Chapter 33
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Same Bed, Different Dreams
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“Eh-heh-heh-heh!”
“Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!”
“…….”
Yu Hyun was utterly exhausted before he’d even had breakfast, worn out from the endless stream of compliments and chatter flying back and forth.
Nangong Chang-seon had shown up at the crack of dawn, hauling a massive jug of liquor to his quarters.
Naturally, a drinking party ensued.
Fine, whatever—but why drag me into it?
He barely had enough time for training as it was...
Kneeling the whole time in front of the elders had left his legs numb to the point of death.
His nose was already reeking from all the times they’d smeared it with booze...
Who the hell came up with these idiotic customs that torture people like this?
“Ah, Father. May I be excused?”
“Outrageous! Nephew, how can you say such a thing? I’m in the midst of chatting with my brother, but I came all this way at dawn just to see the fine young man you raised.”
“…….”
I asked my father—why are you answering?
Yu Hyun gave an awkward smile and shot his father a pleading look.
“Hyun-ah, your uncle is right. It wouldn’t be proper to leave when he came at this hour just to see you.”
“Ah, yes... I was short-sighted.”
Screw propriety. If you’re gonna make me sit here, at least pour me a cup and let me join in.
They’re the only ones drinking...
“Heh-heh, Brother. Stay a while longer. Ever since I retired to the back room away from the front lines, I’ve missed you terribly.”
“…….”
Yu Hyun’s eyes widened as he stared at Nangong Chang-seon.
Is this old man messing around?
I’m dying to get out into the martial world, and here he is pouring oil on the fire.
I’m already fretting a dozen times a day over how to shake off my boastful father—what now? Stay longer?
“Heh-heh, come on, Chang-seon. How could I not appreciate the sentiment? But staying long isn’t feasible. Lately, His Majesty hasn’t been at ease and has been summoning me more often. I’ll likely have to head to the palace soon.”
“His Majesty?”
“Indeed. Seems he’s considering the next line of succession.”
“Hmm. So His Majesty wishes you to remain by the side of Crown Prince Tagun, who is to inherit the throne?”
“That appears to be it. What use am I at this old age...”
“His trust in you has always been profound.”
“Heh-heh.”
Yu Seong-hwan let out a hearty laugh at Nangong Chang-seon’s words.
Hearing this, Yu Hyun smiled faintly, only to lock eyes with Nangong Chang-seon, who wore a similar smile directed at him.
What?
Why’s your face like that?
Yu Hyun tilted his head quizzically, and Nangong Chang-seon quickly wiped the grin away and turned his head.
Did I imagine it? Looked kinda sleazy...
Well, whatever. Father’s heading to the imperial city, and it’ll take a while.
Good—when the Emperor calls, a loyal subject must answer. Stay there forever, why don’t you.
He’d been agonizing over how to ditch the old man, and now it was falling into his lap like a pulled tooth.
Should he bow in thanks toward the palace?
“So, what are your plans for Hyun then?”
“Hyun?”
“Yes.”
“Actually, I’ve already made arrangements.”
At Nangong Chang-seon’s question, Yu Seong-hwan turned to Yu Hyun with a beaming smile.
“…….”
What’s that, Father?
Was it my imagination that your expression matched Uncle’s just now?
Kinda giving off serious sleazy vibes...
“Lately, I’ve been deeply moved watching Hyun’s progress.”
“Hmm, no surprise there. Who could’ve guessed he was such a prodigy?”
“Exactly. I once thought scholarship was paramount, but I realized I was wrong. Forcing studies on a child showing such martial talent goes against a father’s duty.”
“Quite right. There’s no child in the world born with such gifts.”
“You think so too?”
“Would I lie? Do you know who I am? The Sword King, whom none in the martial world can match with the blade.”
“Of course, I know. How could I not?”
“In my eyes, Hyun’s talent is world-shaking—enough to move heaven and earth.”
“Eh-heh-heh! Come on, that much?”
“I mean it, Brother. Have I ever lied to you?”
“Eh-heh-heh-heh!”
“With a good master, he could aspire to be the best under heaven.”
“You rascal. Eh-heh-heh-heh!”
“…….”
Yu Seong-hwan’s mouth hung wide open at Nangong Chang-seon’s praise.
Eh, not surprised about Father. He’s always been a braggart like that.
Nangong Chang-seon’s attitude was a bit odd, though.
Overkill for a first meeting, isn’t it?
Even if they’d met before, I was a pitiful mess back then—no way he saw prodigy potential. Why’s he praising me to the skies?
Yu Hyun narrowed his eyes at Nangong Chang-seon, but Yu Seong-hwan spoke up.
“So I’ve decided to open a path for him.”
“A path?”
“…….”
Yu Hyun’s heart plummeted at the ominous words from his father’s mouth.
This guy... what’s he plotting now?
“It’s not proper to pull strings, but as a father, I can’t help being shameless.”
“Hmm. So what path do you mean?”
Yu Seong-hwan turned at Nangong Chang-seon’s question.
“Hyun-ah.”
“Yes?”
“Take the military examinations.”
“Yes?”
“You’ve always wanted to be a general—how could I stand in your way?”
“…….”
Yu Hyun’s eyes bulged.
“Heh-heh, surprised?”
“…….”
Yeah, you old fool.
You out of your mind saying that?
Who said I want to be a general? I never said that!
“Before coming to Anhui, I sent a recommendation to the training academy. They’ll come fetch you within the month.”
“...Father.”
“Yes, yes. Look at those trembling eyes—you must be thrilled, heh-heh.”
