A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 422

422. The Chaotic Murim

Namgung Tak belonged to a collateral branch of the Namgung Clan. His influence and status within the family weren’t particularly high, but the Namgung name alone ensured he lived comfortably.

The situation began to change recently. With the Gongsun Clan, one of the Five Great Clans, effectively collapsing, and the eminent Emei and Wudang sects among the Four Great Righteous Sects declaring a three-year seclusion, the Namgung Clan seized an unprecedented opportunity.

Under the bold leadership of the family head, Lightning Sword Namgung Geom, the Namgung Clan pursued an aggressive expansion policy. Their long-cherished desire to advance into Gangbuk [an area north of the river] was realized, and sects from all directions began to join the Namgung Clan. Moreover, the rights and interests previously held by the Gongsun Clan were gradually transferred to the Namgung Clan. The Namgung Clan’s power grew exponentially day by day.

“Wait a minute, something’s off here?”

Nogun interjected, frowning.

“The Namgung Clan took over the Gongsun Clan’s interests?”

The disposition of the fallen Gongsun Clan had already been agreed upon. The Zhuge Clan would take some regions, the Namgung Clan would secure a foothold in Gangbuk, and the vacant position of the Gongsun Clan would be filled by the Moryong Clan. This was the result of various interests and calculations, but the biggest influence was Sunbin. Sunbin’s presence, unwilling to cause strife, acted as a deterrent. If that agreement wasn’t followed, it meant something had gone wrong. Nogun feigned ignorance and asked,

“The Gongsun Clan wouldn’t have handed it over quietly, would they? You weren’t on good terms. What happened?”

Namgung Tak hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should be discussing family matters so freely. As he hesitated, Nogun frowned.

“Everyone probably knows about it by now anyway. Even if you leave out the really sensitive stuff, tell me what’s already known outside.”

Nogun’s words were quite persuasive. Namgung Tak sighed and nodded.

“Our clan’s relationship with the Gongsun Clan has grown rapidly closer recently. We’ve taken over various rights and interests, and… even a marriage alliance is being discussed.”

Nogun frowned. After Sunbin crippled Gongsun Geuk’s internal energy, the Gongsun Clan, effectively excluded from external affairs, was now discussing marriage with the Namgung Clan? Something was seriously wrong.

“And the person being mentioned as the subject of that marriage…”

Namgung Tak sighed deeply and said,

“Is Namgung Hyang.”

Sunbin’s face hardened. It wasn’t strange that the image of the delicate Namgung Hyang looking shy flashed before his eyes at that moment.

“This marriage is definitely not Namgung Hyang’s wish. I can’t understand it either, but the will of the former Lightning Sword, Namgung Cheon, is so firm…”

Sunbin remained silent, unable to say anything. As if to speak for him, Nogun asked,

“Didn’t you say everyone cherished her? But they’re just sending her off for a political marriage?”

Namgung Tak flared up.

“Just sending her off?”

“Oh? Where’s this attitude coming from?”

Nogun glared, and Namgung Tak quickly backed down.

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

Namgung Tak sighed again.

“I don’t know either. There’s no way the former Lightning Sword would decide on Namgung Hyang’s marriage like that…”

Namgung Tak shook his head, as if he still couldn’t believe it.

“Hmph. Who in the world knows what’s in Namgung Cheon’s heart? Besides, family matters don’t always go as one wishes.”

Nogun’s point was accurate. Namgung Tak nodded and sighed deeply.

“That’s right. It’s just hard to watch from the sidelines…”

He genuinely worried about Namgung Hyang. But Nogun was thinking something else. This was more than just Namgung Hyang being forced into an unwanted marriage.

“When did this happen?”

Nogun asked Namgung Tak. Namgung Tak blinked, and Nogun frowned and said,

“It’s been several days since you left the Central Plains, right? So, when did the things you mentioned happen?”

As if finally understanding, Namgung Tak nodded. The vice-chief remembered the exact date. Nogun roughly calculated the days. Confirming that several months had already passed, Nogun shrugged.

“What? Then she might already be married! Maybe they’re living happily ever after, surprisingly.”

At those words, Namgung Tak frowned deeply and shook his head.

