A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 323

323. Returning Home (2)

Sun Bin and his group were heading to Hangzhou in a large carriage, provided by Su Jiayeon of Yewon [a powerful information and merchant organization] in Beijing.

The carriage was changed as a precaution, but the horses were not, due to Old Gun’s stubborn insistence.

Even now, Old Gun held the reins, gazing at the sturdy horses from the Northern Sea with a satisfied smile.

Clatter, clatter.

“So, how are the children in Hangzhou doing?”

Sa Su-yeon asked. Sun Bin smiled as he read a letter.

“The children are doing well. Some even say they wish we wouldn’t go home,” he said.

The letter from Hangzhou was sent by Hyeonryeon Se-hwa, informing him of what had happened since Sun Bin’s departure.

Sun Bin smiled, thinking of the children.

“And things are progressing well with the Cheongwon residents. Everyone was delighted to be invited by the Hyeonryeon family and the Hoyeon Martial Arts Center. The Soeun Merchant Group also helped.”

Before leaving for Beijing, they had decided to evacuate Cheongwon in preparation for any possible emergencies. Though now, that was no longer necessary.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, Sun Bin looked surprised as he read the letter.

“What is it?”

Sa Su-yeon asked, but Sun Bin shook his head.

“It’s nothing much. The owner of Jeongryeon Smithy initially refused to relocate. He said he’d rather hammer iron than go play…”

The owner of Jeongryeon Smithy was the blacksmith who had first sold Sun Bin a steel sword.

“And then?”

“Lady Se-hwa seemed to have anticipated that. So, she left a message for him: ‘If you visit, Young Master Son will show you another sword.’”

Hyeonryeon Se-hwa couldn’t possibly not know the Jeongryeon Smithy blacksmith’s personality, whom Sun Bin also knew. She had prepared for any potential problems.

Her message had a definite effect, to the point where the indifferent blacksmith was now urging them to hurry.

“A sword to show…”

Sa Su-yeon questioned, and Sun Bin smiled.

“Probably ‘Breaking Moon’.”

At those words, Sa Su-yeon nodded. Saja Hyuk’s sword, ‘Breaking Moon,’ was currently hanging in Sun Bin’s room. ‘Breaking Moon’ would certainly pique the blacksmith’s interest.

“She apologizes for not asking for permission in advance and asks me to tell Lady Su-yeon.”

“It’s alright.”

Sa Su-yeon smiled.

“If it’s the person who inspired Sowol, Wol-ah’s sword, it’s worth showing him.”

The blacksmith of Jeongryeon Smithy was inspired by seeing the Divine Sword Baekro and poured all his energy into creating a new sword, which he entrusted to Sun Bin.

That sword, which used the handle that Maeng Ho had, was gifted by Sun Bin to Dang Wol-ah, and that was the ‘Sowol’ that Dang Wol-ah possessed.

Swish.

Even inside the carriage, Dang Wol-ah, who was still drawing something, raised her head and nodded in agreement.

Sowol, which could withstand Dang Wol-ah’s venomous energy that even most famous swords couldn’t endure, was truly a remarkable sword. Of course, it had even greater significance to Dang Wol-ah.

“Now that we’ve informed them that the matter in Beijing has been successfully resolved…”

Sun Bin said, folding the letter. He had already contacted Yewon in Hangzhou.

“Now the people of Cheongwon can travel in peace.”

Among the people of Cheongwon, of course, was Sun Bin’s uncle, Gajeong. The Hoyeon Martial Arts Center and Soeun Merchant Group would take good care of them.

“So, is it all over now?”

Sa Su-yeon asked. Sun Bin smiled and nodded.

“Yes. Fortunately.”

“I see.”

Sa Su-yeon’s smiling face was so beautiful it was dazzling. He wanted to keep looking at her forever, but soon Cheonghye Satae next to her asked Sa Su-yeon something.

She probably didn’t understand something from the conversation Sa Su-yeon and Sun Bin had just had.

Clatter, clatter.

Sun Bin looked up at the passing scenery. It was just an ordinary road, but now, that ordinariness was something to be grateful for.

“But why does Beijing food use so much seasoning? Even Guangzhou food, which is by the southern sea, is more bland.”

Hwa-sa tilted her head, and Seo-rin shrugged.

“I don’t know? Hey, did you try that in Guangzhou? A huge abalone with just minced garlic steamed on top. It’s really delicious, even without any other seasoning.”

“Re, really?”

