Episode 87. One summer day 2014.07.01.
Mornings at Seowon are busier than expected. To be precise, this only applies to Son Bin, who prepares meals.
This is not only because the number of diners has increased compared to before, but also because the number of ingredients that were previously unfamiliar has increased, so the number of dishes that need to be made has increased significantly.
‘It’s a fish…’ … . ‘Have we had anything like this in our house?’
As Sonbin was pondering while holding a fairly precious fish that still looked fresh, Shinui’s voice was heard from the yard.
“Someone brought it this morning.”
Sinui, who was playing baduk with Nogun on a bamboo mat, said without even looking at Sonbin.
“It’s a token of gratitude, so you can eat it.”
“thanks? To whom?”
Mr. Roh, who was sitting across from me, asks.
“It’s not you, so don’t worry about it.”
Noh frowned at Shin’s remark, which seemed to be scolding him.
“This twisted old man… … . Can’t you speak properly? “You have to know the circumstances to decide whether to eat it or not.”
After being silent for a moment, Sinui placed the baduk stone and continued speaking with an expression of unwillingness.
widely.
“The other day, I stopped by that house and looked after the old man who was coughing. “After that, they brought it to thank me to see if my condition had improved.”
“Why would you stop by a house you don’t know?”
widely.
Namaknogun asks as he places the stone.
“It’s not an unknown house. “It’s the kid’s house that goes by here.”
“Kid’s house?”
“Disease has a family history.”
widely.
Sinui said as he put down the baduk stone. It was a checkerboard and had no stones, but the old soldier had obtained it from somewhere a few days ago.
“Even if you don’t have any symptoms yet, if you look at your living environment and your family’s medical history, you can find out about your constitution and what you need to be careful about. “It is important to look at the disease from a long-term and holistic perspective rather than the immediate symptoms.”
“So you’re going around all the little guys’ houses?”
widely.
The old man lays the stone. Sinui, who was looking at the checkerboard with his eyebrows furrowed, answered.
“No, it’s already finished. “It’s been a few days.”
Only then did Sonbin understand why the number of ingredients he had not seen in the kitchen had increased over the past few days.
‘So these were the things the villagers brought to God.’
Meanwhile, Sinui, who was thinking for a while while smoothing his beard, carefully puts down the stone.
Tap, tap.
Shin’s expression was frowned upon by the Noh army’s move, which continued as if he had been waiting.
“Hemp is dead.”
Shin’s expression was mixed.
“Heulheul, who would turn a blind eye to that?”
“Let’s do it again.”
“I’ll accept it. Because unlike you, I have a heart as wide as a giant tiger.”
Although Noh spoke as if nothing had happened, his face was filled with the joy of victory.
Sigh.
As God’s large hand passed by, the stones embroidering on the checkerboard became disorganized again.
“Oh, they said it would be best to eat it quickly.”
There was a hint of anticipation in God’s voice as he spoke to Sonbin. Thanks to this, Sonbin had no choice but to change his plan to sprinkle salt and eat it around dinner time.
Crack, thump.
Sonbin began to prepare the fish. His long-time life at the academy and his ability to take turns serving meals were being put on full display.
Dangwol-ah was sitting basking in the morning sun in silence as always, and Sa Su-yeon was looking at Son Bin’s hand movements with wonder.
There seemed to be no one, at least not among them, who could be expected to help with meal preparation.
∴
After finishing breakfast and enjoying a cup of tea, Sa Su-yeon volunteered to wash the dishes.
“Ah, but you are a guest… … .”
“are you okay. “I have to do this at least.”
Despite Sonbin’s dissuasion, Sasuyeon smiled and stood up. Then, suddenly, Sa Su-yeon saw her Dangwol-ah. Her bright eyes somehow made it seem like she wanted to be together, so Sa Su-yeon asked without realizing it.
“Would you like to join me?”
Tang Yue seemed to have been waiting, but nodded slightly.
“is it so. Then let’s do it together.”
Noh spoke quietly to Sa Su-yeon, who stood up.
“He’s going to be a little slow.”
Sa Su-yeon knew what that meant as soon as she started washing the dishes.
Clatter, rattle.
While clean dishes were piled up next to Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah was still holding the dish she had picked up for the first time.
Even though it was already clean enough in Sa Su-yeon’s opinion, Dang Wol-ah filled the bowl with cold water and examined it as if inspecting something. And as he washes again, his expression is quite serious.
“Hey, isn’t it okay now?”
Dangwol-ah responded in a low voice to Sa Su-yeon’s words, which were worse than what she said.
“If residues remain, we cannot predict what side reactions will occur.”
Dang Yue-er said, looking at the bowl with serious eyes.
“Clarifying prerequisites is an absolutely essential element in any experiment. “It’s not uncommon for one small mistake to ruin the whole thing.”
