A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 152

152. Serendipity on the Road

Sun Bin and his group had to cross the Great Desert once again. Fortunately, they didn’t have trouble finding a merchant group to travel with.

Pilong, Jegeallyeon, had introduced them to the Maun Merchant Group’s trading caravan.

“We’ve been waiting for you.”

The head merchant, a man with a kind and affable demeanor, greeted the group with a smile.

As expected of the Maun Merchant Group, one of the Five Great Merchant Groups of the world, their escort was strong, their preparations were thorough, and their scale was large.

“Crossing the desert is never easy, but we will do our best to serve you. You can call me Head Merchant Ma.”

The head merchant treated Sun Bin’s group like honored guests. Perhaps having received prior instructions, he didn’t ask unnecessary questions and even prepared two large tents for the group.

“I liked it better before.”

Dang Wora whispered quietly, likely recalling the last time they crossed the desert when they had almost camped out in the open.

“I feel suffocated because I can’t see the stars inside the tent.”

“Suffocated being alone with someone in that big tent? I’d say it’s more desolate because it’s so empty.”

Nogun said. The tent prepared by the head merchant was quite large. White cloth hung like curtains, and leather was spread on the floor, giving it a luxurious feel. It seemed almost too big for just two women to use.

Even now, the tent was empty because Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wora had gathered in this tent to have dinner together.

“I’m lucky that I can at least take off my hat when I rest.”

Sa Soo-yeon said, fiddling with her teacup. Since leaving the Ice Palace, she had been wearing a hat attached to her coat, pulled down low to hide her face, due to Nogun’s advice that unnecessary attention might follow.

“Just bear with it a little longer.”

Nogun said.

“It’s best to do that until we cross the border and part ways with the merchant group. There are many people in this group who would recognize you.”

“It’s better to keep doing it even after that.”

Dang Wora said quietly.

“If you remember what happened before.”

A bitter smile appeared on Sa Soo-yeon’s face.

Even when heading to the Northern Sea, she had to deal with many troublesome incidents, most of which were due to her outstanding beauty.

How much more would it be now that her beauty was even more radiant?

“If Miss Sa doesn’t wish it, there’s no need to force her.”

Sun Bin said with a smile.

“I enjoy seeing Miss Sa’s face.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes widened at the unexpected remark, and her cheeks quickly turned red. Realizing his mistake, Sun Bin stammered in embarrassment.

“Ah, no, I didn’t mean it like that…”

“I like Noona [term for older sister or female friend] too!”

Seorin said in a loud voice from the side. In Seorin’s hand was a handful of mooncakes. Sa Soo-yeon had brought them, saying the head merchant had given them to her.

“They give us lots of tasty things!”

“Ah, come to think of it, this too…”

Sa Soo-yeon took out a small bundle from her bosom, as if trying to change the awkward atmosphere.

“Saruna or Namira must have packed it. It seems to be from the Northern Sea…”

Inside the bundle were small dumpling-like foods, dried and baked crisp, seemingly made to last a long time.

“Hoo, I haven’t seen these before?”

Nogun stared at the bundle in Sa Soo-yeon’s hand. Dang Wora and Seorin also looked with sparkling eyes.

“Would you like some?”

Sa Soo-yeon’s offer was unnecessary. Before she could finish speaking, the three people reached out their hands.

“Ah, and Young Master Son’s too…”

Sa Soo-yeon said, watching the small dumplings disappear in an instant. But it was already too late. The dozen or so dumplings were already in the hands of the three.

“Hmm… I’ll give you one.”

Nogun handed one to Sun Bin.

“Hy, Hyungnim [term for older brother or male friend]…”

Seorin also gave one to Sun Bin with a trembling hand. Her hand trembled as if she needed quite a bit of resolve to give even one.

“Here.”

Dang Wora quietly handed one to Sun Bin as well.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Wora.”

Sun Bin thanked each of them as he accepted the dumplings.

“Come to think of it, Miss Sa doesn’t have any.”

“Ah, I…”

“Have some.”

Sun Bin offered two dumplings to Sa Soo-yeon, who was about to decline.

