A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 231

231. Ripple Effect

The continent is vast and wide.

As such, the differences in regional culture are significant. While numerous dynasties rose and fell north of the Yangtze River, focusing on conquest and politics, the people of Jiangnan [the region south of the Yangtze River in China, known for its wealth and culture] pursued wealth, namely money.

Among them, Guangdong Province, especially Guangzhou, was a central city that controlled the logistics south of the Yangtze River and a leading commercial city in the continent, filled with merchants who would ‘sell even their country without hesitation if it meant making money.’

“The Hyeokryeon Clan is adopting a daughter and holding a ceremony?”

The elderly head of a merchant group, dressed in splendid attire, frowned slightly.

His Gwanghae Merchant Group, based in Guangzhou, was a reasonably established group that had built up trust over a long period, even if it was a small to medium-sized group.

“Yes, and…”

The middle-aged chief manager lowered his head and continued. However, the head merchant spoke as if there was nothing more to hear.

“I understand. Send a gift of appropriate value as always. Is the adoption ceremony grand?”

“No, they say it will be modest. But…”

“Is that so? Good, since I’m busy. Make sure to include a congratulatory letter with my name on it with the gift.”

The head merchant, accustomed to such matters, handled the situation simply without a second thought. However, the chief manager still had something to say.

“The person adopting the daughter is Lord Hyeokryeon Gong.”

“What?”

For a moment, the elderly head merchant looked blank. And the moment he understood the chief manager’s words, he jumped up from his seat.

Thump.

The expensive chair made of wood imported from abroad was pushed back with a sound, but the head merchant didn’t care.

“Lord Hyeokryeon Gong? The direct descendant, that Lord Hyeokryeon Gong?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

The chief manager nodded emphatically. The head merchant couldn’t hide his surprise.

“No, that elder retired a long time ago, didn’t he? But now he’s adopting a daughter?”

“So I checked through various channels, and it is definitely true.”

“Who is it? Whose daughter are they adopting?”

“They say it’s the daughter of Hoyeon Martial Arts School in nearby Cheongwon.”

“Hoyeon Martial Arts School, Hoyeon Martial Arts School… Ah, are you talking about Jeokcheol Hall?”

The head merchant, who had been searching his memory for a moment, recalled the master of Hoyeon Martial Arts School.

Hoyeon Martial Arts School was not a significant place for the head merchant. However, he remembered hearing that the master, Jeokcheol Hall, was known as a spirited martial artist.

“Heo.”

At the chief manager’s words, the head merchant let out another sigh. He still looked incredulous.

“Lord Hyeokryeon Gong’s adopted daughter? I thought they were just going to spend their old age together peacefully, but what wind has blown…”

“They say that Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi, the previous head of the clan, arranged it himself.”

“Aha.”

The head merchant immediately understood the situation.

“If Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi arranged it, it makes sense. Their relationship of trust was exceptionally strong.”

The chief manager nodded in agreement with the head merchant.

“That’s right. There was even a saying that Hyeokryeon Wi was on the outside, and Lord Hyeokryeon Gong was on the inside.”

When Paegeom Hyeokryeon Wi [Paegeom means ‘Tyrant Sword’] was the head of the clan, the person who took charge of the clan’s internal affairs was Hyeokryeon Gong.

There was even a saying that there would have been no Paegeom if there had been no Hyeokryeon Gong, as Hyeokryeon Gong steadfastly supported Hyeokryeon Wi, who was only focused on martial arts.

In terms of lineage, Hyeokryeon Wi was his nephew, but Hyeokryeon Gong was older, so there were rumors that the former Paegeom Hyeokryeon Wi treated him like an older brother.

“Wait.”

The elderly head merchant frowned slightly.

“At this time, Lord Hyeokryeon Gong is adopting a daughter? This is no ordinary matter.”

“That’s right. Right now, the Guangzhou merchant groups are all trying to find a way to attend the adoption ceremony…”

“No, that’s not it.”

The head merchant interrupted the chief manager.

“Lord Hyeokryeon Gong’s connections are extraordinary.”

