A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 165

165. Doing What You Want (2)

Rustle, rustle.

The twelve flowers of Yewon, the Twelve Beauties, gracefully moved through the banquet hall. They were also called the Yewon Twelve Flowers, but their beauty now surpassed even the flowers themselves.

They appeared to walk without order, yet they maintained a precise distance from one another, ensuring they didn’t obstruct anyone’s view. This allowed everyone to admire their exquisite profiles.

And leading them was Nanhyang of Seoan, the woman Sonbin had previously encountered.

‘Indeed.’

Sonbin admired her silently.

Looking back, he realized he had been overwhelmed by seeing such a beautiful woman up close for the first time.

All he could recall was her dazzling and captivating presence.

But now, seeing her again, he could truly appreciate her exceptional beauty and grace.

‘That must be her.’

Sasooyeon also focused her attention on Nanhyang. She correctly guessed that this was the entertainer Sonbin had met in Seoan.

It wasn’t difficult to discern. Sonbin’s gaze remained fixed solely on that woman.

‘Well, it’s none of my business.’

Indeed, it wasn’t her concern. Sonbin was free to meet whomever he pleased.

However, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Sasooyeon felt inexplicably wronged.

“That’s her,”

Dang Worae’s soft voice broke through her thoughts.

“The entertainer from Swaeokjeong [a pavilion or similar structure] in Seoan, whom Young Master Son met.”

Sasooyeon offered a wry smile. She wasn’t the only one affected by this.

Then, Jeok Sehwa suddenly chimed in from behind.

“Really?”

Jeok Sehwa’s eyes followed Dang Worae’s gaze, landing on Nanhyang. A beautiful and graceful woman stood there.

“Really, Young Master Son is…….”

Jeok Sehwa sighed.

“At the Yongbong Tournament [a martial arts competition], he suddenly hugged Sasooyeon, and a letter arrived from Moryongrin of the Moryong family… Besides, he had already met Nangonghyang of the Nangong family, right?”

Sasooyeon’s face flushed red, the memory of Sonbin’s embrace resurfacing in her mind.

But Jeok Sehwa’s mention of Moryongrin and Nangonghyang quickly overshadowed her embarrassment.

‘Wait, what?’

Nangonghyang, seated beside her, shared a similar reaction.

She had been placed right next to their table due to Nangongcheon’s insistence, and she couldn’t help but overhear Jeok Sehwa’s words.

She hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, but the conversation was unavoidable.

‘Young Master Son knows that person…….’

“And today, he says he met such a beautiful entertainer? Contrary to appearances, he seems to know quite a few pretty women, doesn’t he?”

Jeok Sehwa shook her head as she spoke. Come to think of it, even her friend Eun Chobin had harbored feelings for him, though she claimed to have given up now.

Tuk tuk.

Suddenly, someone tugged at Jeok Sehwa’s sleeve. Turning around, she saw Dang Worae, her face hidden behind a veil, staring at her.

“I’m also here.”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was truly surprised to see you at the Seowon [a private academy], Miss.”

It was the Dang family, no less. Had it not been for her friend Eun Chobin’s explanation, she might have assumed something terrible had occurred.

Still, she hadn’t anticipated Dang Worae remaining by Sonbin’s side for so long.

“For such a small Seowon teacher, don’t you know too many pretty young ladies?”

Jeok Sehwa said, casting a sidelong glance at Sonbin. Sonbin offered an awkward smile but avoided eye contact.

But Jeok Sehwa wasn’t finished. She added with a playful expression.

“Well, I’ve also linked arms with him before.”

Sasooyeon instinctively looked at Sonbin. Nangonghyang, seated beside her, also turned her head, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Ahem.”

Sonbin cleared his throat and averted his gaze, sensing that he couldn’t escape criticism regardless of what he said.

“Ah, that was a joke. It was so crowded at the time that I simply borrowed his arm for a moment.”

Jeok Sehwa said with a faint smile. But her explanation seemed to have fallen flat.

Swish.

Meanwhile, the twelve beauties who had traversed the banquet hall stood facing the VIPs.

The sight of twelve beautiful young ladies, each possessing unique charms, resembled a field of flowers in full bloom.

“The Twelve Beauties of Yewon pay their respects.”

At the servant girl’s announcement, the twelve young ladies knelt and bowed their heads. Some of the young ladies wore such elaborate headwear that the young servants had to assist them with their bows.

Rustle.

Having completed their greetings, the beauties rose. They began to circulate among the VIPs, offering personal greetings. Starting with the seats of honor on the left and right near the front, Nanhyang approached the side where Sonbin was seated.

