Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Reconstruction
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Dang Yeon-hwa looked at the children of prominent families, held hostage and bound, and thought.
Now that the Tang Clan had suffered near-annihilation, they might be happier than anyone.
Most of them were children of large merchant guilds, trade caravans, or martial families. Dang Baek-ho had brought them here as hostages, fearing they might act against the Tang Clan.
In other words, they were prisoners in all but name, just without a blade to their throats.
Dang Yeon-hwa began to untie them one by one, apologizing. She told them she was truly sorry and promised such a thing would never happen again.
However, she could feel the quiet fury in the eyes of some. Knowing her strength, they didn't dare lash out, but they couldn't hide the anger in their hearts.
Of course, some were relieved and hopeful that Dang Baek-ho was dead and a sensible person was finally taking over the clan, but Dang Yeon-hwa focused on their anger.
She could feel the depth of the evil deeds the Tang Clan had committed until now.
“Even if I promise that this will never happen again, you won't believe me. I know. For today, please return to your families. I will visit you again to offer my apologies.”
Hearing Dang Yeon-hwa's apology, some of the children from prominent families left without a word, while others approached her, knelt, and paid their respects.
“New Family Head of the Tang Clan, thank you for saving us!”
The voices of some were filled with deep emotion and the hope of a new beginning. Others offered their thanks reluctantly, and a few wore false smiles, trying to get on the good side of Sichuan's new ruler.
Dang Yeon-hwa bowed politely to them all and began to move again.
She headed to the Finance Pavilion to assess the Tang Clan's assets.
Dang Yeon-hwa found the Lord of the Finance Pavilion cowering in a corner, holding his breath.
After explaining the situation, she reviewed the clan's ledgers and asset lists with him. Her heart ached as she looked at the devastated buildings, manor, and ponds, but she refused to give up.
“This is our sin, and our history. We must accept it, and we must rebuild.”
She made a vow to herself and began planning the necessary restoration work.
Just then, a branch of the Tang Clan arrived late. They had come from a distance and had remained neutral in the conflict between Dang Baek-ho and Dang Yeon-hwa.
Dang Yeon-hwa explained the situation to them as well, then began the restoration work with the warriors.
They worked together to clear the rubble of collapsed buildings and repair damaged pillars and roofs. The pond was filled with blood, and corpses littered its surroundings.
She cleaned up the area around the pond, tending to it so that clear water could fill it once more.
“Handle the bodies with care and respect. We will hold a funeral to mourn their deaths.”
Dang Yeon-hwa's voice was firm and resolute.
***
By evening, Dang Mu-seung, Dang Mu-ryong, and others who had been fighting the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult in the Western Regions returned to the main family estate.
Dang So-so, who had been in seclusion training, also rushed over after hearing the news. It was a moment when all the brothers, sisters, and cousins had gathered, with the exception of Dang Baek-ho.
Dang Yeon-hwa gathered them all and spoke.
“I don't know how long it's been since we were all together.”
Dang So-so, looking utterly confused about the situation, asked Dang Yeon-hwa.
“Aunt…, what in the world…”
Dang Yeon-hwa cut her off.
“I understand you're confused, but listen to me first. I will take questions after I've finished.”
Dang Yeon-hwa explained how she had contended with Dang Baek-ho for the position of Family Head, and how she had lived in seclusion afterward, collaborating with the Martial Alliance to stop his evil deeds.
She told them that in the midst of this, the last disciple of Sichuan's Divine Doctor, Baek Jung-hyeok, had caused this incident, introducing himself as the sixth disciple of the Heavenly Demon. She relayed every detail that Mu-heun had told her.
Hearing her words, the warriors of the Tang Clan were struck dumb, at a complete loss for words.
“…”
Dang Yeon-hwa turned to Dang Mu-seung, the most influential among them.
“Did you not know of the evil deeds Dang Baek-ho was committing?”
“…I did.”
“And you, Dang Mu-ryong?”
“I knew.”
“I won't ask why you stayed silent. I, too, recognized the need for preparation and lived in seclusion for many years. I know you didn't just stand by idly. That's why you earned Dang Baek-ho's ire and were sent to manage distant branches. The injustice of those years must have been immense.”
“…”
“But things must change now. We've already lost the chance to drive out Dang Baek-ho with our own hands. Perhaps we waited too long…”
Dang Mu-seung and Dang Mu-ryong nodded in agreement.
““That is so.””
“But from now on, we cannot look away. I felt it as soon as I arrived here—the rage of the prominent families in Sichuan, trampled under the name of the Tang Clan. We cannot live like this.”
“We agree.”
“Dang So-so, what about you?”
“I feel the same way. It was Dang Baek-ho who drove you out, Aunt, and who drove my own father to his death. I have shared your sentiments all this time.”
“I see…”
“So, from this moment on, whether by martial prowess or by right, you are the legitimate successor. Please become the Family Head of the Tang Clan and lead us, Aunt.”
With Dang So-so taking the lead, Dang Mu-seung and Dang Mu-ryong voiced their agreement.
“We greet the Family Head.”
Then, the others also spoke in unison.
“““We greet the Family Head.”””
Afterward, the elites of the Tang Clan gathered to help with the cleanup, and everyone belonging to the clan began to follow the words of their new Family Head, Dang Yeon-hwa.
The newly appointed Family Head, Dang Yeon-hwa, announced that she would make a formal declaration once everything was in order and began preparing the funeral for the dead.
