Chapter 104: Snow Flower Academy (1)
Chang’an regained its vitality at a rapid pace. This would have been impossible without the support of Hanzhong, the wealthiest region in the Central Plains. And the person who secured their support was one man: Jang-yang, the military governor who oversaw the administrative districts of Shaanxi.
The blind trust and reliance of the Shaanxi people were focused, unbelievably, on a single general.
Daming Palace in Chang’an Fortress.
At this moment, Jang-yang and his subordinate generals were walking around this massive palace complex.
“What was that hall used for?”
Where Jang-yang pointed stood a massive, imposing hall. Built high atop grand stone steps, its scale was so vast that it could easily accommodate several thousand people.
An administrator stepped forward and explained, “That is Zichen Hall, where the emperor rests and lives. It seems it was built even larger during the restoration process.”
“Sigh… To display such extravagance for the sake of an individual’s rest.”
“It is said that Zichen Hall is built as large as possible to project the emperor’s authority.”
“It is a terrible practice that must be abolished. If the emperor’s authority is no different from that of the common people, who would covet the realm? If that were the case, how could such meaningless wars occur?”
“You speak the truth, General. And though they have not yet been restored, there are said to have been two more halls of this scale.”
Jang-yang sighed in frustration and then said, “Commander Mo Cheong, how about using that place as a medical barracks?”
A bent old man stepped forward and answered with a bright voice, “It is an ideal location to care for both the government forces and civilian patients. It will become the finest medical facility in history.”
“Prepare it. We will spare no support for this place.”
“Yes, General.”
Within Daming Palace, there were hundreds of halls, both large and small. Except for the space allocated to the government forces, most were currently empty.
Adjutant Yang Yeon-jeong looked around and said, “It seems the Hui emperor intended to move the capital here in the future.”
“I think so too. We took it from him before he could finish his preparations.”
“That emperor must be furious.”
“Good. And one day, we will make him pay for his atrocities.”
Walking for another ten minutes, they came across another hall that was just as massive as Zichen Hall. A flower garden was landscaped around it, and a small pond was also visible.
The administrator stepped forward first to explain, “That is Xuanzheng Hall, where the emperor conducts state affairs.”
“Why does a space for conducting state affairs need to be so massive? Such outward majesty is useless if the people do not recognize it.”
Adjutant Jin Rip sneered and said, “Emperors are a breed who believe themselves to be heaven itself, after all.”
“Since everyone is born the same way and sheds the same blood, who can claim to be better or worse? Even if one claims to be heaven, if they do not act like a decent human being, they are worse than beasts.”
Hearing this, the administrator smiled, feeling refreshed. It was entertaining to hear a high-ranking official curse heaven itself without hesitation, surrounded by subordinates who shared his mind.
“What would you like to do with this place?”
“How about using it as a care facility for orphans?”
“It might be slightly excessive, but… the children will love it.”
To have orphans running around the palace grounds to their hearts’ content—this was unprecedented in history.
“Adjutant So-mu, how about you oversee this project?”
The number of orphans exceeded a thousand. In order to properly set up a large-scale orphanage, they needed fundraising and volunteer recruitment from southern Shaanxi.
“An orphanage…?”
“It requires widespread promotion. Who could be more suitable than the leader of the Wolf Fang Squad, the hero of Shaanxi?”
So-mu nodded readily. He wanted to make his daughter, who cared for the orphans of her own age, proud of him.
“Understood.”
“Thank you. What would be a good name for this place?”
So-mu fell into thought. A name suddenly came to his mind.
“How about Snow Flower Academy?”
Approving of the name, Jang-yang nodded. “Haha. Since they are children like pure snowflakes, it is a fitting name.”
“I will do my best.”
They continued their stroll through Daming Palace. After designating several more halls for various facilities, they finally arrived at the palace’s backyard.
Here, a stunning sight unfolded before them. A massive lake, about ten li wide, stretched out. It was Taiye Pond.
