A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 167

167. Flower Among Strife

Hwa-wol rose from her seat and gestured to the maids. With practiced efficiency, they unfurled a large, mat-like wooden platform in the center of the banquet hall.

*Whirr.*

The thick platform, crafted from intricately connected wooden pieces, settled in the heart of the hall.

Though only a couple of finger-widths thick, it was quite expansive, filling the central space.

The maids neatly arranged long, black wooden chairs and various musical instruments around it. In an instant, a low stage was prepared in the middle of the banquet hall.

“It is said that an old artist, having lost the only friend who understood his music, severed the strings of his instrument, thus ‘severing the strings’ from the world,” Hwa-wol said in a quiet voice that gently echoed through the spacious hall. This is a reference to ceasing to create art after losing one’s muse or inspiration.

“To meet someone who recognizes one’s art is the greatest joy for us. Therefore, as the head of the Art Garden, I sincerely thank the esteemed guests who are with us today.”

Hwa-wol, who had been holding her hands together at her chest, slowly lowered her waist in a bow—a courteous, elegant, and dignified posture.

“From now on, the twelve Sojus [elite female artists] will present their arts.”

Hwa-wol looked to her left and right at the twelve Sojus, her gaze soft and warm.

“They are all promising artists, and I dare say their talents are among the best in the world.”

Hwa-wol’s voice was full of pride, and the Sojus’ eyes sparkled. She continued, “Then, let us begin.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the large banquet hall fell silent. The busy maids retreated, and everyone’s eyes turned to the stage.

*Rustle.*

Deputy Head Bi-yeon stepped forward, dressed in a quaint style reminiscent of a palace woman. She ascended the stage with three Sojus.

*Rustle, rustle.*

The four women’s outfits were similar in basic design, though each was a different color. Ornate hair ornaments swayed with their movements, and silk robes embroidered with gold and silver threads shimmered.

“It has been a long time since we greeted such esteemed guests,” Deputy Head Bi-yeon said in a respectful tone. Behind her, the three Sojus took their places as maids carefully brought the instruments.

Already familiar seven-stringed zithers [a traditional Korean stringed instrument], zithers similar to the seven-stringed ones but with bridges supporting the strings like goose feet (likely a variation of the gayageum), and unusually large, multi-stringed seuls [another type of zither] were placed before them.

“Today, I and the three Sojus will perform together. Please, do not dismiss our 부족하다 [inadequacy/lack of skill] but look kindly upon us.”

Bi-yeon bowed and took her place among the Sojus. She held a small, blue *so* [a type of flute]. Bi-yeon’s red lips gently touched the *so*.

*Clang, clang.*

The sound emitted by the three stringed instruments all at once was overwhelming. Low and high notes advanced and retreated, rippling together, creating a feeling like the waves of the Yangtze River crashing.

“Not bad,” No-gun said, but it was more than just ‘not bad.’

As Hwa-wol had said with pride, their performance was among the best in the world. Most people would be lucky to hear such a performance once in their lifetime.

Just as the waves of strings seemed to surge, the melody of the *so* began to flow out quietly. The thin, singing sound that resonated stirred people’s emotions.

Sa-soo-yeon and Dang Moon-ah, as well as Jeok Se-hwa and Namgoong Hyang, had closed their eyes to savor the performance. Now, the melody of the *so* had grown so loud that it seemed to cover the three stringed instruments, but Seo-rin, with her exceptionally good hearing, was not bothered by it at all.

*Rustle.*

The melody enveloped Son-bin and flowed around him. The melodies, each containing the heart of the performer, flowed along their respective paths, sometimes becoming one, sometimes colliding with each other.

The flow was so clear and full of life that it felt like one could reach out and touch it.

‘Indeed,’ he thought.

How much sweat must have been shed to create such a sound? How much talent must one possess to make such a melody flow?

Son-bin could not help but admire their art.

‘Indeed, they are artists.’

At first, Bi-yeon had a somewhat cold impression, but at this moment, the melody flowing from the *so* that her red lips touched had a more dynamic and intense power than anyone else.

The three Sojus were the same. None of them backed down. No one was content with simply filling in the empty spaces. It was like a struggle among splendid flowers.

*Clang.*

The performance of the four ended, but everyone was still caught up in the lingering sound, and no one spoke. Only the faint echoes of the performance lingered in the spacious banquet hall.

