The order to summon the Imperial Army was issued, and as a result, more than a hundred officers with ranks of ten generals or higher gathered at the training hall of the officials.
With that number exceeding a hundred, the ten and hundred generals paired off in groups of three or five, chatting among themselves.
Jang Ho, a hundred general, casually exchanged greetings with acquaintances while keeping an ear out for the conversations happening around him.
From Jang Ho’s perspective, the atmosphere among the gathered soldiers was not particularly friendly toward the inspector.
After all, only two inspection personnel? What kind of inspection could two people possibly conduct? To the soldiers who were abruptly summoned, the whole situation felt like a joke.
“Heh, what a mess this is…”
“There must be a mountain of work, yet the inspectors from the central government seem completely uninterested in the hardships out here.”
Such complaints were leaking out louder than expected.
The inspection was far too sudden and haphazard.
For just two inspectors to handle a matter that could involve dozens? What kind of inspection was that?
It was the common consensus among the officials that the inspector, who happened to pass by Ak-yang, was throwing a tantrum due to a bruised ego from some unfortunate event.
“Tsk, I should just answer appropriately and get out of here quickly.”
“What can two people even accomplish…?”
Listening to the discontented conversations of his fellow generals, Jang Ho sighed deeply. He had hoped that with the arrival of the inspector, the governor might be replaced… but it seemed that was too much to expect.
Step, step.
As he lost himself in thought, the sound of footsteps crystal clear rang in the Martial Training Hall filled with many conversing people.
The mouths of the Imperial Army officers, who were venting their frustrations over an unremarkable inspection, instantly shut.
Swoosh!
A powerful aura swept over the commanding officers in the training hall like a storm.
“Mm…!”
“Umm!”
The gaze of the gathered Imperial Army soldiers concentrated on one spot. A guy wearing a large sword that could easily draw attention and a cap that pressed down on his head.
The Brain Knife Outcast, Ho Cheon-an!
‘Is that the Brain Knife Outcast, the one everyone’s been talking about lately?’
He hadn’t even turned thirty yet, but he was already a shining star in the Martial World.
Although they were Imperial Army soldiers, and the Brain Knife Outcast was a name recognized in their circles, he was merely a martial artist without an official position, so there was no reason for them to bow to him. Yet, they couldn’t ignore the overwhelming gap in martial prowess that they felt viscerally.
As the Brain Knife Outcast and the ten and hundred generals subconsciously exchanged glances, another aura hit the Imperial Army hard.
“Attention!”
All the soldiers’ eyes widened as they turned to look at the small inspector standing next to the Brain Knife Outcast. Distracted by the Outcast’s presence, they hadn’t paid much attention. However, now that the inspector spoke, the air was charged.
‘At least… a Peak Stage!’
‘No way. Someone so young…?’
Silent shock spread among the soldiers. The top talents from all over the world are chosen for the position of the inspector. But for someone so young and with martial prowess to boot?
Having thought that the inspectors from the central government were just floundering around with their positions, the minds of the Imperial Army officers snapped back to reality.
“From now on, we will conduct inquiries against the officers of Ak-yang. Understood?”
“Yes!”
With that, the inquiries began against the soldiers by Ho Cheon-an and Hyeok Gi-rin.
*
“Then, for the last question.”
Gulp!
The hundred general named Song Dal, who had been under interrogation along with Hyeok Gi-rin and Ho Cheon-an, swallowed hard, clearly sensing the gravity of the moment.
“Do you know or have you heard of any corruption involving the governor?”
“I heard the governor enjoys drinking and dancing regularly, but aside from that…”
A completely devoid answer came flowing out. The fact that Zhuche enjoyed the nightlife was common knowledge in Ak-yang.
Ultimately, Song Dal had opted for silence, and I merely nodded in response.
“Thank you for your hard work. You may leave now.”
“…What?”
“I said, you can leave.”
Song Dal stood up, his expression helpless, like someone who had just been caught off guard.
Well, it was understandable.
Hyeok Gi-rin and I completely dominated the officers gathered in the training hall. Naturally, the officers expected a severe interrogation, but…
They were bombarded with personal inquiries pertaining to their identities and duties, and the question about the governor’s corruption was asked so casually that they couldn’t possibly grasp the situation.
