Boom!
The exit of Hongcheonmirijin.
Originally, the plaza was where candidates for Deputy Head of Family would receive everyone’s congratulations upon passing through the gate. But today, people had gathered for a completely different purpose.
“Looks like all the Zhuge family members are here. Those people over there, aren’t they the important ones?”
“W-why is Uncle, the Deputy Head of Family, here…! And my Head of Guards too…!”
Behind the platform set up at the exit of Hongcheonmirijin, Jeon Gil-san pointed, and as soon as Zhuge Hyang peeked her head out, she had no choice but to hide again.
Because there were familiar faces gathered there, even she, who didn’t often participate in outside activities, recognized them.
“Yoon-ho, are you sure you can come out today? Look over there. People seem suspicious.”
Arranged early in the morning, as noon rolled around, grumbles began to arise.
“Are we really drawing lots today?”
“The Head of Family came out on the 7th day too, so it seems like they’re waiting to announce it from today.”
“Eh, but the Head of Family only came out on the night of the 7th day. It’s broad daylight now! And a black-haired person coming out on the 7th day, does that even make sense?”
“Are you saying we’re supposed to wait for several days!”
“Ah….”
Grumbles were starting to rise. Zhuge Hyang crouched down, murmuring in case her family spotted her.
“It was supposed to be a perfect plan…”
Master Kang comes out on the 7th day from Hongcheonmirijin, standing before everyone. Just like the Head of Family, passing through Hongcheonmirijin on the 7th day would surprise the crowd.
“If it’s also a future son-in-law of the Zhuge family!”
“The Head of Family and Elders’ Council shouldn’t oppose such a suitor!”
It would be a complete victory for public opinion. Her dad and the elder gentlemen could no longer protest. Everyone’s attention will be focused on Master Kang.
But as Zhuge Hyang thought her seemingly perfect plan would go to waste, she clutched her head in embarrassment.
“Isn’t it said that it’s already great to come out within ten days? Did we really need to announce from the exit starting on the 7th?”
“Master Kang specifically said he’d pass in 7 days.”
Upon hearing the news that Kang Yoon-ho entered Hongcheonmirijin, Zhuge Hyang secretly cheered.
He wouldn’t be affected by formations! He should be able to pass through easily. She thought that as long as he was prepared.
Could something have happened inside? Zhuge Hyang dropped her head in frustration and anxiety, knowing nothing of the internal situation.
“While Yoon-ho is a reliable guy, it doesn’t mean everything will go as he says. If that were the case, he would have surrounded himself with countless beauties and created a world without thieves long ago.”
“T-there are too many people.”
Zhuge Hyang didn’t respond to her cousin and stared at Jeon Gil-san with a wide-eyed face.
“If you aren’t there when the drawing starts, that means you’ll be disqualified.”
“T-that’s true. When Master Kang comes out, many should see it.”
The more people, the better!
She had occasionally imagined herself stepping onto the stage and getting applauded, but this situation seemed like the perfect stage for Kang Yoon-ho.
There was just the problem of the protagonist not showing up.
“When are we going to draw lots? It’s getting cold! Are we really supposed to wait three days?!”
“Let’s just start the drawing! The black-haired one will come out on his own!”
They seemed ready to flip the platform at any moment. Jeon Gil-san glanced at the crowd about to stand up and asked.
“U-um, I guess we should calm them down…”
“That sounds good. Hyang, you go talk to them.”
“M-me?!”
“Who else is going to do it?”
Zhuge Hyang imagined herself getting on stage and yelling for the elders of her family to be quiet.
All eyes would be on her. Just the situation she had occasionally envisioned. But rather than attention, it was the noise of discontent that was the problem.
Could she do it?
It didn’t take long for her to come to a conclusion.
“Let’s cancel the event first…”
“Is there no other way?”
“C-could I use a box to climb up?”
“We need to do it quickly, no matter what.”
Once complaints started, dissatisfaction spread like wildfire.
“How long are we going to keep them standing in this cold weather?”
“There’s no way the black-haired one will pass through Hongcheonmirijin!”
“Who in their right mind would think a black-haired man can marry into the Zhuge family?! Why make people wait like this!”
“Just accept they failed and have anyone come out to start the drawing!”
“Who’s in charge? Come out!”
“Ah…”
The people’s protests grew louder, and just as they seemed ready to burst out, someone rushed in from afar.
“What in the world is all this racket!!!”
“W-Head of Family!”
As the Head of the Zhuge family, Zhuge Geuk stepped in, the commotion quieted instantly.
“Why are you causing a ruckus at the exit of Hongcheonmirijin? And why is the Elders’ Council here?”
He had come to attend to the Elders’ Council, but upon returning to the Head of Family, he heard they had merely gathered in front of Hongcheonmirijin.
What could possibly cause this many people to gather here? The Head of Family, busy with work the past few days, found it hard to understand.
“Uh… it’s because Zhuge Hyang called us…”
“Hyang did?”
“Ah, Dad.”
“Hyang! What on earth is going on?!”
“How do I explain this to Dad?” Zhuge Hyang’s face twisted awkwardly before the crowd pointed in one direction.
“L-look!”
“Huh?”
“The door to Hongcheonmirijin is opening!”
Boom!
Light floods in.
“I-it really is opening!”
“No way?!”
“Are there people coming out?!”
She thought the cave was bright enough, but it seemed there was no beating the sunlight. She squinted to adjust her vision.
‘Why are there so many people?’
Did everyone really believe Kang Yoon-ho would come out on the 7th day?
Had the Zhuge family finally recognized Kang Yoon-ho’s talents? This wasn’t some festival; what could possibly be drawing this many people?
