A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 437

437. The Yewon’s First Guest

After leaving Namchang, Sohn Bin and his party boarded a ship heading to Hangzhou. Sohn Bin stood at the ship’s railing, lost in thought as he watched the majestic Yangtze River flow.

“What are you doing?”

Sohn Bin turned his head at Noh Gun’s voice from behind.

“Just thinking.”

Noh Gun chuckled at Sohn Bin’s answer and approached, placing his hand on the railing. *Whoosh*. Noh Gun looked down at the waves of the Yangtze crashing against the railing and asked,

“Are you okay?”

Sohn Bin smiled.

“I’m fine. I’m just… a little lost in thought.”

“Thinking too much isn’t good.”

Noh Gun frowned.

“Like a bad move after a long deliberation, sometimes thinking too deeply can lead you to mistake something strange for a brilliant move.”

Noh Gun, who was talking, suddenly asked as if throwing a stone.

“Are you thinking about what happened at the Namgoong Family?”

Sohn Bin gave an awkward smile. How could he hide anything from Noh Gun?

“Yes.”

“What happened?”

Noh Gun asked directly. Sohn Bin sighed softly.

“I don’t know exactly. But his words keep echoing in my head.”

“His?”

He wondered if he meant Saja Hyuk, but Sohn Bin’s answer was different.

“The voice of the previous Jade Dragon, asking if this world is really worth it.”

Noh Gun frowned. Looking at the flowing Yangtze, Sohn Bin continued in a hollow voice.

“I didn’t need to be bound by those words, but I think I was thinking too deeply. And I think I was angrier than I thought.”

Perhaps Sohn Bin wanted to prove something to the previous Jade Dragon. That’s why he must have been even more disappointed in those who showed no remorse.

“That bastard is still causing trouble.”

Noh Gun grumbled.

“Well, sometimes you get hit by bird poop out of nowhere. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

Noh Gun shrugged.

“But that doesn’t mean you should try to kill all the birds, unless you’re crazy, of course.”

Sohn Bin smiled awkwardly. The exception Noh Gun was talking about clearly included the previous Jade Dragon.

“And no one gets discouraged by bird poop and lets birds build a nest in their hair. Both are crazy things to do.”

Noh Gun’s words meant that there was no need to give too much meaning to small things. As Sohn Bin himself said, there was no need to think too deeply. But Noh Gun’s next words were something Sohn Bin hadn’t even thought of.

“From the start, I think it’s ridiculous to judge whether the world has value or not. How is it different from jumping into a pile of manure and shouting that the world is dirty? If you want a valuable world, you can make it valuable, even little by little.”

Those words were like a refreshing breeze.

“No matter how strong a beast is, even a dragon in the sky, it doesn’t change the world. People do that. That’s the power and privilege that only people have.”

Sohn Bin couldn’t hide his surprised expression.

“I see.”

Sohn Bin, who spoke like a sigh, nodded his head greatly.

“That’s what it was.”

“Tsk.”

Noh Gun clicked his tongue.

“You didn’t know that yet? You’re so stupid sometimes. And don’t be so impressed by this nonsense. It makes you look pathetic.”

Sohn Bin laughed. It was a bright laugh like a cool river breeze. Noh Gun chuckled and tilted his head.

“Wait, does that mean it would have been better to cut off that guy’s head back then?”

At Noh Gun’s words, Sohn Bin smiled and turned his head. Looking at the flowing Yangtze River, Sohn Bin said quietly.

“…I won’t do that anymore.”

Sohn Bin himself doesn’t know exactly what happened then. However, another word from the previous Jade Dragon, the voice that ‘distorted the world,’ was echoing in his ear as if whispering.

“Hmm.”

Noh Gun nodded silently. Below the two men’s eyes, the waves of the Yangtze River, sparkling in the sunlight, flowed endlessly.

***

After getting off the boat in Nanjing, Sohn Bin and his party headed to Hangzhou in a carriage. Following the straight main road, the party arrived in Hangzhou and immediately hurried to Yewon.

