Shandong's Greatest Martial Family (6)
The warm, jovial atmosphere froze solid in an instant with the arrival of the Hwangbo family warriors.
"Wang Seok, stand down."
"Family head!"
"It's fine."
At Jin Ha-seong's words, Wang Seok grimaced and stepped aside.
"I wondered who it might be—it's the great hero Yeo Woong-hyeon. Long time no see."
His voice was soft but laced with clear displeasure. The lead warrior from the Hwangbo family stepped forward and bowed to Jin Ha-seong.
The middle-aged man was someone Jin Ha-seong knew well: Yeo Woong-hyeon, third leader of the Hwangbo family's protector squad and wielder of the Thunderclap Fist. One of the five fist masters guarding the family head, his name had long been renowned beyond Shandong across the Central Plains. He was also one of the names floated as a candidate for the next elder.
"I greet the master of Cheongeumbang."
His greeting was impeccably polite, yet carried undeniable dignity.
"Had I heard earlier that Paegum had arrived in Je-nam, I would have come out to welcome you personally."
"Today I was merely passing by—no need to trouble yourself, as I'm not here to visit the Hwangbo family."
"I've heard the news. You resolved the issue with the Wall Mountain Bandits and saved the cattle, yes? As expected of Paegum. Even the Red-Faced Ghost was no match for your financial might."
It sounded like praise, but carried a sly dig implying it had all been settled with money. Given their long-standing rivalry, it was hardly surprising.
Yeo Woong-hyeon knew about the Wall Mountain Bandits because this was Je-nam. There had been a minor incident, leading to checks on those entering and leaving the city gates via the gazette. Among them were the Gold Fragrance Merchant Group and Cheongeumbang. From there, pinpointing Cheongeumbang's whereabouts was child's play.
Je-nam was practically their front yard.
"Financial might? Hero Yeo, that's going too far."
At that moment, Hwang Jin-chung, standing beside him, called out the sarcasm.
"Oh dear, it seems I've misspoke. I meant to express admiration for such an upright deed, but if it came across otherwise, I apologize."
"It's fine."
Jin Ha-seong stopped Hwang Jin-chung and calmly pressed on without further explanation.
"That said, what brings you to the Hwangbo family? As you can see, we're in the middle of a meal. Unless it's urgent, I'd appreciate it if you withdrew."
"Ah, you were dining. My apologies."
Anyone with eyes could see that. Yet he feigned ignorance, glancing around before spotting Im Pilsaeng and changing the subject.
"Gwiyeong is here as well. I heard you came together."
Im Pilsaeng scowled and glared at the words.
This was Jin Ha-seong's domain. There was no need to drag him into it, making it tantamount to disrespecting the family head.
"Long time no see, and you still haven't learned any manners, I see. With your own family head present, no less. Shall I teach you some etiquette for once?"
Im Pilsaeng bared his killing intent instantly.
The Ak family and Hwangbo family—their rivalry over the title of Shandong's foremost martial house precluded any goodwill. As a key warrior representing the Ak family back then, Im Pilsaeng took umbrage at Yeo Woong-hyeon's mere status as third protector leader and his tone and behavior.
Moreover, with the Ak family now fallen, Yeo Woong-hyeon was stoking Im Pilsaeng's sense of inferiority.
"Pilsaeng, stop."
"Family head."
"Stand down. This isn't your place."
"My apologies."
Rebuked in a heavy tone by Jin Ha-seong, Im Pilsaeng ground his teeth and retreated.
"Gwiyeong is as hot-tempered as ever. I only wanted to ask after your well-being, yet you flare up like that."
"Me?"
Im Pilsaeng bristled at the jab, but having been reined in, he could only tremble with clenched fists.
On a battlefield, he'd have ripped the man's throat out already, but he couldn't defy the family head's order.
"Protector Leader Yeo."
"Speak."
"Enough with the needless jests. State your business. It doesn't seem like a casual visit."
"Indeed."
"Hmm. Doesn't seem related to the Wall Mountain Bandits... I'm curious what errand has a noble figure like you acting so rudely despite knowing better."
Jin Ha-seong bluntly called out his words and actions, but Yeo Woong-hyeon showed no fluster—instead, he smiled faintly.
"If you've taken it as rudeness, I apologize once more. But I had no choice but to come urgently. The order came from our family head himself."
"From the Hwangbo family head?"
"Yes."
"Hmm, now I'm even more curious. What command did the family head issue?"
As Jin Ha-seong probed, Yeo Woong-hyeon glanced at Jin Yeo-rip beside him and said,
"The family head wishes to meet Cheongeumbang's young master."
"Pardon?"
Jin Ha-seong looked baffled as Yeo Woong-hyeon eyed Jin Yeo-rip.
The Hwangbo family head? What was this about?
Why would he want to see his son, whom he'd never even met?
Jin Yeo-rip forced an awkward smile under his father's puzzled gaze.
Damn it! He got beat up and snitched to his daddy. That bastard—big as a mountain, but so petty!
"Hmm, judging by the mood, it seems you weren't aware."
"What do you mean?"
"It appears our young master encountered Cheongeumbang's young master while on patrol."
"What?"
Jin Ha-seong's eyes widened as a realization flashed through his mind.
"The young master returned unconscious, so we asked his escorts, and they named Young Master Jin."
"Ah."
