A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 159

159. City of Beauties

Hangzhou is the central city of Zhejiang Province, and its capital. Countless people and goods pass through Hangzhou every day, but what truly made Hangzhou famous wasn’t its political status or its economic wealth.

Rather, Hangzhou was renowned for its silk, Longjing tea, its beauties, and, of course, the lake.

“Lake?”

Sa Su-yeon asked, a puzzled expression on her face. Son Bin replied,

“Yes. There’s a large and beautiful lake called West Lake. It’s also called Xizi Lake in memory of the legendary beauty, Xi Shi.”

“Xi Shi?”

Sa Su-yeon tilted her head, but Dang Wo-la knew exactly who they were talking about.

“You mean the beauty they say could topple a nation—a *kyung-guk-ji-saek* [a beauty capable of causing the downfall of a kingdom].”

Sa Su-yeon looked surprised.

“Are you saying a country actually fell because of her?”

“They say Xi Shi loved the sound of silk tearing,” Dang Wo-la said softly.

“The king, captivated by her smile, tore hundreds of bolts of silk every day just to please her. He even lit false beacons to make the army march in vain, all to see her laugh.”

Sa Su-yeon’s mouth fell open in amazement.

“They say that when Xi Shi stood by the water, the fish would forget to swim and sink, so they called her *Chim-eo* [Sinking Fish]. They even say that her frown was so beautiful that it became fashionable to distort one’s face to imitate her.”

“Goodness… how beautiful must she have been for even a frown to be considered beautiful?”

Son Bin thought that Sa Su-yeon’s surprised expression was truly beautiful as well, but he didn’t dare say it out loud.

“Miss Wo-la knows a lot,” Son Bin said, impressed. He knew that the *Seowon* [private academy] children called Dang Wo-la a smart older sister, but she really did seem to know a great deal.

Kang Lin and Kang Min were also listening intently to Dang Wo-la’s stories, especially Kang Min, whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

“I read it in a text about the Yue Maiden’s Sword,” Dang Wo-la explained.

“Yue Maiden’s Sword?” Sa Su-yeon asked, intrigued by the word ‘sword’. Dang Wo-la nodded.

“Yes. It said that the woman left a scar on Xi Shi’s chest with her sword energy, and Xi Shi started to frown in pain from then on. I was curious about what kind of swordsmanship it was, so I looked it up.”

Son Bin tilted his head. He knew about Xi Shi *Bongsim* [Xi Shi holding her chest], where Xi Shi presses her chest and frowns, but he had never heard that particular story.

“Is that so? I’ve read that a woman from Yue taught swordsmanship and helped to overthrow the kingdom of Wu…”

The conflict between the ancient kingdoms of Wu and Yue is very famous. It is said that the Yue Maiden passed on swordsmanship that no one had ever seen before to Yue and then disappeared.

“Xi Shi ruined the kingdom of Wu, so in the end, two women brought down one kingdom.”

It was as Dang Wo-la said. Originally, Xi Shi was a woman sent to the kingdom of Wu by the strategist of Yue.

Xi Shi shook the enemy kingdom of Wu from within, and the Yue Maiden passed on the ultimate swordsmanship to Yue, so in the end, two women brought down the kingdom of Wu.

“That’s hard to agree with,” Sa Su-yeon said, frowning slightly.

“It feels wrong to put all the blame on one or two women. Isn’t the real responsibility with the king or the strategist of that time? Whether it’s the side that brought it down or the side that fell.”

Son Bin inwardly nodded at her words. The truly foolish one was the king of Wu, who ruined his politics by being infatuated with beauty.

The truly wise one was the strategist of Yue, who boldly introduced the woman’s swordsmanship. Therefore, Sa Su-yeon’s words were quite correct.

“Could be?” Old Gun, who was walking behind with his hands clasped behind his back, muttered.

“Yes?” Sa Su-yeon asked back. Old Gun shrugged.

“I mean, a country faltering because of one woman… I think it could happen.”

*Ah.* Son Bin realized what Old Gun was talking about. Wasn’t the woman who had recently shaken the Northern Sea all by herself right in front of him?

Son Bin smiled wryly as Old Gun continued.

