Volume 5 Chapter 4 – Go Strength

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Translated by Rain

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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The interior of the office, designed to let in only the minimum amount of natural light, was surprisingly neat.

Not a single common painting or calligraphy hung there, nor were there any luxurious handicrafts, or even silk to decorate the room.

The extremely practical and business-like space was so nearly empty that it did not even allow one to guess the owner’s temperament.

Yeom Baek-ha bit her lip.

‘No, rather, this scene itself might be reflecting its owner’s mental image.’

Black marble imported from Yunnan was laid across the entire floor, forming a sense of intimidation; the pillars were made of whole pieces of precious black ironwood; and the heavy, massive desk was a lacquered piece processed from a single log of cypress wood whose age was hard to guess.

‘A majesty clearly existing amidst extreme restraint.’

While her sharp eyes guessed the intention of the interior decoration, Elder Yeom greeted the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon in a respectful manner.

“An elder of the Main Family, this Yeom greets the Eldest Young Master.”

“A Law Enforcement Envoy of the Main Family, and the daughter of this Yeom, greets the Eldest Young Master. Please look upon my inability to fully express my courtesy due to my uncomfortable body with pity, and grant me forgiveness and understanding.”

“Of course I understand. Do not mind at all.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled and extended his hand, pointing to the chairs prepared for the Yeom father and daughter.

“Then, this way.”

He stood up from his chair to receive them, yet did not rush forward frivolously to welcome them, instead extending his hand to guide them without a single fold of his clothes being disarrayed.

While also maintaining a straight posture with a straight spine.

All of those movements were elegant in accordance with the proper standard and contained moderate dignity, clearly revealing his family background, and showing a high level of refinement and strict education level matching it.

‘He is a completely different person from back then.’

Yeom Baek-ha realized at that moment.

That the boy physician in cotton clothes whom she had met in person in Walnut Village before and this person in front of her eyes now were as good as completely different people.

The figure in front of herself and her father now was no other than the ‘Eldest Young Master’ of the Great Luoyang Sword Family, Yeon So-hyeon.

* * *

The conversation continued smoothly.

Elder Yeom congratulated the Eldest Young Master on the end of his confinement.

The Eldest Young Master, who received the prepared gift in person, expressed his joy and gratitude, while Elder Yeom wished for the Eldest Young Master’s good health and achievements.

Although there were elements that could be sensitive or blatant here and there, the two subtly avoided such subjects.

The conversation remained strictly at a social level, and when necessary, was conducted smoothly through political and diplomatic rhetoric.

It was an atmosphere far more favorable than Yeom Baek-ha had expected.

While rejoicing inwardly, Yeom Baek-ha listened carefully to every single word of the two people’s conversation.

Such an experience was a precious thing that could not be exchanged for anything else, and it would undoubtedly shine when she succeeded her father to become the patriarch of the Yeom family.

“Come to think of it, how is Elder Yeom’s work going?”

The Eldest Young Master savored the aroma of the tea prepared by the maid with a dignified attitude, softly continuing the conversation.

“From what I hear, you are executing a very important mission related to the north?”

Elder Yeom also enjoyed his tea and replied casually.

“If it were my private matter, I would dismiss it as trivial, but since it is executing the Main Family’s work, I approach everything thinking of it as important work.”

“I heard there are difficult points, though?”

“Setting aside the weight of the matter, big and small problems are bound to arise in all things. I only do my best to execute it.”

The Eldest Young Master nodded with a concise yet sincere attitude.

“It is indeed an excellent attitude. With someone like Elder Yeom, the Main Family’s future can indeed be said to be bright.”

“I am ashamed.”

Perhaps the conversation just now might have been inappropriate for the Eldest Young Master, who did not yet have any real power, to say.

However, with an attitude appropriate to his position, Elder Yeom just let it pass smoothly.

However, the Eldest Young Master took another step in.

