A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 202

Following Dang Wol-ah’s incident, the Dang Family underwent an unprecedented period of self-examination for three days.

This ‘self-examination,’ ostensibly meant to correct injustices, was in reality a massive power struggle, resulting in a bloodbath.

The majority of those in key positions were either arrested under the guise of investigation or resigned voluntarily, and four elders chose to retire, citing moral responsibility.

The usual custom of protecting each other through blood ties was abandoned this time.

Of course, these events were largely irrelevant to Sohn Bin and his group.

They only learned of these events because the Old Madam, Dang Un-yeong, visited Dang Wol-ah and informed her.

However, Dang Wol-ah remained silent, simply savoring her tea as always.

Five days later, the Dang Family held a grand banquet. It was a lavish affair, truly deserving of the name ‘Great Banquet.’

The Dang Family’s elders, key figures from each faction, and those in important positions, along with their families, all attended the banquet.

In other words, it was a gathering of the Dang Family’s core members who had survived the recent purge.

As befitting the Dang Family’s long history and numerous factions, the number of attendees was enormous.

“Wahahaha!”

“Hohoho.”

The banquet hall was filled with colorful lights and boisterous laughter. Everyone seemed to be trying to forget the tense atmosphere of the past few days, wearing cheerful expressions.

However, the tension hadn’t completely disappeared. Everyone knew that the storm of purification had not yet completely passed.

Glance.

People constantly watched those seated at the head table.

The grand banquet, spread out in the spacious central garden, had the head table for the hosts and honored guests set up in front of a large building connected to the banquet hall.

Dang Ok-dam, the Family Lord, Dang Hwa-ryeon, the Chief Strategist, and the Old Madam, Dang Un-yeong, sat at the center of a long table laden with delicacies.

To their left sat Sohn Bin, Sa Soo-yeon, and Dang Wol-ah, and to their right sat No-gun, Seo-rin, and Shin-ui. No-gun was, of course, seated next to Dang Un-yeong.

While the beautiful Sa Soo-yeon and the pretty boy Seo-rin monopolized much of the attention, the elders’ gazes were particularly focused on the frail young lady, Dang Wol-ah. Or rather, they were busy trying to gauge her mood.

“Why are you sitting next to me, anyway?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said coldly with a smile, not even looking at Sohn Bin. Sohn Bin, who was sitting next to her, gave an awkward smile.

“Well, Miss Wol-ah told me to sit here…”

She already knew that much. Dang Hwa-ryeon sighed. Sa Soo-yeon spoke in a small voice.

“I’m sorry. I’m just doing as I’m told…”

Sa Soo-yeon was sitting on Sohn Bin’s other side. Dang Wol-ah was next to Sa Soo-yeon, effectively putting two people between herself and Dang Hwa-ryeon.

Sa Soo-yeon, knowing Dang Hwa-ryeon’s special feelings for Dang Wol-ah, naturally felt sorry.

“It’s okay, Miss Soo-yeon. You don’t need to apologize at all.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon even gave Sa Soo-yeon a bright smile.

“I like it here.”

Dang Wol-ah said quietly. Despite the feast before her, Dang Wol-ah held only a cup of tea.

Raising her teacup, she asked,

“Did you give them all the antidote?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon replied to her question.

“Yes. I had the antidote prepared as you said and had everyone present take it. Even if it would disappear naturally over time, it could still be a burden on the body.”

Dang Wol-ah was known as the ‘Total Incarnation of Poison’ within the Dang Family. Even if it was only temporary, if anyone had been affected by her poison, it was only right to detoxify them.

“More importantly, please have something to eat, Miss Wol-ah.”

Sohn Bin, knowing that Dang Wol-ah usually enjoyed food, offered. Dang Wol-ah hesitated for a moment, then stared at a dish that was slightly further away.

“Here you go. This is your first time trying this, right?”

Sa Soo-yeon quickly brought the dish and placed it in front of Dang Wol-ah. Dang Wol-ah nodded her head slightly in thanks and picked up her silver chopsticks.

“Ah! I want that too!”

Seo-rin, who was on the other side, exclaimed.

Seo-rin was sitting between No-gun and Shin-ui, and his lips were sticking out, seemingly out of place amidst the lovey-dovey atmosphere of No-gun and Dang Un-yeong. Shin-ui, sitting next to Seo-rin, was looking elsewhere entirely.

Swish.

Dang Wol-ah pulled the dish closer to herself, indicating that she would not give it up, causing Seo-rin to look crestfallen.

“Haa.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon sighed and lightly raised her hand to call a servant.

