Chapter 55: From Now On, the Gaju of the Hwanggeum Family Is—

When I returned to the Family carrying the Geum In, Geumhwacheong received me.

It seemed that Geumhwacheong was now at the center of administration.

Maybe that’s why he had served as Gaju in the past—there must have been a reason.

Since Geumhwacheong and I weren’t exactly on friendly terms, we only exchanged what was necessary.

Geumhwacheong informed me that my five inner-circle Bodyguards, including Gwak Jindo, had headed to Hyeongsan with the leader of the Murim Alliance.

I listened and set out for Hyeongsan.

Fortunately, the timing was just right.

Honestly, it didn’t matter if I went or not, but I wanted to see the Hyeongsanpa and the Jangmunin with my own eyes.

I thought it might help when making judgments later.

The people of the Hyeongsanpa seemed flustered because I was from the Hwanggeum Family, but they still let me through.

Since the ones talking inside with the Jangmunin were from the Murim Alliance and the Hwanggeum Family, they must have naturally assumed I was one of them.

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Hah, what a coincidence. Just luck, huh.”

“There are days like this, after all.”

Gwak Jindo let out a hearty laugh.

Currently, the three of us were returning to the Hwanggeum Family in a carriage.

At my side sat Gwak Jindo, and across from me was Jong Ri Un.

The inner-circle Bodyguards, saying that escorts shouldn’t be riding in carriages, were guarding us on horseback as we moved.

Up to now, Gwak Jindo and Jong Ri Un had listened to how I managed to arrive at the Hyeongsanpa at just the right time.

It seemed they wondered if I had even predicted this outcome.

“Ahem. Gwak Daehyeop, that’s not what’s important right now.”

“…Yes, that’s true, Senior.”

Jong Ri Un, sitting opposite, gave in.

Jong Ri Un seemed more curious about the Geum In in my possession than anything else.

Of course, Gwak Jindo felt the same, his eyes shining with interest.

“How did you find the Geum In? Don’t say it was inside the Jinbeop. We searched through that formation countless times ourselves.”

Jong Ri Un asked.

He seemed a little peeved that I’d found what they couldn’t, no matter how hard they tried.

“Father was awake, so I asked him.”

“Huh?”

At my words, Gwak Jindo and Jong Ri Un paused, then looked shocked.

“The Gaju woke up? Then the Gwisik Daebeop is broken? What about the Mujeongji?”

“Is the Gaju all right now?”

Jong Ri Un and Gwak Jindo questioned me in quick succession.

I calmed them down.

“I’m not sure, but it seems the Mujeongji has been cured. Maybe the Jinbeop was effective. Anyway, he woke up and told me. The Geum In was hidden in the Deungryeong Shrine.”

Jong Ri Un wore an incredulous expression.

I’d made it sound as if the Mujeongji, also known as the Poison King, had been casually cured.

Still, they couldn’t exactly suspect me for bringing back the Geum In.

Other than omitting the fact that I’d woken Father myself, I told them everything.

No matter how much I wanted to raise my value, I couldn’t tell them even that.

“…Well, if the Gongja says so, then it must be true. Then is the Gaju still inside the Jinbeop?”

“Yes. He’s cured, but he needs to recuperate. If he were to come out into the Central Plains in that state, he might get into trouble again.”

“That’s true.”

Gwak Jindo nodded gravely.

Regardless, the news that Father was awake seemed to please both Jong Ri Un and Gwak Jindo greatly.

I knew Gwak Jindo was close to Father, but it seemed he had a good relationship with Jong Ri Un as well.

This was something I hadn’t known in my previous life.

While I was thinking, Jong Ri Un changed the subject.

“By the way, you really broke through Shinsan’s Jinbeop without a clue to the solution?”

“Yes.”

I replied simply.

Before I could add more, Gwak Jindo jumped in with an explanation.

“Mok Hwan’s Jinbeop is truly unparalleled. If we’re just talking about formations, you could say he’s Heaven’s Best of the Era.”

He sounded proud.

I rolled up my sleeves and gazed outside.

We were now entering Namchang.

“Even in Mugong, he’s probably Heaven’s Best of the Era in this generation.”

Jong Ri Un mumbled as he looked out the window with me.

Gwak Jindo looked doubtful.

“…I wouldn’t say that much. He’s incredibly talented, but he hasn’t been learning for long.”

“So he really hasn’t been learning for long. And yet, you took him as your disciple?”

Jong Ri Un said.

Gwak Jindo looked at me in surprise.

It had been quite a while since he’d seen my Mugong.

