A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 462

462. To the Seowon

The temporary meeting of the Blood Peak Alliance ended in shock and disarray. And it wasn’t just the meeting that ended. The representatives of each sect, returning after the temporary meeting, could sense that the very existence of the Blood Peak Alliance was faltering.

“It was inevitable.”

Nogun chuckled, holding a steaming teacup. The scenery of Guizhou [a province in Southwest China], visible from the high pavilion, added to Nogun’s enjoyment.

“Now that the agreement with the Namgung Clan has been broken, they can’t even look towards Honam Province. And that’s not all, is it? With the departure of the Blood Dragon Gate, Yunnan [another province in Southwest China, bordering Guizhou] is also out of the question.”

With a rather pleased expression, Nogun continued.

“The Yangtze River region, where the greatest interests lie, has already been handed over to the Tang Clan, and they’ve threatened that the Tang Clan won’t stand idly by if anyone makes clumsy moves.”

Tang Mun-won, from the Tang Clan, did not hesitate to threaten with a friendly face. Listening to him utter chilling words in a soft voice, one couldn’t help but feel that the Tang Clan could crush this place at any moment.

“All that’s left is Guangxi Province in the south, but it’s a barren land, and they’d have to be prepared to clash with the Hyeonryeon Clan. No, with the strength of those remaining, they can’t even dream of advancing into Guangxi Province. They’re blocked on all sides.”

Nogun grinned and declared.

“So, the Blood Peak Alliance is effectively finished today.”

Sasu-yeon, who was listening, asked with a puzzled expression.

“But there are still many sects remaining in the Blood Peak Alliance. If they continue to unite, couldn’t they maintain the Blood Peak Alliance?”

The only ones who left the Blood Peak Alliance were the Golden Sword Sect and the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate. In reality, it could be said that only the Golden Sand Union, Guigyeon Asura, and the Blood Dragon Gate had left. However, Nogun shook his head.

“Many sects? Are you talking about sects that only have names left? Or the Jo Family Manor? The Pacheon Sect?”

Nogun did not hide his mockery.

“They couldn’t even take over Guizhou and were just squabbling among themselves. The moment the Blood Dragon Gate, the largest force, withdrew, they can’t do anything anymore. Whatever the name, the Blood Peak Alliance is finished as a force.”

His words were correct. With the departure of the Golden Sand Union and Guigyeon Asura, and even the loss of the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate, the Blood Peak Alliance had effectively lost its meaning as an alliance. Suddenly, Geum Sa-ryeon wore a desolate expression. Although she was no longer a member of the Blood Peak, she couldn’t be happy about Nogun’s declaration that the Blood Peak Alliance was over. But Nogun’s words were not over yet.

“And at the same time, one of the biggest causes of conflict in the Gangnam Murim [martial arts world] has disappeared.”

At those words, Son-bin gave a bitter smile and looked at Nogun.

“So, this is the solution you mentioned, Elder.”

Nogun had promised Geum Sa-ryeon that if she was not attached to the organization and her position, he would provide a solution to the chaos of the Blood Peak Alliance.

“That’s right.”

Nogun said, raising his teacup.

“From the beginning, the Blood Peak Alliance itself was not natural. Originally, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Honam were rather ambiguous regions where mediocre sects were living well on their own.”

Guizhou, Guangxi, and Honam had many ethnic minorities and were not regions where commerce was highly developed. They didn’t have any significant interests and were far from the existing clans and sects, so they didn’t receive much attention. Thanks to this, local small and medium-sized sects were able to establish themselves. The fact that there were so many sects that claimed to be in the middle of the righteous and the unorthodox, and that there were so many unorthodox groups close to bandit gangs, was also due to this reason.

“But when a force called the Blood Peak Alliance was formed and even the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate joined, the clans couldn’t help but pay attention. They even openly caused disputes with the Namgung Clan. So, the solution is simple.”

Nogun said in a matter-of-fact voice, savoring the subtle tea fragrance.

“If you get rid of the Blood Peak Alliance, the people here won’t suffer, and the sects will all return to their former state. Of course, there will be some aftereffects, but isn’t it better than bloodshed?”

Nogun’s solution was simple yet unconventional. Instead of stabilizing the Blood Peak Alliance, he was suggesting to eliminate it altogether.

“Creating one powerful system is not always a good thing. If you can live peacefully, you can just stay within your own fences. A large clan or sect that encompasses an entire province will naturally emerge when needed.”

Son-bin agreed with Nogun’s words. Of course, there may be advantages to uniting into one large force in many ways. But can it really bring good results to everyone? Or might it just fill the bellies of a few? Especially in the Gangho Murim, where the law of the jungle is taken for granted.

“But I was a little surprised.”

Sasu-yeon said, holding her teacup.

