103.She was the wife of a martial house.
"I had no intention of telling anyone. At first…"
"I see."
"If I had simply told you, the secret might have leaked. We have now rooted out the spies from the imperial palace. Not all of them, but one remains. Once we deal with him, we will leave. They seem uncertain, half believing and half doubting. So in case the General is alive or returns, they appear to have stationed many men. This place is dangerous as well. If word that he lives reaches the capital, we cannot know what measures they will take. They may strike at the Jin estate and hold it hostage. That is why it is best to keep this hidden. Please tell no one. If we endure, I believe an opportunity will come."
Tears rolled down Lady Yi's cheeks again.
"Is there no way to know where he is?"
"That is correct."
Seeing her tears, Lee Hee added quietly, "I am sorry. And this situation was his will."
Lady Yi wiped her tears and straightened herself.
She stood upright, and though her face was wet with tears, a resolute strength rose from her.
She was the wife of a martial house.
Not an ordinary woman.
"No. I am more relieved than I can say. And I have heard that many soldiers have nowhere to go. The fifty men are likely such men. The General once told me there were many like that. It would be acceptable for them to remain here. Our lands have expanded, and we can support them. Rather than wander the world, would it not be better for them to stay? Though Anyang is small, it should suffice as a place to entrust one's body."
Her proposal was not simple charity.
She was thinking as the wife of a man who still lived.
After steadying her breath, she was calculating reality.
The fields of the Jin estate, its households, its capacity.
Lee Hee shook his head.
"There may be no place calling us, but there are many places we can go. Rather than that, I was thinking of leaving this one here. Scholar Yu must continue his studies. He cannot return to the Yu family estate, and though he travels with us, his talent is exceptional. It would be best for him to study further and sit for the metropolitan examination."
Lady Yi pulled So-un by the arm.
He stumbled forward like a scarecrow and looked up at her.
"Do not worry about So-un. From now on, I will take responsibility for him."
She clasped his hand tightly.
There was protection in that grip, but also a request—entrust him to me.
"Commander!"
So-un looked at Lee Hee with open displeasure.
"You are leaving me behind? Did we not agree to go to the ends of the world together?"
There was childish hurt in his voice, yet also a soldier's resolve.
His time with the White Dragon Unit had not been mere training.
Lee Hee chose his words carefully before answering.
"There is something you must do here. You saw those men earlier. Who will protect the General's family? If I remain, I will only draw suspicion from the court and the local authorities. Stay here and guard Madam and the Jin estate. Study as well. I believe that is right."
These were not the words of one departing, but of one leaving someone behind.
So-un's face hardened.
"But we promised to stay together to the very end."
It was youthful stubbornness.
Yet within it was a vow.
"I would like that as well. But we each have our tasks. You guard this place. I will search for the General. That will suffice. I intend to seek him alone. I have some guesses. He may need help. He may be passing through danger even now."
His voice was quiet but firm.
He looked like a man who had already completed his departure in his heart.
So-un looked from his aunt to Lee Hee and back again.
A life of peace might begin anew.
But that meant parting from Lee Hee.
The White Dragon Unit would scatter as well.
"What about the White Dragon Unit?"
"I will ask the men. I will convey Madam's wishes and leave some behind. Even if disguised as retainers, they must protect the General's family. For now, it is better that the White Dragon Unit remain here."
The name lingered in the room.
It carried with it the image of a banner snapping in battle wind.
"So we divide again…"
So-un lowered his gaze.
There are times when what one desires must yield.
Dividing roles was the only truth that fit the moment.
Lee Hee smiled faintly.
"The White Dragon Unit has fulfilled its task. The world no longer needs us. But if the banner of the White Dragon ever flies again, we will meet once more. Are we not the strongest army on the continent?"
It was both a declaration of dissolution and a promise.
Not an end, but a scattering.
So-un lifted his head.
There was regret in his eyes, but resolve settled first.
"I understand. I will guard the Jin estate."
The answer was short, yet heavy.
Lee Hee laughed softly.
"You rascal."