In the office of the Nangyang government, Officer Jo was looking at the quiet training ground. It seemed the Imperial Army’s interrogations that had been going on for days were finally over.
“Why is it so quiet today?”
“They probably realized there’s no use in interrogating us. What can two people do?”
As Officer Jo mumbled, Deputy Ju couldn’t hold back his complaints any longer. Jo internally thought to himself, “This situation is the perfect example of a guilty conscience.”
With that thought, Officer Jo shook his head with a wry smile. Not that Deputy Ju wanted to be a bribed thief. It was all because of Zhuche’s coercion.
Who could rely on a few rounds of drinks to establish a network in the Central? Of course, bribes were necessary, and to gather that money, Zhuche had to get funds through the officials under him. Deputy Ju was merely a reluctant participant in that whole scheme.
“It’s not like that has anything to do with me…”
Whether it was inspections or bribes, the lowly office clerk had no business getting involved. All he hoped was to stay out of trouble when things got messy.
Just then, a menacing sound echoed!
Officer Jo stood up and peered out the window, startled by the sound of many feet approaching.
“…No way?”
The Imperial Army.
Hundreds of them were storming into the office with a fierce aura, wielding leashes and suppression batons!
As Officer Jo stared blankly at the situation, Brain Knife Outcast and Inspector Geum Myeong-wol appeared in front of the lined-up soldiers.
“Is everyone gathered?”
“Sir!”
A thunderous response echoed, strong enough to flip the office upside down. Ignoring the office atmosphere entirely, Geum Myeong-wol made Officer Jo instinctively feel a sense of danger.
Something was… coming!
Sure enough, Inspector Geum’s commanding voice boomed.
[We will now apprehend all corrupt officials infested with corruption!]
“Sir!”
[Any who resist shall be subdued and bound, regardless of their rank!]
“Sir!”
[Execute!]
Waaahhh!!
The cry reverberated through the entire office as the Imperial soldiers spread out!
An official who had just stepped out to check on the chaos was swept up by the tide of soldiers.
“This fellow! He’s the deputy to the inspector!”
“Take him down!”
“W-what… What is happening?!”
In an instant, the deputy inspector was caught and tied up like a dough ball. Officer Jo and Deputy Ju locked eyes, watching the scene unfold in disbelief.
“Run. Run away!”
“…Where exactly?”
With the soldiers already crashing into the building, Officer Jo and Deputy Ju trembled at the violent sounds from the first floor.
Crash! Bang!
“This fellow! He’s a target for capture!”
“Bind him! No, first, beat him!”
“Ah! No! I will follow! I promise!”
Thud! Bang!
Screams and the sounds of struggle filled the air, leaving only the furious shouts and footsteps of the Imperial soldiers behind! No familiar voices of companions were to be heard. Yet, there was no time for Officer Jo and Deputy Ju to worry about their friends.
“There are also officials here!”
Before long, soldiers barged into the place where Officer Jo and Deputy Ju were hiding. Glaring down at the two of them from all sides, the lead officer flipped through a sheet of paper and nodded.
“Since they are not the target, let them go.”
“Yes!”
They were alive!
Officer Jo let out a breath of relief while trying to calm his pounding heart when suddenly, another voice came through.
“Inspector! The inspector is here!”
“Ugh! Wait! I am innocent!”
For a moment, the soldiers paused at the declaration of innocence, glancing at their officer as if waiting for confirmation.
But with no need to check a list, the officer immediately gave his orders.
“Arrest him now!”
“These rascals! I am innocent!”
“Huh? Innocent?”
The officer looked incredulous as he opened his documents.
“I granted permission for the sale of liquor to Sangbosang Hotel, Sangdo Brewery, and Ujeong Sangdan! But they have never accompanied the Imperial Army on inspections, which is an abuse of power!”
“Among those, products sold from Sangdo Brewery caused illnesses in dozens, and even though it was reported, they failed to investigate, which is dereliction of duty!”
“Moreover, I have witnessed unmanageable luxury that cannot possibly be supported by an official’s salary, raising suspicions of bribery! What else? Innocent?”
“Y-you scoundrels! Do you think you’ll get away with this?”
“Whether I get away with it or not is uncertain, but Inspector, you better take care of yourself. What are you doing? Beat him up and drag him out!”
In no time, the soldiers, who had been itching to act, rushed in and mercilessly beat the inspector before tying him up and dragging him away. The soldiers vanished with a flash, leaving chaos behind.
“…Did they leave?”
“Seems like they did.”
Survivors of the office slowly emerged after the storm had passed.
Officer Jo observed the remnants of the chaos and realized everyone that remained was merely a bystander to Zhuche’s mess.
“Ha.”
It had only been a few days. In that short span, how did they manage to persuade the Imperial Army to conduct what seemed like a careful screening for genuine corrupt officials?
Officer Jo couldn’t even begin to imagine the method behind it.
If that’s the case, perhaps the inspector who had come to conduct the surveillance could really oust Zhuche and punish the corrupt officials that were in cohorts with him.
As he thought of the Inspector and Brain Knife Outcast, who had swept through the dismal reality he had resigned himself to, a new spark of hope ignited in Officer Jo’s chest.
And as if to affirm his hopes, news spread through the office just two days later that the governor had been imprisoned.
*
The situation had been neatly wrapped up.
