Chapter 29: A Young Heart Lives in the Jianghu
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 29: A Young Heart Lives in the Jianghu
General Chu Seong-ho spoke, his voice carrying across the water.
“Lee Yu-baek of Xinxing County. Why have you caused this disturbance?”
Lee Yu-baek replied calmly.
“Mencius taught us to ‘enjoy good things together with the people.’ I heard that ten thousand lanterns would be lit here today to honor the virtues of the Buddha. As it happens, the mountains and fields of Xinxing County are teeming with tigers, a cause for deep concern. I merely wished to forget our troubles for a moment and came out with my friends from the Jianghu to enjoy the festivities together.”
“…”
A suffocating silence descended.
The very sound of breathing seemed to fade into the night.
After a long pause, the general spoke again.
“Your tongue is sharp.”
Depending on how one interpreted it, Lee Yu-baek’s words were a scathing rebuke.
The ancient sages told us to rejoice with the people, so why are you celebrating in isolation? Are you truly unaware that the people of Xinxing County are groaning under the weight of bandits?
In truth, that was exactly what he meant.
Lee Yu-baek was openly calling out a Second-Rank official, the General Military Commander of Jinsu Yanggwang. He did so despite having no guarantee he could withstand the general’s political power, let alone a fraction of his martial prowess.
The general clasped his hands behind his back.
“Yes. Your words are right. They are indeed correct. However!”
He fixed his gaze on Lee Yu-baek. It felt as if the weight of the entire world was glaring down at him.
Yeon So-wol, despite not being the target of that gaze, flinched.
How can Father stand it…
He stared blankly at Lee Yu-baek’s back. His father remained standing tall, dignified and unmoving.
“No matter how right the words, if they come from the mouth of a petty man, they are nothing but trickery and deceit,” the general declared. “I must find out what kind of man you truly are.”
Standing high on the deck of his command ship, he looked down at Lee Yu-baek.
“Do you have disciples?”
“I have three.”
“Do you have a son?”
“I have one adopted son.”
“Lee Yu-baek’s adopted son, step forward.”
At those words, Yeon So-wol felt his breath catch in his throat.
Step forward? Me? Right now?
The energy in the surroundings was frozen solid. Yeon So-wol could feel it—this entire reach of the river was the domain of General Chu Seong-ho. With a single gesture, the man could snap So-wol's neck like a dry reed.
Yeon So-wol was seized by the most primal fear a living creature can know. Like a cat paralyzed before a lion, his feet were frozen to the deck.
But then… he saw him.
He saw the back of Lee Yu-baek, standing perfectly straight.
This was the man who had single-handedly drawn his sword to shut down the Yeoljeong Sect and save the children. The man the masses called a Great Hero for cutting down countless villains. The man who was, once again, about to risk everything to subjugate the Mount Cheonro Bandits.
That man was waiting for him.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, the paralysis broke.
Thud.
His feet came free. Yeon So-wol kicked lightly off the deck and leaped across several boats, landing softly beside Lee Yu-baek.
“I am Yeon So-wol, adopted son of Lee Yu-baek of Xinxing County.”
He performed a fist-and-palm salute and bowed his head. Before he could even straighten his back, Chu Seong-ho’s frosty voice fell upon him.
“One can know the father by looking at the son. I ask you: What do you think of your father’s words? Do you not think he is merely spinning pretty phrases? Can you affirm, here before me, that your father has truly risen for the sake of the country and its people, without a single shred of personal interest?”
Swoosh—
The frozen atmosphere began to stir. The air started to revolve slowly, with Yeon So-wol at its center. It was like standing in the eye of a typhoon. He felt the back of his shirt grow damp with sweat.
I can’t… I can’t lie. I have to say it as it is. Exactly as I think it.
The intuition was overpowering—a bone-chilling premonition that no matter how plausible a lie he fabricated, he would be seen through instantly. He had to speak with nothing but sincerity, even if his thoughts were unfamiliar to the people of this era.
Yeon So-wol swallowed hard and slowly parted his lips.
