“A man from the Tang family arrived. The Tang Family will pay for all damages, including the cost of repairing the collapsed pavilion.”
“Oh….”
Jo Gol sighed in response to Jo Pyeong’s words.
“It’s not surprising. Surprisingly, the Tang Family is thorough in that aspect.”
“Yes.”
“But Gaju nim himself came.”
“Yes?”
Jo Pyeong gave a strange expression.
“The Tang family is not a family that does not have a face. If one causes harm by mistake, they must compensate to the extent that it seems excessive. However, I have never heard that the people who suffered so much received an apology from the Sichuan Tang Family.”
Jo Gol’s fist was slightly strained.
“The financial compensation is not a big deal, but it is unacceptable for the head of the Tang Family couldn’t to bowed his head to others. Nevertheless, this time, the head of the Tang Family personally came and apologized. I’m afraid….”
Jo Pyeong said, returning his gaze to Jo Gol.
“The fact that you, a disciple of Mount Hua, are the second young master of Sahaesangweda must have affected it.”
“….”
“It seems that what you accomplished outside of the family was greater than I thought. Seeing that Tang Gaju nim is taking care of your face.”
Jo Gol sat silently listening to Jo Pyeong.
He should not open his mouth right now.
Jo Pyeong, who had been silent for some time, spoke up again in hushed tones.
“So, you don’t intend to return to the family?”
“Father…”
Jo Gol pursed his lips.
It’s both uncomfortable and irritating.
But you’ll have to go through it, and you’ll have to do it one day.
“I like Mount Hua.”
“More than your family?”
“Of course, I can’t compare it to my family. But….”
Jo Gol elevates his head.
And with determined eyes, he looked directly at Jo Pyeong.
“I believe I see my path there.”
“…hmm.”
“I am very proud of my family.” What my father and brother do is incredible in my opinion. But this is not my place.”
Jo Pyeong twitched the corners of his mouth without realizing it when he saw Jo Gol’s eyes.
“I apologize, Father. If this is my one and only life, I want to die as a disciple of Mount Hua.”
Jo Pyeong softly sighed.
“Gol ah.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Can you guess what my dream is?”
“…I don’t know.”
Jo Pyeong raised his head and gazed up at the sky.
“My ambition is modest. It’s just that your brother and you help each other and carry on the business that our forefathers started.”
“….”
“That was the dream I’ve had since you were born.”
Jo Gol bowed his head in response to the slightly lonely voice.
“However!”
Jo Pyeong’s voice gave him strength as he looked at his son.
“I understand now. That is my fantasy, not yours. If I have a dream, you must have one as well. I shouldn’t crush your dreams for the sake of mine.”
“Father…”
“That’s exactly what Chung Myung did. You make the final decision. It sounded arrogant at the time, but I now understand why he said it. A father cannot make decisions about his child’s life at will. Because you deserve to fantasize about yourself as well.”
Jo Pyeong smiled and patted Jo Gol on the back.
“Be strong.”
Jo Gol’s eyes trembled as he looked at his father.
“I’m sorry, Father.”
“Keuhum.”
He coughed low, perhaps awkwardly, and spoke with a flushed face.
“Don’t be concerned about the family. Because your brother and I are here. But… Don’t forget that we’re always rooting for you, even if you live under Mount Hua’s wing.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Jo Pyeong gave a big smile.
“Yunnan is a scary place.”
“Yes.”
“After seeing what you’ve done in the Tang family, I believe you’ll do well in Yunnan…… Parents’ hearts don’t go as they think, and I can’t let go of my worries.” “Return safely and soundly.”
“Yes, Father.”
Jo Pyeong again tapped Jo Gol on the shoulder.
Jo Gol smiled involuntarily as he felt reassuring warmth on his shoulder.
* * *
“Are these the people?”
Gwak Kyung, who was in charge of the ascension from the Peace Merchant Association (Hwapyeong Sangdan) to Yunnan, returned with strange eyes to the Mount Hua disciples.
“Yes.”
“It’s a request from Gaju nim, so I’ll take good care of you so that there won’t be any inconvenience.”
