A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 488

488. Memories and Connections

Sunbin and his group received exceptional hospitality from the Moryong Family. Elder Nogoon and Shin-ui spent leisurely time with Moryong Myung, the family head known as the Gentleman’s Sword, while Elder Madam Dang Unyeong deepened her friendship with Madam Moryong through conversation. Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, was incredibly popular with the children. Moryong Jin personally guided Sunbin’s group to famous sites in Wuhan, and the children listened intently to Moryong Jin’s explanations with sparkling eyes. Sunbin couldn’t help but sigh at the concentration and enthusiasm they showed, a stark contrast to their lackluster performance during classes at the Seowon [a type of Korean private academy]. On the other hand, the most popular person among the younger crowd was none other than the Moryong Family’s precious daughter, Moryong Rin, because she was very knowledgeable about the delicious restaurants in Wuhan. Whenever Moryong Rin stopped and declared, ‘This place is delicious,’ Dang Wora and Seo Rin, as well as Sasooyeon and Hyeokryeon Sehwa, Hwasa, and even Princess Gyeonghui and Sarasvati, would line up without complaint.

Visiting the famous Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan was also a must. *Swish.* Leaning against the railing of the Yellow Crane Tower as the wind blew, Sunbin looked out over the sprawling city of Wuhan and the distant Yangtze River. The children were chattering noisily all around, but Sunbin was lost in memories for the first time in a while. ‘It was like this back then, too.’ Wuhan was where he had fled after meeting Saja Hyuk at the Homun Inn. Back then, he had also climbed the Yellow Crane Tower and watched the sunset, soothing the pain of failing the civil service exam. Unlike then, it was midday now, but climbing the Yellow Crane Tower like this suddenly brought a rush of longing. He couldn’t help but feel a little lonely thinking about Saja Hyuk, who had gone beyond the Gate of Naraka [a Buddhist term for the realm of hell or suffering].

“It reminds me of that time,” a beautiful voice suddenly said in Sunbin’s ear. Sunbin turned his head. Sasooyeon was looking out over Wuhan, brushing her wind-blown hair back. *Swish.* Sasooyeon smiled at Sunbin. “I met you here, Master Son.”

“Yes,” Sunbin smiled as well. “I met Lady Sooyeon here.” Although it wasn’t a proud moment, being frozen in fear in front of a sword, it was still a precious memory. Because it was thanks to that that he was able to meet Sasooyeon.

“Looking back, I think we would have met eventually, even if it hadn’t been then.”

“Yes. We would have met eventually.” Sunbin agreed with her words. Sasooyeon had been chasing after her father, Saja Hyuk, at the time. So Sunbin would have met Sasooyeon eventually.

Sasooyeon gave a slight smile and turned her head to look at the scenery below. Her wind-blown hair fluttered softly.

“Lady Sooyeon,” Sunbin said, and Sasooyeon turned her head. Her eyes, looking at Sunbin with a questioning expression, were as beautiful as ever. Then, and now.

“Thank you,” Sunbin said quietly but clearly.

Sasooyeon smiled. “Didn’t we agree not to say thank you?” It was a slightly playful voice. It was what Sasooyeon had said when Sunbin repeatedly thanked her in the past.

“But, I’m grateful too,” Sasooyeon said with a soft look. “For you being here.”

“Yes.” Feeling that his voice was trembling slightly, Sunbin continued, “…I’m grateful too.” No other words came to mind. It was embarrassing for someone who was supposed to be a learned scholar.

Sasooyeon gave a gentle smile and looked at Sunbin silently. *Swish.* The wind fluttered through Sasooyeon’s hair. The longing was still there. But Sunbin was no longer lonely or alone.

***

After touring Wuhan for several days, Sunbin and his group decided to leave the Moryong Family. Moryong Myung, the family head known as the Gentleman’s Sword, strongly urged them to stay longer, and Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, and Moryong Rin also tried to dissuade them, but Sunbin couldn’t impose on them any longer. He knew how busy the Moryong Family was right now. The Moryong Family’s influence in Gangbuk was growing day by day. Most of it involved making agreements with existing sects or signing contracts with merchant groups, but none of it was unimportant. And the people who oversaw those tasks were Moryong Rin and Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword. In particular, Moryong Rin stayed up all night handling the family’s affairs, and even in the midst of that, she willingly made time for Sunbin’s group. Knowing that, Sunbin couldn’t be a burden to her any longer.

