A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 474

474. Judging the Crime

Blade Demon Gongsun Gek had left. However, the shock he left behind did not disappear. Like the burnt-down residence of the family head and the collapsed buildings, it left deep scars on the Zhuge family.

“It’s fortunate that no one died.”

Old General said casually.

“If it weren’t for Bin, the Zhuge family would be busy holding funerals one after another, without even time to mourn.”

Holding his teacup, Old General grumbled as if dissatisfied. But Sunbin could tell that he was relieved at heart.

“Old General is right.”

Shin-ui agreed with Old General’s words.

“Isn’t it fortunate that they survived instead of dying? Think about what you protected, not what you lost.”

Sunbin gave an awkward smile. Although their words were not wrong, he thought it was inappropriate to say that in front of those who had suffered a disaster, especially in a lecturing tone. However, Philosopher Zhuge Lian and Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan reacted differently.

“Truly wise words.”

“I will engrave them in my heart. Shin-ui, Old General.”

The head of the Zhuge family, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, used respectful honorifics. Moreover, he was listening to Old General and Shin-ui’s words with a serious expression.

“Shin-ui, how are the others doing?”

At Sunbin’s words, Shin-ui replied while holding his teacup.

“Everyone is recovering smoothly. They should be able to get up in a few months.”

They were free from pain, but recovery would take time. It would still take time for those who had fallen to rise again.

But even that alone improved the atmosphere of the Zhuge family. No one was groaning in pain, and most of all, people began to have hope.

Sunbin turned his head and looked at Old General.

“Old General.”

“What?”

Old General replied gruffly. Sunbin asked quietly.

“What will become of the Zhuge family?”

The meaning of that question was significant. Philosopher Zhuge Lian and the head of the family, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, also looked at Old General.

“Why are you asking me that?”

Old General frowned. But he grumbled and answered Sunbin’s question.

“For now, closing the doors is inevitable. No matter how much you try to keep it quiet, you won’t be able to hide the fact that you’ve lost your martial arts for long. Even if you bring in branch families or martial arts schools to hold out for now, you’ll eventually be stepping down from the position of the Five Great Families.”

First, Old General stated the facts that would happen in the future, excluding his own opinion.

“Or you could just take down the signboard altogether at this opportunity. If you want, Bin.”

Old General said with a smirk, but it was by no means a joke to Philosopher Zhuge Lian or the family head Zhuge Gwan. Because what Old General or Sunbin said could actually happen.

“Or it wouldn’t be bad to bring the entire Zhuge family under your wing as your vassals. These guys are pretty good at using their heads. They’re the type to work hard on their own even if you leave them alone.”

Old General, who had been grinning slyly, suddenly frowned.

“Wait a minute, then that’s a reward, not a punishment? This won’t do.”

Sunbin gave a bitter smile.

‘Certainly, the Zhuge family would be impeccable as Seowon [private Confucian academy] teachers…’

However, the people of the traditional Zhuge family are known to be as stubborn and picky as their skills. It didn’t seem like the children would like it. Sunbin shook off his 잡념 [japnyum – idle thoughts] and asked the family head Zhuge Gwan.

“What are your thoughts, family head?”

When Sunbin asked, the family head Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan clasped his hands and bowed politely.

“If I can serve Young Master Son, I will gladly do so.”

“No, that’s not it.”

Sunbin was slightly embarrassed. He wasn’t asking if he would become a vassal.

“I mean, what are you planning to do in the future?”

The family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, was lost in thought for a moment. But it wasn’t long.

“As Old General said, the priority now is to withdraw from the Murim [martial arts world] as quickly as possible and with as little damage as possible. We will classify the tasks the family is involved in, choose what to take and what to discard, and then decide on the timing and method of closing the doors.”

Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan’s answer was straightforward. Instead of just giving up because the family was ruined, he was preparing even more meticulously for the things to come.

“After closing the doors, we must prepare to raise the next generation. Even if the elders who can pass on martial arts have become powerless, their insight remains, and the family’s techniques also remain. Moreover, our Zhuge family is also familiar with formations and mechanical contraptions, so it would be good to take this opportunity to deepen our research.”

