A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 440

440. The Woman in Black Veil

Sun Bin and his group’s conversation went on longer than expected. Old Man No, Dang Wora, Hwayeol, and Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon began discussing their next steps.

“If it’s Bi Geom, he’ll likely target the Black Snake Union’s Talhon Sword or the Moyong Family’s Junja Sword and Iron Sword first,” Old Man No began.

“He’ll need to defeat the Outer Clan’s [martial arts clans outside the main power structure] masters to expand his power. Then, he’ll target the Hyeokryeon Family’s Pae Sword or the Sicheon Ami’s [Sichuan Emei Sect] Beop Heo and Cheong Hye.”

“If it’s to expand his power…”

Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon carefully considered Old Man No’s words. “He’ll need to secure Wudang [a famous Taoist martial arts sect] or the Gangbuk Black Snake Union in the middle. That’s the only way he can extend his influence to Sicheon [Sichuan]. Similarly, to scheme against the Hyeokryeon Family, he’ll try to secure the Gangnam Hyeolbong Union.”

Her point was accurate. Old Man No stroked his beard and grinned. “Yes, that would be the order, if we hadn’t arrived.”

“Do they already know we’ve arrived?” Sa Suyeon asked. Sun Bin had revealed himself at the Namgoong Family, but the rumors about the ‘True Dragon Great Hero’ weren’t that widespread. Besides, the people of the Namgoong Family wouldn’t spread rumors carelessly, and Lightning Sword Namgoong Cheon was practically on Sun Bin’s side.

“We should assume they already know, or will soon find out,” Old Man No nodded and said. “Those who do dishonest things are naturally suspicious. Even if Lightning Sword remains silent, Bi Geom would already be monitoring the Namgoong Family. And…”

Shrugging his shoulders, Old Man No continued, “I caused a little trouble too.”

At those words, Wonju Hwayeol smiled, and the others looked puzzled. But Old Man No quickly changed the subject. “Let’s talk about the details later. Assuming Bi Geom knows we’re here, how do you think he’ll react?”

“If Bi Geom is foolish…” Dang Wora said quietly, “He’ll gather all his forces and prepare for a major battle.”

At Dang Wora’s words, Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon sighed softly. “I wish that would happen. Then we could buy some time.”

Time was on Sun Bin’s side. Sun Bin’s return alone had already changed the Namgoong Family, and soon the entire landscape of the Outer Clan would change.

“If Bi Geom is smart, he’ll immediately launch a surprise attack on Young Master Sun. If Young Master Sun is gone, he can practically control the Outer Clan.”

“Smart, but he’d do that?” Sa Suyeon asked, as if she couldn’t understand. “We wouldn’t just let him attack Bin, I mean, Young Master Sun, would we? And how dare Bi Geom even touch Young Master Sun?”

Her eyes were shining fiercely. Dang Wora quietly smiled behind her veil. “That’s assuming Bi Geom is confident he can defeat Young Master Sun. And he doesn’t know us. He doesn’t know what Young Master Sun means to us.”

“Wora is right,” Old Man No also agreed with Dang Wora. “Well, even if he succeeds by some chance, the result won’t be what Bi Geom expects.”

He couldn’t even touch him, but if Bi Geom did succeed, the aftermath would be something even Old Man No didn’t want to imagine.

“And if Bi Geom is a genius, he’ll do something we haven’t even thought of. A divine move that turns the whole situation around in one fell swoop.”

“That’s not possible,” Old Man No said firmly. “That guy has been a family head his whole life. Being a family head isn’t something a genius would ever do.”

“What about somewhere in between?” Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon asked. “Not bold enough to launch a surprise attack on Young Master Sun and gamble everything, but aware that the more time passes, the more disadvantageous it becomes for him.”

Dang Wora thought for a moment before answering. “He’ll finish the things he’s already started first. It’ll draw attention, and it’ll also mean he’s eliminating those who might side with Young Master Sun. In the meantime, he’ll gather his forces and try to fight Young Master Sun.”

“The things he’s already started, does that mean defeating the Moyong Family and the Gangbuk Black Snake Union’s Outer Clan masters, as Old Man No mentioned?” At Geumsa Ryeon’s question, Dang Wora nodded silently. “Probably. And maybe he’ll try to lure Young Master Sun out with that.”

