Chapter 138
138
Stopping crying amidst everyone's attention was a unique experience I didn't want to repeat.
I removed the cool towel from my swollen eyes and looked up.
"Hey, kid."
"Tsk. Don't tease me. Don't tease. You're not allowed to talk, Beopgong Monk."
"Oops. Understood."
At my finger-wagging, Beopgong Monk grinned and pretended to zip his lips.
I glared at him and shifted my gaze, noticing the various expressions on the faces around me.
Dang Geunmyeong looked to be in turmoil, and Yeon-ryang was fidgeting. Peng Jiyun and Beopgong Monk seemed to find the situation amusing, as they exchanged banter.
And…
Jin-sung was calmly observing me. Without a word, he brought warm tea and a cool towel to the table and arranged them neatly.
As I picked up a fresh towel and clumsily wiped my face, Jin-sung asked,
"Do you need more cool towels?"
The towels he had already provided were sufficient, but I figured Jin-sung must feel awkward being mixed up with these unrelated people. I replied in a hoarse voice,
“…Yes. One more, please.”
Jin-sung nodded and left to get another cool towel. Peng Jiyun, who had been glancing at Jin-sung as he walked away, muttered with a puzzled expression.
"That's odd. I've never seen Jinseong disciple take care of someone like that before?"
"That guy must like the Tang Clan brat. He even invited her as a guest to Wudang a while ago."
"Jinseong disciple? Nah, no way. He's usually so strict when it comes to anything involving the name of Wudang. Beopgong, are you dreaming?"
"Madam, you always doubt everything I say. Ask the kid. It's true."
Beopgong Monk snorted and gestured at me with his chin.
Peng Jiyun is older? Beopgong Monk, you have old eyes.
"Ahem, ahem!"
Just then, Dang Geunmyeong cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. Dang Geunmyeong, having interrupted the conversation, stared intently at Peng Jiyun.
"Patriarch Peng, I would appreciate it if you could excuse us for a moment."
"Excuse me? Elder Dang, you do know this is the Patriarch's office, right? You're quite bold."
"I have some matters to conclude with this man. It's a family matter, so I hope you understand."
"Alright, alright. I'll leave you to it. Just don't make the kid cry again. Beopgong, let's go."
Peng Jiyun replied playfully and stood up. Beopgong Monk glanced at Yeon-ryang, shrugged, and turned away.
An awkward silence descended upon the reception room, now occupied by only the three of us.
Dang Geunmyeong looked at Yeon-ryang and asked gently,
"Would you like a cup of tea?"
“…I'm fine.”
Yeon-ryang shook his head, looking slightly tense. Dang Geunmyeong didn't press him further and respectfully clasped his hands in front of Yeon-ryang.
"I heard that our child received a great deal of help from you. Thank you for taking care of the Tang Clan's child. The Tang Clan will not forget this kindness."
At the same time, Yeon-ryang's eyebrows furrowed slightly. He seemed displeased with the words of gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me. I was merely protecting my sister."
"Sister? What do you mean?"
"I am that child's older brother."
At the blunt reply, a look of bewilderment crossed Dang Geunmyeong's face. He met Yeon-ryang's gaze and his eyes widened. It was as if he had recognized someone in Yeon-ryang's face.
“…What is your relationship with Choryeon?"
"I am her son."
At the response, Dang Geunmyeong alternated his gaze between me and Yeon-ryang with wide eyes, then sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"There's no need to investigate the facts. I didn't know she had such a grown son."
He found similarities in that rugged face?
Puzzled, I nudged Dang Geunmyeong.
"Do you know my mother's face too, Uncle?"
"There isn't a man of my age in Sichuan who doesn't know your mother's face. Do you know how many men lingered around the Moon Scent Pavilion walls just to catch a glimpse of her smile?"
I wouldn't know.
I barely managed to swallow the words that had risen to my throat, and the corners of Yeon-ryang's lips twitched upward. He seemed to know exactly what I was thinking.
"So that's why you've been traveling together all this time. Why didn't you say so sooner? What is your name?"
"Yeon-ryang."
"I am Dang Geunmyeong. I may be an Elder, but I am of an outside family, so there's no need to be formal."
"Yes."
Dang Geunmyeong, having exchanged names with Yeon-ryang, clasped his hands together with a troubled expression.
"I understand your relationship with the child. Therefore, I must ask what you intend to do from now on. The main family does not allow outsiders into the manor. It would be difficult for you to come to the Tang Clan together."
At his question, Yeon-ryang shook his head.
"You're asking the questions in the wrong order, Elder."
"What do you mean?"
"Shouldn't you ask So-hye whether she wants to return to the Tang Clan first? She hasn't expressed any intention of returning yet."
At Yeon-ryang's words, Dang Geunmyeong's face turned grim.
"She is a child of the Tang Clan. If she doesn't return to the family, where else would she go? What are you saying? Do you feel the same way?"
