A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 431

431. The Engagement

A luxurious carriage made its way through the streets of Nanchang, a major city and the base of the Namgung Clan. Carriages were a common sight in bustling Nanchang, but this one drew attention. It was lavishly decorated, and the flag of the Gongson Clan fluttered proudly, an unusual sight given the recent conflicts between the Five Great Clans. Seeing the Gongson Clan’s emblem in Nanchang was, to say the least, surprising.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage sped through Nanchang and halted before the main gate of the Namgung Clan. The vice-chief of the Namgung Clan, who had been waiting, hurried forward as a middle-aged man and a young man stepped out. The vice-chief bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man, who possessed a dignified air.

“Welcome to the Namgung Clan, Vice Clan Lord. I am the vice-chief in charge of receiving guests.”

“I am glad to be welcomed. I am Gongson Chuk.”

The middle-aged man, Gongson Chuk, the Vice Clan Lord of the Gongson Clan’s inner court, smiled and returned the bow politely. Respected within the Gongson Clan for his dignified appearance and gentle nature, he was trusted by the elders. The vice-chief nodded with a smile to the young man beside him.

“Welcome, Gongson Gye.”

“Hmph.”

Gongson Gye, the young man, looked at the main gate of the Namgung Clan with an arrogant gaze, offering no verbal response.

“They say the Namgung Clan is the best in Gangnam, but is this all there is?”

The vice-chief’s face tightened. Gongson Chuk said sternly, “Haven’t I told you to refrain from being rude?”

Despite Gongson Chuk’s reprimand, Gongson Gye’s expression barely changed. He gave the vice-chief a perfunctory bow. The vice-chief forced an awkward smile, but then Gongson Gye spoke again.

“Are you the only one here?”

“Pardon?”

Gongson Gye frowned at the vice-chief’s question.

“The Vice Clan Lord of the Gongson Clan has arrived, and only a vice-chief comes out to greet him? Shouldn’t at least the Vice Head of the Namgung Clan welcome him as a matter of etiquette?”

The vice-chief struggled to maintain his composure at the arrogant words. Accustomed to dealing with insolent individuals, he replied without losing his smile.

“The Vice Head is already waiting inside. You will also greet the Clan Lord afterward, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Who said I was worried?”

Gongson Gye said in an unpleasant tone. “I am simply pointing out the etiquette of the Namgung Clan. When someone points something out, you should accept it gracefully instead of talking nonsense…”

“Gye!”

Gongson Gye stopped at Gongson Chuk’s sharp tone, though his expression remained unpleasant. Gongson Chuk addressed him sternly, “This is the Namgung Clan. We are guests, so we should respect their customs, shouldn’t we?”

“But, Uncle, they don’t know anything about etiquette…”

“I told you to stop.”

Only then did Gongson Gye fall silent. Gongson Chuk bowed slightly to the vice-chief and said, “I apologize for the disturbance. Could you guide us to the Vice Head right away?”

“Ah, of course.”

The vice-chief bowed deeply, eager to end the conversation with the rude Gongson Gye.

‘I see why the elders of the family are so disgusted with the clans of Gangbuk [the northern region of the Jianghu, often seen as more traditional and arrogant]…’

The vice-chief, walking ahead, clicked his tongue inwardly. The arrogance of the Gangbuk clans, which he had only heard about, was truly appalling. Just because they were prestigious clans with a long history, they treated the Gangnam [the southern region of the Jianghu] clans and sects as ignorant country bumpkins. They should be trying to stay on the good side of the Namgung Clan in this situation. The vice-chief quickened his pace, wanting to finish this matter quickly. He didn’t notice Gongson Gye’s blue glare as he looked around the Namgung Clan, clicking his tongue, or that Gongson Chuk’s eyes held a similar disapproval.

***

Namgung Hyang was deeply troubled, and not just by her unwanted engagement. Being intelligent, she had already guessed the intentions of the former Thunder Sword Namgung Cheon behind this strange arrangement. Her concern was for the future of the family.

‘Grandfather made that decision because he thinks it’s the best path for the family.’

Namgung Hyang, sitting in an old-fashioned small pavilion, sighed softly.

‘But that’s not right. Those who walk the wrong path can’t gain anyone’s trust.’

Chirp, chirp. The birds chirped sweetly and flew away. Namgung Hyang raised her head and looked at the scenery. The small garden spread around her, but it did not soothe her worries.

‘At first glance, it seems like the family’s power is growing…’

Namgung Cheon’s decision had rapidly expanded the Namgung Clan’s influence. Looking at the clan’s growing power, one could argue that his decision was correct.

‘But growing in size is different from becoming stronger.’