“That’s right. They say there’s no one in Guangdong Province who hasn’t received his help.”

The chief manager nods at the obvious statement.

“His influence within the clan cannot be ignored either. No, rather, there’s nothing that can’t be done if he says just one word.”

The chief manager realized what the head merchant was trying to say.

“Are you saying that Lord Hyeokryeon Gong is trying to intervene in the clan? But he retired a long time ago. Besides, he has no descendants, so his actual power within the clan is…”

“He has one now.”

The head merchant said, looking at the chief manager. The chief manager looked as if he had been caught off guard.

“No, but this is an adopted daughter, and a woman…”

Perhaps because he was quite flustered, the chief manager committed the discourtesy of referring to a person as ‘this.’ But neither of them realized it.

“What’s important is the justification, the name.”

The head merchant said in a firm voice.

“What does it matter if she’s a woman or an adopted daughter? The moment she becomes Lord Hyeokryeon Gong’s daughter, she becomes the rightful heir to inherit Lord Hyeokryeon Gong’s name.”

The chief manager swallowed hard.

The head merchant’s point was correct. Whether it was a daughter or a son, or even an adopted daughter, it didn’t matter.

The moment her name was listed in the Hyeokryeon Clan, she would become Hyeokryeon Gong’s legitimate successor. And she would inherit Hyeokryeon Gong’s enormous connections and influence intact.

“But, still, because she’s a woman, she’ll naturally leave the Hyeokryeon Clan when she gets married…”

“They’ll take in a son-in-law.”

The head merchant said casually. And the chief manager couldn’t refute it.

If the head merchant was right, this was a bigger deal than he thought. It wasn’t just a matter of an adopted daughter entering the Hyeokryeon Clan.

“Ha, but then Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Ho, the current head of the clan, would object…”

“Didn’t you say that the former Paegeom arranged it?”

The chief manager was speechless again.

No matter how much it was Hyeokryeon Gong’s will, the current head of the clan would not welcome this move. But if the former Paegeom was behind it, the story would be different.

Perhaps it was agreed upon from the beginning. It was time for the current head of the clan, Hyeokryeon Ho, to make a bold move for reform, and more than anything, he needed time to be taught the martial arts of the former Paegeom.

“If it goes well, it’s as if the system of Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi and Lord Hyeokryeon Gong is being recreated.”

The head merchant muttered as if he was thinking the same thing. The chief manager swallowed hard without realizing it.

“But she’s an outsider who has no connection to the Hyeokryeon Clan. I don’t know if she can handle such an important role after suddenly becoming an adopted daughter…”

“Tsk, tsk.”

The head merchant clicked his tongue.

“Sometimes, the position makes the person. And who would hand over the real power right away? They’ll take their time to build it up slowly.”

It wouldn’t be impossible if there were former Paegeom Hyeokryeon Wi and Lord Hyeokryeon Gong. No, rather, it should be called a natural course of events.

“Adoption ceremony… I must attend this no matter what.”

The head merchant muttered with a serious expression.

The Hyeokryeon Clan is one of the two major powers of Jiangnan martial arts and an absolute power that no merchant in Guangdong Province can defy.

Compared to the government office, which is far from the central government and almost treated as a frontier, it is, in some ways, a tangible force that one can actually feel.

“But this adoption ceremony does not invite guests separately. They say they will hold it as modestly as possible, but right now, other merchant groups are all in a frenzy trying to find a way to attend.”

The head merchant frowned at the chief manager’s words.

“Modestly, my foot. That means they’re only inviting special people!”

Saying they’ll do it modestly is just an excuse. This is no different from openly saying that they will only gather people who are close to them.

In other words, whether or not one attends this adoption ceremony is a measure of how close one is to the Hyeokryeon Clan.

“This won’t do. Contact the Hyeokryeon Clan immediately. And try to find a way to attend the adoption ceremony no matter what!”

“Th, that’s not so easy.”

The chief manager wiped away sweat as he replied.

“The former head of the Hyeokryeon Clan, as well as the parties involved, are so firm in their intentions that they say there is no way to arrange a seat. Rumor has it that you have to be one of the Five Great Merchant Groups to attend this adoption ceremony.”

