A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 375

375. Seeing Is Believing 3

Everyone was silent.

Old Madam Tang Unyeong, Hyeonryeon Sehwa with teary eyes, and even Sinui, who frowned, were all the same. They were momentarily speechless before the letters from Son Bin and his group on the table.

“Come and see.”

At Tang Hwaryeon’s words, the Tang Clan’s chief strategist, the three finally approached the table.

“Are these all letters sent by Young Master Son and his companions?”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa, who had lightly dabbed away her tears, asked.

There were a total of eight letters on the table. Three were in Son Bin’s handwriting, and there was one each from No Gun, Seo Rin, Sa Suyeon, and Tang Wora, as well as a letter in an unfamiliar script.

“Yes. Actually, the first thing that arrived wasn’t a letter but a gift from the Potala Palace to Daesinjjang [a title roughly translating to ‘Great Divine General’ or ‘Great Protector’].”

“A gift?”

“Daesinjjang?”

Tang Hwaryeon sighed softly. Come to think of it, she hadn’t yet told them the full story.

“It’s a long story, but that man… no, Young Master Son helped people again. He apparently saved Seojang [a region in Tibet] from the threat of magical creatures. So, in Seojang, they call Young Master Son ‘Daesinjjang.’”

The group was bewildered by the excessively brief explanation, but Tang Hwaryeon didn’t care.

“Details later. Anyway, the Potala Palace of Seojang sent an enormous amount of gifts as a token of their gratitude. Thanks to that, we knew that Young Master Son and his group were safe. But not long after, strange rumors began to circulate in Seojang.”

“Rumors?”

Tang Hwaryeon bit her lip slightly.

“The rumor that Daesinjjang and his group annihilated the Demonic Sect and died together.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong’s face hardened. Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s expression turned completely pale.

“But at the same time as the rumors, letters sent by Young Master Son also arrived.”

“Then…”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa tried to say something, but Tang Hwaryeon raised her hand to stop her.

“Listen first. I immediately sent someone to Seojang to confirm the truth of the rumors. The result is this.”

Tang Hwaryeon lightly pointed to a document with her slender, long finger.

“To sum it up, the death of Daesinjjang and his group is already accepted as a *fait accompli* [an accomplished fact; something that is already done and cannot be changed] in Seojang.”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa looked at the document at her fingertip. Was it just her imagination that the letters looked particularly frightening?

“And?”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong was not looking at the document. She was staring straight into Tang Hwaryeon’s eyes.

“That’s not the end of it, is it?”

Tang Hwaryeon nodded.

“Yes. Just before they returned with this report, I received another letter. This is it…”

Tang Hwaryeon’s slender, white finger moved to point to another letter.

“It’s from Young Master Son.”

“Then Young Master Son is…”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa said in a hurried voice. However, Tang Hwaryeon shook her head.

“That’s not it. This letter said that they arrived safely in Seojang. It’s just that it arrived late because they took a large detour along the northern route through the Kunlun Mountains [a major mountain range in Asia].”

Darkness descended on Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s face again. That meant that Son Bin and his group were dead after all.

“The problem starts here.”

Tang Hwaryeon took out two documents and placed them side by side in front of her. One was the report brought by the people she had sent to Seojang, and the other was a letter written in Son Bin’s handwriting.

“The lord of the Potala Palace gave an answer like a Zen riddle about the whereabouts of Young Master Son and his group. In fact, he is the head of the Seojang Esoteric Sect as well as the lord, so we cannot rule out the possibility that he answered in a religious sense. No, perhaps it is more accurate to see it that way.”

With those words, Tang Hwaryeon pushed the delegation’s report slightly to the side. And looking at the remaining letter, she said,

“And this is the letter sent by Young Master Son. It is estimated to have been sent the latest in terms of timing. This letter contains various news and also says this.”

Tang Hwaryeon bit her lip slightly and stared at a passage from Son Bin’s letter. She had read it so many times that she had already memorized it, but Tang Hwaryeon stared at each letter as if she would pierce through it and read it as it was.

“‘Even if you hear strange rumors about us, please do not worry. We are all safe.’”

The moment she heard those words, Old Madam Tang Unyeong, Hyeonryeon Sehwa, and Sinui couldn’t hide their surprise.

“No, that’s…”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong was about to speak, but Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s voice burst out.

“That means everyone is safe.”

As she said, if Son Bin wrote that, didn’t that mean the group was safe?

“The problem is.”

Tang Hwaryeon bit her lip slightly and then raised her head.

