A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 371

371. Aftermath

The Tang Clan, the leading martial arts family [Murim] in Sichuan, was perpetually bustling.

While they outwardly projected an image of serene and dignified aristocracy, the reality within was a constant flurry of activity. Every event, big or small, was treated with utmost importance, making each day feel like a battle.

Even during the idyllic spring season, when flowers bloomed and birds sang, the clan’s internal affairs kept everyone on their toes. This was especially true for Dang Hwa-ryun, the young and highly competent Chief Strategist.

“So, any reply yet?”

Tang Clan Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryun’s beautiful eyebrows furrowed as she spoke, her tone sharp. At a young age, she wielded considerable power within the Tang Clan, a rising star embodying the generational shift within the Jianghu Murim [the martial arts world].

Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryun, known for her striking beauty, decisiveness, and bold 추진력 (drive), was in her office, overseeing a major event poised to shake the Jianghu Murim.

“Not yet.”

The subordinate replied promptly.

“The first reply from Seojang will arrive in approximately fifteen days.”

As soon as she confirmed that the snow on Daesul Mountain had melted and the 차마고도 (Ancient Tea Horse Road) had reopened, Dang Hwa-ryun dispatched a 마방 (caravan).

She had considered sending them through the snowy passes in the dead of winter, but even Dang Hwa-ryun wouldn’t demand the impossible.

A month had passed since the first 마방 (caravan) departed.

She instructed them to send a letter as soon as they reached the first village in Seojang, regardless of whether they had news of Sohn Bin’s group. Therefore, it would take at least fifteen more days for a reply to arrive.

Of course, Dang Hwa-ryun understood the timeline. Yet, she couldn’t help but inquire about it daily, driven by a deep-seated anxiety.

“I understand.”

Dang Hwa-ryun gestured dismissively, and the subordinate bowed and left the office. Leaning back in her chair, Dang Hwa-ryun tapped the armrest with one hand.

‘Even though there’s no real reason to worry…’

Her eagerness for news of Dang Wol-ah wasn’t solely due to her affection for her younger sister. While that was the primary reason, 냉철한 현실 판단 (a cool-headed assessment of reality) also played a significant role.

‘If this situation drags on, it won’t bode well.’

Dang Hwa-ryun recalled her conversation with 탈혼도 (Talhondo) regarding the results of the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs) meeting. It was a crucial matter that compelled Dang Hwa-ryun to visit 서원 (Seowon) herself, despite her demanding schedule.

* * *

“The atmosphere was, predictably, tense.”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) said in an indifferent tone, holding a teacup. Normally, he would have preferred a 술잔 (wine cup), but he yielded to Hwa-sa’s insistence that it was too early in the day for alcohol, especially with the children present.

At first glance, he appeared to be a 순한 남편 (docile husband) attentive to his young wife. However, the 탈혼도 (Talhondo) before Dang Hwa-ryun was the de facto leader of the 강북 사파 연합 (Gangbuk Demonic Alliance), the 흑사련 (Black Snake Union), and a key figure in the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs).

“Is that because 무제 (Mu-je) and the former 옥룡 (Okryong) have resurfaced?”

Dang Hwa-ryun asked quietly, also holding a teacup.

“Well, that’s part of it, but…”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) replied, toying with his teacup.

“Many also feel they’ve been 당했다 (played/taken for a ride).”

“당하다 (Played)?”

“It’s like this. In the first place…”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) tapped the table with his finger and elaborated.

“무제 (Mu-je) and 옥룡’s (Okryong) scheme was designed to make people believe that the era of 천외사성 (Four Heavenly Kings) was over.”

To be precise, it was ‘the former 옥룡 (Okryong),’ but 탈혼도 (Talhondo) simply referred to him as ‘옥룡 (Okryong).’ Dang Hwa-ryun understood what 탈혼도 (Talhondo) was implying.

“After spreading false rumors, they immediately 정리 (eliminated) the dangerous elements that had been 잠복 (lying in wait) as soon as they surfaced?”

“Exactly.”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) shrugged.

“In reality, 비검 공손극 (Bi-geom Gongson-geuk) lost his 내력 (inner energy), and the 공손세가 (Gongson Clan) 몰락 (collapsed). 천수검 (Cheonsu-geom), once considered a hidden threat, won’t dare to return anytime soon, and even the 황실 (Imperial Family) has been compelled to withdraw from the 강호 무림 (Gangho Murim), right?”