Hwa-sa immediately swallowed hard and turned to look at Talhondo.

“Hey…”

“Yeah.”

Talhondo answered with a short word. Hwa-sa smiled brightly, and a smile spread across Talhondo’s lips as well.

However, Talhondo subtly turned his head and coughed, feeling Shin-ui’s gaze next to him.

Dang Wol-ah, regardless, was still frowning at the difficult painting with a thin brush in her hand.

Sa Su-yeon was talking with Cheonghye Satae, Old Gun was holding the reins and looking at the glossy horses of the Northern Sea with a satisfied expression.

Clatter, clatter.

Feeling the regular vibrations of the swaying carriage, Sun Bin leaned back comfortably.

A soft smile spread across Sun Bin’s lips.

* * *

Sun Bin and his group, who had left Beijing, arrived in Hangzhou.

Old Gun, Sun Bin, and Seo-rin had emotional reunions with the children, and Sa Su-yeon and Hwa-sa also smiled and hugged the children.

The five children, including Hong-ah, were busy telling Dang Wol-ah about what had happened in Hangzhou.

Cheonghye Satae of the Emei Sect couldn’t hide her bewildered expression at the sight of the children, who were over thirty years old, and the Twelve Blades of the Northern Sea surrounded Sa Su-yeon with the children, chanting “Young Lady” in delight.

Meanwhile, Shin-ui handed a small gift he had bought in Beijing to Oruhan. After hesitating for a moment, Oruhan accepted Shin-ui’s gift.

“Thank you for your efforts for the Young Lady.”

At Oruhan’s words, Shin-ui replied in a calm voice.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Even so, you didn’t hesitate to come a long way for the Young Lady, so it’s enough for me to thank you.”

Only then did Shin-ui reluctantly nod. Seeing that, Old Gun muttered as if grumbling.

“Should I see that as lovey-dovey too…”

Old Madam Dang Un-yeong, who was next to him, smiled.

“It reminds me of when we were young. We were really passionate back then. Day and night…”

Old Gun’s face turned bright red.

“W, when did we do that? Young-mae [term of endearment for a younger woman].”

Staring at the stammering Old Gun, Dang Un-yeong said.

“We did. We fought to the death with swords every day.”

“Ah, that…”

“Then what were you thinking about, Sun-rang [a playful way to call Old Gun]?”

Old Madam Dang Un-yeong smiled. Old Gun coughed and looked away, while Janggang Eowong approached Sun Bin.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Janggang Eowong said with wrinkled eyes.

“You’ve done a great job.”

It was a blunt tone, but the heart contained was softer than anything else.

Sun Bin bowed his head.

“Thank you.”

Janggang Eowong nodded with a satisfied expression, while Hyeonryeon Se-hwa smiled at Sun Bin.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Her gently smiling face was a sight that the expression ‘graceful’ suited perfectly.

“No. It’s really fortunate that Lady Se-hwa is here.”

Sun Bin said sincerely. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have been able to rest assured about the children and the affairs of Cheongwon. Hyeonryeon Se-hwa smiled with a bright face.

Meanwhile, Hwawol, the owner of Yewon, approached Sun Bin.

“You’ve worked hard, Young Master Son.”

“Not at all. Rather, I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for your help.”

After politely responding to Hwawol’s courtesy, Sun Bin said.

“How was Princess Gyeonghui?”

“There was nothing special. She was mostly in her residence, and she sometimes took walks in the garden, but it didn’t feel very good.”

Sun Bin nodded.

“May I see the Princess for a moment?”

“It should be fine now.”

After looking at the group and the children, who were still talking non-stop, with a satisfied smile, Sun Bin headed to Princess Gyeonghui’s residence with Hwawol.

Rustle, rustle.

The detached palace was still full of greenery. Passing through a garden full of flowers and greenery, where birdsong could be heard from time to time, Sun Bin felt a sense of comfort.

“I received a letter from Biyeon a few days ago.”

Suddenly, Hwawol said.

“Not as the person in charge of Cheongmyeongjeong [Yewon’s branch] or the deputy head of Yewon, but as my friend Biyeon’s letter. Really…”

Hwawol’s voice, as she quietly walked, was slightly trembling.

“…I was really happy.”

The letter was sometimes sad and painful, but it was so happy that it filled her heart.

Hwawol hugged the letter containing Biyeon’s heart and cried all night. But she didn’t tell Sun Bin. She didn’t even look back at Sun Bin.