“A trap… That sounds plausible.”

After thinking for a moment, Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon looked up at Wonju Hwayeol. “Do you happen to know about the Hyeolbong Union’s situation?”

“The Hyeolbong Union is currently in a very chaotic state,” Hwayeol willingly answered Geumsa Ryeon. “The Namgoong Family is keeping the promise they made with Miss Hyeolbong. And the Hyeokryeon Family isn’t moving. So, in fact, there’s no immediate threat to the Hyeolbong Union’s safety in the Gangnam martial world.”

Hwayeol continued in a calm voice. “But that has only fueled the internal chaos within the Hyeolbong Union. Moreover, the tendency to rely on the Yunnan Hyeollyong Gate has become even more severe, and at this rate, they’ll either collapse on their own or be absorbed by the Hyeollyong Gate.”

In short, it meant internal strife.

“To be honest, you won’t be welcomed even if you return now.”

In a situation where there’s no immediate external threat, Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon’s return would only fuel the chaos. It might even intensify the division and deepen the conflict. However, Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon smiled sadly. “I still have to go. I can’t abandon the Hyeolbong Union either.”

“Is it the Hyeolbong Union that you have to protect?” Old Man No suddenly said. “Wasn’t it the people there that you wanted to protect, not the Hyeolbong Union?”

Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon quietly nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Then don’t rush and wait a little longer,” Old Man No looked straight at Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon and said. “If you’re not attached to the organization or your position, I have an idea.”

He didn’t say what that idea was, but Old Man No’s words were trustworthy enough.

“I understand. I’ll do that,” Sighing slightly, Hyeolbong Geumsa Ryeon answered.

“Good. Then let’s leave it at that. I’m starting to get hungry, aren’t we going to eat?”

Hwayeol smiled and answered. “I’m already preparing it. Shall we take a break for a while?”

At those words, the group all looked delighted. The tension of the journey had eased, and everyone was feeling hungry.

***

Yewon’s meal was refined and very delicious. Sun Bin even regretted that Seo Rin wasn’t there. Savoring the Hangzhou cuisine after a long time, the group had a pleasant time for the first time. After the meal, Sun Bin roughly told Hwayeol what had happened in the meantime. Hwayeol couldn’t hide her surprise, her eyes wide the whole time.

“I see. So…” Hwayeol quietly touched her teacup at the story of Muje and the former Okryong leaving beyond the Gates of the Abyss. “Still, it’s a relief,” Hwayeol said, forcing a smile. “That everyone returned safely.”

“It’s just that the Outer Clan has become a joke since I came back,” Old Man No said grumbling, bringing the teacup to his lips. Hwayeol smiled. “Originally, precious things always need to be taken care of.”

“The Outer Clan isn’t that precious,” He said it as if he didn’t care, but in fact, no one took care of the Outer Clan or Yewon as much as Old Man No. Hwayeol smiled softly and got up from her seat. “I think I’ll go in now. You must be tired from the long journey, so please rest comfortably today.”

“Alright,” Old Man No nodded, and the other members of the group also greeted Hwayeol. Hwayeol, who was exchanging greetings with the group, finally spoke to Sun Bin. “Ah, Young Master Sun, if you have time, would you like to take a walk with me for a moment?”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

The sun had already set, and it was getting dark. It was late for a walk, but Hwayeol just smiled and didn’t say anything. Perhaps she had a story that was difficult to reveal to others. Sun Bin nodded. “I understand. I’ll go with you.”

Sun Bin got up from his seat and followed Wonju Hwayeol out of the detached building.

Sapak, sapak [sound of footsteps].

Yewon after sunset was even quieter and more beautiful. Sun Bin, who was slowly crossing the garden full of elegant atmosphere, asked Hwayeol first. “Are Miss Gangrin and Min doing well?”

Hwayeol moved slowly and answered in a quiet voice. “Yes. She’s practicing the Chilhyun Instrument [a seven-stringed zither] diligently every day. She’s having a little trouble now, but it’s a wall that every artist must overcome. And her younger brother, Gangmin, is quite bright, so I’m teaching him the work of the trading company.”

Even Sun Bin thought Gangmin was smart. It hurt that Gangrin was having a hard time, but there was nothing anyone could do to help, so he just hoped she would do well.