The Zhuge family’s mysterious formations and complex mechanical contraptions using technology are already famous. However, it did not protect the family from Blade Demon Gongsun Gek.

“It’s also worth considering actively accepting children from branch families.”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian added. He said to the family head Zhuge Gwan.

“Even if we have lost our martial arts, there is still much left. From now on, we must actively raise talented children, regardless of whether they are from the direct or branch families.”

“You are right. Of course, we must do so.”

At that sight, Old General grumbled.

“Look at those guys using their heads. They were groaning until just yesterday… geez.”

Sunbin also realized the potential of the Zhuge family. He thought that the Zhuge family would be completely ruined by this incident, but at this rate, it might not be impossible to regain the position of the Five Great Families.

“Still…”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian said to Old General with a sigh.

“The Zhuge family will never be on the 외사 [oesa – outer circle of martial arts masters] again.”

Becoming a master of 외사 is by no means something that can be achieved through effort. Without the inner strength and help of the previous generation’s 외사 master, it is almost impossible for a master of 외사 to emerge from the family. Now that Philosopher Zhuge Lian has lost his inner strength, the path for a new master of 외사 to emerge from the Zhuge family is blocked.

“Why not?”

Old General smirked.

“Look at the Moryong family. Not long ago, the son of the Gentleman Sword, Iron Sword, entered 외사. Even though the Gentleman Sword is still alive and well.”

Old General said with a playful look.

“Who do you think that’s thanks to?”

“Could it be…”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian couldn’t hide his surprised expression. Old General shrugged his shoulders.

“Ah, of course, I can’t say that Bin did it all. Originally, that Iron Sword guy had martial talent, and he was a stubbornly honest guy like his father, Gentleman Sword.”

Old General’s eyes gleamed.

“But it was definitely Bin who made him enter 외사. If it weren’t for Bin, the Moryong family’s master of 외사 would still be only Gentleman Sword, right?”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian couldn’t believe Old General’s words. There are countless people with outstanding martial talent in 강호 Murim [Gangho Murim – the martial arts world], especially in Murim families. There are also more than a few who work stubbornly hard.

But not all of them become masters. Even becoming a master of 검기발현 [geomgibalhyeon – manifestation of sword energy] is said to require 천운 [cheonun – heavenly luck] or 기연 [giyeon – fortunate opportunity], so entering 외사 is something they can’t even imagine.

“Is that true? Young Master Son.”

The family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, also couldn’t hide his surprise and asked Sunbin. In 강호 Murim, where there are countless swordsmen, there are not even twenty masters of 외사, and even that has hardly changed over the past few decades.

Even those who have newly entered 외사 have mostly just replaced the previous generation, so entering 외사 is truly a once-in-a-century event.

So Philosopher Zhuge Lian and the family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, couldn’t help but light up their eyes. Receiving those hot gazes, Sunbin gave an awkward smile.

“All I did was provide an opportunity.”

All Sunbin did was, with the help of Shin-ui, remove the cold energy that threatened the life of Iron Sword Moryong Jin. In the process, Moryong Jin’s entire body’s 기혈 [giheol – energy channels] was completely activated once, and Iron Sword Moryong Jin was able to overcome the wall of 절정 [jeoljeong – peak mastery] through that experience. So Sunbin’s words that he ‘just provided an opportunity’ were accurate.

But that was tantamount to admitting Old General’s words that he ‘made him enter 외사’. Sunbin continued, addressing the surprised Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan.

“And I didn’t intend to do that from the beginning. It just happened that way.”

“Yeah. It all just happened that way.”

Old General said with a pout.

“But the result of that ‘happened’ is the way we are today.”

The words ‘the way we are today’ are a joke. It wouldn’t be possible to call the sight of Old General, Seorin, Shin-ui, and Sasu-yeon, Dang Wora, Princess Gyeonghui, and Sarasvati together ‘the way we are today’.

Old General, who said that, was also unable to hide his proud expression next to Sunbin. And the gazes of Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan looking at Sunbin were also shining to the point of being burdensome.

