As Prophet - Chapter 88



Only Krnovel

Episode 88. Sohyang and Mihyang

“Is there any news from the left side?”

“I heard he is doing well in exile.”

“Where?”

“It’s called Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do.”

“How about here?”

“Nothing is wrong. Business is going well and growing day by day. No, the entire Lee Hyun Market is thriving.”

“The smell of brewing alcohol fills every home.”

“I see. What about the sword world?”

“After Lee Ki-jeong was captured, I lay face down.”

“Lee Ki-jeong?”

“Ahem. They say he got hit enough that he didn’t die.”

“You’re not dead?”

“Yes, I thought he was going to be executed, but he seems to have survived somehow. It looks like someone is behind him.”

“That’s right. Who else lives like that? Aren’t there guys who believe in their fathers and run wild?”

“The people behind the swordsmen are all the worthless sons of this country’s government officials. Sometimes, they come here to check the mood.”

“Come?”

“I just drink and leave. And there have been three or four intruders in the sponsorship here.”

“What happened?”

“Everyone got hurt somewhere and left in a state of shock.”

The conversation is so intense that I can’t even finish my meal. He’s the owner of a liquor store, but his conversation is strange. It’s not something a bar girl should say. He said he seems to be the Grand Prince’s secret informant. Two women, one young and one in her thirties, take turns answering, acting like the Grand Prince’s subordinates.

Dalcheon hurriedly ate and was about to leave quietly, but the prince stopped him.

“Why? Have you eaten everything?”

“I ate quickly because the conversation seemed serious.”

“I’m just asking for information from the past.”

“I’ll be out.”

The young woman smiled brightly, raising one hand slightly.

“I have heard much from you. Master Dalcheon, the owner of Yangju Academy.”

“Oh, do you know me?”

“Of course. It’s a big topic of interest for Hanyang’s luxury families these days.”

“Oh, it’s just a small school in the countryside.”

“They say that the strongest force on earth exists there. That person is none other than Confucius.”

“Oh my.”

“I’m going to talk to you now, so please sit down even if it’s uncomfortable.”

Dalcheon, who had half-risen, sat down again. He told him to sit down, even though it seemed like there was nothing to talk about. But wouldn’t it be bad if rumors spread like that? Who would talk about the strongest military force in the world? Who could it be? Who would spread rumors like that? Who would benefit from it…? Who would it be?

Dalcheon’s gaze shifted to the prince. The prince shook his head and waved his hand.

“No, I am not.”

“Then who spreads such rumors?”

The young master answered.

“I found out, it’s not a rumor.”

“ah.”

“But since you don’t do that, I guess my guess was right.”

I felt bad because I felt like I was being taken in by the performance, but I held it in. The word ‘odd’ suddenly came to mind.

“It would be troublesome if rumors like that spread.”

“Why? Aren’t there more people who want to do something but can’t and are frustrated?”

“I don’t know what to talk about.”

“If such a rumor spreads, wouldn’t those who are plotting to seize the throne be more careful?”

Dalcheon closed his eyes. Dalcheon was a man who could not be defeated by anyone in words, but this woman was not easily defeated. Wasn’t she a shameless person who shamelessly pushed forward with things that others disliked?

“I hate it when such rumors spread. It makes me sick.”

“Oh, it’s not me. What can I do when rumors start to spread?”

Dalcheon looked at the woman quietly. He wanted to block her mouth. He found out by asking around without knowing anything from others, but if rumors spread, it wasn’t his fault. Dalcheon sighed, and the woman added an explanation.

“Isn’t it said that there is a dagger in the bag? How could I be the only one who knows the Master’s martial arts? Wouldn’t someone else know it too?”

There was no use in talking further. Dalcheon bowed his forehead slightly to the prince and left. The woman behind him grumbled that she had something to talk about and was leaving, which still grated on his nerves. Mukhyeong followed him out.

“I’m going to go out and watch the show.”

“Don’t get lost.”

“Haha, ahaha. Finding the way is hard.”

Dalcheon leaves, but Mukhyeong still follows him.

“That’s just how she is. Don’t take it to heart. She’s not the kind of woman to spread rumors or anything, just say things like that.”

“It’s difficult. If rumors like that spread… … then I’ll have to leave. I want to stay longer.”

“yes?”

“When I was leaving, my teacher said that it would be right to leave once word of mouth spread and my name became famous.”

“Where are you going? Back to the mountains?”

“We need to travel more. Let’s go somewhere else.”

“Why did you build the school like that?”

“Even if it’s not me, I’ll go back. No, I’ll make it so.”

“Ugh… … It was just a childish conversation. That girl acts impulsively like that when she sees someone new. You got caught up in it.”

“Oh, that’s right. It happened to me.”

As Dalcheon went out through the two gates, he must have been worried, so he came out to the main road and showed me the way.

* * *

Meanwhile, the general scolded the woman.

“Why did you do that?”

“Because you look young and innocent.”

“Oh. Then you should be considerate of them. What’s the difference between them and those who beat up the weak and helpless?”

“I’m just kidding, Mom.”

“I know that, but he doesn’t know much about the world. That won’t do.”

“How fun is it to go out with such a cool expression? I’ll be careful. But are you really the best in the world?”

The Grand Prince’s gaze searches for high places.

“maybe…….”

“Kaaaah! Really?”

“Did you say that without knowing?”

“The rumor had already spread that Yangju Academy had excellent education and that the governor was a master. That was why the girl decided to go.”

“why?”

“Just in case.”

“Without a reason?”

“If rumors spread like that, they really won’t be able to act rashly.”

“It’s greed. If that rumor gets out, he’ll leave.”

