Secret of the Two Kings (89 CHAPTERS - ON HOLD)

제 63 부

Jung Min waited outside the grand pavilion, standing awkwardly beside one pillar as everybody walked out to do their own business. Still, he could not lay off what the King had ordered him. Traveling to Balhae would take a week or so. In that period, he should have collected even shreds of evidence and clues to find Chil Yook. He called his personal nangdos, who were standing attentively behind him. "Kang Shun. Yellow Tiger nangdo. Kyeongpong Village, Sangju Province. Find his house and his parents, especially the father. Come back tomorrow when the sun rises."

With the quick grasp of confidential information, the two nangdos bowed their heads and left. Finally, Jung Ho came out from the hall. He noticed the two nangdos moving out, so he asked his son. "Where are they going?"

"Somewhere."

The father frowned and strolled out, "Don't tell me I didn't warn you. You're just wasting their time."

Jung Min sucked his teeth and turned away. Suddenly, his eyebrows folded as a strange thought dashed into his mind. He followed the Prime Minister to the courtyard, his steps rushing to catch up. "What do you mean a waste of time?"

"You're sauteing yourself with your own frozen lard."

"You know where he is, don't you? You're just hiding him somewhere."

Jung Ho continued walking straight, eyes not even stealing a sideward glance to his son. "You don't know what you're saying. You don't know anything."

"Maybe now. But I swear, I won't stay ignorant."

"Why do you think I'm hiding the man who betrayed me? The one who nearly sold me out? I'm not yet senile. I despise repeating myself. If you don't want to take my advice, fine. Do whatever you want then. Just know that it's almost impossible to find someone who doesn't want to be found. I had the same vigor as yours, same drive to find and kill Chil Yook. But I realized, through the years, it's not worth it anymore. Move on and set another goal."

Jung Min paused and stared boldly at his father, digesting what he said. But no matter how touching those words were, he could not feel at ease. He was afraid to put his shield down, to be carried away by the Prime Minister's sweet-coated lips. Nothing from Jung Ho's mouth should be taken literally. A subliminal message hiding cautiously under the mount of lies.

Jung Ho stopped, his feet ceased from moving forward. He turned and gazed at his son. "We have a new mission to accomplish. Matter of fact, this is more of yours. Investigating is actually not my field of expertise," he smirked.

"Now, let's go back to our pavilions, do our jobs, and wait for the King's final orders. Another goal, you get it?" he let go of his gaze and continued walking.

~~•~~

Under the growing heat of the sun, Jae Joong summoned his son to have an urgent private meeting. Something that needed to be discussed right away. Upon receiving the message, Sae Joo went straight to their meeting place—the loving memories of his late mother. The gazebo near her gardens, filled with bloomed marigold flowers. Fig trees started losing their foliage, but their branches spread out like jolly men, cheering for their men's success. The winds murmured, sending a loving message to the diligent caretakers. With this mini-paradise, the sight alone could mollify even the most desolate warrior.

Teas were served, and Jae Joong stated his concern, Sae Joo listening attentively. "Son, I have something important to say."

"All ears, Father."

"I don't even know how to start."

"I think I know, Father. Don't worry about me. I'm not a teen anymore. I've learned to handle harsh words—judgment and criticism, especially if it's about my fate as the ruler of this nation. Please say it, Your Majesty. I'll manage."