“As you said, a country is made up of countless people, but the fate of a country can also change because of just one person. Kings and strategists are important, of course, but you can’t ignore the influence of a single individual.”

Seo-rin, who was next to him, nodded as if in agreement. Old Gun frowned and looked at Seo-rin.

“What do you know to be nodding your head like that?”

“I know!” Seo-rin said in a strong voice.

“My master always said that a man needs to meet a good woman.”

Old Gun’s expression twisted. The master that Seo-rin was talking about was only one person: Hwanghak Jin-in, a Taoist of Wudang who had lived a noble life.

“That’s not it. No, that’s also true, but… it doesn’t sound convincing. Tsk.”

Muttering, Old Gun looked at Son Bin.

“More than that, let’s go to a tearoom. Since we’re in Hangzhou, we have to drink Longjing tea.”

“Then shall we look for a tearoom with a view of West Lake? I’ll pay this time,” Son Bin said with a smile. Enjoying Longjing tea while looking at West Lake seemed like a very elegant and wonderful experience, even more so with good company.

“No way,” Old Gun said, frowning.

“What would Shin-ui or Old Man Eo say later? I’ll pay. I know a place, let’s go.”

“Wow! Food, food!”

“It’s not food, it’s tea,” Old Gun corrected Seo-rin and started walking ahead. Seo-rin trotted along, and Kang Min took his sister Rin’s hand and followed behind.

Son Bin smiled without realizing it. He felt that the scene was somehow warm and friendly. Sa Su-yeon seemed to feel the same way, as there was a smile on her face as well.

“Shall we go too?” Sa Su-yeon asked. Dang Wo-la quietly nodded, and the three of them slowly followed. It was a quiet and peaceful afternoon, with a soft breeze lightly brushing their ears.

*

*

*

The woman’s hair fluttered in the wind on the deck. It was quite a rough wind, but the young lady, who looked quite young, did not seek shelter. She was captivated by the scenery of Hangzhou unfolding before her eyes.

“That’s Hangzhou.”

“Yes, Miss,” a black-clothed warrior wearing a wide-brimmed bamboo hat said. He, who was extraordinary just by his aura, was a warrior of the Blood Phoenix Society.

He was the one who defeated Nangong Ryeol, the passionate sword of the Outer Administration of the Nangong Family, and earned the fearsome name Guigyeon Shura [Returning Sword Asura].

“‘Outer History’…” the young lady in red silk clothes, called Blood Phoenix, murmured quietly, holding the short cane in her hand tightly.

“Will it be okay? Talhondo of the Black Serpent Society said it was a bit different.”

“It’s no different,” Guigyeon Shura said with a blunt expression.

“Wherever there are swordsmen, it’s the same. If the Outer History was really that different from the *Jianghu* [martial world], Talhondo would have no reason to ask us to join him.”

The young Blood Phoenix’s complexion darkened.

“I’m sorry. Because I made that decision, Arang…”

“No, Miss,” Guigyeon Shura said with a stern face.

“The Miss’s decision was right. If we hadn’t accepted Talhondo’s conditions and joined hands with the Black Serpent Clan, the Blood Phoenix Society would have collapsed in front of the Nangong Family by now.”

On the surface, the Blood Phoenix Society seemed evenly matched against the Nangong Family, but in reality, the Blood Phoenix Society still did not have a unified command system. Even with the imminent threat of the Nangong Family, it was still divided into several factions that were checking each other.

“I had no choice. Everyone was just trying to pursue their own interests…” Blood Phoenix said with a bitter smile.

The history of the Blood Phoenix Society was very short, and there was no strong center of gravity. The threat of the Nangong Family was a real and present danger, but the evil sects that joined later were basically not ready to cooperate.

If it weren’t for her, Blood Phoenix, and Guigyeon Shura, the Blood Phoenix Society would have already disintegrated. In fact, most predictions pointed to that outcome.

“But maybe, we can find a clue at this Hangzhou meeting,” Blood Phoenix said, recalling the memory of meeting Talhondo of the Black Serpent Clan.

∴

―Do you know where the real power that moves the *Jianghu* martial world lies?

Talhondo, leaning diagonally under the flickering torch, gave a bitter smile.

