The autumn wind, even in Ju, carried a chill dampness. Baekan Yujeong's ship arrived with the autumn winds, and Hwan himself went to the harbor to greet him. The number of ships entering the harbor comprised almost the entirety of Yujeong's fleet. Hwan, his face bright with a welcoming smile, addressed Yujeong as he crossed the gangplank.
"Have you left Seomy completely empty?" he asked.
"I couldn't resist the call when I heard that our Guardian had reclaimed his powers," Yujeong replied.
Seomy was a small, isolated island, far from the Hundred Isles, with few enemies to threaten it. Even so, Yujeong's actions seemed reckless and baffling to Hwan. He pushed aside his worries and questions, returning the smile.
"Your presence is a great comfort," he said.
"How did Jongwon Soh meet his end?" Yujeong asked casually.
"Like a king," Hwan replied.
A flicker of sadness crossed Yujeong's eyes, then vanished. Hwan didn't want to pry into the details of Soh's relationship with Yujeong beyond the rumors he had heard.
Immediately after Jongwon Soh's death, Hwan had dispatched envoys to the few remaining islands that hadn't yet submitted to Ju's rule. By the beginning of autumn, they had all surrendered, sending envoys back with tributes as a sign of submission. Some even arrived in Ju with their fleets, led by their lords or their most powerful warriors. As Jongwon Soh and his advisors had predicted, the Hundred Isles were unified under Hwan's rule with surprising swiftness. The power of his blood, it seemed, was absolute.
Yujeong was pleasantly surprised to see Yirahng, heavily pregnant, standing beside Hwan.
"My, it seems you'll soon have an heir," he remarked.
"The physician says she's due in about a month," Hwan replied.
"Then it wouldn't be surprising if she gives birth today," Yujeong chuckled. "Why have you brought her all the way here in her condition?"
"She insisted on getting some fresh air," Hwan explained.
Yirahng smiled at Yujeong, her hands supporting her swollen belly. The mischievous smile she used to wear had matured, replaced by a calm serenity.
The harbor was crowded with warships from various islands, but one ship, in particular, caught Yujeong's attention. It flew the blue flag, but its sails were a patchwork of faded, mismatched colors.
"That ship has a rather peculiar sail," Yujeong remarked.
Indeed, unlike the other ships with their single-colored sails, the vessel that had caught his attention seemed to be made from countless scraps of yellow cloth sewn together. The crew bustled about on deck, preparing for departure.
"That's the ship leaving for Birahng today," Hwan explained. "It's the same one they used to send the Emissary here."
Yujeong frowned. "You intend to announce your arrival?"
"My brother awaits," Hwan replied with a chilling smile. "We must show each other some courtesy."
His smile was both innocent and cruel as he watched the ship.
After imprisoning Sobi in the Palace of Ju, Hwan had executed the merchants and crew who had accompanied her. Only Sobi would return on that ship, its crew now replaced by Ju's naval soldiers. Sobi, confined to her cabin, was shielded from Yujeong's curious gaze. The ship set sail before noon.
The early autumn sea journey back to Birahng was calm. The Ju soldiers guarding Sobi didn't leave her alone even within the confines of her cabin, occasionally bringing her up to the deck for fresh air and sunlight. Seasick for the first few days, Sobi was given ginger tea, which brought back memories of the three soldiers whom she had shared her ginger chips with. She wept, biting back sobs. The soldiers, under strict orders from Hwan to prevent her death, were unaware of the Emissaries' strong prohibition against suicide. Sobi cried every day, mourning those she had left behind in Ju and cursing her own complicity in their deaths, yet she couldn't bring herself to end her own life.
On the tenth day of their voyage, the soldiers entered her cabin, bound her, and dragged her up to the deck. Blinded by the sudden sunlight, she shielded her eyes. As her vision cleared, she saw the familiar coastline of Birahng in the distance, the white walls of Nahmgyo gleaming under the bright sun. Summer still clung to the hills of Birahng.
The summer had been a turbulent one, with sudden downpours interrupting the clear skies and churning the sea. Freshly caught fish and seaweed were rare treats; dried seafood and preserved grains filled their pantries. Whenever the sun emerged, the people would bring out their stores to dry, preventing rot. The bustling market streets, usually vibrant with activity, were now sluggish under the oppressive heat. Though they were spared the stifling humidity of the cave, the summer heat in the world below was an unfamiliar torment for those who had resided in Wicheong Palace.
The summer in Hyangdo was no different from Nahmgyo—hot and tedious. Yet, it was also a time of unprecedented activity and prosperity. When Seong arrived with his procession, the harbor was filled with merchant ships from Dong'gyeong, Sung. The ships were moored securely due to the rain, some even pulled ashore. Even after a day, porters continued to unload cargo, carefully protecting valuable goods from the rain. Baek Ryucheon, true to his word, welcomed the Myeonghyeon siblings with a triumphant air. Relieved of their financial anxieties, the siblings were able to secure the loyalty of not only Hyangdo but also Dongrahng, Seorahng, and Nahmgyo, where the Ministry remained.
