Book 9: Chapter 9: Persuasion and Power

Near the border of Henan Province.

There was an old man looking toward the direction of Luoyang from a high ground.

Even though it was late at night, the dark rain clouds hanging over Luoyang in the distance were clear.

Occasionally, lightning flashed, and the sound of thunder echoed faintly all the way to this place.

'…A heavy rain. If they do not open the levee of the upper reaches, it might be dangerous.'

But the old man cut off his thoughts there.

He was no longer the 'Luoyang Governor' anyway.

The coping would have to be taken care of by those living in Luoyang.

“Sir.”

At the words of the guard who was standing watch, the former Luoyang Governor turned around.

“A group of people is approaching from the southeast direction.”

* * *

Astonishment.

“A-Ah, Dark Venerable…”

The gazes of the crowd could not detach themselves from Yeon So-hyeon.

“And the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family…?”

Everyone's gazes went back and forth between the mask Yeon So-hyeon held and his face.

The Dark Venerable appeared in this place?

But that Dark Venerable was the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family?

That Luoyang Sword Family, which was trying to kill them until just now and even at this very moment?

And that Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family appeared before them?

In the form of the Dark Venerable?

“…J-Just what on earth?”

What kind of situation this was right now.

Even those who usually heard they were clever from those around them could not collect their wits at all.

Because they were standing blankly, there was even someone who did not know that the rice mixed with water in the gourd bowl he held in hand was spilling and falling to the floor.

“…W-What? What is going on?”

In the midst of that, there was someone who showed a different reaction.

“G-Greetings to the Eldest Young Master…!”

The chivalrous swordsman, who was said to be a former warrior of the Luoyang Sword Family, knelt on one knee toward Yeon So-hyeon and greeted him with joined hands.

Yeon So-hyeon calmly received his greeting and motioned for him to stand up.

“Do you recognize me?”

“O-Of course.”

Yet the chivalrous swordsman, unable to even straighten his knees, said to Yeon So-hyeon.

“Since I was once in the Guard Pavilion of the Sword Family in the past, I remember all the countenances of the young masters and young ladies.”

The leader of the poor workers who was listening to that conversation immediately knelt down.

“…Greetings to the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.”

At that, one by one they came to their senses and knelt to Yeon So-hyeon.

“Greetings to the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.”

Like a spreading wave, everyone knelt.

“…Thank you. But I would be grateful if you would please stand up.”

Yeon So-hyeon's attitude in receiving their greetings with joined hands was polite.

In that attitude, sincerity was contained more than at any other moment.

“If the chivalrous swordsmen and heroes, whose bravery is matchless and who are highly proud, do this, it is deeply burdensome to me.”

The etiquette emanating from his speech and demeanor was perfect, revealing a restrained dignity.

No one in that place dared to doubt that he was indeed the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon himself.

“T-Then, as you say…”

As the former warrior chivalrous swordsman stood up, everyone checked countenances and straightened their knees. "……."

Yet there was also someone who did not stand up.

“Why are you not standing up?”

At Yeon So-hyeon's question, everyone's gaze turned toward the one who did not stand.

“I, I am…”

He was the leader of the poor workers.

He hung his head, blushing his sun-blackened face in embarrassment.

“I am merely a common laborer who used to carry bricks, sir.”

The Eldest Young Master had asked the chivalrous swordsmen and heroes to stand up.

“…I am neither a hero nor a chivalrous swordsman, but merely a lowborn person.”

“Oh dear…”

Letting out a bitter smile and shaking his head, Yeon So-hyeon approached him.

The chivalrous swordsmen did not dare block his path, stepping aside to the left and right.

“…I have previously discussed righteousness with a young man of a prestigious family.”

Recalling the words he had spoken two evenings ago to Gong Dam-ung, the successor of the Kong Family, Yeon So-hyeon stood in front of the emaciated worker and calmly continued speaking.

“For chivalrous acts have their origin in self-preservation to escape injustice, and stem from the compassion of not turning away from the circumstances of those experiencing the same things as oneself. Therefore, according to that meaning…”

Seeing the Eldest Young Master approach and personally grasp the leader's hand to help him up, everyone gasped.