The ever-composed Jin Ha-seong furrowed his brow.
Now he understood. His mud-caked son hadn't been roughed up by thugs—he'd fought Hwangbo Wonpyeong, the Hwangbo family's young master.
From Yeo Woong-hyeon's account, it sounded like he'd won... So why hide it? Why lie about thugs?
His head throbbed.
Of all people, the Hwangbo young master.
"It was a fair fight!"
"...?"
The sudden outburst came from none other than Im Pilsaeng. He could stomach mockery aimed at himself, but not Jin Yeo-rip being put in a tough spot.
"The young master merely saved an elderly man harassed by thugs. The Hwangbo young master misunderstood and struck first."
"..."
"Even Protector Leader So Cheon, who was there, saw it all and acknowledged it as a fair duel."
As Im Pilsaeng cited a witness, Jin Yeo-rip nodded vigorously.
Emboldened by the reaction, Im Pilsaeng added boldly,
"The young master merely gave your young master a stern lesson in manners for his rudeness!"
"..."
Uh, Uncle! Hold on. You didn't have to say that. Look, Yeo Woong-hyeon's face is twisting up!
Im Pilsaeng was helpful one moment, a hindrance the next.
"It was exactly what needed to be done. The young master even deigned to teach him personally..."
"P-Pilsaeng Uncle!"
"Yes? Why?"
Shut up. Why are you going off like that? And why the smug look?
Unable to leave his outburst hanging, Jin Yeo-rip forced a smile and reined him in.
"I'll explain from here as the one involved."
"But that situation..."
"Enough, enough!"
He wanted to clamp the man's mouth shut. If he could.
"Very well. If you'll explain yourself, I'll step back."
His polished courtesy seemed designed to show the others he was Jin Yeo-rip's loyal subordinate.
Not helpful at all.
"Haa."
Jin Yeo-rip sighed and turned to Jin Ha-seong.
"I'm sorry, Father. I didn't mention meeting the Hwangbo young master because I didn't want to worry you."
"Yeo-rip..."
His father trailed off with a complicated expression.
It was understandable. He'd heard plenty about Cheongeumbang's ties to the Hwangbo family. Ideally, as Im Pilsaeng said, there'd be no issue—but problems had a way of arising. Especially with Shandong's supreme martial house, wielding near-absolute power. Reasons could always be fabricated.
If they called, he'd have to go. It was his mess to clean up.
But not without making a point. Yeo Woong-hyeon had overstepped.
Time you tasted it too. You looked down on Cheongeumbang?
Hiding his sly intent, Jin Yeo-rip smiled broadly at Yeo Woong-hyeon.
"You said your name is Hero Yeo Woong-hyeon?"
"Just call me Third Leader, Young Master."
"Sure."
"But why does your family head want to see me? To chew me out over fighting his son?"
"How could I presume to guess his noble intent? I merely follow orders."
"So loyal."
Chucking lightly in praise, Jin Yeo-rip nodded.
"But what if I refuse?"
"Refuse?"
"Yes. This may be Hwangbo territory, but I'm not one of yours. Why should I heed your family head's summons?"
Yeo Woong-hyeon eyed Jin Yeo-rip steadily at his attitude.
It was surprising. Hard to read the intent behind that smiling face. And he was just a youth the same age as their young master.
"We hadn't considered refusal, so I'm not sure what to say."
"Oh my!"
"...?"
"That's disappointing."
"Disappointing how?"
"I may not know much about murim, but doesn't a leader position require exceptional ability? Failing to anticipate every possible outcome?"
"..."
"Hmm, is the Hwangbo family all reputation? Poor personnel choices. Well, not my house, not my problem."
Yeo Woong-hyeon's eye twitched at Jin Yeo-rip's muttered-aside.
He'd said it right in front of him—practically inviting him to hear.
Watching his son toy with Yeo Woong-hyeon, Jin Ha-seong suppressed a grin inwardly.
It felt gratifying, even if he couldn't show it. Very impressive.
"...We can't force you, so refusal wouldn't be an issue."
"Really?"
"But it would displease him. Being rejected by a mere youth, Shandong's master."
It was a thinly veiled threat.
His father had said the Wall Mountain Bandits were a trifle. Improving ties with the Hwangbo family was key to handling external threats.
But Jin Yeo-rip feigned shock, as if caught off guard.
"Gasp! Can't have that. We can't upset Shandong's master! Unthinkable!"
Yeo Woong-hyeon wasn't fooled. He knew the exaggerated antics were mocking him.
"By the way?"
"Speak."
"Would it just displease him toward me?"
"Pardon?"
"Think about it. As Shandong's lord, if a subordinate can't even summon one person, wouldn't that be a huge letdown?"
"..."
"He might overhaul the Hwangbo personnel system. Weed out the incompetents... Someone could lose their job on that blade. Right?"
"Young Master! That's too much!"
"Me? Where?"
"You're toying with me right now!"
"Me? When? I never named anyone."
"..."
"Sorry, do you have some inferiority complex about this?"
As Jin Yeo-rip gazed sympathetically, Yeo Woong-hyeon's face flushed with rage.
Unable to strike, he'd just seethe.
Serves you right for provoking us. Incoming words sweet, outgoing words sweet—or don't dish it out.
I'll make you pay dearly for disrespecting Uncle Pilsaeng and Father. Not with fists, but words.