The head merchant’s face contorted. But soon, a new idea came to mind.

“Wait, did you say that the person becoming the adopted daughter is the daughter of Hoyeon Martial Arts School?”

“Yes. It’s Miss Jeok Se-hwa of Hoyeon Martial Arts School.”

“Then if we contact them…”

“It won’t work.”

The chief manager cut off the head merchant’s words.

“Other merchant groups have already gone to Hoyeon Martial Arts School with gifts, but they say the master literally turned them away at the door.”

“No, why? Was the gift they brought too small?”

The chief manager gave a bitter smile.

“It’s not that, but he reportedly got furious, saying, ‘Do you intend to make me a piece of trash who sells his daughter for wealth?’ One merchant was even grabbed by the scruff of his neck and thrown out of the martial arts school…”

“Heo.”

The head merchant clicked his tongue.

For a martial artist like Jeokcheol Hall to grab someone by the scruff of their neck meant he was serious. And it also meant that it was okay to grab the scruff of the neck of a merchant group of considerable size.

“This is the first time I’ve seen someone in Jiangnan refuse money.”

“Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi, the former Paegeom, did the same.”

The chief manager quickly added to the head merchant’s words.

“That’s because he has so much money.”

The head merchant frowned and stroked his beard.

“Anyway, this is a problem. We have to participate in this adoption ceremony somehow.”

The chief manager gave a bitter smile. Isn’t the problem that ‘somehow’ isn’t working?

“Instead of this, should we try proposing a marriage?”

“Well, I don’t know. No matter how good young master is, it’s a bit much to propose a marriage to the Hyeokryeon Clan…”

The other party is no longer Hoyeon Martial Arts School, but the Hyeokryeon Clan. The head merchant nodded at the chief manager’s words.

“Tch, anyway, we can’t just sit idly by. Try to pull strings in every way possible to attend the adoption ceremony. If all else fails, try to at least deliver a gift in the name of the merchant group.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The chief manager bowed his head and received the head merchant’s order. But his expression was not very bright.

Because he already knew that the chief managers of the leading merchant groups throughout Guangzhou had received the same order. And that they had already failed.

* * *

“Hyeokryeon Gong?”

Dang Un-yeong, who was holding a teacup, asked back in a surprised voice. Jeok Se-hwa gave an awkward smile.

“Yes.”

“Why? Do you know him?”

No-gun asked Dang Un-yeong. Old Madam Dang Un-yeong let out a hollow laugh.

“How could I not know him? He’s one of the two pillars that supported the previous generation of the Hyeokryeon Clan, known as Hyeokryeon Wi on the outside and Hyeokryeon Gong on the inside.”

“Is that so? But why haven’t I heard of him?”

No-gun frowned.

“He’s not someone with a high reputation in Gangho [the martial arts world]. But among the people of the Five Great Clans, he’s even more famous than Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi, the former Paegeom.”

“More than Paegeom? Why?”

“Since he took charge of internal affairs, the Hyeokryeon Clan has never been financially shaken even once. When you think about it, Hyeokryeon Wi was able to devote himself to martial arts because he was there.”

Dang Un-yeong smiled bitterly as she fiddled with her teacup.

“So much so that there was even a saying that ‘even if you set up a straw man as the new head of the clan, the Hyeokryeon Clan will not collapse as long as Hyeokryeon Gong is holding on.’ Really, he’s a thorn in the side of the other clans.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. On the surface, he’s a gentle and quiet person, but he never promotes himself, and above all, he values principles. His long-term vision is also excellent.”

“Sounds like a stuffy and boring guy.”

No-gun said casually. He seemed inwardly displeased that Dang Un-yeong was praising another man. But Dang Un-yeong didn’t notice it.

“In a way, yes. He’s been in charge of the Hyeokryeon Clan’s internal affairs and has never had a scandal. He seems to be overly lacking in presence, but he certainly gets his work done, and in a way, he’s like an ideal model of a manager.”

“Those kinds of guys are mostly picky, aren’t they?”