She had already told Namgung Cheon that, but he had simply smiled.

“You are right. But sometimes, qualitative changes only occur after expanding the outer reaches. This is especially true in the harsh Murim [martial arts world]. How can you hope to become stronger if you are lagging behind others?”

Namgung Cheon’s words made sense and were realistic, but the side effects were also significant. Ominous movements were already stirring within the Namgung Clan. Namgung Cheon seemed to think he could control it, but people excited by the rapid expansion might do anything. The Gamju incident alone was evidence that control over various movements within the clan had become noticeably looser than before.

‘I wonder if Sehwa received the letter safely?’

Some within the clan thought that now was the time to settle the hegemony of Gangnam Murim. How could they aim for Gangbuk without securing their rear?
The former Thunder Sword Namgung Cheon and the Clan Lord, Thunder Sword Namgung Kwon, firmly rejected the proposal, but the long-standing grudges and deep-seated emotions between the two clans were more deeply rooted than expected.

In the end, Namgung Hyang had discovered a plot to instigate the Ilsim Martial Arts Center to attack Hyeokryun Sehwa at the last minute. She sent a letter urgently, but she didn’t know if it had reached Hyeokryun Sehwa safely. It was almost a stroke of luck that Namgung Hyang, currently isolated from all official clan affairs, had even found out about it. Namgung Hyang suddenly wore a lonely expression.

‘If only one person were here…’

All these rapid changes were due to the absence of just one person. One person who considered himself to have nothing to do with Gangho Murim [another name for the martial arts world], but who held a more important position than anyone else. That one person occupied the most precious place in Namgung Hyang’s heart, so her worries only deepened day by day.

“Hoo.”

Namgung Hyang let out another deep sigh.

“A sigh doesn’t really suit a beautiful young lady like you.”

Namgung Hyang was startled and stood up at the sudden unfamiliar voice. A strange young man was standing on one side of the garden, watching her.

“The blue spring day is about to end, and the peach blossoms fall like red rain, so isn’t it right to get drunk together and enjoy joyful laughter in our youth?”

The first part of the young man’s words was a line from a famous poem. It was quite a stylish remark, but Namgung Hyang’s vigilance did not ease.

“…Who are you?”

Namgung Hyang instinctively put her hands in front of her chest and asked. The pavilion she was in was located deep within the Namgung Clan, definitely not a place where unknown outsiders could come.

“Haha, you don’t have to be so wary.”

Step, step.

The young man walked towards Namgung Hyang, who retreated without realizing it. But the young man didn’t seem to notice or care that Namgung Hyang was afraid. Approaching the pavilion, he scanned her up and down with an open gaze.

“Hmm, they say you are the best of the Five Beauties of Hwangsan, and you are indeed as beautiful as I’ve heard.”

It wasn’t a compliment, but rather an insult. Namgung Hyang did not hide her displeasure.

“You are from the Gongson Clan.”

At Namgung Hyang’s words, the young man wore a proud expression. The emblem of the Gongson Clan was embroidered on his splendid coat, after all.

“That’s right, I am…”

“Gongson Gye.”

The young man, Gongson Gye’s brow furrowed slightly. Namgung Hyang’s voice continued.

“The direct descendant of the Gongson Clan. Your martial arts are not outstanding, but because of your high rank and belonging to the largest faction, you are considered the most likely candidate to be the next Clan Lord.”

Gongson Gye laughed, but the laugh was cold.

“So, you’re not just pretty, but also smart. But I don’t really like smart women…”

Gongson Gye said, staring intently at Namgung Hyang. His gaze was far from gentle.

“To be loved by a man, wouldn’t it be better to be a little more docile?”

“I have no intention of doing that at all.”

Namgung Hyang replied without hesitation.

“And this is my personal space. I didn’t invite any guests, so please leave.”

Was it a disaster that she had deliberately kept people away? Who would have expected to be treated like this within the Namgung Clan?

“Hahahahaha.”

Gongson Gye laughed loudly.

“This is the first time I’ve been treated like this. It feels kind of fresh?”

Muttering to himself, he raised his head and looked at Namgung Hyang.

“I was just looking around the Namgung Clan and got lost. You just happened to be in the pavilion I wandered into. Still, I’m a guest of the clan, so isn’t it too rude?”

Namgung Hyang did not back down.

“You are the one who has been rude. Since men and women are different, if you don’t want to cause unnecessary misunderstandings, please leave.”

It was a final warning, but Gongson Gye smiled slyly.

“That’s not right. You’ve been talking like you know me well since earlier, so why are you leaving out one fact?”

Step. Gongson Gye stepped forward. Namgung Hyang flinched and stepped back, but Gongson Gye came even closer.

