A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 71

71. Reunion, Yet Again

The culture and power of the continent originated from the Yellow River. Countless dynasties and powers rose and fell in this region, each proclaiming itself the center of the continent, the Central Plains.

The Murim [martial arts world] was no exception. The Four Great Sects, including Shaolin and Wudang, three of the Five Great Families, and numerous prestigious families and sects were based north of the river.

On the other hand, Jiangnan, the area south of the Yangtze River, despite its abundant resources and outstanding talents, was subtly regarded as a frontier and somewhat undervalued.

This was because, with the exception of the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan, who claimed to be the two major powers of Jiangnan Murim, most sects had relatively shorter histories compared to those in the north.

“That’s why the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament is held so lavishly and grandly, almost as if they’re trying to prove something,” Jeok Se-hwa said.

“Although it’s nominally a Murim Alliance event, it’s actually hosted by Jiangnan Murim, or more precisely, the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan.”

“I see,” Son Bin nodded.

Clatter, clatter.

Jeok Se-hwa swayed gently on horseback. Having grown up in a martial arts family, she was accustomed to riding.

Son Bin, on the other hand, was still getting used to being on horseback. Still, he wasn’t so bad as to cause a spectacle, and he managed to keep pace with Jeok Se-hwa.

Though if she decided to ride at full speed, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

“So, only sects in Jiangnan participate in the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament?”

Jeok Se-hwa widened her eyes as if surprised, then smiled and replied, “Ah, no. The Five Great Families, as well as the Four Great Sects like Shaolin and Hwasan, also attend. The young prodigies of the world gather in one place to compete in martial arts. Anyone can participate as long as they have a recommendation from a family or sect. But only some make it to the competition, and even fewer are chosen as Yongbong [Dragon and Phoenix].”

“Yongbong?”

“That’s what they call the winners of the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament each year. Although they’re almost always chosen from the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families.”

“Hmm. But it’s not always the case, is it?”

Clatter, clatter.

A deep voice interrupted their conversation.

Son Bin turned his head and saw a sturdy young man riding a horse. Dressed in a stylish martial arts uniform, he was Jeok Se-hwa’s older brother and the eldest of the Hoyeon Martial Clan, Jeok Se-ho.

“Sometimes, an unknown young master appears and takes the Yongbong title. Isn’t that what happened with the famous Great Swordsman, Ak Mu-jin?”

“That was more than ten years ago, Brother. And didn’t the Great Swordsman Ak eventually become a son-in-law of the Namgung Clan?” Jeok Se-hwa retorted, her words precise.

Jeok Se-ho smiled wryly at her sharp reply. “It’s not right to rule out the possibility altogether. Besides, wouldn’t the fun of watching the competition disappear? Don’t you think so, Young Master Son?”

Son Bin smiled lightly. He had already greeted Jeok Se-ho, but this was the first time they had spoken at length.

“I heard you helped the Soeun Merchant Guild’s trade caravan,” Jeok Se-ho said to Son Bin.

“I wanted to help too, but the family’s orders were strict, so I couldn’t do anything. I’m truly grateful that you did.”

“No, I didn’t do much…”

“But So-bin says otherwise,” Jeok Se-ho said with a smile.

“I’m glad to be traveling with you.”

“Young Master Son is a guest I invited,” Jeok Se-hwa interjected.

“Who said otherwise?” Despite her soft smile, her voice was firm.

“So, don’t interfere and go over there.”

“Haha. Alright, alright.” Even at her words, which might have sounded rude, Jeok Se-ho simply smiled. He bowed lightly to Son Bin and moved forward again.

‘They get along well.’

Watching them, Son Bin felt a pang of envy. As someone who was alone, it was a scene he longed for.

“Did you meet Cho-bin?”

“Yes?” Son Bin asked, bewildered by her sudden question.

“I was wondering if you met separately after the trade caravan.”

Son Bin still didn’t understand her curiosity, but he shook his head. “No. I haven’t met her.”

“Hmm, is that so?” Jeok Se-hwa looked suspicious. Son Bin couldn’t understand her reaction.

‘Strange?’

