A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 424

424. The Dawn of the Seowon

“Surely, you can’t mean pirates.”

A beautiful young woman said with a gentle smile. Dressed in a red sari [a traditional South Asian garment], she appeared as elegant and relaxed as if she were sitting at a garden table. But this was the captain’s cabin of a warship—a pirate ship, no less—on the open sea.

“We were merely making verifications. And I believe we made it clear from the start that we are not pirates, but the fleet of a great lord.”

At Sarasvati’s words, Sun Bin gave an awkward smile. He didn’t particularly want to ask who this ‘great lord,’ referred to as ‘Maharaja’ [an Indian term for a great king or ruler] in the Tianzhu language, was.

“Ah, of course, we did collect a small toll.”

Sarasvati shrugged her slender shoulders.

“It felt a bit wrong to just let the ships pass after stopping them.”

Nogun, after hearing Hwang Bang-ju’s translation, let out a hollow laugh, as if he were dumbfounded.

“Isn’t that usually called piracy?”

“Oh, no.”

The sudden appearance of the Central Plains language [referring to Mandarin Chinese] widened the eyes of Nogun and Hwang Bang-ju. The rest of the group were equally surprised.

“We’ve significantly reduced the number of pirates in this area, thanks to us. So, you could say that collecting a toll is a fair price.”

Her pronunciation was fluent, but her word choice was a bit odd. Sarasvati turned to her maid and asked in Tianzhu [an ancient term for India, referring to an Indian language, likely Sanskrit or a related Prakrit].

“How is it? My Central Plains language?”

The maid, whom they had seen at the imperial palace, folded her hands and bowed respectfully with a blank expression.

“Perfect.”

Sarasvati wore a satisfied smile. Watching her, Nogun let out a hollow laugh.

“Well, whether it’s a fair price or piracy, it doesn’t matter… What are you doing here anyway?”

“Hmm? Perhaps you could call it a test?”

“A test? Of what?”

At Nogun’s question, Sarasvati lifted her teacup to her lips.

“I was wondering if the saying that people who are destined to meet will always meet is true.”

Nogun frowned. So, she was just waiting aimlessly.

“What if we hadn’t come this way?”

“Then I would have simply thought that we weren’t destined to meet,” Sarasvati replied lightly, then put down her teacup.

Clink.

Sarasvati, with her hands folded on her lap, looked up at Sun Bin.

“There are many pirates on the sea route to the Central Plains. Great storms occur frequently, and there are few ports to dock at. That’s why everyone looks for safe, large ships with powerful firepower. From merchants who need to transport expensive goods to nobles who don’t care about the cost, there are many who want them.”

Sarasvati continued in a soft, gentle voice. It seemed the Central Plains language was difficult for her, so she spoke in Tianzhu, but it wasn’t hard for Sun Bin to understand.

“Perhaps you need a safe, large ship and reliable escorts to go to the Central Plains? If it’s now, you can get it at a very special price…”

She smiled, full of confidence.

“What will you do?”

Sun Bin gave an awkward smile at her confident gaze. There was no choice left. The merchant ship they had been on had handed Sun Bin’s group over to the pirate warship and fled as fast as it could. Hwang Bang-ju, who had packed his luggage in advance, was sighing in relief behind Sun Bin.

***

In the cold dawn, before the twilight had fully receded, a small carriage arrived in front of the Seowon [a Korean private academy] on the outskirts of Cheongwon. Clatter. As the carriage stopped, the elderly coachman turned around and said in a low voice.

“Young lady.”

There was a stir inside the small carriage with curtains drawn on all sides. Soon, a young lady with an elegant appearance pulled back the curtains and revealed herself.

Rustle.

Dressed in clothes embroidered with the subtle Hyeokryun family crest, she was none other than Hyeokryun Sehwa.

“Thank you.”

Hyeokryun Sehwa got out of the carriage and bowed her head to thank the coachman. The elderly coachman returned the greeting as if to say it was nothing. Turning around, Hyeokryun Sehwa quietly entered the Seowon. As always, the door was open.

Rustle, rustle.

The Seowon, shrouded in the dawn twilight, was unusually quiet. As if worried about waking those who were sleeping, Hyeokryun Sehwa carefully passed through the empty garden and entered the kitchen.

Click.

Closing the kitchen door and confirming that the embers in the fireplace were still alive, she took off her outer garment embroidered with the Hyeokryun family crest, folded it to one side, and rolled up her sleeves. Just as Hyeokryun Sehwa reached for the cupboard, the kitchen door opened again.

Thump.

“Sehwa Teacher, you’re here?”

Hwasa said, rubbing her eyes. Her figure was clearly revealed even through the clothes she had thrown on.

“Sleep more.”

At Hyeokryun Sehwa’s words, Hwasa shook her head like a child and replied.

“Uung… No, I’m awake.”

She said that, but Hwasa still couldn’t open her eyes properly as if she were still sleepy.

Slap.

Hwasa lightly slapped her cheeks with both hands.

“Okay. Now, I have to work.”

