Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 496

496. Retreat

Sichuan Province, Chengdu.

The Provincial Administration Commissioner, who oversees administration, the Surveillance Commissioner, who is in charge of law and order, and the Regional Military Commissioner, who is responsible for military affairs, were gathered in one place.

It was rare for them, the highest officials of Sichuan, to meet in one place.

However, it was unavoidable in order to discuss measures against the three thousand or so ‘rebellion followers’ who were descending towards Chengdu.

“Ahem. So, there’s still no reply from Commander Yu?”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin frowned as he asked.

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan remained silent with an unpleasant expression.

There was no response from Yu Bong-geol, the Commander-in-Chief in Lanzhou.

“Hmm.”

Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol said with a stern expression.

“I don’t know what’s going on. We can’t do anything without the order of the Commander-in-Chief, can we?”

Although Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan was in charge of Sichuan’s military affairs, he could not move the army recklessly.

Without the order of Commander-in-Chief Yu Bong-geol, Deng Chaofan would have to bear all the responsibility in case of an emergency.

“The people’s confusion is growing.”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin said with a frown.

“Besides, the Tang Clan is openly spreading nonsense that it’s the Demonic Sect’s forces, aren’t they? If we don’t do something, Sichuan will fall into great chaos.”

The situation was more serious than expected.

Rumors that ‘rebellion followers’ had annihilated villages were rampant in Chengdu, and the Tang Clan was saying that they were the Demonic Sect’s forces.

“……We can’t just dismiss the Tang Clan’s claims as nonsense, can we?”

Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol said.

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin’s face instantly contorted.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. Haven’t you already received a letter from the Special Inspector General?”

Lee Yoon-geol turned to Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan.

“I’m sure the Regional Military Commissioner has as well.”

Deng Chaofan did not answer.

But his silence was as good as an affirmation.

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin clicked his tongue as if displeased.

“So, are you saying we should just stay still and do nothing?”

A moment of silence passed.

“……There is a way.”

Suddenly, Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan opened his mouth.

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin and Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol’s eyes lit up.

Deng Chaofan continued.

“If it’s not an unidentified force coming down from Lanzhou, but a riot by some residents within the region, then the Provincial Administration Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner can mobilize their troops.”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin frowned.

He wondered what this was all about.

However, Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol realized the Regional Military Commissioner’s intention.

“In other words, it’s not officially mobilizing the army. Is that what you mean?”

“That’s right.”

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan nodded.

“It’s not easy to move the army. The related laws and regulations are very complex, and it’s a serious crime punishable by extreme penalties except in very exceptional cases.”

What the central government was most wary of was who would seize military power.

No matter how much autonomy was guaranteed to local officials, military power was an exception.

“But this method is fine. This is just mobilizing government troops to quell a riot by some residents.”

Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol nodded.

Certainly, with that method, there would be no reason to be questioned for recklessly moving the army.

“Then we’ll have to mobilize only the troops of the Provincial Administration Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner, but can we really stop them?”

Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol asked.

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan replied in a heavy tone.

“I will temporarily assign some government troops from the Regional Military Commissioner’s office to the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office and the Surveillance Commissioner’s office. I have that much authority.”

“How many are possible?”

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin asked.

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan said calmly.

“Looking at the troops that can be mobilized immediately, we can gather three thousand, no, up to five thousand troops from the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s office and the Surveillance Commissioner’s office here.”

Wang Anmin’s expression brightened.

Considering that the known size of the enemy was roughly three thousand, five thousand government troops was an overwhelming force.

If the opponents were peasants, that is.

However, Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol’s expression was not bright.

“……What if the enemy is the Demonic Sect’s forces, as rumored?”

The Tang Clan was not the only one warning that the enemy was the Demonic Sect’s forces.

The letter from Special Inspector General Woonhyun could not be ignored by them either.

“In that case, tell them not to engage the enemy and return to Chengdu immediately.”

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan said.

“If the enemy attacks Chengdu, I will automatically have control of the military according to the law. That way, there’s no need to worry about responsibility issues.”

Chengdu being attacked fell under the ‘very exceptional cases’ mentioned earlier.

It meant that the government troops would formally step forward under the command of Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan.

Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Anmin and Surveillance Commissioner Lee Yoon-geol nodded.

