Episode 51. My Sense for the Bigger Picture Has Dullened
If the magistrate and Hwa Cheon-Woon from the Clear Water Sect know each other...
Won Seung cheered inwardly.
This three-way Martial Arts Duel I’m planning just got a lot easier.
“Would it be a problem if your identity were revealed?”
“Haha. My identity isn’t anything grand enough to hide. I just used an alias to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
He couldn’t exactly scold the magistrate for running his mouth everywhere.
The whole mess started because he pretended to be from Seongwang House. There was no turning back now. Best to just act bold and let it slide.
As Won Seung brushed it off, the magistrate accepted it naturally.
“Then why did you fake your disappearance and go into hiding?”
So Yeong-gwan asked, sounding genuinely curious.
Back in the capital, he had worked at the Chumil Pavilion, where keeping tabs on the royal family and high officials was part of the job. That’s why he knew a bit about the incident at Won Manor—there had been rumors that the eldest son disappeared, but then things went quiet.
When Hwa Cheon-Woon came asking about someone named Seung from a collateral branch of Seongwang House, So Yeong-gwan put two and two together and figured out Won Seung’s identity.
“I had my reasons.”
He couldn’t exactly say he’d been dragged off in his sleep to train as an assassin.
Royalty and high officials never want family scandals leaking outside the walls. They even hide how many children they have. If word gets out, it could mean assassination, so unless absolutely necessary, they keep their identities secret.
Knowing this, So Yeong-gwan didn’t press further. What he really wanted to know was whether Won Seung was truly acting on behalf of Master Won.
“How is Master Won doing? I haven’t seen him once since he came down to Xiangyang.”
“He’s in good health.”
Or so Won Seung hoped, as he answered evasively.
Sensing Won Seung’s reluctance to talk about Master Won, So Yeong-gwan nodded and changed the subject.
“As you know, the prince is stirring up the Sky-Gazing Pavilion to strike at the Clear Water Sect. That’s why the Four Great Families have gathered.”
So that’s what’s going on.
“The three Hua brothers are Murim people. They hate getting tangled in court affairs, but Cheon Il-hae is different. He doesn’t hesitate to borrow outside power.”
Suddenly, So Yeong-gwan’s eyes sharpened.
“And yet, they’re asking the Sky-Gazing Pavilion Master for a painting as a gift? I don’t get it. What’s the meaning behind that?”
Won Seung flinched.
What’s with those eyes? They’re sharp as blades—just like a Martial Artist.
Still, he didn’t look away.
He straightened his back and asked,
“May I ask first, Magistrate, do you support the Clear Water Sect?”
“Support is a strong word... I have some acquaintance with the Third Sect Master. As you know, I hear things thanks to my connection with Yeowol from Sansan.”
Acquaintance? What sort of connection would a magistrate have with a Martial Artist, unless there was profit involved?
He must have a stake in something. The Clear Water Sect runs several businesses along the Xiang River—surely, the magistrate has his share somewhere.
“What’s the Four Great Families’ stance?”
“It seems the main family has sided with the Sky-Gazing Pavilion. The other families just want the conflict to end.”
Won Seung nodded. Now that he understood the situation, the rest was straightforward.
“You’ve heard about the commotion with the Descendant of the Yong Clan challenging Hwa Cheon-gang of the Clear Water Sect, right?”
“I’ve heard.”
So Yeong-gwan composed himself, sensing the real topic was about to begin.
“The truth is, even if Hwa Cheon-gang wanted to accept, he can’t because of the Sky-Gazing Pavilion. He knows they’ll stab him in the back.”
“Hmm. And?”
He’d already heard all this from Hwa Cheon-Woon, but he feigned interest as if it were new.
At the same time, he thought to himself,
‘Why is this guy so interested in all this? Does Master Won have his eyes on the Xiang River too?’
Oblivious to So Yeong-gwan’s suspicions, Won Seung pressed on excitedly.
“That’s why I’m thinking of mediating. Turns out, the Descendant of the Yong Clan also has a grudge against the Sky-Gazing Pavilion Master. Something about running off with the Yong Family’s assets. So I’m proposing to have the Sky-Gazing Pavilion Master, Hwa Cheon-gang, and the Descendant of the Yong Clan all face off together on the Martial Arts Stage.”
“A three-way Martial Arts Duel? Who’d agree to that? I doubt anyone would accept.”
So Yeong-gwan shook his head at the absurd idea.
“I’ve already convinced the Sky-Gazing Pavilion Master and the Descendant of the Yong Clan. All that’s left is Hwa Cheon-gang, and he’ll agree too.”
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Because you’re the only one who can judge the three-way duel fairly, Magistrate.”
“Look here. I’m a government official. I can’t exactly encourage personal vendettas, let alone stop them.”
Won Seung put on a serious face.
“If we leave things as they are, Xiangyang will be awash in blood. Even the Dosan Forest and the Sword Pact Sect are getting involved. If they clash, a few houses will be gone in the blink of an eye. And who do you think the people will blame? You, Magistrate. And if the Clear Water Sect and Sky-Gazing Pavilion go to all-out war...”
“I get it. You’re saying if law and order break down, it’ll all be on my head, right?”
“Well, it’s not really your fault. But the people don’t know any better. They trust you, so you’ll get all the blame.”
So Yeong-gwan thought for a moment, then looked at Won Seung.
“Is that really all there is to it?”
Won Seung felt a twinge of unease at the magistrate’s question. His gaze was deeper and sharper than before.
‘There’s something more here, isn’t there?’
Won Seung lowered his head and picked up his teacup, buying time as he frantically searched his thoughts.
Then, a realization struck him.
‘What an idiot...’
He hadn’t considered the magistrate’s position. So Yeong-gwan already knew his identity.