She did not neglect the funerals of the fallen Tang Clan warriors. Though their sins were deep, she believed their love for their families was genuine.
For the families of the deceased warriors, Dang Yeon-hwa prepared a respectful funeral. She erected a stone monument engraved with their names within the clan's territory, so that their families could mourn them.
However, Dang Baek-ho's gravestone was built in a shabby corner, without a body. After the simple funeral ended, Dang Yeon-hwa sat down with the warriors.
“…”
A brief silence passed before Dang Yeon-hwa spoke.
“Dang Mu-seung and Dang Mu-ryong, first, investigate whether the Tang Clan has wronged the Qingcheng, Emei, and Kunlun Sects, as well as the surrounding merchant guilds and smaller sects. If we have done wrong, we will visit them, apologize, and provide compensation where it is due.”
“Understood.”
“We will cease all evil research that the Tang Clan conducted in secret. The Lord of the Finance Pavilion and those in charge will clear out the research facilities. From now on, any research will be conducted in a conspicuous location within Chengdu. Security will be tight, but we will not operate in the shadows.”
“We obey!”
“Dang So-so, you will accompany me to the various branches to relay this situation. Let's establish the principles that will guide the Tang Clan's future together.”
“Yes!”
Under Dang Yeon-hwa's resolute will and the unified strength of its warriors, the Tang Clan began to be reborn, step by step. Without forgetting the pain of the past, they did not hesitate to step forward into a new future.
Their actions were like a symbol of hope that would make the Tang Clan shine once more. Although the news didn't circulate in the marketplaces, it spread rapidly among those in the martial world.
Gam Pa-pa at the Cheonbu Merchant Guild also received the news via a carrier pigeon.
“So, the returning Dang Mu-seung, Dang Mu-ryong, and the Tang Clan's elite warriors met with Dang Yeon-hwa and had a change of heart, eh? Heh heh, just as the Divine Doctor predicted. Thanks to him, the Tang Clan has been reborn, and unlike before, they've sent all the children of prominent Sichuan families home… is that right?”
Gam Pa-pa relayed this news to the head of the Cheonbu Merchant Guild and his son, Cheon Hwi-san.
The guild head was so overjoyed that he staggered, grabbing a pillar for support. He shed tears of gratitude that the shackles he had borne would not be passed down to his son.
His son, Cheon Hwi-san, on the other hand, couldn't believe his ears.
“I-Is it really true?”
“I'm telling you it is. Didn't I say so?”
“No, I mean… it's just, without any warning… like this.”
“Heh heh heh. You are free now. Rejoice as much as you like.”
Hearing Gam Pa-pa's final words, he was so happy he could fly.
***
Mu-heun, having arrived at the Sichuan branch of the Martial Alliance with Paeng Ri-hyeok, found a letter from Gam Pa-pa.
[ The disciples and I will be at the Cheonbu Merchant Guild. Please come find us there. ]
“…”
Paeng Ri-hyeok, who had read the letter with him, spoke to Mu-heun.
“If you don't know the location, I can guide you.”
“No, that won't be necessary.”
Mu-heun entrusted his companions to Paeng Ri-hyeok for a moment and headed for the Cheonbu Merchant Guild. He knew the location as if it were right before his eyes, having frequented the place during his time as the Divine Doctor.
And so, Mu-heun arrived at the Cheonbu Merchant Guild. The main gate alone was magnificent.
‘It's grown a lot.’
Just then, a gatekeeper asked Mu-heun.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Baek Mu-heun. I'm here to see Gam Pa-pa.”
“Hmm? You are?”
“Yes.”
The gatekeeper was puzzled that someone as young as Mu-heun had come to see a figure as important as Gam Pa-pa.
“Ahem. Wait here.”
“Alright.”
After about a quarter of an hour, the gatekeeper came rushing back to Mu-heun.
“P-Please, come in.”
“Thank you.”
As he stepped inside the guild, Gam Pa-pa, the head of the Cheonbu Merchant Guild, and his son, Cheon Hwi-san, came rushing out to greet him.
The guild head, sweating but beaming, said.
“Ah, Great Sir! Welcome. I've heard the story from Gam Pa-pa. The Divine Doctor's disciples are in the main reception hall. We've prepared a banquet, so please meet with them and speak comfortably.”
“Thank you.”
“No, no, I should be the one thanking you! Are you not the one who gave my son his freedom? Oh, and, if there's anything you need, please just say the word!”
“Haha, I will.”
Mu-heun found it quite strange.
The head of the Cheonbu Merchant Guild was a man who loved his son. In his past life, Mu-heun had treated his son for an illness, and the man had welcomed him with the same beaming smile back then.
For it to repeat in this life…
Just then, Cheon Hwi-san, who was standing beside the guild head, bowed his head to Mu-heun and said.
“I am indebted to you, Great Sir! Thank you.”
“Haha…, I'm just glad to see you've grown up healthy.”
“…Huh…?”
“No, I meant I'm glad you made it out of the Sichuan Tang Clan in good health.”
“Ah, yes! Thank you!”
That was a close call. Mu-heun had spoken to him just as he had when he treated him in his past life, and when Cheon Hwi-san looked puzzled, he quickly changed the subject.
Just then, Gam Pa-pa spoke.
“Shall we go inside now?”
“…Yes.”
The moment of their meeting had finally arrived.
But…
What should he say first when they met?