Jing Li: Our lord

"You seem thoughtful, brother." Kui Ji-min said in their native Buyeo. They spoke quietly and no one who understood them was riding near. "Ever since we left Hu, it seems you are less yourself. We will reach Xi He port in two days, will I still recognize you then?"

Kui Ji-Hun looked up and down the long like of oxen, mules, soldiers in Jing Li's livery. He spied the Swift General and the Ox General speaking, and laughing together as they rode further ahead. He had trained several of the mounts this past winter and he was pleased to see the riders taking his suggestions. Still.

"I trained those horses." He replied, pointing to several. "When I was training them I was free to work at what I love." He glanced at her. "It bothers me to think of the price paid so I could do so."

"You feel that I buy your place at Hu?" Ji-min asked.

"Last year we fled when you were ordered to do less and were offered more than a place for us to reside and work. I recall abundant silks for you and a captaincy for me; at least that was the offer made."

"Father made that deal. I regret disappointing him, but he was not the one who would have to see he-whom-I-detest undressed."

"And now?"

"Now is not so bad." She raised an eyebrow at him. "But now is none of your business. Besides, you are wrong."

"How so? When you were offered to the other, his lands were wealthier, his men well dressed. At that time your lord was no more than I, and I'm told the army was incredibly impotent."

Ji-min smiled at something her brother said, but remained silent.

"Do you think he suspects?" Ji-hun said.

"If you think I have chosen a man too dull to realize that a woman does not gain rare training and her brother does not show evidence of command experience without their family having some influence, you are again mistaken. Our lord knows, though he chooses not ask."

"You keep referring to him as our lord, but technically I am your retainer."

"You keep misunderstanding, oh loving but sometimes dim-witted brother. What do you think would happen if someone from home tried to make trouble for us?"

"Father would be most upset with you." Jihun smiled wickedly. "Then he would bust out laughing as our enemies soiled themselves fleeing! If the sworn brother of your lord was sent against me I would flee even if a thousand men stood behind me."

Ji-min laughed. "You are right. For once!" After a moment she settled down. "And his strategist?"

"Your lord is wise in the ways of battle. Few back home could surpass him. Yet he listens to the other one and their victories are unbelievable! I used to laugh at the stories the soldiers told. The interpreters were obviously unskilled. Yet I have seen enough in the past few months to realize something you may not."

Ji-min arched an eyebrow. "Really? You have become as insightful as mother?"

"One of us needs to think of the future." He shrugged as she scowled. That was an old argument. "Yet have you noticed the one person your lord does not boast about?"

"He cannot speak of all his men, he leads so many? What is your point?"

"It is nice to know something my brilliant sister has missed. Let me revel in the feeling for a moment." Ji-hun sighed and smiled. "He never brags about himself, oh love-struck one. Had you not noticed?"

Ji-min started at her brother's words. "I..."

"Are you okay, sister? You are suddenly pale." His eyes grew wide. "Wait...you love him." It was not a question.

They rode on in silence. After a long time, Ji-min spoke. "Our arrangement was simple. I would be his architect. He has grand plans that excite me. I saw in him a need for a woman, and one day mentioned his lack of a wife. We talked, but I could not find the right words to include you in the conversation. Our lord saw that. Later he told me that he had been trying to find a place for you; your skills had impressed him."

"Later?" Ji-hun asked. "How much later?"

"None of your business later." She smirked. "For quite some time you were not on my mind. I hear there is a blacksmith's daughter that may cause you to turn your head now and again?"

Ji-hun smiled. "We speak a similar language."

"I am happy for you, brother." She smiled as the color returned. "Consider this, as we ride. I have not once demanded anything for you. Our lord, and that is one reason I call him such, is not so hidebound as father. Everything you have gotten from him has been because you earned it. I have paid nothing."

"Our lord, eh?" Ji-hun smiled. "Do you have any other surprises for me?"

"Yes." She grinned wickedly and then spurred her horse forward.