Chapter Fifty-three


     As the dinner wound down, Junseo congratulated himself on getting through relatively unscathed but then he got cornered by the Governor's wife. She clearly had too much to drink and made wild accusations about how members of the Lie family had it in for her husband.

"I'm sorry Milady, I know nothing of the court and politics but can only suppose loyalty must be an important currency in any position," Junseo tried to back away as he bowed.

"Are you saying my husband isn't loyal? What do you know? He is a true patriot with strong allies, not some sniveling second son trying to live down his father's misdeeds," she leaned into him and slurred something more unintelligible.

"Like all the people in this province, I am grateful the all the accords have such strong defenders to keep our troublesome neighbours at bay," Junseo said this knowing full well the Governor and his allies were suspected of doing the exact opposite. He did not acknowledge the slight to the King but as the women continued on her rant against the Lie family, he looked around hoping an adult might intervene. Finally, he could no longer pretend he was not offended so said, "Surely, it is not our place to second guess the Dragon's wisdom."

"You believe the fairy tales about that stinking old water-snake? What makes you think it could possibly be wise? I mean, even if does exist, why would it care who sits on the throne?" The woman's loud laugh was as out of place as her remarks and her husband signaled for her women to guide her away.

"Don't mind her. I don't think she ever got over her son choosing to go live abroad when they had such a good marriage alliance lined up," the Guard Captain said from behind Junseo. "She goes off whenever her husband takes a shine to any youngster."

"Oh. Right. Well, no harm. At least I hope not," Junseo bobbed his head a couple of times while trying to decipher what it might mean to have the Governor take a shine to him.

"Good. Now just promise you will come back and spar with us as soon as you feel up to it. I'm sure we have some decent enough swordsmen to put you through your paces. Maybe not the same level as your friend, Go San Jin, but good enough." The Captain gave him half a salute and walked away.

Junseo stood very still. The man had just made it very clear the Governor knew a great deal more about Junseo's life in the capital than he assumed. Not that his membership in the training league was exactly secret, just that what an ordinary schoolboy might get up to in the capital shouldn't matter here in Ilidan. Of course, he wasn't just an ordinary schoolboy but he certainly didn't want anyone as potentially dangerous as the Governor, taking an interest. He was grateful his father took over the formalities of their leave taking and they could make their way to a waiting carriage.

"How thoughtful for them to note my preference," Junseo's mother said as she climbed in.

"It is a welcome kindness not to have to walk down the slope in the dark," his father replied loudly enough to be overheard by the guards at the gate. He did not know what was behind the Governor's earlier transportation option but it had to be some kind of test. He reached over and patted his wife's hand and then took it and gave it a gentle massage.

Junseo could feel his own headache coming on so ran his fingers in small circles at the top of his neck. His father then quizzed him about the major and minor meridian points for relieving stress. Junseo answered automatically but then said, "Not helping, Papa."

"No. But you just called me Papa, so I will take that as a win."

"Boys, enough with your games," a tired voice pleaded.

"Sorry Mama. I know it must have a been a difficult night. Thank you for coming," Junseo said softly.

"You're welcome. I almost wish my father had been here to see it. Especially the way you managed that terribly rude woman." She waved her free hand adding, "What I mean to say is well done."

"Had I been in your place, I would have been much less polite. Her husband owes his appointment to the King and yet she just went off like that. It was truly embarrassing." Healer Park shook his head. He would have continued but Junseo pointed to the front of the carriage and then to an ear.

"Right. Well, it was generous of them to acknowledge us, and mark your accomplishments. I am guessing with the way the Superintendent acted you will have school tours to do in the near future."

"I don't mind. The idea is to encourage the seniors ahead of the exams. It might be awkward since I am still younger than half of them, but if it helps any of them get over the hump with their studying, it will be worth it. Honestly, there are a lot of times when it is a real slog."

"You never complained," his mother observed.

"No point, is there? The work still needed to be done." Junseo pursed his lips but before he could think of anything else he might say on the topic they had arrived back at home. Even though they were all more than ready to turn in, his father asked Junseo to join him for tea with Granny Min.

"Go put on something more comfortable while I tuck in your mother. Then we can see what our chief strategist has to say." Junseo grinned at the description and hurried to comply. His nephew waylaid him and needed a quick cuddle and assurances Uncle Jun-issi would still be there in the morning.

When he joined his father and grandmother, they were already deep in conversation trying to parse why the Governor would have sent a palanquin. "Everybody knows we have no truck or trade with slavers," his father said.

"So, it was a probe to see your principles hold in the face of an inconvenience," the old woman just shook her head, adding, "Petty of them given how many spare carriages they have."

"Disappointing. Like the rest of the evening. Every bit of conversation felt like a mine field, and at times the praise for our boy seemed backhanded. Almost as if they thought he cheated somehow or advanced due to position."

"Oh, was that what was going on with all the talk of unique qualities? I was only half paying attention at that point," Junseo admitted. "I'm glad it wasn't something else, what with the Captain saying what he did about the Governor taking a shine." Junseo's audience both look very worried.

"I think you better walk us through what happened," his father said clearing his throat. When Junseo finished his full story, his grandmother asked him what bothered him the most.

"The way they put me on notice they are tracking me. I mean why say anything?" Junseo scratched his head.

"The easiest answer is simple intimidation. The more complicated, is if the Captain is trying to draw you in by giving you information and implying unsavory things about the Governor," his grandmother offered.

"And maybe he hoped to distract you from having heard such direct treason coming from the Governor's wife," his father said darkly.


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