“You, and all of you, have each risen up for everyone without even caring for your own lives, so you are already true chivalrous swordsmen and heroes.”

Yeon So-hyeon looked around and asked.

“Among the renowned chivalrous swordsmen in this place, is there anyone who can deny these words?”

At Yeon So-hyeon's question, all the chivalrous swordsmen shook their heads.

“How could that be possible?”

The former warrior chivalrous swordsman opened his mouth.

“Rather, since these people stood against injustice despite lacking internal energy and martial arts like us…”

Another chivalrous swordsman picked up his words.

“we would say they possess far greater righteousness and courage than us.”

Everyone expressed agreement.

“Indeed, that is so. Of course.”

“Is it not that stepping forward for everyone despite having no power is the most difficult thing?”

Such words poured out, the Eldest Young Master said to the leader.

“Did you hear?”

Without waiting for an answer, Yeon So-hyeon patted his shoulder.

“Everyone is acknowledging what you have achieved like this. So have pride.”

“…Th-Thank you.”

His voice was choked up.

Had there ever been a time in his life when he was properly recognized by such a high person?

“I will keep those words in mind in the future as well.”

In the past, when he participated in the Northern War.

Even after achieving military merits worthy of receiving a medal, he was someone who had his achievements stolen by his superior and had to merely watch that superior receive praise from the general.

Yet to think that he, who had dared commit what was no different from rebellion, would receive such commendation from the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.

Could he have even imagined it? "……."

While everyone was looking at that sight and their eyes were turning red.

The former warrior chivalrous swordsman opened his mouth.

“Eldest Young Master.”

He carefully brought up the words.

“I have heard that the Eldest Young Master showed interest in our Spring of Luoyang.”

Indeed, there was such a conversation.

The chivalrous swordsmen belonging to the Spring of Luoyang, recalling that conversation, let out low exclamations without realizing it.

“Could it be…?!”

“Did the Eldest Young Master come to help us?”

Everyone's gazes turned toward Yeon So-hyeon, carrying the eagerness of expectation.

If he were merely the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family, there would have been those who doubted his true intentions.

But since it was revealed that he was the Dark Venerable, no one dared to doubt his heart.

Furthermore, since Yeon So-hyeon had even called the workers who rose in rebellion true chivalrous swordsmen and heroes.

It was a natural course for them to harbor such hope.

“Of course.”

At Yeon So-hyeon's sharp answer, the expressions around him brightened.

“I came here in person with that intention.”

While most expressed joy at those words, some did not.

“…Eldest Young Master.”

The former warrior of the Luoyang Sword Family was also one of the minority.

“I am sorry, but I know that this situation right now is by no means easy.”

Because of his background, he knew what kind of state the Eldest Young Master was in within the Luoyang Sword Family.

Those who were about to cheer closed their mouths one by one at his words.

“Although we feel gratitude beyond expression that you have come all this way and recognized our intent…”

Those who understood what he was saying stiffened their faces and focused their gaze on the conversation.

“We are ones who attacked the Sword Family, threatened its business, and dared to rise in rebellion. Since even the government army is intervening, we are no different from rebels. For us to…”

Instead of his comrade who trailed off as if finding it difficult how to continue speaking, the chivalrous swordsman in charge of explosives spoke in his stead.

“Thwarting this situation seems impossible, even if it is the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family.” "……."

Just as they had briefly brightened with hope, a heavier silence settled down weightily.

Everyone in this place had heard of the notoriety of the 'Swordless One' at least once.

And because they were in an isolated position, they would have had no information about the things Yeon So-hyeon had done.

And frankly, even if they had known of those deeds, they would not have had realistic expectations other than a faint hope.

“We have already stained too much blood on our hands.”

The leader said, calmly accepting reality.

“No matter if the Eldest Young Master is the Dark Venerable, we cannot ask you to attack the siege network to save even a part of us.”

Although they were currently confronting the Sword Family's warriors and government soldiers due to unavoidable circumstances.

“…There cannot fail to be innocent ones among them. Therefore.”