“Depending on when this letter was written, the meaning of ‘strange rumors’ changes greatly.”

With a sharp look in her eyes, Tang Hwaryeon continued to speak. Her eyes, as if trying to fight her opponent, were telling her that Tang Hwaryeon was now more serious than ever.

“They fought against magical creatures and the Demonic Sect. Sa Suyeon and Seo Rin, as well as Wora, are said to have led the army to the front lines. There were even rumors that Son Bin and his group single-handedly killed tens of thousands of magical creatures. If we hear that news, can we not worry?”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong, Hyeonryeon Sehwa, and Sinui were finally able to realize that Tang Hwaryeon’s words, ‘Young Master Son saved Seojang from the threat of magical creatures,’ were by no means light.

The reason why Son Bin was called ‘Daesinjjang’ was also clear. They had essentially fought a war. Against magical creatures and the Demonic Sect.

“In addition, there were many rumors about Young Master Son and his group that were really hard to believe. So, there is a possibility that these ‘strange rumors’ meant those things.”

Tang Hwaryeon, who was speaking, lowered her head. And with her hand lightly placed on Son Bin’s letter, she said quietly.

“In other words, this letter may have been written just before they died. So, it is not a clear proof that they are alive.”

A heavy silence flowed. But soon, Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s subdued voice flowed out.

“Was there no date on the letter?”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa was probably guessing that there wasn’t. If there was, Tang Hwaryeon wouldn’t have said ‘estimated’.

“Only the season.”

Seasonal greetings are a common form used in letters. It is not uncommon to write the season instead of the date in private letters.

“And if you look at the roundabout expression ‘strange rumors,’ there may also be a purpose to maintain secrecy.”

A letter that goes a long way by asking someone cannot guarantee confidentiality. Considering the importance of the matter, as well as the relationship between the Seojang Esoteric Sect and the Murim sects [martial arts sects], it is rather a natural measure.

“Here.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong suddenly said. Her gaze was directed at the report of the delegation that had returned from Seojang.

“Isn’t this part strange? Asking if Daesinjjang is dead and saying ‘believe in Daesinjjang’ is like an answer premised on the fact that they are not dead?”

“You can see it that way.”

However, Tang Hwaryeon’s expression was not very bright.

“However, the Seojang Esoteric Sect are people who seriously accept reincarnation and incarnation. Considering that, this answer is not strange either.”

Biting her red lips, Tang Hwaryeon said.

“So, there is no definite evidence.”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa hurriedly read through the report and letters from Seojang.

When she read the scene that the Valley of the Star Moon where Son Bin and his group died was being revered as a sacred place, her face turned blue, and when she read Son Bin’s letter, his smiling face came to mind, and she felt like she was about to cry.

But as Tang Hwaryeon said, there was no clear evidence that they were safe anywhere.

“That’s not all there is to it.”

Sinui said in a low voice. Tang Hwaryeon, Old Madam Tang Unyeong, and Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s gazes all turned to him.

“If you cling to the tree, you won’t be able to see the forest [idiom meaning to miss the bigger picture by focusing on details]. If you don’t cling to definite evidence and take a step back and judge with common sense, the meaning of these letters and reports is clear.”

Sinui said in a firm voice.

“Bin and his group are all safe.”

Those words were like a bright light to Old Madam Tang Unyeong and Hyeonryeon Sehwa. But their gazes had no choice but to turn to Tang Hwaryeon again.

“That’s right. If you think about it with common sense, that’s obviously right.”

Tang Hwaryeon sighed softly.

“But this is not just our problem. It is a problem involving the Gangho Murim [the martial arts world] and the Outer World, and even the world. So, we need clear, irrefutable, absolute certainty.”

Her words were right. This is not just a problem for Seowon and Tang Clan. It is no exaggeration to say that not only the Gangho Murim but also the world is at stake.

“Before that, what is the conclusion you have come to?”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong suddenly asked. Her eyes looking at Tang Hwaryeon were extremely sharp.

“I don’t think someone like you called us just to say ‘I don’t know anything’?”

Tang Hwaryeon was silent. But it wasn’t long.

“Of course.”

With eyes flickering like flames, Tang Hwaryeon spat out each word.

“They, and my sister Wora, are not dead. No, they will never die. That kind of thing…”

Faint.

“I will never allow it.”

That was truly an arrogant and reckless declaration. But at the same time, it was also a word that revealed Tang Hwaryeon’s heart as it was.

“I think so too.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong said. The old lady’s eyes looking at Tang Hwaryeon were also shining with firm determination.

