A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 194

194. Dark Clouds

Sunbin and his party rode westward in a carriage along the main road, heading towards Guilin.

Past Guilin, they turned north towards Changsha, where the magnificent Dongting Lake, often called the ‘inland sea’ (a vast freshwater lake), unfolded before them.

While admiring the scenery of Dongting Lake, the group boarded a large ship that went against the current of the Yangtze River.

Soon, they would reach Chongqing, and from there, it would be a short journey to Chengdu in Sichuan Province, where the Tang Clan was located.

Swaaash.

Sunbin watched the waves crashing against the hull.

As a scholar, he rarely had the opportunity to ride such a large ship, but now he had lost count of how many times he had traveled up and down the Yangtze River.

Feeling the passage of time, Sunbin leaned against the railing, lost in thought.

Thud.

Amidst the sound of the wind and waves, he heard someone’s footsteps. Sunbin looked up.

“Ah, Miss Tang Hwa-ryun.”

Sunbin gave an awkward smile. Tang Hwa-ryun stood there with her usual displeased expression.

“You look good. Seems like you’re quite relaxed?”

She spoke in a sharp tone. When they were alone, Tang Hwa-ryun was always like this. She only observed formalities when others were around.

On the other hand, Sunbin couldn’t speak comfortably. Perhaps it was because she was a woman, and the impression from their first meeting still lingered.

“The river breeze is quite refreshing.”

Thud, thud.

Without responding to Sunbin’s words, Tang Hwa-ryun approached the railing and leaned against it.

She stood far enough away from Sunbin that they could easily be mistaken for strangers.

Flap.

Tang Hwa-ryun’s hair fluttered in the wind. Sunbin was about to ask if she was uncomfortable, but Tang Hwa-ryun suddenly turned and frowned.

“What?”

Sunbin shook his head. If she wasn’t bothered by it, there was no need to say anything.

Tang Hwa-ryun also turned her head and looked at the waves crashing against the hull.

As they each enjoyed the river breeze, Tang Hwa-ryun’s voice broke the silence.

“It’s a good thing. I had something to say anyway.”

“Ah, yes.”

Sunbin replied, trying to move closer to Tang Hwa-ryun. He thought it would be better to close the distance if they were going to have a conversation. It was almost a reflex.

“What are you doing?”

Tang Hwa-ryun immediately frowned as Sunbin approached.

“Well, you said you had something to say…….”

“Don’t come closer, just listen from there.”

“But I might not be able to hear you well because of the wind?”

“What if Wol-ah sees us?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m asking what if Wol-ah sees us standing affectionately side by side.”

Sunbin couldn’t understand Tang Hwa-ryun’s words at all.

“I don’t quite understand…….”

Tang Hwa-ryun glared at Sunbin with sharp eyes as he asked again.

“Then what if Sa Su-yeon sees us?”

Sunbin pondered.

“Is it a story that needs to be kept secret from the others?”

A bitter smile spread across Tang Hwa-ryun’s lips. It was clear that Sunbin didn’t understand what she was saying at all.

“If it’s not something like that, then it shouldn’t matter, right?”

It wasn’t a secret story. There was nothing to hide from the others.

So why they needed to be conscious of other people’s gazes was beyond Sunbin’s comprehension.

“Ha.”

Tang Hwa-ryun sighed. She shook her head, about to say something to Sunbin.

“No, never mind. It seems like I’ll only be hurting my own mouth if I do. And I have no desire to awaken your insensitivity.”

Her voice was filled with sincerity.

“Anyway, don’t come any closer, just listen from there. I’m standing in the direction the wind is blowing, so you’ll be able to hear me better than you think.”

Sunbin looked at Tang Hwa-ryun with renewed surprise. There was a reason why she was standing there.

But a new question arose.

“Uh, but then won’t it be hard for you to hear me? Since it’s against the wind…….”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s face contorted again. Sunbin trailed off, wondering if he had said something wrong again, but Tang Hwa-ryun sighed and said,

“People of our level, do you think we can’t hear each other because of this little wind? We’re doing fine right now.”

She snapped in an annoyed voice. It was pathetic that he didn’t even know this, as if he were some third-rate wandering martial artist.

“And you, don’t you know too little about yourself?”

Sunbin sighed softly and then answered with a serious expression.

“I am always trying to reflect on myself, but I am still lacking in reaching self-awareness.”

“That’s not it!”

“I know.”

Sunbin said.

“You were talking about martial arts and martial artists. But I am still lacking.”

Sunbin, looking straight at Tang Hwa-ryun, smiled gently.

“Although I wield a sword, I cannot dare to compare myself to those who live fiercely in the Jianghu (martial world) or those who have great dreams for the world. I am just an ordinary person who wants to follow in the footsteps of a great man I once saw.”

Sunbin’s eyes spoke of his sincerity.

“Of course, I cannot compare to Miss Tang Hwa-ryun either.”

Tang Hwa-ryun was silent for a moment. After looking at Sunbin, Tang Hwa-ryun turned her gaze to the flowing river.

“O-oh, anyway, just listen from there. I have something to say.”

Her voice was definitely softer than before. Sunbin thought that she seemed to have calmed down.

