Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Translator: Penny
Chapter 27
On the Threshold of Spring (2)
Mother was waiting in Father's study as well.
"Did you call for me?"
"Yes, I have something to tell you."
Father recounted Song Ugyeong's visit. He explained that the Shandong Merchant Guild wanted to support the Song Family Manor and even proposed forming a Shandong Alliance. Song Ugyeong had come to discuss this matter with Father.
"Since this concerns the Song Family Manor, you should be aware of it too."
I could sense a shift in my parents' attitude toward me. They were finally acknowledging me as the rightful heir to the Byeok Clan Sword School.
"Change is beginning in the Shandong Martial Arts World," Father remarked.
Though he spoke only of Shandong, the entire Central Plains was undergoing transformation.
I was genuinely surprised by how quickly the Martial Arts World had reacted to news of my death.
My death clearly had a significant impact.
In any case, I couldn't make any judgment on this matter. There was no reason to be angry about Shandong forming an alliance; after all, it was only my past self who had forbidden it.
However, I doubted whether Song Ugyeong was truly suited to lead such an alliance. From the moment the alliance was formed, everything would become political. Governing a single sect was entirely different from coordinating multiple sects and uniting them into a cohesive whole.
Furthermore, I felt the need to re-examine why the Shandong Merchant Guild had proposed this alliance. Merchants only act when there's a clear profit to be made. Their decision to align with Martial Arts Sects, in particular, would have been made with extreme caution.
I should investigate this further.
"Thank you for the information."
As I turned to leave, Mother asked, "Did Master Song stop by?"
"Yes. He reiterated that the engagement cannot be broken and then left."
Father said awkwardly, "That man..."
But his expression didn't seem entirely displeased.
Mother smiled brightly. "I share Master Song's view."
Understanding her feelings, I didn't say anything more and simply left.
I could feel my relationship with them deepening.
At first, I consciously tried to accept them as my parents.
But now, my emotions naturally took precedence over such conscious efforts. They truly felt like my real parents. I wanted to treat them with genuine sincerity.
To be honest, I was overjoyed.
To have such wonderful parents.
I believed my late mother would understand, even if I showed them the filial devotion I couldn't give her.
In the afternoon, an unexpected visitor came to see me.
It was Song Hwarin. Her visit caught me completely off guard, and my surprise was plain on my face.
"You seem surprised."
"I never imagined you'd come to see me."
"I came with a request."
Her request was completely unexpected.
"Persuade Master Byeok to convince my father to reject the Shandong Merchant Guild's proposal."
"Do you really think my father's disapproval would change his mind?"
"I don't know. But I'm certain it would have a significant influence on his decision."
Her reasoning wasn't unreasonable. Their friendship was extraordinary. There's a saying that false friendships vanish through the window when poverty enters the house. Yet the two of them remained in the same room.
"Could you tell me why you want to stop this deal?"
"I just don't think forming the Shandong Alliance suits Father."
"Aren't you underestimating him?"
"I'd rather underestimate him than overestimate him and face the consequences."
I agreed with her. I, too, had reservations about Song Ugyeong forming the Alliance.
But there were also positive aspects, though it felt awkward for me to admit them.
"The Former Alliance Leader stabilized the Martial World, right? Becoming the head of the Alliance during such peaceful times might not be so bad. It could greatly strengthen the Song Family Manor's power."
"That's precisely what worries me."
"What?"
"The Former Alliance Leader ruled the Martial Arts Alliance for far too long with his overwhelming martial prowess. While it's true he maintained peace in the Martial Arts World, he also nurtured darkness beneath the surface."
"Something nurtured in darkness? What's that?"
"Suppressed desires."
I flinched at her unexpected words.
"Martial Artists are driven by an instinct to surpass their rivals and climb to the top. We're born with a savage, violent nature. We're wolves and tigers, not rabbits or deer, right?"
"So?"
"But under the Alliance Leader's iron fist, everyone had to conceal their true nature. Anyone who dared to reveal it would be crushed."
Her words were harsh and extreme, but they resonated with a certain truth.
"For generations, they must have yearned for nothing more than the Alliance Leader's death."
Her next words struck me like a hammer blow to the head.
I had never even considered such a possibility. It was more shocking than anything I had ever heard.
Did everyone just want me to die?
She spoke each word clearly.
"I'm scared. Scared of Father throwing himself into a place where his long-suppressed desires will erupt like lava."
Now I finally understood the real reason for her fierce opposition. It wasn't just about avoiding the dirty world of politics; there was a deeper, more personal reason.