“Ah…….”

Thump.

Sonbin, noticing Nanhyang’s approach, stood up without thinking. The next moment, he felt a piercing gaze on the back of his head.

It was a mistake. But he couldn’t bring himself to sit down again.

Swish, swish.

Nanhyang approached the group with a graceful demeanor. She bowed her head to No-gun.

“Nanhyang of Seoan pays her respects to Namak No-gun.”

“Nanhyang?”

No-gun tilted his head.

“Was she the child who was under Hwawol when she was the Seoan Soju [a high-ranking female official]?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Nanhyang replied with a gentle smile.

“Is that so? I see.”

No-gun’s response ended there. Nanhyang smiled softly and bowed her head. Then, she abruptly turned her head and looked at Sonbin, who was still standing.

“Ah, I…….”

Sonbin began to speak. But instead of answering, Nanhyang quietly bowed her head to Sonbin, as if he were a stranger.

Rustle.

After offering the same perfunctory greetings to the other members, Nanhyang moved on to the next seat, not even glancing at Sonbin.

Swish, swish.

Nanhyang passed by Sonbin, leaving him standing there awkwardly.

“Hey, did you really get a drink from her?”

No-gun looked at Sonbin and asked. Sonbin sat down with a bitter smile.

“I guess so.”

Sonbin couldn’t help but feel disheartened as he watched Nanhyang’s back while she paid her respects to Jeondae Noegeom Nangongcheon.

‘I was glad…….’

To be honest, he had been happy. The sound of her chilhyun-geum [a seven-stringed zither] that he had heard with Saja Hyuk at that time, the green shade, and the soft breeze came to mind like cherished memories. He longed to return to that moment.

‘But it seems it wasn’t the same for that young lady.’

Even if it was a precious memory for Sonbin, it seemed insignificant to her now. He felt a pang of disappointment.

“Why? Are you sad?”

Suddenly, Seorin asked. Her eyes, fixed on Sonbin, were filled with concern.

“No. I’m not.”

Sonbin gently stroked Seorin’s hair. A smile quickly brightened Seorin’s face. Seeing this, Sasooyeon couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

“I’m glad then.”

Jeok Sehwa’s voice came from behind. She was speaking to Dang Worae, who remained silent.

“In fact, if a woman sets her mind to it, most men will fall for her. Besides, if she’s such a pretty and talented young lady, who on earth would win? Right?”

“I don’t care.”

Dang Worae replied indifferently, lifting her teacup. It was unclear whether she was confident in winning or simply didn’t care, prompting Jeok Sehwa to stare at her.

“If a woman sets her mind to it, all men will fall for her? How?”

Seorin suddenly asked Jeok Sehwa. Judging by the sparkle in her eyes, she was genuinely curious.

“Don’t believe those words.”

No-gun interjected dismissively.

“That’s a typical delusion of women. How dare they look down on men? Tsk.”

“Oh, is that really the case?”

Jeok Sehwa remained unconvinced by No-gun’s words.

“Even if they have a lover next to them, when a beautiful woman passes by, men’s eyes automatically go there, right?”

“They may look, but their hearts don’t follow.”

No-gun asserted. Jeok Sehwa turned her head and looked at Sonbin.

“Really? Is that really true?”

“Ah, I…….”

Sonbin was at a loss, unsure why he had suddenly become the target of attention.

Thump.

A heavy sound echoed around the group. A large figure sat down right next to them, creating the sensation of a sudden wall.

“What is it?”

No-gun turned his head. The moment he recognized the newcomer, his face contorted.

“Tsk. You came too?”

The physique could only be described as huge, the face expressionless, and the eyes unwavering.

Jeok Sehwa, recognizing the elderly figure, quickly stood up. Sonbin also rose from his seat with a smile.

“It’s been a while, Great Hero Hyukryunwi.”

“It’s been a while.”

Hyukryunwi, the former head of the Hyukryun family and the former Paegeom [a title signifying a master swordsman], replied in a low voice. At first glance, it barely registered as an answer.

“It’s been a while.”

Jeok Sehwa paid her respects politely. Hyukryunwi nodded silently. His eyes then met Dang Worae’s.

Rustle.

Dang Worae bowed her head first. Hyukryunwi also nodded slightly. Meanwhile, Sasooyeon quietly inquired of Jeok Sehwa.

“Who is that person?”

“He is Great Hero Hyukryunwi, the former Paegeom of the Hyukryun family. He visited when Miss Sa wasn’t here, and he also fixed the Seowon beautifully.”

“Ah, is that so?”

