Chapter 50. That Bastard's Real Name is Pung Un-seung
Won Seung's mind flashed with Hwa Cheon-un's cold expression.
Hwa Cheon-un...? Fitting for the rumored head of Cheongsu Gate—he seemed sharp and capable. If he put his mind to it, he could uncover my identity no problem.
But why would Hwa Cheon-un reveal my identity to the Taesu?
Why?
His head spun, and in the stinging midsummer sun, his forehead burned hot.
"We've walked a lot—my legs are killing me. Let's sit for a bit."
Won Seung plopped down on the pavilion by the pond. So Sansan sat beside him, gesturing to her maids, who brought snacks, a tea set, and a brazier.
'How the hell did the Taesu find out? Or did he know and just play dumb?'
Thinking back to their first meeting at Baekhwa Pavilion, Won Seung's face flushed hot.
The Taesu was a sly fox after all. He knew exactly who I was but played along, spinning tales about the Sichuan Pung Clan.
This world crawled with treacherous wolves everywhere.
As Won Seung pondered, So Sansan brewed the tea and offered him a cup.
"It won't match your skills, Brother Pung, but..."
Ah, Sansan was so kind... and naive. Grown up sheltered, an innocent girl who didn't grasp the world's harshness. She probably had no clue what she'd done.
"Tea just needs heart. This is delicious."
Won Seung nodded approvingly at the flavor.
Thanks to So Sansan's innocent slip, he now knew the facts—maybe a blessing. With preparation, he could manage somehow.
'Or... I could just kill everyone who knows.'
Poisoning the Taesu would be child's play. But that meant killing So Sansan too. No way. She was a friend...
Won Seung was stumped when a guard strode up and announced,
"The Taesu summons you."
"Oh, right? Guess I should go."
Won Seung stood immediately.
Time to ask the man himself.
After Won Seung left, So Yeonggwan dined with the four family heads. They chatted amiably, praising the food, keeping things relaxed like old friends catching up.
But as they sipped tea afterward, the mood shifted. Talk dwindled to silence until Sang family head Sang Ju-gwan spoke to So Yeonggwan.
"You've just returned from the capital, Taesu, so you must know the lay of the land there... Things are getting messy at court these days, aren't they?"
"That's old news. Sangyang feels like home now."
"Haha. At this rate, Sangyang might gain another great house. Should we call it the Five Great Families?"
"Hardly. Taesu So is a national talent—he's destined for big things at court."
So Yeonggwan and Sang Ju-gwan traded barbs, with Woo Guk-seon chiming in slyly, until Jong Iji cut in sharply, his face stern.
"Enough circling. The Taesu knows why we're here—spare us the fanfare and get to the point."
Sang Ju-gwan and Woo Guk-seon chuckled awkwardly at Jong Iji's rebuke.
So Yeonggwan dropped his smile and turned to Jong Iji.
"You say I know why the four family heads came so suddenly—what do you mean by that?"
"Sanyang's public mood is turning ugly. Isn't it all because of Gwangeonbang and Cheongsu Gate? Taesu, shouldn't you step in and sort it out?"
So Yeonggwan furrowed his brow.
"You want the government meddling in murim affairs?"
Officials rarely intervened in martial world squabbles. Jong Iji pressed on, ignoring the jab.
"This isn't some simple sect feud. You know Gwangeonbang has Seong Wang backing them. What happens if they fail? Think Seong Wang will sit idle?"
"......"
Jong Iji voiced what everyone knew but dared not say. So Yeonggwan's face soured.
"I don't follow, Jong family head. Why drag Seong Wang into a murim dispute?"
His expression was pure innocence. Jong Iji snorted inwardly.
'Hmph! You really expect me to buy that? I know all the tricks you're pulling to get back to the capital.'
As Jong Iji opened his mouth to retort, Yang Woo-bo held him back.
"Brother Jong, Seong Wang might not show his hand openly. Overreacting could backfire."
"This isn't overreacting. We need to pick a side now. Dawdle too long, and the world changes—you'll get struck by lightning."
Jong Iji laid his intentions bare.
So Yeonggwan cursed inwardly.
'Jong the scholar sits pretty between the emperor and Seong Wang. Doesn't he see what his elders are up to?'
Still, he understood the family heads' position. Officials could hedge until one side won, then switch. But big clans like these risked losing their rice bowls if they hesitated. If Seong Wang's rebellion succeeded and he divvied up rewards, he'd crush a few local powers for their land. It had always been that way.
To dodge the bolt, they needed to choose wisely—read the winds, protect the house. That was a family head's duty.
So Yeonggwan said gravely,
"Jong family head, you want a clear stance? Fine. I'm the emperor's appointee."
Pure loyalist act—no bowing to royal kin.
With So Yeonggwan drawing the line, Jong Iji scowled and shot back,
"Why do you think that kid from Seongwangbu gave you the Manma Sword Manual? It's a call to decide."
