In Hyuk placed the merchant on the horse and began the journey back.
Upon arrival, he assisted the merchant down, allowing him to sit. The merchant, breathing heavily with a bleeding head, looked worn out. In Hyuk bandaged his head to stop the bleeding, provided water, and helped him lie down.
Jeong Hui returned after a long time, finding In Hyuk waiting. In Hyuk stood up upon his arrival, and Jeong Hui swiftly checked on the merchant's condition.
"How is he doing?" Jeong Hui inquired.
"Not well," In Hyuk replied nervously. "But why did you take him in?"
"If we don't, he will die. People don't care about it," Jeong Hui stated, then turned to In Hyuk. "But what about his family?"
"Isn't that dangerous?" In Hyuk asked.
Jeong Hui began treating the merchant's wounds. "At least I should do it because I have no family." He paused and added, "About getting you involved, I'm sorry about that. Everything was so hectic that it slipped from my thoughts."
After treatment, the merchant felt better, and Jeong Hui inquired about the matter.
"He is Park Ga Ram, Son of minister of defence Park Ga Eun. He offered me less money for rice . I asked him that it's less you should give me more money and then he started beating me" explained Merchant.
He started crying as he was telling "Its famine we need to sell better to get paid and feed our children. But I will get nothing and will be fired for selling rice at cheaper prices"
In Hyuk was engulfed by myriad emotions as he recalled the challenges he faced in disguise. Unfairness towards the powerless struck him, and he reflected, "I never saw this in the Palace. Perhaps I was too comfortable to notice."
"Ji Hun… Ji Hun," Jeong Hui's voice shattered his thoughts, drawing his attention.
"What's preoccupying your mind? It's medicine for your brother. Administer it as prescribed."
"Ahhh, yes," In Hyuk stammered, emerging with the medicine.
The image of Ga Ram confronting the merchant lingered in his thoughts as he made his way home.
In Hyuk took on the role of Seulgi's martial arts instructor, introducing her to the fundamentals using a practice stick. Initially, the stick easily slipped from her grip with a single strike from In Hyuk.
He patiently guided her, emphasizing the importance of straightening her shoulders and assuming the correct stance. Any misstep resulted in a swift correction, with In Hyuk ensuring her feet were positioned inward. A misplaced step led to a gentle tap on her toes, reinforcing the need for precision.
After the first training session, Seulgi found herself sore and in pain. She approached her grandfather, who was placing stones on a tower of stones beneath a tree.
Expressing her frustration, Seulgi lamented, "I don't want to learn martial arts. My entire body aches. I have to repeat those stupid moves thousands of times."
Him Chan rose, approaching her with a comforting pat on the head. "It's for your protection, to make you stronger. Don't you aspire to join the hunt?" he inquired.
"I do," Seulgi responded.
"Then hone your skills. Mastery is the key to venturing into the hunt," Him Chan advised, his warm smile attempting to ease her frustration.
Seulgi, however, questioned, "But isn't hunting meant for men?"
Him Chan took a deep breath, gazing at the waves, and imparted, "Hunting is for the strong. If you possess strength, you can partake in it. That's the first rule of hunting."
Seulgi contemplated her grandfather's words, her eyes scanning the sea as she sought to comprehend his wisdom.
Initially sluggish, she gradually accelerated her learning, swiftly catching up with the demands of her martial arts training.
In Hyuk is used to his job, and from time to time, he steps in to check on patients when Jeong Hui is away. Jiho, now fully recovered, often lends his support at the shop.
Jiho and Seulgi go to the forest together in search of medicinal herbs, which they sell to Physician Jeong Hui.
After making enough money, In Hyuk and Jiho moved out of Him Chan's house and now live in their own mud and wood house, similar to other huts in the village.
***o***
Everyone was working , Horses rushed through huts recklessly ignoring people safety. A man was standing out on the white horse wearing a gat on the head, indicating to his royal origin.
He was Park Hyun Jung. He served Ga Ram the Son of Minister of Defence. His mans started looking for teenage girls.