Dang Hwa-ryun offered a wry smile.

“It’s a consequence, but it’s true.”

As 탈혼도 (Talhondo) pointed out, all the 혼란 (chaos) and 위협 (threats) that arose after the end of the 천외사성 (Four Heavenly Kings) era had been perfectly 정리 (resolved).

And then, 무제 (Mu-je) and the former 옥룡 (Okryong), who were presumed dead, reappeared, leading some masters of the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs) to feel they had been ‘당했다 (duped).’

“The 무당파 (Wudang Clan) and 아미파 (Emei Clan), who were attempting to align with the 황실 (Imperial Family), even declared 봉문 (seclusion) for three years, right? It’s not unreasonable to think they got 제대로 한 방 먹었다 (hit hard/taken a beating).”

“But Sohn Gong-ja [a respectful title] is the one who resolved all those issues. It’s 짜 맞춘 (twisting) the results to fit their preconceived notions to assume that, especially since 무제 (Mu-je) and the former 옥룡 (Okryong) didn’t directly intervene to 정리 (resolve) it.”

“People believe what they want to believe, anyway.”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) said, taking another sip of his tea, then frowning and setting it down. He seemed to have realized again that it wasn’t 술 (alcohol).

“Did anyone question 무제 (Mu-je) leaving to the west with 순랑 (Soon-rang) or Sohn Gong-ja?”

Old Madam Dang 운영 (Dang Un-yeong) asked quietly. 탈혼도 (Talhondo) shook his head.

“Not really. 무제 (Mu-je) was always one to come and go as he pleased, and 옥룡 (Okryong) is too unpredictable. It’s a bit 불안 (concerning) that Sohn Gong-ja and Old Man No-gun aren’t here, but…”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) looked at Old Madam Dang 운영 (Dang Un-yeong) as he spoke.

“서원 (Seowon) is here, and Madam Dang is here, so where would the two of them go? They’ll be back soon enough.”

Old Madam Dang 운영’s (Dang Un-yeong) cheeks flushed slightly. Dang Hwa-ryun smiled wryly at the sight.

‘Indeed.’

서원 (Seowon), which Sohn Bin cherishes so deeply, is here. Moreover, Dang 운영 (Dang Un-yeong), the lifelong love of No-gun, is here, making it unimaginable that the two of them wouldn’t return.

Ultimately, it means there’s nothing to worry about regarding the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs).

“By the way, how’s the situation in 강북 무림 (Gangbuk Murim) these days?”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) asked as if it had just occurred to him. Dang Hwa-ryun chuckled softly.

“Is the owner of 강북 흑사련 (Gangbuk Black Snake Union) asking me that, of all people?”

“Not much news reaches us.”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) shrugged.

“As you know, the 강북 사파 (Gangbuk Demonic Faction) isn’t in great shape, is it? They lack connections with the upper echelons and don’t have a dedicated intelligence network… It’s 완전 운 (pure luck) that they’ve survived this long, you know?”

He 엄살 (exaggerated), but the 흑사련 (Black Snake Union) is by no means a 집단 (group) to be dismissed. It’s never just luck that allows the 사파 (Demonic Faction) to maintain its 세력 (power) in the 강북 무림 (Gangbuk Murim), which is dominated by 정파 (Orthodox Faction) and 명문 세가 (prestigious aristocratic families).

“As you well know.”

Dang Hwa-ryun sighed softly and replied.

“Right now, the 강북 무림 (Gangbuk Murim) is entirely focused on who will fill the 빈자리 (vacancy) left by the 몰락 (fallen) 공손세가 (Gongson Clan).”

The 공손세가 (Gongson Clan), which formed one pillar of the 오대세가 (Five Great Families), has vanished. The 이권 (interests) they left behind were so substantial that even the 사대정파 (Four Great Orthodox Sects) or 거대 세가 (massive aristocratic families) 침을 삼킬 (were salivating).

“Moreover, the 관부 (government office), which would typically demand all sorts of 뇌물 (bribes) from behind the scenes, has completely 손을 놓고 (let go). It seems they’ve decided to 방관 (stand by) for the time being when it comes to the affairs of the 무림 (Murim).”

Recently, the 조정 (court) was pursuing an unprecedentedly 관용적인 (tolerant) policy towards the 무림 문파 (Murim sects).

Of course, nothing has officially changed. But it was true that there was 확실히 (definitely) less 간섭 (interference) than before.