His father, Master Won, and the prince were at odds. In times like this, the ones who suffer most are the neutral officials and local gentry who haven’t taken sides.
What So Yeong-gwan was really asking was about Master Won’s intentions.
At the same time, he realized why he’d been invited to this meeting with the Four Great Family Heads.
They wanted to see if any of the families had already been won over.
‘Hiding away in the mountains has dulled my sense for the bigger picture.’
Not that he’d ever really thought about the big picture before, but he chastised himself as he sipped his tea. Still, he felt a strange sense of pride.
From eavesdropping under his father’s study window as a child, he’d now become a key player in these schemes.
‘Might as well try to bring the magistrate to my side.’
But for now, he didn’t know enough to say more.
So Yeong-gwan was a self-made man. If he acted rashly, he could end up in serious trouble.
First, he needed to find out why the prince was so interested in the Xiang River.
After finishing his tea, Won Seung spoke calmly.
“Wouldn’t it be best to handle things one at a time? Let’s settle the dispute between the Sky-Gazing Pavilion and the Clear Water Sect first. There’s still time to discuss the bigger picture after that.”
“Hmm...”
So Yeong-gwan studied Won Seung’s expression, but couldn’t read past his poker face. In truth, this wasn’t a bad option for So Yeong-gwan either—he’d rather delay things as long as possible.
“Alright. So you’re saying you’ll push ahead with the three-way duel, and you want me to judge it fairly?”
“Yes. If it’s fair, everyone will accept the result.”
“Very well. Let me know when it’s set.”
As Won Seung stood to leave, So Yeong-gwan suddenly asked,
“By the way... do you know someone called Pung Un-Saeng?”
Won Seung flinched, but quickly tilted his head in confusion.
“That sounds a lot like my alias. I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“The main family seems to think you’re Pung Un-Saeng.”
“They must have gotten the name wrong.”
Won Seung feigned ignorance, but So Yeong-gwan could tell he knew.
‘He used that alias knowing he’d be tracked. Clever bastard.’
He thought Won Seung might one day rival Master Won himself.
*
Back at the Main Family Residence, Jong Ji-ji was looking for his son, Jong Won-bo.
Jong Won-bo’s neck was swathed in bandages. The hole in his throat had healed, but he still couldn’t speak.
‘Useless fool...’
He’d been hailed as a prodigy as a child, and expectations were high. But as he grew, he seemed to get dumber.
Yang Dae-hyun of the Yang Family Mansion was counted among the Three Talents Under Heaven, but this one...
Not realizing it was all due to his father’s harsh comparisons, Jong Won-bo’s confidence had withered, and he’d become more and more of a dullard.
Jong Ji-ji glared at him in disapproval, and Jong Won-bo hung his head.
After a cold look, Jong Ji-ji left without a word and went to his study.
A little later, he summoned the chief steward.
“You called for me, sir?”
“Send this to Cheon Muin.”
Jong Ji-ji handed over a sealed letter.
The chief steward flinched, a look of fear crossing his face.
Cheon Muin was Jong Ji-ji’s fixer for sensitive matters. He was skilled—he’d never failed a job.
“Understood.”
This was not the kind of thing you asked questions about. Sometimes, ignorance was bliss. The chief steward answered quickly and left.
Jong Ji-ji stroked his beard.
Seeing Won Seung’s brazen face at the magistrate’s office had been unbearable. Even if he’d come on the prince’s orders... he couldn’t let it go without revenge.
Seeing his son with a hole in his throat had sealed his resolve.
If anyone could kill quietly and cleanly, it was Cheon Muin.
“Now I’ll finally sleep easy.”
Jong Ji-ji never forgot a slight. He muttered with a satisfied look,
“Anyone who makes a fool of the main family deserves to die...”
*
As Won Seung entered the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, he saw Ohgu handing money to some rough-looking men—obviously Black Path thugs.
Once they left, Won Seung asked,
“Who were those guys?”
“They’re from the Ox and Sheep Guild. This area is under their control.”
“Why are guys who supposedly manage cattle and sheep collecting money from a calligraphy and painting shop?”
“It’s just a name. In reality, they’re a branch of the Black Society.”
Ohgu, a native of Xiangyang, lowered his voice, even though no one was listening.
“As you know, if you want to do business in Xiangyang, you have to pay off the Black Society at some point.”
“I thought Xiangyang was split between the Sky-Gazing Pavilion and the Clear Water Sect?”
“That’s true for the Xiang River area. The market streets are a different story. Even if there’s a tiger in the mountains, there are still wildcats and stray dogs around.”
“Ha...”
This place is crawling with leeches, thought Won Seung in disgust, when suddenly someone burst through the door.
“So, when did you open this place?”
A sharp-eyed official swaggered in, looking around. His face was tanned, but his lips were pale—clearly a drunkard, and arrogant as could be.
A subordinate official followed him in. Judging by the commotion outside, there were probably some constables as well.
The subordinate asked Ohgu,
“Where’s your permit?”
“Permit?”
Ohgu glanced at Won Seung, as if asking where he’d put it.
Of course, they didn’t have one. Having lived in the mountains, neither Won Seung nor Jong Bi were exactly close to the authorities.
He vaguely remembered hearing during assassin training that you needed official permission to run an inn or a tavern.
But those little rules of the world were the kind you quickly forgot.
Sensing the situation, Ohgu went to the counter, took out some silver coins, and discreetly handed them to the subordinate.
Ah, my precious silver...
Won Seung’s eyes narrowed in annoyance, but Ohgu pretended not to notice and handed over the coins.
“We were just in the process of filling out the paperwork.”
The subordinate made a show of scolding them.
“You need to get a permit before you open for business. You can’t just start operating without one!”