Chapter 15
The King approached the three top candidates, placing his hands firmly on their shoulders.
Min Chae-woo stood visibly shaken by the monarch’s touch, while Pung remained calm, bowing his head in quiet reverence.
Woon, unbothered by the royal presence, merely tilted his chin downward in a subtle show of respect.
“The three of you have taken first place today and made Joseon proud,” the King declared, his voice carrying across the quiet arena.
“You have proven yourselves worthy to be called the finest warriors in the realm.”
Turning directly to Pung, the King rested a hand on his shoulder.
“You are the Jang-won (장원) of this year’s military examination. You have displayed extraordinary swordsmanship, calculated strategy, and lethal precision.”
At the King’s signal, two royal attendants stepped forward carrying a tray of rich green silk.
They draped the sweeping Aengsam robe over Pung’s shoulders, tying the dark waist sash tight.
The dust of the battle arena vanished beneath the vibrant green silk of a high imperial officer.
Next came the black Bokdu cap.
As it settled onto his head, the royal herald fastened the Eosahwa—two long, bent branches covered in bright paper flowers that swept out from the back of the hat, swaying gracefully with his every movement.
An official stepped up with a silk-wrapped tray to present the Hongpae.
Rolled tightly and bound in crimson ribbon, this red paper decree bore the King’s royal seal, officially proclaiming Pung’s name as champion across the entire kingdom.
Finally, the King held out a heavy silver goblet filled with Eosaju—the sacred royal wine.
Pung bowed, accepted the cup with both hands, and drank, completing the ancient rite binding a master strategist to the throne.
The King then stepped over to Woon, his eyes gleaming with pride.
“You came in second, not because you lack skill in any way. You possess the raw power to go toe-to-toe with my Chief Royal Guard. You are a force to be reckoned with—as formidable as a mountain tiger. In the end, you took second place only due to the strict points of the protocol.”
Two attendants stepped forward, draping the sweeping green Aengsam robe over Woon’s broad shoulders and fastening the dark sash tight over his bruised chest.
The dust of a ruthless brawler disappeared beneath the rich silk of an officer.
Next, the herald set the black Bokdu cap upon Woon’s head, attaching the Eosahwa.
Unlike the first-place winner’s branches, Woon’s paper flower stems were slightly shorter to honor second-place protocol, yet they rested proudly across his shoulders. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
An official presented the crimson-bound Hongpae decree, officially recording Woon’s name directly alongside Pung’s in the kingdom’s military ledger.
The King then held out a silver goblet of Eosaju.
Woon bowed, accepted the cup with both hands, and drank, completing the royal rite that bound him officially to the crown.
Lastly, the King commanded that Chae-woo be crowned in the same manner as the third-place victor.
With the ceremony complete, the King ordered Pung, Woon, and Chae-woo to mount three white horses.
Royal musicians played horns and drums, leading the procession through the capital streets.
Citizens lined the roads, throwing flowers and shouting praises as the newly crowned officers rode past in their vibrant green robes and swaying paper flowers.
When they reached the main palace gates, the crowd began to disperse.
The Chief Royal Guard stepped up to Pung and Woon, giving them a firm, quiet order:
“You have earned your honor today. Return to your homes, bow to your elders, and wash the dust and blood of the arena from your skin. You have seven days. On the morning of the eighth, report directly to the inner palace gates. Your real duty begins then.”
As the Chief Guard walked away, Woon pulled off his black cap and turned to leave.
“Where are you off to, my savior?” Chae-woo called out, jogging to catch up.
Woon kept walking, ignoring him entirely.
“Not like he’s going to answer you anyway,” Pung remarked dryly, matching their pace.
“He has a short fuse.”
“Look at the pot calling the kettle black!” Chae-woo retorted, before turning back to Woon.
“Don’t tell me you’re sulking about coming in second! In my eyes, you were the absolute best out there.”
Woon stopped and turned around, glaring at Chae-woo.
“First of all, I don’t give a damn about the military exams. I only showed up because if I didn’t, my old man would chew my ear off for a month. Secondly, I don’t care about some stupid title.”
Chae-woo blinked.
“Wait… does that mean your father is here in the capital?”
Pung frowned slightly, looking at Woon.
“You have a father?”
“Did you think I dropped out of the sky?”
They continued walking until Woon stopped outside a modest residential gate.
“See you both at the palace in seven days,” he said, turning to go inside.
Chae-woo quickly grabbed his sleeve.
“Can’t we come in? I’m starving right now!”
“I don’t like people in my house, so—”
“Come in! Come in, my children!”
The loud voice of the old tiger hunter cut through the air as he pushed open the wooden gate.
He smiled warmly at Pung and Chae-woo.
“Congratulations on passing the exams, young masters! You did exceptionally well.”
Woon crossed his arms.
“What about me? I passed too.”
“I’m hungry,” the old tiger hunter replied casually, brushing past him.
“Go inside, take off those fancy clothes, and cook us something to eat. Some local officers brought over a fresh sack of rice earlier.”
Woon gritted his teeth, muttering as he headed toward the kitchen, “I’ve said it before… no wild tiger will ever kill me. Just you.”
Meanwhile, inside the quiet halls of the royal palace, the King walked alongside the Chief Royal Guard and his head personal Eunuch.
“What is your true assessment of the three boys?” the King asked softly.
“Jeonha,” the Chief Royal Guard replied, “Lee Pung is exceptionally fast, calculating, and possesses precise swordsmanship. San Woon is as quiet as a mouse, but strikes like a wild tiger—his physical strength and raw combat skills are unmatched. And Min Chae-woo is brilliant with quick hands and sharp instincts.”
“So you believe they are fit to form the foundation of my Seohonbu?” the King pressed.
“They are more than capable, Jeonha.”
The King paused, his expression turning solemn.
“Look deeper into their backgrounds. Conduct a discrete investigation into Pung and Woon’s childhoods. The twin sons of my late general were named Pung and Woon… but anyone in Joseon could share those names. Do this in total secrecy. Do you understand?”
“Understood, Jeonha,” the Chief Guard bowed.
“When their seven days of rest are over,” the King added, turning toward his private quarters, “the Seohonbu will be officially established, and the Crown Prince shall serve as their ultimate commander.”
“I will prepare everything immediately, Jeonha,” the Head Eunuch replied, bowing low as the King stepped inside.