Sun Bin also didn’t look at Hwawol. Hwawol, who had been walking silently like that, stopped in front of the small door that opened between the gardens, leading to Princess Gyeonghui’s residence.

“Thank you, Young Master Son.”

Hwawol said with a gentle smile, her eyes still showing tears. Sun Bin also responded with a smile.

“You’re welcome.”

Hwawol bowed deeply to Sun Bin and stepped back. Sun Bin stepped through the door.

Thud.

Princess Gyeonghui was out in the garden. She was sitting in a small pavilion, and the maid Hanga and Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin, who never left her side, were with her.

When Sun Bin appeared, Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin tensed slightly, and the maid Hanga, who was sitting next to Princess Gyeonghui, stood up.

“May I have a moment?”

Sun Bin asked, bowing lightly. Only then did Princess Gyeonghui turn to look at Sun Bin.

“Yes.”

Princess Gyeonghui, who answered quietly, turned to look at Hanga and Wi Gajin. As the two were about to bow and step back, Sun Bin said.

“You can stay. No, it would be better if you two knew as well.”

Although she had a puzzled expression, Princess Gyeonghui nodded. Hanga and Wi Gajin stood behind Princess Gyeonghui.

Amidst the two people’s tense gazes, Sun Bin gave an awkward smile.

“May I sit down?”

Only then did Princess Gyeonghui realize that she had not yet offered Sun Bin a seat. But she rather smiled wryly.

“Why don’t you sit if you want to? It’s your right.”

Sun Bin chuckled. Even in this situation, her voice was full of life. It wasn’t in a good way, though.

“I’ll take that as permission.”

With those words, Sun Bin sat down.

After a moment of silence, Sun Bin quietly opened his mouth.

“…The Heaven-Turning Scheme…”

Sun Bin said, looking up at Princess Gyeonghui.

“…is no more.”

Princess Gyeonghui’s expression hardened. But it disappeared in an instant. Rather, the expressions of Hanga and Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin, who were standing behind her, were stiffer.

“…How did you do it?”

The Emperor was not someone who would easily back down. Sun Bin’s words were not something that Princess Gyeonghui, who knew that well, could easily accept.

“I explained it calmly. The Heaven-Turning Scheme is by no means a good choice for the peace of the world. And…”

Sun Bin answered quietly.

“…for the reign of the next generation as well.”

With just those words, Princess Gyeonghui immediately understood Sun Bin’s intentions. Princess Gyeonghui’s expression changed.

“Don’t tell me, you…”

“I don’t do such things.”

Sun Bin quickly said before her thoughts went to extremes.

“I simply advised the Emperor as a scholar. I told him what is right to do for the people of the world.”

Submitting memorials was the legitimate right of a scholar-official. The reason why this action, which at first glance seemed to infringe on the authority of the absolute monarch, was tolerated was clear.

Even if it went against the Emperor’s will, it was ultimately for the peace of the world, and it was also in line with the legitimacy of the imperial family, which was called the Son of Heaven.

“So.”

Princess Gyeonghui asked with a stiff expression. No matter how you package it, politics is ultimately a confrontation of power. Sun Bin’s words must have been a fatal blow to the Emperor.

“What happened?”

There was no way that Emperor would just back down. Princess Gyeonghui expected that he would have demanded something to be convinced.

“You have been granted the title of Princess.”

“Me?”

That was definitely a sudden remark. Why was the topic of Princess Gyeonghui’s own title suddenly coming up in this situation? Moreover, a princess?

“And…”

Sun Bin paused for a moment.

“It has been handled as if you have gone to the North.”

For a moment, Princess Gyeonghui, no, Princess Gyeonghui was silent. But it didn’t take long for her, who was intelligent, to realize everything.

“Ha, hahaha.”

Princess Gyeonghui laughed. But that laughter was hollow.

The Emperor had handed over Princess Gyeonghui. Sun Bin had made his intention to make peace clear by accepting her.

“In the end, it has come to this.”

She received the noblest title of princess.

But what did it matter? Now she had become a non-person in the imperial family.

“It’s over, just like that.”

“No.”

Princess Gyeonghui flinched at Sun Bin’s immediate objection. Sun Bin’s clear eyes were staring straight at her.

“The imperial family is not the whole world. The time you have lived, and that narrow space, is not the whole world.”

Sun Bin said in a firm voice.

“The world is much wider than that. And there are many good people in the world, people with whom you can communicate sincerely.”

