Chapter 171: So-so's Secret (3)

The political meetings of the military officials were held twice a day, in the morning and evening. Because the country had just opened, there was a lot of work to do.

So-mu’s steps towards the meeting place were heavy.

“after.”

My young daughter signed a contract for a house for herself. It was something I couldn’t even imagine.

It seemed that both he and the teacher who lived in the mountains thought that they were poor.

In fact, we do not know how much wealth Somudo folktales have. I had never asked, and based on the history of donations to Seolwhawon, I just assumed that he had a lot of money saved up.

Anyway, I couldn’t figure out how to accept the current situation.

“I knew everything about our relationship, so I couldn”t put it off any longer.”

I knew my daughter liked her teacher, but how could I have expected her to welcome her so actively? For now, I decided to think positively.

As he was shaking his head, his footsteps had already reached their destination.

“Captain So-mu, are you here? I”ll take you inside.”

The soldiers guarding the entrance took the lead and guided us.

Although it was a meeting place to decide the big and small affairs of the country, the appearance of the interior has not changed in the slightest, past or present. It was a simple palace with no luxuries other than the necessary items.

About thirty major military officers and civil servants were already standing. Director Baekyak, who was near the entrance, guided him to his seat with his only hand.

“Come on, eat inside.”

So-mu nodded and silently went to his seat to wait. It was just to the left of the head table.

Jang Yang was the last to enter when half-hour had passed. As he moved to the head table, the rest of the staff moved to the center and lined up.

And at that moment, Jang Yang and the officials looked at each other and politely greeted each other. It felt so natural, as if it was something I did every time. Next, everyone, including Jang Yang, bowed in the direction of the entrance where the people were.

After all the rituals were over, Jang Yang cleared his throat and said.

“I”m sorry for making you troublesome every time we have a government meeting.”

Yang Yeon-jeong, who was in the front row, answered naturally.

“It”s okay now that I”m used to it. It doesn”t take long.”

“Hehe. Thank you for thinking that way. How can we discuss proper government affairs if the military and ministers do not respect each other and do not have the heart to serve the people? That is why I would like to designate this ritual as national law.”

At that moment, a smile appeared on Yang Yeon-jeong”s face.

“That”s a brilliant idea. Just as Mingong said, someone who doesn”t love the people won”t be able to become the leader of this country. Even if it”s because they don”t want to go through this ritual.”

The atmosphere in the hall was bright enough to make light jokes. Among the officials, no one was nervous.

“Hehehe. This is just the beginning. Anyway, let”s create such an environment together. Now, everyone, please take your seats.”

When all the military officials were seated, a woman approached him holding a scroll. It was Jin Yu-so who took the civil service examination and won the manor. She made many suggestions to improve the country’s administration, and was appointed as a military officer in recognition of her abilities.

“I will report to you, Mingong.”

“Well, let”s get started.”

Jinyuso reported the progress, mentioning the current projects one by one. Since most things were going smoothly, satisfaction appeared on Jang Yang’s face.

Her reports continued without pause.

“Since the declaration of independence, refugees from other countries have been flocking to our country. The number is said to be in the thousands every day. So the border has been sealed and security has been strengthened”.”

Jin Yuso stopped reporting. This was because Jang Yang raised his left hand for the first time.

“What is the definition of a refugee?”

“It refers to people who are in trouble due to war or disaster, or who are poor and have difficulty making a living.”

Her answers came out like water and were surprisingly natural.

Jang Yang nodded once and said.

“But how are you going to stop those poor people? Make sure that anyone whose identity is clear is not restricted from entering and leaving the country of Su.”

Jin Yuso gently tilted his head and asked back.

“Is that really okay?”

“We are here, eating rust to make it okay. If we abandon them, how can our country of So be said to be a country for the people?”

“We still have enough money and money, but it could be in jeopardy in a few years.”

“If you only look at the dark side, it may be so. However, let”s look at the hopeful and bright side together. What is the current situation in Hanzhong, which accepted all the refugees?”

Hanzhong were enjoying the greatest prosperity in the history of the Central Plains. She didn’t know that either.

“Maybe this is an opportunity to build a wealthy nation and strong military based on a large population.”

“We definitely have to do that. Please report the next agenda item.”

Jin Yu-so nodded and handed a red-tinted scroll to Yang Yeon-jeong. It was related to national defense.

Yang Yeon-jeong already knew the content, so he stood up without hesitation and spoke about the agenda.

“As you know, our main enemy is the Hui Dynasty, but now we have to pay attention to the borders with the Po Dynasty and the Song Dynasty. Therefore, in order to operate efficient tactics, we must appoint a military governor. I believe you have already thought about this issue.”

“That”s right. There will be no reason to delay any longer. So, we will form a Privy Council responsible for the country”s defense, and first of all, we will appoint the person with the best tactical ability and military power as the Privy Councilor and General. Is there anyone among us who can do that?”

As soon as Jang Yang finished speaking, everyone’s eyes were fixed on one person. It was as if they had made a promise, and there were no exceptions.

He was the best general of the corps and has achieved many achievements. The hero everyone in Shaanxi knew was here.

“””.”

So-mu looked away, feeling a little awkward with the attention focused on his.

Jang Yang, who was looking at that scene, laughed heartily.

“Hehehe. Everyone seems to agree with me, so what more do I need to say? If no one objects, I will appoint General So-mu as the military governor of our country.”