“Yes, then…”

Sa Soo-yeon hesitated for a moment before reaching out her hand. Then, she suddenly raised her head and looked at Sun Bin.

“By the way.”

Sun Bin looked at her. Sa Soo-yeon frowned slightly and asked.

“Why do you call me Miss Sa?”

“Yes?”

Sun Bin, who was handing over the dumplings, was taken aback. He didn’t understand what she was talking about all of a sudden.

But Sa Soo-yeon said with a sharp glint in her eyes.

“You call Wora ‘Miss Wora,’ don’t you? So why do you call me ‘Miss Sa’?”

“No, it’s because Miss Sa…”

Sun Bin tried to argue. At first, he had called Sa Soo-yeon ‘Miss Soo-yeon’ as well. But then Sa Soo-yeon had told him sternly to call her ‘Miss Sa,’ hadn’t she?

“That’s too much.”

Nogun suddenly nodded his head and said.

“It’s not good to discriminate against people. If there’s discrimination even among the five of us, how can injustice and oppression disappear from this society? Tsk, tsk.”

“I don’t like discrimination either.”

Seorin chimed in eagerly.

“I eat a lot, but giving me the same amount as Wora Noona is discrimination.”

“Huh?”

Nogun frowned.

“What are you talking about now? Why is giving the same amount discrimination?”

“You should give more to those who need more and less to those who need less. That way, everyone is equally satisfied. I’m not getting enough, but Wora Noona has leftovers. So giving the same amount is actually discrimination.”

Perhaps because of her experience of finishing her food first and then drooling over Dang Wora’s food, Seorin’s words were unreserved.

“So it’s not a matter of absolute quantity, but a matter of need? That makes sense too?”

Nogun muttered as if he was dumbfounded.

“I don’t have leftovers.”

Dang Wora said.

“I just eat slowly. And I don’t like it either.”

Dang Wora said, looking at Sun Bin.

“If you call me Miss Dang, I’ll take off my veil.”

Sun Bin tilted his head at her words. It seemed like she was trying to pressure him, but he didn’t understand why that would be pressure.

“I like Miss Wora’s face too…”

“That won’t do.”

Nogun said, cutting off Sun Bin’s words.

“If even you take it off, it’ll be too much of a hassle to go around. I’m already considering putting a veil on Seorin, this rascal.”

Nogun turned to Sun Bin and said.

“So you should call her Miss Soo-yeon. It’s a fair method that satisfies both of them, so how can this not be considered righteous (義) [yi – righteousness, justice, morality]?”

Sun Bin looked dumbfounded.

“No, how can something like a title be considered righteous (義)…”

“Ahem, righteousness (義) begins with small things. Quickly call her Miss Soo-yeon.”

Nogun said in a deliberately solemn tone.

Sun Bin was dumbfounded. But not only Nogun, but also Seorin, Dang Wora, and Sa Soo-yeon were looking at him with sparkling eyes.

Sun Bin realized that he had no chance of winning.

“Soo, Soo-yeon Sojeo [term of respect for a young lady].”

Sun Bin’s cheeks turned red. It was just calling her name, but it felt somehow embarrassing. Sa Soo-yeon’s face also flushed slightly.

“Ahem. Y-yes. From now on, please call me that.”

Sa Soo-yeon, as if trying to hide her embarrassment, cleared her throat and looked at Nogun, Seorin, and Dang Wora as she spoke.

“Come to think of it, Sarune gave us more food. Shall I bring it?”

The three nodded in agreement as if they had made a promise.

Sa Soo-yeon smiled. It was a bright and beautiful smile, enough to make Sun Bin, who was watching, smile involuntarily.

Woo-oong.

The cold night wind of the Great Desert passed by with a sharp sound. But inside the tent, a soft warmth filled the air.

The night in the Great Desert was slowly deepening.

*

*

*

The caravan crossed the Great Desert without any major problems. They were thoroughly prepared from the start, and both the head merchant and the caravan members had plenty of experience.

“We were lucky.”

When Sun Bin expressed his gratitude, Head Merchant Ma smiled and said.