“Thank you.”
Gwak Kyung cast a glance at Tang Gun.
He then spoke in a slightly lower voice.
“However…… It’s a big burden for us to have foreigners accompany us to Yunnan…….”
“I’m not going to give you a hard time.”
“How can I request a favor from Gaju nim?” Please remember that our merchant association has done everything possible to meet the Tang Family’s request.”
“Of course, I will.” I say.
“Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Gaju nim! ”
Gwak Kyung bowed deeply and addressed Baek Chun, who appeared to be the party’s representative.
“Please finish your sentence first if you have something to say.” You can let me know when you’re ready.”
“All right.”
When Gwak Kyung returned to his seat, Baek Chun turned to Tang Gun and looked at those who were about to become their group.
“Thank you once again for taking care of the situation in various ways.”
“Considering what Mount Hua gave the Tang Family, this is nothing.” Yunnan is a dangerous place that we must approach with caution.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Tang Gun added, as if he wasn’t already relieved.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that the Namman Yasugung Family controls Yunnan. Be especially cautious because the Namman Yasugung Family of the time despises Jungwon and has a violent temper. If you want to accomplish anything in Yunnan, you should avoid clashing with them as much as possible.”
“Once again, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Tang Gun received a deep bow from Baek Chun.
“I hope to see you again with a smile on your face.”
Tang So, waiting in the back, smiled as Tang Gun finished speaking.
“Have a safe journey!” When you return, we’ll see each other more frequently.”
“Ugh.”
Chung Myung exhales deeply.
‘Do I really have to……?’
First and foremost, this is a matter for the Sect Leader to decide.
Tang So so said with a sour expression after noticing Chung Myung’s darkened expression.
“Don’t do it.” Now we’re going to eat together! ”
Baek Chun gives a light smile.
“That would be a good relationship.”
“Yes! Please look after me in the future…….”
“So so.”
Tang Gun cut Tang So So off in hushed tones.
“Yes, Father.”
“If you’re really going to be a disciple of Mount Hua, forget about the fact that you’re a member of the Tang Family.”
“Yes, that’s what I’m thinking.”
“Do you agree? Did the youngest child make such remarks to the elder? ”
“….”
“Are you visiting Mount Hua for Tang Family business?” Or are you going to become a disciple at Mount Hua? ”
Tang So So straightened up when she heard Tang Gun.
“Please look after yourself, Sasuk. Also, Sahyung. I am no longer a member of the Tang family as of now. First, I’m going to Mount Hua to learn the local laws and customs.”
Baek Chun flashes a bright smile.
Yoo Iseol’s eyes, which had become slightly sharper, had become more relaxed.
‘You’re so clever.’
Tang Gun’s actions make Chung Myung smile.
He openly scolded Tang So in order to prevent the bud of rebellion and keep the Tang Family’s position from collapsing, demonstrating how much Tang Gun cares about his daughter.
Tang So So will need some time to adjust to Mount Hua…..
‘Everyone experienced the same thing.’
Given what happened to Jo Gol, who used to run naked through the rain, Tang So So’s future appears bright.
But if it isn’t fixed…… She will know the truth if she is taken to Nakanbong peak three times.
Tang Gun, who has no idea what Chung Myung thinks, said calmly as he looked at Baek Chun.
“As soon as you leave, I’m going to go to Mount Hua to tell them what happened here and finish the work on Soso’s admittance.”
“Sect Leader will also welcome you.”
Chung Myung inquired, his head tilted.
“Then maybe Gaju won’t be in the Tang Family when we get back?”
“Hmm. Should it really take that long? Furthermore, if you go deep into Yunnan, it could be even further from here to Shaanxi. The road to get there isn’t well-kept, so it’ll take a little longer than you think.”
“Are you sure?”
Chung Myung cast a glance at Sahyung.
“Even if it’s a long journey, it’s fine in its own way.” I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Mount Hua’s disciples trembled as they felt Chung Myung’s gaze.
‘Are you going to repeat that?’