―It’s neither the Five Great Families nor the Martial Alliance. It’s the Outer History. The reason why the Black Serpent Clan is still strong in Gangbuk, where prestigious orthodox sects are fiercely competing, is because of me.

Talhondo said in a confident tone. There were sparse white hairs in his beard and hair, but his eyes still exuded a cold spirit.

―Orthodox sects? Of course, they exist in the Outer History as well, even more than the evil sects. But why don’t they strike us? It’s because the Heavenly Outer Four Sages, no, the Martial Emperor, didn’t care about such things.

Talhondo muttered with a hazy look in his eyes, fiddling with the glass in his hand.

―What he sees is truly only martial arts. So, the only person in the world who has the right to say that he is walking the path of martial arts is only him.

Talhondo, who was talking, chuckled.

―Martial arts… it’s a very funny thing. What kind of path do those with swords have? The same goes for the Outer History level experts of the noble families. In my opinion, the only reason they are in the Outer History is because it benefits the noble families. Well, there are occasionally crazy guys who are serious like Paegeum.

After gulping down the glass, Talhondo said,

―Let’s join hands? Okay, let’s do that. Anyway, it’s time for Gangbuk to need a breakthrough. Instead, you.

Talhondo’s eyes were flashing as he looked at Guigyeon Shura.

―Come to the Outer History. The atmosphere is not good since the Heavenly Outer Four Sages disappeared. Everyone is watching, but you never know when something will happen. So, I need someone who shares my views, even if it’s just one person. No, the words ‘even just one person’ are not correct.

Talhondo said with a smirk.

―Because the influence of one Outer History level expert is comparable to one of the Five Great Families. Of course, that’s after you survive in the Outer History.

∴

Blood Phoenix accepted Talhondo’s proposal. As a result, they were able to join hands with the Black Serpent Clan.

The tense situation in the Gangnam martial world was able to take a breather, and the Black Serpent Clan also transformed into the Black Serpent Alliance by gathering minor evil sects in Gangbuk.

And Blood Phoenix was able to see another hope in Talhondo’s words.

“If we can get the Blood Phoenix Society recognized in the Outer History, we won’t have to shed futile blood anymore.”

“It won’t be easy,” Guigyeon Shura said with a calm expression.

“No one gives it away for free. The more they have, the more they hold on to it. Whether the Outer History is full of those who pursue true martial arts, or those who cling to their own privileges…”

He tightened his grip on the sword. His sword, Blood Wolf, seemed to hum softly in his hand.

“In the end, power determines everything. Everyone is an enemy except for oneself. That’s the martial world.”

“That’s not true,” Blood Phoenix quietly shook her head.

“There are definitely enemies in the world, but there are more people who aren’t. There are even friends.”

Looking at the black-clothed warrior Guigyeon Shura, the young lady Blood Phoenix smiled.

“Just like you are to me.”

Her large, transparent eyes looked straight at him, as always, with that unwavering gaze that he could never quite meet.

*Swish.* Guigyeon Shura knelt down and bowed his head.

“Everything will be as the Miss wishes.”

Blood Phoenix’s gaze looking down at him was warm.

In that way, the small merchant ship disguised as a pleasure boat carrying Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura mingled with other ships and slipped into Hangzhou.

*

*

*

Several days had passed since Son Bin’s group arrived in Hangzhou. Having recovered from the fatigue of the long journey, the group decided to take care of a very important matter.

*Clatter, clatter.* The scenery of downtown Hangzhou slowly passed by the carriage. The splendid yet antique pavilions captivated the group’s attention, but Rin, who could not see, was talking with Son Bin.

“Ah, Young Master was originally studying to be a scholar.”

“But I failed spectacularly in the civil service examination,” Son Bin said with a smile. Rin tilted her head. As the carriage shook a little, her slender hand gripped the carriage tightly.

“They say that even passing the preliminary examination is a great achievement. Everyone in our village was in awe of such people…”

“It’s not really like that these days. There are so many people taking the civil service examination.”

“Still, you’re amazing. To have read all those difficult books…”

Rin looked comfortable talking to Son Bin, but her younger brother, Kang Min, who was sitting next to her, was not enjoying the scenery at all and could not hide his nervousness.

