A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 51

51. Soeun Merchant Group

“Um, what’s going on… No, wait, please look up…”

Son Bin said, flustered. Jeok Se-hwa immediately raised her head, covering her mouth with her hand, a surprised expression on her face.

“Ah, I acted without thinking…”

Her face flushed, and she lowered her head again, looking embarrassed.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s just…”

Son Bin gave a wry smile.

He wanted to grab her shoulders to stop her, but he couldn’t just touch a grown woman so casually.

‘Haa.’

Son Bin sighed inwardly. He didn’t know what was going on, but he had to hear her story.

“This is quite a pleasant tea.”

Son Bin said calmly. Jeok Se-hwa blinked and raised her head.

“Yes?”

The teacup Son Bin had brought was sitting on the table, emitting a warm fragrance.

“I’m listening, so please tell me what happened.”

Son Bin said in a calm voice.

Jeok Se-hwa’s face was still red, but she quietly reached for the teacup. After a moment, Son Bin heard the whole story.

“Eun Cho-bin is my friend. She’s the eldest daughter of the Soeun Merchant Group.”

‘Ah, the Soeun Merchant Group.’

Son Bin had vaguely heard of the Soeun Merchant Group. Like the Hoyeon Martial Arts School, it was quite well-known in Cheongwon.

“Recently, the Soeun Merchant Group has been struggling due to several failed escort missions. So, they accepted a slightly dangerous job that they normally wouldn’t.”

Jeok Se-hwa held the teacup with both hands and continued slowly.

“But the bigger problem is that the Hyeokryeon Clan [Crimson Lotus Clan] doesn’t approve of this escort. The Saryang Merchant Group, which requested the escort, is essentially controlled by the Tang Clan [a powerful family known for their poison and assassination techniques]. In other words, it’s the same as taking on a job for the Tang Clan.”

“Hyeokryeon Clan?”

At Son Bin’s question, Jeok Se-hwa looked puzzled.

“Yes.”

“Why does the Hyeokryeon Clan…”

“Well, the Hyeokryeon Clan is one of the two major powers in the Jiangnan [region south of the Yangtze River] martial arts world. This Cheongwon is practically their territory. For the Hyeokryeon Clan, based in Gwangju, the Tang Clan reaching into Cheongwon is a serious challenge. Especially since the opponent is the Tang Clan, one of the Five Great Clans of the martial arts world.”

Jeok Se-hwa said in a clear voice. The contrast from her previous demeanor widened Son Bin’s eyes.

“Ah, I suppose you wouldn’t know about this, Teacher.”

Jeok Se-hwa said, her face slightly flushed. Son Bin nodded in agreement.

In fact, he had never heard that the Hyeokryeon Clan considered themselves the leaders of the Jiangnan martial arts world.

He vaguely recalled hearing something about it, but he had been too busy preparing for the civil service examination to pay attention.

“You can’t ignore the Hyeokryeon Clan in Jiangnan, especially in Cheongwon. The merchant group is already in a difficult situation, and now they’re taking on a job that the Hyeokryeon Clan dislikes, so their existing escorts are leaving, and hardly any new ones are applying.”

“Then why is the Soeun Merchant Group taking on a job that the Hyeokryeon Clan dislikes…?”

“Because if they don’t, they’ll have to close down the merchant group.”

Jeok Se-hwa said, unable to hide her bitter expression.

“Actually, our Hoyeon Martial Arts School should have stepped in to help already. Eun Cho-bin is my friend, and considering the relationship between the Soeun Merchant Group and the Hoyeon Martial Arts School, we should have. But a policy has already been set that we shouldn’t get involved in this matter. I want to help in any way I can, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Jeok Se-hwa bit her lip. It was clear that she sincerely wanted to help her friend and her friend’s family.

But Son Bin slowly shook his head.

“But I don’t know anything about merchant affairs. I don’t know anyone in that field, so how can I help?”

In fact, there were hardly any fields where he knew people. So, Son Bin’s words were natural.

But Jeok Se-hwa seemed to think differently.

“Jung-oh told me.”

Jeok Se-hwa said quietly.

“He said your martial arts are the best in the world. It was the first time I saw him so excited and with such shining eyes.”

‘Ah.’

Son Bin finally understood why this woman had come to see him.

“That’s just Jung-oh…”

“And my dad, no, the Head Instructor also said so. He said Jung-oh’s teacher is a spirited tiger.”

‘Head Instructor?’

He must be talking about the Head Instructor of the Hoyeon Martial Arts School.

But when had he ever met such a person? Son Bin tilted his head at her words.

“Actually, Young Master Son is a little… different from what I expected.”

Jeok Se-hwa was a grown woman now. She didn’t blindly believe her little brother’s words that he was the best in the world.