While Hyangdo thrived and the other three cities received their supplies, Nahmgyo focused on transforming the Emissaries into a fighting force, despite the harsh weather. It was Seong's will, and Joon's, but it was primarily the will of Second Emissary Cheongro, backed by the elders. He pushed them relentlessly, even through thunderstorms, the Emissaries learning to wield swords and spears in the pouring rain, their footing unsteady on the muddy ground. Though discontent simmered among them, Cheongro swiftly quelled any dissent by ensnaring a few with his promises.
After House Myeonghyeon's departure, Yeonyahng was divided. Seolyo Jin took over the inn and trading company, but it was her son, Seolyo Yeong, who managed the day-to-day operations. Though profits had dwindled, whether due to the merchants returning to their home countries before the monsoon or Seolyo Yeong's inexperience, they wouldn't know until autumn. Still, the remaining income from Yeonyahng helped fund the Ministry and the increased city population. Any shortages were supplied by Hyangdo via the land route.
The rear gardens were used by the Ministry. Norahn had strictly forbidden the Emissaries from entering Yeonyahng's business area, but with Cheongro's tacit approval, many frequented the inn at night, using the secret passage once used by House Myeonghyeon, indulging in forbidden pleasures. Though their actions directly impacted profits, as the courtesans they sought were meant for paying customers, Jin forbade her son from complaining to Norahn.
Norahn, who had remained patient throughout the summer, grew anxious as autumn approached, the mornings and evenings turning colder. The anticipation that had settled over Birahng with the changing seasons wasn't limited to Norahn.
As Jin finished her morning duties, a soldier rushed to her from the watchtower. His report brought news they had all been waiting for.
"A ship flying the blue flag is approaching," he announced.
"The blue flag?" Jin's face lit up, then quickly turned serious.
"What color are its sails?" she asked.
"They appear yellow," the soldier replied, "but it could be faded white."
"So it's definitely not black," Jin concluded. "Inform the High Emissary."
The news quickly reached the rear gardens of Yeonyahng. Cheongro advised waiting within the city, but Norahn, eager for news, rushed towards the harbor with Jin. Though Sobi's return meant the start of the dreaded succession process, Norahn couldn't bring himself to worry about that now. His only concern was for Sobi's safe return.
The merchant ship that docked at the harbor bore ominous signs. Though it flew the blue flag, the emblem of House Myeonghyeon was missing, and the crew remained hidden within, as if waiting for someone. The harbor was silent until Jin and Norahn arrived.
Only when they heard the approaching hooves of their horses did the gangplank lower. As Jin and Norahn dismounted, a figure emerged from the ship. It was Sobi, dressed in white, but she was being pushed forward at spear-point by the soldiers of Ju. Norahn's face hardened at the sight of the ropes binding Sobi's arms and wrists. She was gaunt and pale, her eyes devoid of their usual spark. Norahn's heart sank even before he heard her story.
"Sobi," he called out.
Sobi stumbled towards him and collapsed at his feet.
"Your Sanctity..." she choked out, unable to maintain her composure. She wept, her sobs echoing through the harbor.
The soldiers of Ju, their spears still pointed at Sobi, brought forward a chest and presented it to Norahn, while the soldiers of Nahmgyo who had accompanied Jin and Norahn took a defensive stance. The soldiers retreated after placing the chest before Norahn.
The Emissaries rushed forward and opened the sealed chest. Inside, they found a pile of gold ingots and a letter written on fine silk. The letter bore the words of Hwan, who now claimed the title of Guardian of the Azure Scripture and the King of the Hundred Isles. Norahn read the letter, then handed it to Jin. They both remained silent, their gazes fixed on Sobi, who continued to weep.
Cheongro, after examining the contents of the chest, turned to Norahn. "Where did this gold come from?" he asked.
Norahn ignored his question and issued a command. "Help the Third Emissary," he said. "And secure the chest. We're returning to the city."
Though Norahn evaded the question, the news of the gold quickly spread through the Ministry after their return. But the most urgent news brought by the ship was the terrifying announcement that Hwan, having unified Soyeol with Sahngjon's power, would soon arrive in Birahng with his fleet. However, the elders, hastily gathered, were more enraged by Sobi's independent actions in Ju and the gold she had brought back.
"It seems the Third Emissary was colluding with House Myeonghyeon," one of them accused.
"That gold was a personal gesture from the High Councilor, a precaution in case things went wrong," Norahn countered. "Besides, House Myeonghyeon is not our enemy. How could the Third Emissary possibly collude with them?"
"Even with their vast wealth, would they offer such a large sum simply as a precaution?" the elder argued. "There must be some deal. Or perhaps another kind of relationship."
Norahn glared at him. "What do you mean by 'another kind of relationship'?"