“Bring out the same dish.”

The servant bowed respectfully and disappeared, soon returning with the same dish. Seo-rin’s face lit up at the sight of the generous serving on the large plate.

“Please enjoy, Young Master Seo-rin.”

“Wow! Thank you, cool big sister!”

Seo-rin said to Dang Hwa-ryeon, his round eyes sparkling. His appearance was so adorable that Dang Hwa-ryeon blushed slightly without realizing it.

“Ahem. Well, it’s nothing… What are you looking at?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon, who had been clearing her throat, glared sharply at Sohn Bin. Feeling a murderous aura, Sohn Bin quickly turned his head away.

“Hahaha.”

The sounds of laughter, the twinkling colorful lights, and the softly flowing music. Sohn Bin looked at the scene in the banquet hall.

Everyone was dressed in splendid attire, and they were all beautiful. He wondered if this was what they called the *mosup* [appearance/figure] of the privileged class.

“Why, does it look good?”

Suddenly, Dang Hwa-ryeon asked in a low voice from beside him. She still didn’t look at Sohn Bin.

“Yes, it does.”

Sohn Bin answered honestly. Dang Hwa-ryeon glanced at Sohn Bin. Raising her teacup, she said casually,

“If you want, you can live like this for the rest of your life.”

“That wouldn’t be so bad either.”

Sohn Bin said with a smile. His gaze was also fixed on the banquet hall.

“But I still prefer the Seowon [private Confucian academy]. Teaching children and being with good people.”

“I thought so.”

Slurp.

Dang Hwa-ryeon brought the teacup to her lips and recalled the days she had spent at the Seowon. The simple and relaxed times there, so different from the martial world, as if it were another world entirely.

Suddenly, she smelled a familiar scent from Sohn Bin, who was sitting next to her. It was the scent of the Seowon’s sunlight and wind. Dang Hwa-ryeon closed her eyes tightly.

“By the way, when will this banquet end?”

Without any tact, Sohn Bin broke Dang Hwa-ryeon’s reverie. Dang Hwa-ryeon answered with a slight annoyance.

“Until everyone is sure.”

“Sure of what?”

Sohn Bin asked. Thinking that he was indeed a tactless man, Dang Hwa-ryeon said,

“This banquet is, so to speak, a declaration. A public declaration that the three of us will lead the Dang Family together from now on.”

The three people sitting at the head table were Family Lord Dang Ok-dam, Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon, and the Old Madam Dang Un-yeong.

It was a place that directly showcased the results of the changes that had taken place in the Dang Family’s power structure.

Everyone knew who was the cause. Although they didn’t know the specific details, the elders and key figures were constantly watching Dang Wol-ah’s mood.

Thanks to that, it felt as if Dang Wol-ah, not the center of power, had become the focal point of the head table.

“Of course, it’s also meant to confirm that ‘you are now safe.’ If you only push down, some will start to squirm without thinking.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon’s tone was very blunt. In any case, this was like offering a carrot after wielding a stick.

“And it’s also a place to announce the Family’s honored guests.”

“The Family’s honored guests?”

“Yes.”

Rustle.

Dang Hwa-ryeon stood up. Although she didn’t say anything, all sounds ceased at once, and everyone’s gaze was focused on Dang Hwa-ryeon.

Looking down at their gazes with a somewhat aloof expression, Dang Hwa-ryeon smiled.

“I am honored to introduce the Family’s honored guests to you all.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said directly.

“This person is Nam-ak No-gun. And that person is the Shin-ui, whose fame is known throughout the world.”

People’s gazes shifted in turn. Neither Nam-ak No-gun nor Shin-ui even pretended to listen. Instead, they turned their heads away as if they were uncomfortable.

“And this wonderful young master is none other than the Wudang’s Young Master Seo-rin.”

“It’s Seo-rin!”

Seo-rin jumped up and bowed his head. He was showing respect as Sohn Bin had taught him. His appearance was so adorable that laughter spread among the people.

“And this beautiful young lady.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon looked at Sa Soo-yeon. Anticipating the reactions of the people to her words, Dang Hwa-ryeon spoke slowly.

“Is the Young Palace Master Sa Soo-yeon, who came from Bukhae [Northern Sea Palace].”

“Oooooh.”

As expected, exclamations rippled through the crowd.

Even without that introduction, Sa Soo-yeon’s beauty had been attracting the attention of everyone, regardless of gender.

With the addition of the mysterious name of Bukhae, people’s interest could only increase even more.

