hae-rin)
At that, I opened the pouch, and inside it were five gold pieces.
“Come to think of it, what the Young Palace Head likes most is money. So I prepared money as a gift.” (Bing Hae-rin)
Somehow, I feel a bit pricked.
“And since it would be best to prepare the same thing, I made the Divine Maiden’s gift the same as well.” (Bing Hae-rin)
I am grateful that she gave us gifts like this, but five taels of gold?
The number five can mean moderation, but on the other hand, it can also mean nothingness, or absence.
And usually, it is customary to give congratulatory money in even numbers.
Is she teasing me?
“I am saying this because you may misunderstand, but if you combine the money in the two pouches, it becomes ten gold pieces. As in the phrase perfect completeness, it means that the two of you together achieve completeness.” (Bing Hae-rin)
“So there was such a meaning.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“So do not misunderstand.” (Bing Hae-rin)
“Misunderstand? I have never done that. Hahaha.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Once again, congratulations on your marriage.” (Bing Hae-rin)
Starting with her, the disciples of the Ice Palace came to us one by one.
And while congratulating us on our marriage, they gave us two taels of money each as gifts.
The elders gave two taels in gold, and those beneath them gave two taels in silver.
The disciples in training gave two taels in copper.
Like that, the congratulatory money chest placed before us began to fill up neatly with money.
“Kkui! Kku!” (Geumryeong)
Watching that, Geumryeong drooled in delight.
I knew this would happen, so I asked them to prepare a bowl quickly. Huhuhu.
Geumryeong’s saliva is very precious, after all.
The time for giving congratulatory money ended, and it became time to eat and drink in earnest.
Looking below, I saw that my party was also eating and drinking and having a good time.
And yet, seeing as they kept glancing in my direction, they were probably continuing to pay attention to my safety.
By the way, how long do we have to sit here?
With that question in mind, I looked to the side.
Beside me sat the Palace Head, and beside Miss Seohyang sat Young Palace Head Bing Hae-rin, both enjoying the banquet.
I asked the Palace Head in a small voice.
“Um, when does this banquet end?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“It continues for almost two days.” (Palace Head)
“Then do I also have to sit here for two days?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“That is not the case.” (Palace Head)
The Palace Head smiled.
“Ah! It is just time.” (Palace Head)
As soon as those words ended, a drum announcing the time sounded.
It was the signal announcing the hour of the rat (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.).
“Now it is time for the bridegroom and bride to have time alone. The two of you, rise.” (Palace Head)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seo-ho)
At that moment, two disciples with their hair decorated with red flowers approached us.
“We will escort you to the bridal chamber.” (Disciple)
The place we headed to after following them like that was…….
“That place?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes. That place.” (Disciple)
There were dozens of steps there, and above them stood a small detached building.
It was a beautiful detached building made of snow, and around that house, there was nowhere for anyone to cling to.
To begin with, even going up looked difficult.
“Once the two of you enter the detached building, these steps are designed to collapse as they are.” (Disciple)
She continued speaking.
“No one must disturb the intimate time of the two of you. Then please go up.” (Disciple)
“Yes. Then shall we go?” (Eun Seo-ho)
I held out my hand to Miss Seohyang, and she took my hand.
Then together, we walked up the snow-made steps and entered the detached building.
At that moment.
Hudududuk.
Just as the disciple had said, the steps we had walked up collapsed in an instant.
Inside, a simple drinking table had been prepared, and a silk blanket was laid on the bed.
And red lanterns were placed here and there, creating a strange atmosphere.
It seems this really is time when no one will come.
I sat facing Miss Seohyang.
“Shall I pour you a drink?” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Yes.” (Miss Seohyang)
Miss Seohyang answered in a shy voice, and we exchanged cups.
Hoo, then now…….
“Geumryeong. Go outside for a little while.” (Eun Seo-ho)
“Kku……?”
There is no use pretending you do not know anything.
Where do you think you are trying to peek?
Not a chance.