While it was good to be released from questioning, Song Dal continuously scratched the back of his neck, clearly unsettled by the outcome.
I sighed heavily as I watched his back.
“Ah, it’s utterly frustrating.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s no talent! No talent! The ten general is just an average ten general, and the hundred general is merely a disgruntled hundred general. It’s so frustrating!”
“…Isn’t that normal?”
“No, it can’t be. A hundred general who looks down on the ten general! A hundred hundred general with overflowing dissatisfaction! That’s the kind of talent we need.”
Hyeok Gi-rin looked at me as if I were crazy. I wanted to explain the frustration I felt, but there were simply too many officers waiting outside.
“Next! Please come in!”
Several individuals had gone out as time passed without mercy.
“Hundred general, Jang Ho here.”
Finally, someone promising appeared before me.
“What’s your age and experience?”
“I have been in the Imperial Army for seven years and I am thirty-one this year.”
“Got it. You have remarkable martial skills; have you studied somewhere in particular?”
“I was briefly part of a sect when I was young. Due to personal circumstances, I left the sect and entered the military.”
I continued to ask questions, gauging Jang Ho’s martial capabilities. Even after refining his skills to the Peak, he seemingly was still sharp and dedicated in his training.
Those seeking contentment in their present position wouldn’t exhibit such diligence.
“Hmm. A valuable talent to keep in this locality. Isn’t that right, inspector?”
“Mm. Indeed.”
Hyeok Gi-rin nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest as he looked at Jang Ho, who was now visibly shaken by the attention.
Looks like we’ve hit the jackpot.
I kept the momentum going and asked, “Have you ever attempted the exam for the Commander of the Golden Guards?”
“…No, I haven’t.”
“Hmm. Such qualifications and skills, what a pity. Is there any reason you’ve not worked in Nangyang?”
Jang Ho immediately shook his head and replied, “It’s just that I haven’t had the opportunity.”
His voice dripped with longing, implying that had the opportunity been presented, he would have seized it without hesitation.
“Ah.”
Had Jang Ho realized something in that moment?
Suddenly, Hyeok Gi-rin looked at me. The intent in his gaze screamed ‘Was this it?’
I nodded in acknowledgment.
Now, what kind of circumstance does Jang Ho find himself in?
To understand, we must first note that this is Hunan and Zhuche is the governor of Hunan.
Most local officials select excellent soldiers to recommend for the Commander of the Golden Guards.
Why?
Because if the recommended candidate becomes a Commander and rises to prominence? The connections would benefit the governor.
Even if the selected candidate doesn’t become a Commander, merely having made the recommendation sits well with talented soldiers, resulting in a win-win for local officials.
Thus, the relationship where the recommended candidates gain from local officials and vice versa typically exists.
However, is Zhuche’s situation identical to those of governors in other regions?
Zhuche, who was busy wooing influential guests at Dongjeong Lake and Ak-yang Tower, was nurturing connections.
Considering Zhuche’s behavior and character, was it likely that just drinks were exchanged? Obviously, corruption and bribery were also at play, and Zhuche, who had engaged in multiple illicit dealings, was naturally worried about his misdeeds being exposed.
From Zhuche’s perspective, it was definitely not a good thing for the soldiers he recommended to ascend to the position of the Commander of the Golden Guards.
No, it was something he had to desperately prevent.
If any of the soldiers he recommended should become a Commander? Zhuche would have a living witness to his shady dealings right in Nangyang.
So how did Zhuche act?
Naturally, he used his right to recommend Commanders to his own people or those unlikely to be selected, resulting in victims like Jang Ho before me.
Those who possessed skills yet could not receive any recommendations.
Individuals who might have genuinely become Commanders if given the chance.
I planned to thoroughly clean up Zhuche and the officials involved along with them.
*
Jang Ho wanted to become a Commander.
Although he was born and raised in Ak-yang, he did not care for the exaggerated culture brimming with superficiality.
He worked diligently to refine his skills and remain dedicated to his duties, yet Jang Ho had long been unable to procure a recommendation for the Commander of the Golden Guards.
Initially, he thought it was due to not bribing anyone or lacking connections, trying every possible means. But upon discovering Zhuche wanted no Commanders while he was in charge, he sank into despair.
