Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Translator: Penny
Chapter 7
Yang Association (1)
Gwangdu gazed at the snowdrift he had shoveled aside and sighed. "There's far more debt than there is snow piled up here."
The consequences of that debt were far more burdensome than the inconvenience of the snow.
"Originally, we had three Sword Guards. As the family's fortunes dwindled, they were eventually consolidated into one. The number of servants and maids has also been reduced by more than half. Though I'm not privy to the details, I've heard the family's finances are still in dire straits. It's like trying to catch a single slippery eel..."
Gwangdu trailed off, unable to finish the thought, and sighed again.
In essence, Seo Jung's earlier remark that "the entire family is suffering because of me" was a brutally honest and painfully literal assessment of the situation.
"The monthly stipends must be delayed."
"Not yet. The Patriarch has made it a priority to ensure we receive ours on time."
Even so, the monthly stipend I should have received wouldn't be paid, and as our family declined, the advantages of being from this place would diminish. In the end, I was eroding their future.
"Alright, let's say I muddied the waters. But what's with all the commotion at this hour?"
"The person who lent us money is coming, so we need to tidy up. I'm busy now, let's talk later."
Gwangdu hurried off. His abrupt dismissal felt strange, as if he were rushing to end the conversation.
Just then, someone spoke from behind.
"The Young Master of the Yang Association hit Gwangdu, Brother."
I turned to see a maid standing there. Her name was Songhui, I think. Gwangdu had once told me she was a very kind child.
"That bastard hit Gwangdu?"
Yesterday's obnoxious face flashed into my mind. How dare that punk strike Gwangdu?
"Yes," she said. "He used to be too afraid to even twitch. But now that our family's fortunes have declined, he's throwing his weight around shamelessly."
"Why did he hit Gwangdu?"
"He said there was trash in the courtyard. He said lazy servants like him deserved a beating. But that trash was thrown there by Young Master Yang himself! He just wanted an excuse to hit my brother, Gwangdu!"
Now I understood why Gwangdu was making such a fuss about cleaning so late at night.
Songhui's eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling with fury. It was clear how much she cared for Gwangdu.
"Was I there too?"
Songhui glared at me, her expression already answering the question.
"You were drunk... giggling like a fool."
Damn it. That bastard, that son of a bitch. My anger toward Byeok Ridan was boiling over, even more than my anger toward Yang Gikang, whom I had just struck.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Yesterday, Gwangdu told me... that Young Master is changing for the better. He said he finally believed it. I... I still can't quite trust you yet, Young Master. But I trust Gwangdu."
With those words, Songhui's newfound courage vanished completely. Her face burning crimson, she bowed her head abruptly, turned, and fled. Tears blurred her vision, nearly causing her to stumble, but she managed to keep her balance.
Glancing back, I saw Gwangdu in the distance, busily sweeping the yard.
A sudden wave of emotion surged through me.
"Even after what you endured, you're still treating me so kindly..."
That night, members of the Yang Association arrived.
Over twenty people, including escorting martial artists, barged in all at once, leaving us scrambling to receive them.
Ordinarily, visiting another family so late at night was a grave breach of etiquette. It was unheard of unless one harbored contempt for the host or deliberately intended to disrespect them. Moreover, even if circumstances forced a late visit, it was common sense to minimize the number of guests.
Yang Gicheol strolled leisurely forward and greeted my father.
"Hahaha, how have you been, Master Byeok?"
"You must have had a difficult journey in the dark, Yang Association Leader," my father replied with a cordial smile.
I'd heard stories of how Yang Gicheol used to rush to greet my father barefoot, calling him "Great Hero Byeok." Now, not only had his title changed, but he walked with his hands clasped behind his back and a leisurely gait.
In human relationships, the simplest way to judge someone is to see how they handle a difficult situation.
Yang Gikang was among the group that followed Yang Gicheol into the room.
When he spotted me, he pointed to his eyes and shook his fist, as if warning me to keep my eyes to myself.
I could tolerate his rudeness towards me, but... this bastard had beaten Gwangdu?