“I didn’t expect the Namgung Clan to withdraw so easily.”

Geum Sa-ryeon and Guigyeon Asura seemed to think the same, their eyes gleaming. But Nogun’s answer was simple.

“It’s better that way.”

Nogun turned the teacup in his hand and continued.

“To continue occupying Honam Province, they need a lot of people and it costs too much money. That’s why the Namgung Clan didn’t advance into Honam Province before. Well, the Namgung Clan wouldn’t lose out anyway.”

Advancing into Honam Province was not very attractive to the Namgung Clan. The fact that it could provoke the Hyeonryeon Clan was also a big burden.

“So, it’s better to acknowledge the Golden Sword Sect and take appropriate profits. Of course…….”

Nogun glanced at Son-bin.

“Bin’s intention to win favor is the biggest reason. Maybe they expected that much when they met last time.”

Son-bin gave a bitter smile. Namgung-hyang was very intelligent, so she might have predicted to some extent after seeing Geum Sa-ryeon and Guigyeon Asura with Son-bin’s group.

“To bring the Namgung Clan’s Naecheongju [a high-ranking member] with just a probing letter, Bin, you’ve made a name for yourself?”

Nogun said to Son-bin with a teasing smile.

“It’s not like I asked them to come…….”

Son-bin tried to gloss over it with an awkward smile, but Nogun had no intention of ending the conversation yet.

“It’s the same thing. Look, even Han-wol or whatever his name is from the Blood Dragon Gate rushed over, didn’t he?”

“Well, the Blood Dragon Gate has already said that they won’t be interested in the Murim anymore.”

The young Okryong had stated in a letter to Son-bin that the Blood Dragon Gate would not advance into the Gangnam Murim. So, the Blood Dragon Gate’s declaration of withdrawal was perhaps a natural thing.

“Still, it was your letter that made them declare it at that moment.”

Son-bin had nothing to say. It was clear that it was the result of his writing the letter.

“Ahem, then the Blood Peak Alliance…….”

Son-bin, who was somehow embarrassed, tried to change the subject with a cough. But regardless of Son-bin’s feelings, Sasu-yeon opened her mouth with a smile.

“Still, I was surprised. I didn’t expect the Hyeonryeon Clan and the Tang Clan to come too.”

In fact, that was also something Son-bin was wondering about. He didn’t think it was necessary for the Hyeonryeon Clan or the Tang Clan to come. The answer was again given by Nogun.

“Maybe that’s Paegeom’s way of complaining.”

Son-bin frowned, recalling the taciturn former Paegeom, Hyeonryeon-wi. Nogun took a sip of tea and continued.

“The guy who’s the Naedangju [another high-ranking member] of the Hyeonryeon Clan told me. The former Paegeom told him to say hello. Isn’t that what he’s saying to me? He’s grumbling at you for not visiting him. He must have heard through Se-hwa that you met Noegeom.”

Son-bin tilted his head, wondering if that was really the case. And he asked Nogun.

“Then what about the Tang Clan?”

Tang Mun-won, who came representing the Tang Clan, claimed to be a friendly envoy of the Moonju [clan leader]. After warning the Blood Peak Alliance, he enthusiastically congratulated the reconstruction of the Golden Sword Sect.

He even promised to help in any way he could, saying that ‘a trustworthy neighbor is more valuable than a thousand gold.’ Of course, Tang Mun-won was such a good talker that he couldn’t be trusted as is, but the Tang Clan’s goodwill was clearly conveyed.

“You told the Chief Military Advisor that you sent letters to the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan, didn’t you?”

Nogun said with a bitter smile.

“Knowing that, would they not send someone?”

Son-bin still didn’t understand. But seeing Dang Wora nodding, it seemed that Nogun’s words were correct.

“Actually, I thought it was a bit much for the Hyeonryeon Clan and the Tang Clan to come…….”

When Son-bin said, fiddling with his teacup, Nogun gave a puzzled expression.

“Too much? What is?”

“I was worried that it might look like Lady Geum had already finished negotiating with the clans and left the Blood Peak Alliance. Ah, of course, that’s not the case…….”

Son-bin’s group, who knew the course of events, knew that it was not Geum Sa-ryeon’s intention. But would it look that way to the sects belonging to the Blood Peak Alliance?

“There’s a risk that bad rumors about Lady Geum Sa-ryeon might spread…….”

Son-bin’s expression was quite serious. The remaining sects of the Blood Peak Alliance knew that Geum Sa-ryeon cared about people. Of course, they considered it hypocrisy, but they would not hesitate to spread slander to harass Geum Sa-ryeon.

“Tsk, you’re so timid, as expected of a scholar…….”

But Nogun chuckled.

