“Improve the treatment of workers at the paper mill! Improve it!”
shout
“Guaranteed weekends! Wage increases! Mandatory sick leave! Implement it! Implement it!”
shout
Once I shared the slogans, the paper mill workers showcased their enthusiasm. They declared the start of their strike while occupying the mill.
Most of the workers were Joseon people, but even residents from the Central Plains and paper artisans feeling discriminated against joined in, making their presence much more formidable than I expected.
“Damn it! We need to prepare the materials for shipping in five days! What on earth are you doing right now? Can’t you just hurry back to your places!”
frustration
Despite the deputy director and managers yelling, the workers stood their ground.
“A conversation requires a conversation! To a refusal, we respond with struggle!”
chant
“Damn barbarian bastards! Speak some sense!”
shout
“If the paper mill provokes us! The workers will unite!”
shout
“You were all working fine until now, so what on earth is this strike about?!”
frustration
The first day ended merely with the two sides confirming their differences.
“Let’s tremble no more in fear and strike for the truth!”
shout
“How long will you keep this up? Aren’t you holding up the materials from being delivered because of your actions? Can’t you at least move the goods?”
frustration
On the second day, a cart loaded with raw materials appeared. Normally, they should quickly transfer it to the storage and spread some out on the hill to dry, but…
“Not a single material can enter the paper mill!”
defiant shout
Today, there was no one to move the materials.
“What?!”
“We have no intention of working until our demands are met.”
defiant statement
“Then, what…?”
confused
Seeing the deputy director’s flustered expression as he looked at the laborers loaded with materials, the leading laborer declared with a stern look:
“We will charge double for additional transportation and storage fees.”
stern statement
“Ugh!!”
shocked
In the end, the second day concluded with the troubled deputy director using hired help to just dump the materials at the entrance of the mill.
“No work without improvement! No labor without negotiation!”
shout
“Those bastards are going to hold out until the end!!! Fine, if this goes on for days, I have a plan too! Come here!”
commanding
On the third day, the deputy director appeared, leading a group with an arrogant demeanor.
“What?!”
surprised
The paper mill workers couldn’t help but feel tense. The people behind the deputy director were clearly intimidating martial artists.
“What’s with the serious face? Just say what you need.”
mocking tone
“Exactly. What’s so difficult about beating down those barbarian bastards?”
arrogant laugh
The martial artists grinned as if they had easy prey in front of them.
“Deputy director! Martial artists? Are you truly seeking blood?!”
frightened shout
“I’ll make them beg for their lives!”
threatening statement
The deputy director pointed at the workers’ representative, confident that the tedious strike was ending.
“Tch. It’s been a while since I’ve had to sweat a bit.”
smirk
The workers at the paper mill were physically capable. It could have been manageable against low-tier martial artists, but among those the deputy director brought, there was surely not just low-tier.
At this rate, they would be overwhelmed in an instant.
“Wait!!! What are you doing here?!”
shouting
If I hadn’t been here…
“Ho Pil?”
surprised
As I stepped between the two groups, the deputy director looked at me quizzically.
“Are you telling me you’ll swing a sword at innocent citizens in front of the Ho Pil?”
questioning
I asked the deputy director with an incredulous expression, like I couldn’t believe what I just heard.
“They’re causing a rebellion! No! They’re making a scene, so we need to deal with them harshly!”
frustrated statement
“Are they beasts?”
questioning
“Or are they an opponent with whom we can’t reason?”
challenging
“No, that’s not it, but…”
uncertain
“Yet how can you boldly say you’ll swing a sword at ordinary citizens in front of the Ho Pil?”
accusing tone
Attacking citizens while gangsters are around?
“Did you not tell us to resolve this amongst ourselves?”
confrontational statement
The deputy director asked me as if he was in the right.
He wasn’t wrong. It’s common to resort to violence against those who occupy your property.
I was in an awkward position to answer, but it wasn’t without options.
“Hey there.”
addressing
I pointed at a martial artist who looked particularly intimidating.
“Me?”
confused
“Your words are lacking.”
casual tone
“Ha. What do you mean as a Ho Pil… Ah, never mind.”
slight retraction
Yeah. Read the atmosphere a bit. Look at how many constables are around.
The constables scowled at the martial artist’s insolent attitude and grabbed their six-sided clubs, which made his demeanor change to one of sudden respect.
“What’s your name? What’s your title?”
authoritative
“W-why do you ask?”
stammering
“Hey. These punks are suspicious. Take them in and check their identities.”
commanding
I gestured toward the martial artist and ordered the constables.
“No! We’re not… not those guys!”
frantic denial
The martial artist smiled but was clearly tense in his eyes.
“No way! Just look at that face—it’s a face carrying multiple sins. Hey. These bastards could have caused trouble in another region, so investigate them thoroughly.”
commanding
After all, they were hired to resort to violence against commoners. If they were a respectable faction, they wouldn’t take such a commission, which means they must have brought in lowly ronin types.