Looking at Son Bin’s puzzled expression, Jeok Se-hwa thought, ‘No matter how I look at it, he’s not the kind of person Cho-bin would like… What did she see in him? The kind of person she usually likes is…’

Eun Cho-bin’s ideal type is someone strong and responsible. Someone who steps forward in the face of difficulties and protects her.

But Son Bin didn’t seem to fit that description.

‘He looks smart, though…’

He must be smart, since he passed the Hyangsi [local civil service] examination. But Eun Cho-bin wasn’t very interested in smart men.

‘Did Cho-bin’s taste change?’

Eun Cho-bin’s reaction fueled Jeok Se-hwa’s interest in Son Bin; he was proving to be an interesting subject.

“Um, but why are you asking that…”

“No, it’s nothing.” With a light smile, Jeok Se-hwa quickly changed the subject. “By the way, are the people you were with going to be okay?”

“Ah.” Son Bin knew she meant Namak Old Man and Dang Wol-ah.

Jeok Se-hwa had seen them at Son Bin’s house and asked if they wanted to come along.

Namak Old Man answered without looking back, “If it’s about annoying little kids, the ones here are already enough.”

Just in case, he also asked Dang Wol-ah, whose reaction wasn’t much different. “The Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament… will there be a lot of people?”

When Jeok Se-hwa confirmed that there would be, Dang Wol-ah simply said, “Go and come back.”

In the end, Son Bin was the only one to accompany them to the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament. It might be fortunate, considering the trouble it would cause the Hoyeon Martial Clan, but he also felt somewhat sad.

‘It would have been nice if they had come. The Seowon [private academy] hasn’t opened yet anyway…’

Although the Seowon hadn’t opened, the little kids came to Son Bin’s house every day, sometimes to write, but mostly to play.

‘Wait, but who’s going to cook?’

Suddenly, he worried about their meals.

It was almost certain that Dang Wol-ah would burn everything, and he didn’t think Namak Old Man would cook either.

“Maybe… they’re not going to starve, are they?” Before he knew it, the thought slipped out.

“Yes?” Jeok Se-hwa looked at him with wide eyes, and Son Bin quickly shook his head. “No, it’s nothing. By the way, did you say that the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament is being held at Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang?”

“Ah, yes,” Jeok Se-hwa said. “They say it will be held in Nanchang again this year. Nanchang has always been a city that represents Jiangnan, but the Namgung Clan is based there. It’s not like the Hyeonryeon Clan can say anything about it. Guangzhou is too far away anyway.”

Guangzhou, where the Hyeonryeon Clan was based, was the southernmost city on the continent. It was a statement that revealed the subtle power struggle between the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan, but Son Bin’s interest lay elsewhere.

‘Tengwang Pavilion…’

Among the three great pavilions of Jiangnan, Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang was the best. And he could also see the martial arts competition of the young prodigies. It was the perfect opportunity for Son Bin.

Clatter, clatter.

Swaying on horseback, Son Bin raised his head and looked ahead.

The group, including the young disciples of the Hoyeon Martial Clan on horseback and a baggage cart, hurried toward Nanchang.

“Wow.”

An exclamation escaped someone’s lips. Nanchang was truly big and splendid.

Jeok Se-hwa and Jeok Se-ho seemed equally captivated by the night view of Nanchang.

“It’s amazing even when I see it again,” Jeok Se-hwa said admiringly.

Nanchang, which had prospered as the center of Jiangnan’s logistics since ancient times, was both antique and very splendid.

In particular, the beautiful Tengwang Pavilion, towering high under the night sky and lit with lamps, was enough to attract everyone’s attention, even from afar.

“Let’s go to the accommodation first,” Jeok Se-ho said, and the group headed to their lodgings.

Nanchang was crowded because of the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament.

It wasn’t difficult to find young men and women wearing martial arts uniforms, and laughter and music overflowed from every corner.

“The Hyeonryeon Clan prepared the accommodation here,” Jeok Se-hwa explained as she entered a large inn in the city center.

“It would be impossible to find an empty room in Nanchang right now unless it’s the Hyeonryeon Clan.”