“Yes, I am Gongson Gye. The direct descendant of the Gongson Clan and, in terms of rank, second to none, the person closest to the next Clan Lord, as you said.”

Gongson Gye, who had come right in front of her, smiled bitterly.

“And also the man who will soon be your husband.”

Namgung Hyang stepped back at the chilling voice. Or, she tried to step back.

Thud.

The large pillar of the pavilion stopped her. There was nowhere else to retreat. And unfortunately, Namgung Hyang knew nothing about martial arts.

“If we’re engaged, no one will make a fuss about this much, right?”

Gongson Gye, chuckling, suddenly reached out his hand towards Namgung Hyang’s face. Startled, she flinched and turned her head.

Thud.

Fortunately, Gongson Gye’s arm rested on the pillar behind her, trapping her in his arms.

“Hehe, look. You’re quite cute like this, aren’t you?”

Gongson Gye said in front of Namgung Hyang’s eyes. She replied with a firm expression.

“We have never exchanged vows. There have only been engagement talks between the elders of the family.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Gongson Gye gave a bitter smile. Namgung Hyang’s bold expression couldn’t hide her trembling slender shoulders, which betrayed her terror. That sight brought unbearable joy to Gongson Gye. He licked his dry lips with his tongue.

“That’s why the elders of our clan have so many complaints. The reason why I came all the way to this backwater is because of that.”

The engagement was already settled. All that was left was the wedding. But the Namgung Clan kept postponing it, offering many excuses that the Gongson Clan could not accept. Some even suggested taking what they could get and betraying them. In the end, the Gongson Clan, growing impatient, made a direct visit to urge the marriage.

“Well, the elders have a lot of things to say, but I think it’s a problem that can be solved very simply?”

Gongson Gye looked at Namgung Hyang. Her trembling eyelashes stimulated his desire to conquer.

“If we say that we’ve already become husband and wife, what can the stubborn old men do? Isn’t that right?”

Namgung Hyang’s face turned blue. Gongson Gye was suggesting that he would forcibly violate her.

“I’ll scream.”

“Go ahead.”

Gongson Gye smirked.

“I guarantee I’ll be faster at pressing your pressure points [techniques to temporarily paralyze or silence someone]. I’ve practiced a lot in real combat. I know young ladies’ bodies very well.”

Namgung Hyang gritted her teeth as she looked at Gongson Gye’s greedy eyes. She never knew she would hate being powerless so much.

“Hehehe.”

Gongson Gye, smiling bitterly, slowly raised his hand and brought it to Namgung Hyang’s face. It was at that very moment.

“Get away from my sister right now, you pervert!”

Swish. A sharp woman’s voice and murderous intent rushed towards Gongson Gye’s back. Startled, he rolled to the side. Swish. A sharp blade grazed his hair. He quickly distanced himself.

Thud.

Standing in front of Namgung Hyang was Namgung Soyu. Unlike her cute face, the long sword in her hand flashed with a sharp blade.

“To dare sneak into the Namgung Clan and target my sister, you’re quite bold. You perverted bastard!”

Namgung Soyu said, glaring at Gongson Gye, who got up from the floor and dusted off his clothes. He had been forced to roll on the floor in an unsightly manner to avoid the attack.

“Haha, this is…”

Gongson Gye said to Namgung Soyu with a feigned helpless smile.

“I am Gongson Gye of the Gongson Clan. Who are you to dare call me a pervert?”

Gongson Gye said with a bold attitude.

“What?”

Namgung Soyu blinked with a flustered expression. The opponent was wearing clothes embroidered with the Gongson Clan’s emblem.

“So, the person who was supposed to come from the Gongson Clan today is…”

“Yes, that’s…”

Gongson Gye puffed out his chest. He was about to say it, but Namgung Soyu’s voice was faster.

“Turns out he was a dirty pervert!”

Swish. Namgung Soyu’s sharp blade rushed mercilessly towards Gongson Gye.

‘Heok [gasp of surprise].’

Gongson Gye was horrified and avoided the blade. Unlike her cute-looking face, Namgung Soyu’s sword was serious and quite skilled. As Gongson Gye had no sword, he couldn’t possibly block her attack.

“Stop! I am a guest from the Gongson Clan! Besides, I am going to marry Lady Namgung Hyang!”

“Don’t talk about marriage! Shut up, you shameless bastard!”

Paat [sound of a blade cutting through the air]. Namgung Soyu shouted sharply and stretched out her sword, rushing towards the helpless Gongson Gye.

‘Keuk [groan].’

Gongson Gye realized that he couldn’t possibly avoid the sword and closed his eyes tightly. But there was no feeling of the sword cutting flesh.

Thud.

