Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Gathering of the Four Great Families
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The gates of Kaifeng stood wide open. It was a composure so unflappable it was almost disconcerting. They showed no sign of concern over the recent upheavals that had rocked the realm. Instead, the members of the Yuk Clan were murmuring among themselves.
"I thought there'd be some kind of reaction, at least."
"Maybe the court has decided it's better to just ignore it altogether."
"What about the alliance meeting, then? Aren't there those guys staying in Kaifeng, running the alliance separately from the four great families? What are they doing, just leaving the gates open like this?"
When the Yuk Patriarch raised his arm, the murmurs ceased. He narrowed his eyes and scanned the horizon. His gaze halted at a certain point.
"We're late. Raise the banners high. Let everyone know of our arrival."
With those words, the Patriarch spurred his horse forward. His retainers hurriedly followed, not knowing what was going on.
As they approached the western side of Kaifeng, vast fields stretched out, covered in splendid canopies. The crowds and tents filled the horizon, evoking the image of a massive army assembled.
A faint breeze stirred the air. Four banners fluttered brilliantly, each bearing the name of a great family.
Western Zhou Liu Clan. Founding Ancestor: Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang.
Shanxi Li Clan. Founding Ancestor: Emperor Taizong Li Shimin.
Zhuge Clan. Founding Ancestor: Lord Zhuge Liang of Loyalty and Valor.
Zhejiang Yuk Clan. Founding Ancestor: Little Marshal Yuk Sun.
The ancient prestigious families were towering pillars of the realm, having accumulated glory and power over generations. Among them, these four great families held particular esteem.
This was because their lineages were incomparably ancient compared to other ancient families, or they boasted founding ancestors who had dominated the world, or their current patriarchs were hailed as the supreme under heaven.
Even members of the Zhu imperial house showed them a measure of respect. The saying "born different" fit them perfectly.
The Yuk Patriarch glanced back and said curtly,
"Only Jin-yang, come with me."
"Pardon?"
His eldest son, Yuk Seo, who was following behind, furrowed his brow.
"Father, what do you mean?"
"Are you questioning because you didn't hear me?"
"No, it's not that. Why take Jin-yang of all people? I'm here, and Ju-jin is too."
Yuk Seo's voice lacked inflection. He was trying to mask his bewilderment in front of onlookers.
This was a gathering of the four great families' patriarchs. Yet the Yuk Patriarch intended to bring only his youngest grandson to such an important occasion. It was a matter of pride for the eldest son.
'No matter how much he favors the boy, there are limits. What kind of humiliation is this in front of the other families' direct descendants!'
As if reading his mind, the Yuk Patriarch explained.
"My youngest grandson hasn't had a chance to be introduced around. Don't I need to make the introductions?"
"Ah..."
"And look over there. The other families have their kids trailing right behind their fathers like ducklings."
Yuk Mu-hyeok gestured around. Around the purple canopy where the patriarchs gathered, clusters of people were chatting amiably with smiles. Direct descendants were no exception.
Yuk Seo's face flushed red.
"Mingle with them. Once the rebellion is quelled, the emperor's gaze will naturally turn to us. We must forge close ties in preparation for that day."
"Yes."
"You've been preoccupied with court officials and haven't networked with the other four great families' members. Isn't it time to build some rapport?"
"Yes, Father. I'll keep it in mind."
Yuk Seo bowed respectfully. Yuk Mu-hyeok's feelings, gazing at the back of his head, were exceedingly complex.
He was an eldest son who needed one thing explained, only to require another explanation right after. It felt endless, wondering how long this role would last.
His gaze slowly shifted sideways. His young youngest grandson caught his eye. Yuk Mu-hyeok stared at him for a moment before finally speaking.
"Let's go."
The two headed toward the purple canopy. Three young men and women were engaged in conversation there. The jade plaques around their necks attested to their status.
They merely maintained youthful appearances through reversal of aging. They were undoubtedly the patriarchs of the Five Harmony Alliance, said to have conquered the realm alongside Ming Taizu.
Four absolute beings gathered in one place. It was a world-shaking event.
The atmosphere was accordingly tense. It evoked the austerity of a military command tent. Even without guards or drawn swords, the air was heavy.
This was due to the overwhelming presence of those assembled. It felt like the scorching midsummer sun, blazing and constricting one's breath.
Yuk Jin-yang stood nervously beside his grandfather. The patriarchs' gazes lingered on him briefly before turning to Yuk Mu-hyeok.
The man in scholar's robes showed displeasure.
"You're always late. Same as ever, past and present."
"Do you think ascending the Yangtze is easy?"
"True, your physical constraints must be severe. We yield to you."
It was a jab at his solitary aged appearance. Yuk Mu-hyeok's eyebrow twitched. His hand did too.
Even Yuk Jin-yang felt a twinge of curiosity.
The four patriarchs' realms were evenly matched.
But if one had to name the foremost, it was Yuk Mu-hyeok. Even if only by a paper-thin margin, the gap was real. As the acknowledged supreme under heaven of the era.
Yet only Yuk Mu-hyeok bore the look of old age.
'Is there a reason he hasn't achieved reversal of aging?'
Boom!
Suddenly, the Yuk Patriarch stomped the ground. A ferocious aura flooded out like a tidal wave, shaking the space.