Yang Gicheol blurted out something his father hadn't even asked about. "You know Great Hero Peng Mundu of the Hebei Peng Family, right?"
"Of course I do," my father replied.
"Our sect has recently partnered with the Peng Family on a new venture. I was just on my way back from meeting with him. Hahaha!"
"Oh, I see."
"I made sure to speak highly of Master Byeok to Great Hero Peng."
Did he really? I doubted it.
Yang Gicheol, the Yang Association Leader, made as poor a first impression as his son.
Through my past life, I had encountered countless leaders from the martial world—from the cold, polished heads of colossal sects to the small-time chiefs who would do anything to stand out. I prided myself on understanding those who wielded power better than anyone else.
Among them, those who gave off a bad first impression invariably acted in ways that justified that feeling. I had a strong premonition that Yang Association Leader Yang would prove no different.
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Kuhahaha! Don't you know? I'm the only one who looks after Master Byeok."
Every glance and gesture reeked of vulgar arrogance, impossible to hide.
"Shall we continue this conversation inside?"
"Agreed."
Father and Yang Gicheol entered the building.
Several of us, including myself, had come out to greet Yang Gicheol, but he strode inside without so much as a glance in our direction.
Well, this was probably for the best. If someone like him had tried to act like some kind of elder, it would have been utterly infuriating.
Sword Guard Captain Seo Jung received the Yang Association martial artists.
Fortunately, their leader showed Seo Jung no disrespect. On the contrary, he treated Seo Jung with deference and genuine respect.
I had heard the story from Gwangdu.
He told me that many things had happened during the consolidation of the three Sword Guard units into one.
As our family's fortunes declined, the other two Sword Guard Captains left for other sects that offered them more money. But Seo Jung remained stubbornly loyal to my father, refusing to abandon him.
At the time, Seo Jung was said to be the most sought-after warrior among the other sects. They offered him sums he couldn't earn in a lifetime, but he rejected them all and stayed with our family.
Everyone knew this, which is why they respected him so deeply.
"Hey, we meet again," the same obnoxious man from yesterday swaggered toward me, oblivious to the fury I now felt toward him.
The internal energy in my dantian stirred restlessly.
An overwhelming urge to beat him senseless surged within me. If I were still in my prime, I would have knocked his teeth out without hesitation.
But for the sake of my father and the family, I decided to restrain myself this time. If the real reason for the beating came to light, it could eventually harm Gwangdu.
Gwangdu, I'm sorry. Let's just endure this once and move on.
Whether he understood my feelings or not, Gwangdu stood off to the side with his head bowed, desperately avoiding eye contact with the man.
Seeing him like that reignited my anger.
Damn it.
If I stayed any longer, I'd definitely lose control.
"Since you're here, at least eat before you leave," I said to Yang Gikang, trying to sound as calm as possible. Then I turned my back on him. A mocking snort echoed behind me.
"Anyway, these damn beggars have such inflated pride. Kid, cut the crap and pay back the money. How long do you think it'll take to repay twenty thousand taels?"
Twenty thousand taels. Enough to financially cripple a small to mid-sized sect.
What kind of trouble did he get into that required borrowing such a sum?
"Damn it, maybe I should just sell him off at the Ronin Market. Though I doubt I'd even get ten taels for him."
The warriors from the Main Family frowned at the remark, made in front of everyone. But they couldn't intervene or reprimand him; after all, the person they served was no better.
Without turning around, I retorted:
"I don't owe you anything, do I?"
"This bastard! Does he still think he's the heir to Shandong's Foremost Association?"
"I know I'm not."
"What?"
"I know I'm trash."
Seo Jung, who had been watching, perked up. This was the moment my wavering resolve gained firmer ground. It must have been the first time he'd seen me admit something like that so openly.
Without another word, I strode away. Behind me, a pitiful scream pierced the air.
"Kyaaah!"
Turning around, I saw Yang Gikang forcibly trying to embrace Songhui, who had been standing nearby.
"Since your trashy master won't play with you, I'll have to do the honors."