Chapter 53 - Commander Ma Ui-tae
Atop a mountain peak overlooking the endless expanse of rugged mountains stood two heavily armored middle-aged men side by side. They were Ma Ui-tae, commander of the Southern Defense Army, and his deputy, Gwak Hong.
Whoosh! The wind howling up from the cliffs below was fierce, but the gaze Ma Ui-tae cast over the mountain ranges showed no tremor whatsoever. His eyes were fixed on the neutral zone between Northern Murim and Northwest Murim. Dense forests stretched out without end below, hiding whatever secrets lay beneath—no one could know without venturing in themselves—yet Ma Ui-tae's sharp eyes flashed as if searching for something specific.
Gwak Hong spoke up. "It seems quiet today."
"They've been fighting like madmen until now, so it's about time they rested. Still, the scouts should be back by now. They're running a bit late."
"Let's wait a little longer, sir."
It was then.
A heavily armed warrior climbed up from behind them. Gwak Hong turned to the man. "What is it?"
"A urgent dispatch from the rear for the commander."
"Hand it over."
Gwak Hong took the letter from the warrior and passed it to Ma Ui-tae. The commander immediately broke the seal and unfolded the missive. Thick wrinkles creased his brow in an instant.
"Bad news?"
"The second young master has arrived."
"The second young master?"
"Yes. And apparently, the head of the Sama family called him 'my lord.' Does that mean the next lord has been decided without my knowledge?"
Anger clouded Ma Ui-tae's face.
Gwak Hong shook his head. "That can't be. Deciding the next lord without even informing you? Impossible. It must be a misunderstanding."
"There's no misunderstanding to be had. But if it's true, it's a strange affair indeed. The Sama family head is a man of unyielding integrity—he wouldn't casually call even the rightful heir 'lord'..."
Ma Ui-tae's gaze shifted to the warrior who had brought the letter. "You've only recently returned from leave, so you must have heard the latest from there."
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me."
The warrior continued. "Right after the second young master returned, the Elder Council Chairman presented him with a treasured sword as a gesture of respect for the rightful heir. But I heard the young master is wielding it and claiming the title of lord himself."
Twitch. Twitch. Ma Ui-tae's eyebrows curved like knife blades.
"The Elder Council Chairman gave the second young master a treasured sword? Is that true?"
"Yes. That's exactly what I heard."
"The old fool must be senile! Handing the sword that symbolizes the lordship to someone who hasn't even formally ascended? No wonder the Sama family head calls him 'lord'!"
Anger flared anew in Ma Ui-tae's eyes. The warrior added, "There's also a strange rumor circulating."
"What rumor?"
"Well... When the late lord exiled the second young master, no one spoke against it. Now they're saying he harbors a grudge and will purge the family in blood once he takes power. The rumor has spread far and wide. I even heard that Hong Mun, leader of the Blue Dragon Hall, has already been thrown into prison by the young master."
"Who is this Hong Mun of the Blue Dragon Hall?"
Gwak Hong stepped in. "A power broker in the northern sector. He had political differences with the late lord and wasn't on good terms. I hear he actively supported the head of the Jang family as the next lord... If the young master imprisoned him, it doesn't bode well."
"He must be wary of the Jang family head."
"That's how it looks."
Ma Ui-tae fell silent for a moment. The warrior, Jang Bo, gauged his mood, lips twitching as if he wanted to say more but held back. Bearing the name Jang Bo, he hailed from the Jang family and had long served in this Southern Defense Army—naturally acting as eyes and ears for Jang Cheon.
"You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir."
Disappointment flickered across Jang Bo's face as he turned away, as if he had more to say but couldn't.
Gwak Hong spoke cautiously. "Why do you think the young master came here?"
"We'll find out when we meet him tomorrow."
"May I say something?"
"Speak."
"That warrior just now is from the Jang family. We shouldn't form prejudices based solely on his words."
"Fool, I know that much."
"...My apologies."
Ma Ui-tae furrowed his brow and gazed into the distance. Gwak Hong watched him silently. He worried inwardly. 'He's kept his distance from politics since the late lord passed...'
Gwak Hong vaguely guessed why Yeon-hoo had come. Word had reached even here of the power struggle between Yeon-hoo and Jang Cheon for the next lordship. The details were fuzzy, but the general situation was clear. Yet Ma Ui-tae showed no interest in such matters, so no one dared mention it, fearing to irk him.
Ma Ui-tae spoke. "I miss the eldest young master."
"..."
"He had talents beyond anyone else. I expected him to succeed the late lord and rule Northern Murim. Watching him wither before he could bloom shattered my heart."
"We all know how much you cared for the eldest young master."