“Would you not at least tell me what kind of mission it is? Although this Eldest Young Master has no power, I am curious as to what kind of problems related to the Main Family exist in the north.”

Elder Yeom’s hand, which was putting down his teacup, stopped for a moment.

However, because the mission he had undertaken was not particularly a secret matter and was something the Eldest Young Master could easily find out if he tried, he proceeded to explain as naturally as possible.

The Eldest Young Master, who listened while leaning forward slightly and adding brief responses to Elder Yeom’s explanation, nodded.

“I see. To summarize, it is a mission to win the business rights for the fortress walls and gateways that must undergo extensive repair work after the Northern War.”

“That is correct.”

The Eldest Young Master nodded much more slowly and continued.

“Yet, you are experiencing difficulties between General Gwak Gyu, who holds the final authority over the selection of the contractor, and the Governor of the Northern Autonomous Region, who is the administrative head of the area?”

Elder Yeom smiled bitterly and bowed his head.

“That is correct.”

“And the situation is that the Imperial Capital is postponing the decision-making power to the site?”

“Since they are two people who possess power to the extent that they must not be offended, after all…”

“It has become a difficult problem.”

“I only do my best.”

Yeom Baek-ha also sighed deeply inside.

In fact, this problem was much deeper and more difficult than what was revealed in the conversation.

The chasm between the general’s family and the Governor, which was already bad originally, became like cats and dogs with this war as the catalyst.

The attempt to build a bridge between them was in fact equivalent to jumping into a fire while carrying firewood.

Choosing one side was also impossible.

Even if they received the consent of one side, the construction would never proceed due to the other side whose pride was hurt.

Furthermore, in the face of the conflict between those powerful figures, the name ‘Hero of the Northern War’ and the position of ‘Elder of the Luoyang Sword Family’ were of little use.

“This must be troublesome for you.”

Elder Yeom tried to pass it over smoothly again.

“Since there are several elders who cooperate with me, there will be good news in the near future. Rather than that…”

However, Yeon So-hyeon showed no intention of ending that conversation.

“If this problem is not solved, you will be in trouble, will you not?”

Elder Yeom was not foolish enough to abruptly ask, ‘Do you have an opinion?’ here.

“Haha. If it turns out that way, it will all be because my fortune is lacking. I will pay a handsome fortune-telling fee and hold a grand shamanic ritual this time.”

Elder Yeom tried to pass the subject off as a joke, but the Eldest Young Master was exceptionally persistent.

“If you fail this mission, your political competence as an elder will be heavily doubted. Thus, other factions must already be latching onto this issue…”

Elder Yeom stopped trying to divert the conversation any further and quietly stared at the Eldest Young Master.

However, the Eldest Young Master, pretending not to notice Elder Yeom’s gaze, calmly continued speaking.

“Your position within the faction will also become precarious. Unlike other factions, in the neutral faction, practical interest is more important than justification.”

The Eldest Young Master wore an ambiguous smile with a subtle look in his eyes.

At that chilly smile, Yeom Baek-ha felt goosebumps rising all over her body.

That expression the Eldest Young Master revealed now was the raw, unfiltered expression he had shown for the first time.

“You defeated the Sword Lord of Mount Hua and became an elder through an exceptional promotion, and your exploits in the Northern War thereafter were splendid.”

The Eldest Young Master fiddled with his teacup with his long fingers and continued speaking as if reciting poetry.

“However, the meaning of the war itself vanished, and the exploits faded. With no situation thereafter to active as a ‘War Advisor,’ the brave general trapped in Luoyang is swept up in political and diplomatic challenges, falling into a precarious state…”

Elder Yeom’s thick eyebrows twitched.

“What is it that you wish to say, Eldest Young Master?”

His voice was low and threatening.

The soft atmosphere was over.

Yeom Baek-ha even forgot to swallow her saliva.

The two did not raise any momentum, yet an atmosphere more savage than weapons directly clashing pressed down on the office.