“Thank you for everything!” The children bowed in unison to Moryong Myung, the family head known as the Gentleman’s Sword. Moryong Myung smiled warmly at the sight of the adorable children.

“Come back anytime.” Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, also said to the children with a smile. “Yes. You are welcome anytime.” Moryong Jin’s handsome appearance, befitting a scion of a prestigious family, was dazzling to behold.

“Really?” As expected, the children’s eyes sparkled instantly. “Will you really come? Really?”

Moryong Jin said with a smile and a wonderful voice, “Of course. You can come anytime.”

“Wow!” The children laughed and rejoiced. While the children were saying goodbye to Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, the others were also exchanging farewells. Sasooyeon, Dang Wora, Hyeokryeon Sehwa, and Hwasa also said goodbye to Moryong Rin. Judging from the snippets of conversation, it seemed that Moryong Rin had also joined the Seochal gathering, the group formed by Hyeokryeon Sehwa, Namgoong Hyang, and Dang Hwaryeon.

“Come on, hurry up.” Sunbin turned his head at Hwasa’s voice. And he saw Moryong Rin staggering towards him as if collapsing.

“Ah.” Sunbin quickly caught Moryong Rin with both hands. Moryong Rin’s face flushed red as if she was surprised.

“Are you alright?”

“Ah, yes…” Moryong Rin lowered her head and quickly pulled away from Sunbin’s hands. Then she turned her head sharply and glared at Hwasa. It was a rather fierce look, but Hwasa smiled innocently.

“Um, Lady Moryong?” At Sunbin’s words, Moryong Rin cleared her throat, straightened her back, and stood up straight. “Thank you for visiting. Master Son.” Confidence shone in Moryong Rin’s eyes as she spoke. The youthful appearance she had shown at the Yongbong Assembly in Gangnam was gone, but she was still attractive.

“You’re welcome. I’m just sorry for imposing on you when you’re so busy.” Moryong Rin smiled at Sunbin’s words.

“What imposition? You are welcome anytime, Master Son. And I had a good time for the first time in a while. I’ve been working too much lately.”

That was the truth. The time she spent with Sunbin’s group had been a break for Moryong Rin as well.

“I’m glad to hear that. Oh, I’m using the brush you gave me well. Thank you.” Sunbin thanked Moryong Rin. Moryong Rin had given Sunbin a brush after the Soju Gathering in Hangzhou.

Moryong Rin smiled. But that smile soon turned into a sad expression. “I said I would visit the Seowon in the winter, but it will be difficult for a while.”

Not just for a while. Considering Moryong Rin’s role in the family, it would be a long time before she had any free time. So it was only natural that Moryong Rin’s face was tinged with sadness.

“It doesn’t matter.” But Sunbin said with a smile. “I can come instead.”

Moryong Rin, who had been slightly surprised, smiled. It was a soft and warm smile. “I see. For the Dragon Among Men, Great Hero Jinryong, Wuhan is not that far, is it?”

Sunbin gave an awkward smile at those words. This title, which he had gained at the Yongbong Assembly in Gangnam, always made him cringe. But for Moryong Rin, it was also a precious connection that marked the first time she had met Sunbin.

“Come anytime. For you, I would be happy to make time.” Moryong Rin’s face was red again as she stammered slightly.

“Yes. I will come anytime.” Sunbin said. Moryong Rin gave Sunbin a gentle smile. And Sunbin’s group and the children left the Moryong Family in carriages. *Clatter, clatter.* The children reached out their small hands from the carriages and waved them. Moryong Rin continued to stand there until Sunbin’s group’s carriages disappeared. Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, who was standing next to her, glanced at his younger sister and said, “Is it okay to just let him go?”

“Shut up.” His younger sister’s blunt reply came back. But that voice soon subsided. “…But I can’t. Now is an important time that will determine the future of our family.”

