NABC Book 5: Chapter 7
Book 5: Chapter 7
Book 5: Chapter 7
We must return to the north at once! Whether by ship or carriage, prepare the fastest one!
As soon as he arrived at the lodging, Dong Ga-hyu, with a face pale as death, was screaming at the top of his lungs, causing the servants to scatter in all directions.
Run! Keep running!
Dong Ga-hyu continued to urge on the backs of the servants as they dispersed.
In this situation, the only way to survive is to become a limb of that Eldest Young Master!
He looked down at his hands, still trembling.
That way, he wont be able to dispose of me easily. The more competently I handle tasks, the longer I will live!
Eventually, a path will open up.
In truth, abandoning everything and fleeing overseas had the highest chance of survival.
But to give up everything he had achieved so far?
That option had never existed in his mind.
I will survive! There will be no defeat at this point! In the end, I will be the one to have the last laugh!
Whether he will succeed as he intends remains to be seen.
* * *
The Ugrai Tribe was not even a familiar name to Elder Yeom, who had lived in the north for half his life.
He had only heard the name.
It was a tribe that had no relation to the Central Plains, both geographically and politically.
Perhaps the merchants using the Silk Road might know.
Yet, the Eldest Young Master sitting before him knew far too much about such a tribe.
He even knew about incidents within the tribe that occurred before he was born.
How could he possibly know that the perpetrator of that incident and the target of the war in the north were the same person?
As if sensing his question, the Eldest Young Master smiled at him.
This Eldest Young Master has many friends far and wide.
Is that so
It was an explanation that couldnt be more insufficient, yet it was also a response that was difficult to probe further.
A network of information sources that provide reliable information was said to be as valuable as a vein of gold.
Asking for the source was akin to trying to freeload off that network, so it was natural to be at a loss for words.
.
Seeing her father immersed in thought with a low hum, Yeom Baek-ha cautiously spoke up.
May I dare to ask about something that piques my curiosity?
By all means.
Yeon So-hyeon nodded readily.
Why did Dong Ga-hyu grovel so lowly before you, my lord? When he first entered, it seemed as though he was unaware that you knew his secret.
She was an exceedingly intelligent and talented woman, but ultimately, she couldnt find the answer.
And that was to be expected, as this was a question that was nearly impossible to speculate on without specific information.
The Eldest Young Master answered with a gentle smile.
It seems Elder Yeom may have a guess as to the answer to that question.
The Eldest Young Master looked towards Elder Yeom.
Why not share your thoughts, Elder Yeom?
I thought I had concealed my suspicions well enough
Elder Yeom inwardly smirked bitterly and asked the Eldest Young Master.
As you may know, this concerns confidential matters related to you, my lord. Is it alright to disclose it to my daughter?
Of course, it is. Isnt she your successor?
With permission granted, Elder Yeom briefly explained.
There has been talk within the Council of Elders that the Eldest Young Master has been betrothed for some time. This information has been controlled outside the council.
A betrothal?! The Eldest Young Master?!
Yeom Baek-ha reacted as if she had heard tragic news about a lover, leaving the Eldest Young Master looking puzzled.
However, Elder Yeom, who had long been aware of his daughters feelings, continued with a bitter smile.
Until now, the identity of the other family involved has not been disclosed, but seeing Dong Ga-hyus reaction today, it became clear.
The Eldest Young Master is betrothed? The Eldest Young Master is betrothed?
Though Yeom Baek-ha was the one who posed the question, she now seemed to be in distress.
Elder Yeom decided to give his daughter some time to recover from her internal shock and turned to the Eldest Young Master.
Is my guess correct?
The Eldest Young Master, who had been looking at Yeom Baek-ha with curiosity, nodded.
Thats correct.
Turning his gaze back to Elder Yeom, the Eldest Young Master inquired.
It seems you also have an idea of who the betrothed family might be.
That is correct.
And who might that be?
However
A determined look appeared in Elder Yeoms eyes.
This father will not give up everything in the end.
At the same time, in the dining hall of Wongak Pavilion.
A spacious area where members of Wongak Pavilion took turns dining together.
.
Elder Yeoms chief warrior was sweating profusely.
He had been unable to properly eat a single spoonful of rice for a while now.
Why arent you eating?
The reason was the person sitting opposite him, enjoying their meal.
Doesnt it taste good?
At the Eldest Young Masters question, the maidservants who had been chatting and eating around them all turned their gaze towards the chief warrior.
No, no! Its delicious!
He hurriedly stuffed food into his mouth.
He couldnt even distinguish the taste.
Youll get indigestion. Drink some water.
As the Eldest Young Master kindly poured him some water, the chief warrior internally screamed.
I wouldnt get indigestion if you werent here!
* * *
Elder Yeom silently showed his daughter the note he had received from a maid of Wongak Pavilion.
The Eldest Young Master wishes for a private meeting.
The observation period for Elder Yeoms successor had come to an end.
This meant that the decisive battle that would determine the fate of the Yeom family was approaching.
Elder Yeom stood up.
Ill be back.
Yeom Baek-ha looked at her father with a worried expression.
Do you have a new strategy?
The strategies they had prepared beforehand were now virtually useless.
Elder Yeom nodded.
Yes.
He directed his gaze towards the Eldest Young Masters office, visible in the distance through the window.
I plan to confront him honestly for starters.
Yeom Baek-ha hid her trembling hands under the table and tried to smile as brightly as she could.
Please come back safely!
Her complexion looked unusually pale.
In the office of Wongak Pavilion.
Jung-ah prepared a new tea set and reported,
When you subdued that merchants will, Elder Yeom too nearly lost his will to fight.
But he ultimately endured and did not break.
Yeon So-hyeon, who was leisurely leaning back in his chair, smiled as if amused.
In the face of death, he finds a way to survive.
A spirit that never gives up.
A virtue commonly found among undefeated generals.
It was a compliment.
Yeon So-hyeon was praising a person whose role as friend or foe was yet undecided.
And you say such comforting words again.
Il-ryeong, who was cleaning the floor, curled her lips.
Didnt you wish to have Elder Yeom under your command, my lord?
Yeon So-hyeon laughed and replied to her bold question,
Of course. The power of a single elder in the politics of the main family is like having an army of thousands.
Jung-ah nodded in agreement.
Currently, you have no allies within the Council of Elders, my lord.
I really cant grasp what youre thinking.
Il-ryeong sighed and continued cleaning the floor.
The smell of cold sweat from Dong Ga-hyu had left her in a very unpleasant mood.
Elder Yeom is on his way here.
Jung-ah stated while looking towards the distant wall.
Yeon So-hyeon slowly rubbed his palms together and smiled broadly.
Now, Elder Yeom. What path of survival have you found?