Book 11: Chapter 8: Old Vassal

Yeon So-hyeon had told the patriarchs of the new alliance families to pledge their loyalty.

And the patriarchs had jumped in outrage, saying it made no sense.

“Did you see the line of investors outside?”

“They smelled the money.”

“A massive crowd has gathered. The Eldest Young Master won't run out of money for his business for a while.”

However.

Their talk about the meeting between the Emperor and the former patriarchs of the Sixteen Families had also run dry now.

And once they finished talking about the investors gathered outside.

“…Mmm.”

“Hmm.”

It was they who began to recall their own situations in their minds anew.

'Should I go and pledge loyalty to the Eldest Young Master even now…?'

'This is awkward. If I move first, I'll be conscious of what the other patriarchs think.'

'Still, if I don't move now, I feel like it will be too late….'

'It seems everyone has roughly finished their calculations….'

The delicate center of gravity formed as they watched each other's expressions.

Began to break with the appearance of one person.

“Have you returned.”

The son-in-law of the Seo Family rose from his seat.

“How did the matter go?”

He politely asked his wife, who had returned.

“Fortunately, it went well.”

The son-in-law breathed a sigh of relief.

“That is good to hear.”

The patriarchs, unable to follow their conversation, stared with puzzled eyes.

'I thought she went to tidy up her attire?'

'What exactly went well?'

The Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family waved her hand.

“Now, let us leave. We have no more business here.”

In a situation where it would have been fine to ask a maid or someone to quietly call her husband out and leave.

The reason why she had bothered to return in person and speak.

Was noticed by her quick-witted husband.

“Has the first command been issued?”

“Yes.”

The Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family spoke as if to let the patriarchs watching them hear.

“The 'Lord' of our clan has issued his first command.”

At her words, the patriarchs wore expressions as if they had been struck on the back of the head out of nowhere in broad daylight.

“……!”

“D-Did you just say Lord?”

“Could it be that you pledged loyalty to the Eldest Young Master in the meantime?!”

Although there were patriarchs who pressed her with such questions.

Those who were quicker-witted.

And faster to act.

“I-I have some business to attend to. Just a moment…!”

“Hey! Wait! I want to go with you!”

Kicked open the door and stepped out immediately.

The delicate center of gravity was already broken.

Since someone who pledged loyalty had already come forward.

They no longer needed to watch each other's expressions.

A commotion arose with those rushing out of the reception room to meet the Eldest Young Master.

“They have neither dignity nor decorum.”

In the reception room that had emptied in an instant, the son-in-law shrugged his shoulders.

“Well done.”

Towards him, the Acting Patriarch smiled.

“You played along wittily at that moment.”

At her words, he smiled.

“Since we are headed to the battlefield anyway, it would be better to have even one more 'meat shield' for our new Lord.”

“They say that in Jiangnan, where there are many firearms lately, the term 'bullet shield' has also emerged.”

The smiles of the couple were strangely alike, with a chilling aspect.

* * *

“Your grandfather.”

Yeon So-hyeon said to Kang Ho.

“How much do you know about Kang Sang?”

“Do you mean my grandfather…” hearing his grandfather's name from another person's mouth was a truly long-awaited occurrence.

Because his grandfather was a figure whose name no one in the State of Zhongyuan could easily call.

“He was the loyalist among loyalists to the late Emperor, and served as Prime Minister twice, during the reign of the Late Emperor and the current Emperor.”

Calling such a person's name so casually.

Must be because Yeon So-hyeon's friendship with his grandfather was that deep.

“…I could go on endlessly if it were the gossip that everyone else knows, but.”

However, the question Yeon So-hyeon threw at him, 'How much do you know about Kang Sang?', must have a deeper meaning.

“It seems the Eldest Young Master rather knows about my grandfather more deeply than I do.”

Kang Ho raised his eyes and looked at Yeon So-hyeon.

“Although the relationship between me and my grandfather is very close, it was merely a grandfather-grandson relationship after all.”

In his gaze was a hidden envy toward Yeon So-hyeon that he could not conceal.

In the first place, was the very fact that he, Kang Ho, had headed to the Luoyang Sword Family even after passing the imperial palace examination at the top.

Not because his grandfather, Kang Sang, had talked to Kang Ho about Yeon So-hyeon on a daily basis?

'Haha, Kang Ho. Look at this letter that fellow So-hyeon sent. Do you dare comprehend this outstanding insight?'

His grandfather had kept every single one of the Eldest Young Master's letters preciously.

'Sigh. If only that fellow So-hyeon had not remained in seclusion, he would have accomplished great things by now…' on rainy days, he would control his gloomy mood with alcohol and talk about the Eldest Young Master.

'…All of this is my fault for not listening closely to his words,' sometimes, without head or tail.

