00054 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary -------------------------=
#Intentional Actions (有所作爲) (3), Camp Roberts
The Triad's leader spoke.
"We owed you in Atascadero. Without you, it would have taken days longer to recover the remains. It wouldn't have been respectful to the righteous dead."
Days, indeed. To think they still had people to send despite such losses. Gyeo-ul pretended not to notice Li Qinjiang's bravado.
"It was a natural effort. Beyond nationality and affiliations, it was a sorrowful matter as fellow human beings."
"Fellow human beings... that is what chivalry is about. It's the spirit of the 「Triad」. Although you're not of our brethren, you possess remarkable qualifications beyond any brother."
"I'm embarrassed by your high praise. It was simply the duty of a person."
"Sir, that's something to be proud of. Aren't there far too many who don't know this duty? The small-minded who see others' hardships as their own opportunity. Those sinister and crafty individuals."
This was the talk of a criminal. Chinese crime organizations like the 「Triad」 were notorious for preying on their compatriots even overseas. But now, it's just the Triad's turn to be preyed upon.
'Well, if others do it, it's adultery.'
Gyeo-ul spoke softly, hiding his true thoughts.
"I really dislike those people too. But since I have my limits, I can only watch such misdeeds. Just protecting those close to me is difficult enough."
As the young man continued to deflect humbly, the elder, who had been speaking in metaphors, became more direct.
"It's comforting to hear that. I also harbor public outrage against them. Since our feelings are alike, getting closer might be mutually beneficial."
Having declared this, he turned to Gyeo-ul and asked his own daughter.
"Ai-ling, what do you think?"
She, standing a few steps away, seemed a bit startled at her turn. However, she soon composed herself and replied calmly.
"Father, I believe you're right. We may not need to do anything. Someone with virtue, just by being there, can govern others, they say."
Ai-ling implied that Gyeo-ul's reputation alone would ensure a certain level of safety. Simply patrolling could be enough to raise the defenses of other organizations. This thought also reflected the 「Triad」's preference for self-preservation.
'There's no reason they would involve his daughter in this conversation without a reason.'
Keeping an eye on the elder's intent, Gyeo-ul offered an opposing view.
"My opinion differs slightly. To show off any relationship, there should be an event. We need to demonstrate that 「Triad」 and the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 can indeed join forces for common goals. Think of how many friendships in the world are just in name only."
Catching his breath, Gyeo-ul continued.
"Another point: there should be a shared task for the members of the 「Triad」 and the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」. Koreans say that a child's fight becomes a parent's fight. While I don't consider myself a parent to our allies, personal conflicts could certainly escalate into organizational disputes."
This issue was also pointed out when Ai-ling first visited.
Consolidating his thoughts, Gyeo-ul concluded.
"So, for the 「Triad」 and the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 to feel a sense of solidarity, shouldn't there be substantial mutual assistance?"
In essence, stop dawdling and put your money where your mouth is.
The truth is, the 「Triad」 is indeed necessary. They should be the gateway to exert influence among Chinese nationals. However, if the relationship is to start off like this, it needs reevaluation.
"Every word of yours rings true."
Li Qinjiang surprisingly agreed. But it wasn't the end.
"Yet, there are other methods."
"Other methods?"
"The surest way to forge a bond is to become one family, isn't it?"
So, it finally comes to this.
The situation is different from before. When Ai-ling suggested it, the subjugation of the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 was a condition. Now, it's an equal alliance, with the 「Triad」 being the more desperate one.
In fact, it wasn't a bad method. Few bonds are as certain as marriage. Being a family, asserting influence over the 「Triad」 could be more natural.
Yet, he disliked it.
'Why do I dislike it?'
He didn't quite know himself. He vaguely had an idea but didn't have the luxury to ponder over it.
"That isn't possible."
Reflexively rejecting it, Gyeo-ul immediately tried to recover.
"A lot of people just died a few days ago. You called me here because of that, right? 「Triad」 are brothers by blood, aren't they? Can a household have both mourning and celebration overlapping? I believe it's a time to mourn the deceased."
The aspect of being blood brothers was no joke. It was the reason they replaced liquor with blood in their initiation ritual.
Ai-ling's expression had turned somber but then relaxed after Gyeo-ul's explanation.