“Is that so?” Moryong Jin, the Iron Sword, shrugged his shoulders. “If I were you, I would do what I wanted to do rather than worry about the future of the family.”

“That’s why I’m suffering like this now. You idiot brother!” Moryong Rin didn’t hide her annoyance. But Moryong Jin smiled. “Well, if it’s you, you might as well become the chief strategist of the Moryong Family. Like Dang Hwaryeon, the Snow Sword of the Dang Family.”

The young chief strategist of the Dang Family, Snow Sword Dang Hwaryeon, is a rising master and a symbol of generational change. At first, there was some concern, but now no one doubts the capabilities of Chief Strategist Dang Hwaryeon.

“I hate that woman. She seems too aggressive.” Moryong Rin frowned. Moryong Jin looked at his younger sister as if he was dumbfounded at those words. “Aren’t you aggressive too?” It was too late even after he said it. His younger sister’s fist had already landed on Moryong Jin’s solar plexus. *Thud.*

“Ugh. Hey, you…” Moryong Jin frowned at his younger sister’s particularly painful blow. But he couldn’t say anything more. Because Moryong Rin’s eyes, looking at the street where Sunbin’s group’s carriages had disappeared, looked somehow pitiful.

After a moment of silence, Moryong Rin said quietly, “…Let’s go. We have a lot to do.”

Moryong Rin turned her body. Moryong Jin nodded and followed his sister into the family estate. *Step.* Moryong Rin, who had been walking a few steps, stopped and looked back. The carriages had already disappeared, but the warm feeling left by his smile seemed to remain.

“…Maybe being a chief strategist wouldn’t be so bad.” She muttered softly and turned her head. *Step, step.* Following Moryong Jin, who was already far ahead, Moryong Rin moved her steps into the family estate. Like she said, many things that would determine the future of the family were waiting for Moryong Rin’s decision.

***

After leaving Wuhan, Sunbin’s group headed to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province. Xi’an, better known by its old name Chang’an, was the capital of many dynasties and, as such, a place that held countless stories and legends. For Sunbin, it was a city he definitely wanted to show the children.

“Wow! It’s wide! It’s big!” The children exclaimed as they entered Xi’an. Xi’an’s city walls were large and majestic, and wide avenues stretched out in all directions once inside. The children, who had lived in Cheongwon, couldn’t help but be wide-eyed. Not only the other adults, but even Sarasvati, who had been the empress of an empire, couldn’t take her eyes off the streets of Xi’an.

Sunbin was pleased. Thinking that it was worth coming to Xi’an, he turned his head and said to Elder Nogoon, who was holding the reins in the seat next to him, “Should we find lodging first?”

“Lodging?” Elder Nogoon frowned. “Why get lodging? There’s a Yewon [a type of traditional Korean guesthouse or inn] here too. That, why, the Soju [a female entertainer or artist] who offered you wine is from this place…, ahem.” Elder Nogoon cleared his throat, as if he had realized something. Feeling a gaze on the back of his head, Sunbin quickly and strongly said, “Ah, that’s right. I completely forgot. Actually, this is only the second time in my life that I’ve come to Xi’an.”

*Clatter, clatter.* After a moment of silence, Sunbin glanced back. Confirming that everyone was captivated by the scenery of Xi’an, Sunbin was relieved that his ‘feeling’ from earlier was just a misunderstanding.

“Come to think of it, you probably haven’t been to many places other than the Yewon in Hangzhou. Ah, we went to the Yewon in Beijing together.”

“Yes. There was no particular reason to visit, and I wasn’t in a position to wander around leisurely.”

Elder Nogoon nodded. “Then shouldn’t you go around a bit now?”

“I don’t know…” Sunbin smiled slightly. “There was someone who advised me to stay away from this place and stay close to books.”

That was what Saja Hyuk had said to him when he first came here. It wasn’t because of those words, but Sunbin really hadn’t come here since then. Of course, he had gone to the Yewon in Hangzhou a lot.

“Well, that’s right.” Elder Nogoon said as if muttering to himself. “People tend to spread out endlessly once they start to slack off. If there were no deadlines, people would still be living in caves, making fires.”