There’s no way such people wouldn’t have any dirt on them.
“I’m sorry! We, uh, we made a mistake!”
frantic plea
“It’s a misunderstanding! We only came to watch for a moment!”
defensive plea
“Hey! Where do you think you’re going!”
commanding
Despite the deputy director’s words, the group of martial artists dissolved in an instant.
“Didn’t you say you were just here to watch? So, what misunderstanding are you implying?”
mocking tone
“What the hell is happening…?”
confused
The deputy director was in disbelief and an unfair situation. But it didn’t matter.
‘Since I’m the judge, I do as I please.’
Who dares to try and overpower? Yellow card. Red card. I will use these judging cards as I wish, so bring about a satisfactory outcome.
Until then, I’ll keep abusing my judgment powers.
“Deputy director.”
addressing
I called out to the deputy director, who was staring blankly at the path the ronin had disappeared on.
“Yes?”
curious
Of course, too much exercise of my judgment has its downsides. If the deputy director were to bring back martial artists without disqualifying issues later, it could create a tough confrontation.
To avoid difficult situations in advance, I needed a little scheme.
“It appears that there won’t be any resolution today either; how about we go grab a drink?”
proposing
—–
“Ho Pil! Are you really going to do this?!”
angry shout
As soon as the deputy director sat down, he yelled at me outright.
“Is it proper to get angry when we’re here to resolve misunderstandings?”
questioning
Did I drag you here against your will? Do you have some grudges against me? Why are you scowling at me the moment you sit down?
“Right. Let’s order food. We’re waiting for Jeon Gil-san.”
casual suggestion
“What about the person next to you…?”
curious question
The deputy director looked toward Jeon Gil-san, who was sitting next to me as if it was obvious. I also didn’t know why he was here; he said he wanted to go to a place he knew when I mentioned drinking.
“….Don’t mind him. He just followed the smell of alcohol. What would you like to eat?”
casual
I handed over the menu like I was being generous, but the deputy director didn’t even look at it and stated:
“I’d like some Nakgobsae.”
ordering
“Jeon Gil-san, three servings of Nakgobsae here.”
commanding
Seems like it’s a decent place; there’s no need to even check the menu.
“Would you like the original or fresh?”
inquiring
“…What?”
confused
I couldn’t believe my ears for a moment.
Jeon Gil-san clicked his tongue at my confused expression before handing the menu directly to the waitress.
“Tsk tsk. Are you so out of it that you don’t even know what fresh means as a Joseon person? It means low-alcohol soju. Bring us two fresh bottles.”
frustrated command
I thought I was finally getting used to it after two years, but sometimes, the world still makes me frown.
I barely kept my laughter in as I handed the deputy director the newly arrived green liquor bottle.
“Here. Let’s have a drink.”
cheerful tone
“…”
silent
The deputy director didn’t raise his cup.
“Do you harbor some deep resentment towards me? Surely you’re not sulking just because a man got slapped a bit.”
mocking tone
“It was more than just a bit, wasn’t it?”
defensive
I let out a deep sigh at the upset deputy director.
“Come on, my man. Even the one hitting had to do so to ease the tension in such a situation, it’s better this way.”
insistent
It’s not like I slapped him for my own intentions. I did it to prevent the situation from escalating. In truth, it was filled with personal motives, but I emphasized that it was an unavoidable act for the sake of the public duty.
“You sided with the Joseon people after all.”
assertive statement
“See? My brother-in-law is upset because of such people. He gets discriminated against even while engaged to a prestigious family just because of his hair color. He must be upset, so let him have a drink.”
sympathetic noise
“Haha. Brother! It’s okay.”
reassuring
Gil-san seems to be getting the timing right these days. I purposely acted overly disappointed and received the cup.
“Famous Ho Pil, Kang Yoon-ho…”
addressing
Now you remember my name?
“Is that how I’m known for solving problems for the Joseon people? Even high-ranking officials come looking for me; are you the only one looking at me with distrust?”
challenging
There were quite a few high-ranking officials who begged me to come help them during the Shadowless Thief incident. The fact that they placed that much trust in me, yet the deputy director is suspicious?
Casually appealing to my authority, the deputy director sighed deeply and extended his cup.
“…Very well. I accept.”
relenting
“I understand your troubles. But they aren’t just irregular workers at your paper mill. You must resolve this in a friendly way. You’re heading in strong against strong, and that’s why I intervened.”
pointing out
Nakgobsae is delicious, but I need to ask for some fried rice later.
As the soju flowed swiftly into the deputy director’s system, he turned beet red and unleashed his fury.