Even the act of 노골적인 (blatantly) demanding 뇌물 (bribes) in the name of 관부’s (government office) 인가 (approval) or 묵인 (acquiescence) when 세력 (power) changed, as in the past, did not exist.

“Everyone must be 들썩들썩 (stirring). 사파 (Demonic Faction) or 정파 (Orthodox Faction), big or small, 상관없이 (regardless).”

“Yes. Because of that, there are many who don’t know their 주제 (place).”

Dang Hwa-ryun raised a 조소 (mocking smile) with a sharp look.

The 공손세가 (Gongson Clan) 몰락 (fell), and the 막대한 (huge) 이권 (interests) became 무주공산 (unclaimed territory). Moreover, the 관부 (government office) was 짐짓 못 본 체하며 (pretending not to see) and 뒷짐을 지고 (standing with their hands behind their backs), so it was natural that those who dreamed 헛된 꿈 (vain dreams) sprang up like 우후죽순 (bamboo shoots after the rain).

“But everything will be as 정해진 대로 (predetermined). There are 결코 예외 (no exceptions).”

Everything in the 강호 무림 (Gangho Murim) is 정해진다 (determined) by the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs). And that 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs) is 평정 (pacified) by Sohn Bin alone. That was another, but the most important, result of 황산 혈사 (Hwangsan Bloodshed).

At 황산 (Hwangsan), Sohn Bin said, ‘외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs) is doing as you please,’ but he clearly 반대의 뜻 (opposed) by saying, ‘What is there to have to the point of 흘리면서 (shedding) 형제의 피 (brother’s blood)?’ [Why spill brothers’ blood over such trivial matters?]

However, the 사대정파 (Four Great Orthodox Sects), 공손세가 (Gongson Clan), and 제갈세가 (Jegal Clan) did not follow. As a result, the 공손세가 (Gongson Clan) 몰락 (fell), and 무당 (Wudang) and 아미 (Emei) among the 사대정파 (Four Great Orthodox Sects) 봉문 (closed) for three years. Even the 제갈세가 (Jegal Clan) was able to save their lives with the help of Dang Wol-ah and Hwa-sa.

Moreover, as it became clear that the 황실 (Imperial Family) was behind it, the 문파 (sects) and 세가 (families) that did not follow Sohn Bin’s 뜻 (will) lost 명분 (justification) and 힘 (power). In fact, Sohn Bin took 주도권 (the lead) of the 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs).

The 남궁세가 (Namgoong Clan), 혁련세가 (Hyeokryun Clan), and 당문 (Tang Clan) agreed that the 모용세가 (Moyong Clan) would fill the 빈자리 (vacancy) of the 공손세가 (Gongson Clan), and the 제갈세가 (Jegal Clan) did not 반대 (oppose) it. It was also because they were 약속받았 (promised) a considerable 이권 (interest), but in fact, it was accurate to say that they could not 반대 (oppose) it.

The same was true of the 사대정파 (Four Great Orthodox Sects), which would never have 좌시 (stood idly by) in 평소 (normal times). 아미 (Emei) and 무당 (Wudang) 봉문 (closed), and 소림 (Shaolin) and 화산 (Hwasan) 침묵 (remained silent). So Dang Hwa-ryun’s words that ‘it will be as 정해진 대로 (predetermined)’ were accurate.

“I see.”

탈혼도 (Talhondo) nodded with a 담담한 (calm) expression. In essence, Dang Hwa-ryun’s words amounted to ‘nothing significant is happening.’

“But don’t be too 방심 (complacent).”

It was just a 의례적인 (ceremonial) word that seemed to pass by. But Dang Hwa-ryun did not miss the 빛 (light) that flashed in 탈혼도’s (Talhondo) eyes.

“The 외사 (Council of Foreign Affairs) is like a 숲 (forest) full of 호랑이 (tigers). Even if it looks 조용 (quiet) on the outside, it’s a place where 살 (flesh) can be 찢기고 (torn) and 피 (blood) can 흐를 (flow) at any time. Especially when the 숲’s (forest) 주인 (owner) is 자리를 비운 (away) like now.”

Dang Hwa-ryun agreed with that. Isn’t that what 무림 (Murim) is? A dark 숲 (forest) teeming with 호랑이 (tigers), 늑대 (wolves), 승냥이 (jackals), and 여우 (foxes).