“Even if he has personal motives, how is that a problem?”
“What did you say?”
Sssssss—
The pressure coiling around Yeon So-wol grew heavier. He forced strength into his trembling legs and squeezed the words from his throat.
“Does a farmer till his fields for the grand cause of feeding the world, or for the personal reason of filling his own family’s hungry stomachs?”
“...!”
The wind wavered. Yeon So-wol clenched his teeth, recalling an economic theory from his past life. Adam Smith. The selfish acts of individuals can lead to social good.
“A farmer works his land out of personal motive, but when those motives gather, they ultimately feed the entire world. General, there is no sin in personal interest. To strive and take what is yours is the natural instinct endowed to man by Heaven.”
“…”
The surface of the water rippled. The mirror-like calm shattered, distorting in every direction.
“What is wrong is not personal interest, but wickedness. If a farmer, instead of seeking to fill his belly by farming, covets what belongs to others, that is wickedness. The bandits on Mount Cheonro are exactly that. My father despises that wickedness and has taken up his sword. Therefore, there is no evil in his intent. Though my father may have personal interests, he is without a shred of wickedness. His actions will only serve to enrich Xinxing County, just as a farmer’s work feeds the world.”
“…”
The general was silent.
The surroundings were desolate. Not a single martial artist, officer, or soldier dared to even rustle their clothes. After a long silence, Chu Seong-ho finally spoke.
“It seems ordinary, yet it is ingenious. It makes sense, yet it is a strange idea I have never heard before. Truly befitting a man of the Jianghu.”
He glanced behind him, as if listening to someone hidden in the shadows. A moment later, he called out to Lee Yu-baek.
“Lee Yu-baek of Xinxing County.”
“Yes, General.”
“You have a fine son.”
“I am more than blessed.”
“Good.”
The general unclasped his hands and looked down upon the gathered crowd.
“The Chief Daoist has also given his permission. I will hear you out. However, today is a day to honor the virtues of the Buddha. We will first light the lanterns and complete the ceremony. Until then, you may enjoy yourselves.”
Flutter.
General Chu Seong-ho turned his back. His form descended the stairs until he vanished from sight.
Swoooosh—
The wind, which had been trapped and trembling, finally flowed freely. The energy of nature swayed once more, and the sound of river water lapping against the boats returned.
And the people of the Jianghu…
“Waaaaaaah!”
“Ha! It worked out after all!”
“He actually got permission! We’re in for a show now!”
“That young hero was incredible. I was actually moved!”
“What sin is there in personal interest? It’s only natural!”
They stomped their feet and beat the sides of the boats, letting out triumphant cheers.
*
“Alright! Let the real fun begin!”
At Lee Yu-baek’s signal, the people who had been lying in wait rose up from the riverbank.
“Oh?”
“Hoh!”
The martial artists on the boats let out cries of surprise. The newcomers were the inner disciples of the Pungryu Martial Arts Hall, along with the martial artists of Xinxing County led by the Severing Sword Sect and the White Dragon Gang.
While Lee Yu-baek’s advance party had drawn all the attention, this second group had infiltrated the area with ease. And because it was easy, they had come laden with fresh food, courtesans, and musicians.
As the lamplight revealed the supplies, everyone cheered in unison.
“Waaaaaaah!”
“Look at this! Lee Yu-baek really went all out!”
The alcohol was already on the boats, and now the delicacies prepared by the most skilled cooks in Xinxing County were loaded on. Musicians took their places and began to play, while courtesans danced and sang.
Among them, Yeon So-wol spotted Cho-ran. Nearby, he saw Eun-yeong, dressed as a man, sitting with a dazed expression.
Planks were laid between the boats, lanterns were lit, and expensive incense was burned. In an instant, a magnificent banquet was spread across the river. The martial artists were amazed by the efficiency.
“I never expected to be treated this grandly…”
“Lee Yu-baek of Xinxing County. He’s an even greater figure than I thought!”
“His son is quite remarkable, too.”
