Chapter 109: The Arrival of the White Demonic Spirit Part 1

– It is truly an honor for my family to meet the head of the illustrious Huayongseol clan, the greatest pillar supporting this golden age of Cheongdo.

The head of the Huayongseol clan had returned after subjugating the northern barbarian country of Elephant Flower.

In celebration of his return, a grand banquet was held in the courtyard of the main palace, and the atmosphere was at its peak.

Musicians played music, dancers performed, and the tables were overflowing with delicious delicacies which made it feel like this place was nothing short of paradise.

All kinds of officials were walking around the head of the Hwayongseol clan, Seol Lee Moon, who was also the host of this place.

Everyone was gathering in hopes of catching the eye of Seol Lee Moon, one of the greatest military officers in Cheongdo Palace.

– isn’t this Lord Ancheong? It is truly an honor to have you attend such an event. The Huayongseol clan will certainly send a grand token of gratitude in return.

– The Chief Councilor himself has graced us with his presence here. I must offer you a deep bow first.

– Aren’t you the Deputy Warrior Commander of the Red Palace? It’s been a while, hasn’t it? So, how has your swordsmanship improved?

Seol Lee Moon exchanged greetings and clinked glasses with various individuals, but after a while, he stepped out of the banquet hall to rest at the rear of the main building.

In his younger days, he could drink all night without feeling tired, but as he neared the age of forty, he found that the effects of alcohol were no longer as pleasant as they once were.

After shaking off his mild intoxication and regaining his composure, he quietly gazed up at the moon before rising to his feet.

– This is a well-known spot for moongazing that is known only to a few officials inside the palace, but it seems that, as expected of someone who has spent his life in the palace’s military service, you know every inch of the palace well.

***

– …Aren’t you the owner of the Anpyeong Merchant Guild? I didn’t expect you to come all the way here.

– I thought you might be curious about the recent whereabouts of the peddler Seong Hyeol Hwa, so even though it’s late, I came to the banquet.

At those words, Seol Lee Moon’s face brightened.

Seong Hyeol Hwa was a peddler from the Western Continent. When she came to the imperial capital, they had shared a few drinks by chance and hit it off. Even after returning from subjugating the northern barbarians, he had been curious about her and asked around for news.

When he heard the shocking news that, after a drunken night, she had become pregnant with his child, his vision went dark.

However, Seong Hyeol Hwa was a woman of remarkable strength deserving of the title of heroine; she continued her trading journeys even while carrying the child. She left him only with the words to focus on his duties as a military officer before disappearing.

While Seol Lee Moon was shedding blood on the northern lands, Seong Hyeol Hwa would have already given birth to the child.

The thought of it made him unable to focus on the banquet. In his heart, he wanted to search the capital immediately for Seong Hyeol Hwa, but he didn’t have the luxury of time. At this moment, Seol Lee Moon was a man who couldn’t leave the imperial palace.

– Where is she and what is she doing? I want to tell her that it’s time for me to fulfill my duties, so she doesn’t need to worry about me anymore.

– She recently transported goods for the Anpyeong Merchant Guild, but now she seems to be traveling between the Western regions. She’s probably settled near the Unmu region, but it will take some time to send someone there to find out.

– I see… The Unmu region is quite far. Alright, I’ll also have some people dig for information.

– There is something else… I came to ask you a favor, Lord Seol.

The owner of the Anpyeong Merchant Guild glanced behind him, and a woman stepped forward into the moonlight. She was holding a child in her arms.

The child who looked about three or four years old was fast asleep in the woman’s arms; her black hair was gently rising and falling with each soft breath.

Even though the child was merely sleeping, there was an inexplicable air of nobility around her. She seemed extraordinary from birth.

– That child is…?

– …It’s better not to know too much about her background.

If the owner of the Anpyeong Merchant Guild said so, it was probably better to remain ignorant.

The child’s hair shone with a healthy gloss, and her flawless skin was as smooth as white jade.

It was clear at a glance that she had been raised in luxury. She looked as if she could be the daughter of a noble family, certainly not the kind of child who would end up here, held in the arms of a merchant guild’s worker.

– She is destined for great things. Could you look after her until she finds her place? It won’t be long before she makes her appearance in Cheongdo Palace’s political arena.