Swaaash.

The waves crashed against the hull. Tang Hwa-ryun said quietly, without even looking at Sunbin.

“I have cooperated with the New Jade Dragon. No…… I shouldn’t say it like that.”

Tang Hwa-ryun, wearing a self-deprecating smile, continued.

“The current confrontation in the Jiangnan (region south of the Yangtze River) martial world is my work. I planned it, and the Blood Dragon Clan carried it out. That is the current Blood Faction.”

“Ah, is that so?”

Sunbin was surprised, but not as much as Tang Hwa-ryun had expected. Tang Hwa-ryun clicked her tongue.

“‘Ah, is that so?’ You’re not making it worth my while to tell you. If the Namgung Clan heard this, they would have stormed the Tang Clan immediately, you know?”

The damage suffered by the Namgung Clan due to the Blood Faction incident was by no means small. If they knew that the Tang Clan was behind it, the Namgung Clan would never stand still.

Tang Hwa-ryun, who had been chuckling self-deprecatingly, said in a resigned, calm voice. Her gaze was still directed at the flowing river.

“Originally, this matter was not supposed to last this long. If the Blood Faction and the Namgung Clan confronted each other, the situation would unfold as clear as day. The Namgung Clan would thoroughly suppress the Blood Faction, a coalition of heretical sects, with the cooperation or tacit consent of the government. The Blood Faction could never withstand the Namgung Clan.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s voice continued rapidly.

“And I would have seized the rights and interests of the Yangtze River region, and the Hyeokryun Clan would have expanded its influence to the north in exchange for cooperation. The Yunnan Blood Dragon Clan would also have expanded its influence to the Guizhou region.”

For Sunbin, who was not familiar with the situation in the martial world, it was a complicated story.

But one thing was certain: this was a very secret story, and it was something fatal to the Tang Clan.

Sunbin slowly continued.

“So, the Blood Faction is to disperse the power of the Namgung Clan.”

“Yes. A bait that will only exist for a very short time and will take the brunt of the Namgung Clan’s anger.”

Sunbin was lost in thought for a moment. In the end, the purpose of this was for the Tang Clan, the Hyeokryun Clan, and the Blood Dragon Clan to check the Namgung Clan. And this also meant that the power of the Namgung Clan was that great.

“But things are going strangely.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“The government is not very active in suppressing the Blood Faction. It’s something that only requires giving a justification, but even that is not going well. Considering the influence of the Namgung Clan, it’s a very unusual thing.”

The large-scale movement of a large clan like the Namgung Clan inevitably attracts the attention of the government. No matter how deep the collusion between the Namgung Clan and the government is, the Namgung Clan also has many enemies.

Even if it was just a justification, it was absolutely necessary for the Namgung Clan to obtain the tacit consent or cooperation of the government. But in fact, the government was very lukewarm in suppressing the Blood Faction.

“In the end, all the Namgung Clan could do was send thirty-six direct descendants, including Namgung Ryul of Oecheongju. But even that was ruined by the sudden appearance of a master called Guigyeon Sura.”

In fact, the situation could have been resolved with just those thirty-six direct descendants of the Namgung Clan and the warriors from the hundred or so allied clans. If Guigyeon Sura hadn’t defeated Namgung Ryul of Oecheongju.

“While they were dragging out time like that, the Blood Faction’s affairs began to get complicated. A woman named Blood appeared, Guigyeon Sura came to the fore, and recently they even joined hands with the Gangbuk Black Snake Clan.”

This time, Sunbin also knew the story. At least he had met Blood and Guigyeon Sura.

Sunbin, nodding his head, looked up at Tang Hwa-ryun.

“I see. But why are you telling me such a thing?”

Tang Hwa-ryun, who had been looking at the crashing waves, turned her head. She looked straight at Sunbin and said.

“Don’t get involved in the Blood Faction’s affairs. No matter what anyone says, the Blood Faction is ultimately a discarded pawn. If you have to take someone’s side, choose the man called the New Jade Dragon instead. He is at least someone who pays the price for sure.”

Sunbin smiled.

“I have no intention of taking anyone’s side.”

Tang Hwa-ryun also wore a sneer.

“Are you still thinking that way? Trying to be an extremely objective and neutral recorder, like the old historians?”

“No.”

Sunbin shook his head.

“That is a pure ideal, but perhaps it is also arrogance. People are ultimately limited beings in some form or another. But…….”

“But?”

Looking at Tang Hwa-ryun, Sunbin said.

“Wouldn’t it be okay to have a desire to walk in someone’s footsteps?”

Tang Hwa-ryun could clearly understand what Sunbin was saying, and she also knew who the ‘someone’ he was talking about was.

“Hmph.”

Tang Hwa-ryun let out a burst of laughter. Sunbin’s words even sounded simple and humble.

However, if the person he wanted to follow was the Martial God of Hyeoncheon, the meaning would be completely different.

“So, in the end, you mean you won’t give up?”

Sunbin’s smile replaced his answer. Tang Hwa-ryun stared straight at Sunbin.

Swaaaa.

The river breeze cut through the two of them.