"You're right, father. Perhaps it's best to postpone this discussion."
Yet, Li Qinjiang still had a different justification left.
"The philosopher said that ancestral rites are for the living. Honoring the dead is an event meant to bolster the living. Death cannot triumph over life. Sir, we lead anxious people in these unprecedented times. Think beyond formalities to what truly benefits people."
A surprisingly accurate argument. Triad's leader elaborated further.
"Our fallen brethren were righteous. I'm sure they can't close their eyes if they worry about the living. There should be a happy event for them. A true joyous occasion for both the living and the dead. Accepting someone like you as a brother would allow them to depart in peace."
Even the head of a crime organization wasn't devoid of wisdom with age. Gyeo-ul adjusted his evaluation of the Triad's leader. Not that it was in a positive light, but as a caution that he shouldn't be underestimated.
However, Gyeo-ul had time. Time enough to grasp his initial aversion. Now, Gyeo-ul understood the nature of his instinctive rejection.
"People are not commodities."
"Hmm?"
Facing a puzzled Li Qinjiang, Gyeo-ul spoke calmly.
"Don't sell your daughter. Children are not a parent's right, nor disposable property. Certainly not consumables necessary for organizational management. Marriage is a matter of lifelong happiness. A marriage for others' satisfaction is nonsensical."
"Sir, you're making it too complicated to say you dislike a loveless marriage."
"No, it's different. You're seeing it as just a personal issue, while I'm speaking of people's... more universal... universal rights."
"I understand."
Li Qinjiang chuckled.
"I feel your youth anew. Surely, you're right. But life doesn't always work out as one imagines. Compromise with reality isn't a choice; it's a necessity. Marriage is just one of those."
He was being treated like a child. Gyeo-ul pointed out again.
"No. Even for the sake of their future children, it shouldn't be like that. A loveless home is hell for kids."
"It seems like this is a personal story for you."
The old man, who hadn't wasted his years, possessed 「Insight」 born from life.
"My apologies. It appears I've been thoughtless. Also... trusting you a bit more."
"Thank you for understanding."
Gyeo-ul heightened his alertness. Those words could also mean he found him easy to exploit. In circles where trust was absent, one should be more wary of praise than criticism. It was vital not to forget that this well-regarded elder was the head of the Triad.
"If that is so, there's no helping it. Let's discuss other methods."
With this statement as a turning point, the conversation, which had been filled with metaphors and hints, changed entirely. Within the bounds of maintaining face, a thoroughly straightforward dialogue ensued.
"Sir Han's external missions are famed for their high success and safety. During the emergence of 「Grumble」, you risked danger to save US soldiers, and in the encounter with 「Trickster」, you were the first to see through the trap, weren't you?"
The demand was clear. To protect and help the Triad's volunteer soldiers with the US military, and to assist in having some among them become non-commissioned officers or officers.
"I suppose you know that's not entirely within my control. I don't have authority over operational configurations. I can make suggestions, though."
"That's quite satisfactory. Leave the rest to the 「Triad」. We have our ways too. I'll ensure you experience what cooperation with the 「Triad」 entails in various manners."
True. Gyeo-ul acknowledged. If they could independently dispatch nearly a hundred to Atascadero, it meant they could lobby the camp leadership.
'It's probably the Bravo Company...'
Even a 10% manpower loss would normally require rear reorganization. Bravo's side would find external operations difficult for a while. Still, they could exert influence in unit administration. Perhaps the 「Triad」 had connections reaching higher up.
Though unstable now, there was nothing strange about it once being the leader of the 「Black Society」.
"Most of all, you can at least submit a training plan. I'm aware that the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 combat team has been to San Miguel. No other organization would dare attempt such. The camp command trusts you enough to permit such. With a little flexibility, couldn't our brethren also be trained by you?"
"Understood. However, the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 comes first. We're just in the phase of expansion too, so it's difficult to allocate many quotas. The number of troops I can command is limited. I ask for your understanding."
"I understand. Unfortunately, there's only one of you."
As cooperation became more concrete, the atmosphere turned increasingly amicable. Li Qinjiang's frequent utterances of 好好 (good, good) increased.
At this point, Gyeo-ul requested an introduction to the personnel to be involved in training. Given the situation of the 「Triad」, there was a high probability of operating together in actual combat. Thus, it was necessary to vet the people before starting.
