A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 192

192. His Inner Strength

Whoosh.

A faint breeze stirred. With each gust, the White Heron’s blade, gleaming under the moonlight, traced a silver arc in the darkness.

How long had passed? Son Bin’s White Heron ceased its movements.

Thud.

“Hoo.”

Son Bin caught his breath, beads of sweat dotting his forehead.

“Are you alright?”

Nogun rushed over, asking anxiously. Son Bin, sheathing the White Heron, replied,

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Before he knew it, Shinui approached Son Bin, abruptly seizing his wrist to check his pulse.

“Hmm.”

Shinui frowned.

“It’s alright, but this is your limit.”

“I think so too.”

Son Bin said, his face flushed. Though he looked weary, his expression seemed bright, perhaps from wielding the White Heron after so long.

Son Bin turned to look at Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah.

“How was it?”

It was a sword technique refined by everyone for Son Bin. Sa Su-yeon smiled at Son Bin’s question.

“Yes, it’s very good.”

Dang Wol-ah quietly nodded. Son Bin turned his head back to Nogun.

“But the sequence of the forms seems a bit strange. Some parts seem less for training and more for actual combat…”

“Heh heh, do you understand now?”

Nogun chuckled.

“Even the same form can become entirely different depending on what you make the real or feigned move, or what purpose you use it for. That’s what we call the secret meaning [esoteric interpretation]. Even if it’s a variation, it bears the name ‘Hyuncheon’ [Mysterious Heaven], so it can’t be just a dance, can it?”

“I see.”

Son Bin nodded.

“Ah, and there was something a bit odd in the fifth form?”

“Really? Where?”

On the spot, Son Bin and Nogun began re-examining the Hyuncheon Training Swordplay, and Dang Wol-ah subtly turned her head to look at her sister, Dang Hwa-ryun.

“How is it, unni [older sister]?”

Dang Hwa-ryun was startled. Unable to take her eyes off Son Bin, she cleared her throat and avoided Dang Wol-ah’s gaze.

“Well, it’s not bad.”

Dang Wol-ah’s smile could be felt even through her veil. Dang Hwa-ryun said in a seemingly sharp tone,

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I meant the swordplay was alright, not that the man is alright. Honestly, he’s staggering after doing just a little bit.”

Muttering, Dang Hwa-ryun looked at Son Bin again.

Son Bin, conversing with Nogun and Shinui, looked every bit the typical young scholar. Lacking strength or spirit, just an ordinary person.

But why couldn’t she take her eyes off him?

“But will that be enough?”

Certainly, it was a beautiful swordplay. But could it stand against the Blood Peak Union’s unorthodox experts, and that new Jade Dragon [a rising martial arts prodigy]?

Sa Su-yeon hadn’t intentionally revealed her Sword Qi [internal energy manifested as a sword-like aura], but Son Bin didn’t seem capable of it at all.

“We’ll manage somehow.”

A voice more vibrant than Dang Wol-ah usually used. Dang Hwa-ryun turned to look at her sister. Dang Wol-ah was looking at Son Bin.

“Definitely.”

Dang Wol-ah’s determination was vividly conveyed through her voice. It wasn’t just Dang Wol-ah. Sa Su-yeon, standing quietly and watching, and Nogun and Shinui, engaged in serious discussion, as well.

‘Ha.’

Suddenly, Dang Hwa-ryun let out a hollow laugh. Dang Wol-ah had told her how amazing Son Bin was, but in Dang Hwa-ryun’s eyes, it was the people around Son Bin who were truly remarkable.

‘Even Grandmother.’

Dang Un-yeong was worried about Son Bin, even though she had only met him recently. Dang Hwa-ryun knew better than anyone that her concern wasn’t just for show.

Dang Hwa-ryun suddenly thought.

Perhaps Son Bin’s truly frightening aspect was his ability to attract remarkable people to his side.

‘Come to think of it, even Sa Ja-hyeok… No, never mind.’

Dang Hwa-ryun shook her head. That was too much of a leap. It was like forming a conclusion and then fitting all the facts to it.

‘Good grief, what am I thinking?’

Dang Hwa-ryun let out a self-deprecating laugh. Listening to her sister Dang Wol-ah talk about ‘Young Master Son’ every night must have led her to have such ridiculous thoughts without realizing it.

Then suddenly, one fact struck Dang Hwa-ryun.

“Wait, what did you just say?”

“I said we’ll manage somehow?”

Dang Hwa-ryun said with a dumbfounded expression.

“You’re going too?”

Dang Wol-ah stared blankly at her sister, as if wondering why she was asking the obvious.

“Yes.”

It was a very short answer, but it was enough to excite Dang Hwa-ryun.

“That’s absurd! Why would you go to such a place…”

“Unni.”

