Chapter 204: Chapter 77

Kanghyok felt all the time that he had a lot of guts, but he couldnt go to sleep for the past several days.

For he was afraid that Sungbok could spread his meeting with Yoju to other people.

By logical thinking Kanghyok had nothing to fear, but he couldnt calm down easily.

That guy must be a traitor, so how could he talk about it?

At best he could tell Yorip on this.

Still I am nervous. d.a.m.n it!

Treason?

Though Kanghyok didnt know much about the Korean history, he was aware of the tragic end of traitors.

He also knew what would happen to even those who were a.s.sociated with the people who rose in revolt.

Mostly they were killed amid factional fighting or in prisons.

When he studied the Korean history, he read so many people were killed in the fighting.

He didnt want to be the central figure of any coup involving Yorip.

Whew!

As he was full of worries, he let out a sigh absentmindedly.

d.a.m.n it!

He suddenly lay down on the blanket even though it was broad daylight outside.

While he was idling away for a while, someone knocked on the door.

Master, Yoni and Makbong just got back from outside.

Really? Let them in

Dolsok cautiously opened the door, and Yoni dressed like a man and Makbong came in.

So, did you find out anything?

Well, it looks like Taedonggye is far from an ordinary a.s.sociation.

As she was astonished, Yoni began to say,

Initially they were involved in various activities in Cholla province, but now they have allegedly expanded their activities as far as Hw.a.n.ghae provinces. And that guy, Sungbok, was mainly doing activities in Hw.a.n.ghae areas.

Hw.a.n.ghae Province?

Yes, master.

Cholla province was quite a distance from Kanghyoks place in Hanyang.

But Hw.a.n.ghae province was not far from Hanyang.

Kanghyok began to think about bad things now.

What the heck is this Taedonggye?

It looks like its an a.s.sociation of strong and nimble fighters. n.o.body on the street has heard about them, and everyone is keeping mum about it.

With his eyes sparkling, Kanghyok asked, So, what are they doing?

I hear they usually get together and shoot arrows and practice martial artsActually there was quite a famous incident involving them.

Incident?

Yes, sir. When the j.a.panese raiders attacked Chonju, they advanced to the city at the request of the mayor of Chonju to defeat the j.a.panese.

Oh, it looks like theyre a strong army.

Kanghyok couldnt hide his admiration at the strength of Taedonggye.

I feel like they are seriously plotting a rebellion.

On the other hand, Kanghyok could understand Yorips position.

Yorip was known as a genius.

He pa.s.sed the state civil exam when he was young, and kept advancing his career in the government. He initially belonged to the political faction of Soin, but switched to its rival Tongin.

Though the exact reason for his turning coat was not known, his political defection invited King Sonjos anger.

He was later forced to retire to his hometown.

Obviously he lost favor with King Sonjo.

Based on the information he gathered on King Sonjo through various media reports and history books back in modern Korea, Sonjo was not such an attractive king.

Rather he was most likely a crooked king.

Nonetheless, Yorip shouldnt have raised a coup.

How could a va.s.sal rise in revolt in Joseon?

Kanghyok asked, shaking his head, Any other particular incident recently?

Nothing I heard of. But it looks like they held a regular meeting.

That was rea.s.suring to Kanghyok.

Based on his calculation, there were still many years to go before Kichukoksa, or the Purge of Yorip Chung could take place.

Good job!

When Yoni was about to stand up after briefing him, Makbong hesitated.

Whats up? asked Kanghyok.

Ive got something to report to you.

Really?

In fact, Kanghyok didnt expect anything that needs a lot of brain of Makbong.

So, he asked just casually, What is it?

As far as I know, Taedongggye became famous after the Chonju incident.

I guess so.

Given that a private army led by an individual could beat the j.a.panese raiders, the Chonju incident naturally made Taedonggye widely known.

So, many people are allegedly joining Taedonggye right now, and some of them are quite famous.

Really? Who are they?

People like Yonryong Park, Hamdu Ji, Uiyon, let alone Sungbok.

Hummmm.

All of them were total strangers to Kanghyok.

At least they were not yet historical figures that Kanghyok needed to know.

