A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 238

238. The Honored Guest of the Namgung Clan

The Namgung Clan treated Sohn Bin and his party with the utmost courtesy.

The chief administrator, who oversaw the clan’s affairs, came out to express his welcome and personally guided them to the reception room where they would meet the head of the family.

Considering that even ordinary people found it difficult to meet the head of the family, and even if they did, they had to wait for days, this was an exceptionally generous treatment.

However, Sohn Bin and his group didn’t particularly feel the weight of such hospitality. Shin-ui and Sa Soo-yeon were accustomed to such treatment, while Sohn Bin and Seo-rin had no experience with it at all. Dang Wol-ah wasn’t even interested.

After waiting a short while in a room filled with luxurious tea and precious decorations, the door opened, and a middle-aged man in splendid attire entered.

“Oh, it really is Shin-ui.”

He spoke with a feigned surprised expression. The middle-aged man, with his striking eyes and sturdy build, politely greeted Shin-ui.

“Welcome, Shin-ui.”

Shin-ui simply nodded. The middle-aged man smiled and turned to Sohn Bin’s group, offering his greetings once more.

“I am Namgung Kwon. Welcome to the Namgung Clan.”

He was the current head of the Namgung Clan, Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon.

Unlike his father, Namgung Cheon, he had handsome features and wore a gentle, warm smile on his face.

He had the kind of likable appearance one might expect from a nobleman of a good family as he reached middle age. However, his deep eyes exuded an extraordinary sense of authority.

Sohn Bin, who had already risen from his seat when he entered, bowed politely.

“Thank you for the welcome. I am Sohn Bin.”

A strange light flickered in Namgung Kwon’s eyes.

“Are you the esteemed Sohn Dae-in?”

Namgung Kwon’s attitude was very respectful. However, Sohn Bin was rather taken aback. It felt awkward and uncomfortable to be called Dae-in [a term of respect for someone of high status or accomplishment] by someone older than him.

“Yes, but I am unworthy of being called Dae-in. Please, speak comfortably.”

“Hahaha, my father specifically instructed me not to treat Sohn Dae-in with disrespect, so how could I do otherwise? As a son, I cannot disobey my father’s wishes, so please withdraw those words.”

Sohn Bin gave an awkward smile. Curiosity deepened in Namgung Kwon’s eyes.

“May I ask how you came to know my father?”

“Didn’t the previous Lightning Sword tell you?” Shin-ui interjected. He was the only one in the group who remained seated.

“It’s been a while, Shin-ui. I specifically asked you to visit, but you left the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering last time without a word.”

“I was busy.”

Namgung Kwon seemed accustomed to Shin-ui’s cold attitude and simply smiled.

“My father said that Sohn Dae-in is one of the few precious acquaintances in the world that he recognizes. He was very pleased to hear that you were coming.”

Shin-ui gave a bitter smile, while Sohn Bin replied in a gentle voice.

“I teach children at a small Seowon [a private Confucian academy].”

Namgung Kwon turned his head to look at Sohn Bin. His deep eyes stared straight at Sohn Bin.

“Children?”

“Yes. I first met Namgung Cheon Daehyeop [a title of respect, meaning ‘great hero’] when he came to Gwangju. I also saw young lady Namgung Hyang at that time.”

“Is that so? Hmm, a Seowon…….”

Namgung Kwon had a somewhat dubious expression. The father he knew, Namgung Cheon, was not the type to visit a Seowon, especially one with many children. Moreover, there was no reason to praise a young teacher from a small Seowon to such an extent.

“Where is the previous Lightning Sword?”

Shin-ui interjected again.

“He wouldn’t have stayed still after hearing that Bin-ie came, would he?”

Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon gave a bitter smile.

“He doesn’t know yet. As always, he disappeared without a word a few days ago. I told Hyang-ie to look for him, but there’s no news yet.”

“Are you talking about young lady Namgung Hyang?”

At Sohn Bin’s question, Namgung Kwon nodded.

“That’s right, Sohn Dae-in. Hyang-ie will be back in a few days, so I’ll have her greet you as soon as she returns.”

“Thank you.”

The reason Sohn Bin asked was because he had a letter to give to Namgung Hyang. It was a reply to her letter that had been sent to the Seowon while he was away.

As their conversation seemed to be roughly finished, Sa Soo-yeon bowed to Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon.

“I am Sa Soo-yeon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon’s eyes changed slightly. He smiled and replied.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. People call you the ‘Greatest Swordswoman in Gangho [the martial arts world],’ and it seems the rumors were true.”

Sa Soo-yeon was inwardly flustered. She never expected to hear such an embarrassing title from the head of the Namgung Clan.

