An Unexpected Reunion
"What should we do?"
"We'll meet tomorrow and clear up Geomgak's misunderstanding. It might actually be a good thing. The issue between Instructor Go and Geomgak was bound to surface eventually."
"What if Elder Naeng Han-sang doesn't believe us?"
Ha So-ran looked at Dan Yeop with anxious eyes.
The expert dispatched from Geomgak was hailed as the greatest swordsman of the age. If Naeng Han-sang's skill was even half that level, both Go Geom-haeng and herself would be as good as dead.
"We'll make him believe."
When Dan Yeop spoke so casually, Ha So-ran asked, "How much do you know about Geomgak, Instructor Dan?"
"To be honest, not much."
"Geomgak is a mysterious faction that rivals the Gwangpunghoe. Even the Five Great Sword Factions tread carefully around them. If there's Geomgak in the west, then the Gwangpunghoe holds the east."
"Ah!"
Dan Yeop, raised in Byeongmachong, possessed a rather narrow worldview. He only knew about Haomun within Guannei Circuit, the famous Murim factions of Chang'an Castle, and the Five Great Sword Factions. The Gwangpunghoe, a legend among the unorthodox factions, was the exception—many Haomun members regarded it with admiration.
"If Naeng Han-sang truly came from Geomgak, there won't be anyone who can match him in swordsmanship."
"I see."
"I'm not dismissing your skills, Instructor Dan, but Geomgak doesn't send anyone into the Jianghu unless they possess that level of ability."
"Ah, yes."
"If Naeng Han-sang doesn't let go of his suspicions, not only Instructor Go but the entire Haomun will be in danger."
"He won't remain suspicious."
Dan Yeop's expression was filled with certainty. Only then did Ha So-ran's face soften slightly.
"Very well. I'll trust your judgment, Instructor Dan. I'll pass the message to Instructor Go. Do we need to prepare anything else for the True Three Great Saber Techniques?"
"Please clear out the annex during that time and prevent any outsiders from entering. That's all I need."
"I'll arrange it."
"Then I'll take my leave."
As Dan Yeop offered his farewell and turned to go, Ha So-ran stopped him.
"One moment."
"Yes?"
"There's someone who wishes to see you, Instructor Dan. Someone you know well. Please wait here."
Before Dan Yeop could respond, Ha So-ran quickly turned and left the room.
Since he had no further schedule, Dan Yeop sat down comfortably and waited.
About one gak—fifteen minutes—passed.
A woman dressed in luxurious silk entered the inner chamber. When her eyes met Dan Yeop's, she smiled and greeted him first.
"Senior Brother Dan."
"Ha Yong-wol?"
Dan Yeop's eyes widened at the unexpected visitor.
Ha Yong-wol was one of the few people in Byeongmachong who had always been kind to him. The first place they met was in front of the mountain stream north of Byeongmachong. As children, they had each spent time there alone. Because of that bond, Ha Yong-wol had always politely called him Senior Brother.
She beamed at him and spoke. "Senior Brother Dan Yeop, I've finally met you outside."
"You were at Sosangru too?"
"This is my home."
"Ah! Really?"
He had known she was the daughter of the Gimun leader, but he never imagined she actually lived in the courtesan house.
"Why? Are you disappointed?"
"No, why would I be disappointed? I already knew you were Leader Ha's daughter."
"Still, it's a gisaeng house."
"What does it matter? These things happen."
Dan Yeop held no special feelings toward Ha Yong-wol, so the revelation stirred nothing in him.
"Do you know how shocked I was when I heard you'd become an instructor?"
"I was surprised myself."
"Pfft! You joke so well now. You've changed a lot from the old days."
"Have I?"
"Yes. You barely spoke back then."
He hadn't even been able to make eye contact with others, let alone speak. But Ha Yong-wol left that part out, worried it might upset him.
"I admit it. I was rather taciturn as a child."