“There are times like now when it’s easy, but there are also times when, no matter how hard you try, you end up giving up. If the Great Desert doesn’t allow it, only miserable failure remains.”

Head Merchant Ma said, looking at the desolate land the caravan had just passed.

“So, is human wisdom ultimately about how sensitively one can recognize the will of the Great Desert? You might think it’s too passive of an attitude.”

His voice was filled with reverence for nature.

“No, I agree.”

Sun Bin nodded.

“Thank you for everything. I will not forget the kindness you have shown me.”

Head Merchant Ma waved his hand, dismissing it as nothing, but he couldn’t hide the genuine smile that came from his heart.

In fact, among those so-called ‘honored guests,’ there were many who made unreasonable demands.

“Thank you. I hope you have a safe journey ahead.”

Head Merchant Ma paid his respects to Sun Bin and his group. Sun Bin also returned the greeting. Thus, Sun Bin and his group parted ways with the caravan at the border city.

∴

Clatter.

The beaded curtain rattled.

“Sniff, sniff.”

The first to enter, a pretty boy, sniffed the air. Unlike his cute and handsome appearance, he was openly sniffing his nose.

“It’s here. I smell something delicious.”

“Washing up is more important than eating right now. Shouldn’t we find somewhere a bit nicer?”

The second to enter, an old man, grumbled as he looked around the inn. He wasn’t very tall, but he had a rather impressive long beard and white eyebrows.

Clatter.

The inn became quiet for a moment at the sight of the third person to enter, a woman. She was a truly stunning and beautiful woman, enough to make one’s eyes widen in surprise.

“There don’t seem to be any dangerous people.”

She said in a low voice. It was a quiet voice, but the tone was clear and distinct.

Her gaze as she looked around the inn was quite sharp. Moreover, the sword hanging on her slender waist indicated that she was a martial artist.

“This seems appropriate. It doesn’t seem too cheap, either.”

A gentle-looking young scholar, Sun Bin, who followed the beauty into the inn, said.

As he said, cheaper inns than this were truly cheap and not a suitable place for a group with a woman to stay.

But no one paid attention to the young scholar. Everyone was focused on the beauty who had entered earlier.

“I’m fine with anywhere.”

A small, frail woman wearing a veil said, having entered unnoticed. Her voice was so quiet that others could barely hear it.

Some people cast curious glances at her but soon returned their attention to the radiant beauty.

“Welcome!”

With a lively voice, the waiter guided the group to an empty seat and took their orders. The inn’s guests began to eat or chat again.

“We’ll have to get a carriage tomorrow.”

The young scholar, Sun Bin, said, holding the warm teacup the waiter had brought.

“Then will you sell the horse you rode?”

Seorin asked. Sun Bin smiled.

“Why? Don’t you like it?”

“Woong. It listens well and is kind. Can’t we take it with us?”

“It is a good horse. Everyone covets the horses of Bukhae [North Sea region, known for its horses].”

Nogun took a sip of tea and frowned.

“Tsk, they can’t even use good tea leaves. Where did they get this… Anyway, I expected it, but they’re staring too much. I should just…”

Nogun muttered, glaring at the glances in their direction.

“This is still okay. When I was alone, it was even more blatant.”

Sa Soo-yeon said with a bitter smile.

“Traveling a long distance, especially alone as a woman, is definitely not easy.”

Sa Soo-yeon knew well what it was like to travel alone. Except for the brief time she was with Sun Bin and Sa Ja-hyeok, Sa Soo-yeon was always alone.

“If I didn’t have any strength…”

Sa Soo-yeon shook her head as if she didn’t want to think about it. She would have definitely suffered something bad.

“You are not alone anymore.”

Sa Soo-yeon looked up at the voice she suddenly heard. Sun Bin was looking at her with a soft gaze.

“Yes, I know.”

Sa Soo-yeon smiled. That’s why this moment is even more grateful and precious—because we can be together.

Clatter.

The curtain fluttered, and two new guests entered the inn.

Sa Soo-yeon reflexively turned her gaze. It was a habit she had developed when traveling alone, always checking her surroundings.