A cold sensation was felt at the tip of his chin. Gongson Gye opened his eyes. Namgung Soyu’s outstretched sword was touching the tip of his chin. He swallowed his saliva without realizing it at the chilling sensation. Namgung Soyu said, glaring at him.

“Not killing you right now is the greatest favor I can give to a guest. You dog-like perverted bastard.”

Namgung Soyu’s words were quite rough, unlike her cute appearance. And Gongson Gye realized then that he was being toyed with. Namgung Soyu knew about him from the beginning and had no intention of killing him.

“Keukeuke [nervous laughter].”

Gongson Gye laughed. He looked at Namgung Soyu with bitter eyes and said.

“Can you do this to me? I’m going to be your brother-in-law later?”

“Brother-in-law?”

Namgung Soyu smirked.

“Says who?”

“Well…”

Gongson Gye tried to explain that marrying Namgung Hyang would naturally make him her brother-in-law, but Namgung Soyu had no intention of listening.

“If you want to be my brother-in-law, why don’t you say it after catching a Blood Demon [powerful and dangerous demonic cultivator] or something? You dim-witted pervert.”

Thud.

Namgung Soyu hit Gongson Gye’s cheek with the side of her sword again. He gritted his teeth at the insulting action, but there was nothing he could do without a sword. The question of Namgung Soyu mentioning the Blood Demon disappeared completely.

“We’ll see. This humiliation of today…”

Thud.

Namgung Soyu’s sword hit Gongson Gye’s cheek again.

“Are you not going to disappear quickly? Or do you want to keep getting hit like this? Huh?”

Namgung Soyu said with a venomous look. No matter how cute her appearance was, she was also a woman of the Namgung Clan.

Eudeuk [sound of grinding teeth].

Gongson Gye gritted his teeth and slowly stepped back.

Step.

Namgung Soyu did not chase him. Gongson Gye, having distanced himself, openly scanned Namgung Soyu’s body up and down. She hated that gaze so much that she shuddered. Just as she was thinking of cutting off his neck, Gongson Gye turned his gaze towards Namgung Hyang and said, gritting his teeth.

“Let me tell you, you shouldn’t even dream of the sweetness of a honeymoon.”

“You’re the one.”

Namgung Hyang replied with cold eyes.

“You shouldn’t even think about seeing me again. If I see you next time…”

Namgung Hyang said, biting her lip.

“I’ll definitely kill you.”

Namgung Hyang’s calm gaze was eerie. Gongson Gye clicked his tongue and soon fled. There was no point in staying any longer. After confirming that he had left, Namgung Soyu put away her sword and immediately checked on Namgung Hyang.

“Sister, are you okay?”

“I’m okay. Thank you… Ah!”

Only then did Namgung Hyang’s tension relax, and she staggered as if she was about to collapse. Namgung Soyu quickly supported her and sat her down in the pavilion.

“How can such a guy be wandering around the clan? What are the others doing? It would have been a disaster if I hadn’t come to see my sister.”

It was because Namgung Hyang had deliberately kept people away. She smiled faintly.

“Thank you so much.”

At the pitiful sight, Namgung Soyu held Namgung Hyang’s hand tightly.

“Really, where is Brother-in-law doing…”

The ‘Brother-in-law’ she was talking about was none other than Jinryong Daehyeop Sonbin [a respectful title meaning Great Hero]. Namgung Soyu, who knew Namgung Hyang’s heart better than anyone else, had been calling him Brother-in-law for some time now. Namgung Hyang gave an awkward smile, but didn’t say anything, knowing that Namgung Soyu’s habit wouldn’t be corrected anyway. Instead, she quietly held Namgung Soyu’s hand.

“Soyu, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Can you get me a small dagger?”

Namgung Soyu blinked. Namgung Hyang had never carried a dagger or anything like that.

“Are you talking about a silver knife or something?”

Namgung Hyang nodded. A silver knife carried like a trinket or accessory has little meaning as a protective charm.

“Wouldn’t it be better to carry just a small sword?”

Namgung Hyang shook her head.

“No. This is just like my determination, so a silver knife is fine.”

Namgung Soyu nodded.

“Yes, I’ll get you a small and very pretty one.”

“Thank you.”

“No, Sister.”

Namgung Soyu couldn’t hide her troubled expression. Namgung Hyang wrapped her arms around Namgung Soyu’s shoulders and patted her. Namgung Soyu felt like she was about to cry at the gentle touch. She recalled a man who didn’t even know where he was now, whether he was alive or dead, and poured out all sorts of resentment.

(Author’s words)

Sonbin: Why do I suddenly have chills?

Nogun: Is that so? I’ve been feeling chilly for the past few days too.