"Do you know that whenever the Gimun people gather these days, they talk about you constantly?"
"Are they badmouthing me?"
"Puhut! Of course not. Everyone praises you for being a late bloomer. They say you succeeded by digging one well with steady persistence."
"Haha. Tell me about yourself. How are things with Ma Eun-rok?"
Gimun and Gakmun had been pursuing a marriage alliance. Dan Yeop was curious about the outcome.
For a moment, Ha Yong-wol's bright smile stiffened.
"What could possibly work out between Senior Brother Ma and me?"
"Huh? I heard rumors everywhere that you two were going to marry."
"T-that's just Senior Brother Ma spreading one-sided nonsense. He's always been like that."
"Leader Ha said she'd set a date soon, didn't she?"
"A date? Who would say such ridiculous things?"
"Our Leader Baek."
"Don't I, the person directly involved, know my own affairs best? It's all baseless gossip."
"Is that so?"
"It is. By the way, is it true that you liked Junior Sister Baek?"
Ha Yong-wol quickly changed the subject. There was nothing to gain by dwelling on Ma Eun-rok and herself.
When Ha Yong-wol asked, "Is it true that Senior Brother Dan liked Junior Sister Baek?", Dan Yeop felt a strange sensation. It was as if his head and heart were operating separately. His mind remained cool, yet his chest felt heavy.
"Yes, it's true."
"So it was. I never saw you two together in Byeongmachong. When did you become so close?"
"After you left the training grounds. Junior Sister Baek taught me the Cheonji Saber Technique."
"I see. I've heard news about her. They said you struggled a lot because of that incident. How are you doing now?"
"I'm fine. Ah, it's getting late. I should go. It was good to see you."
The closing bell would ring soon, so Dan Yeop offered his farewell.
"Ah, yes... See you next time."
Ha Yong-wol almost suggested he sleep in the annex but held her tongue. They weren't close enough for that yet.
Not long after Dan Yeop left the inner chamber, Ha So-ran returned.
"Why did you send him away so quickly?"
"He said it was late and he needed to leave."
"It's almost closing time. You should have told him to stay in the annex."
"More importantly, Senior Brother Dan asked about Senior Brother Ma. He wanted to know if things were going well. Please wrap up the matters with Chamun quickly."
"You dislike it that much?"
"You didn't particularly like Senior Brother Ma either, Mother. You only needed Chamun's cooperation for your own plans."
"That's true. Is this because of Dan Yeop?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
Ha So-ran read her daughter's heart and let out a small laugh. Anyone would have noticed in this situation.
"I understand. Don't worry about Chamun. I'm on your side. You're far better than Baek Yu-hwa. Give it your best."
"It's not like that."
"Yes, yes, I know. And from now on, when the instructors go to Jeommun to learn Jinmu-gong (the True Three Great Saber Techniques), you go with them. Understood?"
"...Yes."
"Objectively speaking, you're far superior to Baek Yu-hwa in appearance, so carry yourself with confidence."
"Haah, please stop. Besides, Seol-ri likes I Gwang (the son of the Gakmun leader), so you can proceed as you wish, Mother."
Ha So-ran answered with a indifferent expression. "It may be meaningless at this point, but I'll do so."
After Dan Bul-wi and Dan Yeop revealed the True Three Great Saber Techniques, the power structure of Haomun in Guannei Circuit had completely shifted. The technique itself was remarkable, but the martial prowess of the pair now rivaled the elders of the Five Great Sword Factions.
It was now useless for Chamun and Gakmun to throw their full support behind any opposition. They had tried to use the instructors as checks, but even those instructors had gone over to Dan Yeop's side. All that remained was to wait for an opportunity to reverse the situation while following the new current.
It would be nice if Yongwol could be with Dan Yeop.
Without realizing it, she glanced at her daughter. Though she was her own child, the girl was far more beautiful than Baek Yu-hwa.
It might actually be possible.