“…”
As I took a step toward the light, the once noisy plaza fell silent.
‘Let’s assess the situation first.’
I walked confidently, the crowd parting as a path opened toward the platform. People merely stared at me in disbelief.
Eyes darting silently.
What was happening? I needed to gather the information that was hard to grasp just from the sounds behind those thick doors.
Where was Miss Zhuge?
‘Everyone has silver hair, so it’s hard to spot her.’
Fortunately, I saw a different hair color. That goofball Gil-san. He looked dazed. Miss Zhuge was next to him. If there was a reason everyone was gathered, it had to be because of me and Miss Zhuge.
Quickly scanning around Miss Zhuge, I reached a conclusion.
‘Miss Zhuge prepared a stage for me.’
All eyes were on me as if waiting. I didn’t know the exact situation, but Miss Zhuge must have fought through a lot for me.
Great! Now that I have the lead role, I guess I should meet my fiancée’s expectations.
I am the charming Kang Mo! I’m used to using people’s attention to my advantage.
Let’s improvise.
Utilizing the stage prepared by Miss Zhuge. This moment shouldn’t just end with their surprise but should also show off.
I walked steadily toward the platform.
“Is that really the black-haired one…”
“Is he the Kang Yoon-ho from the rumors?”
“Did the black-haired one really become the successor of Man Geum Battlefield?”
“Did he truly pass through Hongcheonmirijin in 7 days?”
I could hear their whispers. To them, I was the black-haired man who achieved the feat of passing through Hongcheonmirijin. But today, I didn’t just want to leave with that amazing news.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Zhuge family to know who I am.
“Miss Zhuge.”
I wasn’t headed for Miss Zhuge but toward the platform. Miss Zhuge. Now is not the time to hide; it’s time to show ourselves.
I gestured to the hidden Miss Zhuge behind the platform.
“M-Master Kang!”
If she felt shy, she could just look at my eyes. I hoped my intentions got through. After a moment of hesitation, Miss Zhuge, as if having made up her mind, climbed up onto the platform.
We were just about ten steps apart, a visible distance for everyone. I infused strength into my voice, ensuring everyone could hear me.
“I’m back.”
Speaking to Miss Zhuge while simultaneously declaring to everyone.
That Kang Yoon-ho passed through Hongcheonmirijin.
That it was for the lady Zhuge Hyang.
Miss Zhuge rushed toward me as if overcome with emotion. Great! Now to wrap things up with a heartfelt embrace with Miss Zhuge.
“Master Kang!!! …Ah!!!”
Thud!
“…”
Calm down. That’s just Miss Zhuge. It’s within the expected range.
“A-are you alright?”
“Heh! This much is nothing! Master Kang!!!”
She rushed over as if time was precious, looking up at me.
“If you’re alright, that’s a relief.”
“Are there any places you hurt?”
Like I’d be hurt.
Aside from worries about high blood pressure from too much salt intake, I’m fine.
“Haha, I’m perfectly fine… Gulp!”
Since we were in front of everyone, I didn’t plan on telling the truth. Kang Yoon-ho struggled in Hongcheonmirijin. I needed to show just enough to avoid suspicion.
“C-call for a doctor!”
“It’s okay. It’s nothing serious.”
The woman worries for the man, while the man shows he’s dependable to the woman. Yes, everyone’s watching, right? This is how we are.
I met Miss Zhuge’s worried gaze.
Now…
“B-but still… huh?!”
Regardless of what the people around us said, I couldn’t take it anymore and pulled Miss Zhuge into an embrace.
“Ooooooh!”
“Oh dear, tsk tsk!”
“Just by closing my eyes in Hongcheonmirijin, Miss Zhuge came to mind.”
When I opened my eyes, bunnies were bouncing around. I whispered to Miss Zhuge, but I didn’t lower my volume.
This was just another performance.
“Ahhh…”
“In the midst of numerous fantasies, Miss Zhuge has been my guiding light, and even in this crowd, she was the only one I could see. I hope this isn’t a fantasy now, right?”
“M-M-Master Kang…”
I couldn’t have Miss Zhuge breaking down just because I said something embarrassing.
“I hurried over for fear of troubling Miss Zhuge.”
“Master Kang!!!”
A hot breath tickled my ear. Like she’d never forget this embrace, she seemed to hold me tighter as if to never let go.
“Such nonsense. Just nonsense.”
I could hear Gil-san muttering as if he was disgusted, but I wouldn’t let go of her.
Kang Yoon-ho didn’t just pass through Hongcheonmirijin in 7 days for nothing. I did it thinking about Miss Zhuge all this time!
This is how we are, elders. When you all go home, please spread the rumors.
“I can’t believe you’re doing something so shameless in front of people!”
Finally, an angry hand tore us apart.
“Ah, Dad!”
“Oh! I see you’re here too, Father-in-law.”
I was aware of it, but I pretended I didn’t know and looked at my furious Father-in-law, who was trying to suppress his anger.
“Ahem! Ahem!”
I had wondered when he would come up.
Amazed that I passed through in 7 days? I was surprised he hadn’t exploded by now.
Having lit the stage for my Father-in-law, it was time for the next stage.
“Kang Yoon-ho. I offer my greetings to you, Father-in-law.”
I saluted as formal as a soldier reporting back from a mission.
“Is it true… you passed through Hongcheonmirijin?”
“I promised, didn’t I?”
To my Father-in-law, who wore a look of disbelief, I had one thing to say.
“I see you after 7 days, Father-in-law.”
Passing through Hongcheonmirijin meant he’d recognize me as a suitor. I simply smiled, reminding ourselves of our promise.
