Chapter 19
Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: First Visit
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Our destination was my master's residence.
It was near the Qinhuai River, a famous spot where courtesans, poets, and scholars gathered to share poetry and wine.
In one hand, I carried a jar of ginseng chicken soup, while with the other, I occasionally checked the map my master had given me.
It was a distance that would take about four shi chen—roughly eight hours—of brisk walking from where I lived.
Had I a horse, it would have been far easier, but my circumstances hadn't allowed for such luxury until now.
For that reason, the thought of buying one hadn't even crossed my mind.
However, ever since awakening, my street vending had gradually picked up steam.
"I should buy a cheap horse when the time is right."
It wasn't an immediate necessity, but I found myself lost in fantasies, much like dreaming of a car from my past life.
"A real man goes for black... No, white might be more practical. Wait, after all is said and done, maybe plain brown after all..."
Glancing down, I saw Maban trotting along beside me, his bell jingling merrily.
"Looks like the Crimson Flame Ginseng suited him well."
His fur gleamed more lustrously than usual today, and his nose looked nice and moist.
He seemed full of vigor, darting ahead and circling back repeatedly.
His paws pattered with a lively rhythm, as if he were a young foal.
I wondered if it was the effect of the Crimson Flame Ginseng ginseng chicken soup for me too.
Despite the grueling day before, my eyes had snapped open at dawn.
Not only that, but a refreshing clarity enveloped my body, as if I'd slept for days. The deep-seated fatigue had vanished completely.
"It's far more effective than regular ginseng."
Evaluating the Crimson Flame Ginseng as an ingredient, it was much more bitter and aromatic than ordinary ginseng.
Even just a small root added to two chickens yielded an excellent flavor and aroma.
Lost in such idle thoughts, I made my way toward the Qinhuai River.
"So this is the place."
As expected, after about four shi chen, a tiled house perched on a boulder with the serene river as its backdrop came into view.
It wasn't as opulent as my master, but it exuded refined elegance.
It stood silently, bearing the marks of time's tempests.
"Your disciple, Woonsik Oh, seeks an audience with Master."
I stood before the grand gate and called out loudly, waiting for someone to open it.
Creeeak. Soon, the heavy gate swung open.
The figure who appeared through the gap had such refined, beautiful features that it was hard to tell if they were male or female.
Taller than me and dressed in men's robes, I cautiously assumed it was a young man.
A sword hung at his waist, and his gaze remained fixed on the ground at my feet, never meeting mine.
"You've had a long journey. I'm Woonsik Oh. Might I see the Master...?"
But the beautiful young man didn't even let me finish. He offered no reply.
He simply stared at my feet for a moment before vanishing inside.
'What was that? Maybe bringing Maban was rude?'
I tilted my head and scratched the back of my neck. Just as I was about to step inside,
I sensed my master's presence from the inner quarters. He soon emerged.
"You've arrived."
"Yes, Master. Your disciple Woonsik Oh greets you."
I offered a respectful cupped-fist salute and bowed deeply.
Just days ago, I'd thought my life revolved solely around cooking, so this all felt awkward and unfamiliar.
But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. To survive in the Central Plains, I had resolved to learn martial arts.
Suddenly, I recalled the impassive gaze of the one who had opened the door.
I gently lifted Maban and said politely to my master,
"Master, please don't mind this little one."
"Disciple, I don't."
Master replied curtly, but his eyes showed no trace of concern.
I carefully offered him the jar I'd been meaning to present.
"Ginseng chicken soup simmered with Crimson Flame Ginseng last night. It restores fatigue and warms the body. I brought two chickens for you and your granddaughter, Master."
"No, such a precious gift."
A faint flush of delight crossed his usually stoic face.
He received the jar as if handling a sacred relic.
He then lightly raised one arm.
Moments later, the beautiful young man reappeared, silently took the jar, and withdrew.
As I stared in that direction, Master said,
"Disciple, pay that child no mind. More importantly, let me introduce you to Ryeongwol."
"Yes, Master."
I followed him to the annex where his granddaughter stayed.
Unlike the heavy, austere atmosphere of the main house, this room was warm and cozy.
Embroidered hangings of lotuses and cranes adorned the walls, pink silk bedding lay neatly, and cute cloth dolls were scattered about.
"Ryeongwol, are you asleep?"
Creeeak. Master gently slid open the latticed door and called.
"Not sleeping, Grandfather. I woke at dawn because you said the benefactor was coming."
A girl who looked about thirteen tilted her bright face and replied.
She wore padded pink silk robes and a white fox-fur stole around her neck.
'His granddaughter is ill, he said...'
But contrary to my worry, Master patted my back with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.
"Heh heh, thanks to you, disciple, Ryeongwol has regained much vitality lately. She's even dressing lighter now."
Lighter attire? From that alone, I could guess how frail she'd been until recently.
Instead of pity, I greeted the granddaughter, Jang Ryeongwol, with a composed expression.
"This lowly one is Woonsik Oh."
"Benefactor, I'm so happy to meet you. I'm Jang Ryeongwol. 'Lowly one' is embarrassing, so please just call me Ryeongwol comfortably."