What could he do against a governor with no intention of recommending talented soldiers?
All he could do was casually drop hints to inspectors who periodically visited about not having received recommendations for the Commander.
But the inspectors merely turned their attention to officials connected to Zhuche.
They were merely focused on ensuring that no large-scale incident arose involving the central officials.
As such routine inquiries continued, Jang Ho quietly gave up on his dream of becoming a Commander.
And day by day, his hopes and dreams faded away until the day he heard news about the inspectors coming. Unconsciously, he felt a flicker of hope, which ballooned as he set eyes on Ho Cheon-an and Geum Myeong-wol.
If they were indeed those, they might genuinely punish Zhuche without caring for his connections!
Then, as he faced the interviews, his hopes deflated rapidly.
Jang Ho thought back to the investigator and inspector who had come from the central government a month or two prior.
In stark contrast to the arrogant investigators who picked apart every word, the inquiries from Ho Cheon-an and Geum Myeong-wol felt almost trivial.
Didn’t they suggest that someone with Jang Ho’s skills could very well try for becoming a Commander?
“Hmm. Your experience looks impeccable. Even having been responsible for the arms depot and similar places for quite some time, there are no issues with how it’s been managed.”
They even went so far as to compliment him while looking over his credentials.
With a bit of exaggeration, it felt less like an interrogation and more like a friendly chat.
‘I was wrong.’
So Jang Ho felt defeated.
Only two of them.
For just two individuals to unearth the sins of the governor, a vigorous interrogation would be barely enough, yet this air felt like a pleasant stroll in the park.
What could possibly be uncovered like this?
Seeing the increasingly bright faces of the Brain Knife Outcast and the inspector, he began to feel like he was a fool for having placed any faith in their abilities.
Just as Jang Ho was about to let go of hope internally…
“Jang Ho, the hundred general, would you be willing to join us in our inspection activities?”
“…What?”
An offer he never anticipated soared through the air.
“As you know, both the inspector and I currently have no attendants. So, what can we do? We must supplement the current situation locally.”
Jang Ho was unable to hide his astonishment as he looked at Ho Cheon-an.
Despite the inspectors technically holding authority over the local Imperial Army, this was a question of authority hierarchy.
Asking a member of the local Imperial Army to investigate a local governor?
Wasn’t that like asking a person to pass through a burning building with a stick of oil?
“It’s too much for me.”
“Ah, of course, it isn’t just a request for help. Knowing that investigating your superior in your home region would be burdensome, I understand.”
“If so…”
“I will give you a recommendation for the Commander of the Golden Guards.”
At this, Jang Ho was taken aback.
“…A recommendation?”
“Yes. It’s only fitting, so you need not worry about any repercussions. I have personally verified your qualifications and requirements, and if we acknowledge your contribution to our investigation, who will object?”
“Oh, and just to assure you, there will be nothing required of you in the future.”
Jang Ho’s gaze shifted back to Ho Cheon-an.
“This proposal is not an opportunity but a chance at redemption for you.”
Ho Cheon-an looked intensely into Jang Ho’s eyes with a bright smile.
“A rightful candidate not obtaining a rightful position; isn’t it only natural to rectify that?”
Jang Ho’s body trembled.
A rightful candidate not securing a righteous position!
That single phrase pierced his heart.
“I will do it.”
“Will that decision be acceptable? If you’re not careful, you may be treated as a traitor among the officials and soldiers.”
“Even if that were to happen, it wouldn’t matter. If I let this chance slip away, I won’t have any further opportunities to challenge for the position of the Commander. And more than anything…”
There was a brief hesitation, but gathering courage from the focus of Hyeok Gi-rin and Ho Cheon-an, Jang Ho expressed his honest feelings.
“While I serve the governor, I have never liked Zhuche’s conduct.”
Upon hearing Jang Ho’s words, a smile crossed Hyeok Gi-rin’s face.
“Welcome aboard.”
“Just give me your orders.”
With Jang Ho’s firm conviction, Ho Cheon-an immediately spoke up.
“General Jang, could you introduce me to some individuals that might be allies?”
“Of course.”
Jang Ho began to name the soldiers whose paths to advancement had been obstructed by Zhuche.
