A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 382

382. Imprisonment

Lord Maharajah frowned at Scheherazade’s sudden words. General Bahadur, however, looked merely puzzled and didn’t interfere with Scheherazade’s actions.

“What method is that?” Son Bin asked, looking at Scheherazade, referring to the ‘method to prove innocence’ the old man had just mentioned.

Scheherazade gazed intently at Son Bin and said, “Bring out the ‘hidden one’ who is watching this place.”

Neither Lord Maharajah nor General Bahadur understood his meaning. However, a strange light flickered in Son Bin’s eyes.

A moment earlier, when Son Bin had steeled himself, Noh Gun’s energy had surged violently, as if ready to act at any moment. Scheherazade had sensed that fleeting energy.

“If you and that person bind yourselves with chains, I will believe in your good intentions,” Scheherazade stated. “If you harbor evil intentions, you would never relinquish your power to respect the law.”

Scheherazade pointed out the ‘hidden one’ because his energy was the strongest. He insisted Son Bin also be bound because it was clear he was the group’s leader.

Scheherazade continued, his eyes intense. “If the villagers testify that there was no evil in your actions, you will be released. But if your misdeeds are proven, you will be punished according to the law.”

Governor Hwang translated Scheherazade’s words in a low voice. “What will you do?” Scheherazade asked. Son Bin looked at General Bahadur and Lord Maharajah. The Maharajah looked visibly uncomfortable, but General Bahadur merely shrugged, indicating the old man held the authority.

Son Bin pondered. Scheherazade’s words about upholding the law were right, and it would be better to comply for the sake of the villagers.

But should he do so even if it meant binding Noh Gun in chains?

He couldn’t. As far as Son Bin knew, the law was never above the people.

“I…”

Just as Son Bin was about to say ‘I cannot accept it,’ a figure descended into the courtyard from the darkness. It was Noh Gun, his long beard and white eyebrows fluttering.

“Hmph,” Noh Gun chuckled hollowly, stood with his hands behind his back, and stared straight at Scheherazade. “You have a good sense.”

Governor Hwang didn’t translate Noh Gun’s words, and Noh Gun didn’t seem to care.

“Alright. I’ll do as you say.”

“Elder!” Son Bin exclaimed, surprised.

“Don’t worry about it,” Noh Gun said with a smirk. “It’s nothing. I’ve been through worse for a handful of food. What’s it matter to be bound in chains to help people?”

At those words, Son Bin bit his lip. Then, from behind, Sa Soo-yeon said softly, “I’m okay too. So accept it.”

Son Bin turned to look at Sa Soo-yeon, who nodded gently. Dang Wora, standing behind, also quietly lowered her head in agreement. Governor Hwang seemed a little embarrassed but shrugged as if he couldn’t help it.

Son Bin looked at Noh Gun again. Noh Gun snorted as if it were ‘nothing,’ but how could being bound in chains be a light matter, especially when he had done nothing wrong?

Besides, although Noh Gun said it was ‘to help people,’ it was ultimately Son Bin’s fault that Noh Gun felt obligated to do this. He was willing to be bound because he knew Son Bin was worried about the villagers and the children.

Son Bin closed his eyes, trying to contain his turbulent emotions.

“Please,” Son Bin said, opening his eyes and staring intently at General Bahadur and Scheherazade. “I earnestly hope that your words are true.”

It was neither a plea nor an appeal. Son Bin’s intensely shining eyes conveyed a clear threat.

Scheherazade slowly nodded, but General Bahadur smirked and ordered, “Bind them.”

The warriors immediately bound Noh Gun and Son Bin and imprisoned them in the deepest part of the underground prison—a place far worse than the ‘waiting place,’ devoid of sunlight and wind.

Clang.

Thick iron chains and shackles were placed on the wrists and ankles of the two men. The cold sensation was like the bite of a vicious beast.

* * *

Noh Gun and Son Bin were imprisoned in the fortress’s underground prison, while Sa Soo-yeon, Dang Wora, and Governor Hwang were held in an ordinary prison.

It was ordinary only in comparison to the underground prison. A prison for criminals was never pleasant, and the conditions were so dire that ordinary women would have fainted. It was dirty and filthy, the stench piercing the nose, and the thought of the midday heat was unbearable.

Clang.

Following General Bahadur’s orders, the warriors placed iron shackles on Dang Wora and Sa Soo-yeon’s ankles, and Governor Hwang received the same treatment.

Clatter.

Sa Soo-yeon sighed as she looked at the shackles. “I never thought I’d wear something like this.”

The shackles were stained with someone’s blood. She wished she could clean them, but there was nothing to use.

“If you keep standing,” Dang Wora replied from the next cell in a low voice, “your feet will hurt from the weight of the shackles. It’s better to sit down to avoid pressure points, if possible.”

Sa Soo-yeon tilted her head, finding the words familiar.