“Hey, this is like an experiment… … .”
“So we have to be more thorough.”
Tang Yue’s voice was low, but it was full of determination that she could never back down.
“Sacrificing life for life is a sacred ritual.”
Sa Su-yeon couldn’t understand what that meant. Then, suddenly, he realized that Dangwol-ah was looking at the dishes he had piled up.
Rattling.
Sa Su-yeon quickly cleaned up the dishes she had washed.
∴
“Kyahahaha.”
“Wow!”
The children gathered at Sonbin’s house from early on. The once quiet yard is now crowded with children playing.
As soon as Soso and Angie arrived, they asked Sa Su-yeon to braid their hair, and Sa Su-yeon smiled and touched the children’s hair.
“Hey, doesn’t that smart girl braid?”
‘Smart Sister Teacher’ was referring to Dangwol-ah.
Sa Soo-yeon, who turned her head to hear the lovebird’s words, met the gaze of Dang Wol-ah, who was entrusting her wrist to Eui-in.
“Oh, maybe I… … .”
Touching one’s head is something that cannot be done unless you are very close to each other. It doesn’t matter to little kids like Soso or Lovebird, but the situation is a little different when it comes to Dangwol-ah. Tang Yue’er spoke in a low voice.
“Later.”
“is it so. “Then later.”
Sa Su-yeon took it as a formal rejection and laughed lightly. Then he focused again on touching Soso’s head.
Dangwol-ah quietly watched Sa Su-yeon like that.
“You can’t change the color of your hair.”
Suddenly, Sinui spoke quietly.
“It has already changed fundamentally due to the change in the epicenter. “Just like your eyes.”
Tang Yue’er blinked.
“But there are also things you can do. “Some things are fully treatable.”
“I am different from ordinary people.”
I have lived my whole life as a poisonous sword of the party. And now that fierce poison has become a part of himself. It is bound to be different from ordinary people.
Shinui said as if he was throwing it away.
“know. What are you looking at me for? At least I know what I can and cannot do. Even if you cannot change what has fundamentally changed, you can at least release what has been suppressed. It’s a pity that you too will have to live with this poison for the rest of your life… … .”
Tang Yue’er said nothing. However, her eyes were shining as she looked at Shin Sin.
“It will be quite painful. Even Mabisan won’t work on you.”
“are you okay. “Because I’m used to pain.”
Tang Yue said.
“Is that so?”
Sinui snorted lightly. In this case, all the martial artists brag and boast that they can overcome such pain.
However, once treatment began, most of the patients had to have their mouths gagged and their hands and feet tied. The reason why Shinui says ‘it’s quite painful’ is because the problem is on a different level.
“Treatment will be done after the kids return.”
Xin Yi said to Tang Yue’er. It was God’s consideration for Tang Yue’er.
And that afternoon, Sinui realized that his consideration was not very useful.
∴
“Hmm.”
Sinui pulled out the last needle.
The long silver needle that went deep enough to touch the bone slowly came out, revealing a black discoloration. Until the last moment when the saliva comes out, Tang Yue-ah does not let out a single moan.
Ting.
The last needle was placed on top of the numerous needles that had been removed from her.
Sa Soo-yeon, who was standing next to him, hands a clean cloth to Sinui, who is sweating profusely.
“Are you okay?”
The old man asked Sinui in a blunt voice.
“This isn’t even a problem.”
Shinui said while lightly wiping his sweat.
“Bluff on a topic that seems like it could collapse at any moment.”
Grumbling, Nogun withdrew his hand from Sinui’s back. Every time Sinui used acupuncture, a huge amount of true energy was consumed. If it weren’t for Noh, the procedure alone would have taken several days.
“It’s not a bluff. “Compared to the patient’s pain, it’s nothing.”
Looking at Tang Yue-er, Xinyi shook his head without realizing it. Tang Yue’er really endured that extreme pain. He couldn’t believe it even when he saw it with his own eyes.
“It’s over now. Take a break to rejuvenate yourself. Normally, I would give you some decoction, but for you, it would be better to have a fortune-telling breakfast.”
Rattling.
Sinui stood up from his seat.
“Oh, and I need to change my clothes, so let Yuna help me.”
Tang Yue’er, who was lying down in a robe, turned his head.
“I can do it alone… … .”
“gibberish. When you need help, accept it. “You don’t live alone in this world.”
Eui-ui, who dismissed Dangwol-ah’s trembling voice, spoke to Sa Su-yeon.
“Try to wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. “Stay away from water.”
“yes.”
Sa Su-yeon nodded. Sinui went out together, supported by the old army.
Sweet.
“Whoa.”
Tang Yue’er sat down on the bed and started eating fortune-telling breakfast. Sa Soo-yeon thought to herself as she watched her quietly close her eyes and catch her breath.
‘Why is he covering his face?’