“That can never happen!”

“That’s just your opinion. Oh, and while we’re on the subject.”

Nogun spoke again.

“What does it mean that even the imperial family doesn’t dare to touch the Namgung Clan? I know the Namgung Clan’s influence is significant in Nanchang, but honestly, it’s not to the point of mentioning the imperial family, is it? Were you just trying to get Yeon-ah’s attention with that boast?”

Namgung Tak’s ears turned red. He was reminded of his disgraceful behavior in front of the Namgung Clan’s benefactor, True Dragon Great Hero, and the Sword Saint.

“That’s not it. It feels like bragging, so I’m hesitant to say it, but…”

Even as he said that, Namgung Tak began his explanation in a rather proud tone. The expansion of a Murim clan is ultimately a clash of power. And the armed conflicts waged by those who carry swords inevitably invite sanctions from the government. To avoid this, the clans put effort into gaining the cooperation or tacit approval of local authorities.

However, the Namgung Clan did not do that. They fearlessly pushed into the areas controlled by the Gongsun Clan and did not hesitate to engage in armed conflicts with sects that were cooperative with the Gongsun Clan. And surprisingly, the local authorities stood by and watched the Murim people clash. They completely ignored it, as if it had never happened.

“I even heard that the opposing sects used all sorts of connections to submit appeals and petitions to the imperial court. They were confident that an imperial decree would soon be issued…”

Namgung Tak said, wearing a proud smile.

“The result was that nothing happened.”

Nogun frowned deeply. Sunbin also asked with a puzzled expression.

“Nothing happened?”

“Yes. There wasn’t even a response, let alone an imperial decree.”

Responding to appeals is the duty of the monarch. Of course, it is often not followed, but considering that they used all sorts of connections, it was clear that they went through a fairly influential high-ranking official. In such cases, even a perfunctory sentence is usually issued.

“So, rumors spread in the Jianghu [martial arts world] that even the imperial family avoids touching the Namgung Clan.”

The imperial family’s silence was effectively a sign that they would not interfere, and at the same time, it meant that local officials should not interfere either. Which official would dare to step forward when the imperial family didn’t move?

“Tsk.”

Nogun clicked his tongue as he listened. Although it was just a rumor, he could guess the hidden meaning behind it.

“The bear performs the trick, but someone else gets the reward.”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind. So?”

Such armed conflicts were only in the beginning. After the Namgung Clan became close to the Gongsun Clan, they were able to take over most of the rights and interests without bloodshed.

“Did that happen after the rumor of Bin’s death, or before?”

Namgung Tak tilted his head. Nogun clicked his tongue.

“Forget it.”

He would just have to go and check it himself anyway. Sunbin, who had been listening from the side, suddenly asked as if he had thought of something.

“What happened to the Moryong Clan?”

Namgung Tak shrugged and said,

“I heard that their power has improved a lot compared to before, but I don’t know the details. If it’s the Moryong Clan, perhaps the most notable is Young Lady Moryong Rin, one of the Five Flowers of Huangshan [a group of five beautiful and talented women]?”

Sunbin recalled the confident figure of Moryong Rin at Namgung Tak’s words, which were full of personal opinions. She would never be discouraged in any situation.

“What about the Hyeonryeon Clan?”

Nogun asked. It was a somewhat sudden question, but since it was only natural to be curious about the news from the Central Plains, Namgung Tak readily answered.

“They’re always a headache, as usual. There haven’t been any major clashes yet, but some of the elders in the clan want to take this opportunity to fight for hegemony in the Gangnam Murim [martial arts world south of the river].”

Namgung Tak did not hesitate to call the Hyeonryeon Clan a headache because he was a member of the Namgung Clan. His perspective, firmly believing that the Namgung Clan was the center of the world, was bound to be biased and distorted.

“Oh, and recently, a young lady named Hyeonryeon Seohwa has been gaining prominence and is being compared to Namgung Hyang, but in my opinion, she’s not… Namgung Hyang is still the best. She’s the best of the Five Flowers of Huangshan, isn’t she?”

Namgung Tak said casually, but Sunbin was momentarily speechless.

‘Young Lady Seohwa.’