“Not really. As I said, he has a gentle personality, and he’s the kind of person who doesn’t seem like he could ever get into a fight with anyone.”

“He’s probably dark inside.”

Dang Un-yeong, who was speaking, finally noticed something strange. Seeing No-gun’s grumbling appearance, Dang Un-yeong smiled.

“I don’t know about that. But he’s not as cool as Soon-rang.”

“Cough.”

No-gun coughed at the sudden remark.

“So I don’t really like him. I like manly people like Soon-rang.”

“Oh my, this person. Why are you suddenly saying such things… Cough.”

No-gun frowned as if he was displeased. But the corners of his lips were raised, so he didn’t seem to be in a bad mood. His appearance was somehow cute, and a smile naturally appeared on Dang Un-yeong’s face as well.

“So, is the rumor true?”

Sa Su-yeon, who had been listening, said to Jeok Se-hwa. Jeok Se-hwa gave an awkward smile.

“That’s…”

“Rumor?”

At Son-bin’s question, Sa Su-yeon continued.

“Yes. Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi reportedly praised Miss Se-hwa as ‘someone who can be entrusted with important tasks.’ They say everyone at the escort agency or martial arts school knows about it.”

People’s gazes turned to Jeok Se-hwa. Jeok Se-hwa gave an awkward smile.

“So So-so said that. Teacher Se-hwa will become a very important person in the Hyeokryeon Clan.”

“That’s not true.”

Jeok Se-hwa said.

“Actually, my father was very upset because of those rumors.”

“So, is it not true?”

Old Madam Dang Un-yeong said. Jeok Se-hwa shook her head.

“It’s true that he wrote that in the letter. But the ‘important task’ that Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi mentioned is probably not the kind of thing people are thinking of.”

“Why? If she’s the adopted daughter of Hyeokryeon Gong, there’s a good chance that’s the case.”

At Dang Un-yeong’s question, Jeok Se-hwa smiled.

“That’s not true. The important things to Great Warrior Hyeokryeon Wi are not things like the status of the clan, but martial arts and family.”

No-gun immediately understood Jeok Se-hwa’s words.

“That’s right. The only things that stuffy guy cares about besides martial arts are his family.”

The proposal of former Paegeom Hyeokryeon Wi had no other meaning. He wanted to entrust Jeok Se-hwa with the important task of taking care of the old age of Hyeokryeon Gong and his wife, whom he especially cherished.

“Anyway, it seems like that guy saw you very well. Well, he’s always been drawn to spirited martial artists.”

Jeok Se-hwa’s confident attitude in Hangzhou seemed to have made a deep impression on him. Perhaps he liked the way she took care of the children at the Seowon [a type of private educational institution in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty].

“So, in the end, nothing has changed?”

Jeok Se-hwa nodded at No-gun’s words.

“Yes. But…”

Jeok Se-hwa couldn’t finish her words and hesitated a little. No-gun immediately reacted to her appearance.

“But what? Is the Hyeokryeon Clan looking down on you? Which guy is it?”

“Is that true? Who is it?”

Even Shin-ui frowned and said. Jeok Se-hwa quickly shook her head.

“No, it’s not like that. It’s not like that at all. It’s just that, in fact, more guests than I thought will be coming to this adoption ceremony.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Dang Un-yeong nodded as if she understood. When No-gun looked at her, Dang Un-yeong said.

“It’s the adoption of a daughter by Hyeokryeon Gong, of all people. Of course, other clans and merchant groups will be interested.”

Jeok Se-hwa quietly added an explanation.

“Both Lord Hyeokryeon Gong and I wanted to hold the adoption ceremony modestly, but from the Hyeokryeon Clan’s point of view, we couldn’t refuse all the guests.”

“That’s right. If the other party is one of the Five Great Clans or the Five Great Merchant Groups, it would be a matter of face to refuse them unconditionally. It could even arouse unnecessary suspicion.”

“Yes, that’s what they said. But the problem is that I think I’ll have to take on the role of welcoming those guests.”

“Why you?”

No-gun asked back as if he didn’t understand, but Dang Un-yeong nodded instead.