“When…”

Sa Soo-yeon realized Dang Wora had spent her life imprisoned as a ‘Poison Person’ [someone whose body produces poison] of the Dang Clan. Perhaps the advice came from that experience.

“Ah, um…”

“It’s okay,” Dang Wora said to the embarrassed Sa Soo-yeon. Her voice was soft and comforting, as if trying to reassure her. “I’m okay, so don’t worry.”

Sa Soo-yeon bit her lip. Like Sa Soo-yeon, Dang Wora had chosen to be imprisoned, but the price was not the same.

“…But a little,” Sa Soo-yeon could tell Dang Wora’s voice was trembling slightly. “I do have bad memories.”

Sa Soo-yeon felt something welling up inside her. “Let’s get out of here,” she said firmly, raising her hand to unleash her inner strength.

“You shouldn’t be here. Right now…”

Whoong.

The energy of the Hyuncheon Art [a martial arts technique] began to ripple in Sa Soo-yeon’s white hand. If she struck down, the shackles would break instantly.

“Please don’t,” Dang Wora quietly continued. “I’m okay, and I can’t let my actions invalidate Elder and Young Master Son’s decision.”

“They’ll understand,” Sa Soo-yeon said, shaking her head. “No, if Young Master Son knew you were in this situation, he would be the first to…”

“I know,” Dang Wora said. “That’s why I don’t want to do that. That’s why…” Her voice still trembled slightly, but she continued, “I want to endure it.”

Sa Soo-yeon bit her lip. If Dang Wora wanted to, she could smash the shackles at any time and escape this dirty, smelly prison.

Nevertheless, Dang Wora chose to remain, knowing what she would face.

“…When I was young, I had this thought,” Dang Wora said softly. “Is the reason I’m trapped because I’m a bad child? Is it all because I was born with this body, because my parents abandoned me, and because I can’t avoid the fate of a Poison Person…”

“No!” Sa Soo-yeon said urgently. “That’s not true! You are…”

“I know,” Dang Wora said in a small but clear voice. “Hwaryeon Sister told me it wasn’t. That it’s not my fault, but rather the people who locked me up in that place are wrong, that’s what she told me. Even though I knew that, I couldn’t escape…”

After pausing, Dang Wora continued, “So now I know too. Whose fault this is, how far I have to endure, and what I must not tolerate. If their words are not true, as Young Master Son said…”

It was a small but firm voice. “I won’t stand still.”

Sa Soo-yeon realized anew that Dang Wora was a strong woman, not because of her martial arts or poison skills, but because of her unwavering heart in that frail body.

“Yes,” Sa Soo-yeon said firmly. “I will never stand still.”

Clang.

The shackles pulled at her feet, but Sa Soo-yeon approached the wall where Dang Wora was and leaned against it. She didn’t care that the floor was dirty and messy; she just wanted to be closer to Dang Wora, to feel her voice a little better.

“It’s boring here, so shall we tell stories?” Sa Soo-yeon asked, trying to lighten the mood and drive away Dang Wora’s bad memories.

A small metallic sound came from the other side, indicating Dang Wora was leaning against the wall as well.

“…Okay.”

“Um, what shall we talk about?” Sa Soo-yeon asked in a seemingly light voice. “Ah, shall I tell you the story of when I was first scolded by my dad?”

“Dad, do you mean Muje…?” Dang Wora asked.

Sa Soo-yeon laughed. “Yeah. So, you see…”

Sa Soo-yeon continued in a cheerful voice, and Dang Wora listened. Soon, the two women’s quiet conversation filled the prison.

Governor Hwang, in the opposite cell, quietly closed his mouth, not wanting to intrude.

* * *

General Bahadur and Scheherazade returned to Lord Maharajah’s palace. Scheherazade’s expression remained unchanged, but General Bahadur wore a satisfied smile.

With the revelation that Son Bin’s group was not ordinary, Lord Maharajah’s judgment and governance were immediately questioned.

Even to General Bahadur’s sarcastic remarks, the Maharajah couldn’t respond, and the religious inspectors, Mutasibs [Islamic religious officials], present looked at him suspiciously.

It was clear the religious inspection would be more rigorous than ever.

“But the lord’s hospitality to strangers cannot be considered a great fault,” Scheherazade pointed out.

“Of course, that’s right,” General Bahadur said, smiling. “But if the people of the territory had rebellious intentions, the problem would be different.”

Scheherazade frowned. ‘Rebellious intention’ meant treason against the Shah [Persian title for king or emperor], or even worse, apostasy against God’s will.

Either way, it was a serious matter.

“Are you trying to frame them?” Scheherazade asked.

“A frame? It’s just a difference in perspective,” Bahadur said, wrinkling his brow. “The commoners allowed those strangers to stay in the village. It wouldn’t have happened without goodwill or some kind of bond. In fact, no one reported the strangers to the authorities.”

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to, but they couldn’t. The untouchables [lowest social class] could be killed for speaking to people of other classes.