“Alright. Let’s do that.”

No one objected.

Wang Anmin and Lee Yoon-geol breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan’s expression was not so bright.

Because Chengdu being attacked meant that the problem was more serious than he thought.

‘I hope it doesn’t come to that…….’

It was a contradictory story, but it was best if military power was not actually used.

Regional Military Commissioner Deng Chaofan sincerely hoped that they were just ordinary ‘rebellion followers,’ so that he would not have the opportunity to step forward.

***

Sichuan Province, Tang Clan.

Chief Military Officer Tang Seol-ryun was receiving a distinguished guest in her office.

They were none other than Ji-sim and Hye-ryung, two leaders of the Emei Sect.

“Welcome. Thank you for visiting the Tang Clan.”

Tang Seol-ryun bowed with a graceful attitude.

Ji-sim and Hye-ryung chanted a Buddhist prayer and put their palms together.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again like this, Benefactor Tang.”

Ji-sim said in a calm voice.

The three of them were at the center of the conflict between the Tang Clan and the Emei Sect last time.

Naturally, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewal.

“Me too.”

Tang Seol-ryun said with a bitter smile.

“I sincerely apologize for the rudeness I showed to Emei last time.”

Rustle.

Tang Seol-ryun bowed deeply once again to the two leaders.

“And on behalf of the Tang Clan, I would like to thank you for extending a helping hand like this.”

Her words were quite meaningful.

The phrase ‘on behalf of the Tang Clan’ meant that Tang Seol-ryun’s apology and gratitude were the will of the entire Tang Clan.

Ji-sim and Hye-ryung’s eyes also changed.

“……Do you mean that sincerely?”

“Yes.”

Tang Seol-ryun stood up straight and said.

“Once this matter is safely concluded, I will personally go to Emei to convey my apology and gratitude.”

Ji-sim inwardly clicked her tongue.

It was unbelievable that the arrogant and ruthless Tang Clan would bow down so readily.

Even though Chengdu was threatened by the Demonic Sect’s forces, it wasn’t like the Tang Clan was about to collapse right away.

“Please sit down.”

Tang Seol-ryun offered the two leaders a seat.

As Ji-sim and Hye-ryung sat down on the chairs, Tang Seol-ryun personally served tea.

Pour.

A soft tea fragrance rose, and the three faced each other with teacups between them.

“I heard you’re staying at a manor on the outskirts of Chengdu, are there any inconveniences?”

Ten days ago, Ji-sim and Hye-ryung arrived in Chengdu with over a hundred Emei Sect disciples.

With the help of local dignitaries, they stayed in a large manor on the outskirts, and only after ten days did they visit the Tang Clan.

“It’s alright. More than that, I heard that people from the Mount Hua Sect have also come.”

At Ji-sim’s words, Tang Seol-ryun smiled and picked up her teacup.

“Yes. The Taoists from the Mount Hua Sect came much earlier and are staying at the Tang Clan.”

The Mount Hua Sect also sent people to Sichuan.

Even though they were busy dealing with Lanzhou, they sent thirty Taoists to the Tang Clan at Woonhyun’s request.

Slurp.

Ji-sim stared silently at Tang Seol-ryun, who was savoring the tea.

And quietly asked.

“I have one question, does the Tang Clan intend to join the Azure Dragon Alliance?”

Hye-ryung, who was sitting next to her, flinched.

That was something that was only speculated among the twelve Emei Sect leaders.

Wasn’t the Tang Clan asking the Emei Sect for help despite their old grudges a step towards joining the Azure Dragon Alliance?

However, for the Tang Clan, the leader of the Supreme Alliance, to suddenly join the Azure Dragon Alliance was too unconventional, so most people didn’t believe the speculation.

Ji-sim suddenly brought up that story.

However, Tang Seol-ryun’s answer surprised Hye-ryung even more.

“Yes.”

Tang Seol-ryun answered without hesitation.

Clatter.

Tang Seol-ryun put down her teacup and looked straight at Ji-sim.

“That’s what I intend to do. No matter what happens.”

Ji-sim frowned.

“I can’t understand why the Tang Clan would go so far…….”

It wasn’t just Ji-sim.

The twelve Emei Sect leaders thought that there was no reason for the Tang Clan to force themselves to join the Azure Dragon Alliance.