“Don’t worry about what those guys say. The words of those who harbor hostility are just nonsense. You don’t need to pay attention to such things at all. It’s of no help in life. It’s enough to have crushed them once and for all. Otherwise, those guys will keep attacking without knowing their place.”

Nogun stated without hesitation.

“And you know what’s even funnier? The more they complain, the more it benefits the Golden Sword Sect.”

“Benefits?”

At Son-bin’s question, Nogun laughed.

“Yeah. No matter what bad things they say, the people who hear it will be interested, saying, ‘Wow, the Golden Sword Sect is quite impressive? They’re even negotiating with clans and large sects.'”

‘Ah.’

Son-bin immediately understood Nogun’s words. Slander and defamation do not necessarily bring negative results. It’s a common occurrence in politics, and there are even people who deliberately pick fights with famous people, aiming for such an effect. Of course, it’s a dangerous game that can lead to a fall into the abyss without careful calculation.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing.”

Sasu-yeon said to Geum Sa-ryeon.

“Now that Lady Geum can rebuild her family [sect].”

The Golden Sword Sect was recognized by the prominent forces of the Gangho Murim. Moreover, with Guigyeon Asura, a master of Outer Affairs, it was as good as the reconstruction of the Golden Sword Sect was already achieved. It was natural for many small and medium-sized sects in Honam Province, especially those who had been pushed out by the Namgung Clan, to want the protection of the Golden Sword Sect.

“It’s only embarrassing because it’s not our own strength. But…….”

Geum Sa-ryeon said, looking back at Son-bin and Nogun.

“I will do my best so that the opportunity you have given me is never in vain, and so that you will never regret it.”

Sreuk. Despite her physical discomfort, Geum Sa-ryeon insisted on standing up to pay her respects. But Son-bin quickly stopped her.

“No. I’m glad that I can repay the favor I owe you in this way.”

At Son-bin’s words, Geum Sa-ryeon gave a puzzled expression.

“Favor? I…….”

“No.”

Son-bin shook his head.

“You threw yourself into blocking the Gate of the Abyss. And this Blood Peak Alliance incident was also just about wanting to protect people, without expecting any gain or reward.”

The influence that Geum Sa-ryeon had on Son-bin was enormous. Her throwing herself to save others was by no means a small thing to Son-bin.

“So, it’s only natural that I help you. No, rather.”

Son-bin smiled brightly and said to Geum Sa-ryeon.

“I’m honored to be able to help.”

That was Son-bin’s true feelings. And Geum Sa-ryeon and Guigyeon Asura could clearly see that sincerity as well.

“Thank……, you.”

Geum Sa-ryeon’s voice was trembling slightly.

Sarak.

She bowed her head deeply. Her slightly rough hair poured down, and Guigyeon Asura also, surprisingly, slightly bowed her head. Son-bin couldn’t stop them. With a heart full of emotion at the sincerity felt in their bow, Son-bin could only bow his head in return. Sasu-yeon, Dang Wora, and Nogun also watched the scene with moist eyes.

“Ahem.”

Nogun cleared his throat.

“Now that the Blood Peak Alliance has been taken care of, let’s go back to the Seowon [private Confucian academy] for now.”

Nogun said with a long sigh.

“I’m dying to see the kids. I haven’t seen Seorin for a while, so I miss her too…….”

Perhaps if Seorin heard that, she would have welled up with tears and hugged him, saying, ‘Me too, Grandpa!’ Son-bin also felt the same way as Nogun.

“Yes. I really miss the children too. I’m worried about whether they’re doing well…….”

Sasu-yeon and Dang Wora nodded as if they felt the same way, although they didn’t say it.

“Then we’ll have to part ways here.”

Geum Sa-ryeon said. She turned her head and looked at Guigyeon Asura.

“Because there’s a lot to do to rebuild the Golden Sword Sect.”

The reason why her expression was bright as she said that there was a lot to do was because she was not alone.

“If you need help, come anytime.”

Son-bin said with a smile.

“You can just come to visit.”

“Yes. I will definitely go.”

Geum Sa-ryeon replied. From her smiling brightly next to Guigyeon Asura, Son-bin could sense that she would visit the Seowon in a happy state.

***

A few days later, Geum Sa-ryeon and Guigyeon Asura left for Honam Province. Her path in the ruthless Gangho Murim would not be smooth, but Son-bin thought that she would definitely be able to overcome it with Guigyeon Asura. Son-bin, Nogun, Sasu-yeon, and Dang Wora headed to Cheongwon in a carriage. Sitting next to Nogun, who was driving the carriage, Son-bin looked at the scenery of Guizhou passing by slowly.

Clatter, clatter.

“What are you thinking about?”

Nogun suddenly asked.

“I’m thinking about the children.”

Nogun chuckled at Son-bin’s answer. But Son-bin’s words were not over yet.