Zhuche, who had served as the governor for seven years, had accumulated resentment and discontent from the Imperial troops, who had seen their paths to the Central blocked by his examination of the Golden Guards. This resentment exploded like a powder keg upon receiving the recommendation for the Golden Guards.
Especially, there was a great deal of dissatisfaction from the captains stationed at the crossroads of Golden Guards and local generals—some of whom rallied together with their troops, swelling the ranks for a total of over two hundred Imperial soldiers.
They had flipped the office upside down, breaking loose in their interrogations and exposing the corrupt officials who had raised their heads, causing them to swiftly confirm their wrongdoings.
Once the evidence of bribery against the governor was established, it was child’s play to seize him. The captured officials believed Zhuche was their last bastion of hope and refused to admit they had ever bribed him… but unfortunately for them, their efforts fell flat.
With a slew of corrupt officials caught, that fact alone was enough to implicate Zhuche—he was responsible for overseeing his underlings.
“Don’t think you’ve won!”
Even in his cell, Zhuche remained arrogant and confrontational.
He seemed to be counting on his connections in the Central. Given his confidence, it was likely he had had some ties with a lofty official in the Inspection Agency who had managed to elude scrutiny until now.
But, little did he know… the one who had imprisoned him was not just any inspector but a princess most favored by His Majesty the Emperor!
Zhuche’s misjudgment only benefitted those on the outside. He’d remain in his cell quietly until a decree came down from Nangyang.
Thus, Zhuche’s chapter was settled.
Though settled, the follow-up work was set to pile up like a mountain.
There were a multitude of officials who had been turned upside down and seized.
Seo Gong decided to stay behind and handle the matters in the office, while I opted to drop by the merchandise shop for a brief report.
“Senior! You’re back!”
“Have you come? Great Hero.”
“It’s been a while. Mother, how have you been? And Black Cat, or rather, So Yeon-hwa.”
Both Mother and Black Cat seemed ready to burst with curiosity about Zhuche’s fate, so I quickly informed them of everything that transpired.
“Zhuche may have believed in his connections in the Central, but his removal from the governorship will not change the outcome of his punishment. His actions had already been communicated to the Central when he sent the Missive to receive the Inspector’s token. So, Mother, there’s no need for you to worry about Zhuche any more.”
“…I have truly received great kindness.”
Mother looked at me with a gaze full of trust, as if saying that even if I were to make beancurd with red beans, she’d nod in agreement. I felt that my week of struggle had borne fruit.
At this level of achievement, she would likely have forgotten about my comical entrance on the first day!
…But bringing that embarrassing moment back to mind made me a bit insecure, yet it was surely a satisfactory redemption.
As I pet Seo Gong, who was excited after our long encounter, I reluctantly got up from my seat.
“Are you leaving already?”
“I still have follow-up actions that haven’t finished yet. I’ll wrap up my work thoroughly and return.”
“Is that so? It’s truly unfortunate, but I can’t take up the time of someone busy with their work.”
After bidding farewell to Mother, I stepped outside, only for So Yeon-hwa to appear to see me off.
“Great job, Senior.”
“Not at all, it’s really Hyeok Gi-rin the Young Hero who is doing all the hard work.”
“Hehe… both Hyeok Gi-rin the Young Hero and you are working hard.”
So Yeon-hwa smiled brightly as she stuck close to my side. As her shoulder brushed against my arm, the always pleasant fragrance swept past my nose.
“Feels like having the help of you and the others makes me quite giddy.”
“Right.”
“Yes. The remaining three here are also keeping a close watch. In the past week, they’ve probably captured multiple intruders.”
With the Imperial soldiers gone, it seemed there were new trespassers cropping up again. It was a relief they hadn’t gathered in front of the shop and caused chaos.
“I can’t express my gratitude enough.”
How to express So Yeon-hwa’s expression?
Maybe it was a ticklish look?
So Yeon-hwa, who had everyone jumping in to help, seemed to find the current situation pretty awkward. Perhaps it felt weird that she was regaining happiness she had once given up thanks to that help.
“Well then, send my regards until you’re satisfied. Everyone will be pleased.”
“…Hehe, that sounds nice.”
So Yeon-hwa flashed a bright smile. Though she’s usually forthright with her feelings, the happiness during this moment felt like it was overflowing uncontrollably.
So Yeon-hwa, wearing that sweet expressions, leaned in closer and murmured,
“Then… I should also express my gratitude to you, Senior?”
Suddenly, So Yeon-hwa’s face came close.
She had the kind of stunning beauty that could leave one spellbound even when seen only once. Just as I found myself Lost in her gaze, I unconsciously inhaled deeply.
In those big, sparkling eyes was affection directed at me. That very affection caused me to lower my head without thinking.
Then, as if waiting for that moment, So Yeon-hwa’s lips met mine.
A softness like no other and a sweetness beyond comparison filled my senses.
“…Hehe.”
So Yeon-hwa pulled away, laughing shyly.
“I’ll be waiting… so make sure to come back with plenty of gratitude, okay?”
Having said that, So Yeon-hwa dashed off to her mother’s room, blushing, leaving me behind.
“Hm.”
I mumbled as I looked at her back.
“Looks like the follow-up work is indeed a big hassle.”
Even now, the sweet scent she left behind lingered faintly in the air.
With a heart full of encouragement, I took a vigorous stride towards the office.