“Sunrang can’t have gone like that. He is a person who survived even my nightmare-like brother.”

Tang Hwaryeon’s gaze turned to Hyeonryeon Sehwa. Hyeonryeon Sehwa nodded silently with teary eyes.

“Hoo.”

Tang Hwaryeon closed her eyes with a long sigh.

“Okay. At least I’m not the only one who believes they’re alive.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong, who was nodding with a pleased expression, suddenly frowned.

“You alone?”

Tang Hwaryeon opened her eyes.

“Yes.”

She looked at Tang Unyeong and said in a calm voice. As if it were nothing.

“I told you it was a rumor. By now, everyone will know. The story that Son Bin and his group died in Seojang.”

쿵.

A heavy shock fell on everyone’s hearts.

You can’t stop the mouths of countless people. Moreover, if it is a story about ‘Daesinjjang,’ it is even more so.

Of course, most Murim sects will not pay much attention to the rumor, but the Outer World is different.

“But in the Outer World, rumors like that…”

“They will believe it.”

Tang Hwaryeon asserted even before Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s words were finished.

“Because they want to believe it that way.”

The entire Seojang says they are dead. Even the Hwangtosan ruins in the Valley of the Star Moon have become a sacred place, and pilgrimages and flower offerings are endless.

No matter how much religious language and meaning they bring, the Outer World will clearly know that Son Bin and his group are dead.

“Don’t you have a letter from Bin?”

At Sinui’s voice, Tang Hwaryeon shook her head.

“As I said, that is not absolute certainty. Moreover, to those who do not want to believe it, it will only sound like an excuse.”

Only then did Sinui realize why Tang Hwaryeon wanted such perfect proof. Tang Hwaryeon believed from the beginning that Son Bin was not dead, but she knew that she could not persuade the Outer World with this alone.

“Is there a possibility that Bin will send another letter?”

Tang Hwaryeon shook her head.

“If we take the words that they left for the west as they are, they probably went to Cheonchuk [ancient Indian subcontinent]. It is virtually impossible to deliver the news.”

Seojang is at least a place where there is trade. Once it becomes Cheonchuk, it is virtually the outside of the world.

Then Hyeonryeon Sehwa, who was next to her, raised her head.

“Looking at this report, it seems that at least the lord of the Potala Palace has goodwill towards Young Master Son.”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa said, pointing to a part of the delegation’s report.

“What if we explain the situation to him and ask him to give a more accurate testimony?”

“Will the Outer World believe that?”

Tang Hwaryeon said with a bitter smile.

“Once suspicion begins, such testimony becomes meaningless. Rather, we may be misunderstood as colluding with the Seojang Esoteric Sect.”

Her words were right. Moreover, considering people’s perception of the Potala Palace, it was clear that even the Outer World would not look favorably on them.

“That’s a serious problem.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong frowned.

“The reason why the Gangnam Murim is maintaining peace now is virtually thanks to Young Master Son. If Young Master Son’s influence disappears in this situation…”

The person who prevented the strife in the Gangnam Murim is Son Bin. To be precise, the Gangnam Murim is maintaining today’s peace because the Namgung Clan, the Hyeonryeon Clan, and the Blood 봉련 [Blood Lotus] and Blood Dragon Gate chose not to become enemies with Son Bin.

But what will happen if Son Bin disappears? Losing the safety net is virtually the same as entering a touch-and-go situation in the Gangnam Murim.

“The problem is not just the Gangnam Murim.”

Tang Hwaryeon added in a subdued voice.

“Perhaps the tigers of the Outer World, who have been unleashed, may have other intentions.”

“Is it because there are no Muje and Son Gongja [another title for Son Bin]?”

“And there will be no intervention from the Imperial family either.”

At those words, Old Madam Tang Unyeong’s complexion changes.

“That’s right. Son Gongja…”

Tang Hwaryeon nodded.

“Yes. Due to the last incident, the Imperial family has virtually made a non-aggression treaty with Son Gongja. Considering the current Emperor’s tendency, he will not try to interfere in the affairs of the Murim unless something really happens.”

The same is true even if they hear this rumor. The Imperial family, which was badly damaged just a while ago, cannot move easily.

“Who can stop the Outer World, which has been unleashed from the two shackles of the absolute, and the realistic military group called the Imperial family?”

It was a calm voice, but it was truly a story that could shake the world. Tang Hwaryeon, who was speaking, suddenly smiled bitterly.

“Really, this man is too good at his job, that’s the problem.”

“I don’t understand.”

Sinui’s heavy voice suddenly flowed out. Sinui, who was frowning, said with cold eyes.