“In fact, those children don’t even know that Young Master Sun left for the Western Regions. We don’t tell the Yewon trainees anything about the outside world. If you meet them later, please tell them yourself.”

“I understand.”

Sun Bin thought it was rather fortunate that he didn’t cause unnecessary worry. As the two walked quietly, a fairly large building appeared in front of them.

Sapak.

Hwayeol stopped walking and turned to Sun Bin. “Actually, the reason I suggested a walk to you, Young Master, is because I wanted to introduce you to someone.”

“Introduce me?”

Sun Bin looked puzzled at Hwayeol’s unexpected words. Hwayeol nodded and smiled. “Yes. She was originally scheduled to meet with me, but seeing that Young Master Sun came here today, I think it must be fate.”

Hwayeol’s words that she wanted to introduce someone were quite surprising. As Sun Bin hesitated for a moment, Hwayeol smiled softly. “I’m sorry if you feel uncomfortable, but at least the reason…”

“No, it’s not that,” Sun Bin interrupted Hwayeol’s words. “If Wonju has decided so, I will gladly follow.”

Hwayeol couldn’t hide her surprised expression. It was very unusual to introduce someone to an Outer Clan master who had come to Yewon without prior arrangement. Even Old Man No, who was friendly with Hwayeol, would frown immediately. Of course, Hwayeol was confident that she could persuade Sun Bin, but now Sun Bin had accepted it without even hearing the explanation, simply because it was Hwayeol’s decision.

“…Thank you, Young Master Sun,” Hwayeol’s gratitude was sincere. Sun Bin smiled and bowed his head in return.

Sapak, sapak.

The two entered the ancient building. As they entered, the old servant who had greeted the group earlier was waiting for them.

“Welcome.”

“Has the guest arrived?” At Hwayeol’s question, the old servant answered politely. “Yes. She just arrived at the main gate, so she will be here soon.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

The old servant bowed his head as if to say it was nothing and led the two to a room. It was a small, neat room with a warm teapot and simple refreshments on the table. Hwayeol offered Sun Bin a seat, then stood and said. “This person is the representative of a trading company that has been making great strides in the Upper World [referring to the central government or capital] these days. The scale of the trading company is very small, but it has successfully completed important transactions that even other large trading companies cannot do. Recently, we have been working closely with our Yewon.”

‘Trading company?’ A trading company was unfamiliar to Sun Bin. Sun Bin felt interested but also worried. “I know almost nothing about trading companies or the Upper World…” Except for simple clerical work, he knew nothing. But Hwayeol smiled. “That’s not why I’m introducing you, so you don’t have to worry.”

Sun Bin nodded. But what could he talk about with the representative of a trading company besides work?

“Ah, and I want to ask for your understanding in advance. This person always covers her face with a black veil and never reveals it to anyone.”

It was a word that somehow reminded him of Dang Wora. More than anything, the representative of a trading company doesn’t show her face? Sun Bin asked with a puzzled expression. “Why? Is there a scar or something…”

Hwayeol shook her head with a somewhat sad smile. “This person is a widow who lost her husband.”

Sun Bin frowned. A widow (未亡人) means ‘a person who has not yet died,’ and it is a word used by a woman who has lost her husband to humble herself and show her chastity. But that was the case in an era when the custom of dying after her husband remained. Calling someone a widow now could be a great discourtesy.

“That’s a wrong and outdated custom,” Sun Bin said in a rather firm tone. “It’s enough to express grief according to etiquette. Besides, covering a person’s face, especially a woman’s? There’s no such thing in any etiquette.”

Covering the face means cutting off all human relationships except for family. It was natural for Sun Bin to be angry at such an inhumane act.

“I think so too, but she said it was something she decided on her own,” At Hwayeol’s words, Sun Bin couldn’t help but feel sorry. How great must have been the grief of a woman who lost her husband to make such a decision?

“Are you saying she’s leading the trading company even in that situation?”

“Reality is harsh.”

Sun Bin’s heart ached even more at those words. He felt the grief of a woman who had lost a loved one and the desperation to lead the trading company despite that.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Sun Bin could finally understand the meaning of Hwayeol trying to introduce her. There was probably some problem that only Sun Bin could help with.