However, Namgung Kwon’s words were not yet finished.

“It may not compare to the Ice Palace of Bukhae, but I hope you will stay comfortably.”

Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon clearly knew more about Sa Soo-yeon than she had thought. Sa Soo-yeon calmed her embarrassment and spoke with a polite attitude.

“Thank you for the Namgung Clan’s kindness.”

Namgung Kwon lightly bowed his head in response to her gratitude. Then, he turned his head to look at Dang Wol-ah.

“It’s been a while, young lady Dang. You’ve changed a lot since I last saw you.”

Dang Wol-ah slightly lowered her head. The ‘last time’ Namgung Kwon was referring to was when she visited the Namgung Clan as a poison master.

To be precise, Dang Wol-ah had already escaped the shackles of being a poison master at that time. Sohn Bin, who had been traveling with Soeun Bureau, had saved her.

“I’ve already received word from the head strategist of the Dang Clan.”

‘Word? Did they do something like that?’

Sohn Bin was puzzled. He had never heard such a thing. However, Dang Wol-ah’s reaction suggested that she already knew.

“As a member of the Five Great Clans, we gladly welcome the Dang Clan’s observation.”

The word ‘welcome’ was probably not sincere. Who would want to show something that could be seen as a humiliation for the Namgung Clan?

However, the Dang Clan was a member of the Five Great Clans and a force that bordered the Blood Phoenix Alliance to the north. If they could gain the Dang Clan’s cooperation, they were willing to endure the observation.

If he had known what kind of existence Dang Wol-ah had become in the Dang Clan, he would not have come to that conclusion.

“I’m Seo-rin. I live with Bin-ie hyung [older brother/male friend].”

Seo-rin said in a cheerful voice, as if it was her turn. Namgung Kwon smiled at her appearance.

“A spirited young hyeop [knight-errant]. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

After greeting the group, Namgung Kwon turned to Shin-ui.

“Now that you’ve come, please stay for a long time. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Hmm, thank you.”

Shin-ui’s answer was perfunctory.

“Has young lady Blood Phoenix arrived yet?”

Sohn Bin suddenly asked. Namgung Kwon’s expression changed slightly, but he soon smiled and replied.

“She hasn’t arrived yet. I heard that she might be delayed for a few days. But it won’t be too long.”

Sohn Bin nodded.

“Oh, and.”

Lightning Sword Namgung Kwon said as if he had suddenly remembered something.

“There happens to be a small competition where the young people of the main family are competing in martial arts. Would you like to watch it with us, if you don’t mind?”

Namgung Kwon’s suggestion was unexpected. However, it also piqued Sohn Bin’s curiosity.

The Namgung Clan was also called the ‘Sword King Family.’ Being able to witness the martial arts of such a Namgung Clan up close was a very interesting opportunity.

He had competed with the previous Lightning Sword Namgung Cheon, but Namgung Cheon’s martial arts were already far beyond being called ‘Namgung Clan’s martial arts.’

“Thank you. I would be happy to do so.”

Sohn Bin said with a bow of gratitude.

*

*

*

Cheep, cheep.

Sohn Bin raised his head at the sound of birds. The outside of the window was brightly lit, as if dawn had already broken.

Sohn Bin closed the book and turned off the lamp. Then, he opened the window.

Whoosh.

The cold morning air rushed into the room. It was the largest, grandest, and most uncomfortable room Sohn Bin had ever stayed in.

‘It’s not new, but it’s amazing…….’

Looking around the room, Sohn Bin inwardly clicked his tongue.

The Namgung Clan had given Sohn Bin and his group an entire small mansion to use.

It was a detached house on the outskirts of the Namgung Clan, with a quiet and secluded atmosphere that he quite liked. It was hard to believe that there was such a place in the middle of bustling Namchang.

The problem was that it was a ‘small mansion’ by the standards of the Namgung Clan.

In particular, the room he was guided to was high, large, and wide, and everything inside was of the highest quality. In fact, since he was using an entire house alone, it would be more accurate to call it a house rather than a room.

The floor was so luxurious that he had briefly wondered if he should take off his shoes at the door. All the decorations were dazzling, and the calligraphy hanging on the wall was by a famous calligrapher that Sohn Bin knew well.

Moreover, the bed was very large and so clean and perfectly arranged that he felt sorry to even get on it. Sohn Bin lay down as carefully as possible in one corner. He didn’t know what was underneath, but it was so soft that it was hard to get used to. On the other hand, the blanket was large and thick, yet surprisingly light.