*Clatter, clatter.*

Looking at the old-fashioned streets passing by on the left and right of the carriage, Sohn Bin felt a sense of welcome. The first time he came, he was busy admiring with surprised eyes, but now he feels familiar, even friendly. The other members of the group felt the same way.

“This is always a good place to see.”

Sa Sooyeon said, looking out of the carriage. The quiet and antique streets had a different kind of beauty from the bustling city.

“Does Miss Sa know Hangzhou well?”

Suddenly, Hyulbong Geum Saryun asked. Sa Sooyeon shook her head at her curious question.

“No. Not really… But didn’t Miss Geum come last time?”

Hyulbong Geum Saryun and Guigyun Surado certainly attended the Twelve Statesmen meeting at Yewon last time. Hyulbong Geum Saryun lowered her voice as if embarrassed at Sa Sooyeon’s question.

“Ah, I was out of my mind then…”

At the time, she was running around trying to find a way for the Hyulbong Union to survive. She couldn’t have had the leisure to leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hangzhou. In fact, she is not very comfortable now. It is obvious what the Hyulbong Union will look like without herself and Guigyun Surado. Perhaps the word ‘disintegration’ is accurate. Did Sa Sooyeon read Geum Saryun’s expression? Sa Sooyeon said with a soft smile.

“It’ll be okay. Now that everyone is back.”

Hyulbong Geum Saryun returned the favor with a smile to her kind consolation. But the shadow cast on her face did not disappear easily.

*Clatter, clatter.*

Before they knew it, the group’s carriage arrived at Hangzhou Yewon. As the carriage stopped in front of the large gate of the old-fashioned residential area, a white-haired servant came out of the gate as if he had been waiting.

“Have you been well?”

As Noh Gun greeted him, the white-haired servant bowed deeply.

“Welcome, Elder.”

“Where’s Hwa-wol?”

Noh Gun immediately looked for Head Manager Hwa-wol. This white-haired servant is the one who knows the most about the affairs of Hangzhou Yewon.

“I will tell her. But you may have to wait a little while.”

Noh Gun’s expression changed at those words. The servant said politely.

“Please come inside first. I will prepare a place to rest.”

“…I understand.”

Noh Gun said briefly and got out of the carriage. The servant called another servant to remove the carriage and led the group to the detached house at the back of Yewon. It was a large detached house where they had stayed before. The white-haired servant, who had guided the group, bowed and was about to leave when Noh Gun suddenly called him.

“Wait a minute. Come with me.”

At those words, Sohn Bin and the other members of the group looked puzzled. Noh Gun said with an indifferent expression.

“I have something to do, so you guys wait here. Have some tea and relax. Or should I ask them to call some entertainers?”

Sohn Bin smiled bitterly and shook his head at his rather playful words.

“No, thank you. Please go ahead.”

There must be a reason why he didn’t say it. Sohn Bin trusted and respected Noh Gun’s judgment.

“Okay. I’ll be back.”

Noh Gun said that and said to the servant.

“Let’s go.”

The white-haired servant bowed his head lightly to accept his words.

*Step, step.*

The two didn’t say anything. Noh Gun didn’t say where to go, and the servant didn’t ask. And after a while, the two arrived in front of another small detached house. Noh Gun clicked his tongue at the loud noise coming from the entrance.

“Tsk.”

External affairs are the top priority of Yewon. Even if there are overlapping visitors for external affairs, Yewon’s answer must be ‘It will be out soon.’ But the servant said, ‘You may have to wait.’ That means someone is causing trouble regardless of Head Manager Hwa-wol’s will. In other words, the servant’s words were like a request for help to Noh Gun, and Noh Gun responded to that request. The servant who led the way turned his body and bowed deeply to Noh Gun.

“Thank you.”

Noh Gun nodded silently. And he moved his feet into the small detached house alone. To solve the ‘problem’ that dares to make himself and Sohn Bin wait.