“…….”
Stop talking crazy.
I’m stunned because it’s absurd.
The training academy? Putting a leash—chains, even—on a horse just broken free? What’s to be thrilled about?
Yu Hyun snapped back to reality from the sheer ridiculousness and hurriedly opened his mouth.
Refuse. Gotta refuse.
Tell him flat-out that general is the last thing I want.
“Father, that’s...”
“Brother!”
“…….”
Nangong Chang-seon, who’d been watching the father-son exchange, suddenly cut in.
“What is it, Chang-seon?”
“…….”
Father’s gaze shifted to him as Yu Hyun’s words were buried.
What’s this geezer gonna say...? No, block him whatever it is.
If he sides with Father, I’m academy-bound for sure.
If persuasion fails, I’ll have to bolt—but between these tight-knit brothers, they won’t let me.
He’s the Sword King.
Leagues above Guard Huang.
“Un-Uncle!”
Yu Hyun cried out in panic, but Nangong Chang-seon said something unexpected.
“Hyun is still young and inexperienced. It’s premature to send him to the training academy.”
“…….”
Huh? What’s this now?
Caught off guard, Yu Hyun stared blankly at Nangong Chang-seon.
Might as well hear him out...
“If you want him to take the military exams and become a general anyway, why not teach him more martial arts first?”
“Martial arts?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm...”
“As I said earlier, Hyun’s talent is astounding. Shouldn’t we guide him to fully awaken it?”
“Hmm. Tell me your thoughts.”
“As I understand, the training academy under the Governor-General’s Office trains generals for war.”
“Correct.”
“That would stifle Hyun’s talent.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
This is insane!
Good job! Keep going!
Convince that stubborn father of mine!
Yu Hyun inwardly cheered as Nangong Chang-seon continued calmly.
“The academy follows strict military discipline. Even with genius talent, such training would at best produce a fine general.”
“Hmm...”
“Better to let him study more, then take the exams.”
“……?”
“With a good master to hone his martial arts, cultivate his mind, and gain experience, he’ll surpass great generals and etch his name in history as a savior of the nation.”
“S-Savior of the n-nation!”
Yu Seong-hwan’s eyes widened as he clenched his fist at Nangong Chang-seon’s words.
Yu Hyun clenched his fist beside him.
He’s hooked. Totally hooked.
Makes sense—he’s the overly loyal type. Hearing his son become a national hero beyond a great general must have him bursting with pride.
“Ch-Chang-seon. Is there a good master available?”
Yu Seong-hwan asked, unable to hide his excitement, and Nangong Chang-seon smiled brightly.
“Heh-heh, Brother. Who else would you seek? I am the Sword King.”
“……!”
“…….”
Yu Hyun barely stifled a laugh.
So that’s why the sleazy look earlier?
Well, without knowing my true self, it’s natural he’d covet me.
Even if Guard Huang begged, the Nangong Clan heads wouldn’t miss what happened at Mount Huang...
And with the Azure Heaven Troops back last night, their leader probably scurried off to tattle.
Eh, irrelevant anyway.
Hmm, disciple, huh...
Not a bad deal, all things considered.
Ignoring the two old men drumming and fiddling away, Yu Hyun calmly calculated the benefits of becoming Nangong Chang-seon’s disciple.
The Nangong Clan.
Unlike the orthodox sects, deeply entangled in worldly affairs, but a prestigious house with deep roots in the martial world.
Their influence is no small thing, opening natural paths into the jianghu.
Just being the Sword King’s disciple elevates his status immensely, giving huge leverage against orthodox folk.
Above all, it lets him fully detach from Yu Clan Manor for now.
They’re not going anywhere—when the time comes, they’ll come to him.
Yeah, this works.
Yu Hyun felt fortunate that Nangong Chang-seon coveted him and glanced at Yu Seong-hwan...
What a感動 meltdown.
Practically tearing up with emotion, Yu Hyun shook his head at his father’s expression.
Meanwhile, Yu Seong-hwan was barely holding back from hugging Nangong Chang-seon and shouting thanks.
The Sword King, Nangong Chang-seon.
Though court and martial worlds don’t mix, who doesn’t know his fame?
Slicing eternal boulders and parting seas with one sword—evildoers dare not lift their heads. The Sword King of this age.
Disciples flock from all quarters, court or jianghu, yet he’s rejected them all.
He’d never even dreamed of imposing, but now the man offers to teach his son himself—how could he not rejoice?
“You’ll truly take my son as your disciple?”
“Heh-heh, Brother. Hyun is like a son to me too.”
“Like a son! He is your son!”
Yu Seong-hwan eagerly amended Nangong Chang-seon’s words.
He’d definitely emphasized “like a son” to someone else once...
“Exactly. Like a son.”
But Nangong Chang-seon just smiled and nodded.
“You’ll head to the imperial city soon anyway—leave him to me. I stake my name on guiding him righteously. Nay, to become a great general saving the nation, shining the Yu Clan Manor’s name across the heavens!”
“Aah!”
And so Yu Seong-hwan drowned in boundless joy, expressing endless gratitude.
“Heh-heh, entrust him to me. I’ll raise him into a savior general for sure.”
Nangong Chang-seon had finally laid the groundwork to keep Yu Hyun in the Nangong Clan and marry him off as a son-in-law.
“Thank you for your grace, Uncle. I’ll work hard from now on.”
Yu Hyun rejoiced at finally securing his freedom.
A truly perfect case of same bed, different dreams.