Ryeongwol stomped her little feet excitedly.
"I only heard Grandfather's stories, but I never imagined you'd be such a handsome big brother. Oh my, your kind heart matches your outstanding looks. Even Song Yu, one of the Four Great Beauties of the Central Plains, would weep."
"N-No, not to that extent..."
From the first impression, Ryeongwol was so lively it was hard to believe she was ill.
She had a tomboyish air about her.
Without something like the Nine Yin Absolute Pulse, she might be roaming the jianghu by now, giving her grandfather endless headaches.
"Ryeongwol, Woonsik made ginseng chicken soup for you, good for the body."
"Wow, really? Thank you, handsome big brother!"
Ryeongwol cupped her cheeks, fluttering her eyelids like someone magnesium-deficient.
"Handsome big brother, hold on a sec."
With that, she suddenly rummaged through the room.
It was a bit messy, but endearing for a child who'd spent so long bedridden.
"Huh, I think I left it here... No, maybe here? Uh, um..."
Both Master and I smiled warmly, like fathers watching a child.
"Found it."
The room was soon a mess.
From the chaos, Ryeongwol pulled out a pink silk pouch embroidered with butterflies.
She thrust it toward me.
"A gift, handsome big brother."
"Thank you, Miss Ryeongwol. But could you drop the 'handsome' part...?"
"I said call me comfortably, handsome big brother."
She spoke casually to me, who used formal address, perhaps seeing me as her benefactor and breaking down barriers first.
In the Central Plains, a master's granddaughter was usually treated as senior.
"Heh heh, disciple, do as Ryeongwol says."
Master seemed to approve of her attitude.
"A-Alright. Thanks, Ryeongwol. But really, drop the 'handsome'."
"Got it, handsome big brother."
"...Do as you like."
I smiled awkwardly and accepted the pouch.
Carefully opening it there,
"Th-This is..."
My hand trembled holding the pouch. Tears welled up; I bit my lip hard.
"It's from my late father."
"To see this... in the Central Plains..."
My heart pounded with emotion; my legs shook.
Inside was plant seeds.
Chili seeds.
Her father had brought them back from the West with great difficulty.
'With this...!'
My mind flashed red.
Cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, young radish kimchi, scallion kimchi, mustard leaf kimchi, perilla leaf kimchi, green garlic kimchi.
I vividly imagined tearing them by hand and draping them over freshly boiled pork belly.
Of course, my naturally stoic face showed nothing to others.
"Don't like it, big brother? Not good? Should I give something else...?"
Ryeongwol drooped her shoulders at my bland reaction.
I realized my mistake.
Recalling how Hye-yoon and Somi spoke to me,
I softened my eyes and said,
"Ryeongwol, this is the most precious gift of my life. Truly, thank you."
"Really? Hehehe. Good."
My stiff, clumsy tone conveyed sincerity.
Ryeongwol cupped her cheeks again, beaming.
"I'm wondering if I even deserve something this precious."
This was mid-Ming Dynasty, before chilies spread to the Central Plains.
Unbelievable that these rare seeds were now in my hands.
Hearing me, Ryeongwol pouted smugly.
"Big brother, if you're that grateful, make energizing, delicious food every time you visit."
"Of course."
Cooking was no hardship for me—pure joy.
Belatedly, I recalled her ice-cold fingertips when she handed the pouch.
'Holding strong despite her illness.'
Gazing at her, a thought crossed my mind.
Maybe my trait abilities could cure Ryeongwol.
'Because... I'm an awakened hunter living his second life.'
Soon after, the taciturn beautiful young man brought warmed soup.
He carefully offered the steaming bowl to Ryeongwol.
"Wow, looks delicious. Sorry, Grandfather, handsome big brother—eating alone."
Pre-meal, she rolled up her sleeves and tore into a drumstick, devouring it heartily.
"Ryeongwol always loved eating."
Master said of her.
Despite the severe Nine Yin Absolute Pulse, before it worsened, she ate like an adult.
But a few years before moving here, her appetite plummeted. Lately, even a few spoonfuls were a struggle.
Yet now, Ryeongwol gripped drumsticks in both hands, appetite roaring.
She gulped down a root of Crimson Flame Ginseng, trailing from her busy mouth.
"Seeing Ryeongwol eat so well... it gladdens my heart. All thanks to our disciple."
"Not at all."
By the way, Master had insisted on at least three shi chen—six hours—of fasting before coming.
Unused to skipping even a light breakfast, my empty stomach grumbled embarrassingly.
Ryeongwol polished off one chicken in no time.
The tray overflowed with bones, not a shred of meat left.
Sated, she dozed off, cheeks rosy and round.
"I spoiled our precious ill Ryeongwol too much; now she acts just like a boy."
"Lively and wonderful."
Master and I gazed fondly at the sleeping girl, broth on her lips.
We quietly slipped out.
"Let's go. There's a place to visit."
"Yes, Master."
Master led, I followed.
And we arrived at...
The inner quarters where Master resided.