Hwasa, with her eyes sparkling, began to prepare breakfast. Now that Hwasa had accumulated quite a bit of experience, making meals for the Seowon was no problem for her.

“Lalala.”

Hwasa skillfully moved her hands, humming an unknown tune. Listening to that song, Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled without realizing it. Feeling somehow at ease, Hyeokryun Sehwa diligently moved her hands. The fatigue from working all night seemed to fly away with Hwasa’s messy humming.

“How were the children?”

At Hyeokryun Sehwa’s question, Hwasa tilted her head.

“Um, yesterday Aowa and Janga were scolded by Grandpa Shinui for dozing off during class. And Soso and Jungo had another argument. But I made them reconcile.”

Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled at Hwasa’s bright smile.

“I’m sorry. I should be taking care of the children.”

Hwasa shook her head.

“No. It’s okay. I heard that the Hyeokryun family has been very busy lately?”

After the rumor that Sun Bin’s group had died spread throughout the Kangho Murim [a fictional martial arts world], Hyeokryun Sehwa began to actively participate in the Hyeokryun family’s affairs. The Hyeokryun family, which would have been difficult to even step into before, was not difficult for her now that she had the Hyeokryun surname. Moreover, her ability to see and analyze situations broadly and her meticulous nature unexpectedly shone in the complex tasks of the family. With the experience and help of her adoptive father, Hyeokryun Gong, who was excellent in internal affairs, Hyeokryun Sehwa was already being evaluated as a rising talent in the family.

“The villagers are all praising you. They say Sehwa Teacher is really good at her job. She’s the pride of Cheongwon.”

Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled shyly at Hwasa’s words.

“They’re just looking at me favorably. Besides, the Hyeokryun family is originally a bit unique…”

Generally, the Hyeokryun family’s martial artists were known to be manly, generous, and quick-tempered. To put it badly, they were all simple and ignorant. Among such people, the elegant and meticulous Hyeokryun Sehwa stood out all the more. In addition, her decisiveness and spirit, which were sometimes revealed, were also highly regarded within the Hyeokryun family.

“And it’s all for the Seowon anyway.”

Cheongwon, where the Seowon was located, was the Hyeokryun family’s territory. Of course, Hwasa and Janggang Eoeong were there, and the former Paegeom Hyeokryun Wi showed favor to the Seowon, but no one could say for sure what the future held. Especially when the Kangho Murim was shaking like it was now.

That’s why Hyeokryun Sehwa decided to participate in the family’s affairs. It was her decision to protect the precious children. And to protect this small Seowon, where they had promised to return.

“Sehwa Teacher, you seem amazing. You’re good at everything, you like children… I really respect you. I probably could never do that?”

Hwasa sighed deeply. Hyeokryun Sehwa laughed because her appearance was cute. Somehow, she kept smiling ever since she came to the Seowon.

“I’m touched to receive the respect of Hwasa Sojeo [term of respect for a young woman].”

“Oh, is there anything I can help you with?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa laughed again at those words. Hwasa’s strength was too great, so it wasn’t helpful. Unless she intended to completely destroy the opponent.

“Later. I’ll tell you whenever I need it.”

“Okay. Trust me!”

Hwasa said confidently, sticking out her chest. Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled softly, thinking that her chest was still very prominent. In fact, the power of Hwasa and Janggang Eoeong was the last resort. The fact that they had to step in would mean that Hyeokryun Sehwa had failed.

“How about Dang Unyeong?”

“Oh, right, I got a call from that side yesterday too. It seems like the Dangmun’s affairs are going well, so she’ll probably be able to return soon.”

“Really?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa was delighted. Elder Dang Unyeong had temporarily left the Seowon at the request of the Chief Military Officer, Dang Hwaryeon, and had gone to Dangmun.

“It seems to be well organized then.”

“Yeah. It must have been hectic. Even Dang Unyeong Ajumma [Korean term for aunt/older woman] had to help.”

Elder Dang Unyeong was the head of the largest faction within Dangmun. Her smoothing out the internal complaints and disagreements within Dangmun and maintaining the center would be of great help to Chief Military Officer Dang Hwaryeon in focusing on external affairs.

“By the way, is the Hyeokryun family okay?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled at Hwasa’s words.

“It’s still okay. But there are some who say we should use an aggressive expansion policy like the Namgung family.”

“Expansion… policy?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa quickly said to Hwasa, who tilted her head as if the word was a bit difficult.

“It means occupying a lot of land.”

Hwasa, who had been nodding, frowned.

“Then that means fighting with the Namgung family or the Blood Peak Alliance?”

If the Hyeokryun family were to implement an expansion policy in the current situation, that would naturally be the case.

“…I want to avoid it if possible.”

Hyeokryun Sehwa tried to maintain the current situation as much as possible. She knew that Sun Bin did not interfere in the affairs of the Murim, but she also knew very well that he wanted peace. Within the Hyeokryun family, there were those who agreed with Hyeokryun Sehwa’s intentions, while there were also those who naturally expressed dissatisfaction. Especially the young martial artists who were stimulated by the expansion of the Namgung family.

