Chapter 142
142
33. The Road to Dongting Lake
Dang Geunmyeong didn't leave even after we had traveled far beyond Wuhan.
He stopped the carriage only after passing three intersections covered in snow, and worriedly urged me,
"It doesn't look like the snow will stop anytime soon, so stay overnight at the first inn you see. It doesn't usually snow this much around here… It seems this winter is particularly cold."
"Yes, Uncle. Don't worry."
"Take care of yourself. I'm uneasy seeing the Murim Alliance tailing you. It's probably just to check up on you, but the fact that they're checking at all is unpleasant."
"Oh, you knew I was being followed?"
I assumed it was Beopgong Monk, but I didn't sense anyone.
Startled, I asked back, and Dang Geunmyeong glared at me and flicked my forehead.
"Look at this one. Were you aware of it and didn't tell me? How can I not worry when you act like this!"
"Ouch. That hurts, Uncle."
I whined and lowered my gaze.
Dang Geunmyeong's expression didn't soften despite my theatrics. He looked as if his insides were boiling, making all sorts of faces as he spoke.
"He turned back half an hour ago, so it's fine. Even if you're tailed again, they'll only be watching your movements and won't harm you, so there's nothing to be afraid of. The Tang Clan will send a formal letter of protest regarding this matter."
"A letter of protest?"
"Of course, we should protest. Handing over a direct descendant is as good as us bending over backward to the Murim Alliance. But they're tailing you even after the investigation concluded with no charges? That's like saying they'll pin a crime on you even if you're innocent."
He said, suppressing his anger. His eyes gleamed ominously, making me flinch for no reason.
"Will the Patriarch even let you protest? He wouldn't care if I was threatened or not."
"No. The Patriarch is someone who thoroughly calculates gains and losses. If he can use you as a pawn to demand something from the Murim Alliance, he won't hesitate. He'd rather step forward himself and try to get even more."
Dang Geunmyeong shook his head as he answered. At that moment, I realized something I had been missing.
To escape the Tang Clan's threats, I had to become a pawn they could use.
The reason Dang Mu-hyeok abandoned me, even risking Dang Jung's anger, was simple.
Because I had no value.
If that's the case, then I just need to become someone of value. I just need to create a reason why Dang Mu-hyeok has to protect me, whether he likes it or not.
……Wow. I was too stupid. I should have realized this before I was kicked out.
"Uncle, what do I have to do in the Central Plains to become the Patriarch's pawn?"
"Why are you asking that? What are you planning to do?"
"Since my one and only father only treats me like a daughter when he needs something, I should play along."
I clenched my fist and smiled, baring my fangs, and Dang Geunmyeong muttered,
"……Now that I see it, your smile looks just like the Grandfather's."
He looked at me with a strange expression before slowly opening his mouth.
"Judging from what I saw at the Murim Alliance, you seem to be doing well already… Consistently associate with Orthodox Faction figures. It would be even better if they have a title or are Rising Stars cherished by their Sect."
"Are you saying I should build friendships and flaunt them?"
"Yes. Your father is pathologically obsessed with external reputation. The reason I could come was because Beopgong Daesa sent a letter. Since the disciple of the Shaolin Abbot stepped up to protect you, he had no choice but to send an observer, even if he didn't want to."
I see. I need to buy Beopgong Monk some drinks. I wondered why he bothered to send out notices, but he created a situation where the Tang Clan had no choice but to intervene.
I nodded, impressed by Beopgong Monk's political maneuvering, no, his social skills, and Dang Geunmyeong continued.
"Your siblings all stay within the Tang Family's Others. Hwa-yeop is the only one who interacts with people from other Sects, but even that is limited to forces within Sichuan. It's not very profitable for the Tang Clan. The ones who move the Murim Alliance are the Martial Sects in the center of the Central Plains, aren't they?"
"That's right."
"But if you associate with figures from the Martial Sects that form the backbone of the Orthodox Faction, the Tang Clan will try to use you as a link. If you even have a marriage alliance with a prominent Rising Star, they'll welcome it more than anything. …I'm not telling you to get engaged, so don't give me that look."
"I was obediently preparing for an engagement, thinking that's what I should do, and this is what happened. What are you talking about?"
"That's just an example. And the son of a small merchant can't compare to the disciple of The Greatest Sword Under Heaven as a son-in-law…"
"Uncle!"
I screamed at the absurd words, but Dang Geunmyeong didn't even bat an eye as he retorted.
"I didn't say anything wrong. An orphan, smart, and raised in a Taoist Sect his whole life, so he won't cause unnecessary trouble. He's perfect as a son-in-law. There are many Taoist who return to secular life after marriage. Above all, he seems to have feelings for you."
"That's rude to the person involved. I'll pretend I didn't hear that. What are the other options?"
I shook my head seriously, and he shrugged his shoulders and said.
"Use the fact that you're the Grandfather's direct disciple."
"Selling Grandfather's name is a bit… Won't it attract flies?"
"You have to use those flies. When people line up to try to get a connection to the Grandfather through you, hand them over to the Patriarch. The Patriarch will squeeze them dry."
"Hmm…"
I groaned softly and scratched my head.
Not everyone has good feelings towards Grandfather. Even Gwisu-sin warned that I could die because of my teacher.
Flaunting that I'm the Poison King's disciple could backfire.
As I hesitated to answer, Yeon-ryang, who had been listening quietly, opened his mouth.