In truth, the martial artists gathered here had come with different intentions. Some came for the cause, but many more had come simply to witness the spectacle of ten thousand lanterns. Regardless of their reasons, Lee Yu-baek had satisfied them all.
“Great Hero Lee Yu-baek, I won’t forget this hospitality!”
Even the martial artists who had been standoffish at first now passed by with smiles. Yeon So-wol and the three disciples stood beside Lee Yu-baek, greeting them in turn.
“Hey.”
Just then, the cross-dressing officer, Chu Jin-hyeok, appeared before Yeon So-wol. He stared at him intently. By the standards of this era, Chu Jin-hyeok was remarkably tall, his eye level matching So-wol’s perfectly.
But his presence was on another level. His face was powdered stark white, his lips painted a vivid vermilion, highlighting the sharp contours of his angular face.
Yeon So-wol swallowed hard.
“Yeon So-wol, was it?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me…” the officer asked. “What do you think about dismissing a military officer for cross-dressing?”
It’s here!
Trying not to stutter, Yeon So-wol answered calmly.
“I think it’s absurd. An official post is bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor. Before the Emperor, how can there be a man or a woman, let alone a man who cross-dresses? They are all simply his subjects. If the Emperor has already chosen to employ someone, to dismiss them for merely cross-dressing is to say a man who cross-dresses is not a subject of the Emperor. To say such a thing is to diminish the world His Majesty rules. It is no different from high treason.”
“You…!”
The officer’s eyes widened. He glanced around at the others.
“Heh heh.”
Each time his eyes met someone else’s, he let out a deflating laugh.
“Heh heh heh. Did you see that? Did you all hear him?”
A grin spread across his face, wide as a gourd.
“So-wol,” he said, his tone much friendlier.
“Yes.”
“If anyone gives you trouble, you be sure to call for me. And take this.”
Flick!
Chu Jin-hyeok tossed him a round, lacquered box.
“It’s Golden Wound Medicine. Works wonders on external injuries. It’s something you can’t buy with gold if it’s not in stock. Don’t be stingy with it. Use it generously. If you need more, just let me know.”
Chu Jin-hyeok patted So-wol on the shoulder and walked away.
Lee Yu-baek smiled. “That’s a rare treasure worth a tael and a half of gold. Some people incur a debt of a thousand taels with a single word, but you earn a thousand taels with just a few.”
Yeon So-wol gave an embarrassed smile.
*
“The lanterns!”
Just as the drinking party was reaching its peak, an ethereal voice drifted across the water. Everyone turned, gasping in awe.
“Ah…”
Flickering lights drifted down the Jipseong River. And then, another cry:
“The lanterns!”
Everyone fixed their eyes on the source.
“Is that…”
A full moon was rising—even though the moon in the sky was only a half-moon. One full moon appeared, then two, then four, multiplying endlessly. Red, yellow, blue—sky lanterns of every color rode the wind and ascended.
Ten thousand floating lanterns. Ten thousand sky lanterns.
It was endless. Shining lanterns flowed ceaselessly down the river, tapping gently against the boats. Sky lanterns formed a new Milky Way. A mystical fragrance filled the air. It no longer felt like a river; it felt like another world.
“…Maybe I was born just to see this,” someone muttered. Many silently nodded in agreement.
“Iron flowers!”
Striking Iron Flowers was a spectacle where molten iron was scattered into the air. Artisans held willow-wood clubs soaked in water, waiting for molten iron to be dropped from above before hitting it with all their might. The red-hot liquid would burst into hundreds of thousands of droplets, blooming like flowers in the night.
Taaaaang!
With a crisp strike, sparks shot into the sky.
Yeon So-wol was at a loss for words. He felt a sudden urge to cry.
Fireworks…
The iron droplets looked so much like the fireworks he had seen on Earth. His nose tingled with a mix of longing and familiarity.
“The Chief Daoist commanded us to set off iron flowers here as well,” the artisans said, offering their greetings before they began striking in earnest.
Taaaaang!
A shower of sparks erupted right beside them, scattering over their heads. No one cared about the danger; they simply laughed and brushed the sparks from their clothes.
