The Wind Begins to Blow (4)
The next day.
“Family Head.”
“Come in.”
Taekyeong entered the family head’s chamber and presented the documents.
“These are the ones I organized last night. I believe this budget should suffice.”
Yeon Wi quickly scanned the papers.
“Mm, good work.”
“Not at all.”
“You may go.”
Taekyeong hesitated for a moment.
“Um, Family Head.”
“Something to say?”
Yeon Wi’s gaze remained as impassive as ever.
Taekyeong cleared his throat.
“About the business partnership with the Moyong family...”
“I’m still considering that matter.”
“Ah, yes! Of course, you must deliberate carefully.”
Yeon Wi’s eyebrow twitched. Why is this man so talkative today? His expression made it clear he found it odd, consistent with his usual demeanor.
Taekyeong hurriedly bowed his head.
“It’s nothing else...”
“Speak.”
Taekyeong continued cautiously.
“How about changing the person involved?”
“What do you mean?”
“Instead of that woman Moyong Yeonhwa, why not look for someone else?”
Yeon Wi openly furrowed his brow.
“Why would you think that?”
“Well, no matter how I look at it, Moyong Yeonhwa seems like an exceptionally talented woman. Ah! I’m not saying the eldest young master is inferior, but what if she develops other intentions?”
“Other intentions?”
“Yes.”
Taekyeong spoke as if he’d made up his mind.
“Moyong Yeonhwa is a talent recognized by Moyong Gun himself. She’s probably been praised since childhood. We can’t rule out the possibility of arrogance. For someone her age to be involved in family affairs to that extent—well, you can imagine.”
“Mm.”
“The eldest young master is no less talented than Moyong Yeonhwa. But rather than a wife of outstanding ability, one who brings peace of mind might suit him better.”
Yeon Wi fixed Taekyeong with a chilling stare.
“You were the one who first brought up Moyong Yeonhwa. Why change your tune now?”
Taekyeong gave an awkward smile. The natural shift in his expression made Yeon Wi’s eyes sharpen even more.
“I overlooked one thing.”
“What?”
“Unlikely as it is, what if Moyong Gun rejects the marriage proposal?”
“...?”
“Before faces are lost on both sides, it might not sit well with him either. He’d understand it as a public matter, but asking him to hand over his cherished daughter could still breed displeasure.”
“If Moyong Gun’s capacity is that narrow, we shouldn’t pursue the partnership from the start.”
“Of course. But as we expand our power in earnest, fewer complications the better, don’t you think?”
“Mm.”
“It’s for the main family’s sake and the eldest young master’s as well. I apologize for speaking rashly without due thought a few days ago.”
Taekyeong watched Yeon Wi with subtle eyes. The family head’s face remained stern, but Taekyeong noticed a faint shift in his gaze.
Law and justice aside, it’s his son’s marriage—he can’t stay entirely detached.
After much deliberation, Yeon Wi spoke.
“Chief Steward Taekyeong.”
“Yes, Family Head.”
“I have one question.”
Taekyeong tensed inwardly. He didn’t bother hiding it. That was his way—knowing when to conceal and when to reveal his thoughts.
“This business partnership with the Moyong family—do you truly believe it’s the right move?”
Taekyeong’s eyes gleamed. He couldn’t read Yeon Wi’s expression; even he, sharp as he was, found it impenetrable. But this time was different. Yeon Wi was troubled.
Taekyeong’s mouth opened on its own.
“As I said before, I’m in favor. Money is power. Depending on how it’s wielded, it can contribute to peace or stir unrest among the people.”
“...”
“If I may be bold, the family head I’ve served has always used power more righteously than anyone. With greater funds devoted to the people’s welfare, other sects will rally to help.”
Yeon Wi let out a quiet sigh.
Taekyeong’s eyes sparkled.
So that’s the depth of his worry?
This was only the second time he’d seen Yeon Wi sigh. The first was five years ago, when the Yeon brothers had clashed badly.
The greatest crisis of his generation—natural enough.
Suddenly, Yeon Hojeong’s face flashed in Taekyeong’s mind over Yeon Wi’s.
Curious, now that I think of it.
He couldn’t forget Yeon Hojeong’s visit last night. The arrogant posture. The smile masking unmistakable ambition in his eyes.
Yeon Hojeong despised Yeon Jipyeong. But lately, that’s changed. Could that have been groundwork for the future?
Seeing him yesterday made it plausible. Unusual for a boy his age? Not at all. The Moyong family began fierce power struggles from the moment of birth. It wasn’t influence—it was their blood proving itself.
One person had escaped that nature.
Moyong Woo.
He was innately kind. More suited to the Yeon family than Moyong. Especially like Yeon Jipyeong.
An amusing coincidence.
The eldest son was turning Moyong-like, while the Moyong outcast acted like a Yeon.
“Is that so.”
“That’s my view.”