"Neither of those two options seems like a good idea. A pawn that So-hye can't dominate is meaningless. That's even more true if it's a method of riding on someone else's name."
"That's all I can think of with my limited knowledge. I'd like to hear your opinion."
Yeon-ryang smiled wryly as he stroked his chin at Dang Geunmyeong's blunt reply.
"The Jianghu is a place where the strong survive, so all she has to do is make a name for herself."
"What do you mean?"
"What the Elder is saying is that So-hye is the only direct descendant of the Tang Clan in the Central Plains, isn't she? Then all she has to do is stand out the most. Surely the Patriarch isn't foolish enough to let a child who is making a name for herself in the Jianghu die? If he is, then the Tang Clan is doomed."
Dang Geunmyeong twitched his eyebrows at the scathing remark, but he didn't interrupt Yeon-ryang.
"If she even gets a title, she won't need to consider marriage alliances. So-hye's existence itself will be beneficial to the Tang Clan. To make her useful through an unwanted marriage alliance, you're saying terrible things to a child."
…I think Uncle is a little angry because the person he used as an example was Jin-sung.
Dang Geunmyeong cleared his throat and looked at Yeon-ryang before saying, as if making an excuse.
"Don't be angry. I was just choosing realistic methods to say. If the child can stand on her own, that would be a good method too."
"I'll make her stand on her own."
I quickly interjected with a smile at Yeon-ryang's cold attitude.
"Uncle, I don't cry when I fall off cliffs like I used to. I can now catch ten fish with a single Ten Thousand Soul Coins. Children grow up fast."
"…Yes. That's right. The Grandfather will be pleased."
Dang Geunmyeong smiled awkwardly and made a sound as he put his hand into his sleeve.
"Pretend you didn't hear what I said. It's good to have the ambition to face the Patriarch directly, but… Don't do anything too reckless. Please take good care of her."
"Don't worry, Elder."
"I'll be on my way now. I'll let you know immediately if there's any news from the Grandfather, so keep in touch."
"Yes, Uncle. See you again."
Even with my greeting, he couldn't turn his back as if he wasn't relieved.
"If the Murim Alliance threatens you, threaten to cut off the supply of Ten Thousand Soul Coins."
"Yes."
"Do you remember the location of the safe house well? Do you need me to write it down for you?"
"Of course. I memorized it all."
"Okay. I understand."
Dang Geunmyeong sighed and respectfully clasped his fist towards Yeon-ryang. Then, he disappeared like smoke.
It was a speed that was difficult to follow with the eyes.
We watched the direction Dang Geunmyeong disappeared in before getting back into the carriage.
As Dang Geunmyeong said, the snow was falling harder and harder.
Yeon-ryang, who was holding the reins, looked a little tired. Was it because his Inner Energy hadn't returned? He had looked exhausted ever since we left the Murim Alliance.
I should boil the Hundred-Year He Shou Wu and feed it to him when we arrive at the inn.
I put down the map I was holding and reached out my hand to Yeon-ryang.
"Brother. I'll drive the carriage. Brother, get some sleep."
"Will you? Let's see how well our sister handles the horses."
Yeon-ryang chuckled and handed me the reins. I cleared my throat and tried to drive the carriage.
"Giddy up!"
However, the horses moved in a completely different direction from my intentions. The horses' actions, which were out of my control and walking off the road, made me raise my voice involuntarily.
"Hey! Hey hey! Come here. I said come here! No, why are you going wherever you want? Not that way! Uh-oh, hey!"
"…Just give it here. I'll do it."
Yeon-ryang clicked his tongue and reached out his hand. For some reason, I felt a little prideful and glared at the back of the horse's head, but Ju-ryeong, who had been quietly, suddenly screamed.
"Kyat!"
Then, the horses that had jumped turned back onto the road and walked straight. Yeon-ryang and I stared at Ju-ryeong with wide eyes.
"Ju-ryeong. You really are a divine creature. You're earning your keep."
"Kiee."
Ju-ryeong stood up tall, feeling proud of my admiration. I loosened my grip on the reins and started driving the carriage with peace of mind.
About an hour passed like that. Yeon-ryang poked me.
"So-hye. There's someone over there."
"Where?"
When I turned my head in the direction Yeon-ryang was pointing, I saw a white lump on the side of the road.
Upon closer inspection, it was a person collapsed. Judging by the amount of snow piled on their body, it seemed like they had been collapsed for quite some time.
"Whoa, whoa!"
Surprised, I hurriedly stopped the carriage and jumped out.
"Excuse me. Are you okay?"
As I rushed towards the collapsed person, Yeon-ryang shouted in alarm.
"So-hye. You can't just approach someone like that when you don't even know who they are!"
"I have to help if they're hurt. Excuse me? Can you hear me?"
"Umm…"
The collapsed person let out a faint groan at my call. I carefully brushed away the snow and examined their body.
Unlike someone who had been collapsed on the side of the road for a long time, their body temperature was normal. There were no visible wounds, and their pulse was fine.
"Their pulse is fine?"
"…I'm hungry."
"What? They can talk fine too. They're fine. You scared me."
As I got up, feeling relieved, they grabbed my pants leg urgently.
"Don't go! Gi, give me some food…!"
"What?"
"Give me some food… I'm too hungry to move."
I couldn't think of anything to say to the absurd request.
What is this guy?
I frowned and exchanged glances with Yeon-ryang.
