Holding his young son So-hyeon, who was crying over the loss of his mother, his father spoke.
“Do you know what your mother wanted to tell you last, by any chance?”
Yeon So-hyeon nodded.
“…Mother seemed to wish that I would not commit murder.”
Surprise flickered across the father’s haggard face.
“How do you know that?”
Yeon So-hyeon continuously wiped his flowing tears with his sleeve.
“I speculated it, as I was born under the Heaven Killing Star.”
“…Who dared to tell you such a thing?”
“The stars whispered to me as I looked into the heavens.”His father was at a loss for words.
Every day he was astonished by his son’s abilities, yet he could never grow accustomed to them.
Reading the heavens was akin to understanding the celestial secrets.
Such a task was permitted to only a very few in this vast world.
He patted his son’s back and finally spoke.
“…I do not necessarily think that this Heaven Killing Star is always a bad thing.”
“…Why would you say that?”
His father, who had initially shunned books and walls, tried his best to persuade his exceptionally clever son.
“Do you know about the Great Ancestor Emperor who founded this Middle Kingdom?”
“Yes. I have read all of the Taizu Real Records and its Historical Drafts, which were passed down by Mr. Zhu, the former Dual Scholar of the Royal Family. And written by…”
“Alright, I understand.”
He hastily patted his son’s back to interrupt the flood of words.
“What I want to say is, do you know how much blood was shed in establishing this nation by Taizu?”
“…Blood, you say?”
“Yes. Not just him. Think about how many virtuous rulers in history who walked the path of supremacy have left their names in history?”
“But among them, weren’t there also the worst tyrants?”
“That’s right. That’s what I’m trying to say. Even on the same path of supremacy, there are differences between a virtuous ruler and a tyrant.”
“But the Heaven Killing Star is not merely…”
“How about we make a bet?”
His father looked down at Yeon So-hyeon.
“…A bet, you say?”
“Yes. You enjoy helping others like your mother, so from now on, help me with the minor matters of our family.”
A smile appeared on his father’s gaunt face.
“Since everyone will make a fuss if you take the lead, let’s secretly do this, just you and me.”
Yeon So-hyeon’s eyes, which were filled with tears, sparkled.
“Just the two of us?”
“Yes. It’ll be our little secret.”
His father roughly ruffled Yeon So-hyeon’s hair.
* * *
It all started with truly trivial tasks, but soon his father realized there was no need for such simplicity.
Yeon So-hyeon’s understanding of the complex family affairs grew much faster than his physical growth.
And So-hyeon’s vision extended beyond just the family matters.
“Father. Based on my analysis and observation of the weather, I believe a severe drought is approaching.”
“…Then, we must instruct our family’s business unit to stockpile as much food as possible.”
“That alone will not suffice. Due to the corruption of officials and merchants’ scheming, the food will not reach those who need it most.”
“Do you have a plan?”
With a clear voice, Yeon So-hyeon replied,
“First, we have a shrine dedicated to mother in Luoyang. We can start relief efforts there. And by pressuring the local administrators…”
Sure enough, as So-hyeon predicted, a severe drought hit the northern part of the continent.
However, the Luoyang Sword House and the government opened their granaries, controlled prices, and cracked down on corruption, reportedly saving millions from starvation in the north, as later scholars claimed.
Within about a year, Yeon So-hyeon had dismantled the outdated customs of the Luoyang Sword House and brought about reforms.
* * *
Then, on a hot summer day.
“Father! Father! According to the report, the ‘Interest Rate Cap Law on Usury’ that you and I initiated in Luoyang is working successfully!”
“Ah, So-hyeon, you’re here?”
“Father…?”
So-hyeon, who had rushed into his father’s quarters joyfully, suddenly grew solemn.
In the middle of the night, his father was donning his armor.
“Has something happened?”
“Nothing much. It seems there’s a minor issue in Jiangnan.”
His father’s greatest achievement was known within and outside the family as the ‘Jiangnan Campaign’, the successful doctrine of stabilizing the Jiangnan region.
However, even after the stabilization, the rapidly growing Jiangnan area, influenced by the Open Port Decree, continued to experience various incidents.
Once fully armored, his father addressed the inner court personnel.
“Take this.”
Yeon So-hyeon, recognizing the bundle, knew what it was.
“Isn’t this the family head’s official seal? Why are you giving this to me…?”
