The next day, before the lord of Seorahng could depart, Sobi returned to Nahmgyo alone. The detention of Norahn and the other lords' families had fueled unrest in the city. Jin unfurled the letter from Seong on her desk.
'A new world is not ushered in with death. It is built upon it. Stand firm, cities of Birahng, and defend the light of virtue. Sahngjon's blessings be upon the walls where the Guardian's flag flies.'
The order to defend the city was a death sentence. Jin remained silent, recognizing Ryang's handwriting. The mention of detaining their families, the unusual invocation of Sahngjon's protection—it all spoke of Ryang's desperation. The same letter would have been sent to Lahn, the lady of Dongrahng, who had already departed. Even if she supported their resistance, she wouldn't take kindly to his brother's detainment. Jin let out a long sigh.
"So he's essentially ordering us to die?" Wahn exclaimed. "Holding our family hostage? I never thought the Guardian would stoop so low."
"It must be the High Councilor acting on his own," Cheongro interjected. "The Guardian wouldn't be so ruthless."
"What difference does it make if he's being manipulated by Myeonghyeon Ryang?" Wahn retorted, then turned to Jin, pleading with her.
"Look at what those Scions are doing," he said. "Has anything changed? Hyangdo already treats us as enemies. Are you truly going to defy Cheon Hwan under such circumstances?"
Jin glared at him. "What makes you think we'll be safe under Cheon Hwan?" she demanded. "Have you forgotten why we owe a debt to Sunyahng?"
"But Soyeol intended to bring us into the fold," Seolyo Yeong argued.
"The Guardian never claimed to be the King of Soyeol," Jin countered. "But Cheon Hwan is coming here as the ruler of Soyeol. Do you not see the difference?"
"I don't," Seolyo Yeong admitted.
"The Guardian has made his decision," Jin declared. "Prepare for the city's defense. Start by executing those Soyeol bastards who arrived by ship and display their heads at the harbor."
"Mother!" Seolyo Yeong cried out, but Jin remained unmoved.
Wahn cursed under his breath and stormed out.
"Lord Seolyo," Cheongro said, his voice smooth and persuasive, "even with the Guardian holding his child hostage and your strict orders, do you think the lord of Seorahng will truly defend the city? He has several children."
"And the High Emissary is alone," Jin retorted. "So I suppose the Ministry's loyalty is unwavering, is it not?"
Cheongro, momentarily speechless, bowed his head. "We'll take our leave and return to the Ministry," he said. "Please excuse us."
Cheongro emerged from the meeting room and approached Sobi, who stood alone. "The High Emissary shouldn't have gone with you," he chided. "You could have handled it yourself."
"The situation is urgent," Sobi replied. "We need to expedite the High Emissary's marriage so he can return quickly."
"What if those Emissaries in Hyangdo are captured as well?" Cheongro argued. "The High Councilor is not in his right mind."
"If you're worried, then stay in Nahmgyo," Sobi suggested. "Once the marriage is concluded, I'll enlist the Guardian Crimson's help to bring the High Emissary back to Nahmgyo."
"Why didn't you seek her help earlier?"
"She was... preoccupied. I couldn't approach her. But this time will be different. If I fail to return with the High Emissary, I'll lead the Emissaries out to face Cheon Hwan myself."
Cheongro narrowed his eyes. "If Nahmgyo opens its gates to Cheon Hwan, can you guarantee the High Emissary's safety in Hyangdo?"
"The High Emissary is of no value to the High Councilor if he's dead," Sobi countered. "As long as Hyangdo stands, the High Emissary will be safe."
Cheongro chuckled, unable to argue.
"How are the preparations coming along?" Sobi asked.
"I told you I would have everything ready for the High Emissary's return," Cheongro said. "I've identified the Novice Emissaries who have undergone their first bleeding. All that remains is to draw lots. There's nothing left for you to do."
"Then let's hold drawing lots tonight," Sobi insisted. "I'll depart for Hyangdo tomorrow with the necessary personnel."
The soldiers of Ju who had arrived on the ship with human skin sails were executed immediately, as per Jin's orders. They faced their deaths with their hands clasped together, murmuring silent prayers that were lost in the crashing waves. Their severed heads were displayed on spikes along the beach. The elders of the Ministry grumbled about the ill omen of executing people on the day of the bride selection, but Sobi, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, pushed forward.
As the sun set, the Emissaries gathered in the courtyard of the rear garden of Yeonyahng. The guesthouse, usually bustling with activity even after the Ministry's arrival, was closed and silent tonight. Sobi looked at the young faces before her, all dressed in clean robes.
"Are all the Emissaries who have undergone their first bleeding participating?" she asked Cheongro.
"Not all of them," he replied. "Only the Novice Emissaries. You may have undergone your first bleeding, but you're not one of them, are you?"
Sobi ignored the mocking glint in his eyes and pressed further, "I was told that the blood of the Celestial Scions must be passed on through Celestial Scions. Why are we choosing a Novice Emissary to bear the heir? Why is the High Emissary exempt from this rule?"
An elder standing behind Cheongro answered, "The heir must be born from a pure body. A son of a Celestial Scion inherits his father's abilities, but a daughter could inherit either her father's or her mother's. The ability to perceive Sahngjon's will must not be lost, so the heir must be a son. Therefore, it is acceptable for the High Emissary's heir to be born from a Latecomer."