“What qualifications do I have”.”

Due to the sudden situation, So-mu could not easily answer.

Becoming a general was not something I would enjoy. For him, who had no desire for power, it was just a difficult position where he was forced to make more sacrifices. But they were not the ones to leave So-mu alone.

The military officers who had fought alongside him began to unanimously support Jang Yang.

“Captain So-mu has already proven his capabilities on the battlefield.”

“If not you, who among us can stop Wan Anhui, the general of the State of Hui?”

“If someone else takes over, the soldiers will rise up first.”

Now that the atmosphere was like this, I couldn’t hesitate any longer. So-mu nodded once with an expressionless face.

“I understand. It may not be enough, but I will do my best.”

The moment he finished speaking, everyone applauded with bright faces.

“Congratulations, General!”

“This is truly a welcome blessing for our country.”

“I hope that you will continue to treat me well in the future.”

If you were a military governor, you were the highest rank of military officer, equivalent to a paper grade. Now he was in a position where others could not carelessly look at him, but because everyone knew his personality well, there was no one who was jealous.

Jang Yang chuckled and looked at the audience.

“Hehe. These are shameless people. They congratulate you by putting a heavy burden on your shoulders. Anyway, please continue to work hard like you are now, General So-mu.”

“All right.”

There has never been a time when the atmosphere was as bright as today when discussing national affairs. Bright smiled were blooming on everyone’s faces.

Here today, several additional officials were appointed to be in charge of not only minor affairs but also various major and minor affairs of the country.

So-mu, who came out of the palace after the meeting, showed no change in expression.

He was trudging towards the entrance to the palace. It wasn’t long before a huge shadow covered him.

“Congratulations, Captain. Or should I call you General now?”

It was Il-gwang. He was looking up to So-mu with envious eyes.

“You can just call me whatever you want. And from now on, Il-gwang, you are my lieutenant.”

Il-gwang, who tilted his head for a moment, scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

“If I am the general”s adjutant, then I too have achieved success, right?”

“Well, that”s it. If you want, I”ll recommend you as a general. You”re qualified enough.”

“It”s okay, because I really hate headaches. I”m tactical and reckless, and it suits my nature to just charge in and kill them all with my fists.”

A slight smile appeared on So-mu’s face as if Il-gwang’s words were funny.

“Well, if you lead, your subordinates may be killed regardless of whether you win or lose the battle.”

“Of course. But where are you going? Not to the barracks.”

“I want to meet Yeon-mae. Thanks to you helping my nephew buy a house.”

Il-gwang giggled and laughed for a while. It seemed like it was fun to see So-mu flustered for the first time in a while.

“It was something I could never have imagined. You really have an amazing daughter.”

“…More than that, how are you doing, Il-gwang?”

“what?”

“Teacher Cho-hee. I know everything.”

Suddenly, Il-gwang”s face turned red. Not knowing what to do, he avoided eye contact.

“…I have to go away for a while. See you later.”

After leaving a single word, Il-gwang turned his back and quickly walked away.

“This guy was so big that it”s embarrassing.”

So-mu also knew that the relationship between the two was unusual these days. However, Cho-hee had social phobia, and Il-gwang was an old man with no dating experience at all. Therefore, it was natural that the relationship between the two was slow.

So-mu, lost in thought, was heading towards the summit of Yangju Mountain.

After half an hour has passed. Arriving at his destination, he caught his breath in front of her residence. When I tried to talk to her, my mind became confused.

“Hmm.”

When I pretended to be popular, she spoke first.

“What are you doing so late at night? What are you doing when you”re not coming home?”

So-mu took a deep breath, opened the door with a serious expression, and entered.

“We”re in big trouble, Yeon-mae.”

“Is it a big deal?”

Yeonseonghwa was sitting somewhere, embroidering.

“So-so knew everything about our relationship.”

“You said that? Well, it could be so.”

Contrary to So-mu’s expectations, Yeon Seo-hwa was not embarrassed.

It was a natural reaction. She already knew everything. Didn’t he even secretly help So-so buy a house? To some extent, it was a situation she had expected and induced.

“Have you noticed? I can”t put it off any longer. Look at this.”

So-mu took out Hanji from her pocket and showed it to her. Then, I sat cross-legged and looked at Seolhwa”s reaction, and strangely enough, her reaction was calm.

“It”s amazing, I bought a house. But the owner is So-so. Right now, I have to live with my daughter, but there”s nothing I can”t do, right?”

“””.”

So-mu and Yeon Seo-hwa met each other’s eyes. There was an awkward silence for a moment.

So-mu was rather taken aback by his confident reaction. He took a breath and got to the point.

“Now” will you be my wife” and So-so”s mother?”

Yeon Sung-hwa crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes as he asked back.

“Is that all?”

So-mu knew instinctively. I’ve seen this look on her face before. In the current situation, I had to answer well. It was clear that if she didn’t give the answer she wanted, she would go crazy.

“Every time I open my eyes in the morning, I want Yeon-mae to be next to me. Now I want to settle down and spend the rest of my life with Yeon-mae.”

There was no change in Seonghwa”s expression. He simply stood up and answered softly.

“Wait a minute. I”ll bring some tea.”

Suddenly-!

As soon as she walked out the door, a smile appeared on her face. Seomseom Oksu covered his mouth to suppress his laughter.