The tears of Hwawol, whom he had seen a little while ago, came to his mind. So did the gazes of the children, who always looked at Sun Bin with sparkling eyes.

“So don’t think it’s over. It certainly won’t be easy…”

That was how Sun Bin’s own heart was. After losing Saja Hyuk and parting with Sa Su-yeon, it seemed like nothing was left for him.

But the children came at Sun Bin without regard for his circumstances. And Sun Bin could see that he was standing up again.

“For you, it’s just the beginning.”

Princess Gyeonghui’s eyes trembled. But soon Princess Gyeonghui bit her lip.

“Hmph.”

Princess Gyeonghui said, turning her head.

“I know that even if you don’t say it.”

Rustle.

Suddenly, Princess Gyeonghui stood up. It meant that she didn’t want to talk anymore. But Sun Bin still had something to say.

“Um, and.”

Princess Gyeonghui looked down at Sun Bin. Sun Bin hesitated a little and said.

“It’s about the Imperial Son-in-law…”

Princess Gyeonghui quickly realized what Sun Bin was trying to say.

Sending the princess to the North meant forming a blood relationship through marriage. Naturally, there was an Imperial Son-in-law.

“Ah, right. When is it?”

Princess Gyeonghui smiled softly. But that was definitely sarcasm.

“Excuse me?”

This time, Sun Bin was puzzled. Princess Gyeonghui replied to Sun Bin, who was looking up, with a cold smile.

“The wedding. Is it you? My Imperial Son-in-law.”

If it was an Imperial Son-in-law that the Emperor would acknowledge, there was no one other than Sun Bin. Princess Gyeonghui’s judgment was correct.

Sun Bin hesitated for a moment. But avoiding it wouldn’t solve the problem.

“Yes. That’s right.”

In the end, Sun Bin readily admitted it.

But he couldn’t bring himself to face Princess Gyeonghui. It was for the sake of the greater good, but he had decided on Princess Gyeonghui’s marriage partner without her consent.

“Ah, but it’s okay. That’s just a formality. So, in reality…”

Sun Bin, who was raising his head, noticed that Princess Gyeonghui’s eyes were fiercely raised.

Sun Bin quickly lowered his gaze. After an awkward silence, Princess Gyeonghui said quietly.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Princess Gyeonghui’s voice was mixed with faint criticism and ridicule.

“But that doesn’t mean you’re going to let me go, right?”

He couldn’t let Princess Gyeonghui go now. If she were to return to the imperial family, although the imperial family would not accept her, the problem would become quite complicated.

“That’s right for the time being. But once the situation calms down a bit…”

Once the world became quiet, he no longer intended to restrain Princess Gyeonghui.

It was the most considerate answer Sun Bin could give, but Princess Gyeonghui’s eyes were raised even higher than before.

Thud.

Princess Gyeonghui’s white hand hit the pillar of the pavilion. Sun Bin was startled and looked up, and Princess Gyeonghui looked at Sun Bin with a cold gaze and said.

“I’m going in. Is that okay?”

“Ah, yes.”

“And from now on.”

Princess Gyeonghui said, looking straight at Sun Bin.

“Look me straight in the eye and tell me. Got it?”

Perhaps because of the force in her eyes, Sun Bin nodded without realizing it.

Princess Gyeonghui wore her usual confident smile. But it quickly disappeared.

Whirr.

Princess Gyeonghui turned her body so quickly that the wind blew, and headed to her residence. The maid Hanga and Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin bowed to Sun Bin.

Sun Bin reflexively returned the two people’s greetings. And the two followed Princess Gyeonghui into her residence.

After Princess Gyeonghui and the two disappeared, Sun Bin finally let out a long sigh.

One of the most difficult tasks was over.

“Okay, now.”

Talking to himself, Sun Bin put strength in his knees and stood up.

“Shall we go back to the academy?”

Come to think of it, it took a really long time.

From Huangshan to Hangzhou, to Beijing, and back to Hangzhou.

Now that long journey was over, and he could return to the academy.

Sun Bin suddenly let out a chuckle.

‘Returning home… No, is it going back to the countryside?’

Strictly speaking, it was returning home.

But it was also not wrong to say that he was going back to the countryside, as he was going down the road abandoning his former self, who had dreamed of passing the civil service examination with the highest score.

Sun Bin walked leisurely through the garden full of flowers and greenery. The sunlight was shining particularly beautifully through the green leaves.