Sasooyeon stood up from her seat and paid her respects to Hyukryunwi politely.

“My name is Sasooyeon.”

Hyukryunwi stared intently at Sasooyeon for a long moment, an unusual occurrence that prompted No-gun to chuckle.

“Even you will be surprised, heh heh.”

As if snapping out of his reverie at No-gun’s words, Hyukryunwi said.

“I am Hyukryunwi.”

Jeok Sehwa looked surprised, knowing how rare it was for him to speak so openly.

Soon, the former Paegeom Hyukryunwi’s gaze shifted to Seorin.

“Hello.”

Seorin bowed politely.

A flicker of something different flashed in Hyukryunwi’s eyes. Back in Cheongwon, Seorin hadn’t even known how to properly pay her respects.

“Hmm.”

The former Paegeom Hyukryunwi replied.

“If you’re done greeting, move aside. You’re blocking the view.”

No-gun scolded. The other beauties, attempting to pay their respects to No-gun, hesitated to interrupt Hyukryunwi and No-gun’s conversation and remained standing.

Hyukryunwi glanced to the side. Jeondae Noegeom Nangongcheon and Nangonghyang were seated at the table next to them.

“Ah! Not there.”

Nangongcheon, sensing Hyukryunwi’s intentions, protested, but Hyukryunwi had already moved his seat between Nangonghyang and Sonbin’s group, effectively creating a barrier between Nangonghyang and Sonbin.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Flash.

Nangongcheon extended one hand forward. Hyukryunwi flinched and halted his movement. The Jangryuk [internal energy] emanating from Nangongcheon was hindering Hyukryunwi’s progress.

But Hyukryunwi was not to be underestimated.

“Hmm.”

As if summoning his strength, an enormous energy suddenly erupted. His foot, which had been stopped, moved forward.

Thump.

The floor creaked under Hyukryunwi’s feet.

“This, this guy…….”

Nangongcheon gritted his teeth. The tremendous energy of the two men was about to collide.

“What are you doing!”

Bang.

No-gun’s roar reverberated, causing the energy of the two men to explode over Seohowee [the name of the banquet hall or area].

The banquet hall had already fallen silent, and even the head decorations of the beauties were disheveled by the sudden gust of wind-like energy.

“You sit there.”

No-gun designated the seat next to Nangongcheon for Hyukryunwi.

“I don’t like that seat.”

Hyukryunwi frowned. The fact that he frowned and expressed his preferences was so remarkable that Jeok Sehwa, who had heard stories about him, was speechless.

“Then shall we go somewhere else? Taking Binnie with us?”

“Hmm.”

Hyukryunwi was conflicted. No-gun then addressed Nangongcheon.

“Give this guy a seat.”

“I don’t want to either.”

“Instead, send your granddaughter here.”

Nangongcheon’s face brightened.

“Then that’s a different story.”

“It would be better than this big guy blocking the view.”

While No-gun grumbled, Nangongcheon quickly urged his granddaughter Nangonghyang to sit next to Sonbin. He then said to Hyukryunwi with a displeased expression.

“Sit down.”

The place Nangongcheon indicated was originally his own seat. However, Hyukryunwi instead sat down in the seat where Nangonghyang had been sitting, the place closest to Sonbin’s group.

“Ugh! This guy.”

“Can’t you be quiet?”

No-gun glared. Nangongcheon grumbled and sat down far away from Hyukryunwi.

“Hmph.”

Nangongcheon turned his head away from Hyukryunwi, refusing to look at him.

In reality, Hyukryunwi simply sat like a stone statue, his eyes closed and his arms crossed.

∴

“Unique…… people, aren’t they.”

Cheonghye Satae, who had been observing them, said in a low voice. She had wanted to call them strange, but she hesitated to speak so lightly after witnessing the energy she had felt earlier.

“He is Hyukryunwi, the former Paegeom of the Hyukryun family.”

Beopheo Shinni said.

“They’re strange guys. Who in the Oesa [Outer World] isn’t strange?”

Cheonghye Satae looked around with newfound curiosity.

Even after experiencing such immense energy, they simply watched with interest, and almost no one seemed as surprised as she was.

“But, why didn’t anyone say anything?”

“Say anything?”

Beopheo Shinni asked, puzzled. Cheonghye Satae felt slightly embarrassed.

“I mean, those people are affecting the atmosphere of the banquet hall…….”

Beopheo Shinni smiled softly, finally understanding her disciple’s confusion.

“This is the Oesa.”

In a soft but firm voice, Beopheo Shinni said.

“Doing what you want. No one, nothing, restricts you. Do you want to say something to those two people? Then do it.”