– When you say great things…

– She will rise to the very top of the Cheongdo Empire.

For a woman to rise to the highest position in Cheongdo Palace; there was only one such position.

– Just by looking at her, I can tell there’s a lot behind this child’s bloodline. How can I take responsibility for her without knowing anything?

– If you agree to help, I will risk everything to find Seong Hyeol Hwa.

– ….

Seol Lee Moon rested his chin on his hand and thought about it for a while. Eventually, he closed his eyes gently and nodded.

Whether it was Woon Hyeong, the owner of Anpyeong Merchant Guild, or Seol Lee Moon, the head of the Huayongseol clan… both of them were hiding plenty of secrets.

Adding one or two more at this point wouldn’t make much difference.

– Does the child have a name?

– At the Anpyeong Merchant Guild, they say her voice is as beautiful as the sound of a pipa, so they call her ‘Ah Hyun’ (beautiful string).

Seol Lee Moon glanced at the young girl who was fast asleep and her breathing soft and steady, then he nodded his head as he spoke.

– Her sharp eyes and heavy breathing suggest a strong sense of self and a fierce nature.

In a way, it was only natural.

Those who rule must possess a certain ruthlessness. Perhaps he understood this well, the head of the Anpyeong Merchant Guild Woon Hyeong also closed his eyes in quiet contemplation.

A few years later, that young girl would become the Heavenly Maiden of Cheongdo and ascend to the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

Watching her command the energy of the Heavenly Dragon at such a young age, one could clearly grasp the meaning of receiving the blessing of the Emperor of Heaven.

Many officials marveled at her abilities, and the Huayongseol clan, with Seol at its center, sought to protect her and bring about an era of peace and prosperity.

Scolding her maids, despising those who challenged her authority, and holding more pride in her abilities than anyone else… this was the birth of a Heavenly Maiden destined to rule. She possessed every quality necessary for a ruler.

A certain degree of arrogance and tenacity is inevitable for one who reaches the top. It was simply a matter of honing her skills and letting her judgment mature.

And the following year.

Just as the young girl who was now seated as the Heavenly Maiden was just beginning to discern right from wrong…

The head of the Huayongseol clan Seol Lee Moon launched a rebellion.

***

On the morning of the planned coronation of Heavenly Maiden Jin Cheong Lang.

After finishing her household chores, Yeon Ri lay down on the porch and started protesting.

“I-can’t-live-like-this-any-longer—ugh, I’m dying.”

“…….”

“Tae Pyeong-ah, seriously! Just two more people, okay? Please?!”

Yeon Ri was managing the grand mansion of the Vice General all by herself.

Of course, I took full responsibility for cooking (there are still plenty of rice soup recipes I want to experiment with), but all the other household tasks and maintenance were entirely up to her.

Since she had managed the vast White Immortal Palace alone, she thought this would be possible as well, but she surrendered within four months.

Back at the White Immortal Palace, there were hardly any visitors, and even the White Immortal himself was a recluse, so she could manage on her own … But in the Vice General’s mansion, officials came and went constantly, so no task could be handled carelessly.

“Right now, the Hwalseong District is in full swing with development, yet the leader is pulling people away for personal matters when we’re already short on staff; does that make any sense?”

“Tae Pyeong-ah! You’re the Vice General of the country! Come on… at this level, not asserting your authority is practically a crime! Look at the other generals; they have a whole slew of attendants following them around, and they don’t even pull out their own chairs to sit down!”

As for me who was listening to that story, I was sitting on the porch and trimming some leeks for dinner.

When I told them to bring in fresh ones, it seemed like they really brought the good stuff. As expected, Ha Si Hwa knows how to get things done.

“I’m doing this because I like it. Is there some law against that? Even the White Immortal Elder didn’t keep a single attendant, even when she held a third-rank position.”

“…You really just picked up all these habits from the White Immortal Elder, huh… You’re already infamous among the generals for being eccentric.”

“Well, once the Hwalseong District development wraps up and things settle down, we’ll hire some people. Until then, we just have to tighten our belts.”

Even though she was complaining like that, Yeon Ri was actually quite capable when it came to work.

It’s hard to believe she was once the Heavenly Maiden, but in terms of practical skills, she was the type that produced better results the more pressure she was under.

