A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 183

183. A Guest from the Tang Clan (2015.06.02)

Late at night, Tang Yue-ah sat at her desk, reading a book.

Normally, she would be watching Sohn-bin train, but since Sohn-bin couldn’t train, Tang Yue-ah had nothing to do at this hour.

Swish.

Tang Yue-ah, who was reading, suddenly looked up. She immediately rose from her seat and approached the door.

Click.

Sa Soo-yeon stood outside the door.

With a nervous look, she gestured to Tang Yue-ah to be quiet. Sa Soo-yeon’s hand was already on the hilt of her sword, Myeong.

“It’s okay.”

Tang Yue-ah said in a low voice.

“She’s here for me.”

“Pardon?”

Sa Soo-yeon asked back with a puzzled look.

Tang Yue-ah spoke towards a secluded part of the mansion, where no one was visible.

“You can’t fool Soo-yeon anyway. You can come out now.”

The place Tang Yue-ah was looking at was the very spot where Sa Soo-yeon had sensed a suspicious presence.

After a moment, someone hesitantly appeared there.

The person who revealed herself was a woman with a slender figure.

Her appearance was that of a humble woman, but her stealth skills and sharp eyes indicated that she was no ordinary person.

“Young lady.”

She knelt on one knee towards Tang Yue-ah, paying her respects.

“She’s a guard that my sister sent to me. They’re called the Hidden Sword Unit. Hidden as in conceal. That lady is the deputy commander of the Hidden Sword Unit.”

“Ah, I see.”

Sa Soo-yeon nodded at Tang Yue-ah’s explanation.

Come to think of it, Tang Yue-ah was a young lady of the Tang Clan. It was only natural for her to have guards. Although, she wondered why they had to appear secretly at night.

“What’s the matter?”

Tang Yue-ah asked.

“I have a message to deliver.”

“Speak.”

The woman who had appeared, the deputy commander, was still wary of Sa Soo-yeon. But she couldn’t disobey Tang Yue-ah’s words.

“The General Manager will be arriving here tomorrow.”

“My sister?”

Tang Yue-ah’s voice wavered instantly. But it was closer to joy than surprise.

“Yes. And Tang Woon-yeong, the former Clan Leader’s younger sister, is accompanying her.”

The deputy commander explained about Tang Woon-yeong out of consideration, but Tang Yue-ah tilted her head.

“Who is that?”

“She is your grandmother, young lady. Though not directly related.”

“Is that so?”

It didn’t matter much to Tang Yue-ah. If her sister Tang Hwa-ryun allowed it, she wouldn’t mind meeting her.

“Shall we escort them here? Or will you be going……”

“I’ll go.”

The deputy commander nodded. Meeting in Oseong Village was safer and less likely to be exposed.

But then Sa Soo-yeon suddenly spoke.

“How about inviting them to the Seowon [a private academy]?”

Both Tang Yue-ah and the deputy commander looked at Sa Soo-yeon at the same time.

The deputy commander frowned slightly, but Sa Soo-yeon smiled at Tang Yue-ah.

“Your sister will want to see how Yue-ah is doing.”

Although her home was here, Tang Yue-ah actually spent all day at the Seowon.

There were elders like Shin-ui and No-gun, and Sohn-bin was a successful man who had passed the Hyangsi examination [a preliminary civil service exam], so Yue-ah’s sister, from a prestigious family, would be relieved.

“But if it’s a bother to Young Master Sohn……”

“It’s not.”

Sa Soo-yeon said to Tang Yue-ah with a smile.

“You know? Young Master Sohn will like it. He’ll definitely welcome them, right?”

As she said, Sohn-bin would surely say that. Always with a warm smile.

“Tell Young Master Sohn tomorrow morning. I’ll tell him too if you need me to.”

“Yes.”

Tang Yue-ah nodded. She said to the deputy commander.

“Have them come to the Seowon.”

The deputy commander couldn’t answer easily.

In addition to Tang Yue-ah, there was Tang Hwa-ryun, the General Manager of the Tang Clan, and Tang Woon-yeong, the head of the largest faction, all gathering together.

As the Hidden Sword Unit, they couldn’t help but be on edge.

The fact that they had informed her the night before their arrival was also one of the ways to minimize exposure.

But to go to the Seowon meant that the entire Hidden Sword Unit would have to surround Cheongwon to secretly protect them.

But the order had already been given. And it was the duty of the Hidden Sword Unit to carry it out.

“Understood.”

The deputy commander bowed her head. And then she tried to retreat.

“Ah, wait.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s voice stopped her.

“You can just come in next time.”

It was definitely a kindness. But to the deputy commander, it was also a stinging criticism of her poor skills.

“No.”

The deputy commander bit her lip.

“We are the Hidden Sword Unit, after all.”