His father placed the head’s seal into Yeon So-hyeon’s hand.
“Wouldn’t this count as a victory for your old man?”
So-hyeon, possessing extraordinary intelligence, quickly understood the implication.
“The bet, you mean?”
His father kneeled to meet So-hyeon’s eye level.
“Indeed, for nearly a year, you have done things befitting a virtuous ruler.”
“But all of this is because of you, Father…”
His father shook his head.
“There’s no rule that only those who wield a sword can lead this family.”
“….”
His father placed his hands on Yeon So-hyeon’s shoulders.
“You have already proven that you can be an excellent head of the family, surpassing your grandfather and me.”
“Father…”
His father gazed deeply into So-hyeon’s eyes with a serious expression.
“My upcoming expedition will be carried out in secret.”
“Why is that, Father?”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve focused on the affairs of the Jiangnan and been away from our family too often. Recently, there have been some troubling whispers within our family.”
Yeon So-hyeon, aware of the confidential information that was only shared with his father, nodded silently.
“So, while I am secretly away, I want you to fill my absence with this family head’s seal.”
His father wrapped his large hands around the seal and Yeon So-hyeon’s hands.
“Can you do it?”
A resolve shone in Yeon So-hyeon’s eyes.
“…Please entrust it to me.”
A deep smile appeared on his father’s face.
“Now you’re beginning to look like a true man.”
“…I am honored.”
His father gripped So-hyeon’s hands more firmly.
“Since ancient times in our family, when a father is absent, the eldest son becomes the head of the household.”
A head of the family spoke to his future successor.
“Protect them. Protect your sisters and brothers, your mothers, and this family.”
Yeon So-hyeon stepped back from his father and bowed respectfully.
“…I will heed your command, Father.”
His father also stood up and returned the bow formally.
“Please take care of everything.”
And with that, his father left the family in his care.
* * *
“Inform everyone that the family head is suffering from a minor contagious disease and, for the safety of those without internal strength, all affairs will now be handled from his quarters.”
Yeon So-hyeon, sitting in his quarters, issued orders one after another.
“From now on, seal off the quarters, and except for personnel of the Inner Court of the sixth rank and above, forbid entry to all others, regardless of their security clearance.”
The stewards of the Inner Court bustled about executing So-hyeon’s commands.
“Ensure that all reports and information intended for the family head are directed straight to these quarters. All approvals will be conducted through paperwork.”
The Chief Steward of the Inner Court responded.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Chief Steward.”
“Please speak, Young Master.”
Yeon So-hyeon looked at him.
“As of now, I am not just the Eldest Young Master. I am…”
He placed the family head’s seal on the desk.
“The acting head of this family.”
Immediately, the Chief Steward of the Inner Court bowed deeply.
“I shall heed the command of the acting head.”
* * *
Even though the head of the family was away, So-hyeon’s exceptional handling of affairs did not allow for any gaps.
Initially, there was some unrest among the family members, but they soon continued their duties as usual.
Late one night, while working tirelessly, So-hyeon stepped out to the courtyard for a breath of fresh air.
“…This is strange.”
No matter how many times he reviewed it, the result was the same.
The celestial signs were warning him of a subtle yet clear crisis.
“Chief Steward!”
At his call, the Chief Steward, who always shadowed him, immediately bowed deeply in response.
“From now on, increase the amount of information coming to me. Include all unprocessed raw data from each intelligence source, even those not yet organized.”
“…The volume will be enormous.”
So-hyeon was firm.
“It doesn’t matter. Not a single report, no matter how trivial, must be overlooked.”
“I shall obey your command.”
* * *
For a while, So-hyeon was submerged in a sea of documents, contemplating.
‘This is a clear sign of conspiracy. Though the number of those actively conspiring seems very small for now.’
He couldn’t punish everyone who might subtly be connected at this stage.
He decided to go fishing.
* * *
On a hot summer day.
A massive upheaval began at the highest levels of the Luoyang Sword House.
The events unfolded too secretly and quickly.
Those around them were clueless about what was happening.
Some people suddenly disappeared, others hastily submitted their resignations and returned to their hometowns.
Some were dragged to the Central Inspectorate, while others were thrown into underground prisons, their whereabouts unknown.
Thus, several high-ranking members of the Luoyang Sword House disappeared that summer.
