'Insolent brat.'
So Woon, Young Lord of Jonguimun, flashed a sharp glare toward Cheon Woo-ha.
Gifted from childhood, he had been admitted as a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, and in Chang'an he was often called the "genius child of Jonguimun."
Since descending the mountain in his early twenties, there had been no one in the city who dared treat him lightly.
'Now you see reality, don't you?'
Though this event was hosted by Yongmyeong Trading House, the ones truly playing the role of host were Jonguimun.
It was proof that everyone here acknowledged Jonguimun's superiority over Yongmyeong.
Even with both eyes wide open, Yongmyeong could neither stop nor change this fact.
'Watch closely. Your humiliation is only just beginning.'
As So Woon and Cheon Woo-ha locked eyes across the banquet hall—
Tatadadat!
"Merchant Lord! Merchant Lord!"
"Hm? Yeong-seon, what is it?"
"Yes, sir, Teacher Go Seok-jeong has arrived."
"What? Master Go, you say?"
At the unexpected report, Cheon Myeong-hak's brows shot upward.
"I was told he would not be able to attend today. How is it he has come?"
"I do not know the details, sir. He said he was passing by and wished to at least offer his greetings."
"…I see. Then bring him inside at once."
"Yes, sir."
As Yeong-seon ran back outside, one of the gathered merchant lords tilted his head in surprise.
"Go Seok-jeong…? Merchant Lord, is this perhaps the same Master Go Seok-jeong I know of?"
"Oh? You know him, Lord of Danhyeong Trading House?"
"You don't, Escort Chief? About ten years ago, he served in the Imperial Court, and then retired to his hometown to teach the younger generation…"
"Ah…! I have heard of him. Was he not a high-ranking official of the Imperial Court?"
"Yes. That man's name was Go Seok-jeong. Merchant Lord, is it truly that Go Seok-jeong who has come?"
The Danhyeong Lord stared at Cheon Myeong-hak, doubtful, while murmurs spread through the banquet hall and every gaze turned toward him.
A bit flustered, Cheon Myeong-hak forced a smile and nodded.
"Yes, it is the very man you speak of."
"Good heavens… and what brings Master Go Seok-jeong to Yongmyeong Trading House?"
"I had heard he avoids all private gatherings save for teaching his pupils…"
Even after Cheon Myeong-hak's confirmation, suspicious murmurs continued.
After all, no matter how long retired, a man who had once stood among the emperor's closest aides would naturally be pursued by countless people with ulterior motives.
The ones now in power within the court were likely his own successors.
And yet no one had ever been able to attach themselves to Go Seok-jeong, for he was famed for being incorruptibly strict and unyielding.
No matter how many gifts were sent, invitations delivered, or personal visits made, he had never once deigned to respond.
Soon enough, the merchants had given up.
'And that Go Seok-jeong comes to Yongmyeong's investiture ceremony?'
'Absurd. Utter nonsense.'
Faces that had first shown surprise now clouded with disbelief.
The hall fell into an awkward hush, until—
Step, step.
"Ah, you have come, Master!"
At the sight of Go Seok-jeong entering through the banquet doors, Cheon Myeong-hak leapt to his feet and hurried forward.
"I was told you would not be coming. What brings you here?"
"I happened to be passing by. Since this is Woo-ha's investiture, I thought it improper not to at least show my face."
"You honor us. Please, sit by my side. I will personally attend to you."
"Thank you for your kindness. But I will not be able to stay long. And as a mere guest come to offer congratulations, it is not proper for me to take the seat of honor. Please, do not trouble yourself."
With courteous formality, Go Seok-jeong made his way to a seat somewhat removed from the head table—closer to Woo-ha than to Myeong-hak.
The instant he sat, Woo-ha reflexively rose and reached for the wine flask.
"Master, allow me to pour you a drink—"
"Tsk. Enough of that. You are not yet even twenty. How could you pour me wine?"
"I wasn't going to drink it myself. Just pour—"
"To ask one who cannot drink to pour wine is but a form of service. I pour my own cup. Set it down."
"…Yes, Master."
At least, he did not forbid Woo-ha from joining him. Woo-ha sat across from him as Myeong-hak cleared his throat and approached as well.
"Then may I pour you a drink? With me, at least, you can share a cup."
"…Very well. If it is a cup from the Merchant Lord, I shall accept it."
"Then allow me…"
Seated properly at the modest table, Go Seok-jeong received the wine with flawless etiquette, drained the cup, and then, taking the flask himself, poured into Myeong-hak's cup.
"Then, you must take mine in return. I am not skilled at the drinking arts, so forgive any clumsiness."
"Of course. To drink from the cup of Master Go is itself an honor."
As the two began to exchange cups, the merchant lords who had gathered around the Jonguimun Lord craned their necks like turtles, straining to glimpse.