The Jianghu was a world with little entertainment—a boring world of endless practice. But now… ten thousand lanterns drifted on the water, ten thousand rose into the heavens, and iron flowers bloomed before his eyes.
Yeon So-wol was completely captivated. If he, a man from the 21st century, was this moved, what must the people of this world be feeling?
“I’m so glad I came today…”
“I know. I was so worried something might go wrong. How foolish I was.”
Taking in the sight of the happy martial artists, Yeon So-wol felt as if he were in a dream. Lee Yu-baek came up beside him.
“Have a drink.”
Clear liquor was poured into a red cup. So-wol drank it in one gulp. It was searingly hot, with a lingering scent of apples.
“The liquor… is delicious.”
“Isn’t it?” Lee Yu-baek ruffled So-wol’s hair. “So-wol, you asked me what the Jianghu is, didn’t you?”
“Yes. Though everyone was a bit vague.”
“You also asked me what a person of the Jianghu is. Do you remember my answer?”
“You said that people who live according to their station in a country built on laws are called citizens, while people who live as their hearts desire along the rivers and lakes are called people of the Jianghu.”
Lee Yu-baek nodded. “Then today, I’ll tell you in more detail.”
He poured another cup.
“The people of this land are bound by fate, and the rules they must follow are many. It’s only natural for people to struggle to break free from an unjust fate and escape rules they cannot accept. Especially if they have a knot of resentment in their hearts. Though most attempts end in failure, every now and then, there are people who break their limits, escape the mold, and live life in their own way.”
Lee Yu-baek met So-wol’s eyes.
“Those are the people we call Jianghuin.”
Limits and rules. People who broke the mold… Ah. So that’s why.
Yeon So-wol finally understood why Lee Yu-baek had asked if he was sure he wanted to follow. He understood why the disciples had welcomed him. Back then, on the wall, So-wol had broken the mold by his own will. He had defied the confinement order. He had crossed a limit.
That was the beginning of the Jianghu for me.
He glanced around. People filled the space in every direction—people who had deliberately come to a restricted area just to go boating. They were all people of the Jianghu.
“Those who step outside the framework set by the world and survive,” Lee Yu-baek said. “They inevitably make a name for themselves. Whether it is through justice or evil, fame or infamy… even a vain and ridiculous name. They are people who have made their names known upon these rivers and lakes.”
Just then, a drunken martial artist began to sing:
“Ten years I wake from a dream of the Jianghu,
To earn a name for being heartless in the pleasure houses.”
Lee Yu-baek laughed. “Yes. That kind of life exists, too. So-wol, the Jianghu is the place where such people gather. A nexus of bonds, created as some flow like rivers and others embrace like lakes. Where I am, and where you are—this right here is the Jianghu.”
Yeon So-wol watched the lanterns and the iron flowers.
“So-wol. What name do you intend to leave behind in these dazzling rivers and lakes?”
So-wol’s lips were sealed. His chest was too full for words.
Just then, a drunk martial artist recognized him. “Oh! I saw you earlier! Your words were memorable. There’s no fault in personal interest! Hah! What was your name again?”
“His name is Yeon So-wol,” Lee Yu-baek answered.
The drunkard performed a fist-and-palm salute. “Young Hero Yeon. Welcome to the Jianghu.”
He patted him on the shoulder and walked on, but his voice had been loud. Other martial artists, looking for any excuse to toast, clinked their cups.
“Young Hero Yeon! Welcome to the Jianghu!”
“Congratulations on entering the Jianghu!”
The voices spread like an echo. The clinking of cups, the smell of incense, the lanterns, and the fireworks—it was overwhelming.
I see.
The Jianghu. This dirty, barbaric, ignorant, and violent world.
I don’t think I just dislike it anymore.
Perhaps… he might even grow to like it.
Yeon So-wol bit his lip and gazed at the river of fire. Lee Yu-baek watched him for a long moment, then sang a line of his own.
“Outside the window, in the mountains and fields, tigers rage,
But a young heart lives in the Jianghu.”