"From that day, I abandoned all hope in the late lord. I severed ties with the ruling Yi family entirely. Not just them—the Jang family too, and anyone else eyeing the lordship. I made this place my final home."
His voice burned with passion. Gwak Hong listened quietly.
"Let me say it again: Anyone who tries to drag this place into their political games will not be forgiven. Not even the second young master."
Gwak Hong sighed inwardly. 'Anyone seeking support would target the Southern Defense Army first...'
Contrary to Ma Ui-tae's wishes, the winds of politics would surely blow here. He worried for the day it arrived.
'Ha...'
"Deputy."
"Yes, Commander."
"Do you understand why I'm saying this?"
"Enlighten this foolish subordinate."
"Don't waver. No matter what temptations come, the Southern Defense Army must remain neutral. Understood?"
"I'll keep it in mind."
Ma Ui-tae turned. Gwak Hong stepped aside respectfully and asked, "How should we address him?"
"The second young master?"
"Yes."
"You think the title matters?"
"Everyone from the Sama family head on calls him 'lord' and follows him. If we call him 'young master,' it might look like we're backing the Jang family head."
"Hm."
Deep wrinkles formed on Ma Ui-tae's brow. He wanted no part in politics more than anyone, yet he couldn't dismiss Gwak Hong's point lightly.
Gwak Hong pressed on. "He bears the treasured sword, so at minimum, he qualifies as the lord's proxy. To avoid the political fray, calling him 'lord' seems wisest."
"You're saying we should call an unapproved young master 'lord' out of fear of repercussions?"
Ma Ui-tae bristled with anger. But Gwak Hong smiled faintly. "You know that's not my intent. I just want you safe from the coming turmoil."
"I'll think on it."
In the end, Ma Ui-tae gave no answer and walked ahead. Gwak Hong stared at his back, sighing inwardly. 'If only he were a bit more flexible...'
* * *
The next day, Ma Ui-tae led his top officers, including Gwak Hong, to the stockade to await Yeon-hoo. Though he had no desire for the visit, basic courtesy demanded it.
Gwak Hong held back from raising the title issue again. About half a shichen passed like that.
Finally, a group of riders appeared on the road leading straight from the northwest to the camp. Ma Ui-tae and the others straightened their expressions and watched intently.
Ma Ui-tae's heavy voice followed. "He bears the ruling family's treasured sword, so we must call him not 'young master' but 'lord.'"
"Yes!"
"...!"
Aside from Jang Bo and a few others, most nodded as if it were obvious. Gwak Hong breathed a quiet sigh of relief. The unease of an awkward first meeting melted away.
'Good.'
It was then.
One rider broke ahead at a gallop.
Thud thud thud! The man who reined in was Sama Song. He greeted Ma Ui-tae first. "It's been a while, Commander."
"Indeed, family head."
"Welcome, family head."
Gwak Hong and the officers bowed deeply to Sama Song. Equal in rank to Ma Ui-tae and a top figure in the Iron Blood family, he commanded utmost respect.
"The lord said he had somewhere to inspect first and will be a bit late."
Sama Song's unexpected words drew puzzled looks. Ma Ui-tae asked, "May I inquire where he went?"
"My apologies. He didn't tell even me..."
"Hm. The area is treacherous; I worry for his safety. But your bright expression suggests strong escorts."
"Yes. With reliable guards, don't worry, Commander."
"Understood. Come inside, then."
As they spoke, the accompanying warriors arrived. Sama Song followed Ma Ui-tae, scanning the camp. Admiration lit his eyes almost immediately.
'As expected...'
The warriors' gazes and postures were sharp. Even those at rest maintained perfect discipline.
'No wonder Jang Cheon covets this place.'
Sama Song realized anew: For Yeon-hoo's sake, the Southern Defense Army's support was essential.
* * *
Whoosh. Yeon-hoo paused at the faint, acrid scent of blood carried on the wind.
"I'll check it out."
Seobaek darted ahead. He returned soon after. "Hundreds of corpses—looks like a major battle yesterday. But something's off."
"What?"
"Want to see for yourself?"
Yeon-hoo pushed through the trees at once. He soon faced a gruesome field strewn with hundreds of bodies.
Seobaek spoke. "Look at their attire. Aside from dozens bearing the Red Wolf Corps emblem, the rest are all different."
It was indeed strange. If Northwest Murim forces, they should bear their symbols—yet none did.
Yeon-hoo muttered, brow furrowed. "Northwest Murim hired mercenaries?"
"Ah! That could be it."
As Seobaek's eyes widened—
Bang! A firework burst in the western sky, crimson smoke staining the heavens red as it spread.