Sobi ignored the grumbling from the elders who criticized her for asking such questions, her appointment as Third Emissary still fresh. But her mind raced with unanswered questions. Why does it matter whether the child inherited their father's or mother's abilities when those abilities haven't manifested for a thousand years before the star fell? And why cling to such a rule? If paternal lineage is so crucial, there is no reason to insist on marrying within the Celestial Scion bloodline for the rest of Scion Houses.
Though new to the Ministry, Sobi had read the Azure Scripture countless times, practically memorizing it. She knew for certain that the elders' claims about the marriage ritual were not mentioned in the scriptures. The rules were man-made, driven by worldly desires. The truth was that they simply needed a woman to bear a son and then be discarded. They wouldn't dare choose a woman from the precious Celestial Scion lineage for such a purpose.
When the appointed time arrived, the Emissaries lit the incense burners, filling the air with the thick smoke of Crystal Haze.
"Let the ritual commence," Sobi announced.
Three chimes of a bell resonated through the hazy air. An Emissary carrying a white porcelain jar circulated among the Novice Emissaries, each drawing a lot. Sobi's gaze swept over them. These weren't women about to bear a child; they were children themselves. Sobi couldn't comprehend this exception to the Emissaries' vows of chastity, this ritualized coupling to continue the High Emissary's lineage. Or perhaps it wasn't an exception but a punishment, a sentence of death for the chosen one.
As she watched their small hands reach into the jar, Hwan's words echoed in her mind. The image of Norahn, emotionless, engaging in this act with one of these children made her stomach churn. Despite her resolve, Sobi couldn't reconcile herself to the reality of this ritual, this grotesque tradition. Only her faith in Norahn, her belief that he would break this inhumane custom, kept her from succumbing to despair.
A ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd, and a small wooden tablet, marked with the character for "offering(獻)," was raised above the heads.
"The chosen Emissary, step forward," Sobi called out.
A path cleared between Sobi and the young Emissary who held the tablet. The child approached, her body trembling.
"State your name," Sobi commanded. "Remove your veil and show your face."
Trembling fingers pulled back the white cloth that covered her head. Her face was pale with fear as she spoke.
"I am Siu."
Siu wasn't the only one who paled. Cheongro, who had been distracted throughout the tedious ceremony, felt a wave of dizziness wash over him at the sound of the name. Siu glanced at him in despair. Cheongro avoided her gaze, his breath quickening.
Seducing and exploiting the Novice Emissaries was a dark secret shared among those who had crossed the line within the Ministry. But it was an unforgivable transgression. Discovery meant certain death, usually for both parties involved. This ensured their silence. The more who joined their ranks, the stronger the pact became. Those outside the circle remained oblivious to the depravity within. Cheongro couldn't expect Siu, her innocence lost, to keep their secret. He should have found a way to remove Siu from the selection, but it was too late now.
Sobi confirmed Siu's lot, and the surrounding Emissaries stepped forward, anointing her body with holy water and chanting prayers as they circled her with incense burners. When the prayers ended, Sobi addressed Siu.
"Tomorrow, we'll conclude the remaining rites and depart for Hyangdo," she said. "Rest well tonight."
Siu has to die before daybreak. There was no other choice. The moment Siu was chosen, Cheongro's path was set. Before the gathering dispersed, he approached the Emissaries assigned to care for Siu.
"She's to bear the next High Emissary," Cheongro said. "She cannot be lodged with the others."
"We understand, but there are no other chambers available..."
"He can stay in the High Emissary's chamber. He's not here."
"Is that appropriate?" one of the Emissaries asked hesitantly.
"What does it matter?" Cheongro retorted. "She'll be sharing his bed soon enough."
The Emissary, though uneasy, bowed and accepted the order.
Late that night, long after midnight, Cheongro crept towards Norahn's chamber, his footsteps silent. He wasn't confident in his ability to wield a blade, so he had repeatedly practiced the act in his mind: smothering Siu's cries, tightening his grip around her neck until her struggles ceased. Then, he would hang the body from the rafters. Suicide among the chosen Emissaries wasn't uncommon, so there was little risk of discovery. It was a simple plan, yet his hands were clammy, his forehead and back slick with sweat.
Even if I fail, even if Siu reveals my name, I won't be alone. He thought of the Emissaries he had seduced, those who eagerly awaited his advances, those he had encountered on his clandestine visits to the prayer caves. They will protect me, won't they? They have no choice.
The door to Norahn's chamber was unlocked. Cheongro, relieved, slid it open, his movements slow and deliberate. He spotted the bed in the dimly lit room and approached soundlessly. The bed was empty.
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"Third Emissary."
Sobi opened her eyes at the sound of the faint voice. It called again, more urgently this time.
"Ma'am!"
Sobi sat up, her gaze falling upon Siu, who knelt by her bedside. She frowned, reaching for the flint to light the candle, but Siu quickly stopped her.
"Please," she pleaded, her voice trembling, "don't light the candle."
Sobi, sensing the reason for her late-night visit, looked at her with pity. "You should be resting," she said gently. "We have an early departure tomorrow. Why are you here? Are you afraid?"
Siu bowed her head, her forehead touching the floor. "Third Emissary," she begged, "please save me."