***

The Tian Shan Mountains are a huge mountain range located outside the Great Wall, in the northwest of China. Located far from the Central Plains, and with a harsh environment of only deserts and rocky mountains, even travel is not easy. In fact, the reason why Tian Shan, which should be called *Saeoe* [regions outside the inner Great Wall], is often mentioned in the *Gangho* [martial arts world] was one thing. It was because of the masters who lived there, such as the Five Elders of Tian Shan (天山五老) who are now in Hangzhou Yewon.

“Hehehe, the alcohol here is exceptional.”

The fourth of the Five Elders of Tian Shan, Saya (四爺), said. With a bald head and a long beard, his face was already red with drunkenness. The fifth, Oya (五爺), who was sitting next to him, smiled and said.

“Is it just the alcohol that’s exceptional? The food is greasy, the music is smooth, and the skin of the women is soft. Although there is no beautiful music or the skin of women here. Hehehe.”

Oya, who had long sideburns, laughed cheerfully. But his cold eyes shot a sharp energy toward the woman sitting in front of him. In that energy that was difficult for an ordinary woman to handle, Yewon’s Head Manager, Hwa-wol, bowed politely and said.

“This is not a brothel. If you want prostitutes…”

*Splash*. Cold alcohol flew into Hwa-wol’s face. The third of the Five Elders of Tian Shan, Samya (三爺), who was sitting on the other side, sprinkled alcohol on Hwa-wol. *Thump*. Putting down the empty glass, Samya growled.

“Do I really have to tear your mouth to stop you from talking back?”

Without even wiping the alcohol running down her face, Hwa-wol turned her head and looked at Samya. Samya, who had a long white beard, looked like a noble Taoist, but he was the most eccentric of the Five Elders of Tian Shan.

“I came to Yewon with my brothers to celebrate the happy day of entering the External Affairs [a powerful group within Yewon], but how dare you break the mood with nonsense!”

Samya’s voice echoed loudly through the detached house. Saya and Oya on the left and right smiled bitterly.

These were the third, fourth, and fifth of the Five Elders of Tian Shan. Originally, only the first, Ilya, belonged to the External Affairs, but this time, Iya and Samya also entered the External Affairs, and Samya visited Hangzhou Yewon with his two younger brothers.

They have been acting outrageously since the first day they arrived. They demanded fine wine and delicacies, tried to feed alcohol to the entertainers, and even tried to touch them recklessly.

Hwa-wol has been controlling them by sometimes appeasing them or by citing justification or reputation. But even after three days and five days, they did not leave. Their demands became more and more blatant, and now it has become difficult for Hwa-wol to handle as the head manager.

“I repeat, this is Yewon.”

Hwa-wol said, looking straight at the third of the Five Elders of Tian Shan, Samya. Alcohol was dripping down her elegant jawline, but her beautiful eyes and clear voice were not shaking at all.

“Please keep the etiquette.”

“Humph.”

Samya snorted at Hwa-wol’s words.

“How dare you force etiquette on me? Give the etiquette here to the dogs. The will of our Five Elders of Tian Shan is the new law and etiquette.”

“Kuhahaha.”

Saya and Oya laughed loudly.

“That’s right. Give the etiquette here to the dogs.”

“As expected of you, brother. We are the new law. Hahaha.”

Samya, who had become proud, looked at Hwa-wol with a rather arrogant gaze and said.

“Did you understand? Hurry up and bring the entertainers!”

Hwa-wol bit her lip.

“Ah, brother. Come to think of it, I heard that there is something talented in this Hangzhou Yewon.”

The fourth, Saya, said as if he suddenly remembered.

“I heard that he wrote ‘Dohwaga’ [Peach Blossom Song], which is often heard these days. He is a young, blind child, but his talent is excellent.”

Saya’s words stimulated the interest of the other two.

“A young one?”

“Oh, a blind man. That’s unique.”