In truth, Gwak Jindo now fit the role of Great Uncle more than Master to me.

In that sense, Mok Hyeonhak Jangro, who had taught me martial arts techniques, ought to be regarded as my Master as well.

“Then you’re peerless in Mugong and Jinbeop alike.”

“I suppose I do have some talent.”

I felt the gazes of both Gwak Jindo and Jong Ri Un focus on me.

Such stares had become familiar by now.

As I said nothing, Gwak Jindo smoothly shifted the topic.

“The Alliance Leader will be heading straight for Wuhan.”

“That’s right. Once the Hyeongsanpa announces the Bongmun Seoneon, we’ll be swamped with work. Even now, Jegalheon of Shinsan, who just returned from Unnam, is itching to give me more to do. He’s practically desperate for an excuse.”

Jong Ri Un sighed as if dreading it already.

If a sect like the Hyeongsanpa was sealed by the Murim Alliance, it was bound to cause a stir.

Once people learned more, they’d realize the Hwanggeum Family was involved, and that the Family’s situation had been resolved.

Still, it was a shame to send the Alliance Leader off like this.

Of course, the reason he and Gwak Jindo had come was largely due to chance.

But it was up to me to make use of that fortune.

“Alliance Leader, could you stop by the Family for a bit before you go?”

“…Why? I’m really busy, you know.”

Jong Ri Un grumbled.

The anxious look in his eyes told me that Jegalheon of Shinsan was working him hard.

“I’d like you to be present at the Glorious Moment.”

I smiled.

Jong Ri Un seemed to understand what I meant.

So did Gwak Jindo.

They’d already heard of my intentions.

My intention to become the Gaju.

***

Convincing my Hyungje was easier than expected.

In our previous lives, we’d fought over the position of Gaju simply to survive.

If you became Gaju, at least you could save yourself.

Back then, none of us—including myself—knew that there was a fate worse than death.

But now it was different.

The position of Gaju no longer had anything to do with one’s life.

Of course, there were those, like Geumwolsang, who worried for me and considered the Gaju seat carefully, but it didn’t matter much.

When there are many external enemies, it’s natural to unite internally.

There was no particular charm to the Gaju seat, and with all the outside threats resolved, whoever became Gaju wouldn’t change the situation.

I just had a lot to push forward, and thus taking the Gaju seat was simply the most suitable.

I told them everything in broad strokes, except for the fact that Father had awakened—explaining that would take too long.

“Looking good.”

Geumsurin tidied my bangs, then brought over a long Donggyeong mirror.

In the mirror, I wore a navy Danryeong robe.

Golden threads embroidered various patterns on the navy fabric, and the belt cinched at my waist was also gold.

I turned my waist to check if the belt was tied properly and lifted my arms to inspect the sleeves.

These were things I normally didn’t care about, but today was different.

“Thank you.”

“Well, it’s all because you’re handsome.”

Geumsurin giggled.

She’d stuck by me since morning, helping me get ready.

“Well, I’ll be going. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Yes.”

Geumsurin left the room with quick steps.

I, too, was looking forward to it—the Succession Ceremony for the position of Gaju in the Hwanggeum Family.

I had the Geum In in hand, Father was officially missing to outsiders, and I had the unanimous approval of all my Hyungje.

It was all possible.

I headed for the Great Hall where the dan sang stood.

The Gaju Succession Ceremony was to be held there.

We’d sent Invitation Letters to the Gupailbang, Myungmun Noble Clans, and Yu-ryeok Munpa to announce the change of Gaju in the Hwanggeum Family, but I had no idea how many would actually show up.

The reason for sending out Invitation Letters was simple: it was time to let them know.

They needed to understand that the Hwanggeum Family was no longer what it once was.

Soon, I arrived at the entrance of the Great Hall.

Among the Bodyguards at the door was Gu Johum.

“You look splendid, Gongja-nim. No, I suppose I should start calling you Gaju-nim now.”

“Wait until after the Succession Ceremony.”

I smiled.

Gu Johum, who had been smiling with me, immediately donned a serious expression and shouted in a loud voice.

“Gold-necked Hwan Gongja-nim enters!”

Gu Johum opened the doors.

This place was originally used by the Gaju for work and for holding the Family’s ancestral rites, so it was spacious.

I looked around.

Though we’d sent Invitation Letters, few had come.

Those who did attend were, at best, in charge of observing; their intent was plain to see.

But I smiled at them.

Still, there were plenty of people.

All the Jongpyo Du of the Hwanggeum Escort Agency and the heads of countless Organizations under the Hwanggeum Family had gathered.

