A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 342

342. Heading to the Potala Palace

Sun Bin and his group departed from Litang with the princess of Potala, making their way towards Lhasa, the capital city and location of the Potala Palace.

The high-ranking monks of the monastery escorted the princess to the outskirts of the city, but the princess only offered a few words of gratitude from inside the curtained carriage. Even that small gesture deeply moved the high-ranking monks.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage ride was far more comfortable than traveling by horse or on foot. As always, No Gun held the reins of the carriage, refusing to relinquish them to anyone.

“Haaaah.”

Sitting in the back, Sun Bin sighed deeply. No Gun glanced back, chuckled, and then turned his head forward again.

Sun Bin couldn’t help but sigh. The task he had naturally assumed Sa Ja-hyeok would undertake had now irrevocably fallen to him.

However, neither No Gun nor anyone else in the group seemed worried. Only Sun Bin wore a look of utter despair. And Hwang Bang-ju, sitting with No Gun on the driver’s seat, couldn’t hide his anxious expression either.

“By the way, if she’s a princess, is she the daughter of the previous palace lord?”

No Gun asked, glancing at the carriage covered with red curtains. The princess had left the previous night without saying anything of particular note. Perhaps even she couldn’t fully grasp the true meaning of Sa Ja-hyeok’s words.

“No, that’s impossible.”

Hwang Bang-ju frowned as he replied.

“The owner of Bodhicitta [the enlightened mind] is the Living Buddha, you know? They don’t have daughters or sons. The high-ranking monks find the reincarnated one, not their children or successors, to establish a new owner of Bodhicitta.”

“So, there’s no blood relation at all. Whether it’s the princess or the new palace lord.”

Hwang Bang-ju shrugged at No Gun’s words.

“In their position, they wouldn’t care. Why would they be bound by blood ties when the person themselves reincarnates and returns?”

Listening, Sun Bin could understand why blood ties were meaningless in a succession process where legitimacy was so important.

Reincarnation was like the palace lord returning. Naturally, there was no reason to be bound by blood ties. Of course, whether one believed in the premise of reincarnation was another matter.

“So, the princess is also finding the reincarnation?”

“Yes, the previous owner of Bodhicitta found the reincarnation of Princess Wencheng.”

“Princess Wencheng?”

The sudden name surprised not only No Gun but also Sun Bin, who was listening. The title Princess Wencheng was definitely not a local name.

“A princess of the Tang Dynasty [a major Chinese dynasty, 618-907 AD] in ancient times, who became the queen here. She brought countless books and technicians, as well as all kinds of plant seeds, enriching this land. If you go to Lhasa, there’s even a willow tree called Princess Willow.”

If it was just a strategic marriage, there would be no reason to go that far. Although she was a princess of the Tang Dynasty, she must have truly loved and cared for this land.

Sun Bin could clearly understand why she was still respected.

“Although the kingdom at that time has perished, Princess Wencheng is still revered as a princess of the Potala Palace. Due to her beauty and compassionate heart, she is also called the lotus of the sea or the companion of suffering beings.”

“Quite a grand name.”

No Gun grumbled, but Sun Bin could somewhat understand. The previous night, the actions of the Potala princess clearly showed a sincerity for those who were suffering.

‘Haaah.’

Thinking about the previous night’s events made him sigh again. However, Sun Bin naturally listened to Hwang Bang-ju’s following words.

“In fact, it’s very difficult for women to become monks here. They are more free than us in other things, but they are not recognized as Buddhist monks. There is no monastic order for women at all.”

Hwang Bang-ju sighed slightly as he continued. For example, there are no temples like the Emei Sect [a fictional all-female martial arts sect] in Jianghu [the martial arts world] here.

In this virtually religious country, the fact that women are not recognized as monks, even if they are free in other fields, is a very fatal restriction.

“But only the princess of Potala is an exception. You could say that the princess is on par with the owner of Potala. There’s even a saying that the Potala Palace itself was built for her. I don’t know if it’s true, though.”

If the Potala Palace was built for her, one could only imagine her status. It’s no wonder that high-ranking monks show her such great respect.

