45 HIS DEATH PART II (1/2)
Be Safe, Grandson.
The The General knots his eyebrows, ”Pardon me, Your Majesty, but the South Border is known to be a peaceful district, I don't understand the purpose of sending me there.”
”You're right, General. It is indeed a peaceful district and have a very beautiful environment compare to here. I'm sending the Finance Officers to do some inspection, there have been some complaints about their tax collections there and you'll be their Chief of Guard. Take it as your holiday.”
”But...” the General tries to protest.
”Accept it, Older Brother,” the King somehow sounds irritated. He inhales a deep breath and sigh. ”You had just come back from a war and I don't expect you to go there again. Get some rest, you haven't done that much, don't you? It's an order.”
The General looks hesitant but does not want to refute, ”Yes, Your Majesty.”
***
General comes back to his residence and makes a few preparations to go to the South Border. When he thought he was going to the North Border, he only packed a few clothes because he was planning to go only for a few days. However, going to the South Border means he's going to stay there for a while since the King did not say his duration of stay. When the King did not say how long he is supposed to be there then he can only wait until the King summons him home.
I look at the back of him when he mounts his horse and slowly getting farther away from the Palace. Thinking of how long he will be in the South Border making me missing him. How long it will be till I see his face, again?
”Be safe, my grandson.” I say as I look at the view of him becomes smaller. I wave at the distant, ”Be safe, my 'King'.”
***
A few weeks after he left, an informant comes and gives report on the situation in the South Border. However, his face is pale and he looks nervous.
”Your Majesty, a few days ago, Lord Min from the Min Clan was found to have embezzled a large sum of money from the tax collected. The General had ordered people to investigate about the incident and…” the informant looks hesitant.
The King raises his head from the scroll he's reading and looks at the informant, ”And?”
”The General found proof of their crime and the General had ordered Lord Min to surrender himself and pay back the amount he had stolen,” the informant says.
”So, how's the progress?”
”The Min Clan is seizing the district right now,” the informant lowers his head as he speaks.
”What?!” The King retorts, he throws the scroll aside. His brows furrowed.
The Min District is mostly populated by the Min Clan as they had been staying there for generations. It situated near the South Border together with other 5 districts and it is said to be the richest district in the Nation due to its natural resources of herbs and livestock. The district is a preferred place to do trades and businesses.