From Ha So-ran's perspective, Dan Yeop wasn't living up to his looks. To like Baek Yu-hwa with a face like that meant his standards were truly low.
Do your best.
She sent a silent cheer toward her pensive daughter.
The next day.
Jangan County Office, Patrol Division.
County Magistrate Do-gyeom, entering the patrol room, spoke to Dan Yeop. "I heard you took Constable Jang and the others to Jaun Pavilion yesterday. That must have been expensive. Don't you think you overdid it?"
"It's fine. It turned out a martial artist was causing trouble, and I resolved the situation. The owner reduced the drink bill by more than half."
"Really? That's fortunate. You'll handle yourself well, but the constables freeloading off merchants is always a headache. They should keep it moderate, yet some cross the line."
"I'll issue warnings when I see it."
"I'd appreciate that. How is the work? The constables aren't giving you a hard time for no reason, are they?"
"No, everyone treats me well."
This was the truth. After Constable Jang Ho began following Dan Yeop around, the other constables treated him warmly as well. Especially after word of his feats at the Seokga Stronghold spread, no one dared challenge him.
"Since you've finished the major task, spend the next few days on patrol to familiarize yourself with the atmosphere. It will help greatly with your constable duties."
"Understood."
Dan Yeop did not ask for a new case. He lacked that kind of burning sense of duty.
County Magistrate Do-gyeom, who had been about to leave after speaking, paused.
"Nak-an County sits right at the throat of Chang'an Castle. I don't know why Cheonlyeon stopped there, but this peace won't last long. Nothing will create a greater ripple than the blood calamity that will erupt in Chang'an Castle."
"......"
"That's why I'm telling you to get used to the atmosphere of Chang'an Castle in advance."
"Yes, sir."
Nak-an County lay on the main road into Chang'an Castle. Just as the magistrate said, it was right beneath the capital. The high officials living in Chang'an Castle trembled at the thought of when the blood calamity might strike their city.
After Magistrate Do-gyeom left, Constable Jin-seung approached Dan Yeop.
"Constable Dan, we have fixed patrol zones. Is there any area you prefer?"
"You heard the magistrate. Recommend a district where an incident is likely to occur."
In other words, a place crowded with high officials.
"Above Dongsi lies Heung-gyeong Palace, and nearly all the luxurious residences around it belong to high-ranking officials. Seoninbang, Anheungbang, and Yeongmubang fit that description."
"Understood. Then I'll patrol Seoninbang, Anheungbang, and Yeongmubang—one per day."
"I'll register your name for those areas. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. Today I'll survey Seoninbang."
"Very well. Don't forget to complete your patrol report before leaving duty. You must not omit it. If you don't want to be punished for negligence later, make sure you write it."
Constable Jin-seung emphasized the report repeatedly. There had been cases of constables being beaten for failing to record their patrols.
***
Dan Yeop spent the entire day walking through Seoninbang.
Compared to the districts of Dongsi or Seosi, Seoninbang had far fewer shops. There were restaurants and inns, of course, but their numbers were significantly smaller. Instead, the residential homes were overwhelmingly large and magnificent. Many were so grand they resembled secondary palaces.
It was said that high officials gathered here, and the living conditions were indeed vastly different from anywhere else.
Sinsi gyeong (3 to 5 p.m.).
As Dan Yeop passed a massive residence, he muttered without thinking.
"Wow, it's truly a different world."
He hadn't known such a place existed in Chang'an Castle. If the prosperity of Dongsi and Seosi had astonished him at first, now the sheer wealth left him speechless.
As he wondered Who could live in a place like this?, Magistrate Do-gyeom's words suddenly crossed his mind.
This peace won't last long. Nothing will create a greater ripple than the blood calamity raised in Chang'an Castle.
If a blood calamity broke out in a place like this, the imperial palace would be thrown into chaos.
When the imperial palace coughs, the common people suffer.