Yeah, theyre just a motley of people from various places.

If thats the case, Kanghyok wouldnt need to worry about.

Only then did he make a hearty laugh.

Nice job, Makbong. It looks like youre more learned these days.

Well, Im learning how to read from Yoju.

Really? She is a good teacher for you.

There was no question that Yoju was a fine teacher.

When she gave a teaching on reading and writing, she usually introduced some interesting episodes. So, Kanghyok could learn a lot in various fields from her.

By the way, there is a meeting at the house of Lord Sungryong Yu today. Did I tell you about it?

Yes, you did. Youre all set to go.

Yoni showed him the sword that she carried around her waist.

She was always armed with the sword after the recent ambush by the acrobatic hooligans.

Good. Lets move.

With a satisfied look Kanghyok stood up.

As usual he held the medical bag in hand.

Based on his experience so far, he found multiple uses for this bag.

Master, Ive got a horse ready for you.

Dolsok was holding a horse by the reins, with a short cudgel around his waist.

Wonderful. As Lord Sungryongs house is nearby, I dont think we will be encountering a mishap, right?

I dont think so, but we had better be armed, just in case.

That sounds like a plan. Lets go!

Yes, master.

Kanghyoks march to Sungryongs house was impressive.

At the forefront of his horse were Dolsok and Makbong, while Yoni and Dorikke were walking on both sides. And a couple of former thieves followed Yoju.

So, in terms of the size, his parade was much like that of a provincial governor.

Looking at Kanghyok, some of those inefficient n.o.ble men who were on government payroll complained behind his back.

But Kanghyok didnt care at all because he regarded them as good-for-nothing.

In fact, it was Dolsok who felt pretty upset about them.

Master, dontt you think you have to enter the government?

Government service?

Yes.

Do you think Im a good fit for a government job?

Wellyou know a n.o.bleman like Hangbok is doing a good job, isnt he?

Oh, thats right.

Kanghyok didnt know there were liberal-minded people like Hangbok in Joseon.

Hangbok was now regularly attending royal meetings hosted by the king.

Compared with Hangbok, Kanghyok had no reason to refuse a government post.

If he became a government official, he could wield more power than now, Kanghyok thought.

Then there would be no chance of him being ambushed in Hanyang.

He could easily hide Yoju in contingencies.

Why dont you give it a serious thought, master? Dolsok said.

Wow, youre pretty sophisticated in the way you speak to me. Did you learn it from Yoju?

Yes, hahahaha.

Yoju praised him, too, who was scratching his head.

Actually, Dolsok is very smart. If I teach him something, he never forgets it.

I know that, Yoju. He is quite good at medical skills, too.

Hahaha, master. Please dont plate my face with gold!

Look at that! He can use figurative language better than before.

Hahaha.

While they were cracking jokes and laughing along the way, they arrived at Sungryongs house before they knew.

Welcome, sir! shouted Sungryongs servants, who now recognized his face easily.

Another guy on a horse was also approaching.

He was none other than Hangbok Lee.

For some reason he didnt smile. As it turned out, he hardly smiled after he saw Kanghyok recently.

Hey, Kanghyok!

Yes, sir.

I was going to see you for some personal business.

Really?

Kanghyok instantly thought his wife might have side-effects after he treated her jaw.

But his concern was groundless.

Can I see you at some other place?

Getting off the horse, Hangbok pulled him to a corner of the yard.

Sunghyongs servants didnt stop them.

Whats the matter with you?

Well.I hear there were disturbances near my house recently. When I got there out of curiosity, some patrollers picked up a syringe that you left behind. Fortunately a silly patroller lost it the next day. So, I couldnt take it as evidence to take action.

Oh, I didnt know that.

So, what happened that day?

Though it was an open-ended question, it was kind of a loaded question.

Kanghyok felt he had to reply thoughtfully.

Did you ask what happened? he asked back, pretending not to know.

But Hangbok was not an easy person to deal with.

Staring at Kanghyok straight, he once again asked, There is a rumor circulating right now that you saw Yorip Chungs right-hand man in Hanyang. Had it anything to do with that?