Yurin's Arrest
"Cannon soldier, a message from the yamen."
The dispatch from the yamen side delivered grim news: they were holding the wife of a military official in custody.
Jo Unhyeon, that bastard?
Until now, he'd at least kept the hierarchy clear and never messed with another superior's subordinates or turf—that was the unwritten rule.
But breaking it now? Yugu Su figured the guy must be gearing up for all-out war. He was already itching to storm the yamen himself.
"The detainee is Yurin, wife of Suzhou vice-commander Bijong. The reason... interfering with legitimate tax collection."
"...Bijong?"
If he hadn't known who that was, sure. But the moment that name—someone he'd been plotting against—hit his ears, Yugu Su's mind started spinning.
Timing like this... is it a gift from the heavens?
He hadn't been ready for a full clash with Jo Unhyeon yet; that would've been too risky. But if he could take out this thorn in his side at the same time? Two birds, one stone.
He'd been wondering why Jo Unhyeon was suddenly gunning for him, starting with the underlings and working up. Looked like he could spin this to his advantage.
"If it's legitimate tax collection, she deserves whatever punishment fits. Tell them we got the message—no need for conflict."
"Understood."
—And that was the whole story.
One thing you could say about Yugu Su: he fiercely protected his own in his territory. But any jagged rock sticking out? He crushed it without mercy.
In the original story, to sideline Bijong—who was racking up merits against the pirates—Yugu Su handed those achievements to a subordinate and sold Bijong and Yurin out to Jo Unhyeon. That's what kicked off the banquet of doom.
This time, though, things were unfolding a bit differently. Still shoving the victims into misery, just the same.
No one here gave a damn about that.
"Uncle, you around?"
"What is it, kid? What's up at this hour?"
"Brought some real goods to sell this time."
Showing up empty-handed felt rude, so Pang Yujin had grabbed a gift on the way.
Gwakssi's sundries shop. Yujin dropped by often enough, but never spent much—always felt bad about that.
On his way to Bijong's, he made a quick stop.
"...A friend outside?"
"Yeah, Bijong. Vice-commander in Suzhou."
"Vice-commander? ...Wait."
"Looking for a decent gift. Got anything good?"
"...Take a look around."
Gwakssi wasn't smiling like usual.
Late hour, probably tired. The shop wasn't huge, but stocked with all sorts—worth a browse.
Fabrics, booze, tools, even Western sunglasses.
Every visit, Yujin wondered if the guy bought junk from Elrofund too. Kinda regretted not bringing any this time.
Huh?
His eyes caught masks scattered on one wall. Animal features carved in, but creepy—like chimeras.
Eerie designs that'd curse your house with bad luck.
Curious about their use, he grabbed Gwakssi.
"Uncle, what's with these masks?"
Gwakssi glanced at the dusty corner.
"Bad inventory."
"Ah."
Made perfect sense.
"Wanna buy any?"
Gwakssi eyed him steadily. Yujin regretted poking.
Curiosity kills the cat, right? But no use for them, didn't want 'em home—shot him a look and passed.
"Nah, no thanks."
"Hmph, figured. Pick what you want quick. Your friend's waiting, yeah?"
Gwakssi recommended a few: wooden chopsticks, oil jar, colander. Perfect light gifts.
Nothing pricey—seemed fine.
"I'll take 'em all."
"Everything?"
Might as well spend since he was here. Gwakssi's mood seemed off, though—was it just him?
Yujin watched quietly as he wrapped them in cloth.
"Been a whole month since you showed up here?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah."
"Mission wrapping up?"
Sudden questions. Yujin wondered what was up today.
Couldn't answer straight, just nodded vaguely.
"...City vibe's sour lately. Mission done? Head back to Hangzhou quick. If not, stay inside—don't wander."
—No matter how strong you are, can't guarantee safety here.
What'd that mean? Gwakssi just handed over the package with the warning.
"This one's on the house."
And tossed in one of those masks he'd asked about. Uh, no.
Gwakssi's weird vibe that day made refusing awkward, so Yujin took it and headed out.
Something going on with him today?
Felt off from his usual self, but Yujin shook it off.
This mask, though—not gift material. Zero sense, might even get called tasteless.
Couldn't dump it at their place—pocketed it separately.
Trailing Bijong deeper into Suzhou's back alleys.
Left led to the market; right, a crooked path to a ridge with a familiar house.
The nameplate hit him—game scenes flashed back.
By the time Bijong became Bandit King, they were a massive threat to the Yangtze region.
Amid rebellions and invasions, flames everywhere, he declared war on the imperial army.
'I'll burn it all—the empire's pillars too.'
But at revenge's end, the only spot left with Yurin memories? Burned to ash.
Bijong staring at the ruins in the rain, face utterly hollow.
This house couldn't end up like that. No way. That's why things going smooth felt good.
Yujin took main credit; Bijong stayed support—no direct clashes.
He'd settle with Heuk Ung someday, but if these two were safe now, he could let it slide. Just this once.
—That's when it hit.
"Yurin? What, she step out?"
Her absence? Yujin figured like Bijong: quick errand.
"Hey, Bijong! What're you doing out here?!"
"Aunt Yoon? What brings you...?"
The neighbor lady hurried over as they paced the door.
"You ain't heard? Your wife's been hauled to the yamen!"
"What?!"
That's when Yujin knew shit was real.
Felt fishy, but scale unclear. Don't overthink—
"Who dragged her off?"
"Tax collectors, that crew."
"But we paid on time..."
"Word is, she protected granary kids—got nabbed to the governor's mansion instead!"
Go—governor's mansion? Like a hammer to the skull.
Bijong froze too. But only for a sec.
Fuck.
Why'd his brain lock up? Hindsight: game's impact glued him to "banquet."
Watching anxious Bijong mirrored his old self.
Game tags suck, so shit flows that way? Who could've predicted?
Shame hit—boldly vowing to protect them.
Bijong probably heard rumors too, ignored 'em.
"...Young master, sorry—drinks another time."
"Bi, Bijong!"
He bolted west. Gone in seconds.
"Damn it!"
These fuckers always crossed the line.
Ha, what now? Thought everything smooth—now this mess.
Future Bandit King Bijong? Fine. Current him? Couldn't punch through Heuk Ung, let alone Sado Gate goons.
—Which meant Yujin had to.
Hammering Hon Yeon earlier? No biggie. But real action? Second thoughts.
His carelessness hurting others...
...Grip tightened. Teeth ground.
'Cannon soldier, sorry!'
But their faces flashed—had to move.
—Can't let them suffer like I did.
"Jooo Unhyeoooon!!!"
Yujin sprinted to the inn, barking at attendants: prep the carriage, now.
Loaded gear fast, aimed at the governor's mansion.
They blinked at the weird order, then nodded and hustled.
"Don't be late, don't be late—please!"
The carriage rolled out minutes after the news.