Even while receiving acupuncture treatment, Tang Yue-ah covered her face with a cotton cloth.
It’s still the same now. However, a thin cotton cloth cannot cover Sa Su-yeon’s insight.
‘It’s so pretty.’
Shiny silver hair, long eyelashes, and red lips. To Gunner Yeon, there seemed to be no reason at all to cover her face.
“Haaa.”
In the meantime, Dang Yue-ah’s fortune-telling ceremony was over.
Sa Su-yeon, who was standing guard, helped her change her clothes.
“Um, my head… … .”
Tang Yue’s small voice was so small that it could easily be overlooked. But Sa Su-yeon realized what she was saying.
“ah. is it so. “Let’s do it now.”
Sarah.
Tang Yue-erh sat back down and took off her cotton cloth. Sa Su-yeon slowly caressed Tang Yue-ah’s hair, which was like a gift.
The comb moves slowly along the soft silver hair, which is so thin that it looks as if it might break if not careful.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t said thank you yet.”
Sarak, Sarak.
Sa Su-yeon said while smoothing Dang Wol-ah’s hair.
“The person who told me how to save me was Sojeo, right? The same goes for Hanbing Machinery… … . Thank you, really.”
“You don’t have to thank me. “Because it was all done by Prince Sun.”
“But it’s clear that you did me a favor.”
Sarak, Sarak.
Tang Yue’er said nothing for a while. Then, suddenly, she spoke in a low tone.
“This hairpin… … Please plug it in.”
“A hairpin?”
What Tang Yue-ah handed over was a small, pretty hairpin decorated with silver and jade. The small pink butterfly waving at her tip is impressive.
“I received it from my sister during the wedding ceremony. Although no one actually pinned her hairpin… … .”
Gyerye is a coming-of-age ceremony for women where they wear hairpins. It was an important ritual, similar to a male custom, but there was no way that Tang Yue’er would have anyone to take care of such a thing.
All that her older sister Dang Hwa-ryeon could do was to give her one hairpin. That alone made Dang Yue-ah happy all day long.
“It’s a pretty hairpin.”
fluttering.
Looking at the swaying butterfly decoration, Sa Su-yeon recalled her own funeral ceremony.
“I got it from my mother.”
Sa Su-yeon also did not hold a special ceremony. But she was happy.
“He touched my hair like he does now and put a hairpin on it.”
Sa Su-yeon still remembers her mother’s smiling face and that bright smile.
“It’s my first time.”
Tang Yue’er said in a low voice.
“Putting on a hairpin or having someone else touch your hair… … .”
Sa Su-yeon was a little embarrassed by her words.
‘Is that why you were looking at me like that?’
It occurred to me that this little girl, so small that she could easily be held in my arms, might have had a harder time than I thought. Sa Soo-yeon didn’t have a very normal childhood, either.
Sarah.
Sa Su-yeon lifted Dang Wol-ah’s hair and placed a pretty hairpin on it. Changing her hairstyle makes her feel much more mature.
“That’s Okay.”
Sa Su-yeon said with a smile.
“It’s very pretty.”
Tang Yue’er raised one hand and carefully smoothed her hair. Tang Yue, who seemed both amazed and embarrassed, stretched out his hand and picked up the cotton thread next to the bed.
“ah.”
Sa Soo-yeon sighed involuntarily as she watched Dang Wol-ah wearing a cotton thread. It was decorated beautifully, but to cover it with cotton thread, it could literally be called walking down the street at night wearing silk clothes.
“Shall we go out?”
Tang Yue’er got down from the bed. If she were a normal person, she would have to lie down for several days, but she did not feel any discomfort in her movements.
“Yes it is.”
With a slightly regretful smile, Sa Su-yeon nodded.
Sweet.
The door opened and Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah came out. The eyes of Sinui, Namaknogun, and Sonbin, who were drinking tea, all turn towards the two people.
“Huh, I thought we would be able to move only after the sun went down, but is it coming out already?”
“Thank God.”
Tang Yue’er expressed his gratitude to Xinyi with a polite example. Sinui raised his teacup.
“It’s a small reward for saving Yuna, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“But what has changed?”
The old man frowned and said.
“After all that fuss, not much has changed? It seems like he has grown slightly taller… … .”
“That’s it.”
“that?”
“Due to the extreme miasma, that child’s growth was abnormally halted for a long time. From now on, you will grow taller little by little, and your body will return to normal to some extent.”
Sinui said while taking a sip of hot tea.
“Well, he was recovering naturally anyway. All I did was just help a little. “It’s not that big of a deal.”
While listening to Xinyi’s words, Sun Bin looked at Tang Yue’er. I’m not sure if she grew taller, but her mood definitely seemed to have changed.
“is it?”
Next to me, Noh muttered.
“But do we have to make such a fuss just to make it look a little prettier?”