“What do those punks think they are? They are no workers! They are rotten and vicious brigands! Oh! By the way, if I announce that all of them will be fired, does that automatically disqualify them as workers? Then would you be helping us?”
aggressive questioning
“What a good idea. Let’s do that.”
agreeing with laughter
“Seriously?! Right now?!”
excited shout
“Next time, I’ll attend your funeral.”
smirking
Immediately, his expression turned sour, and he spoke in a chilling voice.
“What do you mean by that?”
confused
“Why are you trying to add fuel to the fire of enraged public sentiment? They protest only because someone is backing them. If you say there’s only a burning pit behind them, do you think the occupied paper mill will be safe?”
challenging
Strikes, you see. If the boss could always win, they never would have existed in the first place.
Even the powerful Pharaohs of Egypt had to negotiate with workers during strikes. But what do you plan to do, just fire everyone?
“Are you talking about the paper mill?”
confused inquiry
“If they’re occupying the paper mill, what do they plan to set ablaze? Do you think it’ll just end with you losing your job overnight? You could be the scapegoat for the furious public sentiment.”
serious statement
The fear of fire should be well known to the deputy director by now. I emphasize that he alone has to shoulder all the responsibility.
“I… didn’t think that far.”
realizing
The deputy director’s voice trembled, as if he hadn’t considered it.
“That’s why I called you here. I know what they said from above. But in the end, you’re the one who gets hurt if things escalate.”
sternly stating
If you just blindly follow orders from above, you alone will bear the brunt of it.
I poked purposely at the deputy director’s heart. After all, the deputy director was just a manager hired by the head of guards. When trouble arises, who do you think will be held responsible? The head of guards or the deputy director?
In truth, the greatest crisis is you. I aim to engrain in the deputy director that he is no longer in a superior position.
Fear, not anger, flickered in the deputy director’s eyes.
“…I must have misunderstood you, Ho Pil.”
apologetic
I smiled as if understanding, pouring alcohol into the deputy director’s empty cup.
“I wish for the situation to not escalate. Please do your best to mediate. A conversation! Aren’t they not refusing to talk either?”
encouraging tone
“Indeed, the famous Ho Pil! I never imagined you had such great intentions! Thank you for the advice!”
grateful
“Let’s cleanse our past resentments! Let’s do well together!”
encouraging conclusion
Don’t try to put out fires unnecessarily. Just stay still.
—–
“Damn it! I’ll do my best.”
determined
The deputy director, having firmly finished the fried rice and snuggled up, bowed sharply to me with a flushed face from the alcohol.
“Let’s keep it amicable. Let’s end with smiles and be on our way!”
cheery tone
“I’ll see you tomorrow!”
parting words
I sent the deputy director off in the cart.
“Alright. One down. Let’s see what’s next.”
determined
I concentrated, shaking off the intoxication in an instant. It was something Harin told me about, and seemed to be an essential skill for socializing.
“Where to now?”
curious
In response to Jeon Gil-san’s curious question, I smiled.
“Now, it’s time to set some fires.”
gleeful tone
“What?”
shocked
—–
“Just as you instructed, we have also brought representatives from other paper mills.”
reporting
The secret destination was the paper mill that had been occupied by workers for three days.
I brought along supplies and medicine just in case someone was starving or injured. Thankfully, since it was only the third day, everyone seemed to be doing fine.
I distributed food among the people and stood in front of the representatives of the workers.
“Now, the deputy director will find it hard to approach the paper mill recklessly. And the martial artists won’t be able to be summoned too freely.”
reassuring tone
For my plan to become a reality, it was crucial that the strike did not end in a violent and meaningless suppression. I didn’t just meet with the deputy director for kicks today.
“Is that true?!”
astonished excitement
“Absolutely.”
nodding reassuringly
“Then, should we hold the strike longer to negotiate…”
confounded inquiry
“No. What do you mean by that?”
astonished tone
I questioned the workers’ representative as if I couldn’t believe the absurdity.
“What?”
perplexed
The representative’s words weren’t entirely misplaced. It might go on longer. After a lengthy negotiation, an agreement could be reached.
But you see, I don’t have the luxury of that time; my exams are less than two weeks away!
We need to act quickly.
“If we just hold out in the paper mill, only a few people will be troubled, and that will be the end of it. We should push harder!”
commanding tone
The flames are already burning. But the one that’s burning is just the paper mill.
It’s not in the marketplace spotlight, nor is it near the heart of Wuhan; shouting about it here won’t grab much attention.
The head of guards will merely think his subordinates will sort it out without even looking in.
“How should we proceed?”
inquiring tone
We need to ensure the head of guards cannot turn a blind eye.
It must be turned into a political issue that even an inspector would find appealing. It has to become a topic that the people of Wuhan can chatter about in the taverns.
To do that, what needs to be done?
“Start a street march. Let everyone know about the paper mill strike!”
commanding tone
A street march to declare to the world that the head of guards is treating his workers cruelly under harsh policies and tyranny.
In other words, showing everyone the spectacle of flames!
A firework display that only the head of guards would want to weep over.