Sun Bin understood why Hwang Bang-ju initially translated it as ‘princess.’ It wasn’t just a translation; that was the original title.

“So, the reason she’s familiar with our language and etiquette is because she’s the reincarnation of Princess Wencheng?”

“She must have been educated. They are usually chosen when they are very young.”

“What is that.”

No Gun said with a disappointed expression. He was probably wondering if she really had memories of her past life.

“Um, about being the incarnation of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon [a group of deities in Buddhist cosmology].”

Sun Bin asked. No Gun glanced at Sun Bin while holding the reins.

“Yeah, why?”

“Listening now, it seems like it’s not just a matter of names or titles, but something quite important…”

The people here actually, very seriously, believe in reincarnation and incarnations. It’s too important to dismiss it as just a name of an official position or a formal title.

Seeing Sun Bin’s serious expression, No Gun chuckled. Well, it must be a serious matter for Sun Bin.

“It’s definitely different. It’s not just a position or a title, but it defines the essence of that person.”

An incarnation (化身) means that a divine being appears in human form. It refers to his inner essence, which is very different from generally saying ‘the reincarnation of someone.’

Moreover, aren’t these people who actually believe in reincarnation? Being declared an incarnation of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon would mean more than one might think.

“But it’s also ambiguous. An incarnation is different from the true form. It can appear as an animal, like a white cow, or there can be several in the same era.”

“What? Several?”

“So, an incarnation is like a shadow of the true form, and just as multiple shadows can appear depending on the light, multiple incarnations of the same god can appear. They even fight each other. Well, this isn’t Buddhism, but Hindu talk.”

It was a dizzying story. Sun Bin frowned at No Gun’s answer, and Hwang Bang-ju, who was sitting next to him, said.

“But the result is absolute.”

Hwang Bang-ju continued with a serious expression.

“Being declared an incarnation of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon is like receiving a lifetime mandate that no one can object to. No one doubts that his words are the will of Indra [king of the gods in Hinduism and Buddhism]. Moreover, having command of the Potala army…”

Hwang Bang-ju shuddered slightly, glanced at the princess’s carriage, and continued in a low voice.

“In some cases, it’s like handing over half the country.”

That couldn’t actually be the case. Just from what he had heard so far, there would be people like the great scholars, regents, and the owner of Bodhicitta holding out.

But becoming an incarnation of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon, recognized by the owner of Bodhicitta, was a big deal. Sun Bin could clearly understand the seriousness of it. In any country, the right to command the military is the last bastion.

“You need to know that it’s not free.”

No Gun said casually.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch in the world. In the end, they’re asking you to save them. There’s no guarantee that you won’t be betrayed and discarded once the job is done.”

‘I don’t think so.’

Sun Bin didn’t think it would be a case of betrayal. It wasn’t that he trusted the people of the Potala Palace, but with Sa Ja-hyeok standing there, who would dare to betray Sun Bin and his group?

“They said they would tell us more about the mutations of the monsters when we go to the Potala Palace, right?”

Hwang Bang-ju nodded at No Gun’s words.

“Yes. The princess ordered an investigation before leaving the Potala Palace, so we will soon know the details when we return.”

“Since their own affairs are urgent, they will readily tell us that.”

No Gun still spoke as if he was reluctant.

‘The mutation of monsters…’

Sun Bin, who had been listening to the two men’s conversation, was lost in thought. In fact, the mutation of monsters was a more important issue than the Potala Palace or the incarnation of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon.

‘Is it related to the Gate of Naraka [Naraka is the Buddhist term for hell] that the Heavenly Demon opened? Is the Gate of Naraka open somewhere in this land?’

The endless snowfields stretching to the left and right of the carriage, and the Dae Seol Mountains looking down on this land as if surrounding it from afar, came into view.

It was an extremely peaceful sight, but the threat of monsters clearly existed within it.

“By the way, the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon are somehow similar to us… Cough.”

No Gun mumbled and stopped. Sun Bin suddenly remembered what No Gun had said last time. The first is Indra, and the second is the Dragon, so it’s also called the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon (天龍八部).

