NABC Book 4: Chapter 17
Book 4: Chapter 17
Book 4: Chapter 17
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 fathers 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 sons 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 sons 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 sons 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, werent there also the worst tyrants?
Thats right. Thats what Im 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 fathers gaunt face.
Since everyone will make a fuss if you take the lead, lets secretly do this, just you and me.
Yeon So-hyeons eyes, which were filled with tears, sparkled.
Just the two of us?
Yes. Itll be our little secret.
His father roughly ruffled Yeon So-hyeons hair.
* * *
It all started with truly trivial tasks, but soon his father realized there was no need for such simplicity.
Yeon So-hyeons understanding of the complex family affairs grew much faster than his physical growth.
And So-hyeons 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 familys 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, youre here?
Father?
So-hyeon, who had rushed into his fathers quarters joyfully, suddenly grew solemn.
In the middle of the night, his father was donning his armor.
Has something happened?
Nothing much. It seems theres a minor issue in Jiangnan.
His fathers 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.
Isnt this the family heads official seal? Why are you giving this to me?
His father placed the heads seal into Yeon So-hyeons hand.
Wouldnt 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-hyeons 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.
Theres no rule that only those who wield a sword can lead this family.
.
His father placed his hands on Yeon So-hyeons shoulders.
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.
Its okay. Werent they all enemies of our family? Werent 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?
Its 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, didnt 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-hyeons 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 heads 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.
Its a coat woven from black silkworm silk.
Everyones 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.
Everyones 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, shouldnt I wear it?
He put on the coat with Jung-ahs 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, Ill 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]