Sunbin gave an awkward smile at those words. He doubted that was the case. But the ancient sages had always warned against laziness and idleness, so Elder Nogoon’s words couldn’t be completely wrong.

“Still, shall we go to the Yewon in Xi’an since it’s been a while?”

“But…” Sunbin’s rebuttal was cut off. Elder Nogoon interrupted Sunbin and said as if throwing it out, “You have to save to live well.”

Sunbin was speechless at Elder Nogoon’s words. For Sunbin, who still had the habits of a poor scholar, saving was the truth. Even though no one thought Sunbin was poor.

“Let’s do that.” Sunbin nodded. The carriage had already left the downtown area and was entering a quiet residential area. The old residential area of Xi’an, with its blue trees, low and long walls, and antique black roofs, unfolded in front of the group’s carriages.

***

The three carriages carrying Sunbin’s group and the children stopped in front of an old mansion with a long wall. At the same time as the carriages stopped, an old servant appeared from the front gate of the mansion. The old servant, full of white hair, bowed to Elder Nogoon and Sunbin.

“It’s been a while,” Sunbin greeted.

The old servant was the same person he had seen when he came with Saja Hyuk in the past.

“Who was the Soju here?” Elder Nogoon asked instead of greeting.

The servant bowed and answered respectfully, “Miss Nanhyang.”

Sunbin thought it was a familiar sight for some reason. Come to think of it, Saja Hyuk had also asked who the Soju was when he came here.

“Is that so? Is she here now?”

“Yes.” Elder Nogoon strode into the mansion. Only then did Sunbin realize that there were quite a few people in the group.

“Ah, these children are…”

“It’s alright. Please come inside together.” The old servant said with a warm smile. “Thank you.” Sunbin bowed to the servant. And he entered the Yewon in Xi’an with the children, who were looking around.

“Wow.” The children, who were gathered together and following, let out small exclamations. They would have spoken loudly normally, but they lowered their voices without realizing it in the quiet and elegant atmosphere of the Yewon. Sunbin, who was smiling at the sight, suddenly asked the servant, “Is Miss Nanhyang in the Swaeok Pavilion?”

The Swaeok Pavilion was a small pavilion where he had listened to Nanhyang’s Chilhyun-geum [a seven-stringed zither] with Saja Hyuk. The serene atmosphere of that time, and Saja Hyuk’s voice introducing himself as a ‘companion’ for the first time, were still vivid.

But the servant couldn’t answer right away. When Sunbin looked at him with a questioning look, the servant said cautiously, “Right now, in the Swaeok Pavilion…”

The servant’s words were cut off. “Ah!” Sunbin turned his head at someone’s clear voice. And he discovered a very unexpected person. “Who is this? Isn’t it our Little Palace Lord?”

It was the language of Bukhae [an ancient kingdom in Manchuria]. Sunbin’s eyes widened in surprise. And that was the same for Sasooyeon. “…Seventh Consort?” Sasooyeon muttered in surprise. The woman standing in front of her was the youngest of the Ice Emperor’s consorts from Bukhae, the Seventh Consort. Her attire was from this place, but her unique, lively charm was the same as it had been in Bukhae.

“I guess it’s a lie that this land is wide. To meet the Little Palace Lord like this.” At her words, Sasooyeon finally realized her rudeness. Sasooyeon immediately bowed to her. The Seventh Consort of the Bukhae Ice Palace also bowed politely to Sasooyeon.

“It’s been a while, Seventh Consort.”

“Nice to see you, Little Palace Lord.” The Seventh Consort, who raised her head, smiled brightly. “But you’ve become very pretty? The Blue Wolf must be treating you well?”

It was the language of Bukhae, but Sunbin also understood the word ‘Blue Wolf.’ Startled by the arrow that had suddenly flown towards him, Sunbin quickly came to his senses and bowed politely. “Nice to meet you, Seventh Consort.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you, Blue Wolf.” The Seventh Consort said so in the language of this place, albeit with a slightly strange pronunciation, and bowed politely to Sunbin. And her pretty eyes, which raised her head, were sparkling with curiosity. “I knew you two were on good terms, but you’ve really had a lot of children since then.”