Sa Soo-yeon, who had risen from her seat, bowed her head lightly with a seemingly cold expression. It could be said to be rude, but that *mosup* [appearance] 오히려 북해의 한빙선녀같은 느낌이라 [gave off the feeling of the Ice Fairy of Bukhae] people’s eyes sparkled even more.

“And this person is.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon hesitated for a moment. Her face clearly showed that she was reluctant, but she couldn’t leave out Sohn Bin alone.

“Young Master Sohn Bin from Seowon.”

Sohn Bin rose from his seat and bowed with extreme politeness, with a smile on his face.

However, people began to whisper.

“Seowon?”

“Was there a Seowon Gate or a Seowon Sect?”

“Isn’t that a place name?”

It was only natural that people were confused because he was introduced as ‘Young Master Sohn from Seowon’ without any context.

Moreover, his attire was unmistakably that of a scholar, which made it even more confusing.

They couldn’t find any connection with the people who had been introduced before.

“Then, please continue to enjoy the banquet.”

With a perfunctory greeting, Dang Hwa-ryeon finished the introduction and sat down. She didn’t give any further explanation.

“It feels like I should say more about myself.”

Sohn Bin said with an awkward smile from beside her. It was understandable. The gazes of the people pouring towards him were uncomfortable.

“No need.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said firmly, raising her teacup.

“Still…”

“Of course, they must be curious. They don’t know who you are, even though you’re sitting side by side with the Dang Family’s highest-ranking officials at the head table. It must be agonizing, especially at a time like this.”

He was a figure who was confidently occupying the head table at the first banquet after the massive purge.

For those who felt guilty or insecure, he would be a lifeline they would want to grab onto no matter what. But even if they grabbed it, wouldn’t they need to know something to grab onto?

“So just stay still. Isn’t it nice to see them not knowing what to do?”

The smile on Dang Hwa-ryeon’s lips was genuine.

Sohn Bin suddenly recalled Dang Hwa-ryeon’s old *mosup* [appearance], when she liked to tease him. Seeing that she was still the same now as she was then, a smile naturally spread across his face.

“Why are you smiling?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon frowned, glaring at Sohn Bin.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Sohn Bin quickly turned the conversation around, raising his teacup. Dang Hwa-ryeon, who had been looking at him with a displeased expression, turned her gaze back to the banquet hall.

“The Family’s honored guests that the Dang Family welcomes are of a different caliber. From now on, no one in the Dang Family, or even in Sichuan, will dare to treat you carelessly.”

In fact, it had a meaning beyond that.

The fact that Sohn Bin and his group were confidently occupying the head table at this event was also a declaration of who the Dang Family would align with in the future.

However, Sohn Bin didn’t really feel anything.

First of all, Dang Hwa-ryeon’s tone didn’t seem very respectful. Of course, it would be even stranger if she showed him excessive respect.

“Everyone will try to act friendly now, you’ll see. Look, someone’s already here.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said with a sneer.

“Hahaha. I’m glad to meet you again, Young Master Sohn.”

One of the elders bowed his white-haired head. Sohn Bin immediately rose from his seat, clasped his hands, and bowed. It was one of the elders who had been at the training ground.

“I’m glad to meet you. I am Sohn Bin.”

“Oh my, you don’t have to be so polite. I am Dang Jeong-cheong.”

The elder said with a chuckle and spoke to the young lady standing next to him.

“Say hello. This is Young Master Sohn.”

The cute-looking young lady standing next to the elder bowed her head demurely.

“Nice to meet you, Young Master Sohn.”

“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you, Miss Dang.”

Since they were all from the same bloodline, the titles were easy to use.

“She is my granddaughter. It’s not something to brag about, but she has a kind heart and outstanding talent.”

The young lady’s face blushed slightly at the elder’s praise. Sohn Bin smiled because her *mosup* [appearance] was not unpleasant to see.

Perhaps emboldened by Sohn Bin’s reaction, the elder said in a low voice.

“Although she is lacking, if Young Master Sohn would keep her close and give her guidance, I would be very happy to…”

“Miss Dang is Elder Dang Jeong-cheong’s beloved granddaughter.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon’s voice cut off the elder’s words.

“To introduce his granddaughter to this extent, one can easily see how much Elder is showing Young Master Sohn.”

The smile on Dang Hwa-ryeon’s face was cold.

“But if you suddenly show such kindness at this point, some people might suspect your intentions.”

“What, what suspicion are you talking about?”

The elder spoke as if nothing was wrong, but he couldn’t hide his surprise.

