NABC Book 4: Chapter 3
Book 4: Chapter 3
Book 4: Chapter 3
A short while later, the door closed firmly, and the responsible officials all moved to sit in the front seats.
The elder sat on a hastily prepared chair on the platform, looking down at them.
Just now, I was returning from a high-level meeting presided over directly by our lord.
Although the elder of Luoyang Sword House referred to 2nd Young Master as the lord, no one in this meeting found it strange.
Given the importance of the matter, its different from usual, and you all couldnt be present there, so please understand.
The small-statured official quickly waved his hands in dismissal.
Oh, no, not at all. Its too much to say its understanding.
Elder Son, may I speak a word?
Granted.
Han Myeong-hwi carefully opened his mouth.
If the information accessible to us officials is limited, our overall perspective becomes insufficient. And as the steps in a process increase, immediate response becomes difficult.
The officials did not show dissatisfaction, but their silence was a sign of agreement with Han Myeong-hwi.
Elder Son smiled gently.
Isnt that why Im here now, to be with you all in person?
Han Myeong-hwi bowed his head.
While its appreciable, lately, the power of our lord has been growing significantly, and signs of rigidity in the organization have been detected.
Elder Son stroked his white beard and nodded.
So, are you suggesting that you all should be elevated to a higher position for innovation?
I know its a lot to ask.
Its not just a desire, but a splendid ambition, isnt it? Ambition is always a great driving force for us.
The kind-faced Elder Son laughed heartily.
I understand your feelings, so try to understand our situation as well.
Beneath his white and long eyebrows, his deep eyes were directly looking at Han Myeong-hwi.
Even the secrets of the main house you all know are enough to put us in a difficult position.
Han Myeong-hwis back was immediately drenched in cold sweat.
It was time to step back.
I apologize for babbling at a time when every moment is critical.
Not at all. Not at all. Such discussions are always welcome.
Elder Son asked the small-statured official.
How far have our excellent officials discussions progressed? Can this old man know?
Yes. Our officials have reached a consensus that the incident in the inner court is the first stepping stone for the Grand Young Masters future actions, and we were discussing how to handle it moving forward.
Excellent indeed!
Elder Son clapped his hands and nodded in satisfaction.
But the direction of the discussion is too broad, we need to narrow it down a bit. May this old man suggest one direction?
We will listen to Elder Sons words.
All the officials bowed their heads in unison.
Ha ha, thank you.
Elder Son pulled up a chair and sat down.
Now, lets assume what the worst situation we must prevent related to the Grand Young Master is.
Everyone kept silent, then Elder Son spoke again.
How about this for a thought? If you were the Grand Young Master, what would be the most efficient strategy you would devise?
Han Myeong-hwi was the first to speak.
If I were the Grand Young Master, I would make the most of the Sword Houses Golden Seal that I possess.
Right. The Sword House Golden Seal symbolizes the unlimited power of the main familys head.
Chief Choi also joined in.
However, wielding the Sword House Golden Seal involves significant risk. Theres always the possibility of being accused of abusing authority by competitors.
Thats why, until now, it was only used for trivial expenses like paper or book costs.
There was never an instance of using the heads seal for significant matters.
Thats right! Then
Other officials began to join the conversation.
To freely use the heads seal in the current situation, there needs to be an incredibly convincing reason. It wont be easy to persuade the power players of the Sword House.
Do we really need to convince everyone? As long as we gather enough support
But how much support can you really gather by flaunting the heads seal?
Then, instead of gathering forces, we should use the heads seal to solidify the situation.
Han Myeong-hwi also eventually fell silent.
Do you all now understand why I asked you to assume the worst-case scenario?
There was no response.
But Elder Son knew that their silence was not due to despair.
True strategists, even with a blade at their neck, never cease to find a way to survive.
While they were lost in their thoughts, Elder Son opened the door and left the conference room.
When he returned, he was with a group of maids.
They quickly distributed cold tea and snacks to the strategists, then left the conference room.
Han Myeong-hwi gulped down a cup of cold tea and tilted the pot to pour another.
If the Grand Young Master is such a formidable opponent, we should not give him the move to make in the first place.
Chief Choi, munching on a snack, nodded.
If all strategies are based on the possession of the heads seal, then we must take it away.
Or simply strip him of his eligibility as a successor
Elder Son joined in with a smile.
We cannot dare touch the Sword House Golden Seal, the symbol of the head. The same goes for the successors qualifications. So, what should we do?
The small-statured official tilted his head.
Assassination?
Regardless of the likelihood of success, at this point, its too risky a method. The Third Young Masters side might accept it, but most of the main family would strongly oppose.
Another strategist spoke up.
Can we challenge the Grand Young Masters seclusion order at the Sword Houses Elder Conference?
How would you challenge it?
The Elder Conference is also an organization that creates laws. How about making a clear regulation about seclusion now?
Han Myeong-hwi stood up abruptly.
Thats right! The Grand Young Masters actions have given us enough justification!
Elder Son nodded.
The idea is to confine him within the Wongak Pavilion, so he cant use the heads seal as a pretext. Good! Very good!
The other strategists began to point out problems and develop countermeasures in succession.
However, there could be unexpected variables in this process.
The heads seal itself could be a variable.
Then well need a countermeasure for that.
Theres something you all need to know about this.
Their meeting continued relentlessly and only ended deep into the night.
Well, everyone has worked hard until now.
Elder Son, still full of energy, started clapping, and the exhausted strategists joined in.
Listening to your opinions and establishing strategies to prevent the worst-case scenario brings me great joy. Now, you all should rest.
He picked up his discarded coat and papers.
Im going to report these strategies to our lord now. Goodbye.
The strategists, weary and exhausted, got up unsteadily and bid him farewell.
Elder Son.
Just as he was about to leave, Han Myeong-hwi followed him.
Oh, Strategist Han. Do you have something else?
Could it be
Han Myeong-hwis tired but intense gaze was fixed on Elder Son.
The measures we established today. Werent they already discussed at the Elder-level meeting earlier today?
What are you talking about, my boy?
Elder Son laughed heartily, patting his shoulder.
Do you think old folks like us could mimic such a brilliant plan?
Elder Son walked out, laughing as if it was absurd.
As the door closed, Chief Choi, sitting collapsed on the floor, said,
Such an obvious lie.
Throwing the same topic to different groups with distinct personalities and combining the results is a tactic they also often used with their subordinates.
The infuriating part is
The small-statured strategist mumbled, wiping sweat from his clothes.
That it took us more than half a day to do what those old men did in just a single hour.