I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 134

< Gleaming Eyes 4 >

“Most of the court officials are already guessing that you will soon be related to the Imperial family through marriage. Some eager ministers might approach you. If you associate with them, you’ll be the subject of all sorts of gossip.”

“I will take your advice to heart, sir.”

His words carried a double meaning. Seo Ik was watching him to identify any eager court officials, and associating with them would brand him as an in-law interfering in politics, so he should be careful.

“Also, continue to monitor my every move in the future. I will pretend not to notice. That way, today’s events will be as if they never happened.”

The man chuckled and said,

“It’s like a cat worrying about a mouse… There’s no need for that. Today’s events will be discussed within our Seo Ik [a secret intelligence agency], and we won’t be pursuing Head Merchant Jo anymore. Instead…”

The man looked straight into Jo Gwangyun’s eyes and said,

“If anyone approaches you, let me know. Wouldn’t that be more convenient for both of us?”

“I will. How can I contact you?”

“Don’t try to find me. I will come to you.”

“Understood. Then.”

As Jo Gwangyun disappeared, the man from Seo Ik let out a long sigh.

The mission to secretly monitor Jo Gwangyun had failed. He could hide it since he was the only one who knew, but he didn’t have the integrity to resort to such tricks.

Reporting the truth and devising countermeasures was his way.

“I can almost hear Chief’s scolding.”

The man grumbled and returned to the Imperial Palace. Seo Ik and Dongrim [another intelligence agency, possibly a branch of Seo Ik] were the only ones who could enter without any issues, even when the palace gates were completely closed.

The palace gate guards confirmed his command medallion and opened the gate, and he disappeared into the Imperial Palace.

“It wasn’t a fake.”

Jo Gwangyun, who had tracked him to the gate, turned back after he disappeared into the Imperial Palace.

* * *

“What? You were caught?”

“I am sorry, Chief.”

“This… You incompetent fool! How hard is it to tail a mere merchant and get caught?”

“He’s not just a merchant, he’s a martial artist. Even if I estimate his martial arts level low, he’s still above me.”

“What? More skilled than you?”

Do Youngjeon quickly recalled his records. Changryong Gate, Hwasan Sect…

“And, though it may sound like an excuse, the men claiming to be his subordinates attacked all at once. There was no way to escape.”

“Subordinates, you say? From Changryong Gate?”

“Probably.”

That meant they had already noticed and were waiting.

Do Youngjeon thought of Wi Chung-hyeon. Jo Gwangyun must have realized that he had people on him and mobilized his subordinates because of it.

“So? How did you end it?”

“I revealed my identity and left a few warnings.”

“Your identity? This is a real disgrace…”

“I apologize. He was going to use pressure points and search my body… I couldn’t possibly let those guys touch our Seo Ik’s command medallion.”

Do Youngjeon patted the back of his subordinate, who had his head bowed.

“It’s okay. It’s also my fault for underestimating his martial arts. You made sure to keep it quiet, right?”

“He didn’t seem like the type to blabber.”

“Then that’s good. Keep monitoring him.”

The flustered man said,

“Chief, he already knows. Is it really necessary to continue…”

“That’s why we need to do it even more. If he thinks the Imperial family is watching him, he’ll be more careful with his actions, right? He won’t recklessly meet with anyone. Get out.”

“Understood.”

As the man left, Do Youngjeon took off his casual clothes and changed into his official robes. He had to report this to the Emperor.

Do Youngjeon headed to Euiripjeon [Emperor’s private office], the Emperor’s private office.

The outer palace of the Imperial Palace is divided into two areas. Entering through Euihwamun (意和門) [Gate of Harmonious Intent], the entrance to the outer palace, leads to a vast plaza, behind which stands the magnificent Euihwajeon (意和殿) [Hall of Harmonious Intent]. It is where the court officials gather to hold meetings and decide on all major and minor affairs of the state.