Yeon Wi leaned back in his chair and nodded.
“Very well, we’ll proceed.”
Taekyeong’s gaze shifted.
“You’ll ally with the Moyong family?”
“In truth, there’s no harm in it. If we can complement each other’s weaknesses.”
“Exactly. They wield great influence as a powerhouse, but they’re still of the White Path. They’ll uphold a minimum of righteousness.”
“I don’t trust the Moyong family. I trust only myself.”
“Even if they scheme, they won’t escape your discerning eye.”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“Send a letter to the Moyong family. Propose a meeting date.”
Taekyeong’s eyes widened.
“Shall I deliver it personally?”
“My deliberation took too long. I meant to be cautious, but they might see it differently.”
“Ah, yes.”
Yeon Wi looked at Taekyeong.
“You have a point. No need to stir unnecessary noise. But I won’t utter insincere words, so craft it well to benefit both families in the partnership.”
Taekyeong smiled.
“Understood. I’ll bring it for your review after drafting.”
“No need.”
Yeon Wi turned his head away, as if loath to even see such a flowery letter.
Taekyeong’s eyes burned with intensity.
“Understood. I’ll make it as smooth as possible. Ah! And for the eldest young master’s marriage candidate...?”
“Moyong Yeonhwa isn’t necessary.”
“Understood.”
Taekyeong bowed deeply and headed for the door.
Then Yeon Wi spoke.
“Chief Steward Taekyeong.”
Taekyeong turned. Yeon Wi’s back faced him, a strange unease visible as he gazed toward the window.
“Good work.”
“Haha! Not at all.”
“No, this time your merit is great. Speak freely if you have opinions in the future.”
“Of course.”
“You may go.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Taekyeong exited the chamber. He couldn’t see it—the blizzard raging in Yeon Wi’s eyes.
“Send this to the Tongcheon Group. Urgent.”
“Yes!”
The Tongcheon Group was an intelligence network trading with the Yeon family. Marked urgent, it would fly straight to the Moyong family.
Having handed the letter to a Tongcheon agent, Taekyeong stretched grandly. His accumulated fatigue seemed to vanish.
The days were still cold, but today the sky was exceptionally clear. Looking up, Taekyeong’s eyes curved in satisfaction.
Finally over.
The Yeon family was doomed anyway. The key was how much it benefited his side. Fortunately, the family head had approved the partnership, making it easier to devour their territory.
Taekyeong admired Moyong Yeonhwa anew.
Marriage proposal... She risked rumors to push it. What a woman.
The marriage talk had been her initiative. Of course, she had no intention of marrying Yeon Hojeong. But such a proposal was needed to shake the family head’s resolve.
A pity. If born a man, she’d be heir by now.
Who knows. The family head might even entrust the family to her. He aimed beyond the clan.
The world! A man needs ambitions that grand.
And standing beside such a family head, gazing at the world—what more could one want?
Grinning as his imagination soared, Taekyeong suddenly called a gatekeeper.
“Where is the eldest young master?”
“He went out with the second young master. Said they were going for a meal...”
“Got it. Dismissed.”
“Yes.”
Taekyeong openly frowned.
“Quick on his feet. In that way, he surpasses even Lady Yeonhwa.”
That night.
Past midnight, Yeon Hojeong visited Taekyeong’s residence.
“You’ve come.”
“Mm.”
“You’ve worked up quite a sweat.”
“How can I slack on a martial art I’ve finally grown into? I train whenever time allows.”
Whatever else, that venom was praiseworthy. Taekyeong had witnessed Yeon Hojeong’s training several times. He’d never pushed himself that way, but even at a glance, it was clear only relentless ferocity could endure it.
Wonder why he changed so much. It made sense since yesterday.
He’s desperate to become family head. Understandable.
His life ruined by his rising younger brother’s talent. Whatever opportunity he’d seized, he was right to stake everything on it. As blood of the Judge Sword, he couldn’t be hopelessly inept.
“This is Dragon Well tea. Fine aroma, isn’t it?”
“Heavens! Dragon Well? Where did you get such a rarity?”
“Haha! Saved up and procured it. Meant it for the family head, actually.”
Tea meant for the family head, given to you. A mark of trust.
Yeon Hojeong smirked smugly.
“I always knew you weren’t ordinary.”
“Hahaha! Too high a praise. I’m just a humble scholar.”
“A mere scholar, one who sways an entire family?”
The words had bite, but Taekyeong missed the loaded intent in Yeon Hojeong’s voice.
“Not yet. But from now on, I plan to handle important matters. By your side, Eldest Young Master.”
“You’ve finally decided?”
“Haha! I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.”
Pour.
Taekyeong’s eyes changed. Yeon Hojeong was dumping the Dragon Well tea onto the floor.
“My heart’s already pounding at the thought of crushing those filthy jackals. I expect great things from you.”