With those words, the deputy commander disappeared.

Vowing to deceive her eyes next time.

*

*

*

“My sister is coming.”

Tang Yue-ah said while drinking tea after finishing breakfast.

It was a sudden statement, but Sohn-bin couldn’t just ignore it.

“Your sister, as in, Young Miss Yue-ah’s sister?”

Sohn-bin said with a surprised look. Tang Yue-ah nodded.

“Yes.”

“When is she coming?”

“Today.”

‘Today?’

It was a little surprising that she was only telling him now, but considering Tang Yue-ah’s personality, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Sohn-bin nodded and suddenly realized something.

“Come to think of it, Young Miss Yue-ah will be meeting her family after a long time.”

“Yes.”

It was easy to tell that Tang Yue-ah’s voice was full of anticipation.

‘Family.’

He didn’t know why Young Miss Yue-ah was here.

But how worried must her sister have been, sending her younger sister to a faraway place alone?

She must be very worried.

“Then how about inviting her here?”

Sohn-bin said as if he had suddenly thought of it.

“She’ll want to see how Young Miss Yue-ah is doing. It would be nice to have a meal together.”

There were elders like Shin-ui and No-gun at the Seowon. And there were girls of her age like Sa Soo-yeon and Jeok Se-hwa, so seeing her with them would reassure Tang Yue-ah’s sister.

Sa Soo-yeon, who was sitting next to her, smiled and looked at Tang Yue-ah.

Tang Yue-ah said quietly.

“I already said that.”

“Well done.”

Sohn-bin said with a smile. He could clearly see that Tang Yue-ah was happy.

Sometimes Sohn-bin also went to visit his uncle.

Even though they lived in the same village, his uncle was very happy, so how could she not be excited about a visit from family who lived far away?

“Hmm.”

No-gun, who was sitting next to him, frowned.

He got along with Tang Yue-ah without any problems now, but everyone knew that No-gun originally disliked the Tang Clan.

“If you’re uncomfortable……”

Sohn-bin asked cautiously.

“It’s okay.”

No-gun said with a frown. He fiddled with his teacup and said.

“I don’t mind if it’s Yue-ah’s sister. Well, they’ll be similar. Is your sister sick or something?”

She wouldn’t be coming all the way here if she was sick. Tang Yue-ah shook her head slightly at No-gun’s pointless words.

‘Young Miss Yue-ah’s sister……’

At No-gun’s words, Sohn-bin unconsciously imagined Tang Yue-ah’s sister. Since they were sisters, she would probably have a similar feel to Tang Yue-ah.

A slender, quiet young lady, taller and a little more mature than Tang Yue-ah, seemed to appear before his eyes.

The only difference would be that she wouldn’t be wearing a veil?

‘Maybe she would. She might have worn a veil.’

That would be a rare sight in its own way.

But at that moment, another face flashed through Sohn-bin’s mind.

―So be sure to remember me.

The clear eyes of the woman who identified herself as Seolgeom Tang Hwa-ryun vividly appeared before him.

Even without those words, Sohn-bin would not be able to forget her.

How could he forget those days with Saja Hyuk?

‘She said she would come to find me, but she hasn’t come yet.’

Even if she came, he had nothing to say to her now. He had left the target she wanted to avenge in the distant Seolsan Mountains.

Suddenly, his chest felt heavy.

Sohn-bin subtly raised his hand and touched his shoulder.

Only the faint small scar under his clothes seemed to tell the story of that day.

*

*

*

“You’re going straight to the Seowon?”

The Hidden Sword Unit leader on horseback bowed her head in a respectful manner.

Tang Hwa-ryun, inside the carriage, frowned slightly.

“Is it okay? Did Yue-ah allow it?”

“The young lady requested it.”

“Is that so?”

Tang Hwa-ryun was lost in thought for a moment.

“The Seowon. Well, the masters of the Outer Affairs Division always do as they please.”

Tang Woon-yeong, who was sitting across from her, said.

“They have no reservations about anything. Because they have absolute confidence in themselves.”

“Do you know a lot about the Outer Affairs Division?”

Tang Hwa-ryun asked. Tang Woon-yeong asked back with a puzzled expression.

“Didn’t you hear it from your brother? Ah, you wouldn’t have heard it.”

Tang Woon-yeong said with a bitter smile.

“He wouldn’t have told anyone else the details.”

Tang Hwa-ryun frowned slightly.

But Tang Woon-yeong was right.

Mangho Tang Baek-ho had told Tang Hwa-ryun nothing.

“The Outer Affairs Division are originally those who play above the heavens. Even the ultimate masters of Sword Energy Manifestation are nothing more than children in front of them.”

At her words, Tang Hwa-ryun suddenly recalled the martial arts competition she had seen. Their unbelievable martial prowess and the enormous results.