Of course, among them were also many retainers.

No, in fact, there were a lot.

They were already lined up to either side, leaving a path through the center.

I walked through, lightly nodding as I passed.

There were many elders who’d helped with Jingye of Cheongmyeong.

At the very front were my Hyungje, all splendidly dressed.

Geumwolsang met my gaze and nodded.

I climbed the Dangsang.

Once on the platform, I stood taller than anyone.

The dais was quite high.

“We will now begin the Gaju Succession Ceremony of the Hwanggeum Family!”

A loud declaration came from an elderly man standing below the dais.

It was Park Noya, Geumwolsang’s former chief attendant from the Geongon Pavilion.

After my former attendant had vanished, he had taken on the role.

“First, a congratulatory speech from the leader of the Murim Alliance.”

At those words, a small stir swept through the invitees.

They surely had no idea the Murim Alliance Leader was present.

The reason I’d insisted the Alliance Leader delay his trip to Wuhan was exactly this.

If I could leverage his reputation in announcing the new Hwanggeum Family, it would go much faster.

““I am Murim Alliance Leader Jong Ri Un. It is my honor to give a congratulatory address at the Succession Ceremony of the long-established merchant family, the Hwanggeum Family. I also have ties to the missing former Gaju, Geum Jugwon, and though I am a warrior, I admired the righteousness of that merchant and gladly accepted this role.””

I hadn’t told Jong Ri Un what to say in his speech.

I couldn’t possibly dictate even that.

If it was too much, I’d told him to keep it brief, but it seemed he’d prepared something in the meantime.

Considering how quickly he put it together, it was impressive.

No doubt the position of Murim Alliance Leader involved many such speeches, so he was quite practiced.

““Ordinarily, without confirmation of the death of the former Gaju Geum Jugwon, a proper succession ceremony would not be possible. However, since the Hwanggeum Family was recently attacked by Sapa forces, the Family needed a pillar to rebuild, and thus, the Murim Alliance recommended succession.””

Jong Ri Un wove the story smoothly.

Moved by his eloquence, the members of the Hwanggeum Family gazed at us with emotional faces.

As for the invited guests, their expressions were simply blank with surprise.

““The one I address today, the next Gaju, Gold-necked Hwan Gongja, is in no way lacking for the position. Some retainers may be anxious because of his youth, but I, Murim Alliance Leader Jong Ri Un, will vouch for him. Gold-necked Hwan Gongja is a rare talent of this era. He moves guided by the words of ancient sages, and though he possesses brilliance, he is steadfast in rejecting Sapa and heretical ways. I say, he is even magnanimous.””

Jong Ri Un continued.

His gaze turned to the invited guests.

““The Orthodox Sects are currently in chaos. The people of the Central Plains question whether these groups have not become corrupt. In such times, the Murim Alliance must restore the faith of the people in the Orthodox Sects and rebuild the trust and righteousness that has been lost. In this regard, the Hwanggeum Family and Gold-necked Hwan Gongja are perfectly suited for this era.””

At the mention of “corruption,” the invited guests flinched.

Jong Ri Un’s intent was clear.

He might only be a chief attendant here, but soon, the will of the Murim Alliance Leader would be passed up to their superiors.

““Finally, Gold-necked Hwan Gongja. I congratulate you on becoming the Gaju of the Hwanggeum Family. I sincerely wish you will lead the Family well.””

Jong Ri Un looked at me as he spoke, then stepped down from the platform.

After a brief silence, cheers from the retainers filled the Great Hall.

As he stepped down, Jong Ri Un met my eyes and gave a small smile—a smile that said he’d done all he could.

I nodded in gratitude.

“Now, the presentation of the Geum In!”

Park Noya conducted the ceremony.

At the mention of the Geum In, the Great Hall stirred.

They all knew that the Geum In had disappeared.

But when Gwak Jindo emerged from the back holding it, there was no mistaking it—the Geum In, seal of the Hwanggeum Family.

“Normally, the Gaju would present it directly, but under the circumstances, I must do so instead.”

Gwak Jindo spoke briefly, then handed the Geum In to me.

I received it.

Gwak Jindo raised his voice.

“From this moment, do not call him Gongja, but Gaju! From now on, the Gaju of the Hwanggeum Family is Gold-necked Hwan!”

I smiled.

The cheers rose again.

Then, Gwak Jindo looked at me and moved his lips.

Though the noise drowned him out, judging by the shape of his mouth, he must have been saying—

“Well done.”

And so, from that day, I officially became the Gaju of the Hwanggeum Family.