Sword Genius of the Hebei Paeng Family - Chapter 46: Grant Me Authority (1)
Even with the tokens, they couldn't be confirmed as members of Salgwi Valley.
Disguising themselves as another assassin group to hide their identities was a common tactic.
"You're not all that surprised."
"I already knew they were assassins, so it's no shock. What I'm curious about is who their target was and who sent them."
"I'm sorry, but we couldn't uncover that much. The authorities took the bodies."
"It makes sense for the government to handle it, since assassins might target warriors or ordinary folk alike. But what about Mu Sowi?"
"Hm, well..."
Family head Mu Seohwi began recounting how his son had achieved enlightenment.
"So, in the end, it's all my fault, huh."
"Not a fault—an act of grace. Though it created bad blood with our son's broken engagement, you've granted our family a fateful opportunity."
"Then let's call it even."
"No, let's say our son owes you one."
With that, Mu Seohwi gazed at Han Bin with warm eyes.
A week later.
Han Bin took a bit of an extended rest.
The aftermath of the incident from a week prior had been substantial.
He was also inwardly awaiting certain news.
It concerned the assassin incident he'd resolved and the one-versus-a-hundred duel with the Baek Sword Squad.
Han Bin wasn't one to turn down incoming fame.
Standing before him now was Yi Muming.
After that day's events, he'd changed his mind and decided to stay by Han Bin's side.
It was still just a six-month temporary contract, though.
"My lord, how's your body faring?"
"I'm fine. How about this escort duty?"
"Thanks to you, my lord, I'm doing well. But I have a question."
"Speak freely."
"When the Baek Sword Squad burst in, why did you pretend to be me?"
"Ah, that was..."
Han Bin trailed off. He couldn't tell Yi Muming, who'd agreed to stay for six months, the full truth.
As Han Bin scrambled for an excuse,
the carriage jolted to a halt.
The door flew open, and Cheolno rushed in breathless.
"What's wrong, Cheolno?"
"Young master, Hebei's in an uproar right now."
"Another incident?"
"No, it's the rumors about the one-versus-a-hundred duel—Hebei's going wild over it."
"Hm."
Han Bin cleared his throat, hiding a smile.
The rumor he'd been waiting for had finally spread.
Composing himself, Han Bin asked,
"Cheolno, tell me the details."
"Well, Yi Muming the escort here..."
"Wait, what?"
"Yi Muming the escort smashed an assassin group, then clashed with the Baek Sword Squad over a misunderstanding—that's the one-versus-a-hundred incident everyone's talking about now. Even kids know it."
"Ah."
Han Bin let out a gasp. He could guess what had happened.
It stemmed from him claiming to be Yi Muming that day.
At that moment, Yi Muming rose from his seat.
"What's up, Yi?"
"So you used my name to give me some fame. Thank you, my lord."
Perplexed by Yi Muming's cupped-fist salute, Cheolno tilted his head.
Han Bin could only nod quietly.
If he couldn't gain fame, he'd settle for trust—there was no choice but to go along with Yi Muming's deduction.
Hebei Paeng Family's law enforcement hall.
Paeng Daewi clutched his head, staring at the mountain of documents piled before him.
He'd never imagined this flood of paperwork.
Paeng Daewi turned to his subordinate.
"When's big brother coming out of seclusion?"
"No word yet. They say he requested more Wall Valley Pills."
"Argh, why's his seclusion taking so damn long? And isn't it family rule to halt training if those run out?"
"Sorry, but there's no such rule in Paengga."
"There should be. We need one now."
"Then, as acting family head, why not make it yourself? Shall I prepare the paperwork?"
"Hey, you mocking me?"
"N-no, sir."
Then the law enforcement hall door burst open as another subordinate rushed in.
"Law enforcement leader, a guest from Hebei Province has arrived."
"Haha, then I'd better go greet them."
Paeng Daewi shoved the documents aside and stood.
Hebei Paeng Family's reception hall.
Paeng Daewi offered cupped-fist greetings to Jeong Juseop.
"Governor Jeong, it's been too long."
"And you, Paeng leader? All well?"
"Yes, thanks to your grace, we're thriving. Though the family head..."
Seeking the family head meant it wasn't trivial.
Paeng Daewi replied,
"He's in seclusion, so I'm acting as family head."
After that, they exchanged banal pleasantries over a cup of tea, as if by ritual.
As the tea bottoms showed, Jeong Juseop smiled faintly and spoke.
"Then I suppose I should make my request to you, Paeng leader."
"Go ahead."
"Lately, wolves have been appearing near Jeongmun Mountain in southern Hebei Province, attacking villagers nonstop."