And what followed was the face of the young scholar who had lectured her.

‘Hmph.’

Tang Hwa-ryun scoffed.

He had already gotten his revenge. She had stabbed a knife directly into his shoulder.

Of course, it was for treatment, but the three days of pain that followed were satisfying to think about.

“So I couldn’t help but be surprised.”

Suddenly, she heard the voice of her grandmother, Tang Woon-yeong.

Tang Woon-yeong said with a bitter smile.

“When you said you had recovered your brother’s body and belongings from the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon.”

“It’s still a long way off.”

Tang Hwa-ryun said with cold eyes.

“Until I avenge the family.”

It was a long way off. It was such a distant story that she wondered if it was even possible.

Because even now, when she thought of Saja Hyuk that day, she felt a thrill.

“Revenge?”

Tang Woon-yeong chuckled.

“You’re not serious about that, are you?”

Tang Hwa-ryun turned her eyes and stared straight at Tang Woon-yeong.

“Why not?”

Tang Woon-yeong’s eyes widened. And after a moment, she put on a gentle smile.

“Revenge on the Heavenly Outer Four, especially the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon…… I hope it goes well.”

“Heavenly Outer Four? What is that?”

Tang Hwa-ryun asked at the unfamiliar words. But Tang Woon-yeong only smiled.

“I don’t think there’s any reason to tell you that.”

Tang Hwa-ryun smiled bitterly at her words. It was exactly what she had said to her a few days ago.

‘Hmph.’

Tang Hwa-ryun turned her gaze to the outside of the carriage.

The outside was full of the humid weather typical of southern China.

Perhaps because of the unusually hot sunshine, she was grateful for the breeze coming through the window.

‘Is Yue-ah doing well?’

Of course, she would be doing well.

But she couldn’t help but worry about whether her younger sister Yue-ah was okay in this weather.

Clatter, clatter.

She would be able to meet Yue-ah in a little while.

Tang Hwa-ryun couldn’t take her eyes off the passing scenery, even though the pouring sunlight was blinding.

*

*

*

The afternoon at the Seowon was bustling.

Seo-rin was running around and playing with the boys, and Sa Soo-yeon was smiling and talking about something with Soso and Aeng-aeng.

It was a busy yet leisurely afternoon as always, but today was a little different.

Tang Yue-ah had already had her hair combed and decorated with a hairpin by Sa Soo-yeon. It wasn’t very noticeable because of the veil.

“So, when is she coming?”

No-gun muttered, stroking Jang-ah’s head. Jang-ah was sitting on No-gun’s lap, dozing off with a comfortable expression.

Thanks to that, No-gun couldn’t move, but he didn’t seem to mind. Although he said it was annoying.

“These kids worked hard to prepare the food, so she should come quickly.”

Sohn-bin was teaching the children, but the young ladies were quite busy.

Because they had prepared food for Tang Yue-ah’s sister.

“Miss Se-hwa really put in a lot of effort.”

Sa Soo-yeon said, looking at Jeok Se-hwa.

In fact, Jeok Se-hwa was the one who had prepared everything. Sa Soo-yeon was helping diligently by her side, but Tang Yue-ah was just watching.

Because Sohn-bin and No-gun actively dissuaded Tang Yue-ah from entering the kitchen.

“What are you talking about? The chef at our martial arts center prepared everything. I didn’t do much.”

Jeok Se-hwa said with a smile and suddenly asked Tang Yue-ah as if she had thought of something.

“Are there any foods that the Tang Clan forbids, or that your sister personally dislikes?”

“I don’t know.”

Tang Yue-ah’s answer was simple as always.

“I’m a little worried. I hope she likes the food.”

Seongdo, where the Tang Clan was located, was very far from Cheongwon.

The food also varied greatly depending on the region, and since it was the Tang Clan, Jeok Se-hwa couldn’t help but be concerned.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without Miss Se-hwa.”

Sa Soo-yeon was rather sorry.

Jeok Se-hwa smiled brightly and said.

“Then let’s go eat something delicious together later.”

“I’ll pay.”

Tang Yue-ah said quietly.

“Me too! Me too!”

Seo-rin, who had somehow heard, raised his head and shouted from over there. No-gun chuckled.

“That guy……. It’s amazing to see that wolf cub becoming human.”

“Living among people is not something that can be taught.”

Sohn-bin smiled as he looked at Seo-rin.

It was inappropriate for his age, but Seo-rin needed time to learn one by one. Playing with the children was the best education in that regard.

“Yeah, that’s right……. But when is she coming, really.”

No-gun, who was grumbling quietly so as not to wake Jang-ah, turned his head.

“She’s here.”

The group’s gaze turned to the door at once.

After a moment, as expected, the sound of a carriage was heard.