Even when he abruptly muttered incomprehensibly to himself, it was surely a story related to Yeon So-hyeon.

Among them, before Kang Ho's perfect memory ability, there was a memory deeply engraved in his mind.

It was none other than.

'Do not be arrogant.'

When everyone praised him, Kang Ho, as a genius.

It was the words his grandfather had said.

'The real genius is Yeon So-hyeon. I am speaking of that fellow.'

Even though he had heard all kinds of stories about being a prodigy or a talented youth since childhood.

Even though he recorded overwhelming grades at the academy.

Even though he passed at the top of the imperial palace examination held before His Majesty the Emperor.

His grandfather's opinion had not changed.

“But my grandfather is someone who has retired a long time ago anyway. How is such a person related to the current crustal shift in the Imperial Capital—” at the sound of a cautious knock on the door, Yeon So-hyeon raised his hand, and Kang Ho shut his mouth.

“Before that, a moment.”

“Master…! The alliance patriarchs are requesting to see the Master all at once right now…!”

In Il-ryeong's voice coming from outside, a look of bewilderment, unlike her usual self, was clear.

'If they are the patriarchs, aren't they in the same position as the Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family from earlier.'

Why did they flock here in a group.

As Kang Ho was about to start thinking.

“…It seems the Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family instigated them.”

Yeon So-hyeon had already given the answer.

“It must have been to somehow increase the headcount to fight together.”

He muttered, wearing a faint smile on his lips.

“It is convenient since they move on their own.”

The fact that the alliance patriarchs flocked here now.

Before that, the fact that the Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family had pledged loyalty first.

And various other matters.

Those facts were well known to Kang Ho, since he had also been here, but.

He had to perform 'deduction.'

Yeon So-hyeon reached the 'answer' immediately.

“…I see.”

Kang Ho to hide his expression from which a bitter smile leaked, lifted the teacup placed in front of him.

'Grandfather…' he muttered inwardly.

'Lately, your grandson is fully feeling, just as Grandfather said, that there is a higher heaven above the heavens.'

“Tell them to enter.”

As soon as Yeon So-hyeon's permission was granted, the patriarchs rushed in as if to break down the door.

“Eldest Young Master!”

“If you would accept our clan's loyalty as well…!”

“Hey, do not push! Keep to the order!”

“Our clan is far more capable than the Seo Family!”

Once the dam collapsed, resisting the trend became impossible.

And the patriarchs, who had only been watching the situation until the end, realized that they had no place left to retreat.

“Eldest Young Master…!”

Thus.

Right now, in front of Yeon So-hyeon, they were displaying a state like a short comedy sketch.

'But at this rate.'

Kang Ho thought, frowning.

'Even if the Eldest Young Master accepts their loyalty immediately, it won't look good this way.'

The Acting Patriarch of the Seo Family had at least observed minimal formalities and expressed respect, but.

These people were now demanding that he accept their loyalty like peddlers at a five-day market.

Insisting with such momentum.

'They behave uglily until the very end.'

Since Kang Ho also knew well how they had postponed and postponed their decision, dragging their feet.

He could never look upon them kindly.

'The Eldest Young Master must have some way—' glancing at Yeon So-hyeon, Kang Ho confirmed his relaxed expression and nodded.

'Indeed. The Eldest Young Master seems to have a plan.'

And Yeon So-hyeon's 'way' visited his office as soon as his thought finished.

“Master, the guest you mentioned has arrived…!”

Il-ryeong shouted something, but it was drowned out by the disturbance the patriarchs were causing.

“Everyone, show respect!”

A voice filled with ringing internal energy.

The patriarchs of prestigious, prominent families were unlikely to be intimidated by a voice containing mere internal energy.

“…….”

Yet, despite that, they had to remain silent.

Because.

“Elder Gong Ryang, the current patriarch of the Gong Family among the Sixteen Imperial Capital Families and who served as Prime Minister, has personally visited the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family!”

Gong Dam-ung, who had only roughly washed his face and changed his clothes after fighting a fierce battle, rolled in a wheeled chair.

“…….”

Sitting in the chair was Gong Ryang.

One of the old demons, and.

The current patriarch of the Gong Family had visited Yeon So-hyeon in person.

“Why are these rascals so noisy? Is this a marketplace?”

“Rascals…?!”

The patriarchs, who had momentarily flared up at the word rascals, immediately bowed their heads and lowered their eyes upon making eye contact with Gong Ryang.

'Did they not say he had only just risen from his sickbed?!'

'What on earth is that gaze…!'

They felt their spines chill.

“Eldest Young Master.”

Although everyone bowed their heads and avoided his eyes, Gong Ryang's expression was somewhat unsatisfied.

“Are these rascals the forces to be newly deployed to the battlefield?”

“Yes.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled and expressed affirmation.

“Are they not to your liking?”

Gong Ryang grumbled.