Arched bridges, pavilions, and towers lined the lake, and a wide flower garden lay before them. There was even an island in the center. The exquisite atmosphere left them speechless for a moment.
The administrator stepped forward to explain, “Fortunately, the restoration here is complete. This place was used by the imperial family to enjoy the scenery.”
“Sigh… To think the imperial family monopolized such a vast and beautiful space.”
“How about using it as a resting area for the soldiers?”
“We cannot keep this beautiful place to ourselves. Let’s turn the area from Hanyuan Hall to this lake into a public park. If the people carrying wounds in their hearts can find even a bit of solace here, what could be better?”
Having already been briefed, Yang Yeon-jeong stepped forward.
“Leave this to me, General. I will attract investments from wealthy merchants to establish boating and food stalls, creating a major tourist area. It will also help create jobs for the local residents.”
“Do so. For this place to normalize quickly, we must create an environment where the residents who left can return.”
“Leave it to me.”
Hands clasped behind his back, Jang-yang stared silently at the lake before calling out, “Adjutant Jin Rip.”
“Yes, General.”
“It will soon be the rice planting season. Since there is no longer any fear of pillaging, the residents of northern Shaanxi can resume farming. For those without land, lease out fertile government-owned land for free, and spare no support.”
“Understood. I will make sure no citizen goes without work.”
Jang-yang nodded with a satisfied expression at his generals.
“Everyone will be busy. However, do not neglect your primary duties. Let us all work together to take another step forward.”
The generals saluted simultaneously, “Yes, General!”
After everyone dismissed, So-mu headed toward the administrative office. A dozen administrative clerks were resting in the courtyard. Seeing So-mu, they stood up straight and shouted.
“Have you arrived, Leader!”
“Welcome!”
They were full of energy, their eyes filled with respect.
“Yes. What about the matter I requested?”
Several soldiers answered at once.
“Of course we found out!”
“I will guide you!”
“This way, sir!”
They glanced at each other, vying to guide him, until the highest-ranking soldier finally took the lead.
“It seems there are still many medical camp members who haven’t returned to Hanzhong.”
“Most returned under the escort of the local guards, but around three hundred remain to continue their activities!”
“Yes. Don’t be so tense; speak comfortably.”
“Yes, sir!”
Following the administrative clerk to a corner of the palace, they reached an area packed with about a hundred small residences. It was currently being used as temporary housing for the medical camp members. Since the halls of the palace were mostly empty, anyone could have a private room if they wished.
“It is right here!”
So-mu patted his shoulder and said in a deep voice, “Good work, clerk. What is your name?”
“It is Wang Gyu!”
“I will remember your name. If you ever need a favor from me, feel free to find me.”
Wang Gyu’s face lit up with joy as he shouted, “Th-thank you, Leader!”
As Wang Gyu left, So-mu turned his gaze toward the modest residence in front of him.
Opening the door, he saw a woman of elegant beauty. It was Yeon Seo-hwa, sitting with her arms crossed and a pout on her face. Since he hadn’t visited her once since arriving in Chang’an, she was bound to be upset.
“Why did you visit so late?”
“I was a bit busy with official duties…”
“I guess you didn’t even miss me.”
“That’s not true. I always think of you. Even during battle, and until I fall asleep.”
“Hmph, you certainly have a way with words.”
He knew exactly how to soothe her when she was upset.
He took another step forward, closing the distance between them.
Faced with him up close, Yeon Seo-hwa’s cheeks flushed. Seizing the opportunity, So-mu gently embraced her and said, “I missed you, Yeon-mae. And you worked hard.”
“Only with words…”
Yet, the anger in her voice had vanished.
“Thank you for looking after So-so too.”
“Of course I should. She is going to be my daughter, after all.”
After their warm reunion, they sat down at a small table. So-mu asked, “By the way, where is So-so?”
“Our General went out for a walk. She was excited to explore the palace.”
“General?”
“You didn’t know?”