'Could it truly be the real Go Seok-jeong?'
'That stiff, uncompromising manner… it does look like him…'
Nearly every man in the hall was racking his brains to judge if this was indeed the same Go Seok-jeong who had once served the court.
For merchants, martial ties were useful, but the most precious connection of all was with the Imperial Court.
At last—
"Ahem… Come to think of it, I have not yet offered my greetings to the Merchant Lord. Excuse me a moment."
"What? Lord of Hwapyeong Trading House?"
"Wait, take me with you—!"
Several others reached out to join him, but the Hwapyeong Lord brushed them off and strode quickly toward Cheon Myeong-hak.
"Haha, greetings, Merchant Lord."
"Ah… Lord of Hwapyeong."
"Forgive me, I see you are already in conversation. Might I join you at your table?"
"Eh? Ah… well…"
Caught off guard, Cheon Myeong-hak instinctively glanced toward Go Seok-jeong.
Ordinarily, he could have made an excuse to speak with the Hwapyeong Lord separately.
But it was obvious the man had come not for him, but to be introduced to Go Seok-jeong.
'No… that cannot be.'
From the very start, Go Seok-jeong had made clear that aside from teaching Woo-ha, he would play no other role.
If Myeong-hak allowed this to go further, their bond with him might well end.
Steeling himself, Myeong-hak forced a smile and answered:
"Perhaps we could move to another place to—"
"It is quite all right."
Startled, Myeong-hak swung his head back toward Go Seok-jeong.
"Eh? What did you say?"
"Unless I am somehow unwelcome, there is no need to move on my account."
"You… you truly don't mind?"
"Of course not."
Smiling gently, Go Seok-jeong continued:
"As I said, I am here only to congratulate the Young Lord. All these others came for the same reason. Why divide seats among us?"
"Ah…!"
Myeong-hak could not hide his touched expression. Go Seok-jeong then turned slightly, meeting Woo-ha's eyes, which were fixed upon him.
"What are you staring at?"
"…Nothing at all."
At his teacher's playful smile, Woo-ha's chest stirred with emotion, and he looked away.
Seeing this, Go Seok-jeong gave a kindly nod, while the Hwapyeong Lord leaned forward, eyes shining.
"An honor, sir. I am Song Woo-pyeong, Lord of Hwapyeong Trading House."
"Well met. I am Go Seok-jeong."
"Your name sounded familiar. If it is not impertinent to ask, are you the same Master Go who, twenty years ago, served as Canyi Daebu?"
(Canyi Daebu: one who remonstrates with the Emperor, advising on state affairs.)
The words made several merchant lords lean in unconsciously, eager for confirmation.
Go Seok-jeong seemed to ponder, then shook his head slowly.
"Twenty years ago… no, you are mistaken. I was not Canyi Daebu then."
"Ah? Then…"
"Twenty years ago, I was serving as Taebu. It has been thirty years since I was Canyi Daebu."
"What…!"
Mouths dropped.
Taebu—Grand Tutor. A position reserved for those entrusted to instruct the Emperor himself. A post few scholars attained even at the height of their careers.
And yet this elderly man before them had held it decades ago.
"Incredible. I had thought you merely a court official before retiring…"
"Taebu is still an official post. From the lowest clerk to the Grand Chancellor, the only difference is in how one applies his learning. It is nothing extraordinary."
"Even so, it is not a post granted to just anyone. This is a great honor. Might I offer you a drink?"
"Forgive me, but I cannot. I must leave soon, and I cannot drink much. I came only to extend my congratulations."
"Ah… is that so. Then I must be content to have seen you here today. I hope for another chance in future."
Song Woo-pyeong showered him with praise, desperate to form any bond.
But when word spread that Go Seok-jeong would soon be leaving, the merchant lords clustered around the Jonguimun Lord could no longer hold themselves back.
"Ahem… come to think of it, I have yet to pay respects to the Merchant Lord."
"I'll go too. I haven't offered greetings yet."
"…Then I as well…"
One by one, they rose, abandoning the Jonguimun Lord and gathering instead around Go Seok-jeong and Cheon Myeong-hak.
The Jonguimun Lord's face hardened like stone.
At his side, So Woon bit his lip and glared at the shifting crowd—only to meet Woo-ha's eyes once more.
"Hmm…"
With a faint smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth, Woo-ha watched them with amusement.
When at last he gave a quiet chuckle and looked away, So Woon's face flushed red like a volcano about to erupt.
'That wretch, I'll—!'
Rustle.
Just as his anger threatened to burst, a firm hand came down on his shoulder.
"…Be calm."
"…!"
"There are many eyes upon us."
At the Jonguimun Lord's low whisper, So Woon slowly reined in his emotions.
Meanwhile, the merchant lords crowding near Go Seok-jeong strove with every word and gesture to win even a trace of his favor.
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