‘Come to think of it, that’s right.’

Sa Ja-hyeok is the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon. And the former Jade Dragon is a person who deserves the title of Dragon. The first and second of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon fit.

“Wait, we are…”

Sun Bin mumbled and counted the most skilled people in the group. Sa Ja-hyeok and the former Jade Dragon, and No Gun and Seo Rin, Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, Geom-hee, and Gwi Gyeon-su-ra.

‘There are eight?’

Somehow, there were exactly eight people. Of course, Sun Bin didn’t even think about including himself.

‘There are eight of them, but no one stopped me.’

Sun Bin felt unfairly treated again. There were eight masters of the Outer Affairs. But why was such a heavy responsibility given to Sun Bin himself?

Of course, he knew the reason. It was because he had said he would ‘help.’ In other words, it was his own fault.

‘I can’t help it. Now that it’s come to this…’

Sun Bin tried to calm his mind. It was already done. Sa Ja-hyeok would not take back his words, and Sun Bin couldn’t back out now that he had said so much.

‘Is there only one way?’

Having come to a conclusion, Sun Bin sighed once more. It was a long sigh, as if the ground would sink.

After calming his mind, he became curious about what he had been thinking about earlier. The coincidence that the number of masters in the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon and Sun Bin’s group was the same.

“By the way, who are the other six of the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon?”

No Gun pretended not to know Sun Bin’s question. Instead, Hwang Bang-ju answered Sun Bin.

“Oh, Yaksha [a type of nature-spirit], and Gandharva [male nature spirits in Hinduism and Buddhism], Asura [a demigod or titan], Garuda [a large mythical bird or bird-like creature], Kinnara [a mythical creature, part human and part horse or bird], Mahoraga [a great serpent]… Most of them are half-human, half-demon, or fierce big birds that eat dragons, or giant snakes that eat everything.”

The moment he heard Hwang Bang-ju’s answer, Sun Bin realized. He realized why No Gun had glossed over it with a cough.

However, before Sun Bin could change the subject, Seo Rin’s innocent voice rang out.

“Then who am I? If we exclude Gwi Gyeon-su-ra hyung, there are eight of us like the Eight Legions of the Heavenly Dragon. That’s what you were thinking, right, Sun Bin hyung?”

Seo Rin accurately guessed Sun Bin’s thoughts, although the members were slightly different. But the young Seo Rin couldn’t even guess what would happen next.

“I’m curious too.”

Sa Su-yeon said quietly, sitting in the back. Her voice sounded somehow cold.

“Who did you think I was? Young Master Sun.”

Sun Bin couldn’t bring himself to look back. Not only Sa Su-yeon but also Dang Wol-ah next to her would surely be looking at him.

“Oh, I can hear some strange noises… Ah! What is that? Hwang Bang-ju-nim.”

Stammering, Sun Bin suddenly shouted as he saw a shadow in the snowfield. As if he had discovered something very important.

But Hwang Bang-ju tilted his head.

“That’s a Tibetan fox. It’s just a common animal here.”

“I, is that so? It’s a very unique-looking fox.”

“Expression?”

Hwang Bang-ju frowned as if he was saying strange things. But Sun Bin desperately ignored the gazes of the two women he felt on the back of his head, and couldn’t take his eyes off the fox. Especially since he shouldn’t provoke Sa Su-yeon or Dang Wol-ah’s displeasure from now on.

The expression of the fox, who was indifferently looking at Sun Bin, seemed enlightened in some ways, and pathetic in others. Of course, that was just Sun Bin’s thought.

Dang Wol-ah did not miss the warm smile that was forming on Sa Su-yeon’s lips as she looked at Sun Bin’s back. A soft smile was also blooming on Dang Wol-ah’s lips, hidden beneath her veil.

Clatter, clatter.

Thus, the group’s carriage was constantly running towards the Potala Palace, passing through the vast Tibetan plateau.

* * *

Immediately after Sa Ja-hyeok and Sun Bin’s group left Seowon, the former Thunder Sword and the former Tyrant Sword soon left for their respective clans. Seom Ok-su O’reuhan and the Bukhae Twelve Flying Blades also departed for Bukhae shortly after.