“Ahem.”

Sunbin cleared his throat and asked Princess Gyeonghui.

“How was the investigation?”

Princess Gyeonghui, who was sitting quietly wearing a veil, seemed slightly surprised by Sunbin’s question. But she soon replied in a low voice.

“The Zhuge family colluded with Gongsun Gek and passed on information about the Four Great Sects and other families. Information about the 외사 masters was also passed on; although it was not recorded in documents, it is obvious.”

Princess Gyeonghui and Sarasvati investigated all the documents of the Zhuge family. It was virtually an inspection and a great opportunity to examine the secret relationships between the Murim and the literati, as well as the court and the 상계 [sanggye – merchant class], centered on the Zhuge family.

“Also, the Zhuge family promised to help Gongsun Gek establish order in the world. This means that Gongsun Gek had the intention to usurp the throne.”

The expressions of Philosopher Zhuge Lian and Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan hardened at once. Princess Gyeonghui, knowing their reaction, continued without hesitation.

“Therefore, judging from various evidence and circumstances, it is clear that the Zhuge family committed the crime of 참역 [chamyeok – treason] with Gongsun Gek.”

Thud.

Philosopher Zhuge Lian and Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan immediately stood up from their seats and knelt on the floor. Their faces were already pale blue. They didn’t even have time to think about Princess Gyeonghui’s identity or her relationship with Sunbin.

“Young Master Son!”

쿵 [Kung – thud]. The elderly Zhuge Lian hit his head on the floor.

“Please save the Zhuge family, Young Master Son. I will live as a servant for the rest of my life. I will take down the family’s signboard and leave the Murim. If you want this old life, I will gladly give it to you.”

The elderly Zhuge Lian said with tears in his eyes.

“So please, just save the lives of the Zhuge family.”

“Young Master Son!”

쿵 [Kung – thud]. The middle-aged family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, with slightly gray hair, also hit his forehead on the bare floor.

“Everything is my fault! So please, take this sinner’s life first!”

쿵 [Kung – thud], 쿵 [Kung – thud].

Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan kept hitting his head. It was by no means a small matter for the family head to kneel and bow his head, but he didn’t care about such things now.

“…Stop.”

At Sunbin’s voice, Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan stopped their actions at once. But they couldn’t dare to raise their heads.

Sunbin sighed slightly and looked back at Princess Gyeonghui. The intention of asking her how it was was not this. It would have been enough to have facts that would moderately rebuke the Zhuge family, but Princess Gyeonghui did not like Sunbin and Old General’s lenient attitude.

Perhaps it was a natural thing. The fact that her anger was clearly felt even beyond the veil was because she was a princess of the imperial family.

“Well, the Zhuge family didn’t give Gongsun Gek any specific help, did they? It’s hard to call it the crime of 참역…”

“참역 [chamyeok – treason] is.”

Princess Gyeonghui cut off Sunbin’s words firmly.

“It is a great crime even to dare to harbor it in one’s heart. How can they deny it when they knew of Gongsun Gek’s rebellious intentions and did not report it?”

That clear and cold voice was like a death sentence to Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan.

Sunbin was embarrassed. But he also knew Princess Gyeonghui’s thoughts. She was not just blindly angry. It was a very Princess Gyeonghui-like reaction to make sure to clearly establish the Zhuge family’s guilt and step over it at this opportunity.

In fact, Philosopher Zhuge Lian and the family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, who had been sitting leisurely because they had become a little familiar, were now unable to even raise their heads in front of Sunbin, weren’t they?

“Even if it is any crime, there is a degree of severity.”

Sunbin said to Princess Gyeonghui in a soft voice.

“In the case of the Zhuge family this time, wouldn’t it be right to consider the circumstances a little more?”

Princess Gyeonghui was silent for a moment. That short time felt so long to Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan.

“…I understand.”

Princess Gyeonghui said in a low voice.

“If that is your will, I must follow it. I am sorry for disturbing your mind with foolish words.”

Princess Gyeonghui’s words were ostentatiously polite. Sunbin, who knew her intentions, could only give an awkward smile and didn’t say anything.