The distance between the two people, who seemed to be able to touch each other with just a stretch of their hands, now felt like a huge canyon through which the wind passed.

Like a deeply carved valley that exists close by but can never touch each other, no matter how many years pass.

∴

In Chongqing, the group disembarked, and Tang Hwa-ryun’s carriage raised the Tang Clan’s flag.

As soon as the Tang Clan’s flag was hung on the carriage, the surrounding atmosphere changed at once.

The person in charge of the large ship they had been on hurriedly came to greet them in person, and even the government official in charge of managing the pier paid his respects.

As they left Chongqing and entered Chengdu in Sichuan Province, that atmosphere became even more intense.

The official guarding the city gate didn’t even inspect the carriage; rather, the official supervising the city’s entry and exit bowed to Tang Hwa-ryun.

Even when passing through the city of Chengdu, people paid their respects and showed goodwill to the carriage with the Tang Clan’s flag.

Of course, it was directed at the carriage Tang Hwa-ryun was riding in. The only attention Sunbin and his party’s carriage received was some interest in the large Bukhae horse.

Clatter.

The two carriages stopped in front of the main gate of the Tang Clan.

The place was already full of people and carriages. Carriages loaded with supplies were coming in or going out, and there were many people who wanted to visit the Tang Clan.

Click.

Tang Hwa-ryun got out of the carriage first. Following her, Sunbin and his party all got out of the carriage.

“Chief Military Officer.”

The warriors guarding the main gate paid their respects politely. Other people also turned to Tang Hwa-ryun all at once. They bowed their heads and paid their respects even though Tang Hwa-ryun didn’t even look at them. Their gazes were filled with admiration.

Tang Hwa-ryun greeted the people lightly and then turned to the warriors.

“You’ve been working hard.”

“It’s nothing, ma’am.”

Their voices in response were overflowing with pride and spirit. Even to Sunbin, their eyes were clear and their spirit was extraordinary.

“We have honored guests. Inform the Outer Clan Lord immediately.”

“Yes, I understand.”

One of the warriors disappeared inside.

Step.

Tang Hwa-ryun moved her steps towards the Tang Clan. As the warriors and the people filling the front of the Tang Clan stepped aside to the left and right and paid their respects all at once, a path opened before her.

‘Oh.’

Sunbin was inwardly impressed. At least here, Tang Hwa-ryun was like a queen.

“Wow.”

Seorin’s impression wasn’t much different, as she let out a soft exclamation.

On the other hand, Sa Su-yeon was calm. Shinui didn’t seem to care either, and No-gun clicked his tongue and turned his head. Seeing No-gun, Tang Un-yeong smiled softly, and Tang Wol-ah stared blankly at the Tang Clan.

“Shall we go?”

Sunbin said. Only then did the group begin to move their steps. Tang Wol-ah, who had been hesitating, quietly followed behind Sunbin.

*

*

*

“Tang Un-yeong and the Chief Military Officer have returned.”

Upon hearing the Deputy Clan Lord’s words, Inner Clan Lord Tang Hu-gwang’s eyes lit up.

“Really? I’m looking forward to it. What will they say?”

“Um…….”

Tang Hu-gwang looked at the Deputy Clan Lord, who was hesitating.

“If you had already made up your mind, wouldn’t it have been better to take care of them when they were on the Yangtze River?”

Tang Hu-gwang laughed. He seemed hesitant, but as soon as he judged that it was an irreversible situation, he became active. The Deputy Clan Lord was also a member of the Tang Clan.

“Although there was the Silver Sword Unit, it was only half of it. Rather than causing an incident in the heart of the Tang Clan…….”

“You’re right.”

Tang Hu-gwang cut off the Deputy Clan Lord’s words.

“If we had attacked on the Yangtze River, it would have certainly had advantages in many ways.”

For example, if the identities of the attackers were disguised as another clan, it could be expected to prevent internal divisions later on.

“But without definite information about them, the possibility of failure is also high. Besides, how would the power of the Tang Clan return to me if we did that? The current Clan Lord is not capable of taking responsibility for the fate of the Tang Clan, so in the end, the Tang Clan will only drift again.”

Even if Chief Military Officer Tang Hwa-ryun and Tang Un-yeong disappeared, the power would not return to Inner Clan Lord Tang Hu-gwang.

The power would only pass to another person, to someone other than Tang Hu-gwang.

“I am the one who will rebuild the fallen Tang Clan. I must let everyone in the Tang Clan know that I have the will and the power to do so. To do that, I must bring them down in the heart of the Tang Clan.”

Tang Hu-gwang’s eyes were strangely flashing, and at the same time, an extraordinary aura was emanating from him.

Considering his not-so-high level, it was surprising, but the Deputy Clan Lord didn’t even notice it.

“But if this matter causes confusion in the Tang Clan, it may give the Emei Sect or other noble families an excuse…….”

“That won’t happen.”

Inner Clan Lord Tang Hu-gwang asserted.

“Because there is already a place that has promised to help us. Even if the family is in turmoil for a while, there is no need to worry about external troubles.”

“A place that has promised to help?”

The Deputy Clan Lord asked, but Tang Hu-gwang did not answer.

Only a bitter smile grew thicker.