"Jeongmun Mountain? Isn't that near Absol Valley? Those wolves are infamous for ferocity, but they never come down to settlements."
"That held until recently. Things changed a month ago."
"Hm."
"What's wrong?"
"Absol Valley was declared off-limits by the Justice Alliance. Wolves raiding villages from there..."
"Exactly as you fear. We deployed troops, but it was like pissing on a bear's foot. So we requested Justice Alliance aid."
"You want Hebei Paengga to join as a member sect?"
Paeng Daewi's expression shifted.
His forehead might as well have read 'What's the deal?'
Business was business, relations aside.
Paeng Daewi wasn't naive enough to send family members on pointless errands.
Reading his face, Jeong Juseop nodded and continued.
"Yes, Paeng leader. But it's not unpaid. The province offers one silver tael per wolf head."
"That'll draw every ronin in droves."
As Paeng Daewi showed interest, Jeong Juseop leaned in and murmured,
"We need someone to keep order against mishaps. Compensation will be separate."
Paeng Daewi's face lit up.
"Then we'll select personnel accordingly."
"Thank you. The province won't forget this aid."
The day after Hebei Province's Jeong Juseop departed.
In the Hebei Paeng Family head's quarters, elders and division leaders gathered.
The agenda: selecting personnel for Absol Valley.
One elder raised his hand.
"One of the young masters should go."
"Who do you think is suitable?"
"The youngest young master, who just qualified as heir candidate. His prowess last time was impressive, and this is a chance worth giving."
Paeng Daewi tilted his head at their exchange.
This was a joint operation with officials and other sects.
To manage it, they'd need a full veteran warrior squad or an elder.
Then the Xuanwu Division leader, in charge of intelligence, raised his hand.
"May I speak?"
"Go ahead."
Paeng Daewi permitted it.
"I agree the youngest young master should lead. He's proven himself, but whispers persist internally about his heir status. To dispel doubts, he should take this mission."
Paeng Daewi's eyes narrowed.
These speakers all backed the eldest and second young masters.
They aimed to undermine youngest young master Han Bin.
Fine, let them bite.
But a single slip in a joint op with officials?
The fallout would burden the family.
These recommenders ignored family interests to corner Han Bin.
'Damn it.'
Paeng Daewi inwardly cursed Paeng Kangwi for dumping this and entering seclusion.
Then the great elder—white-bearded and gaunt—spoke softly.
"Best to summon the youngest young master and ask his intent."
To Paeng Daewi, it was a ray of light.
He clapped sharply.
Clap!
"Agreed. We'll summon the youngest as the great elder suggests."
At Paeng Daewi's nod, a warrior exited the head's quarters.
Receiving the summons, Han Bin sensed opportunity.
He needed ties with the officials, by any means.
And here it was.
Entering the head's quarters, Han Bin felt the elders' and leaders' sharp gazes marking him as target.
Bored lately, he smiled faintly at the thrill of walking a blade's edge.
This was proof he was alive.
Scanning the room, Han Bin's eyes stopped on Paeng Daewi.
"You called for me?"
"Youngest young master, sit there."
Paeng Daewi indicated the end seat.
Han Bin sat, and Paeng Daewi continued.
"Lately in Hebei..."
Listening, Han Bin's eyes narrowed.
Paeng Daewi's explanation matched his past life's infamous Absol Valley subjugation op.
Which later became known as the Absol Valley Bloodbath.
Twenty Justice Alliance warriors and ronin had vanished.
Some suspected the Demonic Cult, but twenty mutilated bodies ruled them out.
The wounds didn't match demonic arts.
The tragedy sank into mystery.
This life would differ. Dodge crises, seize chances.
Solving the officials' request would earn leverage for his own.
But he couldn't show it.
Reading Han Bin's face, Paeng Daewi asked,
"Why so quiet? Scared?"
"No."
"Then why the face?"
"I'm fine going, but I doubt I can lead a joint op with officials well."
"Lack of confidence?"
"No. My concern is my position."
Paeng Daewi narrowed his eyes.
"Position?"
"Yes. I know the vicious rumors about my heir candidacy. And that the family doesn't acknowledge me."
Han Bin glanced at the elders and leaders. Those meeting his eyes hurriedly looked away.
At the sight, Paeng Daewi asked curiously,
"So you're forfeiting the mission?"
"I'll take it. But in exchange..."
"Exchange? What do you want?"
"Grant me the family head's token."
Tsks erupted here and there.
"Hah."
"The nerve..."
Seeing their faces, Han Bin palmed the air to quiet them.
"Elders, division leaders. If I asked who would join me on this mission, would anyone step up?"
Han Bin looked around the room.