But soon, Sa Soo-yeon had a puzzled expression. The people who entered the inn were young children.

‘Are they siblings? And the girl is…’

A dirty boy who looked about twelve years old was talking to the waiter with a bright face.

Next to him, a frail girl stood with her eyes closed, holding a worn-out zither [a traditional Korean stringed instrument] wrapped in a shabby cloth. Because she was a small child, the zither seemed almost as tall as her.

“She doesn’t seem to be able to see. Could they just be children?”

Sun Bin said. His voice also sounded puzzled.

When the waiter, who was talking to the boy, nodded, the boy took the girl’s hand and walked to one side of the inn.

“Here it is, Sister.”

The boy said. The girl was small and frail, so she looked like a younger sister, but she was apparently an older sister.

The girl with her eyes closed nodded, unwrapped the cloth, and took out the old zither. The boy helped the girl get settled.

The inn’s guests also stared at the children with curious eyes. Although their faces were dirty, the girl looked quite pretty.

The girl, having settled in, took a deep breath for a moment and lightly plucked a string.

Tang.

The inn became quiet, and the sound of the zither began to echo.

Ttang, ttadang.

A clear and mournful melody flowed through the inn. The girl occasionally sang briefly to match the melody, and although her voice was not very loud, it was a beautiful tone that matched the melody quite well.

The guests were soon immersed in the atmosphere of the zither. Those who were not interested started talking again, but the music flowing through the inn seemed to create a pleasant atmosphere.

But not everyone felt that way.

“Aish, ssiang [a vulgar Korean expression of annoyance]!”

Tting.

Someone’s harsh voice cut off the melody of the zither. The singing girl flinched and immediately looked frightened.

“It’s not like we’re holding a memorial service to summon ghosts…”

The zither is a widely used instrument. It is also used in rituals, so it wouldn’t be wrong to say so.

But the man’s flushed and drunken appearance made it clear that he was just picking a fight.

“A blind girl who can’t even see is ruining the Sakju Warriors’ [likely a local gang or group] drinking party with her bad luck!”

Not satisfied with just shouting, the man stood up from his seat and approached the girl.

Already drunk, he staggered and bumped into people around him, but people who didn’t want to get involved in unnecessary trouble turned their heads away.

“Hey, drag her over here. I’ll give her a good scolding.”

“Tell her to pour us some drinks. She’s still a girl, so it’ll make the alcohol taste better. Hehehe.”

The guys who were drinking with the man were not stopping him but rather egging him on.

Meanwhile, the drunken, burly man was reaching out towards the girl.

“Get away!”

The boy jumped up and blocked the man. The man, noticing the boy, chuckled.

“What’s this?”

“She’s my sister! Don’t touch her!”

The boy looked up at the man with a determined gaze, but his fragile voice trembled.

If the man threw a single punch, the boy wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

“Tch, all sorts of trash… Get out of my way!”

Whoosh.

The man didn’t hesitate to use violence. The moment the brutal fist was about to land, the boy gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut.

It was then.

Swoosh.

As the sound of wind being cut echoed briefly, a powerful impact struck the man’s face.

Pow!

“Cough.”

Crash.

The man, who had been swinging his fist, tumbled in an unsightly manner. The table shattered from the force, and food spilled out.

The boy, who had been closing his eyes, looked up and saw someone as beautiful as a fairy standing there.

“At times like this, really…”

The beautiful person, as if from a painting, couldn’t hide her anger. But even her angry appearance was breathtakingly beautiful.

“I can’t hide my disgust towards those who claim to have some power.”

She slowly lowered her arm. It was the back of her hand that had struck the man’s face. With a single gesture, she had sent the burly man flying.

“W-What!”

“You bitch! How dare you attack our Sakju Warriors [likely a local gang or group]…”

The group that had been snickering jumped up. Each of them had a sturdy build, and as expected, their faces were red, indicating they were quite drunk.

However, they, who seemed ready to rush towards Sa Soo-yeon, couldn’t move any further.

Ping, ping, ping.

“Ugh!”

“Argh!”

“Huff.”

Crash, thump.

They instantly collapsed to the floor, groaning.