Dang Geunmyeong asked urgently, looking at me. I gave him an awkward smile.
"Ahaha, I was just trying to figure out how to bring it up, but I haven't had a chance to tell you yet. I don't plan on returning to Sichuan, Uncle."
"What?"
"You know, Uncle. I was expelled…"
"Nonsense. If we had truly intended to expel you, we would have severed your four limbs and meridians first. Are you saying you want to sever ties with the family? You are a disciple of Poison King! This is not something you can decide on your own."
Dang Geunmyeong sharply cut me off and glared at me. I replied calmly.
"I know. I'm Grandfather's disciple. Since I have inherited Grandfather's unique Martial Arts Technique, I can't sever ties with the Tang Clan. But Grandfather isn't here right now."
"…"
"I don't have the confidence to endure in the Tang Clan without Grandfather, Uncle. I'll return when Grandfather finishes his seclusion."
At my reply, his expression darkened. Dang Geunmyeong, who had been hesitating, opened his mouth with difficulty.
"Hoo… Don't be too disappointed. You're a Martial Artist, so you know, but right now, Grandfather…"
Dang Geunmyeong, choosing his words carefully, seemed unusually troubled. He was worried that I would resent Dang Jung.
Dang Geunmyeong's clumsy excuse involuntarily brought a smile to my face.
"Disappointed? I'm the one who pushed Grandfather into the Seclusion Chamber against his will, Uncle."
Dang Geunmyeong's Adam's apple bobbed greatly as he swallowed a sigh.
"…I see. So you really won't return?"
"No."
"I understand. If that's your wish, there's nothing I can do. I'll explain it to the Patriarch. Woon will be disappointed. He wanted to see you a lot."
"Thank you for understanding. I'll send a separate letter to Woon."
He nodded as if he understood. I, who had been watching his reaction, carefully changed the subject.
"What happened with the Yuju Merchant Guild? What about Young Master Gu?"
"The Tang Clan compensated for the damages, and in return, they agreed not to pursue the matter. Once the Alliance was involved, the Yuju Merchant Guild had no other choice. They would have suffered if they had interfered with the Alliance's affairs."
So that's why I didn't see the shoddy wanted posters anymore. Then the Assassin must have been sent by the Third Madam.
"I'm glad it's resolved. But I really didn't kill him, Uncle."
"I know. No one thinks you killed him. But… the Patriarch wanted to cover it up without digging any further."
Dang Geunmyeong said with a bitter expression. His words made my blood run cold.
"Are you saying the Patriarch deliberately drove me out?"
"To be honest, it seems that way. I thought he was just pretending to be strict to appease the Yuju Merchant Guild… But now I see that he wanted to reduce Grandfather's influence and establish his own authority while Grandfather was away."
Wow. What a real son of a bitch.
Only then did I understand his warning not to set foot in Sichuan again.
It was because my very existence clashed with the Patriarch's authority.
But he couldn't directly kill his own daughter, so he must have turned a blind eye to the Third Madam's scheme to get rid of me through someone else's hands.
Yeon-ryang's expression, who had been listening silently, also twisted.
"You were going to take So-hye back in that situation? Now that we know, we can't let her go."
"The situation has changed. The grudges with the Yuju Merchant Guild have been settled, and the false accusations from the Alliance have been cleared, so the Patriarch can't touch her anymore."
"Is there any guarantee that the same thing won't happen again? Her own father is threatening his daughter's safety, how can you be sure it will be alright?"
At the fierce reaction, which seemed as if he would grab Dang Geunmyeong by the collar at any moment, I hurriedly calmed Yeon-ryang down.
"Hey, Brother. Don't do that to Uncle. It's not Uncle's fault."
Dang Geunmyeong, who had subtly avoided the blazing gaze, also nodded with a troubled expression.
"…You're right. It's better not to return to the family right now."
Dang Geunmyeong, who had been rubbing his forehead, looked at me.
"Child. Grandfather has prepared safe houses throughout the Central Plains."
"Safe houses?"
"Yes. I thought Grandfather would have told you about them. I'll tell you the locations so you know. If anything happens, take refuge in the safe houses."
"Yes, Uncle."
"I don't care where you stay, just keep sending news. My heart can't take it."
"I will."
Dang Geunmyeong, who had been grumbling and crossing his arms, changed the subject.
"By the way, I heard you sent Divine Doctor to Woon?"
"Did Divine Doctor go to the Tang Clan?"
"Yes. He came and healed Woon's eyes. He's still staying there."
I couldn't help but smile at the welcome news. I was half-doubtful whether Gwisu-sin would grant the request, but it turned out that he hadn't just given the Elixir and left, but was actually staying there.
"How is it? Is the progress good? Can he be cured?"
"I can't say for sure yet, but he looks better to my eyes. His complexion has improved a lot, and he's spending more time outside. But…"
Dang Geunmyeong, who had been telling me about Dang-un's situation, trailed off with an embarrassed expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, Woon…"