Behind it, though smaller in scale, is Euiripjeon (意立殿) [Hall of Established Intent], no less splendid than Euihwajeon.

It is the Emperor’s private office.

It is where the Emperor always stays when he is not sleeping in his inner palace chambers.

The bright lights indicate that the Emperor is still attending to state affairs.

Do Youngjeon straightened his attire once more at the entrance of Euiripjeon.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

The chief eunuch guarding Euiripjeon said with a smile.

“I have something urgent to report, please inform His Majesty.”

The chief eunuch called out inside,

“Your Majesty, Do Youngjeon, the chief of Seo Ik, is here to see you.”

“Let him in.”

Do Youngjeon prostrated himself before the Emperor, who was examining a pile of memorials.

“Your Majesty, long live, long live, long long live.”

“Enough. Get up. What is it in the middle of the night…”

The Emperor folded the memorial he was reading and tossed it aside, then looked at Do Youngjeon and said,

“Coming in at this hour means you’ve messed something up.”

“I am sorry.”

“Whether it ends with an apology or a beating will depend on what I hear. Report.”

“While tailing Jo Gwangyun, I was put in a difficult situation.”

“You mean you were caught?”

“I… Yes, Your Majesty.”

“The men of Seo Ik couldn’t evade the eyes of a mere merchant?”

“He is a merchant, but also a martial artist… His perception is extraordinary.”

The Emperor’s brow furrowed.

“You mean he has even learned martial arts?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Judging by the fact that your subordinate was discovered, he must be quite skilled?”

“It seems to be true that he is a disciple of the Hwasan Sect [a famous martial arts sect].”

“A rich man who is a martial arts expert? This is quite… He’s a man who wouldn’t envy even the Emperor.”

The Emperor chuckled and relaxed his stiff face.

“So, he knows that there are eyes watching him?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“As a merchant, he will be careful, very careful. It has become impossible to find out which officials are approaching him. He will block it completely.”

“That is what I believe.”

“It’s become less interesting. I was going to make an example of one or two of those approaching him.”

“I am incompetent and have ruined the mission.”

“It’s because he is more skilled than you, so it’s fine. There’s no way to beat someone who is better than you.”

“I am deeply grateful.”

The Emperor waved his hand at Do Youngjeon, who was bowing.

As Do Youngjeon retreated with hurried steps, the Emperor’s expression changed to one of joy.

“Now there’s no need to delay any longer.”

The smile of a groom marrying a beautiful woman spread across the Emperor’s face.

* * *

“I will choose an auspicious day to send the palanquin. Be prepared.”

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy [official in charge of royal family matters] showed a generous smile, like someone bringing good news.

“…Yes.”

Jo Gwangyun hesitated, trying to conceal his dismay as he answered.

“I understand wanting to marry your sister off to a good man as his wife, but a position as the Emperor’s concubine is better than that.”

“Since she is a concubine, she won’t even have a wedding ceremony, which is even more heartbreaking.”

A concubine does not have a marriage agreement. It is merely bringing a woman into the household; there is no wedding or celebration. All she does is ride in a palanquin to the man’s house.

“Don’t think of it that way. Who knows? If she gains the Emperor’s favor and is promoted to Bin (嬪) [Royal Noble Consort, 2nd rank] or Bi (妃) [Consort, 1st rank], it will bring glory to the family, won’t it?”

Jo Gwangyun carefully opened his mouth, subtly watching the Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy.

“Sir, is it possible for me to enter the Imperial Palace to see my sister?”

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy’s expression turned troubled.

“There are only two types of men who can enter the Imperial Palace: officials with positions or eunuchs who are servants. You are neither, are you? Unless the Emperor bestows a position upon you, entering the Imperial Palace is impossible.”

Would the Emperor really bestow a position? There is only one way. If the Emperor favors Yang Ryeocheong, she can cry and beg to see her brother.

Even if it’s just a nominal low-ranking position, there will be no problem after that. If you bribe the people working in the Imperial Palace, going in and out will be a piece of cake.