At those words, the members hung their heads toward the floor one by one.

“Therefore, if the Eldest Young Master could petition for even the part of us who did not stain blood on our hands later—” yeon So-hyeon's voice cut off the leader's words.

“Certainly.”

“It is indeed insufficient with the authority of the Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.” "……."

At those words, some even looked at Yeon So-hyeon with dissatisfied eyes.

Why then did he blow hope in a manner that he had come to save them, making them realize their situation even more?

“But.”

Making eye contact with each of those looking at him, Yeon So-hyeon wore a gentle smile.

“The force of a proper authority sometimes comes from 'advising and persuading more powerful people to move' as well.”

* * *

“Did you check the signal?”

The guard nodded at the words of the former Luoyang Governor.

“The signal is correct. It is the very signal that you told us in advance, sir.”

Those approaching from afar were sending signals by covering and opening their lanterns.

“…I see.”

The old man, having personally verified the signal, patted the guard's shoulder.

“Send a signal that they may approach.”

“Yes, sir.”

The guard manipulated the lantern he held and sent the signal.

Watching the flickering light of the lantern.

The former Luoyang Governor recalled last night—strictly speaking, since it had passed midnight now, the night before last.

Much like now.

Around the time when the light of the oil lamps, which was running out of oil, flickered irregularly.

They had summoned him to a secret place without notice.

No.

Since he had heard in advance from the Kong Family to wait unconditionally.

It was not that there was no notice.

“Right. Since you kept us waiting this long, you must have made up your mind by now?”

“Aren't you contemplating for too long, keeping these old and powerless elderly standing?”

The Luoyang Governor ground his teeth inwardly at the old men's words.

'In fact, the one standing right now is me!'

Just like his thoughts.

The old men were sitting in their seats, and he was continuing to stand.

But the reason he did not dare shout those words out loud was…

“Surely, that guy just swore at us with his eyes, did he not?”

“Mmh. He is a fellow who will collect his wits only after losing an eyeball while sleeping.”

“Look how his thoughts are revealed on his face like that; how did he rise to the position of Governor? Tsk, tsk.”

Because those who sat looking at him and clicking their tongues were none other than the notorious old devils of Mount Beimang.

“You rascal.”

At the call of the old devil who said he came at the request of the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family, the Luoyang Governor immediately bowed his head and replied.

“Yes, sir.”

“Is calculation difficult?”

“No, it is not that, sir… Asking me to make such a major decision so suddenly is—” at the sound of clicking tongues once more, the Luoyang Governor wiped his cold sweat and shut his mouth.

“Tsk, tsk.”

“For the sake of a dullard like you, we will kindly do the calculation in your stead.”

The old devil, Gongsun Na-gang, said.

“You must have heard that the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family visited Mount Beimang today.”

Another old devil picked up his words.

“And you will know how big of an affair it will become in the future.”

“Then you will naturally understand how great of a disaster it will be to your last official life before retirement.”

Setting other things aside.

Just seeing these notorious old devils crawling down from Mount Beimang and moving in a swarm.

'…Horrible.'

Just what kind of ill omen was this for what would happen in the future?

It was the moment the peaceful Luoyang Governor post, which everyone envied, turned into a carriage ride straight to hell.

“So just close your eyes tightly and stamp the Governor's official seal here.”

One old devil tapped the document placed on the table with his hand.

“Look closely.”

It was a document whose contents he had already looked into several times.

There was no need to look at it again.

“…If I stamp the official seal there, my Governor post and my life will be over.”

Stamping the official seal on a document that went against the decision of the Luoyang Sword Family had such a meaning.

“Sheesh. Look at this foolish man…”

The old devils beat their chests as if frustrated.

“Though to your hazy eyes, this document might look like your own execution warrant.”

“Look closely, I say.”

“This is the only way for you to survive.”

He too knew that those words were correct. "……."

Opening his eyes, the Luoyang Governor, who had been contemplating while dripping with cold sweat, spoke.

“…Even if you, sirs, are the former patriarchs of the Sixteen Families of the Imperial Capital.”

He swallowed dry saliva and continued speaking.