Clatter, clatter.

Sohn-bin stood up to greet the honored guest. No-gun didn’t know what to do with Jang-ah, who was asleep in his arms, so he just stood up with her in one arm. Sa Soo-yeon also stood up.

“Has a guest arrived?”

Aeng-aeng looked up at Sa Soo-yeon and said in a chattering voice. Soso had already followed Sa Soo-yeon down to the yard. Then, Seo-rin and the other children all showed interest at once.

“I want to go out too.”

“Me too.”

In an instant, everyone at the Seowon headed for the gate.

∴

The carriage that entered Cheongwon passed through the city and headed for a house located in a quiet place.

“That is the Seowon.”

The Hidden Sword Unit member disguised as a coachman said.

Tang Hwa-ryun carefully looked at a house visible through the window. It was small in size, but it was a surprisingly well-decorated house.

‘Yue-ah is there.’

Tang Hwa-ryun’s heart was pounding. Her younger sister’s beautiful appearance seemed to be flickering before her eyes.

‘Huh?’

A puzzled light appeared in Tang Hwa-ryun’s eyes as she looked at the Seowon.

Because little children were pouring out of the Seowon.

‘Why are there children……’

But Tang Hwa-ryun’s question did not last any longer. Tang Yue-ah was walking out behind the children.

‘Yue-ah!’

Her younger sister, Tang Yue-ah, whom she had missed so much, was there.

She was still small and slender, but she was a little taller than before, and somehow she had the feeling of a mature woman.

Tang Hwa-ryun barely managed to resist the urge to open the door and run out right now. A few more people came out of the Seowon behind her younger sister Tang Yue-ah, but Tang Hwa-ryun didn’t even notice them.

“Whoa, whoa.”

The coachman stopped the carriage. Tang Hwa-ryun immediately opened the door.

Click.

“Sister.”

Tang Yue-ah said in a beautiful voice. Tang Hwa-ryun’s face lit up brightly.

“Yue-ah!”

Tang Hwa-ryun hugged Tang Yue-ah without hesitation.

The small and delicate Tang Yue-ah was nestled in her arms. The faces of the people watching were also filled with smiles.

“Have you been well?”

Tang Hwa-ryun grabbed Tang Yue-ah and poured out questions.

“How have you been? I heard you went to the North Sea recently, are you okay?”

“S-Sister……”

Tang Yue-ah seemed a little embarrassed.

But that was rather surprising to Tang Hwa-ryun. Tang Hwa-ryun, whose eyes were wide open, soon put on a soft smile.

“Ah, right. Look at me.”

Tang Hwa-ryun smiled and turned her head. It was to greet the people who came out with her sister.

However, the bright smile that had filled her face froze at the same time as she discovered one person.

“Ah, um……”

The voice of the young man dressed as a scholar was very cautious. So much so that the other people next to him were puzzled.

“Have you been…… well?”

Sohn-bin said with an awkward smile. It was an awkward smile that was unlike his usual self.

But it couldn’t be helped.

The person who got out of the carriage, saying she was Tang Yue-ah’s sister, was none other than Seolgeom Tang Hwa-ryun.

The most unique and strange person Sohn-bin had ever met, the very woman from the Tang Clan who had treated Sohn-bin’s shoulder.

“You……”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s face was also complicated. Perhaps because the person she had never imagined would be here suddenly appeared before her eyes, she couldn’t even manage her expression, let alone speak properly.

Step.

Another person got out of the carriage.

The old woman with snow-white hair, with an elegant and gentle feeling, looked at Sohn-bin and his party with a soft smile.

And soon, like Tang Hwa-ryun, her face also hardened.

But it didn’t last long.

“Soon-rang……”

A trembling voice leaked from her mouth. Tang Woon-yeong’s round eyes were staring straight at No-gun as if she couldn’t believe it.

“Soon-rang?”

Jeok Se-hwa repeated the old woman’s title and looked back at No-gun. Sa Soo-yeon, as well as Sohn-bin, also looked back at No-gun.

Because the title ‘Rang’ was an expression used only for very close and intimate heterosexual relationships.

No-gun, whose eyes were wider than ever before, froze as if he had become a stone statue, and then, in the next moment, he kicked off the ground and flew up.

Pak.

No-gun’s figure disappeared in an instant. He was so rushed that he was still holding Jang-ah.

“Ah!”

Soso shouted as she looked at No-gun flying away.

“Only Jang-ah gets to have fun!”

At those words, the children instantly became a mess as if they had poked a hornet’s nest.

“Wow, I want to do it too!”

“Me too, me too!”

The children were in an uproar. Even the gentle Aeng-aeng was visibly excited.

But unlike the children, none of the adults said anything.

Only Jeok Se-hwa was looking at the faces of the people with a more exciting expression than ever before.