Dang Wol-ah’s quiet voice calmed Dang Hwa-ryun.

“I’ve been to Bukhae [Northern Sea region] too.”

Dang Hwa-ryun was speechless. While she was momentarily unable to speak, Dang Wol-ah spoke again.

“The Blood Peak Union’s meeting is said to be held at the Guizhou Pcheon Gate, right?”

“Huh? Ah, yes.”

Dang Hwa-ryun’s reply was almost perfunctory. But Dang Wol-ah’s next words were enough to surprise her.

“We might stop by Seongdo [Chengdu] on the way back after it’s over.”

That meant visiting the Dang Family. Dang Hwa-ryun’s eyes widened.

“I thought it might be nice to go back once, just like you said, unni.”

“Woah, Wol-ah.”

Dang Hwa-ryun said with a touched expression, but her expression soon soured. Dang Wol-ah’s way of speaking was, as always, no exception.

“Young Master Son will probably suggest we go first if he knows.”

The gentle expression on Dang Wol-ah’s face was no longer surprising.

*

*

*

“How about going to the Dang Family first?”

The next morning, Dang Hwa-ryun suggested while drinking tea. It was right after the idea of stopping by the Dang Family after the matter was concluded had come up.

“That’s a bit of a detour, though.”

Nogun frowned immediately.

It wasn’t just a bit of a detour. The Blood Peak Union’s meeting was being held in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, and the Dang Family was in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Guiyang could be reached by land, but it would be faster to take the Yangtze River to Chengdu, which meant a significant detour.

“But wouldn’t it be better than going in without knowing anything? Whether it’s about the Blood Peak Union or the new Jade Dragon.”

Dang Hwa-ryun said calmly, raising her teacup. That was her way of saying that the Dang Family could provide information.

“Well, yes, but…”

Nogun shrugged.

“I doubt knowing or not knowing will change much.”

Dang Hwa-ryun gave a wry smile at Nogun’s confident tone.

That confidence could probably only be possessed by a master of the Outer World [a realm beyond the central plains]. But Dang Hwa-ryun still had something to say.

“And Grandmother also needs to return to the Dang Family at least once.”

At Dang Hwa-ryun’s words, Nogun turned to look at Dang Un-yeong. The old woman, Dang Un-yeong, replied to Nogun with a gentle smile.

“I’m fine, Soon-rang. There’s no need to go back.”

“Hmm.”

This time, even Nogun hesitated. He knew well that Dang Un-yeong’s words were sincere. But Nogun couldn’t help but worry. He didn’t want her to make too many sacrifices because of him.

“Let’s do as Miss Dang Hwa-ryun says.”

Son Bin said. Everyone’s gaze turned to Son Bin.

“We can just leave a little earlier. And Seongdo isn’t that far from Guiyang.”

“Well, if you say so.”

Nogun sipped his tea. Dang Hwa-ryun was satisfied that her plan had worked out, but she was also somewhat dumbfounded.

‘Good grief.’

It was the Dang Family, no less, and the Chief Strategist was personally inviting them.

Instead of receiving thanks, it was as if they were going out of consideration for her.

It wasn’t as if inviting Son Bin’s group would bring any particular benefits.

‘Haa.’

Dang Hwa-ryun sighed inwardly.

‘But it can’t be helped. The important thing is that Wol-ah is coming to the Dang Family…’

Not only Dang Wol-ah, but Dang Un-yeong would also be staying here from now on.

This small Seowon [private academy] had become so important to the Dang Family that they had no choice but to invite them, even if it meant swallowing their pride.

She knew that it wasn’t really the ‘Seowon’ but ‘Son Bin,’ but Dang Hwa-ryun unconsciously refused to think that way.

“What about the Seowon?”

Sa Su-yeon asked. Her face was full of regret at the thought of parting with the children again.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

Jeok Se-hwa said with a smile. But Son Bin was serious.

“I’m away too often, and I feel bad for the children and Miss Se-hwa. In this case, it would be better to…”

“No!”

“That’s not allowed!”

“What are you saying!”

Several voices erupted simultaneously. Son Bin looked surprised, and Shinui cleared his throat.

“Ahem. It’s not necessarily the only way to look at it.”

Shinui said in a weighty voice.

“The children will know that your feelings for them are genuine. I understand your regret, but you don’t have to teach them everything yourself, do you?”

The others nodded in agreement with Shinui’s words.

“And more than anything, if you close the Seowon now because you feel inadequate, wouldn’t that hurt the children even more?”

“That’s right.”

“Yes.”

Sa Su-yeon and Jeok Se-hwa nodded vigorously, looking at Son Bin.

“Well… I have no intention of closing the Seowon at all.”

Son Bin continued, looking a little embarrassed.

“In this case, how about formally inviting Miss Se-hwa…”

“Inviting me?”