“Yunnan Province is a place where even the authority of the Imperial Family does not reach.”

“Indeed.”

“The Governor of Yunnan Province is practically chosen by the Dali Duan Family. How can you guarantee the Governor post of such a place?”

“We are not the ones guaranteeing it.”

“Excuse me?”

The old devil, Gongsun Na-gang, who used to assist the Emperor at the closest distance in the past, wore a distorted smile.

“The one who guarantees the Governor post is the Dali Duan Family.”

“Sir.”

The former Luoyang Governor, who had been reminiscing about the past, suddenly snapped out of it.

“They will be visible to the naked eye shortly. Please verify if they are the ones.”

Like the guard's words.

The figures approaching close were revealed under the moonlight.

The one standing at the very front among them stood out. "……."

He hung a leather, which seemed to belong to a spiritual beast, on one shoulder, and his blue eyes were clearly emitting light like night-glowing pearls.

“…They are the ones.”

Those eyes are unmistakably the symbol of the Dali Duan Family.

It was the symbol of the clan that ruled Yunnan Province.

“Are you the figure mentioned in the letter? The former Luoyang Governor?”

“That is correct. It is indeed me.”

At that question, the former Luoyang Governor nodded his head vigorously.

“I stamped all the official seals you asked me to! The processing of the documents is finished! I did everything you asked me to do!”

He said as if shouting.

“If I do not make contact regularly, those documents will all become useless even afterward!”

At those words, the man who was clearly a direct blood relative of the Dali Duan Family tilted his head.

“Official seal? Documents?”

He spoke to the former Luoyang Governor.

“I would not know about such things. Nor does it matter.”

“I-It does not matter?”

Then why on earth did they say they would give him the Yunnan Province Governor post only when he processed those cursed documents?

“Yes. It does not matter.”

The man showed a smile, baring his teeth in the moonlight.

“Our Dali Duan Family is merely paying the proper price to the Eldest Young Master of the Sword Family.”

“Th-The Eldest Young Master? A proper price…?”

At those words, the man of the Dali Duan Family gave no further explanation.

“(This guy seems to know nothing about the 'deal' with the Eldest Young Master.)” a warrior spoke in a tribal language.

It was the language of one of the countless tribes forming the southern part of Yunnan.

“(Is it indeed alright to seat such a guy in the Governor post?)” the man turned around.

“(It does not matter.)” gauging the direction of Yunnan in the distance, he spoke to his subordinate.

“(Thanks to the Eldest Young Master, we also obtained the development rights for the Chongqing city development project, and became able to participate in the Yangtze River waterway expansion and maintenance project.)” he even recovered half of Chongqing's land, which the Emei Sect had tried to take easily.

“(The Governor post, which is nothing more than an honorary post at best, is nothing.)” the man turned around and showed a smile to the former Luoyang Governor.

“(…You are correct, sir.)” the calculation of the price for the deal had to be made clear.

“(Rather, this alone is insufficient as the price we must pay him.)” as the descendants of the Dali Royal Family. "……."

The only thing the old man, who did not understand what conversation they were sharing, could do was merely follow the man and force a smile.

“Heh, hehe.”

Looking at that foolish smile, the man asked his subordinate.

“(The mansion for him must have been completed?)”

“(Yes. As the Eldest Young Master requested, the patriarch ordered the slaves to build it in the 'deepest part of the jungle.')” the man was satisfied with that answer, recalling the contents of the letter that contained the Eldest Young Master's demands.

“(…Just as the Eldest Young Master predicted. For that man who knows no honor to discard even his family and appear alone.)” at those words, the warrior massaged the back of his neck, which had broken out in goosebumps without his realization.

“(…How did he predict all of this and send a letter through the Prince several months ago?)”

“(Could it be that the Eldest Young Master has eyes that see the future, just like what the great prophet said?)”

“(To think it is a thousand-li eye…)” as the warriors began to whisper, the man laughed heartily.

“(They say that one who can become a true king is not one who foresees the future, but one who can create the desired future.)” looking toward the direction of Luoyang in the distance, he said.

“(I wonder which one the Eldest Young Master is.)”