"Take off your shirts."
The men who had been called looked troubled. However, at Li Qinjiang's glance, they reluctantly exposed their chests and backs. Gyeo-ul inquired about the crimes their tattoos symbolized.
Their answers were generally dishonest.
He discerned the truth with extraordinary levels of「Perception」 and 「Insight」.
The negotiation, which was nearing completion, reached a crisis point here. As Gyeo-ul continued to reject candidates, Li Qinjiang finally lost his composure.
"The people you've declined are the finest warriors of the 「Triad」. By discarding them all, what force do you intend to form? This cannot be seen as sincere cooperation!"
"Leader, I believe it's time to clearly state."
Gyeo-ul, in a voice only he could hear, stated firmly.
"If you wish to maintain a long-standing collaboration with the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」, stop pursuing unfair gains. Even though circumstances have temporarily prevented you from misdeeds, in the future, it shouldn't be what you can't do, but what you choose not to do. Didn't you say yourself that chivalry is the essence of the 「Triad」?"
"Hmm..."
Li Qinjiang suppressed his anger. Both of them knew that invoking chivalry was meaningless. Yet it worked. It was a characteristic of the Chinese to value their dignity.
Naturally, unjust grudges would linger despite this. As a precaution, Gyeo-ul sincerely bowed his head.
"I do not mean to mock you. I selected people in the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」's first combat team the same way. Even if they are physically lacking, they are individuals with the right mindset. You are already aware of this, aren't you?"
"... I am."
"This is my approach and my best effort."
In front of Gyeo-ul, bowing once again, Triad's leader spoke no further. There were subordinates watching, and this was the appropriate limit.
An organization is a tool for people to live through. If people selected and nurtured by Gyeo-ul gained influence, the atmosphere would change considerably.
There was someone who posed a challenge during the evaluations conducted by Gyeo-ul.
"Should I take off my shirt too?"
"No..."
It was Ai-ling.
Gyeo-ul asked the leader.
"Are you seriously considering sending your daughter out?"
It wasn't a plea to cherish her but a question based on her typical administrative cadre profile. A competent administrator was a significant human resource, valued by Gyeo-ul as much as his two deputies.
"A show of example is necessary."
From Li Qinjiang's composed response, a hint of reluctance was detected. It signified that she needed to set an example due to an atmosphere amongst the leader's immediate lineage.
The leader added a few words.
"Train her well. She's been studying Tai Chi diligently, so she won't merely be a hindrance. And if she pleases you, do consider taking her."
"I will be lenient."
Gyeo-ul gave a perfunctory response and recognized Ai-ling's application.
The final task was a request for shared information.
"You were the 「Black Society」's head. I believe you may know the information I need."
"They're stories too valuable to give away freely..."
"Either way, issues arising within the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 must be avoided for now."
"Then let's consider it a debt you owe me."
There was no need to delve into specifics. The leader knew the questions Gyeo-ul would ask. As Ai-ling compiled the needed information into a booklet, Li Qinjiang communicated with Gyeo-ul.
"Be cautious of the 「Full Gospel Church」. We could never ascertain its internal affairs. While I didn't concern myself with it as it was within the Korean settlement, now aligned with the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」, it seems troubling."
"I am already cautious."
"I trust you."
Shortly thereafter, the completed booklet was handed to Gyeo-ul. Upon opening it, he confirmed a drug supply route from the 「Damul Development Society」 connected to the Chinese organization 「Anliang Commercial Association」, one of the opposing groups to the 「Triad」.
Gyeo-ul recalled the information obtained from the 「Yakuza」. Certain Korean contact agent names matched.
'Chasing the producer might be the surest method.'
It would serve as a strong warning to the forces opposing the 「Triad」.
The forces Captain Markerts supposedly sheltered meant more advantages than losses if handled correctly.
'How should I proceed...'
Gyeo-ul contemplated deeply.
---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=
In initiation rites of the Triad, they mix rooster blood because the bird crows at sunrise, symbolizing it's full of yang energy. Drinking it endows claw-represented courage and comb-bestowed wisdom, symbolized due to the comb's crown-like appearance. I suppose they don't truly believe it; it's merely done for tradition...