People didn’t know what had happened, but one thing was clear.

‘A, a master.’

That beautiful woman and her group were definitely martial artists, and even the rare kind: masters. They had the skill to silence the men who were causing trouble with their strength in an instant.

“Ah, esteemed guests, please don’t do this…”

The waiter came running out with a distressed look.

“Here, take this.”

Noh-gun, who had approached unnoticed, threw six iron coins to the waiter. The waiter quickly accepted the iron coins.

Noh-gun swaggered over to the man Sa Soo-yeon had sent flying and nudged him with his foot.

“This guy won’t wake up for about five days. Those guys will take about three or four.”

Looking down at the fallen man, Noh-gun chuckled.

“In the meantime, hand him over to the authorities, or wait and get compensation—it’s up to you. You’ve been in business for more than a day or two, so this kind of cleanup is easy, right?”

“Ah, of course.”

Tucking the iron coins into his pocket, the waiter smiled broadly.

The broken items could be fixed with just a few coins anyway. Besides, if he didn’t wake up until five days later, there was no chance of further trouble escalating.

Rustle.

Sa Soo-yeon lowered herself and looked at the boy.

“You’re brave.”

Sa Soo-yeon said with a smile.

“T-This much is nothing.”

The boy blushed slightly and said, trying to sound strong.

“The really brave one is my sister. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t have escaped those bad guys.”

“Is that so?”

Sa Soo-yeon turned to look at the girl with a surprised expression.

The girl, still clutching the zither with her eyes closed, still looked uneasy.

She was tightly holding onto her brother’s sleeve with one slender hand, as if trying to ensure his safety.

“Is it just the two of you? Where are you going?”

“W-We’re…”

The girl replied in a thin voice.

“G-Going to Hangzhou.”

“Hangzhou?”

The girl nodded. The boy continued, as if following up.

“My sister will learn the zither there! So she’ll become a great entertainer who performs in front of the Emperor!”

‘Hangzhou, huh…’

Sa Soo-yeon bit her lip slightly.

From here to Hangzhou is a long journey that crosses half the continent. It’s a difficult journey that even adults can’t easily undertake, let alone two young children.

“You…”

Sa Soo-yeon hesitated, about to say something. Having wandered alone herself, Sa Soo-yeon felt like these children’s situation was not someone else’s problem.

She wanted to protect these two children all the way to Hangzhou, but that would delay her journey to Cheongwon too much.

‘Then…’

Is giving them money all she can do right now? But wouldn’t giving money to these young children only bring trouble?

Sa Soo-yeon was conflicted.

“Hangzhou, that’s great.”

A soft voice suddenly came from behind. Sohn-bin was approaching slowly with a smile.

The boy was momentarily bewildered, but soon his face brightened. He understood the hidden meaning in Sohn-bin’s words—his intention to accompany them.

“Young Master Sohn…”

Sa Soo-yeon looked at Sohn-bin. Sohn-bin said in a quiet tone.

“There’s a saying that if there’s paradise in heaven, there’s Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth. I’ve always wanted to go there at least once.”

“Hangzhou.”

Dang Wol-ah’s low voice was heard.

Sohn-bin turned his head and looked at Dang Wol-ah.

“I really, really want to go too.”

Her eyes, shining faintly behind the veil, were telling that it was by no means a lie.

“Are there many delicious things there? Then I’ll go too.”

Seo-rin, who had followed and stood next to Sohn-bin, also said.

“Hangzhou, good.”

Noh-gun also muttered.

“The tea there is very good. It can’t even be compared to this terrible tea.”

Noh-gun’s trembling voice was filled with emotion about the tea he had just drunk.

Sohn-bin turned to look at Sa Soo-yeon.

“Everyone says so. What about Soo-yeon young lady?”

Sohn-bin, who was asking, was smiling. His smile was so warm that Sa Soo-yeon almost burst into tears.

“B-But Young Master Sohn’s condition…”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Noh-gun said from behind.

“I have an idea. If the distance gets shorter, won’t we be able to meet that Divine Doctor faster?”

Noh-gun smiled at Sa Soo-yeon.