She didn’t think he was a hidden master either. He was too young for that. Besides, he was from Cheongwon.

“Right now, the Soeun Merchant Group needs anyone who can help.”

But it was clear that Son Bin had learned some martial arts somewhere. That alone would be a strength to the Soeun Merchant Group.

“Please, I beg you.”

Jeok Se-hwa said with a desperate expression. But Son Bin, who had been lost in thought for a moment, quietly shook his head.

“I am a scholar. I know a little about swords… but I am not qualified to call myself a warrior or a martial artist.”

Son Bin’s words were sincere. The word “martial artist” was a word that suited someone like Saja Hyuk.

How could I call myself a martial artist just because I’ve held a sword a little?

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can be of any help.”

Jeok Se-hwa bit her lip but wasn’t discouraged. She had expected the rejection anyway.

Someone who wanted to show off their martial arts wouldn’t be running a Seowon [private Confucian academy].

Rustle.

Jeok Se-hwa reached into her inner pocket and took out a book and a small silk pouch.

“This is a rough martial arts manual from the Hoyeon Martial Arts School. It’s not a great secret manual, but at least it’s something that only the disciples get to see.”

‘A martial arts manual?’

Son Bin couldn’t help but glance at the book.

“And this is a Hwandan [a medicinal pill] that protects one’s energy. It’s not the rarest thing, but it’s the best I have.”

As the small Hwandan wrapped in oil paper appeared from the silk pouch, a unique fragrance wafted out.

“Will this not be enough?”

Jeok Se-hwa said with a desperate expression. Son Bin barely managed to stop himself from swallowing hard.

‘A martial arts manual and a Hwandan…’

To be honest, he was very tempted. He had seen great martial arts displays with Saja Hyuk, but they were quite limited.

Except for the Hyeoncheon Sword Technique, he couldn’t say he had seen them properly. So, he couldn’t help but be curious about what kind of martial arts were taught at the martial arts school.

Besides, he was very drawn to the fragrant Hwandan.

‘Maybe it could be helpful to Lady Sa Su-yeon someday.’

If he ever met her again, it might be helpful. Both the martial arts manual and the Hwandan were things that Son Bin couldn’t help but be interested in.

‘Hmm.’

After contemplating, Son Bin finally shook his head.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t leave the Seowon…”

At Son Bin’s words, Jeok Se-hwa looked blank for a moment.

“Ah, but, it’s going to be the rainy season soon, and the hottest time of the year? Most Seowons take a break then…”

Son Bin realized his mistake at her words. Whether it rained or snowed, full-fledged Seowons preparing for the civil service examination would naturally not take a break.

However, small Seowons, especially those like Son Bin’s that catered to young children, would not open at all during the hottest months. Seowons based in rural areas would also take breaks during the farming season.

“But I still don’t think it’s something I should do.”

The martial arts manual was interesting, but only to a certain extent. The Hwandan might be helpful, but he didn’t know when he would meet her again.

To draw his sword for those things seemed out of the question.

Jeok Se-hwa was disappointed at the clear refusal.

“I see.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. Feeling like he had done something wrong, Son Bin cleared his throat.

But no matter how he thought about it, the conclusion was clear. How could he, who had only held a sword a little, step forward to help a security agency he had no connection to?

“I’m sorry for asking too much.”

Jeok Se-hwa bowed her head. Son Bin also bowed his head in return.

“No, I’m sorry for not being able to help.”

Rustle.

Jeok Se-hwa stood up. Having been notified of his refusal, there was no reason to sit here any longer.

Son Bin also stood up to see his guest off.

Step.

Jeok Se-hwa, who had taken one step, suddenly stopped and looked back at Son Bin’s house.

“It’s a quiet and nice place.”

Son Bin smiled gently.

“Soso also likes this Seowon, which is a shame.”

“Yes?”

Son Bin involuntarily asked back. Soso?

“Ah, didn’t you know?”

Jeok Se-hwa said as if explaining at Son Bin’s reaction.

“Soso’s house is Soeun Security Agency. If this escort fails, Soso may no longer be able to attend the Seowon. Perhaps her whole family will have to move to another region.”

After sighing softly, Jeok Se-hwa bowed to Son Bin. And then she tried to turn around and leave.

“Wait a moment.”

“Yes?”

Jeok Se-hwa stopped and looked back at Son Bin. Son Bin said in a quiet voice.

“I’m sorry, but could you tell me the story again?”

With a slightly bewildered expression, Jeok Se-hwa looked at Son Bin. But Son Bin’s expression was quite serious.

*

*

*

The heat came to Guangdong Province.

The sweltering heat kept people from outdoor activities, and the streets were so quiet that there were hardly any people passing by, but not at Soeun Security Agency.

“Move that over there! Chief Manager, have you checked the quantity of this?”

