Restored Family - JJK BTS

Chapter Thirty

Jeongguk pov

While I was riding my horse I took out the map with one hand holding onto the reins with another. The map had clues to when to stop so what I figured was head west until you see the next sign which was fire which meant north. I didn't know when to stop, but Sehun pointed out that there was a shop that sells firecrackers near us. I immediately told him to guide us there.

When we arrived I saw that there wad only one road and it lead north. We continued to follow the path until the road stopped in the middle of a forest. I grabbed my map and looked for the next sign. The next sign was earth and we were surrounded by it. If I remembered correctly earth represented the center so I asked Sehun where the supposed middle was which he responded as a few trails back. I turned my horse around and rode until I saw a faint light shining. I told Sehun to follow me and he did as told. 

The light shone so brightly against the leaves of the trees that it made a soft golden hue on Sehuns face. I followed the steps forgetting about the map until we arrive at an old town. The road was deserted, but there was a relatively new restaurant in the middle of nowhere. I look at the map the last element and it was the water element. I look up at the sign 'Tortoise Land'. When we studied the elements that Chinese believed in the element Water had the animal tortoise, specifically Black Tortoise. It seemed like I found the shop after following the light.

I excitedly stepped down from my horse and entered the shop. There were guards sitting around the table discussing what I believe are military affairs. I handed the letter to them and they stood up and bowed and gave me a letter without context. I open the read the letter carefully.

Congratulations for passing this round now go to the town square in the south of this town and there will be a challenge for you to face. If you successfully pass then you will not only be a person that is wise, quick-witted, or strong, but you will be a man with a big heart. I hope you find yourself in this challenge. 

Jeongguk you are not an official nor are you a king, yet you possess the heart for the court and people. I hope you find yourself, the one you love and grow from that self.

Head Commander Yang

I felt his words touch my heart and I let a tear slip. He was right that I have to find myself yet I knew I couldn't do this today. I needed time so I went back outside and mounted the horse with Sehun trailing beside me.

We headed south to see the ground filled with angry mobs. I quickly got off my horse and handed the reigns to Sehun while I got onto the staircase of an old building.

"What are you civilians doing in this run down town?" I ask. 

A man got angry and shouted "Its not a run down town young man. blame the emperor, he's the one who made this town perish. It was a newly built town ten years back, but when the emperor changed the route during the famine, and the mobs destroyed it," 

"Yeah, my daughter and brother died because of the famine. The king could've prevented this if he didn't change the route," another woman shouted.

I had to think of something to prevent the crowd from creating an uproar.

"The king wasn't changing the route on purpose it was just there was a town that ran out of food in the north. The last record sent from an official said there was plenty of grains left in your grainery," I said. Remembering the books in the library I read recently.

"How can we trust your information? We haven't received grains, because there was a woman that said the king is closing the grainery. She wore a black dress it had dazzling gold on it. She said that if we protest to this manor there will be grains delivered its been three months yet there have been no grains sent," The man said.

I realized when he said black dress. There was only one person that wore black and has the ability to shut down the grainery, it had to be

Concubine Min

" Citizens haven't you thought that maybe the woman is tricking you as far as I know it seems that this manor is uninhabited," I reasoned.

*whispers*

"Well young man, we think your guess might be right but we are a poor town so what would that woman get from us?" The woman questioned.

"This isn't public news, but if a royal complains to the king, he might give that land to the complainer. I heard the officials have been complaining a lot more now that one official got land in the south," I answered.

"Young man, what do you suggest we do?"

"You can stop protesting and I heard that the soldiers know where the grainery is so you, can ask them.  If they still won't let you in the grainery. Tell them Seventh Prince commanded the people be let  into the grainery. " I said hoping I answered the question.

"Thank you, we will be sure to use your advice," the town said.

I bowed to them and walked to my horse that Sehun was holding. He held up a letter with the imperial symbol. I ran up to him and snatched the envelope out of his hand.

Jeongguk you have passed the second challenge now return to the forest. The third challenge is to kill a criminal. A hero must kill the evil. 

           good luck Head Commander Yang

I was terrified and handed the letter to Sehun. He took a quick look at it and gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. I got on my horse and headed for the forest unprepared for what was about to happen. The journey continued until I heard a blood-filled scream. it seemed like my brothers were doing this too. I hurried hoping not to catch any dead bodies on my way.

I arrived at the destination with a man kneeling. I had to remember that this is just a challenge it is not a murder. I am doing all right no need to do anything else. I walk up to the man and took out my jade dagger. I touched the blade and my finger started to bleed. If it was that easy to bleed then the death will be easier.

I place the dagger on his neck and with shaking hands, I drag my hand across his head and stab his heart afterward.

I moved back falling to the ground. My whole body shook. I had killed before. I know that, but the memory loss made me experience it like the first time. Sehun helped me up and mount my horse heading back to the palace. Quickly leaving the site.