Her name, which came out unexpectedly, made Sunbin’s heart ache. She is a person who is clear about what she wants to do. Hyeonryeon Seohwa cherished the time she spent with the children at the academy more than anything else. But she is involved in the affairs of the Murim to the extent that she is making a name for herself in the Hyeonryeon Clan? Could that also be related to the rumor that Sunbin himself had died?

“What about Dang Hwa-ryeon?”

Suddenly, Dang Wora asked. Namgung Tak flinched at her sudden question, her face covered with a veil, but thanks to that, he didn’t think deeply about the title ‘sister’.

“Are you talking about the chief strategist of the Dang Clan? She’s definitely great too. She’s a bit cold, but she’s beautiful enough to be counted as one of the Five Flowers of Huangshan…”

“Not that. What’s the Dang Clan like these days?”

Nogun corrected Namgung Tak’s misunderstanding.

“Ah, these days? From what I’ve heard, they’re so busy dealing with incidents happening everywhere that they’re out of their minds. The Dang Clan has no integrity in the first place, right? It’s all karma.”

Namgung Tak’s words were not favorable. But the statement that incidents were happening everywhere was probably not a lie. Nogun frowned.

‘Is it because of the rumor that we died?’

Except for Dang Wora, there are no experts in external affairs in the Dang Clan. Naturally, they are unaware of the atmosphere in external affairs and are excluded from important decisions. Nogun suddenly thought that Wudang, which had declared seclusion, was better off. Wudang also has no experts in external affairs other than Seorin.

‘Tsk.’

Nogun, who was clicking his tongue inwardly, noticed that Guigyeonsura was about to speak.

Swish.

Nogun raised his hand to stop Guigyeonsura. Guigyeonsura frowned and looked at him, but Nogun asked Namgung Tak.

“What happened to that Blood Peak Union in Gangnam? It was quite noisy before I left.”

“Are you talking about that evil sect?”

Guigyeonsura’s eyebrows twitched at Namgung Tak’s words. But fortunately, Namgung Tak didn’t see it.

“They’re evil beings that don’t even need to be mentioned. We’re leaving them alone now because the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate is protecting them, but we’ll definitely deal with them someday.”

Namgung Tak did not mention that the Blood Peak Gold Thread Union had saved the life of the Namgung Clan’s head, nor that the Namgung Clan’s head had declared that he would ‘not antagonize the Blood Peak Union’. He couldn’t have been unaware, so he was clearly deliberately ignoring it. The relationship between the Namgung Clan and the Blood Peak Union had quickly regressed within the Namgung Clan, at least internally. Guigyeonsura and the Blood Peak Gold Thread Union’s expressions darkened, but Nogun asked as if nothing was wrong.

“Hmm, I see. So, are you on your way back to the Central Plains now?”

“No. We’re getting off at the port after the next one we dock at. The port’s name is… what was it again?”

Nogun smiled and stopped Namgung Tak, who was about to ask the vice-chief.

“So, you’re not going back for a while, is that it?”

“Yes. We can’t go back empty-handed.”

Namgung Tak said, showing a firm resolution. Nogun nodded.

“Yeah, yeah. If a man draws his sword, he has to cut something. But why did you come here?”

Namgung Tak gave an awkward smile.

“I haven’t said it yet, have I?”

“Oh, did you?”

Namgung Tak gave a bitter smile at Nogun, who was feigning exaggerated surprise, and continued his explanation. Nogun listened to him, nodding all the while.

“Yeah, so seeing everyone but you succeeding as the clan prospers, you thought you had to do something too, and then you heard someone made a fortune in the Tianzhu [ancient name for India] trade and jumped in without a plan, right?”

“W-Without a plan…”

“If a guy who grew up pampered in the clan jumps into the merchant world empty-handed, it’s without a plan.”

Nogun chuckled and continued to speak before Namgung Tak could make excuses.

“Well, the idea itself isn’t bad. Not everyone in the Namgung Clan has to run around with swords. If you don’t have the talent, it’s good to find another path quickly. Besides, it’s difficult for collateral branches to inherit the clan’s secret techniques, and in fact, if you know it, money is as powerful as a sword in the clan.”

