A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 203

203. Seowon Gate and the Moon’s Reflection Troop

The day after the banquet, key figures gathered in the Great Council Hall of the Tang Clan.

Unlike usual, about half of the seats were empty, but no one inquired about the absences.

Most had either voluntarily stepped down or were under investigation for betraying the family.

“What I have just mentioned are the changes to the Tang Clan’s organization and external policies,” Tang Hwa-ryeon’s clear voice echoed through the Great Council Hall.

In addition to the organizational restructuring that strengthened the roles of the Clan Lord and the Chief Strategist, most of the Tang Clan’s existing external policies were revised and altered.

The biggest change was in personnel, with everyone deeply involved with Tang Baek-ho being removed without exception.

The only exception was the Old Madam, Tang Un-yeong. However, no one opposed or raised objections.

“Furthermore, by the consensus of the Tang Clan, an independent troop will be created, and Tang Wol-ah will be appointed as its leader. The name of this independent troop is Moon’s Reflection (月印).”

Moon’s Reflection (月印) refers to the moon’s reflection in water. It signifies that a single moonlight shines on all things in the world, succinctly expressing the characteristics of the Moon’s Reflection Troop centered around Tang Wol-ah.

“Everything about the Moon’s Reflection Troop is top secret. However, I will reveal just one thing.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon wore a meaningful smile.

“Currently, the Moon’s Reflection Troop consists of five members, excluding the leader.”

People’s faces turned pale.

No one present was unaware of the meaning of the number ‘five’. The image of the five *goe-in* [strange individuals] who had plunged the indoor training hall into terror was still vivid in everyone’s minds, as was the ear-splitting *gwigeokseong* [ghostly wail].

“Are there any questions?”

Tang Hwa-ryeon asked. A middle-aged Outer Clan Lord raised his hand to indicate his intention to speak.

“There is something I don’t quite understand. Ah, of course, I am not raising an objection.”

In terms of age and bloodline distribution, the Outer Clan Lord was superior. However, the Outer Clan Lord spoke to Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryeon with respectful courtesy.

“There is a clause stating that the Tang Clan prioritizes cooperation with the ‘Seowon (書院)’ [private academy] as its top external policy. Does this refer to the Seowon Gate where Gongja [Master] Son is?”

Thanks to Tang Hwa-ryeon’s complete lack of explanation about Son Bin, his origin had become ‘Seowon Gate’ before anyone knew it. However, Tang Hwa-ryeon did not feel the need to correct it.

“That is correct, the place where Gongja Son is.”

The Outer Clan Lord flinched at Tang Hwa-ryeon’s use of ‘Gongja Son’.

“Ahem. I see. The name is a bit unusual for a martial arts clan…….”

He hadn’t realized it when he only heard it, but seeing it written down, it was unmistakably a Seowon that taught writing and Confucian principles. As an Outer Clan Lord who had never heard of such a place, he couldn’t help but be taken aback.

“Gongja Son’s Seowon is not large in scale and is hardly known in the *gangho murim* [martial world],” Tang Hwa-ryeon said in a clear voice.

“However, its influence is not to be underestimated. As you saw, Nam-ak No-gun and Shin-ui are there, and the disciple of Hwanghak Jin-in and the Young Palace Lord of Bukhae are together.”

Several people nodded. They had personally confirmed their existence at the banquet the previous night.

“Also, this is something I am only telling you, but the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon Daehyeop [Great Hero], and the former Overlord Sword, Hyeonryeon Wi Daehyeop, also have considerable ties to this place.”

“Gasp.”

No one remained unsurprised by the names of Namgung Cheon and Hyeonryeon Wi. The people in the Great Council Hall were surprised, but on the other hand, they quickly inferred one fact.

“Then, the greetings from the Namgung Clan and the Emei Sect…….”

The beginning of all this was when Namgung Cheon of the Namgung Clan and Beopheo Sinni of the Emei Sect sent greetings to Tang Wol-ah. Tang Hwa-ryeon smiled meaningfully at the Outer Clan Lord’s words.