"Is this why you said you hated the dead Alliance Leader?"
She shrugged. "There's a more important reason, but... yes, even this alone is enough to make me hate him."
There's an even more important reason?
Her voice softened with earnestness. "Please. This is the first time I've ever asked you for anything. I hope you'll grant it."
I had a dream for the first time in ages.
I was back in the past, attending a Martial Arts Alliance meeting.
Gal Saryang and the leaders of various factions sat around a long table.
Their faces were stiff and unyielding, their movements rigid, and their voices cold and businesslike, allowing no room for error.
It was as if they were wearing expressionless white masks.
Yes, their faces seemed particularly stiff because I had heard the words "suppressed desires." Because I had heard that they all wished for my death.
Did they truly wish for my death?
Suddenly, my thoughts echoed through the room.
The seated figures turned their heads in unison to stare at me.
Their eyes were cold.
A long-forgotten doubt surged within me.
Was I assassinated?
The next moment, I jolted awake.
"Hah..."
This was all because I listened to her.
The lust for power is like a parasite that nests in the human body. You might not even realize it's there. But once it goes berserk, you know all too well the terrifying consequences that follow.
That's why I suppressed it with my martial arts, ruling with an iron fist to prevent any ambition for power from ever surfacing.
I never considered what would happen after my death.
Suppressed desires.
Will they truly erupt?
Or perhaps they already have?
That afternoon, I went to see Chief Steward Jong.
"Tell me about the Shandong Merchant Guild."
"Why are you asking about that?"
"I have some questions about the Song Family Manor."
I gave him a brief account of the Head of the Song Family Manor.
The stern Chief Steward Jong narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing me. He suspected I was planning some new mischief, but my calm expression revealed no such intentions.
"Don't you dislike me?"
"You're mistaken. I don't dislike you, Chief Steward."
"Hmph! Don't lie to me."
He scolded me for no reason, but it was clear he didn't entirely dislike the fact that I had come to him with questions.
Chief Steward Jong shared his insights on the Shandong Commercial Circle, proving he hadn't simply aged without gaining wisdom. Drawing on his vast knowledge, he provided detailed explanations not only about the Shandong Merchant Guild but also about other merchant guilds.
I asked him various questions about the Shandong Merchant Guild but found nothing particularly noteworthy.
"Have there been any recent unusual incidents?"
"Nothing of significance."
"Understood. Thank you for your time."
As I turned to leave, he suddenly spoke up as if a thought had just occurred to him.
"Ah, I'm not sure if this will be helpful, but something just came to mind."
"What is it?"
"A few months ago, I had the opportunity to share a drink with the Chief Steward of the Shandong Merchant Guild. He mentioned in passing that they were planning to collaborate with a Martial Arts Faction on a business venture. He didn't specify where."
"Have you heard any news since then?"
"No, I haven't."
"Thank you so much."
Perhaps feeling awkward after our conversation, Chief Steward Jong abruptly tossed out a sharp remark he didn't need to make.
"Don't think you've earned any points with me just because of this."
"Yes, Chief Steward. I understand you still distrust me. I'll keep that in mind."
"You impudent brat."
As I turned to leave, I asked one more question.
"Do you happen to have any young apprentices you're considering as your successor?"
"Why do you ask?"
"If there's someone suitable, I might want to make them my personal steward."
"Eek! How dare you even suggest such a thing!"
Knowing he wouldn't believe me even if I were serious, I simply smiled and left.
I could feel the Chief Steward's gaze following me. It seemed slightly softer than before.
After meeting Chief Steward Jong, I went to see my father.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"I just wanted to have a cup of tea with you, Father."
"You rascal."
After dismissing the maidservant who was about to start the fire, my father personally brewed the tea.
This was the first time I'd ever tasted tea brewed by my father.
"How's your training going?"
"Well."
If I were to truly unleash the White Moon Sword Technique, I could execute it with even greater finesse than my father. If I ever needed to demonstrate it, I'd only show about a quarter of my full skill.
"Your mother has high expectations for you. Never forget that."
Though he spoke of my mother, I knew my father felt the same.
"Yes, I'll work hard."
The reason I'd come to see my father was because of Song Hwarin's request.
Should I really fulfill her request? She was right—if my father strongly persuaded Song Ugyeong, he would likely reject the proposal.
But was this method truly right?
The lingering doubt in my mind already held the answer.
I avoided mentioning anything about the Song Family Manor.
"The tea tastes excellent, Father."
Another approach to suggest to Hwarin had come to mind.