Emeralds and Enemies

Chapter Twenty-nine

The Hwan family also compiled two reports about their evening. The most succinct barely met ministry requirements. The more expansive to be shared with the senior members in their trade alliance. The success they had anticipated in positioning themselves as brokers for Mearcan access through the Indachine straights had not been realized. The Qin Ambassador's hostility to the idea meant they needed to adjust their strategy. 

Assistant Treasure Hwan worked hard to frame this into an intelligence win rather than a trading loss. Privately, he faulted his children and complained, "I expected you to be charming the Junior Counsel, not looking like a stunned guppy while Knight-Master Lie's pet showed off." He grumbled at his son. Then he turned to his daughter, "And you, what did you learn about the other guests? Why didn't you offer your own translation when things got awkward? Did I waste my money sending you to that fancy foreign school?"

"No Papa. Didn't I signal you when the boy adjusted his interpretations? He was very smooth about it and quick enough I couldn't really jump in. Besides you know how the Indachine counsel would react to a young woman interrupting the men. It is just not done." Her face flushed as she said this.

"I think you just might be a bit smitten sister," Ja-Kyung tried shift the mood but his father was not finished.

"Why didn't I hear about that boy from you sooner?" his father frowned.

"I did tell you about running into San Jin and his younger brother's friend at the market. He didn't say much beyond them sparing occasionally. I did try to get more out of him at the Shaman's but I think maybe the incense put him off." Ja-Kyung looked down and fidgeted with his ring.

"And what have you doing to get in with their group? If Knight-Master Lie expands his forge and training league he could easily disrupt the plans we have to revive the fourth kingdom. His uncle is very clear about the potential risk so we need to know what he is up to, especially with the Go connection and don't forget General Tan is also on the move." He muttered more about the old King's court and its fraying alliances that his children tuned out.

They had heard different variations on this theme for most of their lives. It all boiled down to their father believing the Hwan clan had been cheated out of its position and how it was their generation's duty to set thing right. They rolled their eyes at each other as he went on. Then he caught their attention by announcing they would be attending an upcoming wedding.

"You can thank your mother for getting the invitations by seeing who among the Choi family you would prefer for a match. I belief Choi Suk-jong might be suitable but they have some northern cousins you might consider."

"A match, with the Choi family? Aren't they backing the Crown Princess?" Ja-Kyung asked quickly to give his sister time to gather her thoughts.

"They mostly back profits so we just need to prove you are a worthy investment. See what you think. It shouldn't be hard to charm the younger set." He studied his daughter's shocked face for a moment and then offered a small concession. "I suppose we might settle for the younger of the Go brothers but that would be more of a long-term strategy if things don't go our way in the next few months."

"San Jin has told me how smart Me Yan is. Apparently, he is also super shy so he might not be ready for any commitments. Not that being young stopped San Jin from being hand-fasted. It was a couple a years ago. We just finished middle school. Did I write you about it? Sis?" Ja-Kyung tried his best to draw her out but her face crumpled and she ran to her room.

"Oh, well done. Did you have to bring that disappointment up now? And what about you? How long do we wait for you to bring us some prospects?"

"I thought we agreed I would do my military service first. Maybe, I should look into what I need for the naval academy again. My science marks should be good enough." Ja-Kyung's voice petered out under his father's glare.

"Just what kind of social connections do you think the navy offers? It has always been second tier. You need to think like an heir, not a seaman. Now go away and come up with something to bring Go San Jin back around."

Ja-Kyung went to his room and flopped down on his bed. He started at the ceiling and replayed the evening and its nasty aftermath in his head. He was tired of being told he was a disappointment. There were times when he wanted to shout back that he wasn't a traitor and did not want to be sold into slavery because his family got caught double dealing.

He was convinced the fourth kingdom conspiracy would fall apart. It was not that long ago important members of the King's own family had been executed. Mercy placed a handful on isolated islands from which they were trying to mount a coup. They weren't the only ones with ambitions but they were undoubtedly the most closely monitored. Yet somehow his dad and uncles thought there was no danger with that alliance.

Now he had to find a way back into San Jin's orbit. As he thought about this problem, he realized just how tenuous his connections with his former schoolmate had become. San Jin always seemed affable with his store of simple-minded jokes and puns. He also seemed willing enough to go along with any group activity provided it did not cut into his training. It occurred to Ja-Kyung that studying and training were ready excuses for San Jin to avoid most social commitments. He started to wonder if, despite his arrestingly good looks, San Jin wasn't as shy as he claimed his brother to be. It might be true but made it no easier to draw the fellow out.