“When I think about it, Yeon Ri, I remember something you used to say often when you were sitting in the Heavenly Jade Pavilion of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.”

“M…? Me…? Wh-What did I say?”

“When you’re told to jump, you jump.”

Who cares anymore?

At those words, Yeon Ri wiped away her tears and headed out to the backyard to wash the rag.

***

In the history of the Cheongdo Empire, no one had ever held the position of both mistress of one of the four palaces and the Heavenly Maiden at the same time.

After all, the title of Heavenly Maiden was not a light one, nor was it common for someone so highly respected by all the people to be easily deposed.

That is why Jin Cheong Lang’s recent ascension was truly an unprecedented event.

Officially, the position was temporary, so they couldn’t remove her from her role as the head of Azure Dragon Palace, but at the same time, there didn’t seem to be anyone more capable than the Azure Princess herself to perform the duties of the Heavenly Maiden.

After layers of complex reasons overlapped, she became the first and only person to simultaneously hold the reins of both the Azure Dragon Palace and the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

– ♪ ♬ ♪

Amid the sound of musicians plucking their strings, the plaza in front of the Heavenly Dragon Hall was filled with maids.

Jin Cheong Lang who was clad in the pale blue ceremonial attire of the Heavenly Dragon Hall walked through the bowing women, who had their heads lowered to greet their new mistress.

At the very front, she held a cup carved in the shape of a heavenly dragon, took a silent sip, set it down, and bowed her head.

As she raised her face toward the sky to quietly receive the energy of the Heavenly Dragon, all the members of the Heavenly Dragon Hall knelt and bowed their heads in respect.

I too bowed my head in unison at the front of the group and deeply realized that times were changing.

After the coronation ceremony, the Heavenly Maiden immediately performed a purification ritual with clear water in the Heavenly Jade Pavilion.

After cleansing her entire body with the sacred water infused with the Heavenly Dragon’s energy, Jin Cheong Lang entered the inner chambers with the help of the maids of the Heavenly Dragon Hall and began her first official task.

She received reports from her Headmaid, her adjutant, and the other senior maids, confirmed that there were no issues in maintaining their duties, and then she gave instructions for them to continue fulfilling their roles diligently.

Though this exchange appeared purely formal, it served to officially confirm that this young girl had now become the rightful master of the grand Heavenly Dragon Hall.

Creak.

Jin Cheong Lang who was wrapped in a cotton cloth entered the inner chambers.

She crossed the paper door, which served as the main gate, and then took her seat.

The maids gathered around to wipe the moisture off her hair and brought a pale blue Heavenly Dragon robe to cover her shoulders.

In the midst of all this, Jin Cheong Lang stood tall and dignified. She looked so elegant that it was hard to believe she was the same person.

They said a position makes the person.

The role of the mistress of Azure Dragon Palace was already a highly esteemed position, but now that she had become the mistress of the Heavenly Dragon Hall, she seemed to have ascended to another level entirely.

“The senior maids of each group managing the junior maids, listen closely.”

Her calm and composed voice settled into the inner chambers of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

With this, the girl had become the woman wielding the greatest power in the Cheongdo Empire. As if to confirm this, the numerous senior maids bowed their heads and listened intently.

“The duties of the senior maids are the closest to practical tasks, so there will always be many variables. You must be quick to adapt and there will be times when it’s hard to make decisions as middle managers. In those moments, always make judgments that align with the rules and act in a way that you can stand by with pride.”

“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”

The voices of the senior maids who answered in unison echoed through the room.

“Now, return to your duties and carry out your responsibilities with diligence.”

When the command was given, everyone except the two maids drying the hair of the Heavenly Maid bowed politely and walked backward out of the room.

“The high senior maids in charge of each department of the Heavenly Dragon Hall, Jeong Rae Yeol, Hwa Jin Lang, Seol Ran, Han Deok Shim, and Ha Sun Ho, listen carefully.”

“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”

“Those of you who serve me closely and oversee the many maids carry a heavy responsibility. Always keep your eyes wide open so that the discipline of the Heavenly Dragon Hall remains firm, and whenever you detect any significant disturbance or incident, be sure to whisper the news into my ear.”

The high senior maids once again responded in unison, and when the Heavenly Maid granted them permission to leave, they quietly exited the inner chamber while stepping backward.