In this place, there are no 영원한 (eternal) friends or 적 (enemies). No one knows when, what, or how things will change. Or maybe the world itself is like that.

후룩 (Slurp).

탈혼도 (Talhondo) drained the 잔 (cup) in one gulp and frowned at the 식어 버린 (cold) 차 (tea). He probably 착각 (mistook) it for 술 (alcohol) again.

“와하하하 (Wahahaha).”

“꺄하하 (Kyahaha).”

The children’s laughter echoed, and 혁련세화 (Hyeokryun Se-hwa), Hwa-sa, and the children spilled out into the 정원 (garden). The 수업 (class) was over.

“I’m done!”

Hwa-sa waved at 탈혼도 (Talhondo) as if she was happy. 탈혼도 (Talhondo) raised his hand 무심하게 (indifferently) to acknowledge Hwa-sa, as if he was 귀찮 (annoyed).

It was a 심드렁한 (lukewarm) reaction, but the 흐뭇한 (pleased) smile spreading across 탈혼도’s (Talhondo) face could not be 숨길 (hidden).

At the sight, Dang Hwa-ryun unknowingly made an 어이없는 (absurd) expression. Then, she quickly realized her 무례 (rudeness) and hurriedly 고쳤 (corrected) her expression, but 탈혼도 (Talhondo) was already 헛기침 (clearing his throat) and 피하고 (avoiding) Dang Hwa-ryun’s 시선 (gaze).

* * *

Dang Hwa-ryun, still replaying the 대화 (conversation) she had with 탈혼도 (Talhondo), suddenly frowned.

‘But why isn’t this 남자는 (man) sending a 서찰 (letter)?’ [Why isn’t *he* sending a letter?]

To be exact, it’s not that he’s not sending it, but 못 보낸 (unable to send) it. Because the 길 (road) to Daesul Mountain is 막혔 (blocked) in winter, and the 북쪽 길 (north road) leading to the 곤륜산맥 (Kunlun Mountains) is too 멀기 (far).

But knowing that doesn’t 풀리는 (relieve) Dang Hwa-ryun’s 답답한 마음 (frustrated heart).

‘If you took my 소중한 (precious) 여동생 (younger sister), you should at least 전해야 (deliver) 소식 (news) quickly! He suddenly 떠나 (left) with 무제 (Mu-je), saying he was closing the 나락의 문 (Gate of Hell), and he’s 맡기질 않나 (entrusting) me with 처치 곤란한 (difficult to handle) 짐덩이 (burdens) like 경희 공주 (Princess Gyeong-hui).’ [And then he leaves me with a difficult burden like Princess Gyeong-hui!]

Dang Hwa-ryun, who suddenly 떠올린 (recalled) Sohn Bin’s 얼굴 (face), felt 짜증 (annoyance) rising without her knowing.

‘Anyway, this 무책임한 (irresponsible) 남자는 (man)…’ [This irresponsible man…]

아득 (Gritting).

Dang Hwa-ryun unknowingly 갈았다 (gritted) her teeth.

‘How much more 고생 (suffering) do you have to 시켜야 (make me do) to be 만족 (satisfied)?’ [How much more suffering do you have to put me through to be satisfied?]

Of course, it wasn’t that he was deliberately trying to make Dang Hwa-ryun 고생 (suffer). Sohn Bin would protest that it was 억울 (unfair) if he heard it, but it was also a natural 불만 (complaint) for Dang Hwa-ryun, who was 떠맡은 (taking over) the 뒤처리 (cleanup).

It was when Dang Hwa-ryun was 두드리고 (tapping) the 의자 손잡이 (chair handle) 신경질적으로 (nervously), 떠올리며 (recalling) Sohn Bin’s 얼굴 (face).

“총괄군사님 (Chief Strategist).”

A 나지막한 (low) 목소리 (voice) of a 수하 (subordinate) was heard from outside the 집무실 (office). And the 소리 (sound) that followed made Dang Hwa-ryun’s 눈 (eyes) 번쩍 (flash).

“There’s a 회신 (reply) from the 마방 (caravan) sent to 서장 (Seojang).”

“벌써 (Already)?”

That was 확실히 (definitely) strange. It was an 이상한 일 (odd thing) that a 회신 (reply) would come 벌써 (already) when there were still 보름 (fifteen days) left, unless the 마방 (caravan) had 돌아온 (returned) from the 중간 (middle).