“Yes, there is,” As Sun Bin expected, Hwayeol answered with a soft smile. “But I don’t know. She’s originally someone who doesn’t accept help from others… But if Young Master Sun wants to help, it might be a little different.”

At those words, Sun Bin wanted to help even more. Not easily accepting help from others, although it depends on the case, means that she has self-reliance and responsibility.

“Wonju, the guest has arrived,” The old servant’s voice was heard from outside the door.

“Okay, I know,” Hwayeol, who answered, said to Sun Bin. “Please wait a moment.”

Hwayeol went outside, and the door closed. Left alone, Sun Bin filled his teacup with tea and waited quietly. How long had he been sitting like that?

Click.

Suddenly, there was a sound from outside, and the door opened. Sun Bin raised his head and saw the figure of a woman covering her face with a black veil.

‘Ah.’

Sun Bin stood up reflexively and looked at the woman who was still standing in front of the door.

‘This person…’

Sun Bin knew at once that she was the person Hwayeol wanted to introduce him to. The woman, who covered her face with a dark black veil, looked younger than Sun Bin had expected. Although her face was not visible, her slender shoulders and white hands, wrapped in soft black clothes, showed that she was at the height of her youth. He even thought that she was too young to lead a trading company.

‘This is…’

Looking at her, Sun Bin realized that he hadn’t even greeted her yet. Of course, it was also because she was still standing motionless outside the door, but continuing to look like this was definitely rude. Sun Bin bowed politely to her. “Nice to meet you.”

At that moment, her shoulders flinched. Sun Bin was puzzled but continued to speak. “My name is Sun Bin. About Miss…”

‘Ah, not Miss… What should I say?’ Sun Bin was embarrassed. He was confused about what to call the other person.

Sarak [rustling sound].

It was at that moment that she moved. She, who had been motionless as if frozen, took a step and came inside and approached Sun Bin without hesitation. Jabak, jabak [sound of approaching footsteps].

‘Uh.’

Sun Bin blinked because her momentum as she approached him was unusual.

‘This is like…’

It was just when he was thinking that her momentum seemed familiar that the woman, who had already approached Sun Bin, suddenly raised her right hand and struck Sun Bin’s cheek.

Hwik [sound of a swift movement].

Sun Bin was surprised by the sudden action, but her hand was very slow, at least from Sun Bin’s point of view. It was not difficult for Sun Bin to block her hand, which was full of momentum but contained no internal force or martial arts at all.

Tak [sound of a block].

Sun Bin grabbed her slender wrist with his left hand. Her right hand, which had been flying towards his cheek, was blocked.

“What is this suddenly… Heok [gasp of surprise].”

Sun Bin’s words were not finished. As soon as her right wrist was grabbed, she immediately threw her left hand.

Hwik, tak [sounds of swift movement and block].

But Sun Bin easily blocked that as well. She, who had both wrists suppressed, probably gritted her teeth and gave strength to both hands, but she couldn’t beat Sun Bin’s strength.

“What are you doing?” Sun Bin said in a rather stern tone, as if scolding her. He couldn’t understand why she was using violence on someone she had just met, but she didn’t try to take her strength away. Because of that, Sun Bin ended up in a physical fight with her.

“If you keep doing this, I will also…” It was when Sun Bin was getting angry and saying that, tuk [sound of something dropping]. Sun Bin saw tears falling on her veil right in front of him.

“…You’re saying you don’t know me? You, me?”

‘Heok.’

That faintly trembling voice was something Sun Bin could never forget. Sun Bin unknowingly let go of both hands. Although both hands were free, she no longer tried to hit Sun Bin. Instead, she slowly lifted her black veil from the bottom up.

Sarak.

Under the black veil, a proud and beautiful face was revealed. Tears were flowing down the cheeks of a beauty who seemed to have been sculpted with nobility. However, unlike the tearful eyes, the eyes staring at Sun Bin were as sharp as if they were facing an enemy.

“Gyeonghui Princess…” Sun Bin said without realizing it.

“…Yes, it’s me.”

Eudeuk [sound of grinding teeth].

The sound of grinding teeth leaked from between her red lips.

“You bad guy.”

She, who uttered words that she could never have imagined before, was none other than the Imperial Family’s Gyeonghui Princess.

(Author’s words)

It would have been a big deal for Sa Suyeon and Dang Wora if she was really a woman he didn’t know.