“I’m sorry, but that’s not something I can disclose.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon’s refusal gave an even stronger impression than a simple affirmation. It meant that there were behind-the-scenes stories that could not be revealed even in the Great Council Hall.

“However, it is clear that Gongja Son’s Seowon is at the center of all this. Also, from now on, Tang Un-yeong will be in charge of the relationship and all communication with the Seowon. Is that alright with you?”

“I will gladly do so.”

Old Madam Tang Un-yeong nodded. This was a matter that Tang Un-yeong herself had to take care of, no less. It was clear how seriously the new leadership of the Tang Clan viewed this matter.

“Could it be a secret *munpa* [sect] that practices *biinbujeon ilinjeonseung* [not teaching unqualified individuals, passing down to only one person], or something like that?”

*Biinbujeon* (非人不傳) means not passing on knowledge to those who are not qualified, and *ilinjeonseung* (一人傳承) means passing it on to only one person.

There are many such hidden *munpa* among the mysterious *munpa* unknown to the *gangho murim*, and some of them possess excellent martial arts. Of course, it is very rare.

“Well.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon smiled slightly.

“I don’t know, but at least it’s not *ilinjeonseung*. From what I saw, there were quite a few… audacious talents receiving teachings. It can’t be called closed off; rather, it seems they have a tradition of always keeping their doors open.”

Those were the little ones who called the Chief Strategist of the Tang Clan ‘Sister’ at their first meeting. Tang Hwa-ryeon’s word ‘audacious’ was not a lie, at least. She wasn’t sure if they were talented, though.

“Then where is the Seowon Gate…….”

“That’s difficult for me to say.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon said with a gentle smile.

“If you wish, ask the Moon’s Reflection Troop Leader directly.”

The middle-aged man who asked the question’s expression hardened. It meant that it was a confidential matter that could not be disclosed even in the Great Council Hall.

“Ahem, well, it’s not like I particularly want to know…….”

“Will there be any problems?”

One of the elderly *jangro* [elders] asked.

“Like the Wudang or Emei Sect, the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan will never stand still after having something taken from them. Bukhae, in particular, is famous for its rough temperament. If we become enemies with them because of this…….”

“You seem to be misunderstanding something.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon’s clear voice interrupted the *jangro*’s words. The *jangro* frowned.

“I guarantee that when this is known, what they will feel is not anger, but…”

Tang Hwa-ryeon’s red lips drew a curve. Her face was filled with unwavering conviction.

“Rather, it will be a sense of crisis.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon’s face was radiant as she spoke.

“You gave away too much.”

Nam-ak No-gun grumbled.

“To openly show your face at the banquet, aren’t you being too generous without getting anything in return?”

“Please don’t say that.”

Old Madam Tang Un-yeong comforted No-gun in a gentle voice.

“You gained the Tang Clan by attending the banquet once, so it’s not a bad deal, is it?”

Tang Un-yeong said, ‘You gained the Tang Clan’. It was a statement that would have horrified others if they had heard it, but it was not a big deal for No-gun.

“It’s because it’s not cost-effective. Now that I’ve shown my face once, they’ll ask me to do it again, won’t they?”

“As long as I’m here, there won’t be any more troublesome things like that.”

“Besides the Tang Clan.”

Tang Un-yeong’s eyes widened at No-gun’s words.

“Besides the Tang Clan?”

“Do you know how jealous that Thunder Sword is? And what about the Overlord Sword? If they hear this story, they’ll probably rush over and pester me about why I’m not going to their families? And that Pil-ong from the Zhuge Clan is also very perceptive.”

“I, is that so?”

Old Madam Tang Un-yeong gave an awkward smile. She had heard that Son Bin had ties to the former Overlord Sword, the former Thunder Sword, and Pil-ong, but she doubted it would be to that extent.

But it wasn’t the same for others.

“Um…….”

Sa Su-yeon cautiously spoke.

“If you have time, could you visit Bukhae again…….”

Bang.

