Chapter 72
Chapter 72
- Banishment
It was my first time being locked in a prison cell.
Actually, it was also my first time knowing that a prison cell existed. I had thought there would be a prison, but I just assumed it was a place that had nothing to do with me.
The space, where not a single ray of light entered, was filled with the stuffy smell of dust. I sat quietly in the darkness, mulling over the situation.
How did this happen?
I couldn't understand what it meant that Gu Gyeong-cheon was dead. It was also difficult to understand why they threw me into the prison cell without a single explanation.
Judging by the fact that they didn't tie my arms and legs, it didn't seem like an extreme situation, but you never know.
If it wasn't a big deal, they wouldn't have put me in the prison cell in the first place.
I could only think that they were treating me roughly because there was no one to watch out for.
As I realized my situation of becoming a kite with a cut string, a hollow laugh escaped my lips.
I thought it would be dangerous if Dang Jung left his seat, but I didn't know they would move so quickly.
I just can't get attached to these family members.
If you want to get rid of an eyesore, now is the perfect opportunity, with the protector gone.
But anyway...
'Hey. You better run away quickly.'
I didn't expect Dang Seho to worry about me. I wonder where he heard it and ran from. He's better than his brother.
I rubbed my forehead and thought carefully.
Can Grandpa get me out of this prison cell?
I pondered, but the answer was 'no.'
Once a Martial Artist enters secluded training, one or two years pass by easily. Moreover, a master like Dang Jung might take five years or more.
I didn't even know where Dang Jung was doing his secluded training, and even if I did, I couldn't go. It was forbidden to call out a Martial Artist in secluded training.
Those who have fallen into a state of trance during training accept even the smallest stimuli ten or a hundred times greater.
The moment I break Dang Jung's flow, he could injure himself or die from Qi Deviation.
I can't hurt Grandpa to save my own life, can I?
It was me who insisted to Dang Jung that I could protect myself. I shouldn't expect Dang Jung's help.
I swallowed a sigh and rubbed my eyes. I tried to recall familiar faces one by one, but I couldn't expect help from anyone.
Dang Geunmyeong was also in the same situation as a kite with a cut string now that Dang Jung was gone.
Dang-un was completely pushed out of the line of succession after losing his sight.
Even though Poison King Hall Lord Dang-un-jeong coveted me, he wasn't the type to help me while antagonizing the Patriarch. If the Patriarch was involved in this, he would pretend not to know.
Medicine Hall Lord Dang Sim-hong was a person who lived quietly like flowing water, so he wouldn't interfere.
Dang Juhee? It would be a relief if she didn't get in the way.
So, I had to solve this situation entirely on my own.
Clang!
I raised my head at the sound of the iron door of the prison cell opening. A faint light flickered, and then someone came running with a lantern.
"Young Miss!"
I couldn't help but feel relieved at the familiar voice. It was Songji.
"Songji? How did you get in here?"
"Young Miss. Have you eaten? Please have some of this."
Songji handed me dumplings, tearfully. They were still warm, as if she had just steamed them.
"I gave the Gatekeeper some silver coins to get in. I have to leave in a quarter of an hour. Young Miss. There's a big commotion because Gu Gongja died. They say it was poison."
"He was fine when I parted ways with him. When did he eat poison?"
"That's why you're locked up. They say you killed him."
"Why would I kill Gu Gongja?"
"Exactly!"
Songji, who had burst out in anger, lowered her voice.
"I wonder... could it be something that Third Madam planned? Like with Kyung-ah..."
"Even if you think so, don't say it out loud, Songji."
I shook my head, but I thought similarly. Third Madam always thought that I was taking away the attention that Dang Hwa-yeop should be receiving.
If she could get rid of me, she wouldn't care about killing someone.
"Are you guys okay? Did anything happen?"
"Deokju Martial Artist was badly injured trying to protect you. The Black Cloud Lord took him away, but after that, I don't know..."
Oh dear. Deokju, why did you stand up to the Grand Elder?
Still, I was relieved that Dang Bu-kyung had taken him. If the Black Cloud Lord takes care of him directly, they won't be able to lay a hand on Deokju.
Songji, who was holding my hand tightly, sniffled.
"Right now, the elders are gathered at the Gathering Hall holding a meeting. Seventh Elder went too, and it seems like they're discussing what to do with you. What if you get a big punishment?"
"Grandpa is here, they won't kill me. It'll be okay. Don't cry."
"Hoo-oong, Young Miss... I have to go now. I'll come again after checking the situation. Eat the dumplings before they get cold."
"Yeah. It'll be okay. Go quickly. Take good care of Kyung-ah."