“Oh, by the way, have there been any other contacts or letters?”

“Yeah. There weren’t any.”

Every dawn, Hyeokryun Sehwa asked. She knew that if there was anything, Hwasa would run over and tell her first, but she couldn’t help but ask. And Hwasa, knowing her heart well, always gave the same answer without frowning.

Hyeokryun Sehwa, who had been moving her hands silently for a while, suddenly said.

“Ah, and I don’t think I’ll be able to come to the Seowon for a few days.”

“Why?”

“It seems like the Ilsim Mugwan, a sect in Gamju in the north, is going to go over to the Namgung family. It’s already an area where the two families are fighting a war of nerves, and if that Mugwan goes under the Namgung family, the problem will become serious.”

“Those things can be solved by hitting them once. Should I go and use some force?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa laughed.

“It’s okay. And it’s a place where persuasion is needed rather than force. I have escorts, so don’t worry.”

Persuasion meant concessions on some interests or financial compromises. The person who was well aware of such matters was Hyeokryun Sehwa. So, Hyeokryun Sehwa’s visit was the most effective way to finish the job quickly. That was exactly what the sect had requested.

“Okay, I understand. Have a good trip. Leave it all to me here.”

Hwasa stuck out her chest. Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled softly, thinking that her chest was still very prominent. The dawn twilight quickly disappeared. After a while, Shinui woke up and came out to the garden, and Janggang Eoeong, who had gone out for dawn fishing, returned. The five children of Dang Wora also gathered at the Seowon.

“Hello, Teacher.”

The five children bowed deeply to Hyeokryun Sehwa. Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled.

“Hello. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes!”

The five children, who had greeted politely, smiled and hugged Hyeokryun Sehwa. Hyeokryun Sehwa hugged the children tightly. The warmth of the small children was really warm. After finishing breakfast, the children began to play here and there in the Seowon. Shinui, Janggang Eoeong, Hwasa, and Hyeokryun Sehwa enjoyed a moment of rest while savoring fragrant tea. As small stories were exchanged for a while, the Seowon children suddenly flocked together.

“Teacher! Hello.”

“Hello!”

The children ran into the Seowon. The five children who were playing also welcomed their friends with delight.

“Teacher, you know! Jau picked up something strange on the way here!”

“It’s not strange! How cool is this bug!”

Soso and Jau start bickering as soon as they arrive. Hyeokryun Sehwa got up from her seat and hugged each of the children one by one.

“Hehe.”

Aeng-aeng, who was hugged tightly in her arms, smiled and liked it.

“Teacher, are you leaving first again today?”

Hyeokryun Sehwa stroked Aeng-aeng’s hair and said.

“Yes. Sorry.”

“I wish the teacher could stay longer.”

“I will. Once this is over.”

But Hyeokryun Sehwa was not confident. Once the urgent matter was over, another big one would arise.

“Then I’ll be back.”

Hyeokryun Sehwa greeted Shinui, Janggang Eoeong, and Hwasa.

“Are you okay? You don’t seem to have rested at all, and you don’t have to come to the Seowon every dawn…”

Shinui accurately pointed out Hyeokryun Sehwa’s condition just by looking at her face.

“Coming here is a rest for me. And I can sleep in the carriage on the way, so don’t worry.”

Shinui clicked his tongue. Sleeping in a swaying carriage was not as easy as it sounded. It would be fortunate if she didn’t get even more tired.

“Take this.”

Shinui handed Hyeokryun Sehwa a few pills wrapped in paper.

“I tweaked what Eoeong caught. It’s not great, but it’s not bad either.”

The small pills contained the sincerity of the two old men. Hyeokryun Sehwa took the pills and smiled.

“Thank you.”

Janggang Eoeong just nodded with a blunt expression. Hwasa waved her hand at Hyeokryun Sehwa.

“Have a good trip!”

The children also waved their hands at Hyeokryun Sehwa all at once.

“Goodbye, Teacher!”

Small, fern-like hands waved all at once. Hyeokryun Sehwa smiled and raised her hand lightly. And she turned her back on the Seowon, which was starting a noisy day, and went outside. Outside the Seowon, the carriage she had come in was still waiting for her.

“I’m sorry. Did it take long?”

“Not at all, young lady.”

The elderly coachman bowed deeply. Hyeokryun Sehwa got into the carriage with curtains drawn on all sides. The reason for covering it with curtains was to rest even for a moment.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage left the Seowon and headed back to the Hyeokryun family. Inside the curtains that covered all sides, Hyeokryun Sehwa quietly closed her eyes. The soft smile that had always lingered at the Seowon slowly disappeared. And what remained on her tightly closed lips was only a firm resolution.

(Author’s words)

Hyeokryun Sehwa: Ah, my boss is making things difficult for me these days.

Hwasa: Really? Don’t worry, that person won’t be able to come to work from tomorrow.

Hyeokryun Sehwa: No, that’s a bit… …