Jeok Se-hwa’s eyes widened.

“Yes. As a teacher at the Seowon…”

“I’d love to. I’ll do it.”

Jeok Se-hwa replied without hesitating.

“Th-thank you.”

Son Bin nodded, flustered. In any case, the Seowon issue seemed to be settled for now.

“Are you going too, Shinui?”

At Jeok Se-hwa’s question, Shinui nodded.

“I heard that many people were injured in the conflict between the Blood Peak Union and the Namgoong Family. I’ve also received requests for help from doctors I know, so I’m thinking of going.”

To be able to send letters to Shinui, they must have been very close. Shinui’s whereabouts were not easy to find.

“It’ll just be me and the children… It’ll be cozy for a while.”

Jeok Se-hwa said. Originally, Dang Un-yeong would have stayed as well, but since she had decided to go to the Dang Family first, she would be leaving too.

“It shouldn’t be cozy.”

Nogun said grumbling.

“What if something happens in the meantime? I don’t trust those silver chopsticks [referring to Jeok Se-hwa’s skills]. First of all… should I call that frustrating guy?”

Next to Nogun, lost in thought, Son Bin couldn’t shake off his heavy heart.

The faces of the little ones, about to cry because they didn’t want to be separated, were already visible in his mind.

∴

“Yes. Have a safe trip.”

Soso said with a smile. Son Bin was rather surprised by her mature reaction.

“Have a safe trip, Teacher.”

“Goodbye, Teacher.”

Jau and Jung-oh, as well as Gyeon-ja, greeted him maturely without showing any signs of sadness.

“Heeing.”

Only Aeng-aeng looked dissatisfied, but Soso quickly comforted her.

“Teacher is an adult, so it can’t be helped. Adults have their reasons.”

‘Adult reasons?’

Son Bin was taken aback by the unfamiliar phrase.

“Where did you learn that?”

“Jung-oh’s sister told me when Teacher wasn’t here.”

Soso said proudly. Jung-oh’s sister was none other than Jeok Se-hwa.

For a moment, Son Bin wondered if it was okay to leave the Seowon to Jeok Se-hwa.

“You’ll be back soon, right?”

Soso asked again. Son Bin smiled.

“Of course. I’ll be back soon.”

“You said that last time too.”

Aeng-aeng didn’t seem to trust Son Bin’s words. Son Bin was about to comfort her when Soso chattered from the side.

“That’s what he means. He’ll come back after he’s done with his work. Why would Teacher leave if he was going to come back soon without doing his work?”

It was such a logical statement that even Son Bin had nothing to say.

“Finish your work well and come back.”

Soso said with a determined expression. It made him think, ‘Have the little ones grown this much?’

“And… come back quickly.”

Soso’s heart was in the small addition. Son Bin nodded.

“Okay.”

Son Bin, having replied, stretched out his arms and hugged Soso and Aeng-aeng tightly. The sound of Aeng-aeng sniffling tickled his ears.

“Alright, shall we go out? We have to see the teachers off, right?”

Jeok Se-hwa said soothingly in a gentle tone. At her words, the children, as well as the adults, nodded and headed out of the Seowon.

“Goodbye.”

Jang-ah, who was always dozing off, bowed deeply to Nogun.

“Okay.”

Nogun didn’t even look at him and roughly stroked Jang-ah’s head with his large hand.

Sa Su-yeon hugged each of the children, unable to hide her regret, and Dang Un-yeong stroked the little ones’ heads with a gentle smile.

Son Bin also hugged each of the children one by one, then moved his reluctant steps and boarded the carriage. Seo-rin was already on the carriage, waving enthusiastically at the little ones.

“Let’s go.”

Nogun, who had already boarded the carriage and grabbed the reins, urged them on. Everyone except Dang Hwa-ryun boarded the carriage driven by Nogun. Dang Un-yeong also boarded Nogun’s carriage as if it were natural.

Neigh.

The strong horses of Bukhae neighed.

“Don’t worry about the children. They’ll be fine on their own.”

Nogun said, turning to look at Son Bin. But Son Bin’s gaze still couldn’t leave the children.

“Giddy up!”

At Nogun’s shout, the carriage set off. The Dang Family’s carriage, with Dang Hwa-ryun aboard, followed behind Nogun’s.

“Goodbye!”

The children shouted in unison, as if singing a chorus.

Jeok Se-hwa stood still, watching the two carriages disappear into the distance. After staring for a long time, Jeok Se-hwa turned to look at the children and said,

“Shall we go inside now?”

The children nodded with gloomy expressions.

They would become lively again in a while, but still, the children would wait. For the day when the teachers would return to this Seowon.

Jeok Se-hwa went into the Seowon with the children.

But the door was not closed. Because this Seowon is always open to anyone and everyone.