“No one has confirmed the bodies of Bin and his group. So, in the end, the claim that they are dead also has no clear evidence.”

Sinui’s point was right. There is no evidence that they are alive, but there is also no evidence that they are dead.

“But even so, will the masters of the Outer World have other intentions? Even though it will all be over if Bin or Muje return?”

Even if Son Bin is like that, Muje is still 건재하다 [still healthy/vigorous]. The fact that he left for the west separately from Son Bin was also revealed this time.

“That ‘if’ is the problem.”

Tang Hwaryeon replied with a calm expression.

“If they know they will return, even if there is someone who has other intentions, there will be no one who agrees. But ‘if’ they may not return, and if everyone knows that, the situation is completely different. Because it means that you can get the world in your hands depending on what you do.”

If no one agrees, the attempt itself is difficult. But if everyone is ready to move, the problem is different.

Forming a force, negotiating, and even getting the world in your hands, as Tang Hwaryeon said, is possible.

“Even if it ends with 삼일천하 [a three-day reign; something short-lived]?”

Sinui still didn’t understand. Even so, isn’t it a problem that will eventually be resolved when Muje or Son Bin return?

“It may not end.”

The person who answered was Hyeonryeon Sehwa. She continued to speak quietly.

“Muje has no interest in the world. So, he may virtually appease him by thoroughly 방관하는 [standing by; being a bystander] in everything he does. Son Gongja does not want to shed futile blood, so there is room to attempt negotiations. In fact, Son Gongja has many weaknesses…”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa, who is one of his weaknesses herself, bit her lip.

“So, once you get the world in your hands, there are many cards you can play.”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s analysis was accurate. Muje is irrelevant to the world, and Son Bin wants peace. They are opponents who can coexist as much as those who want power.

Old Madam Tang Unyeong sighed softly.

“Even now, the Gangho Murim is noisy because of the interests left by the Gongseon Clan. If even the Outer World is shaken here, I really don’t know what will happen.”

“There’s another problem.”

At Tang Hwaryeon’s words, Tang Unyeong, Hyeonryeon Sehwa, and Sinui’s faces contorted even more. It was because they thought there was even more of a problem here.

“It’s not accurate yet, but uneasy movements are being detected here and there. It was difficult to grasp at first, but now I feel like I know it somehow.”

“What kind of uneasy movement…”

Tang Hwaryeon answered even before Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s words were finished.

“The Demonic Sect.”

An expression of realization spread across Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s face. Old Madam Tang Unyeong muttered as if muttering with a hardened expression.

“That’s right. If it is true that the Demonic Sect appeared in Seojang, this place will be no exception.”

“Is it because of 천마 [Cheonma; a powerful demonic figure] and the gate of hell that he opened?”

At Hyeonryeon Sehwa’s words, Tang Unyeong nodded.

“Probably.”

Old Madam Tang Unyeong, who answered that way, let out a long sigh.

It is now virtually certain that the Gangho Murim will fall into chaos. Believing and waiting for Son Bin, No Gun, and his group to return will definitely be more difficult than ever.

“It may be a very long wait.”

“It’s okay.”

Hyeonryeon Sehwa said. Her eyes were not shaking at all.

“They will definitely come back. I will believe and wait until the end.”

“Not me.”

That voice was Tang Hwaryeon’s. Tang Hwaryeon, the young chief strategist of the Tang Clan, continued to speak with a glint in her eyes.

“I can’t just wait quietly. Do you think I’ll just sit back and watch the guys who are running around saying that that man, no, my sister, is dead?”

“Does that mean you will protect the world?”

It was natural for Hyeonryeon Sehwa to ask that. It is clear that chaos will come now. Saying that she will not stand by and watch that is the same as the Tang Clan protecting the world.

“No.”

Tang Hwaryeon smiled. With that smile, colder and more beautiful than a winter snowflake.

“I’ll let you know why the Tang Clan is called 독문 [Dokmun; Poison Clan].”

For generations, the Tang Clan has been called 독문 (Poison Clan). That’s because they are good at handling poison, but it’s also because of their unparalleled 독심 [Doksim; poisonous heart/intentions].

“Very, bitterly.”

That young chief strategist of the Tang Clan, Seolgeom (Snow Sword) Tang Hwaryeon, said so with her bright red lips.

(Author’s words)

It’s like suddenly entering the forest because the tiger is gone, and a swarm of poisonous snakes pops out.

*The rat tail has grown again! It’s still a rat tail (ㅠㅠ), but I’ll run again for the month of June.