Songji kept looking back at me, tears streaming down her face, as if she couldn't take her feet off the ground.
I smiled brightly and waved my hand. She was as worried as ever, no different from the first time when she would make a fuss if I didn't show up for just one night.
As Songji left, silence fell. I stared blankly at the spot where the light had lingered, then put the dumplings that Songji had left behind into my mouth. The thick dumpling skin was so dry that it choked me.
Yeah. It's because of the dumplings that I'm choked up. It's definitely not because I'm scared.
\ \ *
How long had I been in the prison cell?
The dew on the damp wall had dried once and then formed again, so it had been at least a day. Is it day or night now?
There was no way to know since no light entered at all.
I stared blankly at the air. To think that the day would come when I would be treated as a murderer.
How can I get out of this situation? Even if I try to think rationally, no method comes to mind.
Not all Tang Clan people use the same poison. Even poisons with the same name have slightly different properties depending on who makes them.
The poison that Gu Gyeong-cheon suffered from would naturally have someone's characteristics left behind. Seeing that they are unilaterally pushing it as my doing even though they know this, it means that everyone who examined the body is in cahoots.
Even if I break out of prison, claiming that it's unfair, it will only strengthen the claim that I am the culprit.
...Could it be that they want me to escape?
They didn't even block my blood points, and they left my limbs free. They released me knowing that I am also a Martial Artist and can escape the prison cell if I put my mind to it.
They didn't even provide surveillance, let alone meals, and at some point, even the presence of the guard Martial Artist guarding the entrance to the prison cell disappeared.
It's as if they're urging me to escape.
The corner of my lips went up at the ridiculous trick. I had no intention of playing along with such an obvious ploy.
It's a good thing I haven't fully absorbed the Qi of the Ten Thousand Poisons Pill yet. I'll just pretend that I'm doing secluded training this time.
Just as I was swallowing a sneer and about to sit cross-legged, someone opened the door to the prison cell.
"Come out."
"Patriarch?"
It was Dang Mu-hyeok.
For the Patriarch himself to come looking for me, it was clear that the situation was not good.
I frowned and looked up at Dang Mu-hyeok. Behind him, I could see the world submerged in darkness.
It was a new moon without a single ray of moonlight.
Dang Mu-hyeok turned his back as if my gaze was unpleasant. I stared blankly at his receding figure, then hurriedly climbed the stairs.
"About Gu Gongja's matter..."
"The truth is not important. What's important is that Gu Gongja died after meeting you, and someone needs to take responsibility."
Dang Mu-hyeok cut me off as if he didn't want to hear any excuses.
The meaning of the words 'someone needs to take responsibility' was simple. It meant that I should take responsibility for Gu Gyeong-cheon's death.
Even though he knows that it's not something I did.
A bitter smile hung on my lips. I stopped in my tracks and asked coldly.
"What do you want me to do?"
"You're not stupid."
Dang Mu-hyeok retorted and turned around. His face was full of disgust, as if he was looking at dirty filth, just like the day we first met.
"Leave the Tang Clan."
"...Are you saying you're going to disown me?"
"Disown? You're saying ridiculous things. I have never once thought of you as my daughter. And I never will. If you're not my daughter, how can you be a member of the Tang Clan?"
It was a chillingly emotionless voice. I scoffed and sneered.
"I knew you were skilled in Poison skill, but I didn't know you had poison in your tongue as well."
"You are not my daughter, so there is nothing to return. So, there is nothing to abolish."
Dang Mu-hyeok, who lightly ignored my sarcasm, continued. I blinked at the incomprehensible words, then realized what he meant.
He meant that he would not abolish my Dantian or Four limbs and meridians.
I felt disgusted by the paltry mercy. But there was no need to refuse since he was sparing my life.
"Ha, I should thank you for your mercy, Patriarch."
"I don't need your thanks."
Dang Mu-hyeok retorted and threw something at me. A small pouch fell at my feet.
An old wooden box poked out through the dirt-stained cloth.
A subtle fragrance emanated from it, as if he was trying to give me a cheap Elixir Pill and ease his guilt.
"...Ha."
I smiled, baring my fangs. My eyes were bloodshot.
Knowing my Martial prowess and telling me to go out empty-handed was no different from telling me to die on the streets.
"Farewell. Father."
The Patriarch's eyes trembled slightly at the cold words I spat out.
Calling him Father was a small act of spite.
A spiteful act to remind him that no matter how much he denies it, 'Dang So-hye' is Dang Mu-hyeok's daughter, and that will never change.
I glared fiercely at Dang Mu-hyeok and turned my back coldly.