At her teacher’s words, Cheonghye Satae felt a thrill course through her body.

‘Doing what you want…….’

To Cheonghye Satae, who had lived under the strict rules of Ami [a Buddhist sect or temple], it was like a thunderbolt.

“Of course, to do that, you must be stronger than them. But remember, what is more important than your martial arts is your Dao [a philosophical concept referring to the fundamental nature of reality]. It is said that everything is created by the mind, so when you reach the ultimate Dao, you will naturally know that all things in the world are under your will.”

Her teacher’s words pierced her heart like a dagger, representing a completely different level of understanding than what she was accustomed to.

‘This is…… the Oesa.’

It was as if she had become a god. Everything that had bound her was gradually losing its power and fading in color.

“Wolyeong of Gaebong pays her respects.”

One of the Yewon Soju paid her respects to Beopheo Shinni.

But Cheonghye Satae could no longer hear. Something new was awakening within her.

∴

“I’m sorry.”

Nangonghyang bowed her head to the group in apology. She was already squeezing into a space where six people were sitting.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason she was sorry. She had suddenly sat next to Sonbin. Seorin, who had been pushed aside, didn’t seem to mind much.

“It’s okay.”

Jeok Sehwa greeted her with a bright smile. Sasooyeon also offered her sympathetic eyes.

“You’re going through a lot, Miss.”

Sasooyeon had also suffered due to her stubborn father, and she fully understood the embarrassment Nangonghyang was feeling.

“T, thank you.”

Nangonghyang bowed her head. Dang Worae, as usual, remained silent, but she didn’t glare at her either.

“Hongryun of Jangsa pays her respects to Namak No-gun.”

A young lady with a down-to-earth demeanor bowed her head to No-gun in a cheerful voice.

“Hongryun of Jangsa?”

No-gun frowned slightly.

“Are you the child who came to Namak to find me before?”

“Yes. I couldn’t see you then because my luck wasn’t right.”

“Hmph, it’s not luck, it’s fate. There’s no good in meeting someone like me.”

“But it’s a good thing for me.”

Hongryun said in a cheerful voice. No-gun chuckled at her unpretentious expression and smile.

“Okay. It’s good that I saw you now. Well, I might have to visit Jangsa sometimes.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry to be presumptuous, but I’ll be waiting.”

“What do you mean presumptuous.”

No-gun waved his hand.

Hongryun lightly paid her respects to Sonbin and the other members and passed by.

Among the uniformly flamboyant Soju, her simple and lively appearance caught Sonbin’s eye.

But he couldn’t stare for long. The female members would say something or glare at him soon.

‘Haa.’

Sonbin sighed inwardly. He felt pathetic and lonely to be in a position where he had to be mindful of women.

It was then.

“Oh! Young Master Son!”

A cheerful and hearty voice reached Sonbin’s ears. Sonbin turned his head.

A handsome man with a tall stature was smiling and walking towards Sonbin.

“Young Master Moryong.”

Sonbin smiled brightly. It was none other than Moryongjin, the Iron Sword of the Moryong family.

Step, step.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here. It’s been a long time.”

He walked towards Sonbin without hesitation.

Sonbin stood up from his seat to pay his respects to him, whom he had met after a long time.

But before he could, Iron Sword Moryongjin reached for Sonbin’s hand. He was about to grab it.

“Ahem!”

No-gun slapped Moryongjin’s hand.

“I told you to just look.”

Iron Sword Moryongjin looked bewildered, unsure of what was happening. But he quickly paid his respects to No-gun in a polite manner.

“I greet No-gun.”

No-gun waved his hand dismissively. Sonbin smiled and paid his respects to Moryongjin.

“It’s been a long time. I’m really happy to meet Young Master Moryong.”

“What’s with the formalities between us? Anyway, I’m really glad.”

He couldn’t conceal his joy. The handsome man with a warm smile spoke, seemingly brightening the surroundings.

“Ah, come to think of it, it’s even better.”

Moryongjin said, his eyes widening.

“Rina! Young Master Son is here!”

For a moment, Sasooyeon thought Kangrina had arrived.

But the person who appeared was not Kangrina, but a beautiful woman with a slightly sharp expression.

She was clearly a precious young lady from a noble family, none other than Moryongrin, the esteemed daughter of the Moryong family.

“Young Master Son.”

She said, looking at Sonbin with a surprised expression. The next moment, an undeniable blush spread across her cheeks.

The sharp expression vanished, revealing the shy heart of the flower-like young lady.

‘Again?’

Sasooyeon suddenly felt a headache coming on.