“And, I was thinking about the civil unrest.”

Nogun’s expression hardened. He nodded with a serious face.

“I’ve actually looked into it separately, but there hasn’t been much movement in Guizhou Province. Maybe they’re hiding very well.”

Nogun suddenly turned to Son-bin and asked.

“Did you perhaps expect to get help from the Blood Peak Alliance?”

Son-bin nodded.

“Yes. But it wasn’t possible at all.”

The situation of the Blood Peak Alliance was disappointing to Son-bin in many ways. He had already expected it, but they were fighting for their own interests without knowing anything. The Jo Family Manor, which openly revealed its greed, and the Pacheon Sect, which wanted revenge, were the same in Son-bin’s eyes.

“I told Lady Geum to be careful and to let me know if there were any strange movements in Honam Province, but it seems that it’s not something to be said publicly…….”

The rumor of ‘civil unrest’ can bring confusion and anxiety in itself. Moreover, considering the importance that Son-bin himself has in the Outer Affairs, it is difficult to ask for help carelessly.

“It seems that there are definitely limitations with just the Murim sects.”

“Of course. The Murim is not everything. No, rather, it can be said to be a very small part. No matter how much the Outer Affairs moves the world.”

Nogun nodded.

“But we can’t just wait like this. So…….”

Son-bin said quietly.

“I’m going to consider Princess Gyeonghui’s advice.”

“Princess Gyeonghui?”

Nogun turned to Son-bin with a puzzled expression. Son-bin continued in a serious voice.

“She told me to meet those who control the logistics of the world. She said that people are moved by swords and food.”

Nogun chuckled and turned his head.

“That’s something that child would say. But there’s a point.”

Son-bin also agreed with Nogun’s words.

“Yes. If you change your perspective, things that you couldn’t see may unexpectedly reveal themselves easily.”

“Then we’ll have to go to Yewon again after going to the Seowon.”

Nogun immediately guessed Son-bin’s thoughts. Then he sighed deeply.

“When are you going to rest?”

Son-bin gave an awkward smile.

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.”

It’s something he’s doing because he likes it anyway. Son-bin suddenly asked Nogun, who shrugged his shoulders.

“By the way, do you know where Lady Geomhui is?”

“Geomhui?”

Son-bin asked Nogun, who was frowning.

“I know she disappeared when she entered the Snow Mountain last time, but I don’t know where she is after that. Maybe…….”

“Ah, Lady Geomhui is…….”

Sasu-yeon tried to say something from behind, but she couldn’t continue. Suddenly, the sound of clothes fluttering was heard in the air.

Pararak.

Geomhui, fluttering her white clothes, landed gracefully on the back seat of the carriage. It was possible because there was no roof on the carriage, but even if there was a roof, it wouldn’t have changed much.

Tak.

“I’m here.”

Geomhui, who was sitting in the back seat, said with an expressionless face. The only one who was surprised was Son-bin. Nogun was naturally not surprised, and Sasu-yeon and Dang Wora already knew.

“……She came to our room yesterday. She said it was boring because there were no masters in the Blood Peak Alliance.”

Son-bin breathed a sigh of relief at Sasu-yeon’s words, which finally continued.

“Ah, I see.”

It seemed that the women were having a normal conversation among themselves. Thinking so, Son-bin suddenly became serious.

‘Come to think of it, I received help from Lady Geomhui too.’

Not just received, but received a lot. Since he repaid the favor to Lady Geum Sa-ryeon, he shouldn’t leave out Geomhui either.

‘Oh, but…….’

When he thought about it, it wasn’t just Geomhui. There was Nogun, Sasu-yeon, Dang Wora, and even Seorin and the people who were guarding the Seowon. If he was going to repay the favors properly, there wasn’t a single person he could just pass over. Son-bin was quite perplexed. He wondered when he had become indebted to so many people. It seemed that he had caused that much trouble, and he wondered if this was okay.

“What are you smiling about all by yourself?”

Nogun’s voice, which suddenly came, broke Son-bin’s reverie. Nogun looked at Son-bin with a suspicious expression and said.

“Is something good happening?”

Son-bin realized then that he was smiling. And he realized that his heart was already full of soft warmth. Thanks to those people who made him smile just by thinking about them.

“Yes.”

Son-bin answered with a smile. But he didn’t tell the reason. It was somehow embarrassing to say it out loud. When Son-bin didn’t answer, Nogun chuckled.

“You silly guy.”

Nogun didn’t ask any further. But a soft smile was already on Nogun’s lips.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage carrying Son-bin’s group was slowly shaking and heading towards Cheongwon.

The blue sky felt particularly cozy, but it wasn’t just a feeling.

(Author’s words)

Finally to the Seowon after 36 episodes.