The girls were slated to be abducted and forced into becoming courtesans at tea houses.
Official government records falsely indicated their voluntary choice with parental agreement. However, in reality, they were kidnapped, and their parents were coerced into signing the agreement papers for survival.
People stayed indoors to avoid the brutality of Park Hyun Jung. Hyun Jung dismounted from his horse and began scanning the surroundings, while In Hyuk glared at him angrily in front of the hut door.
Jiho and Seulgi returned from the mountain with bags filled with herbs and noticed the situation later.
Hyun Jung smiled upon seeing Seulgi and remarked, "What a pretty girl," wrapping his hand around his neck, casting an evil gaze.
As Hyun Jung advanced, In Hyuk positioned himself in front of Seulgi, blocking his way.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Hyun Jung snickered at In Hyuk's behaviour.
"And what do you think you're doing?"
In Hyuk looked straight into Hyun Jung's eyes, his gaze fierce enough to pierce through stones.
Hyun Jung's guards unleashed their swords, pointing them at In Hyuk. Unintimidated, In Hyuk took out his sword, ready to face them. Hyun Jung, noticing In Hyuk gripping his sword tightly, felt a sense of intimidation.
"Do you want to be on Ga Ram's bad side?"
"Whoever he is, tell him to come here himself and see what happens," In Hyuk replied.
Hyun Jung flustered at his remarks, "How dare…"
"Do you have consent paper? I know about government affairs too" asked In Hyuk interrupting him.
In Hyuk took a step closer to Hyun Jung " Go and tell your master, if he dare to send someone here again, I will let the world know what type of person he is." Hyun Jung met In Hyuk's intense gaze. He added " Why you don't believe me?, or you think you can trample over me because I am weak ?" In Hyuk snicker looking down and looks into Hyun Jung eyes "Then you can give it a try"
In Hyuk knew it was dangerous to provoke a person out of his reach, But his blood boiled at the thought of Seulgi getting dragged and being a courtesan at such a young age.
Hyun Jung signalled his guards to sheathe their swords with a hand gesture, and they swiftly departed on their horses.
Jiho trembled in fear, holding his hands together as he looked at his shaking hands as they departed. In Hyuk looked at him and regretted his actions immediately. To protect Jiho, he needed to lie low.
"What am I doing?" he thought.
Seulgi rushed inside, and people looked at In Hyuk with disdain. And that was because Provoking royals could lead to their demise. In Hyuk realized his mistake, but it was too late.
His heart felt like exploding with anger against Ga Ram and his men, imagining slashing them into pieces.
Jiho approached In Hyuk, who appeared lost in his thoughts. He gently took In Hyuk's hand and hastened their way back home. Despite the swift pace, Jiho's hands continued to tremble with a mix of emotions. As they walked, In Hyuk couldn't help but glance at their connected hands, a sense of guilt creeping in.
Upon reaching home, Jiho locked the door and, overcome by the weight of the situation, sank to the floor. Leaning against the door, he closed his eyes in an attempt to regain composure, yet his body continued to shake. The vivid memory of his relative's tragic demise played out before his closed eyes, intensifying the emotional turmoil within him.
In Hyuk gazed at Jiho, settling down beside him and leaning against the door.
In a remorseful tone, In Hyuk expressed, "I am sorry Jiho, I couldn't control my emotions."
A quiet stillness enveloped the room. After a pause, In Hyuk suggested, "How about we just leave this place?"
Jiho, opening his eyes, questioned sceptically, "Leave? Where to? And can you ensure our safety wherever we end up?"
Jiho lowered his gaze and said "It doesn't matter, In Hyuk. People will treat us the same no matter where we go. If we're poor, hardships are inevitable."
He sighed deeply, adding, "I don't blame you for acting impulsively. Even if it were me, I'd likely do the same, despite being a coward." In shame, Jiho hid his face, resting it on his legs.
In a comforting gesture, In Hyuk gently patted Jiho's head, choosing to remain silent, unwilling to offer any excuses.