“Don’t worry too much,” Sa Su-yeon spoke softly to Min.

“Everything will be alright.”

“B, but we’re going to that *Yewon* [art academy] place now,” Min said, even stuttering, unlike his usual self.

“Will they accept us? What if…” Min said, biting his lip tightly.

“What if those people don’t recognize my sister’s talent?”

Sa Su-yeon smiled slightly bitterly. The fact that his sister had talent was already an unwavering truth for Min. To this extent, he could be called a ‘sister fool’.

*Well.* It wasn’t that she couldn’t understand his special affection. It must have been really difficult for the two young siblings to live.

“Even if it’s not those people, there will be people who recognize it,” Sa Su-yeon said.

“And if no one does? Your sister’s *chilhyun-geum* [seven-string zither] playing is truly beautiful.”

But Sa Su-yeon’s words didn’t seem to be of much comfort to Min. He bit his lip anxiously.

*Clatter.* The carriage suddenly stopped. Min raised his head in a flash.

“We’re here.”

The place where Old Gun stopped the carriage was a quiet residential area.

“Is this… *Yewon*?” Min asked, looking around, perhaps because it was very different from what he had imagined. Old Gun nodded.

“Yes.”

It was a place lined with antique and large mansions that looked very expensive to Min. There were not many people passing by, and the old and heavy-feeling walls continued endlessly.

*Squeak.* While the group was getting out of the carriage, the old-fashioned gate opened with a sound. A neatly dressed white-haired servant came out and bowed politely.

“What business do you have?”

The servant’s words and actions were polite but never light. His eyes alone were so intense that Min flinched.

“These children have something to say,” Old Gun said, throwing the words out, and he glanced at Min.

“What are you doing?”

Min swallowed hard, but soon he regained his composure and stepped forward.

“Hello!” Min said, bowing his head.

“I came to see Master Won.”

The servant looked back at the group. Old Gun was completely feigning ignorance, and the others were just watching and not stepping forward.

“Master Won, you say?” the servant said, still in a polite manner.

“Did you perhaps make an appointment?”

“No,” Min shook his head. His expression was unwavering, but sweat was dripping from Min’s tightly clenched hand.

“I see,” the servant thought for a moment.

If it were other people, such as the old man who spoke first, or the lady with outstanding beauty, or the veiled lady full of suspicious energy, the story would be different. But if these two children were the main players, the answer was already determined.

“Thank you for coming all the way here,” the servant said politely.

“However, it is difficult for Master Won to make time right now. I’m sorry, but I would like you to visit next time.”

In fact, to visit with proper etiquette, you must send a letter in advance, or bring a letter stating the purpose of the visit, or a letter of recommendation from a famous person. Strictly speaking, it is wrong to come suddenly, so even if they refuse, there is nothing they can do.

“T, that’s…” Min had a flustered expression. It was then.

“What’s going on?” a clear woman’s voice flowed out from the inside.

“Tsk,” at the same time as that voice, Old Gun clicked his tongue. And the person who appeared was a gorgeously dressed, elegant woman.

*Sabeok, sabeok.* As she moved her feet, her soft silk clothes rippled. The movement was so elegant and dignified that you could believe she was the mistress of a powerful family.

“Ah!” Surprise spread across her face as she looked outside. Her gaze was directed straight at Old Gun.

“Elder,” tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Old Gun.

*Sarak.* The woman knelt down and bowed. She didn’t care that her gorgeous clothes were getting dirty.

“I am Hwa-wol, meeting Old Gun,” the woman said in a trembling voice. The white nape of the woman’s neck, with her head bowed, was dazzling.

“Well now?” But Old Gun’s reaction was beyond imagination.

“What are you doing now? I’m Old Gun. Are you going to play a trick on me?”

The group froze for a moment. It seemed like a touching scene of reunion, but they thought Old Gun’s reaction was too harsh.

“Haa,” as expected? A long sigh escaped from the woman’s lips.

The woman slowly raised her head. Her clear eyes, which had been filled with tears, were already smiling.

“You can’t fool you after all,” she stuck out her tongue slightly and smiled brightly. It was a bright smile like a carefree child.