The top echelons of the Luoyang Sword House had to lock their windows at night, even in the heat of that summer, trembling in fear.
Later, they would call this massive purge during the summer days the ‘Bloody History’.
But among them, no one knew who initiated it, for what reasons, or on what basis.
No one understood the full picture of the events.
* * *
On a chilly early autumn night, just as secretly as he had left, his father returned.
“Acting Head! I’ve heard of all you’ve accomplished! I am utterly relieved and proud!”
His father entered the quarters, his face beaming with pride for his son.
“…So-hyeon?”
The quarters were dark, not a single small lantern lit.
“Father….”
His son, Yeon So-hyeon, was curled up in a blanket, sobbing.
He rushed over and lifted Yeon So-hyeon into his arms.
“Father….”
“Yes, I am back. What on earth has happened?”
Yeon So-hyeon, shivering, held up his small hands.
“So many people died. I had to kill so many. There was so much blood.”
Yeon So-hyeon wept.
“I just cast the bait, but too many reacted. Too many people….”
His father patted his back in a rush.
“It’s okay. Weren’t they all enemies of our family? Weren’t they all traitors?”
His father felt guilty.
The son he had seen was too grown-up, an adult who effortlessly handled things he himself had not dared to confront.
But the boy in his arms was just a six-year-old child, tender-hearted like his mother.
“I am sorry. So sorry.”
He hugged his son tightly, apologizing repeatedly.
Could there be such a foolish person?
Could there be such a lacking father?
“…It’s not that.”
“What do you mean?”
Yeon So-hyeon looked up at him, his voice trembling.
“I found it too enjoyable. It was more fun than any game.”
“…!”
“…I am terrified of myself.”
* * *
Several days later.
A decree for the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon to retreat into seclusion was issued. The reason was not disclosed publicly, leading to rampant speculation.
In reality, it was a measure to completely isolate and protect the young son from external influences.
In the garden of Wongak Pavilion, where petals fluttered down, the father and son sat quietly together.
“Whenever your heart finds peace, you can talk to me.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I still think I won the bet. You felt not only pleasure but also fear about your actions, didn’t you?”
“…Yes.”
“…Just give this unworthy father a chance to fulfill his role now.”
Protecting his child was his duty as a father.
The father stroked Yeon So-hyeon’s hair and then left his side.
* * *
The following winter.
News came that the father had fallen ill. Along with a letter prepared by the father for such an eventuality, the family head’s seal, enclosed in a pouch, was delivered to Yeon So-hyeon.
* * *
Around the time the Elder Council visited the Senate, in Wongak Pavilion.
“Master! I have finally found it!”
A servant ran over excitedly.
When Jung-ah opened the chest, a black coat made its appearance.
“This is…?”
Yeon So-hyeon smiled as he responded.
“It’s a coat woven from black silkworm silk.”
Everyone’s expressions turned to awe.
“To make a garment from such precious black silkworm silk…”
He took out the black coat.
“This was prepared by my father for the day I would become the family head.”
“…Ah.”
Everyone’s expressions grew solemn.
Yeon So-hyeon, unfazed by the reactions around him, unfolded the coat.
“I may not have become the family head yet, but on a day like today, shouldn’t I wear it?”
He put on the coat with Jung-ah’s help.
“Pfft…!”
Seeing So-hyeon in the coat, Il-ryeong quickly turned her head, trying to suppress her laughter.
“…The coat is too big.”
Jung-ah said, covering her mouth.
The coat was enormous even for the seventeen-year-old So-hyeon.
“…How big did Father think I would grow…”
He muttered, fluttering the excess fabric of the sleeves.
Jung-ah smiled softly.
“Perhaps he hoped you would grow strong enough that this black silkworm silk coat would be too small.”
“…You always manage to surprise me.”
So-hyeon smiled, then took off the coat and draped it over his shoulders.
“Then for now, I’ll wear it like this.”
The triplets who had gathered around clapped enthusiastically.
“You look magnificent!”
“As expected of our master!”
“Kyaa!”
So-hyeon looked towards the rising sun in the east.
The first day after the end of his seclusion had begun.
His expression was distant.
“Now it begins, Father.”
***
“Unfortunately, a superabundance of dreams is paid for by a growing potential for nightmares.”
– Peter Ustinov [Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, April 16, 1921 – March 28, 2004]
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