The door opened, interrupting Sa Su-yeon’s words. The person who opened the door was Seo-rin. Seo-rin, who had entered energetically, flinched without knowing why at Sa Su-yeon’s gaze.

“What is it?”

Son Bin asked. Seo-rin answered cheerfully.

“Shin-ui’s grandfather said he’s ready, and he told me to come.”

“Really? Let’s go.”

No-gun got up and moved towards the door. Seo-rin quickly followed beside him, and Tang Un-yeong, Son Bin, Sa Su-yeon, and even Tang Wol-ah, who had been silent, rose from their seats.

The preparations to treat the five children, who were called the *saryeongdae* [poisonous squad], were finally complete.

Step, step.

The group, led by No-gun and Seo-rin, passed through the side gate and headed to the detached building located right next door.

As Tang Hwa-ryeon had assured, it was cleverly hidden by trees and buildings, making it difficult to even notice its existence from the outside.

The group approached a building in the detached building. Even before the door opened, a strong medicinal scent stung their noses. Seo-rin, who had a sensitive sense of smell, was already covering her nose.

“Have you come?”

Shin-ui looked back at the group and said. In the large room, there were five beds. And on those beds, five children were lying as if asleep.

“Welcome, Grandmother.”

Tang Hwa-ryeon, who had already arrived, paid her respects to Tang Un-yeong. Tang Un-yeong responded to her greeting with a smile.

“Ugh.”

Seo-rin frowned, covering her nose, unsure of what to do. Son Bin said it was okay for her to go out, but Seo-rin shook her head.

“I want to be with *hyeong* [older brother].”

Son Bin stroked Seo-rin’s head. Then, he approached the beds and looked at the children lying there.

“They’re young.”

The children, wearing simple *chimeui* [patient gowns] and closing their eyes, still looked grotesque.

However, their features were clearly those of children to anyone who looked at them. He couldn’t tell their age, but were they at most twelve years old?

“I tried to stabilize them as much as possible, but this is the limit.”

Shin-ui clicked his tongue and said. His face was clearly tired.

“From the beginning, it seems they recklessly poured in too much poison to create *dog-in* [poisonous individuals]. Not only could their bodies not handle it, but the flow of *gi-hyeol* [qi and blood] was even more messed up because the poison energies clashed with each other. Moreover, the five children are all in different conditions. Tsk.”

Shin-ui’s expression of clicking his tongue clearly showed how serious the condition of the five children was.

“Still, they’ve improved beyond recognition compared to before. Thank you so much for your hard work.”

Son Bin paid his respects. However, Shin-ui’s expression was complicated.

The *doggi* [poisonous energy] they possessed was too turbid. Shin-ui had worked hard for five days to stabilize it to this extent.

However, as Shin-ui said, this was the limit. If things continued like this, the children’s lives would not last more than a few days.

“Can you do it?”

Shin-ui asked Son Bin. Son Bin nodded.

“I will.”

“But…….”

Shin-ui trailed off. Son Bin knew what he was worried about. Turning his head towards Tang Wol-ah, Son Bin said.

“With Wol-ah Sojeo’s [Young Miss] inner strength and *doggigong* [poisonous energy art], we can save these children.”

Tang Wol-ah silently nodded. Shin-ui, who had been looking at Tang Wol-ah and Son Bin, sighed softly.

“I understand. Come here.”

At Shin-ui’s words, Tang Wol-ah and Son Bin took their places on either side of the beds. Then, Son Bin first held up a large *chim* [acupuncture needle] in his hand.

This was a special *chim* that Shin-ui had requested from the Tang Clan. It was said to be able to withstand Tang Wol-ah’s *doggigong* and the children’s *doggi*, and Shin-ui was inwardly surprised when he saw Tang Hwa-ryeon bring it, as it was so precious.

“Wol-ah Sojeo?”

Son Bin called out to Tang Wol-ah, who was standing still without holding the *chim*. Tang Wol-ah raised both hands and slowly brought them to her face.

Rustle.

Tang Wol-ah removed the *myeonsa* [veil]. Her face was revealed, and her silver hair cascaded down like waves.