“Get up.”

Sunbin said. But Philosopher Zhuge Lian and the family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, couldn’t even raise their heads.

“It will be difficult to discuss future matters if you are kneeling like that.”

Sunbin said with a soft expression. But that voice no longer sounded soft to the two of them.

“Besides, you two are not in perfect condition yet, are you? So please sit down.”

쿵 [Kung – thud].

Philosopher Zhuge Lian’s forehead touched the floor once again.

“Thank you, Young Master Son. Thank you.”

It was still awkward and uncomfortable for Sunbin to see an older adult bowing his head to him. Sunbin waited for the two to get up and sit down. And after a while, when Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan seemed to have calmed down, he quietly opened his mouth.

“Although the Zhuge family has committed a crime, the pain and damage they have suffered from this incident is not small. So it would be too harsh to judge the crime now.”

At Sunbin’s calm voice, Philosopher Zhuge Lian and the family head, Zhuge Gwan, closed their eyes with a pained expression.

“…Let’s do this.”

At Sunbin’s words, the two opened their eyes wide.

“You said you would raise talented children for the family, so how about giving that opportunity to other children as well?”

“Are you saying…”

The family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, asked cautiously, and Sunbin nodded.

“Yes. It means open the doors of the family. Accept children who want to learn, regardless of their status or origin. When those children grow up, I will make a conclusion about the Zhuge family’s crime again at that time.”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian and Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan both lit up their eyes. Sunbin looked straight at them and said.

“It doesn’t mean to give away all your wealth to help, or to only do charity. But keep in mind. The future of the Zhuge family will be determined by how well the Zhuge family has played its role for others.”

“I understand.”

Philosopher Zhuge Lian nodded immediately.

“I will gladly do so. Young Master Son.”

The family head, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, also bowed his head and paid his respects.

“I will keep that in mind, Young Master Son.”

His honorifics were a little awkward, but he didn’t particularly show it. Sunbin looked back at the others. Judging from their expressions, everyone seemed to be accepting it satisfactorily.

“Then the matter of the Zhuge family is over with this…”

It was not strange that another member of the Zhuge family suddenly came to Sunbin’s mind. He remembered Zhuge Gyeong, the young lady of the Zhuge family who he had seen in 황산 [Hwangsan – Yellow Mountain] before, who especially liked and followed Dang Wora and Hwasa.

“Ah, come to think of it…”

Zhuge Gyeong, who originally looked sickly, was not among the patients and was not seen in the family. Sunbin, who was going to ask if she was okay as someone he knew, stopped at the sight of Philosopher Zhuge Lian and Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan’s eyes looking at him.

“…It’s nothing.”

If he mentioned Zhuge Gyeong’s name to those people now, something might happen. Sunbin quickly cleared his throat and raised his teacup. But Seorin blinked her eyes next to him and asked Sunbin.

“Hyung [older brother], what were you going to say?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing.”

Sunbin replied with a soft smile. But Seorin tilted her head.

“Really? I thought your voice sounded a little brighter just now?”

Sunbin thought that couldn’t be true. Of course, he felt a little more comfortable because the serious topic was over, but it was by no means to the point of being obvious. That must have been the case.

“Hmm, if Hyung had a connection with the Zhuge family…”

Seorin didn’t know how to give up. Feeling Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan paying attention to Seorin, Sunbin quickly said.

“Okay, shall we go eat something delicious?”

“Wow!”

Seorin raised her hand and liked it. Somehow, the gazes of Sasu-yeon and Dang Wora felt on the back of his head were just his imagination.

“Then, we’ll be leaving now.”

Thud.

Sunbin got up from his seat. Zhuge Lian and Zhuge Gwan hurriedly stood up and said they would prepare a meal, but Sunbin declined. Because there were so many things to prepare before going to 태산 [Taesan – Mount Tai] anyway.

Thus, Sunbin and his party left the Zhuge family.

And that day, the Zhuge family reopened the doors they had closed.

(Author’s words)

Seorin, who has a surprisingly good sense.