And so, only three or four maids who were tidying the princess’s attire remained in the room, along with Headmaid Lee Ryeong, a eunuch who acted as the scribe, and myself.

“Headmaid Lee Ryeong, listen closely.”

“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”

“Your experience of protecting Heavenly Dragon Hall for so many years will be of great help to me. As I fulfill my duties as the Heavenly Maid, I will rely on your support often, so I ask that you assist me well, both in spirit and action.”

“You don’t have to ask for that, Heavenly Maiden.”

“Good. The senior maids must be feeling confused as they adjust to their new mistress, so go and bring some order to the situation.”

“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”

After offering a respectful bow, Headmaid Lee Ryeong left the inner chamber.

Moments later… the time came when I, who was kneeling with my head lowered, was finally called.

“Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong, listen closely.”

“…Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”

“For now, remain seated where you are. Let’s fix your appearance… I have something important to discuss with you.”

“……..”

Beyond the paper door, the Heavenly Maiden’s preparations were nearly complete.

The once damp hair had dried, leaving only a glossy sheen as it flowed down beautifully, and the almost naked body was now elegantly draped in the noble Heavenly Dragon Robe. And the intricate folds of the court robe were exuding an air of refinement.

Once her preparations were complete, the maids who fulfilled their duties bowed and left the inner chamber.

“Vice General, you are well informed about both the affairs inside and outside the palace, and you have wide connections. Your advice in both martial and ceremonial matters is trustworthy, so you will be of great help to someone like me, who only knows some Taoist arts and the energy of the Heavenly Dragon.”

“Y-You honor me too much, Princess.”

“I wish to discuss an important matter that will shape the future of Cheongdo, so the scribe may leave us for now.”

After sending the last remaining scribe out of the room, we were left alone at last.

Creak!

“……..”

“……..”

An awkward silence lingered for a moment.

Jin Cheong Lang was now the official Heavenly Maiden. She was a figure to whom one could no longer speak carelessly. Whatever one did in her presence, the utmost respect had to be shown.

I too kept my head lowered and quietly waited for Jin Cheong Lang to speak. In Cheongdo Palace, the only person permitted to speak first on matters of state in front of the Heavenly Maiden was Emperor Woon Sung himself.

“So…”

Jin Cheong Lang finally opened her mouth and broke the silence.

I wondered what grand matter she was about to discuss that required such anticipation…

“Have you… had lunch yet…?”

“……”

As if all her previous dignity had vanished, she awkwardly covered her face with her sleeve and darted her gaze around.

It was clear she was trying to ease the awkwardness between us, but her approach was so old-fashioned that I couldn’t even laugh bitterly.

“…Yes.”

“…What did you eat?”

“I had a bowl of rice soup….”

“I see… it must have been delicious….”

“……..”

“……..”

Could a person suffocate while still breathing?

The mere thought of this atmosphere continuing made me feel like I was about to die.

Why… why can’t I breathe?

In front of Jin Cheong Lang, Seol Tae Pyeong stood with his head bowed and just waited for her command.

As if to affirm her authority, even a Vice General of the country had his head lowered. Such was the power of the Heavenly Maiden of Cheongdo Palace.

Now, Seol Tae Pyeong was a general under Jin Cheong Lang’s command. He would act according to her wishes, whatever they may be.

And so… this was a situation where anything she wanted could be done….She had finally achieved what she had long desired.

However, there was something she had overlooked.

From the start, she had no experience in relationships between men and women and was only conceptually aware that such things existed… even if someone set the table for her, there was no way she would have the courage or determination to do anything about it…

Inexperienced people can’t even eat from a meal laid out in front of them!

She had never once imagined that she herself could be that person! She had spent her whole life commanding those beneath her, so why now of all times was she hesitating?

“That… General Seol…”

In any case, the root of this awkwardness was the fact that they were facing each other in such a setting, in such a situation.

There was a need to relieve some of the tension. As a lover… no, as a superior, it was useful to have the skill to help a subordinate relax.

Jin Cheong Lang held her breath and asked Seol Tae Pyeong.

“Do… do you have any hobbies…?”

If there was a god of romance, they would have struck Jin Cheong Lang on the head out of sheer frustration.

But what could be done… she had no experience…

There was nothing left but to watch with pity… and nothing more anyone could do for her…