A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 107

107. Leisurely and Comfortable (悠悠自適) [A state of ease and contentment]

The Black Tiger Clan was a villainous group based in Hubei Province. Initially, they were just a gang that gathered to exploit the resources of the Yangtze River, but they had grown into a faction with considerable power.

This was inevitable because they had to be desperate to survive among the prestigious families and powerful sects of Jiangbei [The area north of the Yangtze River].

The Black Tiger Clan regularly bribed government officials and formed connections with anyone who had a bit of power. But what was most remarkable was the Black Tiger Clan’s keen sense of balance, unlike other villainous groups.

The Black Tiger Clan instinctively knew how far to extend their reach and how much greed to indulge. That was the secret to the Black Tiger Clan’s survival.

“What?”

Jang Hwasan, the leader of the Black Tiger Clan, who styled himself ‘Overpowering Tyrant,’ was annoyed. Of course, the only people who called him Overpowering Tyrant were the members of the Black Tiger Clan.

“So, you’re saying you were chased away without putting up a fight? You sons of bitches!”

Thump!

An enraged Jang Hwasan slammed the table. The heavy wooden table resonated loudly, and the subordinates in front of him flinched and lowered their heads.

“And you call yourselves the Black Tiger Clan? These bastards really have a death wish!”

“Clan Leader, please calm down.”

“Calm down? Would you calm down if you were me, huh?”

A warrior with a goatee standing next to him tried to dissuade him, but Jang Hwasan’s anger did not subside.

“But, Clan Leader, Iron Sword Moryong Jin was there.”

One of the warriors standing with his head bowed said, as if feeling wronged.

“And he looked perfectly fine. This is a different story… Ack!”

Thwack!

A teacup shattered against his head, and tea and blood mixed and flowed.

“That Iron Sword Moryong Jin, you son of a bitch, is practically bedridden right now!”

Jang Hwasan, who had jumped up and thrown the teacup, growled.

“But you, you big oafs, went in a crowd and got chased away without even landing a blow? Damn it!”

Swoosh, Thwack!

“I’m so ashamed!”

Swoosh, Thwack!

“I can’t even show my face outside!”

Swoosh, Thwack!

“Got it, you sons of bitches!”

Swoosh, Thwack!

Teacups flew, and warriors with broken heads slumped to the floor. Still unable to contain his anger, Jang Hwasan panted.

“Damn it, why are there only five teacups!”

Jang Hwasan shouted as if roaring.

“Ah, damn it, I’m so embarrassed in front of the neighbors…”

After venting his anger, Jang Hwasan slumped down.

Thanks to the noble sacrifice of five rather expensive teacups and the broken heads of five warriors, his anger seemed to have subsided somewhat, and the warrior with the goatee gestured.

“You guys, get out for now.”

The warriors, who had been bracing themselves for the next turn, quickly bowed their heads at the voice and hurriedly left the scene. The warriors who were sitting with their heads broken also covered their wounds with one hand, bowed their heads, and retreated.

“Clan Leader, please calm down.”

“I am calm!”

Jang Hwasan snapped. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t quell his anger, and his face was filled with rage.

“Hey, Wangchang. Is this really going to work?”

He barked at Wangchang, the warrior with the goatee.

“It’s still the Moryong Family. Even if they’re declining, they’re still powerful. If the Moryong Family is determined, they can wipe us out. Didn’t you see that son of a bitch, Iron Sword Moryong Jin, flying around until recently? Can you really take responsibility for this?”

It was known that Moryong Myung, the Gentleman’s Sword, was a master, but he had never directly displayed his skills. However, the skill of his son, Iron Sword Moryong Jin, was well known.

Moryong Jin’s reputation throughout Hubei Province surpassed even his father’s. Even the young master of the Nangong Family, who was known as a troublemaker, was cautious when dealing with the Moryong Family.

“Of course.”

Wangchang stroked his beard and smiled leisurely.