“Of course, I don’t think so. But some people might think that you are showing this excessive kindness to hide something, right? Of course, this is just the story of some people.”

“Huh, huh. Are there such insolent people? Huh huh huh.”

The elder brushed it off with a hollow laugh, avoiding Dang Hwa-ryeon’s gaze. Thanks to that, he didn’t even notice that Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah’s gazes were pouring towards him.

“Well, then I’ll be on my way. It was nice meeting you, Young Master Sohn.”

Elder Dang Jeong-cheong quickly left the scene.

The young lady, called Miss Dang, still couldn’t hide her interest in Sohn Bin, but after facing Dang Hwa-ryeon and Sa Soo-yeon’s sharp eyes, she flinched, her face changed color, and she hurriedly left.

“I told you, everyone would try to act friendly.”

Sohn Bin gave an awkward smile at Dang Hwa-ryeon’s words. He wondered if he should have been so harsh in chasing them away, even though they had shown kindness.

“Why, do you think I was too harsh?”

Perhaps she had noticed Sohn Bin’s thoughts, Dang Hwa-ryeon asked.

“No, it’s not.”

Sohn Bin answered unexpectedly calmly.

“Since it was something that Miss Dang Hwa-ryeon did, it must have been the most appropriate measure.”

A strange light flashed in Dang Hwa-ryeon’s eyes.

“That’s right. There’s nothing good about getting close to that elder. And look, thanks to that, other people who were trying to do something similar are rethinking their plans.”

As she said, some of the elders who had been watching this way flinched and avoided their gazes.

However, there were still one or two bold young ladies who were openly expressing their interest.

Sohn Bin looked around at his group. A few elders were talking to Shin-ui, and a particularly large number of noble ladies and young ladies were gathered around Seo-rin. Judging by the non-stop laughter, he seemed to be very popular.

On the other hand, young men were lining up in front of Sa Soo-yeon. However, Sa Soo-yeon was as cold as ice and didn’t say anything, so only cold winds were blowing.

“Or should I have just left them alone? I wonder if I interrupted a good time.”

“No, it’s not.”

Sohn Bin said sincerely.

“I’m not used to young ladies.”

“Is that so?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said to herself.

“A strong sense of responsibility and weak to women, that’s the worst situation.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon raised her teacup to her lips.

At that moment, Family Lord Dang Ok-dam spoke to Sohn Bin.

“Come to think of it, Young Master Sohn is a scholar, was he not?”

Hwa-gun [Scholar] Dang Ok-dam, who had the *mosup* [appearance] of a gentle scholar, looked at Sohn Bin from beyond Dang Hwa-ryeon.

“Yes. I took the civil service examination but did not achieve my goal.”

“But you passed the *Hyangsi* [preliminary civil service exam at the provincial level], so aren’t you a *Geoin* [successful candidate in the Hyangsi]? You must have very deep knowledge at a young age.”

Family Lord Dang Ok-dam, who usually liked writing, was showing Sohn Bin kindness.

“Not at all. I’ve only learned a little writing.”

“To pass the *Hyangsi* [preliminary civil service exam at the provincial level] and say ‘just a little’ is too modest.”

Hwa-gun Dang Ok-dam said with a smiling face.

Starting with that, the conversation between Family Lord, Hwa-gun Dang Ok-dam, and Sohn Bin continued. Dang Hwa-ryeon, who seemed to be stuck in the middle, leaned back and allowed the two to talk comfortably.

“You have a deep knowledge of calligraphy and painting.”

“I don’t have any deep knowledge. However, these days I’m fascinated by the *dammuk* [Dimmed Ink] depiction technique, which tells you to cherish ink as if it were gold.”

“I also like works in the *dammuk* [Dimmed Ink] style. The technique of depicting the scenery of the endlessly *pyeolcheojin hwangto* [펼쳐진 황토 – vast expanse of ocher earth] zone is truly outstanding.”

Listening to Sohn Bin’s voice, which had become somewhat professional, flowing into her ears, Dang Hwa-ryeon leisurely savored her tea.

The elders and key figures seemed to be looking for an opportunity to greet Sohn Bin, but since he was talking to the Family Lord, it was awkward to interrupt.

‘Okay. Let’s let them enjoy themselves comfortably.’

Dang Hwa-ryeon muttered inwardly, meeting the gazes of the Dang Family’s core members, who were watching her mood.

‘Because it might be the last banquet for someone.’

Dang Hwa-ryeon’s eyes flashed sharply. Some people flinched and avoided her gaze.

The night gradually deepened, and the Dang Family’s grand banquet showed no sign of ending.