But if that were the case, they wouldn’t say ‘a 회신 (reply) has come,’ but ‘the 마방 (caravan) has 돌아왔다 (returned).’ [the caravan has returned].

“어서 들어와 (Come in quickly).”

Anyway, a 회신 (reply) has come. Dang Hwa-ryun 벌떡 (jumped up) from her 자리 (seat) as if she couldn’t 기다릴 (wait).

“And the 내정 부총관 (Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs) says there’s a 급보 (urgent report).”

“급보 (Urgent report)?”

At that 순간 (moment), Dang Hwa-ryun had a 직감 (feeling) that something 큰 일 (big), very 귀찮고 번거로운 일 (annoying and cumbersome), had 터졌 (happened).

덜컹 (Thump).

The 문 (door) opened, and the 부총관 (Deputy Chief) in charge of 내정 (internal affairs) 급히 (hurriedly) 들어왔다 (came in). He 허둥지둥 (flusteredly) said, even forgetting the 예 (etiquette) for the 총괄군사 (Chief Strategist).

“Ch-, Chief Strategist. H-, Horses, horses…”

“Horses?”

총괄군사 (Chief Strategist) Dang Hwa-ryun frowned and 반문 (asked back). But the 부총관 (Deputy Chief) 삼키더니 (swallowed) 침 (saliva) and 외쳤다 (shouted) in a 큰 소리 (loud voice).

“말들이 (Horses) 몰려오고 (are swarming) 있습니다 (are)!”

순간 (Momentarily), it was 어쩔 수 없는 일 (unavoidable) that Dang Hwa-ryun made a 황당한 (dumbfounded) 표정 (expression). But the 부총관 (Deputy Chief) 외쳤다 (shouted) as if 답답하다는 듯 (frustrated).

“말들이 (Horses) are 몰려오고 (swarming) to our 당문 (Tang Clan)! It’s to the point where the 끝 (end) is 안 보일 (not visible)!”

Despite the 내정 부총관’s (Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs) 절규 (desperate cry), Dang Hwa-ryun’s 일그러진 (distorted) 고운 (beautiful) 눈썹 (eyebrows) 펴질 (unfold) 줄을 몰랐다 (didn’t know). Because his 말이 (words) 도무지 (utterly) 이해가 가지 않았기 (didn’t make sense).

밑도 끝도 없이 (Without rhyme or reason) 무조건 (unconditionally) 말들이 (horses) 몰려오고 (are swarming)? It was to the point where she thought the 내정 부총관 (Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs) was 취해 (drunk) on 낮술 (daytime alcohol).

바스락 (Rustle).

그때였다 (It was then). The 수하 (subordinate) who 들어온 (came in) 뒤따라 (following) 전했다 (handed) Dang Hwa-ryun a 얄팍한 (thin) 한 장 (one sheet) of 서찰 (letter). It was a 회신 (reply) from the 마방 (caravan) sent to 서장 (Seojang).

서찰 (Letter)을 받아 든 (received) Dang Hwa-ryun 고개를 돌렸다 (turned her head) towards the 내정 부총관 (Deputy Chief of Internal Affairs). If she didn’t know what was going on, it was enough to 나누면 (divide) if there were too 많다면 (many).

“진정하고 (Calm down), 일단 (first) 강구해 (devise) a 방안 (plan) to 분산 수용 (disperse and accommodate) as 가능한대로 (possible).”

“네 (Yes), 네 (yes)! 알겠습니다 (I understand).”

The 부총관 (Deputy Chief), who 급히 (hurriedly) 고개를 숙인 (bowed his head), 즉시 (immediately) 뛰어나갔다 (ran out). Dang Hwa-ryun, who was 쳐다보던 (looking at) that 화급한 (urgent) 모습 (appearance) 눈살을 찌푸리며 (frowning), 눈짓을 했다 (gestured) to the 수하 (subordinate).

“파악하고 (Figure out) 정확히 (exactly) 무슨 일인지 (what’s going on) and 보고하도록 (report back).”

The 수하 (subordinate) 고개를 숙여 (bowed his head) 예를 표하고는 (expressed his respect) 즉시 (immediately) 물러났다 (stepped back).

달칵 (Click).

The 집무실 문 (office door)이 닫히고 (closed), Dang Hwa-ryun 펼쳤다 (unfolded) the 회신 (reply) from 서장 (Seojang). The 인장 (seal) 찍힌 (stamped) on the 서찰 표면 (letter surface) was 분명했다 (clearly) that of the 마방 (caravan) she sent 보름 전 (fifteen days ago).

