The Returned Prodigal Son (4)
I Jeonghak couldn't hold back his admiration.
"The kids told me to come to Go-yang-ru, and now I see why. What a view."
He had a sturdy build and a deep, resonant voice. Though he looked young, he carried himself with a maturity beyond his years.
"What's that lake way over there? Taihu?"
"No, not Taihu. It's a small one attached to it."
"Small? Even from this far, it looks huge, doesn't it?"
"Haha, compared to Taihu."
The boy explaining so maturely beside I Jeonghak appeared to be around Yeon Jipyeong's age. He was Yang U, a fellow student at the academy with Yeon Jipyeong. Not quite on the level of the Yeon family, but he was the heir to a fairly renowned martial arts hall in the region.
"Jiangsu really has some nice spots. Not as good as Anhui, though."
"Is Anhui that impressive?"
I Jeonghak's lips curved into a grin.
"Of course. Don't you know the saying, Yang? 'Once you've seen Huangshan, the Five Great Mountains lose their appeal.'"
"Ah! I've heard that!"
"And Anhui's scenery isn't just Huangshan. I'm not saying this because I live there, but there's no place in the Central Plains like it."
I Jeonghak turned to the woman standing behind him.
"Right, Miss?"
The woman gave a curt nod. Her face was expressionless, laced with clear boredom. I Jeonghak pretended not to notice.
"Anyway, like you said, Yang, I'm glad we came. Good food and a drink or two—sounds perfect."
At a glance, he didn't seem old enough to truly appreciate fine liquor. But Yang U clapped enthusiastically in agreement.
"It really does. Since we're on the topic, shall we order a bottle?"
"Great idea! I hear the fish dishes here are famous. Let's get those too."
"Sure."
I Jeonghak burst into hearty laughter, then suddenly glanced at Yeon Jipyeong. The boy was clearly forcing a smile, looking awkward and uncomfortable to anyone watching.
I Jeonghak tilted his head.
"What's wrong, brother?"
"……."
"Yeon, my man."
"Yes? Oh, yes!"
"Your face looks off."
"Ah……."
Yeon Jipyeong was always polite to everyone. But he didn't lie.
"I thought I should introduce you to my brother first."
I Jeonghak laughed.
"Oh, sorry about that. I forgot your brother was here for a second."
It wasn't outright rude, but it wasn't exactly polite either. Easy enough to brush off with a laugh. But Yeon Jipyeong couldn't just let it go. Not when it involved his family.
As Yeon Jipyeong opened his mouth to speak again—
"Jipyeong."
"Yes, brother!"
"Bring them over."
Perfect timing. Yeon Jipyeong, who had hesitated, said to the man and woman,
"Please, come this way."
"……."
"This brother?"
"Hm? Oh, right. Let's do that."
I Jeonghak still looked relaxed. But those nearby didn't notice the subtle shift in his eyes.
As the group walked toward Yeon Hojeong's table—
"Huh? Miss Namgung?"
Unexpectedly, the woman didn't join them. She headed to a spot farther away, sat calmly, propped her chin on her hand, and stared out the window. She seemed utterly uninterested in the group's conversation.
Yang U's face showed confusion, and a thick vein bulged on Yeon Jipyeong's jaw. The atmosphere grew a bit chilly.
Suddenly, I Jeonghak let out a big laugh.
"Haha! Looks like she's still in a bad mood."
He stepped forward and offered Yeon Hojeong a cupped-fist salute.
"I Jeonghak of the Anhui I family. It's an honor to meet the young master of the Bi-san Yeon Family Estate."
Whatever his earlier behavior, this was a properly courteous greeting. Yeon Hojeong rose and returned the salute.
"Good to meet you. Yeon Hojeong."
I Jeonghak grinned sheepishly.
"I hope you understand about my group. No offense intended."
He was referring to the woman, Namgung Sanghwa.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"It's fine."
"Thank you for understanding."
I Jeonghak's face brightened with relief.
"Your brother was always praising you at the academy. It's heartwarming to see such brotherly bonds."
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Yeon Jipyeong. The boy's face flushed slightly.
"Unlike me, he's a good, smart kid. Take care of him."
"Of course. He's such a good boy, after all."
The conversation had warmed up nicely. Then, a cold voice cut in.
"Did you drag me here just to gawk?"
All eyes turned to Namgung Sanghwa. A hint of irritation clouded her face.
I Jeonghak hurried to respond.
"Of course not. Yeon, good to meet you. I have my group, so I'll head back."
"Sure."
I Jeonghak rushed over to Namgung Sanghwa. Yang U followed, shooting Yeon Hojeong a quick glance. His brow furrowed slightly as he looked at him.
Yang U was close with Yeon Jipyeong, but he didn't think highly of Yeon Hojeong. The rumors were just too bad. Plus, Yeon Jipyeong always seemed stressed because of him. He couldn't look kindly on someone who troubled his good friend.
"Jipyeong. You're staying there?"
Yeon Jipyeong frowned.
"What do you mean by 'there'?"