“Yes?” When Sunbin, wondering what she was talking about, spoke, the Seventh Consort turned her head and looked at the children. The children gathered behind Sunbin were looking at the Seventh Consort with sparkling eyes. There was no way the children wouldn’t be interested in the exotic and attractive Seventh Consort, who spoke a foreign language.

The Seventh Consort smiled at Sunbin. “But if they’re children of this age, could it be that it was before you came to Bukhae?”

It was clearly a joke, but Sasooyeon’s cheeks were flushed red. Sunbin also gave an awkward smile, and Elder Nogoon snickered next to him.

“Um, these children are…”

“Little Palace Lord!” Sunbin’s explanation was cut off. Someone’s loud voice burst out. In front of Sunbin, who raised his head, four burly old men appeared. They were the Four Direction Generals he had met in Bukhae. Altan with his fierce eyes, Nergui with his skinny and wrinkled face, Guntmur with his tiger-like spirit, and Bayama with his dignified charm, all four of the Bukhae Four Direction Generals were standing there.

“What?” Elder Nogoon frowned at once. “Why are you guys coming out of there?” Regardless of those words, the Four Direction Generals immediately approached Sunbin’s group. And they knelt on one knee in front of Sunbin without hesitation. *Thud.*

“We pay our respects to the Blue Wolf.” A heavy voice burst out from the mouths of the burly Four Direction Generals, who lowered their heads. It was an extremely natural sight. Because the Blue Wolf of Bukhae was an absolute being to whom even the Ice Emperor paid respects. Rather, the Seventh Consort’s simple greeting could be said to be strange.

“Oh, please get up.” But Sunbin, who was receiving that respect, was flustered. The children were staring with surprised expressions, and he couldn’t handle that admiring gaze. Of course, he was also proud on the one hand. The Four Direction Generals of Bukhae did not raise their heads. Only after Sasooyeon told them to get up did the Four Direction Generals rise from their seats.

“Little Palace Lord, it’s been a while.”

“I’m glad to see you look healthy.” The Four Direction Generals paid their respects to Little Palace Lord Sasooyeon. Sasooyeon, surrounded by the Four Direction Generals, smiled and exchanged greetings with them. The children stared at that sight with admiring expressions. Although they didn’t understand the words at all, Joongoh, the son of Jauna, who was the leader of the pack, seemed particularly moved.

“Wow, Teacher Sooyeon must be a great person too.” When Jau muttered, Soso said sharply next to him. “Of course she’s great. Teacher Sooyeon is really, really pretty.”

Sunbin was smiling at the children’s chattering voices when Elder Nogoon suddenly asked, “But why are you guys here?”

The answer was given by the old servant next to him. “They came with Seomoksu.”

“Seomoksu? Are you talking about Oruhan?” Shin-ui’s eyes flashed at Elder Nogoon’s words. Shin-ui stepped forward and asked, “She’s here?” Seomoksu Oruhan and the Bukhae Twelve Beauties had stayed at the Seowon and returned to Bukhae after Sunbin left for the Western Regions. And she was here at the Yewon in Xi’an with the Seventh Consort and the Four Direction Generals.

*Step.* No sooner had Shin-ui’s words ended than an elderly woman appeared. She was none other than Seomoksu Oruhan, the outer affairs master of Bukhae, who couldn’t hide her surprised expression. Behind her, the Bukhae Twelve Beauties also appeared.

“Wow! It’s the Seowon kids!”

“It’s been a while!”

“Little Palace Lord and Master Son are here too!” The Bukhae Twelve Beauties shouted so in fluent language of this place and ran to the children. The surroundings quickly became noisy with people exchanging greetings. Sunbin was also busy greeting many people. But he didn’t miss the sight of Shin-ui and Oruhan talking quietly. Sunbin smiled involuntarily at the sight of Shin-ui, who was wearing a smile that was usually hard to see, and Oruhan, who seemed indifferent but didn’t leave Shin-ui’s side.

The thought that connections were truly precious filled Sunbin’s heart once again.

(Author’s words) Sunbin keeps Saja Hyuk’s words very well (at the unconscious level).