"Shall I see how much your arts have improved?"
"...You've not changed with age. Quite the sight."
"Enough!"
Fearing what the Yuk Patriarch might do, one of the three intervened.
"We didn't gather here to fight among ourselves."
"..."
"Who's this?"
He gestured toward Yuk Jin-yang with his chin. He was a burly man with an imposing build. His voice matched his stature in depth.
The Yuk Patriarch introduced Yuk Jin-yang to the others.
"My youngest grandson. The prodigy of our clan."
The mythical creature metaphor fully revealed the patriarch's expectations. Curiosity flickered in the previously bored gazes of the patriarchs.
"I'm Yuk Jin-yang."
Yuk Jin-yang introduced himself with a bow. The patriarchs acknowledged him but didn't exchange names. They assumed he knew who they were.
There was reason for such confidence. Anyone in the martial world had heard of the four great patriarchs at least once. Unless they'd spent their lives in secluded cultivation.
Naturally, Yuk Jin-yang was no exception. Even without introductions, he could recall the names of those present.
The burly man who first showed interest was Jin Cheon-bi-jang, Yi Jin-geol.
The scholar wielding a white horsetail whisk, exuding an ethereal air, was Baek Taek-hwa-in, Je-gal Hwan.
And the woman displaying seductive poise was Jeok-so Geom-hu, Yu Cheong-a.
The patriarchs each added a word while eyeing Yuk Jin-yang.
"Wasn't your youngest grandson that rascal? He looked pretty yellow-bellied."
"This one's got sharp eyes. His face even resembles your younger self quite a bit."
"Introductions are done. Sit."
Yu Cheong-a, the last to speak, waved her hand.
A breeze swept through, sending two chairs from the corner flying over. Telekinesis.
Just like Yuk Mu-hyeok had done last time, they used what others would call an ultimate technique merely to arrange seats. No hint of showing off. A sign of their overwhelming realm.
Right on cue, attendants brought in tea trays from outside. They'd received word via transmission. The verdant tea in the cups resembled summer itself.
"Kaifeng is truly prosperous. Did you see?"
Yi Jin-geol opened the conversation. The tense atmosphere eased at once. Yuk Mu-hyeok recalled old memories.
"Kaifeng's prosperity is a sight to behold. Back in our day, the whole region was barren wasteland."
"Indeed, the young ones wouldn't know."
"With walls crumbled and homes abandoned, it was no different from the northern wastes."
The patriarchs lounged under the splendid canopy, exchanging idle chatter with bored expressions.
But soon, thorns began to prick through their words.
"It was only after the Five Harmony Alliance was established on that land that order was restored. Yuk Patriarch, why did you summon us here of all places?"
The speaker was Je-gal Hwan. His steadfast gaze carried rebuke. Yuk Mu-hyeok responded calmly.
"You all have eyes and ears, don't you? It's to discuss the Prince of Yan matter. Spare me the nonsense about imperial sanctity or untouchable officials. It's a convention from centuries ago."
"The scale is different! This land still teems with monstrous heretics and vile demonic riffraff stirring trouble. A few days' outing is one thing, but anything more will surely burden the realm greatly."
"The northern army, meant to check those monsters, has turned its spears backward—that makes it our business too. And if we shed blood among ourselves, that would be true disaster. Shouldn't we align our views beforehand?"
"We must uphold loyalty."
"Others seem to think differently."
Yuk Mu-hyeok nodded toward the rest. Yi Jin-geol and Yu Cheong-a quietly sipped their tea. Je-gal Hwan's expression hardened.
"You all can't mean...!"
"Whether the emperor wins or the Prince of Yan wins, aren't they both of the Zhu blood? It's not unreasonable. In short, no need for us to spark infighting over an imperial family squabble."
Yuk Mu-hyeok boldly voiced blunt, sensitive opinions. The area had long been sealed with an energy barrier muffling sound.
"I support the Prince of Yan."
Yi Jin-geol stated firmly, his eyes sunken.
"The current court views the northern expedition skeptically. But the Prince of Yan is different. Our views align on dealing with the Yuan remnants and evil ghost yakshas in the north. We must capture and slaughter them all."
Yu Cheong-a voiced agreement.
"The emperor isn't a complete fool, but compared to the Prince of Yan, he's lacking in many ways—be it talent or military merit."
"Overthrow the throne just for this?"
When Je-gal Hwan countered sternly, Yu Cheong-a sneered.
"Typical of the Zhuge Clan. Planning to prop up a young lord and play regent like your ancestor?"
"Your words go too far!"
Je-gal Hwan glared, veins bulging on the hand gripping his whisk. He seemed ready to unleash his arts any moment.
The Yuk Patriarch shook his head and muttered,
"Good call summoning us."
"Mu-hyeok, what's your stance?"
Yi Jin-geol asked.
The Yuk Patriarch glanced sideways at his grandson and emphasized firmly,
"My clever youngest grandson said this."
"Hm?"
"Late guests to a feast must eat the leftovers. Isn't that exactly our situation now?"
The other patriarchs didn't hide their discomfort. They already knew the emperor covertly backed the rising families.
"But you see."
Yuk Mu-hyeok tugged his lips into a smile. His eyes gleamed sharply.
"Since when were we guests or lackeys of the Zhu? If partners who schemed for the realm together, maybe."