“I see. You mean guests of your age have come?”

“What are you talking about?”

No-gun asked Dang Un-yeong again. Dang Un-yeong smiled and explained to No-gun.

“The connection between families is ultimately due to personal connections. That’s why both merchant groups and martial arts families value friendship. And wouldn’t it be easier for people of the same age to build friendships with each other if possible? There will probably be young people among the congratulatory envoys.”

“Hmph, so it’s the clan’s unique culture of sticking together, is that it?”

“That’s right. But it’s also the best way to strengthen vested interests. If you have a friendship, difficult things can be easily achieved.”

No-gun’s expression was clearly displeased. But Dang Un-yeong seemed to take it for granted. It was a familiar thing to her since she was young.

“So, what’s the problem?”

Son-bin asked in a soft voice. It seemed like Jeok Se-hwa had a difficult situation, but the story seemed to be going too far to the side.

“I’m a little… because I’m going to be dealing with unfamiliar people alone. Actually, I was going to accompany Cho-bin, but an urgent escort mission came up, so she couldn’t make time.”

Cho-bin refers to Jeok Se-hwa’s friend, Eun Cho-bin. She is currently the official head of Soeun Escort Agency.

“Is that so? Then Wol-ah or… no, Su-yeon can go.”

No-gun, who was looking at Dang Wol-ah, who was wearing a veil, soon turned his gaze to Sa Su-yeon. But Old Madam Dang Un-yeong shook her head.

“It won’t work.”

Dang Un-yeong, who spoke to No-gun, turned to look at Jeok Se-hwa.

“As you know, it’s not good if it’s known that we’re here.”

“Why?”

No-gun’s question represented Son-bin’s curiosity. Dang Un-yeong continued with a serious expression.

“Cheongwon is too close to Guangzhou. Anyone would be uncomfortable with a knife under their chin. If it becomes publicly known that we are here, it could become a problem between clans.”

Former Paegeom Hyeokryeon Wi doesn’t care. No-gun and the others also do not care. They are essentially people from the Oesa [outsiders or unaffiliated individuals in the martial arts world].

But if it becomes a problem for the clan, apart from the individual, the story changes greatly.

Dang Un-yeong turned her head and looked at Dang Wol-ah and Sa Su-yeon.

“This goes for Wol-ah and you too.”

“Me?”

Sa Su-yeon asked back with a puzzled expression, but Dang Un-yeong gave a bitter smile.

“You’re the young palace lord of the Bukhae Ice Palace.”

“Ah.”

Sa Su-yeon seemed to realize it only then. It’s not that she forgot that she was the young palace lord, but at the Seowon, that had no meaning. Rather, she was happier to be called a pretty older sister teacher by the children.

“Then who…”

At Sa Su-yeon’s words, No-gun glanced at the people.

“Seo-rin is the highest-ranking member of the Wudang Sect, Su-yeon is the young palace lord of the Bukhae Ice Palace, Wol-ah is the Dangmun Worin Daeju [a high-ranking position within the Dangmun clan], this guy is too old…”

‘This guy’ is Shin-ui. Shin-ui gave a bitter smile, but No-gun’s gaze eventually stopped at one person. That person was Son-bin.

“There’s no one but you?”

“Me?”

Son-bin was a little embarrassed. But No-gun said with a playful expression.

“What to do? The truth is, you’re the worst, but the other guys don’t know that. If you go, that Paegeom guy will like it too, and there won’t be any unnecessary bugs swarming around Se-hwa, right?”

“That’s right. As expected, it’s Soon-rang.”

Dang Un-yeong nodded in agreement with No-gun’s explanation. Her face was also full of smiles.

Son-bin didn’t know what was going on. Anyway, after listening to the story, it seemed that he was the only one who could do it.

“Is it okay if I accompany you?”

Son-bin asked Jeok Se-hwa. Anyway, it was an important adoption ceremony. He honestly wanted to help if there was anything he could do.

“Yes.”

Jeok Se-hwa answered in a voice that was a little subdued, unlike her usual self, but clear.

“I understand.”

Son-bin nodded.