The Chief Manager, who was quite old to be called ‘Uncle,’ nodded immediately. The Chief Manager was also busy checking with a ledger and brush in hand.

“Wait! I said over there.”

Eun Cho-bin had rolled up her sleeves and was running around, giving instructions, but the newly hired, clumsy embroiderers kept making small mistakes.

In the past, this would have been a task already completed by skilled head guards and embroiderers, but now, there were hardly any such skilled people left.

Moreover, one of the reasons things had become complicated was that the merchants and other security agencies that had readily cooperated in the past were now reluctant to offer further assistance.

Thanks to this, the experienced old Chief Manager and the young lady of Soeun Security Agency, Eun Cho-bin, had to run around sweating in the heat.

“Dad, or rather, is there any news from the Chief?”

“Not yet.”

The old Chief Manager said with a sorry expression, even though he had no reason to be sorry.

“Is that so?”

Eun Cho-bin sighed softly. The Chief of Soeun Security Agency had been out since morning to prepare the supplies needed for the escort.

“Anyway, as much as possible… Huh?”

While speaking, Eun Cho-bin suddenly noticed someone standing at the entrance of the agency.

“Who is it? I thought we put up a sign saying we can’t accept any other escorts for the time being?”

At Eun Cho-bin’s words, the old Chief Manager also turned his head. A young man dressed as a scholar was standing there, looking at them in the scorching sun.

“I’ll go check…”

“No, I’ll go. Chief, please finish the confirmation.”

Without waiting for the Chief Manager’s reply, Eun Cho-bin quickly walked towards the entrance.

She lowered her rolled-up sleeves and smoothed her disheveled hair with her palm. Not that it would suddenly make her look neat.

“Hello.”

Eun Cho-bin said, trying to smile as much as possible.

The young man dressed as a scholar bowed politely as Eun Cho-bin approached. Eun Cho-bin also returned the greeting.

“Did you come to request an escort? I’m sorry, but our agency is currently busy with another escort, so we won’t be accepting personal escorts for the time being…”

Rustle.

The scholar took out a small letter and handed it to Eun Cho-bin, who was speaking with a smile. Eun Cho-bin still said with a smile.

“We’re not accepting letter requests for the time being either.”

“Miss Jeok Se-hwa of Hoyeon Martial Arts Center gave it to me.”

“Yes?”

Eun Cho-bin took the letter with a puzzled expression. And after bowing lightly to the scholar as a sign of understanding, she turned around and began to read the letter.

The scholar waited quietly until she finished reading the letter.

Crumple.

The letter made a sound as it was crumpled in Eun Cho-bin’s hand.

“Seriously, she’s doing this useless thing again.”

The smile was gone from Eun Cho-bin’s face as she spoke. Only annoyance at her friend for adding more work in the midst of her busy schedule was visible.

Eun Cho-bin bit her lip slightly, then raised her head and scanned the scholar up and down. He was dressed neatly and had the appearance of a typical scholar.

“Haa.”

Eun Cho-bin sighed openly.

“Young Master Son… was it?”

“Yes.”

Son Bin nodded.

“My name is Son Bin.”

“Okay, Young Master Son. I don’t know what you heard from Se-hwa, but…”

Eun Cho-bin’s voice, which had been speaking in a stiff, lecturing tone, was cut off in the middle.

Because a little girl’s lively voice suddenly burst out from inside the security agency.

“Teacher!”

Dudududu.

The little girl rushed out with tremendous momentum and jumped towards Son Bin without any hesitation.

Since her height didn’t even reach Son Bin’s waist, Son Bin had to quickly lower his stance. If she had jumped straight in, she might have collided and gotten hurt.

Thwack.

“Teacher! What’s going on? Why did you come to our house? Are you reopening the Seowon [private academy]?”

The little girl hugged Son Bin, Soso, asked with sparkling eyes.

She was excited and jumping up and down when it was vacation, but now she’s asking when it will reopen with sparkling eyes.

Soso’s face was full of a happy smile. Son Bin also responded with a smile.

“The Seowon isn’t open yet. I’ll do it again when the weather gets cooler.”

“Then why did you come to our house? Did you come to play?”

“No, I thought I’d help Soso a little.”

“Really? Wow!”

Soso raised her hands and rejoiced.

“Um…”

A voice full of embarrassment was heard. When Son Bin raised his head, Eun Cho-bin said with an awkward smile.

“You were Soso’s teacher…?”

“Yes! He’s our teacher!”

Soso’s clear voice answered instead.

Eun Cho-bin’s complexion contorted even more awkwardly at those words, but Son Bin, who was looking at her, was thinking about something completely different.

‘They really look alike.’

Eun Cho-bin looked exactly like Soso. So much so that it seemed like that’s what Soso would look like when she grew up.