Come to think of it, he remembered his daughter bragging about becoming a great general. It seemed she had played the general in front of Yeon Seo-hwa as well.
“I know. She will make a fine general.”
Yeon Seo-hwa tilted her head, wondering if he truly understood the situation.
It wasn’t important right now. Having reunited after some time, they had much to talk about.
“What made you so busy?”
“For now, Snow Flower Academy.”
“Snow Flower Academy?”
“That’s the name I gave the orphanage.”
“Could it be… you named it after me?”
A smile bloomed on her face, only to fade quickly. Since she wasn’t sure if he had named it after her, she was trying not to show her excitement. So-mu noticed.
“Yes. I named it so the children would grow up as bright and beautiful as my Yeon-mae.”
A radiant smile broke across her face.
“Unexpected. Did you really think of that when naming it?”
“Yes. And they told me I am the most suitable person to handle the fundraising and volunteer recruitment.”
“Do you have a plan?”
“It’s daunting. I don’t know how many people will willingly donate… and where we will find teachers. Sigh…”
“Then shall I help my husband?”
“How…?”
“Let me think about it. First, I need to visit Hanzhong.”
“Why there?”
“You said the army will remain in Chang’an, right? I plan to move here too. There are things I need to pack from the hermitage.”
“I see… What about a place to stay?”
“I’ll buy a residence here for now. Until I find a new training spot in the nearby Yangzhou Mountains.”
When she had fled her position as the Cult Leader, she had taken a portion of the Demonic Cult’s treasury. Buying a residence in Chang’an was no burden at all.
“How long must you train in the mountains?”
“Only until So-so master the lion’s roar. She can’t very well roar on the avenues of Chang’an, can she?”
“True…”
After a pleasant chat, they bid each other farewell outside the residence after about half an hour.
“Have a safe trip…”
“I’ll be back.”
While the journey from Chang’an to Hanzhong was long for an ordinary person, for an Extreme Demon expert, a round trip took less than half a day.
Leaving the palace, Yeon Seo-hwa executed her light movement and headed toward her hermitage on Mount Dingjun.
Four hours later, she arrived at her destination. She first headed toward a pavilion near the hermitage. There, a beautiful woman was holding a brush, painting the scenery. The flowers looked fragrant, and the birds seemed ready to fly out of the canvas.
“Your skills have improved.”
“Sister, you’re back?”
It was her younger sister, Yeon Cho-hee. Sitting down in the pavilion, Yeon Seo-hwa asked, “What have you been up to lately?”
“Nothing much, just painting.”
“Isn’t it boring?”
She was so skilled that she did not stop her brush even while talking. Since she had spent her time painting while her sister learned music, it was only natural.
“If I don’t paint, I feel like I’m not even alive.”
It was no exaggeration to say she had spent her entire life under her sister’s protection. First under Mother Eunhwa, and then in the Demonic Cult. Consequently, she was timid and obedient, willing to do anything her sister asked.
“A person should mingle with others. How long do you plan to stay in the mountains by yourself?”
“I just…”
“Are you still afraid of people?”
“I only want to talk to you, Sister…”
It was the trauma of her past memories. While her older sister had overcome it through a strong spirit and natural senses, the younger sister was different.
“What if I get married one day?”
“…Eh?”
Panic appeared on Cho-hee’s face. She had never imagined a world without her sister by her side.
“Cho-hee, come to Chang’an with me. I’ll help you.”
“Chang’an… Okay.”
Her response was automatic. Although Yeon Seo-hwa had expected it, it was frustrating how easily she agreed without asking questions.
“Aren’t you going to ask?”
“What am I going to do there…?”
“There are some children. Would you like to teach them how to paint?”
“Eh?”
“Do you remember when we were young? They are pitiful children just like we were…”
For the first time, curiosity appeared on Cho-hee’s face.
“How many…?”
“How many orphans could there be in Chang’an? Would you like to try?”
“Yes…”