‘All the way to Yunnan? Even if you cut it short?’
‘Should we just keep him in the Tang Family?’
When they thought about what had happened on their way to Sichuan, Mount Hua’s disciples hardened their bodies.
Tang Gun approaches Chung Myung quietly and whispers.
“Never use what I’ve given you carelessly. You know what I mean? ”
“Don’t be concerned. “I’m not a kid.”
“….”
‘If you were, I’d be less concerned.’
‘I’m concerned because it’s you, punk.’
Tang Gun exhaled deeply.
“Then I’ll leave you now.”
Baek Chun thanked Tang Gun lightly.
“I appreciate your hospitality. Please do it when we return.”
“…are you going to stop by again?”
“Absolutely.”
Tang Gun clenched his fists.
“Then, good bye, Tang Gaju nim.”
“Take care.”
Baek Chun took a step forward and dragged Chung Myung, who appeared to be harboring some resentment.
“How come you talk so much?” There have already been numerous delays. Come on in! Come on in! ”
“Then I’ll see you next time.”
As he was dragged along, Chung Myung waved.
Tang So, who was standing nearby, suddenly leaped forward and yelled at Yoo Iseol, who was walking casually.
“That- That place…!”
Yoo Iseol returned his gaze.
Tang So couldn’t speak up despite coming to say something and just stared at Yoo Iseol.
Yoo Iseol opens her mouth in a low voice, as if she had predicted her emotions.
“Do you have any remorse?”
“…yes.”
Yoo Iseol gave a light nod.
“See you next at Mount Hua.”
“Yes!”
That was all.
Yoo Iseol turns and walks away without hesitation.
When Baek Chun saw it, he smiled lightly and said,
“She seemed a little disappointed that there were no women among the third-class disciples, but the youngest member seems to like you.”
“I’m not interested.”
“I’m concerned about one thing. It’s not going to be easy to deal with because she’s a Tang family member.”
“What?”
Yoo Iseol looked at Baek Chun with a blank expression on his face.
“……is it difficult?”
“Wasn’t Chung Myung flustered too?”
“That’s someone else’s child.”
“…Huh?
”
“All of Mount Hua’s disciples are equal.” Maybe she’ll roll on the floor with her head held high the next time we meet.”
“….”
A cold sweat ran down Baek Chun’s spine.
Are you going to beat up Tang Gaju’s daughter?
‘…..that wouldn’t deter him.’
Who can stand up to that scoundrel?
“There is time before that.” She’ll be fine if she adjusts well to Mount Hua. But.”
Yoo Iseol’s eyes were frosty.
“If she act arrogant because she is the daughter of Tang Gaju nim, I’ll break her head even before Chung Myung could do.”
“….”
Baek Chun prayed while tightly closing his eyes.
Please don’t make Tang So regret her decision.
“He’s gone.”
“Yes, he’s gone.”
Tang Gun lamented lowly, confirming that the Peace Merchant Association’s ascendance had finally left Sichuan.
“What a storm that swept across the Tang Family.”
“…are there only people like that in Jungwon (Central Plain)?”
“It can’t be.”
Even if you search the entire world, you will find no more people like that.
Tang Gun, who was carrying the charges, opened his mouth quietly.
“We have to give it our all. They’ll bring storms to Jungwon sooner or later.”
Mount Hua will not be able to sleep as long as Chung Myung is present.
And it was obvious that they would expand at an incredible rate.
To keep up with the pace, the Tang Family must run nonstop from now on, stepping up reform and keeping up with them.
“Your burden is heavy.”
“Don’t be concerned. “I’ll give it my all.”
Tang Gun, who continued to nod, raised the corners of his mouth slightly.
“Well, let’s go check it out.”
“Yes? What? ”
“What other people in Mount Hua are like.”
“Yes, let’s go right away.”
Tang Gun and Tang So So turned around.
Tang Gun, who had taken a few steps, turned around, looked back at where Chung Myung had gone, then laughed and muttered lowly.
“Farewell, my friend.”
Friend.
Tang Gun said this for the first time in his life.