“Good,” the Buddhist nun Beop-heo of Ami said with a satisfied smile. “Very good. Indeed, it is Bi-yeon. Your *so* seems to have improved even more than before.”

“Thank you for looking kindly upon me,” Bi-yeon said, her face flushed with the lingering emotion of the performance, and bowed respectfully.

“It was a very good performance, Bi-yeon Siju [a respectful title for a woman of talent],” a monk with a white beard said in a hearty voice. The 계인 찍힌 [initiation mark] on his forehead and the thick 염주 [Buddhist prayer beads] in his hand were impressive. He was none other than the Buddhist monk Bul-gwang of the Shaolin Temple.

He cast his gaze towards the three Sojus standing behind her and said, “The melodies of the three Sojus were also remarkable. I have high expectations for the future.”

“Thank you,” the three Sojus also bowed with flushed faces. Bi-yeon and the three Sojus quietly descended from the stage. Maids immediately and carefully carried their instruments to the side of the stage.

“Are we next?” Deputy Head Hyo-seol rose with a clear voice. As she walked out, revealing her shoulders and neck, four Sojus in similar attire followed behind her.

*Shuffle, shuffle.*

“There is nothing better than a woman’s beautiful dance to delight the heart,” Hyo-seol said with a smile on her face. The other four Sojus stood behind her at a slight distance, their quiet smiles making them look like goddesses descended from the sky.

“Did not an ancient sage say that when one cannot fully express the joy in one’s heart with words, one does so with song, and when one cannot fully express it with song, one does so with dance?”

‘Hoo,’ Son-bin found her words quite unexpected. It was a passage from one of the 사서삼경 [Four Books and Three Classics, foundational texts of Confucianism].

Son-bin was not the only one who felt that way.

“It’s from the 악기편 [chapter on musical instruments] of the 예기 [Book of Rites],” Namgoong Hyang murmured in admiration. Jeok Se-hwa tilted her head and asked, “예기? I’ve read the 예기 too, but was there such a passage?”

Namgoong Hyang’s face turned slightly red, as if she hadn’t expected to be asked a question so suddenly. “Ah, the original text is a little different. It’s also quite long… so you probably wouldn’t know it,” she said in a small voice.

“They are artists, so they probably learned separately about writings on 예악 [rites and music],” Son-bin nodded as he listened to her words. Hwa-wol’s words that ‘they are not lazy in learning the classics’ were true.

“Our 음 [music/sound] is also not 부족하다 [lacking], but today we will delight you with dance. Shall we begin, then?”

The performance was handled by the maids.

They were maids dressed in somewhat more ornate attire than the others, and it seemed that Deputy Head Hyo-seol had brought them herself. The instruments were also diverse and unique.

*Clang, clang, tinkle, tinkle.*

A cheerful music began to flow. The melody itself was bright and splendid, and as the beautiful young ladies began to move in unison before their eyes, it was truly dizzying.

Moreover, as the soft hemlines fluttered, subtly revealing their beautiful curves, it was impossible to look away.

*Shuffle, shuffles.*

‘Amazing,’ Son-bin also couldn’t take his eyes off them. Even amidst the dazzling movements of crossing and changing places, they were not at all flustered.

They moved with perfect precision, like a master’s work, and the movements were quite elegant and splendid, yet a resolute restraint was felt. Even the rather revealing attire now seemed to fit in naturally.

‘Ah!’

Son-bin, who had been watching Hyo-seol and the Sojus’ dance, suddenly realized something. He had been so lost in the unfamiliar and splendid scenery that he had been openly staring at them.

Son-bin glanced at his companions. Staring so intently that he lost his mind was not only against the mindset of a scholar, but he was also worried about the scolding and sharp glares that would be poured out by the women.

‘Huh?’

But Son-bin’s worries were unnecessary. He was not the only one who had his eyes stolen by the scene before him.

In particular, the immersion of the young ladies was remarkable, and Sa-soo-yeon, Dang Moon-ah, Jeok Se-hwa, and Namgoong Hyang were all watching the scene before them as if they were possessed.

However, only No-gun had a somewhat indifferent expression, and Seo-rin seemed to be interested in the dance itself, moving her body slightly to follow the dance.

Son-bin looked around the banquet hall. Perhaps it was due to their years in 강호 [the martial world]? The older people had relaxed expressions, while the younger people were so focused that they couldn’t come to their senses.