Hwa-wol knew the lust contained in the eyes of the two men who were muttering. While struggling to control the momentary surge of disgust, Hwa-wol said politely.

“That child is not even a formal entertainer yet. Please take back your words…”

*Swish*. This time, the glass flew towards Hwa-wol. The porcelain glass brushed past Hwa-wol’s face and shattered against the wall.

*Smash.*

Fragments splattered on Hwa-wol’s head, back, and shoulders.

“What nonsense are you talking about when I said I would listen to the music as you said? Hurry up and bring him!”

Samya shouted, glaring at Hwa-wol. Anger was burning in his eyes.

*Swish.*

Head Manager, Hwa-wol, raised her head. And she said in a firm voice.

“Impossible.”

The reason for Yewon’s existence is to protect the entertainers. No matter how high the demand of the External Affairs master is, what meaning would Yewon have if it could not protect even one young entertainer?

“Where did this rude woman dare to…”

Samya clenched his fist and trembled. But no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn’t do anything to Hwa-wol in front of him. It’s not difficult to kill Hwa-wol right away. But he can’t ignore the aftermath that will follow. There are not only those who are friendly to the Five Elders of Tian Shan in the External Affairs, such as those who brought them, and there are still many External Affairs masters who try to protect Yewon.

“Brother, then why don’t we listen to this woman’s music as a compromise?”

The fifth, Oya, said.

“Didn’t Emperor Mu particularly like this woman’s music? He even played together, so let’s listen to how good it is.”

There is no External Affairs master who would not react to the word ‘Emperor Mu’. The third, Samya, shone his eyes and said to Hwa-wol.

“Okay, then let’s listen to your music. Surely you won’t say that you are not a formal entertainer either?”

It was no wonder that Emperor Mu, Saja Hyuk, and a scholar walking the path of Emperor Mu came to Hwa-wol’s mind at that moment. The beautiful and sad days when she played the strings with them and the emotions of that time rushed towards Hwa-wol like a flood. Hwa-wol trembled her shoulders slightly and couldn’t continue speaking. Samya smiled triumphantly and continued.

“Play the music you played with Emperor Mu. If that performance does not satisfy us, you will have to satisfy us with your body instead.”

Saya and Oya chuckled at the explicit obscene remarks. But the laughter did not last long.

“I refuse.”

Samya’s white eyebrows twitched.

“What did you say?”

A sharp murderous intent was lingering in that voice. Hwa-wol said, looking straight at Samya’s eyes, which were exuding energy.

“There is no music to play for you. I will not play for you either.”

That’s not what she was going to say originally. But because of the impulse in her heart that she herself could not understand and something hot, Hwa-wol could not stop her words from pouring out.

“So I refuse that request.”

“Hehehe.”

Samya laughed. A thick murderous intent was deeply embedded in that laughter.

“It’s a miscalculation if you think I can’t kill you.”

“Then please do so.”

Hwa-wol replied, sitting in an elegant posture. There was no fear of Samya in her eyes at all. Samya’s hand trembled. Then, the voice of the fifth, Oya, was heard from behind.

“A mere entertainer refuses to play, what a rude woman.”

Oya said, sneering at Hwa-wol.

“Cut off that woman’s fingers, brother. She won’t play or pour alcohol, so what use is she?”

Samya’s eyes flashed with a strange light. He can’t kill Hwa-wol. But cutting off her hands on the pretext of rudeness is something that can be justified as much as possible. Hwa-wol also knew that. Seeing Hwa-wol’s complexion change, Samya smiled bitterly.

“You wench. Even now…”

*Thud.*

Samya’s words were not 이어지지 못했다 [unable to continue]. Suddenly the door opened and someone came in.

“Even now…”

*Whoooooosh.*

A tremendous force poured in. The force, like a storm, was starting from one person who had just opened the door.

“What are you going to cut off?”

Grinding his teeth, Noh Gun said. His eyes, revealed under his white eyebrows, were shining blue.

(Author’s words)

You Die. has entered.