“And that stranger clearly tried to protect the commoners. Can we be sure those commoners are innocent? Can we believe they will testify to the truth?” Bahadur stroked his beard and continued leisurely.

“The lord didn’t know a village in his territory was colluding with suspicious strangers, and he even tried to release those strangers in front of my eyes. Isn’t this enough to say it’s the lord’s misgovernment?” Bahadur’s eyes sparkled as he imagined the possibilities.

“Or maybe those strangers were spies for the rebels… Ah, that’s impossible. They aren’t followers of the Cheonchuk religion [Catholicism]. Then how about the Demonic Cult? A group of extremely evil heretics who dare to defy God and his prophet.”

“I promised the strangers,” Scheherazade said calmly, “If the villagers testify that there was no evil in their actions, I will release them.”

“Of course, you did, but you don’t have to worry about it anymore,” Bahadur shrugged. “The villagers won’t be able to testify. They will all die tonight for daring to resist the imperial army.”

Bahadur’s eyes flashed with murderous intent. Scheherazade frowned, but that was all.

“So you sent the soldiers you brought to the village of the commoners?” Scheherazade asked.

“That’s right. How can I trust the Maharajah’s foolish warriors? They say killing an untouchable with a sword makes them impure.”

Scheherazade sighed softly. He had only promised to ‘release them if there is testimony’ and had no responsibility for General Bahadur’s actions.

“You must not take those strangers lightly. Especially that old man; even I cannot handle him.”

The energy Noh Gun emitted had shocked Scheherazade. If he hadn’t intervened, perhaps no one would have survived.

“I have already taken measures,” General Bahadur said, dismissing Scheherazade’s advice. “I have shackled them in the underground prison and burned the incense you gave me. By tomorrow morning, they probably won’t even be able to stand properly.”

Scheherazade was a master of martial arts and the leader of a secret Islamic order. He possessed numerous elixirs that could incapacitate and kill. The ‘incense’ burned in the underground prison was one of them.

“I am very pleased to have safely completed the imperial order. Would you like a drink with me?” Bahadur asked lightly, but Scheherazade didn’t answer and turned to leave.

For him, who had lived a life of abstinence, it wasn’t even worth answering.

Bahadur shrugged, expecting that response, and moved on, his face full of satisfaction at the thought of returning with results exceeding the Seventh Prince’s expectations.

He didn’t suspect a small shadow was listening to their conversation.

* * *

The roar that echoed in the middle of the night shook the fortress, waking everyone, including those in the Maharajah’s palace.

“Huk!”

“Wh, what’s that sound?” Not only the warriors of the fortress but also those guarding the palace were confused. Another roar echoed.

Kwaaaang.

This time, even the Maharajah’s palace shook. Lord Maharajah hurriedly put on his outer robe and came out.

“What is going on?” he asked nervously, remembering General Bahadur and the Mutasibs’ questioning.

A messenger rushed from the fortress and knelt before the Maharajah. “T, the strangers have escaped!”

“What?” Lord Maharajah frowned. The only strangers imprisoned were Son Bin’s group.

“Are you saying the women have escaped? How on earth…”

“No. Everyone has escaped!”

The Maharajah didn’t understand at first but soon realized the messenger meant the underground prison.

“Surely, are you saying those imprisoned in the underground prison have also escaped?”

The underground prison was made of huge stones and blocked by heavy iron doors, guarded by vigilant warriors, making escape unimaginable.

It was natural for the Maharajah to use the word ‘surely,’ but the messenger lowered his head in despair, unable to deny it.

“What happened?” The Maharajah bit his lip at General Bahadur’s uncomfortable voice from behind, unable to hide the truth.

“The strangers have escaped.”

“What?” General Bahadur shouted, forgetting his manners. “But don’t worry. Our soldiers will soon capture them…”

Thud.

The Maharajah flinched. General Bahadur frowned and punched the pillar next to him.

The thick marble pillar vibrated softly. The Maharajah closed his mouth.

“I don’t think this will work,” General Bahadur gritted his teeth and gestured lightly.

Whirik.

Three black figures appeared. Lord Maharajah stepped back, but General Bahadur said coldly, “Chase after the strangers. I will go with Scheherazade soon.”

If they missed Son Bin’s group, all plans would fail. What charges could they bring without evidence or witnesses?

Besides, the soldiers sent to wipe out the commoner village had already left. If this continued, instead of pressuring the Maharajah, he might be questioned.

At General Bahadur’s words, the three warriors bowed and disappeared.

“Wh, who are those people…?” The Maharajah asked, but General Bahadur didn’t answer, suspecting the Maharajah of scheming.

Bahadur glared at the lord and walked to Scheherazade’s residence.

“What’s wrong?” Bahadur muttered, grinding his teeth. “There’s not a single guy who does his job properly. Not one!”

Thud, thud.

Scheherazade was already waiting with a blank face.

(Author’s words)

Fast imprisonment, fast escape.