Son Bin could feel how big the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament was. The group unpacked their luggage and gathered again in the inn’s restaurant.

“They might be holding a banquet at Tengwang Pavilion right now. Would you all like to go?” Jeok Se-ho asked, and the young disciples nodded eagerly, forgetting their fatigue.

“Are they holding a banquet at Tengwang Pavilion?”

“Yes, they are,” Jeok Se-ho smiled and answered Son Bin.

“It’s not an official gathering, but everyone gathers there during the Yongbong Tournament. It’s the most wonderful place, after all.”

‘A banquet at Tengwang Pavilion hosted by a mere family, not even a high-ranking official of the court…’

Son Bin realized the power of the Namgung Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan. If they could hold a banquet at Tengwang Pavilion, their influence over the local government must be immense.

As someone who once aspired to be a court official, Son Bin felt a pang of bitterness. But his interest in Tengwang Pavilion was greater, so he set out with the group.

∴

“Wow.”

Someone exclaimed, but no one else spoke. Tengwang Pavilion, lit with five colors, was so beautiful and dignified that it instantly erased Son Bin’s bitter feelings.

The various colored lamps shone like jewels on the large red pillars and the blue tiles of Tengwang Pavilion that soared high into the sky, and the antique gold signboard sparkled in the light.

‘As expected, it’s Tengwang Pavilion.’

Son Bin couldn’t help but admire it. The sight of the beautiful pavilion made him want to recite a poem.

“It’s the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament, after all,” Jeok Se-hwa muttered.

“Let’s go in.” Was it the laughter and music of the young people that made them happy?

Jeok Se-hwa grabbed Son Bin’s arm and urged him. “Hurry.”

After Jeok Se-ho revealed his identity to the warriors guarding the entrance, the group was allowed to enter. Unlike the noisy outside, soft music flowed inside Tengwang Pavilion.

“Oh, isn’t this Miss Jeok of the Hoyeon Martial Clan?” Several people recognized them as they entered.

“Ah, it’s been a while, Young Master Hyeonryeon,” Jeok Se-hwa replied with a smile. From then on, Jeok Se-ho and Jeok Se-hwa were busy greeting people, but no one even noticed Son Bin.

‘Well, there’s no way they would.’

Son Bin sat down in a relaxed mood and looked around the banquet hall with a teacup in his hand.

Luxurious food, fragrant wine, and quiet music filled the air, and young men and women in gorgeous clothes sat and talked with smiles.

‘Young prodigies…’

Perhaps it was because he had heard the words ‘young prodigies,’ but the young men’s eyes seemed full of confidence. The young women’s eyes were no less so, and they all seemed to be shining brightly.

As Son Bin looked around, he suddenly tilted his head.

‘Huh? That young man…’

A young man was smiling and talking with the young women, and his appearance seemed familiar. Soon, Son Bin remembered who he was.

He didn’t know many young Murim people.

‘Ah, at the Yellow Crane Tower…’

With his sharp eyes, he was the young man he had met at the Yellow Crane Tower. The one who drew his sword against Son Bin and was mercilessly defeated by Sa Su-yeon.

‘Come to think of it, was he from the Namgung Clan?’

Son Bin frowned. Only then did he remember that the young man was a young master of the Namgung Clan.

He had heard the words Namgung Clan countless times while coming to Nanchang, but he hadn’t connected the dots until now.

‘Surely, he doesn’t remember me, does he?’

“What are you doing?” Jeok Se-hwa’s voice startled him. She sat down quietly next to him.

“Have you finished greeting everyone?”

“Yes,” she said, a slight flush on her face. She picked up the teacup and took a sip.

“There were many people I hadn’t seen in a long time. And there are people you have to greet, like the people of the Hyeonryeon Clan.”

Son Bin understood her position. The Hyeonryeon Clan was very important to the Hoyeon Martial Clan.

“But, who were you looking at? Over there?” How did she know? Jeok Se-hwa accurately pointed in the direction Son Bin had been looking.

“It’s the young ladies of the Gongson Clan and the Moryong Clan. Well, they’re both pretty,” she said with a mischievous smile.

“No, no. I…”