Chapter 36 The matter of the bamboo tube was ultimately smoothed over.
At Namgung Jeok-myeong's casual defense—so very in character for the clan's foremost wastrel—that there was no need to make a fuss over a love letter exchanged between young men and women, Namgung Chu-myeong retreated a step.
The impact of Jin Cheong-ak presenting proof that he had slain the Blood-Seizing Sword Demon also seemed considerable.
From Namgung Chu-myeong's perspective, he would not wish for the appearance of an unforeseen powerhouse to ruin plans he cultivated over several years.
The incident of that day soon swelled into the sensational rumor that Namgung Soyo's bodyguard cleaved the Blood-Seizing Sword Demon in two. Within half a day, more than five guards came seeking instruction.
Naturally, Jin Cheong-ak brushed that aside as well.
But the information delivered through the bamboo tube by Hangryong Gate could not be dismissed so easily.
The first piece of information:
[The Killing Register of Salmak stored within the Namgung Clan is genuine.]
That increased Namgung Jeok-myeong's credibility.
What mattered more was the second response, regarding Namgung Chu-myeong's identity.
[It was extremely obscure, so we traced the lead of a human-mask user and narrowed it down to three possible groups through multiple pieces of corroborating evidence.
In my personal opinion, particular attention should be paid to Yonghwang Yuse (永皇遺世). Of the three, we possess the least information about them, and even our Hangryong Gate has yet to determine precisely when they began operating.
Their movements are peculiar for a mere sect branched from Salmak.
One distinguishing trait: a rotting wound upon the left scapula. Several of the masters who move with them… If you desire more detailed information, please seek this young lady ♡]
Srrng.
Seol-yeong unsheathed her sword with an expression that clearly said she could not tolerate this.
"Have you lost your mind, Brother Ak?"
At her sharp rebuke, Jin Cheong-ak replied blandly,
"I merely recited what was written."
Of course he had. From the exhaustive detail, it was certain that the letter had been penned personally by Seol Seo-rin, proprietor of Chwihyang Garden and Seol-yeong's elder sister.
"And the middle was already cut off?"
"I simply didn't finish reading. In that short time, how could anyone decipher the proprietor's atrocious handwriting? Even for me, that's asking too much."
Yonghwang Yuse.
A name steeped in arrogant ambition.
Judging by their movements, they were undoubtedly the ones who killed Namgung Soyo and targeted the Jade Clear Stone Milk of the Mount Hua Sect. As expected, they and Namgung Chu-myeong were in league.
The Jade Clear Stone Milk was a famed elixir; anyone might covet it.
Yet the reason for donning Namgung Chu-myeong's human mask to assassinate Namgung Soyo remained unclear. There was only the sense that it was connected to her birth.
Jin Cheong-ak flipped open a book he had procured from somewhere.
"It seems the proprietor is straining her eyes waiting for our Miss Namgung…."
"I will stop by when I have time."
"Time? We have time in abundance. Or have we been executing some grand plan unbeknownst to me?"
"If you know, you'll get hurt."
"Is ignorance any protection? If I'm to be hurt either way, isn't it better to know?"
"If you prattle once more—"
"If not once, then twice?"
"I'll chase you naked for half a day."
"..."
While trading barbs with Jin Cheong-ak's nonsense, Seol-yeong returned from circling the courtyard and dropped into a chair, nibbling a rice cake.
"It seems guests have begun arriving since morning. Is this not the first time the Namgung Clan smells like people actually live here?"
At that, Yeo Il sharpened her hearing and focused on the voices of the maids beyond the stone wall.
"The problem is the sheer amount of medicinal herbs to prepare. Young Master Chu-myeong's condition has worsened considerably…."
"Ah… what shall we do? If the second young master were to close his eyes suddenly, would not the Sogaju (Clan Heir) and the third young master govern the clan? Lord Namgung Pae doesn't seem ambitious."
"If that wastrel Sogaju (Clan Heir) ascends smoothly, that's good for us. He's out all day anyway and won't bother us."
"True. That Cho-hong—so pretty and said to have a good temperament too. If she settles in as the mistress without stirring up domestic strife, all the better."
"You dream too big. The elders arriving today will oppose it vehemently. You must not know how fierce the previous gathering became over the marriage issues of the Sogaju (Clan Heir) and the young masters…."
While she listened to her household's pragmatic and future-oriented concerns, Changa returned to the room and called softly,
"Miss."
Behind her stood an unfamiliar woman.
"Are you Miss Namgung Soyo?"
An unfamiliar voice.
At the sound of the stranger's presence, Yeo Il, who had closed her eyes, nodded.
"I am Soya, sent by Lady Danri Muk-ran of the Seonwu Clan, elder sister of the late principal wife of the Namgung Clan. Lady Danri Muk-ran wishes to see Miss Namgung Soyo."
Danri Muk-ran.
A name Yeo Il heard through Changa.
The message, however, was closer to an order than a request, and both Changa and Seol-yeong seemed displeased by the woman's tone.
"Miss, you've been unwell these past few days. It would be best not to overexert yourself—"
"Lady Danri Muk-ran is already aware of the hemoptysis. She has prepared medicinal remedies beneficial for treatment. They will surely help."
Cutting Changa off, the woman added crisply,
"Please be aware that the Sogaju (Clan Heir) and the other young masters have already gone to pay their respects."
In other words—follow discreetly.
Perfect timing.
She had business with Namgung Jeok-myeong. What a convenient opportunity.
As Yeo Il rose quietly, Seol-yeong muttered behind her, "Damn it. This flour-sack mess of a clan is about to become a proper cesspit." She seemed oddly energized by the presence of many people.
The woman led Yeo Il to Bukcheong, the innermost quarters reserved for the Clan Head and his spouse—a place she had never set foot in.
No sooner had they entered than bright laughter of men and women reached her ears. A glance through the window revealed an atmosphere somewhat different from what she expected.
One would think this a matchmaking gathering.
Even the numbers matched. Three men, three women. Including Yeo Il, that made three women.
Their lively laughter ceased the moment she appeared.
The slightly awkward silence eased somewhat when Namgung Jeok-myeong introduced her.
"You've come, little sister. Aunt? This is Namgung Soyo. Soyo, this is Aunt Danri Muk-ran."
Guided to an empty seat, she sat. From nearby she heard Namgung Hui-myeong's voice; it seemed Namgung Chu-myeong alone was resting due to his condition.
Even though I have coughed blood more often.
Yet only Namgung Soyo was summoned.
Whether it was subtle discrimination against a daughter of a concubine or because Danri Muk-ran favored Namgung Chu-myeong especially, she could not yet tell.
Before long, a small exclamation rang out.
"Oh… remarkable, remarkable. I had not imagined such a lovely child. Namgung Soyo, you say? Come here a moment."
Supported by a maid, Yeo Il stood before the seat of honor. The strong scent of sandalwood wafted from a sachet.
It was not a fragrance easily encountered within the Namgung Clan, where Yeo Il and the household staff were the only women.
"Indeed… even up close, skin as flawless as white jade. Not a single blemish—"
"Cough."
"—of course, with a rounded forehead and thin lips, a beauty without fault. A woman's virtue lies in modesty—"
"Cough, cough."
"—and since your eyes do not see, you are naturally modest. Though born of a concubine, I can introduce a suitable marriage—"
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
At the repeated coughing, Danri Muk-ran shut her mouth with a vexed expression.
For Yeo Il, who had no intention of catering to her, it was of little consequence.
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