“So you’re still alone.”
Sinui said while holding a teacup.
“what?”
Noh’s face distorted.
“So you’re not alone? “I’ve never even grabbed a woman’s wrist before, except the patient!”
“Well, that’s… … . Huh.”
Sun Bin looked at Tang Yue’er, ignoring the argument between Xin Yi and Lu Jun, who rarely responded, with one ear.
“Very well, Soger.”
Sonbin bowed and congratulated her. Tang Yue-ah just quietly lowers her head as always. Thanks to this, Son Bin didn’t see Sa Su-yeon’s complexion slightly change.
* * *
Tap, tap.
Several carriages and horses were galloping along the highway, raising dust. The proudly raised flag flutters fiercely in the wind.
“Is Gwangju still far away?”
A tall old man with gray hair riding in a fancy carriage asked as if he were bored. Even though he was an old man, a middle-aged man politely responded to him who seemed like he would put off most young people with his strength alone.
“We will be there soon.”
The middle-aged man was also a warrior with a large physique and thick lines.
“Didn’t you already answer that?”
“sorry.”
The middle-aged man answered in a polite tone. He was so polite and confident that he didn’t seem sorry at all.
“Ah, being the vice president of the ruling party is so crowded… … . “Hyang, do you have anything interesting?”
The slender young lady who was looking out of the carriage smiled slightly.
“Would you like to tell me a story about the history of the Hyeokryeon family or Gwangju? It will arrive soon, so please know in advance… … .”
“I’m not even in the meeting, so why? And I am sick of the revolution. “When I think about the bloody fights we had in the past, my bones still ache.”
Namgoonghyang smiled slightly at those words. Even though he is an old man, no one will believe him when he says that his bones are aching. And the fact is that he is such a talkative person.
“By the way, has your grandfather ever fought directly against the Hyeokryeon family?”
Namgoonghyang tilts his head and asks. There were frequent big and small conflicts with the Hyukryun family over the hegemony of Gangnam Moorim, but there was no case where he took part directly. At least according to the records Namgunghyang has seen.
“Hmm. That means that it is. “It means figuratively, figuratively.”
Namgoonghyang nodded. If he really had come forward in person, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. It literally means an all-out war.
“Grandpa, you’re attending the meeting too, right?”
“I don’t do it.”
The old man flatly refused.
“That’s up to you and this stubborn bastard to do. And so does Kwon. Even if we convince them that we didn’t do it, it’s not enough, so who’s going to look kindly on them when they say, ‘So what happened?’ Not only are the Murim Alliance stepping in to keep us in check, but they are even pulling back the Revolutionary Powers. We ended up killing the later leaders of the faction while missing the Blood Dragon that we really needed to capture. Ah, you idiot. “People may be afraid right now, but it only takes a moment for that to turn into hostility.”
“But such a response is not bad. The way to silence bad reviews is to make them meaningless. And the Blood Dragon Gate is something you will have to encounter at least once.”
“But there is no need to deliberately put yourself in a disadvantageous situation. Besides, you warned me, but I didn’t hear you? Just for this one, yes. If you’re going to ask for help from the Hyukryun Family, you should come yourself. Only then will the Revolutionary Family say, ‘Wow, the head of the family is coming in person!’ Aren’t you going to run out barefoot? But they sent this old man away. “He hasn’t come to his senses yet.”
The complexion of Namgungjeong, Vice President of the Naedang, darkens.
In the Namgung family, where the hierarchy is particularly strict, such complaints about the head of the family are almost taboo. It must be inconvenient for him.
“Why don’t you want to hear it?”
The old man says angrily. However, Namgungjeong had no choice but to endure. Because this old man is the only one qualified to say that.
“no. However, this visit was not a request for help, but rather a kind of consultation and coordination… … .”
“That’s it. They seem to think they were considerate by sending me and Hyangi, but it’s only because their necks are so stiff… … There is still a long way to go. “He seems like a guy who doesn’t know that there is a sky above the sky, tsk tsk.”
The old man clicked his tongue. Namgoonghyang smiled without realizing it because it looked like the old man in the back room wasted his time.
However, Namgungjeong, the vice president of the ruling party, could not laugh.
The head of the previous generation of the Namgung family and the pinnacle master of the previous generation, whose name still resonates throughout the world. This is because Namgung Cheon, the former Noegeom, who gave the world the name Noegeom (雷劍), which was recognized as the title of the head of the family, was this old man.
Although he left everything to his son Namgung Kwon and stepped down, his name is still prominent in the martial arts world.
Tap, tap.
The flag of the Namgung family was raised high in the sky, fluttering proudly on top of the carriage.
The carriage was racing without stopping towards Gwangju, the largest commercial city in Hanam and the location of the Hyeokryun family.
────────────────────────────────────
martial arts,