“Right now, Wuhan is a power vacuum. The Nangong Family, which had sucked up all the power in the Wuhan area, has been caught up with the Blood Phoenix Union and has collapsed. With the Gentleman’s Sword and Iron Sword injured, and their main force of disciples having gone over to the Nangong Family, the Moryong Family is now like a plum fallen in the middle of the road. Whoever picks it up first is the owner.”

“I heard that the disciples who went over there weren’t officially accepted by the Nangong Family?”

Jang Hwasan asked with suspicious eyes.

“They formed an independent group called the New Generation Sect or something, and they were babbling about having an equal relationship with the Nangong Family through a contract or agreement… Are they going to come back?”

“It’s the New Generation Sect. It means a new generation. And what kind of equal relationship exists between sects? It’s a strategy by the Nangong Family to suck out all the sweet stuff and then abandon them when problems arise. Well, an equal relationship sounds good.”

Wangchang smirked derisively.

“They’ll only realize it later when the New Generation Sect becomes pitiful. Anyway, the Moryong Family isn’t generous enough to take back the disciples who betrayed them. And the Nangong Family isn’t free enough to worry about other people’s affairs. So, Clan Leader, you don’t have to worry.”

Wangchang stroked his goatee and said with a leisurely expression.

“If things don’t work out, we can just rob the Moryong Family’s treasury and run away. If things go well, we’ll officially take over the Moryong Family. And as a bonus, we’ll get a young concubine.”

“Hmm. But Wuhan won’t stay empty forever, will it?”

Jang Hwasan asked with a suspicious expression. Wangchang thought, ‘For someone like you, you’re quite perceptive?’ and said.

“Of course. But depending on how the Blood Phoenix Union’s affairs in Jiangnan [The area south of the Yangtze River] are resolved, the power vacuum in this area is likely to continue for a while. In the meantime, we’ll take over the Moryong Family and secure a decent position in the Jiangbei Villainous Alliance that will be formed soon. Once the Villainous Alliance is formed, Wuhan will become an area that can never be taken away. Anyway, as long as we don’t directly antagonize the Nangong Family for the time being, everything will go smoothly.”

Wangchang said with a leisurely expression.

“That’s a very sharp point. Your insight has become very deep in the meantime.”

“Ahem, well, it’s nothing much.”

Jang Hwasan said as if it were nothing. But he couldn’t hide the fact that he was in a good mood. The anger towards the subordinates who had fled as if being chased had disappeared.

“The Moryong Family… Heh heh. I never thought the day would come when it would be in my hands. Well, there should be times like this. Isn’t that what makes life beautiful?”

A splendid future that he couldn’t have dreamed of until recently seemed to be unfolding before his eyes. Jang Hwasan couldn’t hide his triumphant smile.

*

*

*

Plink.

The sound of tea being poured into the teacup was like rolling beads. As the hot steam rose and the soft scent of tea began to fill the room, Seorin frowned.

‘Does Rin dislike tea?’

Sonbin thought as he put down the teapot. He didn’t know if she disliked the bitterness or if she had some bad memories, but it seemed clear that Seorin didn’t like tea.

“Hmm. So, you’re going to do that?”

Nogun said, and Sonbin nodded.

“Yes.”

“It’s not a bad idea, but…”

Nogun said, lifting the teacup.

“Wouldn’t it be a bit bothersome? If you don’t feel like it, I can step in.”

“No.”

Sonbin also said, holding up his teacup.

“But there’s always the possibility of something unexpected, so I’d appreciate it if you could help me then.”

“Heh.”

Nogun laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’m good at that. But I wonder if the timing will be right?”

Nogun said, sipping his tea.

“Making sure the timing is right is what I need to do.”

Sonbin said, bringing the tea to his lips.

“Well, I’ll help you with that much.”

After speaking, Nogun leisurely began to savor the tea.

Danggwol-ah drank her tea silently, while Seorin glared at the teacup before her as if challenging it to a staring contest. Seeing this, a smile unconsciously crept across Sonbin’s face.