For Sohn Bin, who was not used to such luxury, it was simply unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

In the end, Sohn Bin, who had tossed and turned in his sleep, woke up earlier than usual. Getting out of bed, Sohn Bin tidied up the bed as much as possible, then turned on the lamp and opened a book.

As he read, dawn broke before he knew it.

‘I could just stay here and train, couldn’t I?’

Sohn Bin chuckled at the thought that suddenly came to mind.

It was not a joke, it was really high and wide enough to train. But he couldn’t do that. What if something broke?

Cheep, cheep, tweet tweet.

Sohn Bin turned his head at the sound of birds outside the window. The sun had not yet risen, but it was already bright outside.

‘Shall I take a walk?’

Even if he couldn’t train, a walk would be fine.

Click.

Sohn Bin closed the window and straightened his clothes. As Sohn Bin was about to go outside with Baekro [his sword], he suddenly noticed a small fluff on the floor and quickly picked it up with his hand.

∴

Sohn Bin slowly walked around the mansion. He wondered if the others had woken up, but he deliberately avoided them, thinking he might disturb their rest.

Step, step.

The garden around the mansion gave a surprisingly simple feeling. But in fact, making it look simple also required constant management. If left alone, it would not look simple, but ruined.

Step.

‘Hmm? This is…….’

Sohn Bin suddenly stopped. What came into his eyes was a small training ground.

On one side, there was a rack for weapons, and on the other side, there was a small washstand and a large water tank so that they could wash away sweat. Of course, pillars were erected and a roof was placed to protect it from the rain.

‘There was a place like this.’

Sohn Bin was delighted. If he had known there was such a training ground, he would have come out sooner.

‘I guess it’s because it’s the Namgung Clan.’

Generally, a training ground is not made in a guest’s residence.

But this was the Namgung Clan. It was a place that claimed to be one of the two major powers in Gangnam, a member of the Five Great Clans, and even called the Sword King Family. The training ground for guests must be because of that.

‘Good for me.’

He had Baekro, so there was no reason not to train. Sohn Bin entered the training ground with a happy heart.

Step.

Standing in the middle of the training ground, Sohn Bin placed his hand on Baekro and slowly calmed his breathing. Complicated thoughts and uncomfortable feelings disappeared, and all that remained was the subtle warmth of Baekro.

Sohn Bin smiled. And it was at that very moment that he was about to draw his sword, Baekro.

‘Huh?’

Sohn Bin stopped his hand and raised his head. It was because someone was approaching this place.

‘Who is it? Could it be young lady Soo-yeon or young lady Wol-ah?’

Baekro disappeared into its scabbard, and light footsteps reached Sohn Bin’s ears.

It was a small, light, but unfamiliar footstep.

Pat, pat.

The footsteps continued to approach. And soon, Sohn Bin was able to confirm the owner of the footsteps that were just turning the corner.

“Ah!”

A young lady wearing the Namgung Clan’s martial uniform stopped in surprise.

She had just turned the corner and was staring with wide eyes as if she was surprised. She was quite a cute young lady who looked younger than Sohn Bin at first glance.

A sword hanging on her slender waist tells the reason for her appearance in this training ground.

The two of them were looking at each other with surprised expressions for a while.

Eventually, Sohn Bin cleared his throat lightly and bowed politely first.

“Hello.”

“Ah…… Hello.”

The young lady replied, still with a surprised expression.

“I am Sohn Bin. I have been staying here at the Namgung Clan since yesterday.”

As Sohn Bin spoke, the young lady’s expression brightened instantly.

“Ah! You are a guest of the clan.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Only then did she seem to let go of her wariness, and she approached Sohn Bin with light steps.

Spat, spat.

“Welcome to the Namgung Clan. I am Namgung Soyu.”

Coming closer, she greeted him with a polite attitude. Sohn Bin also bowed his head in response.

“But that’s strange? I heard that the guest staying here is a scholar who came with Hyang-ie unnie’s [older sister] jade pendant…….”

“Ah, that’s me.”

“Yes?”

Namgung Soyu’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Sohn Bin tilted his head and said again.

“I am the scholar.”

She stared at Sohn Bin intently. After blinking a few times, Namgung Soyu slowly nodded.

“Ah, yes……. A scholar…….”

It was an attitude as if she was reluctantly agreeing.

Sohn Bin gave a bitter smile. Well, he was in the Namgung Clan, and he was holding a sword in the training ground from dawn, so even he thought it was not convincing enough.

Although he didn’t really want to, Sohn Bin added an explanation.

“Yes. I teach children at Seowon. And…….”

Sohn Bin hesitated for a moment. It seemed like he was bragging about himself, but he had already taken the plunge.