But now, Tang Seol-ryun’s eyes were different.

“If you’ve decided to do so, then so be it.”

Tang Seol-ryun’s eyes looking at Ji-sim were resolute.

The Tang Clan, or rather Tang Seol-ryun, was sincerely trying to join the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Tang Seol-ryun bowed lightly.

“Speaking of which…….”

Just as she was about to say something.

“Chief Military Officer!”

Thud.

Suddenly, the door opened and a subordinate came in.

Tang Seol-ryun frowned, but soon asked with a calm expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“The government troops who went out to suppress the rebellion have been defeated and returned!”

Tang Seol-ryun stood up from her seat without realizing it.

“What?”

“That’s not all!”

The subordinate said in a desperate voice.

“The Demonic Sect’s forces are rushing into Chengdu, following the retreating government troops. I heard that the north gate has already been breached!”

Tang Seol-ryun couldn’t hide her surprise.

But soon she gritted her teeth.

“Gather all the warriors of the Tang Clan right now. All first and second generation disciples! Inform the Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect of the situation as well. Go quickly!”

“Yes!”

The subordinate immediately bowed and ran out.

Tang Seol-ryun turned to Ji-sim and Hye-ryung.

“We’ll have to continue our conversation later. Could you two also lead your disciples here? It would only be confusing even if you went to the north gate right now.”

“Alright.”

The two leaders stood up from their seats.

“I’ll see you in a moment. Please take care.”

The two leaders, who had put their palms together to Tang Seol-ryun, fluttered their monastic robes and left the office.

Tang Seol-ryun, who was watching their departure, bit her lip.

The soft scent of tea filling the room had already disappeared.

***

Woonhyun and his party disembarked from the ship in Chongqing and changed to carriages.

The several carriages carrying the party sped along the main road towards Chengdu.

Still, it was too dangerous to drive carriages in the pitch-black night, so they had no choice but to find an inn nearby when the sun went down.

Fortunately, there was frequent traffic of merchants from Chongqing to Chengdu, so Woonhyun and his party were able to stay at an inn without much difficulty.

And the next day.

Woonhyun and his party, who had woken up before sunrise, were lightly sharing tea before their departure.

Clatter.

“Hmm, Sichuan tea is excellent as expected.”

Old Madam Neung Se-young said as she put down her teacup.

Despite her considerable age, she didn’t look tired at all.

“Sichuan is the home of tea. It’s only natural that it’s excellent.”

Chunsu Shinni of Emei said with a smile.

Her face was filled with pride for Sichuan.

“Sichuan has a long history and many places to visit. There’s the Wuhou Temple, the tomb of Zhuge Liang [a famous strategist], and the cliff with Zhang Fei’s [a famous general] autograph.”

“Hoo. That Zhuge Liang?”

Old Madam Neung Se-young showed interest.

Just as Chunsu Shinni was about to say something with a smile.

Swish.

Woonhyun turned his head.

And after a while, a Snow Shadow Unit warrior in white uniform appeared.

“Alliance Leader.”

The Snow Shadow Unit warrior knelt on one knee on the floor and paid his respects to Woonhyun.

“What’s going on?”

Woonhyun asked.

The warrior said with a stern expression.

“Chengdu has been breached.”

Thud.

A shock as if a large stone had fallen struck the party.

The eyes of the party, who had been quietly drinking tea, turned to the warrior all at once, and the expression of Guest Ong also hardened.

Rustle.

The Snow Shadow Unit warrior took out a thin letter from his chest and handed it to Woonhyun.

Woonhyun immediately unfolded the letter.

“……Hmm.”

A low groan flowed from Woonhyun’s mouth.

He raised his head and looked at the party.

“The Demonic Sect’s forces stormed Chengdu three days ago. The government troops are responding urgently, but it seems to be a very chaotic situation. We must leave right now.”

Thud, thud.

The party stood up from their seats without asking anything.

Woonhyun said to the Snow Shadow Unit warrior.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

The Snow Shadow Unit warrior paid his respects to Woonhyun and disappeared.

Woonhyun got up from his seat.

And left the inn with Guest Ong.

It would take at least three days to get to Chengdu from here.

The anxiety that they might have to prepare for the worst-case scenario was weighing down on Woonhyun’s heart.