This scene unfolded in the guest room of the Moyong Family one early morning.

* * *

‘What is he up to?’

Moyong Rin thought, frowning. The man leisurely strolling through the back garden as if on a casual walk was undoubtedly Sonbin.

Seorin was glued to him, following closely, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she took in the garden.

Though it felt rude, she couldn’t help but think of a particular word to describe the scene.

‘Like a puppy… and it’s just a common garden.’

Moyong Rin also considered the Moyong Family’s garden beautiful, but not to the extent that one would look at it with such wonder. At least, she didn’t see any appreciation for the garden’s refined taste in Seorin’s expression.

He was quite handsome, and at his age, he should be trying to appear mature, yet Seorin’s behavior and attitude resembled that of an innocent child.

‘And he’s traveling with Namak Nogun…’

Nogun followed behind the two with a nonchalant expression. The way he walked with his hands clasped behind his back made him seem utterly unconcerned. One might think he shouldn’t have bothered coming out at all. It was hard to believe he was a former master who had made a name for himself in Gangnam [Region south of the Yangtze River]; he looked like an ordinary old man from the back room.

‘Why is that Danggol Family’s young lady covering her face? She doesn’t seem to remove it all day long.’

Women wear veils to avoid showing their faces to outsiders. Since Moyongsega [Moyong Family Estate] was a place she visited as a guest, it was understandable, but it was strange that she didn’t even reveal her bare face to her own companions.

Moreover, since the Tang Family was so famous for its sinister schemes and venomous poisons, people hesitated to approach her easily.

Even now, she walked quietly at a slight distance, as if to emphasize that she had nothing to do with the group. But it wasn’t convincing at all.

“Haa.”

Moyong Rin sighed and glared at the young man in scholar’s robes walking leisurely at the very front, who she considered the source of all these problems.

‘Great Hero Jin Ryong, Sonbin.’

The name that shook the Gangnam Yongbong Tournament [A martial arts competition in the Gangnam region], Great Hero Jin Ryong. Although somewhat overshadowed by the subsequent Blood Phoenix incident, it was a name the younger generation who participated in the Gangnam Yongbong Tournament, especially the descendants of powerful families who were saved thanks to him, could never forget.

Who could forget the picturesque scene of him holding the Sword Goddess Sasooyeon, or the sight of him defeating the Blood Dragon Gate’s master with a single sword strike so beautiful it stole their breath?

After that incident, rumors even circulated that some young ladies regarded him as a true hero and made him their ideal lover. Of course, it was just childish admiration.

‘But…’

The Great Hero Jin Ryong, who seemed to pursue only righteousness and chivalry, coldly rejected her request. Of course, he was entitled to do so, but he subtly left room for her to expect something.

‘Just the fact that he’s not leaving this place immediately shows that.’

If he had rejected the other party’s sincere request, the proper course of action would have been to leave immediately.

But Sonbin was staying in Moyongsega with a nonchalant air.

Her brother, Moyong Jin, laughed, saying, ‘He’s not that kind of person,’ but since her brother didn’t know the true inside story of the Gangho Murim [Martial arts world], she didn’t trust his judgment very much. No, she even wondered if her brother was being deceived.

“Young Lady Moyong!”

Was she lost in thought for too long? Sonbin, having spotted Moyong Rin, was approaching with a smiling face.

“Young Master Son.”

Moyong Rin gave a light bow with a deliberately stiff face, an attempt to show her discomfort, but unfortunately, it didn’t seem to affect him.

“Did you sleep well?”

Sonbin smiled brightly and bowed as if meeting someone he was delighted to see.

“I know it’s rude, but the back garden is so beautiful that I took a walk without permission. It’s a truly beautiful garden.”

Sonbin looked around the garden with admiration, appearing sincere. As the owner, Moyong Rin felt obliged to express her gratitude, so she said with a sullen expression:

“Thank you for seeing it so favorably.”