Rather, the women themselves were watching with sparkling eyes, and Mo-yong-rin, who was sitting next to him, and the Buddhist nun in 승복 차림 [Buddhist robes] sitting across from him, were also watching the dance with wide eyes.

Son-bin smiled faintly. The performance of the Sojus with Bi-yeon earlier was also great, but compared to this dance, it felt somewhat faded.

‘Indeed, everyone seems to feel similarly.’

Relieved of his burden, Son-bin began to enjoy the dance with a relaxed mind.

Watching the young ladies, as beautiful as flowers, smiling and dancing, he thought that it was truly a feast for the eyes.

‘These artists are the same as well.’

They seemed to be dancing as one, but Son-bin could read the tense heat visible among them.

No one, not even by an inch, backed down. Each of the five was the protagonist of this place.

*Tinkle, clang.*

The dance ended along with the performance. Hyo-seol and the four Sojus, who had returned to their original positions, paused for a moment to catch their breath and then quietly bowed.

“Haha, very good!” Admiration burst out as if they had just woken up. The one who spoke was none other than the former Thunder Sword Namgoong Cheon.

“A gathering of the Art Garden should be at least this good. Good, very good. This is it! Hahaha.” Namgoong Cheon had a smile on his face, as if he was truly satisfied.

On the other hand, the former 패검 Hyeokryun-wi [Overlord Sword] was sitting with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, as if he was thinking about something.

“Hyo-seol’s 자태 [grace/figure] is even more beautiful now than before,” the Buddhist nun Beop-heo said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you. But actually, I’ve gained a little weight,” Hyo-seol, her face flushed, smiled brightly as she replied. She didn’t seem to care that many people were looking at her.

“Really? I don’t see it in my eyes?”

“I really did gain weight, in places that I can’t even show 신니 [to anyone],” Hyo-seol shrugged her exposed shoulders and said as if she was in trouble. The sight contrasted with her dancing 모습 [appearance] from just now, showing off an incomparably cute charm.

“Indeed, it is Hyo-seol.” Suddenly, a tall old man spoke.

Splendid silk clothes, a lavishly decorated hat, and a sword inlaid with 보옥 [precious jewels]. Flaunting his power, he was none other than the former head of the Gongson Family, Flying Sword Gongson Geuk.

“It was a skill worthy of a woman who holds 풍월루 [Pavilion of Wind and Moon, likely a high-end establishment] in her hands. The Sojus were also not 부족하다 [lacking] at all.”

“You flatter me,” Hyo-seol politely expressed her gratitude. It was a somewhat different attitude than when she had treated the Buddhist nun Beop-heo just now. Hyo-seol returned to her seat with the four Sojus.

It took some time for the performing maids to put away the instruments and retreat. In the meantime, Hwa-wol rose from her seat.

“It’s our turn now,” Hwa-wol smiled and looked at the five Sojus.

“난향 [Orchid Fragrance] of Seoa, 가연 [Beautiful Fate] of Beijing, 월영 [Moon Shadow] of Gaebong, 홍련 [Red Lotus] of Jangsa, 연화 [Lotus Flower] of Chongqing. All twelve Sojus are like this, but they are children who are not 부족하다 [unworthy] at all to lead the next generation of the Art Garden.”

At her words, Deputy Head Bi-yeon’s face darkened slightly. Hyo-seol, another Deputy Head, had an expression as if she had expected it, but her face was also not bright.

“Then, first, the 홍련 [Red Lotus] of Jangsa……”

“Wait,” someone spoke, interrupting Hwa-wol’s words. The owner of the voice was the former head of the Gongson Family, Flying Sword Gongson Geuk.

“We have seen the skills of Bi-yeon and Hyo-seol, so how about listening to Hwa-wol’s 금 [a type of zither] for the first time in a long time?” A sneer lingered on Gongson Geuk’s lips. Hwa-wol’s expression stiffened slightly, but a soft smile appeared as if it had never happened.

“I dare not, as my skills are 부족하다 [insufficient]……”

“Heo, the head of the Art Garden’s skills are 부족하다 [insufficient]?” Gongson Geuk, with a sneer, cut off Hwa-wol’s words.

“That can’t be. The position of the head of the Art Garden shouldn’t be a position that can be occupied simply by being close to someone.” Gongson Geuk stroked his white beard and continued to speak. The 보옥 가득한 [jewel-filled] on his fingers sparkled.