Yang U pretended not to hear and turned away.
"Never mind. See you later."
With that, Yang U walked over to Namgung Sanghwa and I Jeonghak. Yeon Jipyeong bit his lip watching his friend's back, then sat across from Yeon Hojeong.
"Sorry, brother."
"For what?"
"Just…… I suggested coming here, and now……."
The awkward vibe was getting to him. Plus, that group seemed to be subtly dismissing his brother. It bothered him, but it had to be worse for his brother.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Don't worry about it."
He meant it. He had no interest in chatting up strangers, but a friendly greeting was no big deal. Besides, they were students from his brother's academy. He didn't know how long they'd be there, but he didn't want his brother embarrassed because of him.
Of course, he had words for his brother.
"Being polite is different from being timid. I hope you understand that difference."
"Huh?"
"The jianghu doesn't listen to the kind. Kindness is good, but strive to become someone even better."
Yeon Jipyeong tilted his head. It made sense on the surface, but it was still vague.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"Still got money in your pouch?"
"Yes? Oh, yeah!"
"Then shall we have a drink?"
Yeon Jipyeong's face lit up.
"Sounds good!"
The brothers promptly ordered liquor. Yeon Jipyeong hadn't told his brother, but it was his first time drinking. Between his age and training in martial arts and studies, he'd never had the chance.
It was the first time the brothers shared drinks. A deeply moving moment for both.
How much time passed?
Bam!
A chill silence fell.
"Damn it!"
A sharp shout shattered the quiet.
"I said shut up about the academy or whatever! I hate it!"
The piercing voice belonged to Namgung Sanghwa. Whether from liquor or rage, her face was flushed red. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes bloodshot. She looked stunning when calm, but furious, she was a demoness.
I Jeonghak hurried to speak.
"Miss, don't misunderstand me. Either way, we can't defy the family head's orders……."
"Shut up! You think I came crawling to this dump because I'm scared of my dad?!"
"M-Miss!"
"'Cool your head at the academy'? That damn old man's way of not outright disowning his kid—sticking me in this backwater! The hell does he think I am?!"
Her speech was utterly crude. She didn't sound like someone raised in a prestigious house at all.
Yang U cautiously spoke up.
"Miss. Please calm down a bit."
"What?"
"Well…… This gathering was I Jeonghak's idea to cheer you up. People are watching, so maybe tone down the anger……."
Slap!
"Guh!"
Yang U toppled sideways. Namgung Sanghwa glared coldly down at him.
"I let a yapping puppy follow me around, and now you dare lecture me? You wanna die?"
Yang U stared up at her in stunned disbelief. I Jeonghak stood and tried to restrain her.
"Miss, enough. I understand completely."
"Understand? Who the hell are you to understand me?!"
"Of course, I can't fully grasp your situation. What I mean is, Yang U crossed a line."
Yang U looked at I Jeonghak in shock. I Jeonghak ignored him.
"And he has a point."
"What?!"
"You're here representing the Namgung family, aren't you? People might see this spectacle."
Namgung Sanghwa sneered.
"People? You mean you and this worm?"
"Miss."
"Or those guys?"
She pointed at the Yeon brothers. I Jeonghak's face hardened.
Namgung Sanghwa bellowed,
"Don't try that patronizing crap on me! I'm a daughter of Namgung! If some punk whispers, I rip their mouth off!"
She saw nothing but her own rage. I Jeonghak felt troubled. He knew she was arrogant, but today was extreme. This anger wouldn't fade quickly.
I Jeonghak racked his brain.
'Maybe redirect it elsewhere?'
He glanced back. Yeon Hojeong sat with his back turned, oblivious, but Yeon Jipyeong looked upset. Rightly so. They weren't strangers, and he'd just been called all sorts of names while drunk. Anyone would be pissed.
I Jeonghak's eyes gleamed.
"You still need to hold back."
"What?"
"This is a gathering with heirs of Jiangsu's top prestigious house, one of the Seven Great Families alongside your own. We must maintain some dignity, right?"
"Seven Great Families? Dignity?"
Namgung Sanghwa scoffed.
"Since when did the main family recognize the Yeon trash as one of the Seven Great Families?"
Dangerous words. He'd meant to redirect her ire, but not this far.
I Jeonghak backpedaled instinctively.
"That's not what I meant. Yang U and I only want what's best for you……."
He trailed off. His tone was so polite and proper, no malice seemed intended.
But to Yeon Hojeong, with far more ruthless experience, it was transparent scheming.
Yeon Hojeong smirked.
"Playing cute, aren't you?"
"……?!"
His chuckle and words froze everyone's faces. Loud enough for even Yang U, the weakest in inner power here, to hear. Namgung Sanghwa and I Jeonghak couldn't have missed it.
Bam!
Namgung Sanghwa slammed the table and shrieked,
"You bastard, what did you just say?!"
Yeon Hojeong drained his cup without responding. No hint of fluster or tension.
To Namgung Sanghwa, it felt like utter dismissal.
"I'm asking what you said, you damn punk!"