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy looked at the disappointed Jo Gwangyun and said soothingly,

“Wait and see. The Emperor might take care of at least one person from the concubine’s family. He wouldn’t just leave a concubine with no one to rely on in the vast palace.”

Jo Gwangyun jumped up and bowed.

“If that happens, I will be especially mindful not to cause any trouble to the Imperial family.”

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy looked at the prostrate Jo Gwangyun and couldn’t help but smile, thinking he was truly humble for a rich man.

As the Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy left, Jo Gwangyun called the three women who would enter the palace with Yang Ryeocheong.

“You will soon be entering the Imperial Palace.”

The three women maintained calm expressions, but their eyebrows trembled slightly, as if they were nervous inside.

“The eunuchs and palace maids who move the foundation of the Imperial Palace already know that I, Yang Ryeocheong’s brother, am a wealthy man from the Central Plains. So their expectations will be high.”

“Are you talking about money?”

“Yes. Even those who run small errands will expect something in return. If that reward is no different from others, it’s as good as not giving it at all. So you must be generous. I have prepared enough silver.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

“When dealing with the people of the Imperial Palace, remember one thing: you must instill in them that they won’t get a single penny if they displease you. And you must show them that you are as ruthless as the money you give. I will prepare enough silver.”

“Yes, Head Merchant.”

“Think of it as being endlessly polite to those above you, but ruling over those beside and below you with the carrot of money and the whip of ruthlessness. They are jackals who mercilessly bite the weak. You must become tigers.”

He didn’t say much to Yang Ryeocheong.

“You only need to think about the Emperor. There will be many women who envy and are jealous of you. Don’t try to confront them, always keep your head down. It takes two to clap; if you don’t react, they will all give up on their own.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“And under no circumstances should you speak to any man other than the eunuchs. Jealousy is not exclusive to women. If anything happens that the Emperor might misunderstand, you will be dead that day. The deeper the affection, the greater the sense of betrayal.”

“I will keep that in mind, again and again.”

Any more would be nagging.

Now, all that’s left is to load them onto the palanquin sent by the Imperial Palace, like sending a package.

He had said, ‘Do your best and wait for heaven’s command,’ but he wouldn’t just wait for heaven’s command. People are the ones who make things happen.

* * *

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy led the way, followed by one hundred Imperial Guards. Since it was an auspicious event for the Imperial family, they cleared the road to prevent anyone from passing between the Imperial Palace and Jo Gwangyun’s house.

As the massive palanquin carried by twelve yeonbaegun (輦陪軍) [palanquin bearers] stopped in front of Jo Gwangyun’s house, Jo Gwangyun and Yang Ryeocheong laid silk in the yard and welcomed the Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy.

A yoseok (褥席) [thick mat] was laid on top of the silk, and a dokchaeksang (讀冊床) [reading table] was placed on top of it.

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy unfolded the Emperor’s edict and read out the long text, while Yang Ryeocheong knelt demurely in front of the dokchaeksang and waited.

“…Therefore, Yang Ryeocheong is appointed as Gwiin [Noble Lady, 4th rank], so receive the Emperor’s command.”

Yang Ryeocheong rose from her seat and performed three bows.

“Long live the Emperor, long live, long long live.”

The Imperial etiquette was not that difficult.

Now it was time for the brother and sister to face a painful separation.

Yang Ryeocheong, who had covered her face with a veil, stood before Jo Gwangyun.

“Brother, please stay healthy.”

She seemed about to burst into tears as she carefully gave a deep bow to her brother.

Jo Gwangyun covered his mouth with his hand, as if to stop the tears from bursting out.

The saddest farewell is a single tear shed without a word.

Yang Ryeocheong was already sobbing as if her tear ducts had burst, and Jo Gwangyun also squeezed out tears with all his might.

The Director of the Court of Royal Genealogy couldn’t bear to watch the siblings’ farewell and turned away.