"Ahem."
So Yeonggwan cleared his throat awkwardly. The sharp family heads had indeed grasped the manual's meaning.
But mistaking Won Seung for Seongwangbu? Odd.
Feigning surprise, So Yeonggwan asked,
"Young Lord Pung from Seongwangbu? What are you talking about?"
'This sly fox...'
Jong Iji, head of Sangyang's Jong powerhouse, lived boldly. He couldn't stomach officials' feigned ignorance.
"Hmph! He's deceiving you, Taesu. His real name is Pung Un-seung! A collateral of the Sichuan Pung Clan."
'?'
So Yeonggwan's eyes narrowed; Yang Woo-bo and the others frowned. The Sichuan Pung Clan was leagues above them.
Founding merit earned them immunity plaques—called a founding house.
So Yeonggwan nodded.
"I don't know if Young Lord Pung is Pung Clan blood... but he said he branched off and changed his name. Hardly deception."
"And the Sichuan Pung Clan tied to Seongwangbu...? Explain."
Woo Guk-seon cut in. His northern house was farther out, info scarce.
Jong Iji boasted,
"Since mouths here are sealed, I'll tell you. Seong Wang's aunt married into the Sichuan Pung Clan long ago. So a collateral with Seongwangbu ties. Seong Wang lost his father young and dotes on her. He's been under their wing, now here on some mission."
So Yeonggwan eyed Jong Iji.
'Why's he so convinced?'
His confidence shook So Yeonggwan's own thoughts. But no need to correct him.
With Jong Iji openly backing Gwangeonbang, things got awkward.
'The Jong house is already in bed with Gwangeonbang.'
The four families invested everywhere profits beckoned, like Gwangeonbang's lucrative, stable North County labor guild.
They'd poured in heavy. Swallow Cheongsu Gate, merge with South County guild—jackpot.
So Yeonggwan thought it over, then said,
"I get it—Gwangeonbang and Cheongsu Gate are stirring Sangyang; needs sorting. Give me days to mull, then I'll share a plan."
He shook his head as if pained, glancing at Yang Woo-bo for support.
Yang Woo-bo sipped his tea slowly. Among the four, Yang and Jong houses loomed largest; Yang Woo-bo edged out with character and wisdom, by common acclaim.
Woo Guk-seon and Sang Ju-gwan watched his lips.
Yang Woo-bo set down his cup and spoke measuredly.
"Government meddling in murim is rare, true. But left unchecked, Sangyang becomes a bloodbath. If you step in, Taesu, House Yang backs you fully."
He eyed Jong Iji, adding,
"I mean mediate the murim feud, maintain peace—no other agenda."
Neutral broker, not picking Seong Wang's side.
Jong Iji cursed inwardly.
'Hmph! Spineless fool! When Seong Wang takes power, I'll uproot your Yang clan.'
Jong Iji rose, displeased.
"I've delayed urgent business—must go."
He half-bowed and stormed out, the height of rudeness. So Yeonggwan, offended, let him.
With the chill settling, Yang Woo-bo smiled and stood.
"We kept a busy official too long. See you soon."
"This is official business too. With Sangyang's pillars speaking, I'll ponder deeply and decide."
So Yeonggwan exchanged courtesies, seeing Yang Woo-bo off.
Then he ordered an aide,
"Fetch Young Lord Pung."
Moments later, Won Seung entered with Sansan.
"Sansan, step out a bit."
So Sansan hesitated but obeyed her father, casting Won Seung a lingering, reluctant look before leaving.
The Taesu sighed.
"Sansan's still young. Treat her too kindly, she might misunderstand—be careful."
"No ulterior motives. No little sister of my own, so I just want to be kind."
"That's the issue. You mean well, but she might read into it."
Won Seung reflected—fathers of daughters might feel that way. Hadn't Hwa Cheon-un?
"Fair point. I'll watch it."
Won Seung nodded meekly.
The Taesu rubbed his face wearily, splashing dry water, then asked,
"What exactly do you want from me?"
Asking Won Guksa's intent, but clueless Won Seung veered off.
"Gwangeonbang leader bought the Duryun Mountain Full Wind Sword Manual. Probably gifting it to you."
"Hm."
He skipped mentioning the 200,000 nyang.
So Yeonggwan scowled. A copy wasn't burdensome, but he wanted distance from Gwangeonbang.
"Take it reluctantly."
"Not why I came."
So Yeonggwan eyed him curiously.
"I do have something to say. But first..."
Won Seung hesitated, then broached,
"Talking with Sansan surprised me. She knows my identity."
"I told her."
"......"
Won Seung stared hard. Who told you?
"Someone came asking if Seongwangbu had a 'Seung'—that's how I knew."
'As expected...'
It was Cheongsu Gate's third, Hwa Cheon-un! Him and the Taesu secret pals...