After facing Elder Yeom’s heavy expression for a moment, the Eldest Young Master opened his mouth.

“I will help you.”

“What…”

Elder Yeom was about to say something, but swallowed it back.

He could not judge at all whether it was a situation where he could easily reply.

Yeom Baek-ha also rolled the abacus in her mind to the point where sparks flew in her eyes.

“I mean I will help you.”

The Eldest Young Master raised a long, straight finger and pointed to himself.

“This Eldest Young Master…”

And then pointed to Elder Yeom.

“You.”

Only after a long time could Elder Yeom move his lips, which had begun to dry up.

“…What do you want, Eldest Young Master?”

However, the Eldest Young Master replied without the slightest hesitation.

“No compensation is needed.”

The Eldest Young Master buried himself in his chair and clasped his hands.

“Are you not the first among the Main Family’s elders to come in person and congratulate me on the end of my confinement, Elder Yeom?”

A long arc was drawn at the corner of the Eldest Young Master’s mouth.

“So please consider it as this Eldest Young Master’s own return of gratitude.”

At the completely unexpected answer, Elder Yeom hastily tried to buy time.

“That is too excessive…”

However, the Eldest Young Master did not even pretend to hear, shouting toward the outside.

“Is anyone out there?!”

Immediately, a maid revealed herself.

“Bring the list of those in the Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment waiting room.”

“I shall obey your command.”

“Eldest Young Master…”

Elder Yeom tried to say something, but the Eldest Young Master pulled the four treasures of the study on his desk toward him and began writing something down without hesitation.

“General Gwak Gyu is the eldest son of the Gwak family, currently in charge of the defense of the four northern districts. Even within his family, he is a figure who has risen exceptionally high.”

The Eldest Young Master showcased the mysterious talent of speaking while writing at the same time.

“However, the patriarch of the Gwak family is General Gwak Gyu’s father, who is still alive. In the past, he reclaimed the entirety of the plains in the Northern Autonomous Region, which everyone said was impossible, and is a great figure who retired from the politics of the Imperial Capital while receiving the favor of the previous Emperor.”

Elder Yeom replied, feeling dazed.

“I know that. Only…”

The Eldest Young Master cut off his words.

“Are you trying to say that after his retirement from politics, he absolutely does not participate in family matters for the sake of the eldest son, who is the next patriarch’s position?”

“T-That is correct.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled and stamped his seal on the completed document.

“However, if he receives my letter, the story is different.”

Yeom Baek-ha cut into the conversation without realizing it.

“Your letter, Eldest Young Master?”

Although she had cut in where she should not have, the Eldest Young Master answered without minding.

“In the past when his reclamation business hit a snag, he exchanged many letters with this Eldest Young Master for the uniform and systematic cultivation of the Great Northern Plains. It was a productive and splendid time.”

“Yes…?”

The father and daughter were flustered after calculating how old the Eldest Young Master must have been when they exchanged those letters.

“He is a stubborn man as much as he is faithful, and is not one to ever betray a favor, so if you show a little tact, he will surely grant a request for mere civil engineering works.”

Even before he finished speaking, the Eldest Young Master began writing the second letter.

Elder Yeom could not hold back and asked.

“Then, how about the Governor…?”

“He is even easier.”

The Eldest Young Master said, playing with his brush.

“Since the young concubine who monopolizes his affection will move him.”

“How is the relationship between that young concubine and you, Eldest Young Master…?”

He chuckled and laughed.

“After meeting due to a small affinity during childhood, even now she sends me love letters. I respond with a painting every time.”

Having written all the contents, the Eldest Young Master drew an orchid and a pair of butterflies on the corner.

It was the moment a drawing worthy of being called a masterpiece was completed in an instant.

“She will surely persuade the Governor, if only to prove her value to me.”

The Eldest Young Master placed his hand over the two letters and looked at Elder Yeom.

“How is it?”

The Eldest Young Master asked with a thick smile.

“Do you want these letters?”