“I am also a Geo-in (擧人) [a successful candidate in the first stage of the imperial examination] who passed the Hyangsi [the provincial civil service examination]. So of course I should be called a scholar.”

“You passed the Hyangsi?”

Namgung Soyu asked in a surprised voice.

Passing the Hyangsi was a great thing. Of course, being a Geo-in was just a qualification to take the Hoesi [the metropolitan civil service examination], and it was not a formal position or a salary, so there was little practical benefit.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“That’s amazing. You did something so difficult…….”

Namgung Soyu looked at Sohn Bin with admiration.

“It’s not that great.”

Sohn Bin said with a bitter smile. There was no need to tell the story of failing the Hoesi.

Anyway, Namgung Soyu’s wariness seemed to have disappeared considerably. Now that the misunderstanding seemed to be resolved, Sohn Bin asked.

“Did you come here to train?”

“How did you know…….”

Namgung Soyu was surprised again. But she realized that Sohn Bin’s gaze was directed at her sword and gave an awkward smile.

“Yes, that’s right. There’s no place to train.”

“Isn’t there a training ground in the Namgung Clan?”

Sohn Bin asked. They even prepared a training ground for guests, so it didn’t make sense that there was no place to train.

“There is, but there are too many people. The clan is holding a Jamryongjihoe [Hidden Dragon Gathering] this time.”

“Jamryongjihoe?”

“Yes. In other words, it’s a competition to select the clan’s young promising talents. The winner will be personally rewarded by the head of the family, and in some cases, they may be given a position. In fact, the rewards and positions are not a big deal, but it’s important to be recognized by the elders of the clan.”

Sohn Bin nodded. The ‘small competition’ that the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, had mentioned yesterday seemed to be referring to the Jamryongjihoe.

“So now the central training ground is completely full. Whether they are direct descendants or collateral relatives, those who dream of becoming promising talents spend all day, or some even stay up all night. Besides, the elders of the clan sometimes come to see…….”

Namgung Soyu said with a bitter expression. Only then could Sohn Bin understand why she had come here.

“So that’s why you came here.”

So, Namgung Soyu had been secretly using this training ground, which was usually empty.

“Yes. But I won’t be able to do that from today. I didn’t know that Daehyeop [great hero] would be here.”

Namgung Soyu said with a small sigh. But Sohn Bin gave a bitter smile.

Daehyeop, it was too much of an honorific, even for a guest. Perhaps it was a habit that came out because most of the people who visited the clan were martial artists.

“I am not a Daehyeop. And you can train here.”

“Yes?”

Namgung Soyu looked up with a surprised face. Sohn Bin smiled.

“I can’t tell you to go back when there’s no place to go. It’s where you used to do it, so do it here.”

But Namgung Soyu shook her head and declined.

“Ah, it’s not that there’s no place at all. And I can go to another training ground…….”

“It’s okay.”

Sohn Bin said with a smile.

“It’s always easier to be in a familiar place. I tend to train at night, so you can use it in the morning, young lady.”

“Th, thank you.”

Namgung Soyu bowed her head in gratitude. Sohn Bin also responded to her courtesy and turned away. It seemed that he would have to train at night after all.

It was then.

“Ah, Daehyeop, no, Sohn Gong-ja nim [Master Sohn]!”

“Yes?”

Sohn Bin turned around, but she couldn’t continue. After hesitating for a moment, she bit her lip slightly and raised her head.

“If you don’t mind, would you watch my swordsmanship and give me your opinion?”

“Me?”

It was such a sudden suggestion. As Sohn Bin asked back, she nodded with a serious expression.

“Yes. Can’t I?”

Her eyes looking at Sohn Bin seemed as if she was about to cry at any moment.

“It’s not that you can’t…… But is it okay? No, more than that, why me…….”

Sohn Bin asked with a bewildered expression. There were various taboos for martial artists. Showing the family’s martial arts to outsiders was one of them.

Moreover, the most incomprehensible thing was why she was asking Sohn Bin for such a request. Above all, wasn’t he a person she had never seen before?

“Why?”

But Namgung Soyu said with an expression as if she couldn’t understand it either.

“You are Jinryong Daehyeop [True Dragon Great Hero].”

“Yes?”

Sohn Bin opened his eyes wide. But Namgung Soyu rather smiled softly.

“I was at the Deungwang Pavilion at that time.”

Namgung Soyu smiled brightly.

“Although it’s late, thank you for saving my life.”

Namgung Soyu said, bowing her head slightly. Only then could Sohn Bin understand her attitude so far.

‘Oh dear.’

The other person already knew him, but he had even subtly bragged about being a scholar. Sohn Bin suddenly felt his face burning up.