“Even though they are the patriarchs of prominent families. Their appearance is like a sack of borrowed barley.”

His gaze examining the patriarchs was indifferent, which made it extremely chilling.

“Doesn't the saying go that a master calligrapher does not blame his brush?”

When Yeon So-hyeon spoke so with a hint of laughter, Gong Ryang nodded as if he had no choice.

“I am no master calligrapher, but. Well, in a situation like this, beggars cannot be choosers.”

“E-Excuse me, Eldest Young Master…!”

One of the patriarchs squeezed out his courage and spoke.

“What on earth is this situation—” however, the words he barely squeezed out his courage to say were not even finished.

“Silence, you rascal!”

“Rascals who were talking about pledging loyalty or whatever dare to carelessly cut into the conversation of their elders?!”

A vocal volume that was hard to believe belonged to someone with no internal energy and who had been in a sickbed until recently.

“I-I apologize!”

Not only the one who spoke, but even the remaining patriarchs broke out in a cold sweat.

“You have pledged loyalty to the Eldest Young Master, and the Eldest Young Master has handed over control of you to me, so you must follow my command in the future.”

“……!”

Under Gong Ryang's command.

The patriarchs gasped.

“Your clans will be deployed immediately to the war with the alliance families of the Second Young Master's side.”

Gong Ryang looked at the patriarchs, baring his teeth as he forced a smile.

“You will now bleed under me, and in addition to proving your value, you must prove that you are properly pledging loyalty.”

“…….”

“…….”

Gong Ryang laughed as if finally satisfied at that sight.

“If you are dissatisfied with this treatment, blame yourselves for failing to make a decision, dragging your feet, and carving away your own value.”

What more could be said to that.

“…….”

The patriarchs could not speak and only opened and closed their mouths like fish in a pond, eventually hanging their heads.

At that, Gong Ryang finally smiled in satisfaction.

“Everyone, follow my grandson.”

“I am Gong Dam-ung.”

Gong Ryang's grandson, Gong Dam-ung, showed respect to the patriarchs.

“This fellow will kindly inform you of the frontlines where you are to be deployed.”

Like impoverished conscripts who had just been drafted.

With their heads hung low, they meekly walked toward the exit following Gong Dam-ung.

Once they had all emptied the room and the door was closed.

Gong Ryang smiled brightly toward Yeon So-hyeon.

“Eldest Young Master! It has been a long time!”

Although it had been only a few days.

In the appearance of the old man acting as if they had not met for years.

One could not recall the image of him scattering murderous intent just moments ago at all.

“Welcome, Elder.”

Toward Yeon So-hyeon, who was about to politely show respect by clasping his hands, Gong Ryang waved his hand.

“Ahem…! Why show respect between us?”

“Haha, dear me. Elder.”

Instead of observing formalities, the two expressed the joy of meeting a comrade with a simple embrace.

“…….”

Watching that sight from the side, Kang Ho shook his head.

'When I heard the news that the Gong Family had stepped forward to side with the Eldest Young Master, I could not believe it…' upon confirming the friendship of the two, why the Gong Family had readily stood on Yeon So-hyeon's side in this battlefield.

Kang Ho could understand in an instant.

'Just like Grandfather, did the Eldest Young Master also have a friendship with Elder Gong Ryang…!'

As time passed, the difference between the Eldest Young Master and himself became more real.

While he had been learning letters with greenhorns at the academy, the Eldest Young Master had been building friendships with those who would remain in history.

“Eldest Young Master!”

Gong Ryang did not even hide his joy, showing it on his face and in his voice.

“I have brought good news for you!”

Hearing those words, an expression of relief flickered across Yeon So-hyeon's face.

“…The operation in the Imperial Capital has succeeded.”

“Yes! And it is a massive success!”

Gong Ryang laughed loudly.

“Those fellows got hit on the back of the head by us with their eyes wide open!”

* * *

The Imperial Capital.

“Second Young Master of the Sword Family!”

“You have come!”

In the voices calling the Second Young Master as he entered the meeting hall where the patriarchs of the Sixteen Families, excluding the Gong Family, were gathered.

There was only urgency filling the air.

Without a single point of goodwill.

“The meeting between the Eldest Young Master and the former patriarchs! And the rumor of the former patriarchs having an audience with His Majesty the Emperor! All of this was a distraction!”

The patriarchs in the conference room ground their teeth.

“It was all to deceive our eyes!”

The Second Young Master frowned beneath his mask.

“What on earth is the situation, will someone explain properly.”

What was all this before he could even sit down.

“We were hit on the back of the head while we were all distracted by the movement of the former patriarchs!”

One of the patriarchs slammed the thick conference table.

“The Imperial Loyalists and the Reformists joined hands…! They called Kang Sang, that crazy old man, back to the palace!”