Namgung Tak was confused whether it was praise or blame, but Nogun suddenly smiled and gestured to Captain Hwang.

“Come here for a second.”

“Yes? Me?”

As Captain Hwang approached with a puzzled expression, Nogun said.

“You need to help this poor and foolish being. It’s a favor to a member of the Namgung Clan, so think of it as an investment for the future.”

Captain Hwang frowned. There is no merchant who would reveal his secrets for such a unprofitable thing. However, Captain Hwang immediately changed his mind when he heard Nogun’s telepathic message.

“I understand.”

With a benevolent smile on his face, the smile that Nogun criticized as artificial, Captain Hwang said to Namgung Tak.

“I’ll give you some information that only merchants know. You’ll have to do some legwork, but you’ll be able to make some profit.”

“R-Really?”

Namgung Tak’s eyes widened. Captain Hwang said with a smile.

“Of course, it’s not a big profit, but even if you’re not satisfied, that’s how you start and grow. Shall we go to the cabin together then? Where is your room?”

Namgung Tak shook his head at the words that he wouldn’t be satisfied. In his current situation, he had to grab at straws. Namgung Tak jumped up, afraid that Captain Hwang might change his mind.

“T-Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, great hero.”

Namgung Tak repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Captain Hwang, Namak Nogun, and Sunbin.

“Okay. Work hard. Oh, and.”

Nogun said as if he had suddenly remembered something.

“We’re likely to go to the Namgung Clan soon. At least once, for sure.”

Namgung Tak was delighted.

“That’s great. Everyone will be very happy.”

At those words, Nogun chuckled. It was because it was not yet known whether that visit would be a ‘good’ thing for the Namgung Clan, or whether they would be ‘happy’ about it. Namgung Tak and the elderly vice-chief hurriedly left the cabin, following Captain Hwang.

Clack.

The door closed, but everyone was silent for a while. After a while, Nogun grumbled.

“That guy, he thinks the Namgung Clan is the center of the world. That’s why he can say without fear that even the imperial family can’t touch the Namgung Clan.”

Certainly, Namgung Tak’s insight and perspective were limited. There was no deep insight or important information that revealed the truth of the matter. But what he said was shocking. In the meantime that Sunbin and his party had been away, the Jianghu Murim had been flowing in a completely different direction than everyone had expected.

“What the hell is Lightning Sword thinking?”

Nogun muttered as if grumbling. The Lightning Sword he was talking about was the former Lightning Sword, Namgung Cheon.

“Don’t worry too much.”

Nogun said to Sunbin. Sunbin had been silent with a hardened expression since earlier.

“You can’t say that everything that guy said is right. It’s all just rumors. He’s a guy who was pushed out of the Namgung Clan’s internal competition. We didn’t see him at the Namgung Clan’s Hidden Dragon Gathering or whatever, did we?”

Those words were not very comforting. At least Namgung Tak wouldn’t have made up things that didn’t exist. Nogun couldn’t ease his dark expression because he knew that too.

“Anyway, we have to check and judge for ourselves. You can’t know anything with just one side’s words.”

Nogun muttered as if telling himself. Then, suddenly, Seorin asked Nogun.

“But Grandpa. What did you say to Captain Hwang telepathically?”

The ‘Captain Hwang’ that Seorin was talking about was Captain Hwang. Nogun shrugged.

“I told him to find out if he’s exchanging news with the Namgung Clan, and to help him get started properly for now. Once you get a taste of the fun of making money, you can’t come to your senses.”

Seorin tilted her head.

“Why are you helping him? I didn’t like him very much…”

“That’s because I’m afraid he’ll give up and go back if things don’t go well.”

Nogun said as if it were obvious.

“It would be a problem if the Namgung Clan found out that Bin is alive too quickly. Well, we won’t be able to hide it for long anyway.”

“I still don’t understand?”

Seorin still looked puzzled, as if she didn’t understand.

“Why do you have to hide it? Aren’t the Namgung Clan Bin’s friends?”

“Who knows?”

Nogun said with a grin.

“That’s exactly what I’m going to ask. Whether we’re still friends.”

Nogun was smiling. But what was flickering in his eyes was complete anger.