However, Janggang Eoong and Hwa Sa were still guarding Seowon. Of course, Janggang Eoong was mostly fishing in Bukgang.

“Oh, what is this cup?”

Hwa Sa, who was doing the dishes with Hyeokryun Se-hwa, picked up a cup she had never seen before. It was a small cup with quite luxurious and ornate patterns at a glance.

“Was there something like this? It’s pretty. Is it broken somewhere?”

It was a luxurious cup that was hard to see in Seowon, so Hwa Sa poured water into it just in case. But there were no leaks or chips.

“Is this Teacher’s?”

“No. But it’s really pretty. Where did you get it?”

Hyeokryun Se-hwa said with interest. Even to her, the cup looked quite pretty with its elegant charm.

“It was hidden in the corner of the teacups. It’s not something oppa [older brother or male friend] used, and I’ve never seen it before? Whose is it? Can I use it if no one owns it?”

Hwa Sa stroked the cup as if she liked it. The small cup had an elegant charm and grace. First of all, it was pretty.

“Is everyone done? Shall we come out and have some tea together?”

At that time, the old woman Dang Un-yeong came into the kitchen. While Hyeokryun Se-hwa and Hwa Sa were cleaning up, she had prepared tea and snacks.

“Oh my, what a pretty cup.”

“Isn’t it?”

Hwa Sa held the cup with both hands and brought it to her lips in a seemingly seductive pose. Although it contained water, she looked as if she was drinking fragrant tea or fine wine.

“Hmm. Somehow, the water tastes better too.”

That couldn’t be true. Hyeokryun Se-hwa chuckled, but she understood Hwa Sa’s feelings. Certainly, that cup had a different atmosphere.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, the old woman Dang Un-yeong’s eyes widened.

“I know. That…”

The old woman Dang Un-yeong said, looking at Hwa Sa, who was sparkling her eyes.

“The former Thunder Sword must have brought it.”

“Eek!”

The former Thunder Sword was Namgung Cheon, the former head of the Namgung Clan. Hwa Sa screamed strangely and immediately pretended to spit out the water, but it was already down her throat.

“This is what Namgung grandpa used to use?”

Hwa Sa didn’t like the former Thunder Sword Namgung Cheon very much. In fact, there were very few people she liked. Before coming to Seowon, No Gun and Talhon-do were the only ones she talked to.

“No, it’s not what he used to use.”

The old woman Dang Un-yeong calmly explained to Hwa Sa, who was about to throw the cup away.

“It seems he originally brought it to show off that he had bought it, but after fiddling with one of the teacups in Seowon, he took that one with him. He must have liked that one better.”

“Who says that?”

“Soon-rang.”

Soon-rang was none other than No Gun. Only then did Hwa Sa nod her head as if relieved.

“Ah, I see.”

Hwa Sa put her hand on her chest as if relieved.

“Then can I use this from now on?”

Hwa Sa looked at Hyeokryun Se-hwa and the old woman Dang Un-yeong. Hyeokryun Se-hwa smiled and said.

“Go ahead. I like the teacup I used to use better.”

Since the owner had exchanged it, it didn’t matter who used it.

“I like the one I used to use too. Because I used to drink with Soon-rang.”

The old woman Dang Un-yeong didn’t seem to have any thoughts about it either. Hwa Sa said happily at those words.

“Okay. Then you’re mine from now on. But I still have to boil it. Lalala.”

Hwa Sa even sang as she said that. It was a teacup that had been left a long time ago, so she didn’t have to worry about it, but she still seemed to mind.

“Um, there’s no other news yet, right?”

Suddenly, Hyeokryun Se-hwa asked Dang Un-yeong. Even though it was a vague question, the old woman Dang Un-yeong understood and smiled.

The old woman Dang Un-yeong couldn’t help but notice the indelible loneliness that had appeared on Hyeokryun Se-hwa’s face.

(Author’s words)

The old word for ‘to love’ is ‘to hold’. Its original meaning is ‘to think’.