바스락 (Rustle).

Dang Hwa-ryun 읽어 내려갔다 (read down) the 서찰 (letter) with a 두근거리는 마음 (fluttering heart). The 내용은 (content) was 간단했다 (simple).

도중 (On the way) to 서장 (Seojang), they 만났다 (met) a 마방 행렬 (caravan procession) 출발한 (departed) from there, and they had 소식 (news) about ‘대신장 (Great Commander)’ Sohn Bin and his 일행 (group).

‘대신장 (Great Commander)?’

Dang Hwa-ryun 눈살을 찌푸릴 (frowned) at the 명호 (title) she was 듣는 (hearing) 생전 처음 (for the first time).

“총괄군사님 (Chief Strategist).”

The 수하 (subordinate), who 명한 (ordered) to 파악 (figure out) the 상황 (situation), 나지막이 (quietly) 말했다 (said) from outside the 집무실 (office). Dang Hwa-ryun 걸어가 (walked) to the 입구 (entrance) and 열었다 (opened) the 문 (door).

벌컥 (Bang).

The 수하 (subordinate) 고개를 숙여 (bowed his head) 예를 표한 후 (expressed his respect) 말을 이었다 (continued speaking).

“The 마방 (caravan) from 서장 (Seojang) says they have 드릴 말씀 (something to say) to the 총괄군사님 (Chief Strategist). They are 반드시 (insisting) on 뵈어야 (meeting) directly and are 지금 (now) 기다리고 (waiting) at the 정문 (main gate).”

‘서장에서 온 마방 (The caravan from Seojang)’ was 분명했다 (clearly) the 마방 (caravan) mentioned in the 서찰 (letter) she was 지금 (now) 읽은 (reading). They have 소식 (news) about Sohn Bin’s 일행 (group).

“알았어 (I understand).”

Dang Hwa-ryun 바로 (immediately) 옮기려 (move) 걸음을 (her steps). But the 수하’s (subordinate) 말 (words) was 아직 (not yet) 끝난 (finished).

“And 함께 (together) with them, 서장’s (Seojang’s) 말이 (horses) 아주 많이 (very many) 도착했습니다 (have arrived).”

Dang Hwa-ryun, who 멈춘 (stopped) 걸음을 (her steps), 돌아보았다 (looked back) at the 수하 (subordinate). The 수하 (subordinate) 말했다 (said) 분명하게 (clearly) 하면서도 (while) 정중 (respectfully).

“The 세가 정문 주변 (area around the aristocratic family’s main gate) is 이미 (already) 가득합니다 (full) with 말들 (horses). 거기다 (Moreover), there are 아직 (still) 많다고 (many) 말들이 (horses) 도착하지 않은 (not arrived), so it seems we need to 강구해야 (devise) 대책 (measures) 속히 (quickly).”

Dang Hwa-ryun 살짝 (slightly) 눈살을 찌푸렸다 (frowned). But it didn’t take 그리 오랜 시간이 (long) to 내리는 (make) 결론 (a conclusion).

“최대한 (As much as possible) 분산 수용 (disperse and accommodate), and 연락을 취해 (contact) 다른 마방들과 (other caravans) 인근의 (nearby) 목장에 (ranches) 상황을 파악해 봐 (check the situation). They’ll all have 여유 (space) in their 마구간 (stables) since it’s 아직 (not yet) 본격적인 (full-scale) 상행 (commercial activity).”

The 수하 (subordinate) 고개를 숙여 (bowed his head) 받들었다 (received) 명 (the order).

“가지 (Let’s go).”

Dang Hwa-ryun 빠르게 (quickly) 옮겨 (moved) 발걸음을 (her steps) 향했다 (towards) 정문 (the main gate).

대체 (How) 말이 (horses) 많기에 (many) 이 난리인가 (this chaos) 싶기도 했지만 (she wondered), 서장 마방 (Seojang caravan)이 가지고 왔다는 (brought), 사랑하는 (beloved) 동생 (younger sister) 당월아 (Dang Wol-ah)와 그 남자 (that man), 손빈 (Sohn Bin)에 대한 (about) 소식이 (news) 무엇보다 (more than anything) 궁금했기 (was curious) 때문이다 (because).

(작가의 말 (Author’s words))

하늘에서 말똥이 빗발친다 (Horseshit rains from above)! Horseshit rains from above!