“Not at all. The person who created this garden must have been deeply immersed in Taoist immortal thought [Philosophical and religious concepts in Taoism]. The arrangement of flowers and stones is truly exquisite. In particular, the hidden, winding path reveals the hermit thought of the sages very well. I never imagined a garden could be created in this way.”

“Ah, yes…”

Moyong Rin said with a slightly embarrassed expression.

In the meantime, quite a few influential figures from Gangho Murim had visited Moyongsega, but no one had ever commented in this way. All they said was that it was beautiful, very beautiful, or extremely beautiful.

‘Does he have a deep knowledge of garden design?’

But judging by his admiration, it didn’t seem so. If she had to guess, it was like seeing a scholar surprised to see the concepts he had only read about in books implemented in the garden.

‘Could it be…’

Moyong Rin smiled bitterly and shook off the thought that came to mind.

He is the Great Hero Jin Ryong, Sonbin. He was far from being a pale-faced scholar.

Just the fact that he was traveling with Namak Nogun and the young lady of the Tang Family… The identity of the pretty boy following him around like a puppy was a bit questionable, though.

‘Come to think of it, why is he wearing scholar’s robes?’

Suddenly, a natural question arose in Moyong Rin’s mind. Some young ladies squealed that it made him even more handsome, but if he was really doing it for show, there was nothing more childish.

“Young Master Son.”

“Yes?”

Sonbin turned around. Moyong Rin swallowed the question she was about to ask at the sight of his nonchalant, or rather, foolish appearance.

‘This is not the time to ask such a thing.’

This was not the time. Moyong Rin steeled her heart.

“My mother asked if you would like to have a meal together. It’s not a proper banquet, but she said that as the host, she can’t neglect her guests like this.”

“Thank you.”

Sonbin smiled and bowed.

“I will gladly accept.”

Moyong Rin’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at his overly calm demeanor. He had coldly rejected her earnest request, but what was with that face? The words, ‘What are you playing at?’ rose to her throat.

“I’ll send someone tonight.”

Moyong Rin said, barely maintaining her composure. She couldn’t help but have her voice waver for a moment due to the rising annoyance.

“Then…”

Moyong Rin bowed lightly, indicating her intention to withdraw. She wanted to escape this man’s indifferent face as soon as possible.

“Ah, young lady.”

“Yes?”

Moyong Rin turned around, barely suppressing her voice, which was becoming sharp without her realizing it.

“Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”

Moyong Rin’s eyes flickered. What was this man implying with such a question?

“I don’t have any special plans, but…”

Moyong Rin replied, feeling a hopeful expectation rising.

“Then, could you possibly guide me around Wuhan?”

“Yes?”

Moyong Rin failed to control her expression for a moment. She committed the rudeness of frowning openly in front of the guest without realizing it, but Sonbin didn’t seem to notice.

“Wuhan is a historic metropolis and famous for its beautiful scenery, isn’t it? I’ve only read about it in books, so I haven’t seen the true 모습 [Korean word for ‘appearance’ or ‘form’] of Wuhan yet.”

Of course, he had seen the Yellow Crane Tower, but that was it. At that time, he was busy avoiding Saja Hyuk, and after receiving Sasooyeon’s help, he was immediately caught by Saja Hyuk and returned to the inn.

“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to ask you to guide me.”

Moyong Rin was confused. Was Sonbin making this request to imply that he would grant her request?

‘What is this…’

Moyong Rin looked at Sonbin anew, as if trying to discern his hidden intentions.

But Sonbin was simply wearing a peaceful expression and a kind smile. The expectant gazes of Seorin and Danggwol-ah standing behind him were an added bonus.

“Haa.”

Moyong Rin sighed without realizing it. It was rude again, but she couldn’t care less, because the only answer she could give to the Great Hero Jin Ryong’s request was just one.

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

The eyes of the group sparkled at her answer.