“Or, perhaps, have you lost your 지음 [understanding friend/perfect listener] and 절현 [severed strings]?”

Hwa-wol’s face hardened. There was no one in the 외사 [outer world/martial arts world] who did not know about her 합주 [musical duet] with Mu-je, and how deeply Hwa-wol admired him.

So, the words that Hwa-wol had lost her 지음 [understanding friend] meant the same as 현천 [Mysterious Heaven]’s Mu-je was dead.

“I have not 절현 [severed strings],” Hwa-wol said with a smileless expression. “I believe that he will definitely return.”

“Hmph, is that so?” Gongson Geuk laughed. “Then there is even less reason to refuse. How can you hesitate to display your art when you have not 절현 [severed strings]? Is it truly appropriate for someone who cannot even display their 가진바 재주 [talents] to be the head of the Art Garden?”

As if recommending a performance, Gongson Geuk raised his hand towards Hwa-wol.

*Whoosh.*

It was like a breeze that had blown in without intention.

However, the movement of Gongson Geuk, who lightly raised his hand, contained a power that was by no means light. A frail woman like Hwa-wol would not even be able to resist and would fall to the ground.

“Hmph,” someone snorted. And Son-bin saw it. A sharp 지풍 [finger wind – a martial arts technique] 단번에 [at once] disrupted Gongson Geuk’s 장력 [internal energy/palm force].

*Clang!*

With a sound like a drum tearing, the two people’s 기운 [energy/aura] was disrupted and disappeared.

“Tsk,” watching the scene, No-gun clicked his tongue as if it was ridiculous. Son-bin turned to look at the person who had 날린 지풍 [sent the finger wind].

‘That person is……’ Son-bin did not know who he was.

All he knew was that he called No-gun ‘No-gun Grandpa,’ and that 혈봉 [Blood Peak] and 귀견수라 [Demon Dog Asura] were sitting next to him.

“That’s why I hate that bastard,” he was none other than 탈혼도 [Soul-Stealing Blade], a 외사급 고수 [outer world expert] of the Black Snake Union, speaking with intense eyes as if he was annoyed.

His thick eyebrows twitched, revealing his displeasure towards Gongson Geuk.

“If you have something to say, say it directly. Don’t try to vaguely cover up a weak and frail woman.”

“Hmph. That is a ridiculous story,” Flying Sword Gongson Geuk glared at 탈혼도 [Soul-Stealing Blade] and said. A sneer still lingered on his lips, but his eyes were already burning like flames.

“How do you know what I want to say?”

“You’re probably the only one who thinks I don’t know.”

탈혼도 [Soul-Stealing Blade] also glared at Gongson Geuk and said. Flames were also rising in his eyes.

“If you don’t have the capacity, don’t dare to look up. Even if two of the 천외사성 [Four Stars Beyond the Heavens] are empty, there is no place for you to go up.”

“Two are empty? Nonsense. The 천외사성 [Four Stars Beyond the Heavens] is already over. How long are you going to chase their shadows?”

탈혼도 [Soul-Stealing Blade] and Gongson Geuk’s gazes were intensely intertwined in the air. The animosity between the Gongson Family and the Black Snake Union was old. Moreover, the dispute was still ongoing.

“As expected, words won’t do.”

“Hehe, I agree. Since when was the 외사 [outer world] a place to watch the skills of 천한 것들 [lowly things/people]?”

*Whooooosh.*

The two people’s 기세 [aura/presence] began to rage like a storm, but the storm could not even escape the banquet hall.

*Clang!*

With a loud noise, the two people’s 기세 터져 나갔다 [aura exploded] over 서호 [West Lake].

“Keuk.”

“Ugh.”

탈혼도 [Soul-Stealing Blade] and Gongson Geuk’s faces changed from the unexpected sudden shock. In the meantime, a low voice echoed in the banquet hall.

“Are you going to fight here? Well, that’s fine too. You want to fight, so what if it’s a banquet hall or a gathering? If you want to do it, do it,” No-gun said. He quietly put down his teacup.

*Clunk.*

*Swish.*

Slowly, No-gun stood up. A blue 기세 [aura] flowed out in streaks from his eyes.

“But I can’t tolerate causing a disturbance here now. I’m worried that you’ll fly away even if the wind blows, so where are you 피어올리고 기세 [raising your aura] and acting up?” No-gun’s mouth made a ‘으드득’ [grinding] sound. Everyone could clearly see that he was truly angry.