“Hoo.”

Tang Un-yeong let out a soft exclamation. It was the first time she had seen Tang Wol-ah’s bare face.

She had thought she would be a *miin* [beautiful woman], but the beauty of Tang Wol-ah that was revealed before her eyes was so striking that it felt unreal. She thought it was comparable to even Young Palace Lord Sa Su-yeon.

Tang Hwa-ryeon was already teary-eyed. She felt that her younger sister had become more beautiful and mature than when she had seen her at the Cheongwon Seowon, and tears welled up without her knowing.

Thud.

Tang Wol-ah held the *chim* in her hand. The long *chim* sparkled in silver at her white fingertips.

“Are you alright?”

Son Bin asked at her determined spirit. Tang Wol-ah’s red lips barely moved.

“Anytime.”

Woo-oong.

As if answering those words, a green aura began to surround the *chim* in Tang Wol-ah’s hand. The force was so great that even Shin-ui, as well as the people watching, hardened their expressions.

“Just do as I lead you.”

“Yes.”

Tang Wol-ah said as if it were too natural. There was not a single tremor in her voice.

Son Bin half-closed his eyes, slowly calmed his breathing, and looked down at the child.

Whoo-oong.

It was like a turbulent, rising sea.

Vortices of destructive and deadly *gi* [energy] appeared and disappeared randomly, colliding with each other or surging with increased force.

Each time, the life force of the children gradually lost its strength.

Ping.

For a moment, it revealed its form.

It seemed like nothing compared to the other forces, but Son Bin could tell.

That was the core that connected and continued all these flows.

Shwii.

Son Bin’s *chim* moved. And without deviating from it in the slightest, Tang Wol-ah’s *chim*, surrounded by a green aura, pierced towards the same spot.

Ching.

There was no sound. But at the moment the tips of the two people’s *chim* touched, Tang Wol-ah felt as if she heard a sound. Like a clear chime ringing from the end of the eaves in a quiet forest.

‘Ah.’

In that moment, Tang Wol-ah forgot everything. It was a time when not even an inch of carelessness was allowed, but even that awareness completely disappeared.

A strange sensation of being herself but not herself.

But Tang Wol-ah was not afraid.

Because she realized that she was in the middle of a huge flow.

Like her mother’s embrace, which remained in her hazy memories, a large and arrogant flow that gently and warmly embraced Tang Wol-ah.

In the strange sensation, Tang Wol-ah raised her eyes.

The huge flow was flowing from none other than Son Bin.

Trickle.

A drop of tear flowed from Tang Wol-ah’s eyes.

At that moment, Tang Wol-ah and Son Bin’s *chim* pierced the core of the chaos.

The core was broken too easily without even resisting. And the next moment, tremendous *gyeoktong* [intense pain] rushed towards Tang Wol-ah.

Bang!

It was as if something was exploding in Tang Wol-ah’s head. The children’s turbid *doggi* and inner strength, having lost their central core, began to run wild.

Combined with the mysteries of the *doggigong* they had instinctively learned, it invaded Tang Wol-ah with a force like a storm.

“Wol-ah Sojeo!”

Sa Su-yeon shouted in surprise. For a moment, Tang Wol-ah seemed to flinch, then she raised her head and widened her eyes. In an instant, Tang Wol-ah’s eyes showed only the whites.

“Wol-ah!”

“Sister!”

Not only Old Madam Tang Un-yeong but even Seo-rin shouted in surprise. Tang Hwa-ryeon had completely lost her color.

“Wol-ah!”

It was when her older sister Tang Hwa-ryeon was about to reach out to Tang Wol-ah.

“No! If you touch her now, everyone will die!”

Nam-ak No-gun stopped Tang Hwa-ryeon’s hand. No-gun could tell what the situation was now.

“Believe.”

No-gun said with a firm gaze. His face was also stiff, but his eyes were unwavering.

“If it’s Bin, he’ll do something. Definitely.”

But there wasn’t much time. Now, Tang Wol-ah’s whole body was starting to tremble.

“Ah, ah…….”