“You bought the land, built a house, and set up all the facilities, and now you’re leaving it behind? No way.”

“That’s the kind of person he is. He thinks the world’s movies are just dust blown by the wind.”

“You are a Taoist.”

“If he leaves, is that what you want?”

Only then did the woman realize that her prank was wrong and lowered her head.

“It was the girl’s fault. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

“He’s the one who’ll help me for the time being. Do a good job.”

“Yes, Mom.”

The young woman was sleeping, so the prince asked the middle-aged woman something else.

“This place seems to be thriving. It’s different than it was a few months ago.”

“As you can see, it is prosperous. His Majesty is planning to establish a market here as well. He has already purchased the land and is planning to build a road in the shape of the letter ‘ㄱ’. Some areas are already under construction.”

“I guess you’re trying to increase your tax base.”

“Yes. I used to have negative thoughts about the refugees, but now that they have made this place their home and are living well, I think they are trying to accept it positively.”

“affirmation?”

“Working, doing business, and collecting taxes.”

“I see… … . The reason you came today is not for me, but for the governor. His Majesty visited the academy and offered various support. Then he called the governor. He had already noticed that his martial arts skills were high, and asked him to join his command, but he refused. And now he has called me to the palace, and it seems that I am accompanying him. What do you think?”

A young woman intervened.

“You are truly the best in the world.”

“… … It will be like that.”

“Wouldn’t it be as Your Majesty wishes?”

“Then the official will leave. The official will be terrified. They will act as if they are watching something.”

A middle-aged woman answered.

“Then you will try to find a suitable distance. A distance that is not too far but still within reach at Your Majesty’s command.”

“If it’s that distance?”

“It’s royalty.”

“royal household?”

“I think it would be appropriate to put a royal stake on it.”

“Ahem. So you’re calling me that?”

“Don’t you want to see it with your own eyes?”

“I already did it. I took down fifteen unmanned soldiers in uniforms in less than half an hour.”

The young woman, So-hyang, tried to scream, “Wow!” but covered her mouth with her hand. The middle-aged woman’s forehead twitched.

“Then I must definitely catch it and keep it by my side.”

“yes.”

“So you entered as a student.”

“There was also the intention of going and learning to protect myself.”

The conversation stopped and silence flowed. There was no answer. I wanted to be close to you, but then you left… … .

“What about the beauty queen?”

“Haven’t you seen what doesn’t work? This kid was acting coquettish and asking questions, so I got angry and left.”

“Is she pretty?”

So-hyang got angry.

“Sister, I’m beautiful. When I go out, everyone recognizes me. So many customers come to see me.”

Mihyang, a middle-aged woman who was called Unni, shook her head.

“Only drunk guys would like that.”

“Oh! What kind of evil words are you saying?”

Mihyang did not answer and instead persuaded the prince.

“These so-called great men, when intoxicated by the fragrance of a woman, lose their senses. I recommend a beauty trap.”

“I won’t fall for it. Even if it weren’t for you, So-hyang would be a beauty.”

Before Mihyang could answer, Sohyang straightened her upper body and said she liked it.

“Thank you, Mom.”

Mihyang frowned as if scolding Sohyang.

“I’ll try to find a good one. No, I have one in mind.”

“… … I see.”

The prince reluctantly agreed. Mihyang, who had been observing the prince’s expression, relayed the government information. A thin piece of paper, which seemed to be information gathered from officials who visited the bar, was spread out in front of the prince.

“As I said, there are those discussing the lottery on the left. Their names are listed below.”

“okay.”

“It is said that His Highness the Crown Prince frequently leaves the palace. He leaves the East Palace, visits each part of the Six Ministries Street, and then takes the remaining people to have lunch. It seems like he is trying to expand his influence.”

“Yeah. It’ll just expose more of my shortcomings.”

“It is rumored that his humanity has changed as he speaks less and only nods his head to avoid making a slip of the tongue.”

“Hehehe.”

“Fake money is circulating.”

“Are you talking about coins?”

“No. It’s silver. The color and weight are the same. It just has less silver content. The Ministry of Finance is in chaos. They’ve increased surveillance at every place that mints currency under the Ministry of Finance’s management. However, they say the amount isn’t much. There’s a rumor that it’s being minted illegally by the private sector.”

“I guess I’m going to get a shit rope.”

“And about the taverns. There is a perception that the amount of alcohol brewed is too much. Here alone, about 70 or 80 households brew alcohol. It is said that millions of seoks of rice are used for this. There is a movement to limit the amount. There was such discussion, but since it was a drinking party, there was no loud talk about stopping the brewing. They said that if there is a bad harvest, a prohibition order should be issued.”

“Prohibition… … Ahem, here we go again.”

“No way. Then what are we going to eat? Rumors are spreading around the tavern, and it seems like they’re trying to stop it somehow.”

“How do you stop it?”

“They bribe officials by giving them alcohol so that they can at least stop the prohibition.”

“Heh heh, star. But this time, there’s a lot of work to do.”

“I feel like something is changing.”

“how?”

“Well, it’s been three years of good harvests in a row. I don’t know if it was a little less than the year before, but it seems to be getting richer. They say it’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s grace.”

“What has Your Majesty done?”

“Don’t you hear local officials harassing you to focus on farming? In fact, such talk is often heard at drinking parties.”

“Good. What about the Waegwan side?”

“They are asking to open the embassy again, but it seems like they have no intention of doing so. They say that if they open it to them, they will cause trouble again. The lord of Tsushima is the most impatient. He said that he would report on the situation after entering the country, but it seems that the government is not even allowing him to get a boat.”

The report continued like this. It seemed like he was not the bar owner but a direct informant for the Grand Prince.