Volume 7 Chapter 2 – Part 2 The Sixteen Imperial Capital Families (7)

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Translated by Rain

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Before Yeon So-hyeon returned through the Scripture of Controlling Darkness and Shaking the Heavens, the Tea Fan Maidens had reached the point of achieving the great feat of becoming one of the Ten Great Merchant Groups of the Central Plains.

And through their own investigation, they exposed the fact that the ones who had assassinated a member of their group in the past was the Emei Sect.

* * *

“To tell you the conclusion first, the Emei Sect was not trying to assassinate all of the Tea Fan Maidens.”

“If so?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“Yes. They tried to tame the ‘Tea Fan Maidens’ through shock therapy.”

Yeon So-hyeon looked around at the former patriarchs and wore a meaningful smile.

“The effectiveness of that shock therapy must be even better known to the lords here.”

At those words, some of the old devils wore an insidious smile, some gave a bitter smile, and some just nodded calmly.

“…So the Emei Sect originally planned to remove a portion of the Tea Fan Maidens through assassination, and then return to Sichuan while protecting them.”

Even without bringing up the power of attorney obtained by threatening their parents, it would have been extremely easy to handle the Tea Fan Maidens, who had lost their friends right before their eyes.

No matter how much the Tea Fan Maidens had steeled their resolve and headed to Luoyang, they were also people accustomed to the peaceful Chengdu to the point of experiencing confusion at a single battle.

If they had resisted, saying they would go to Luoyang as they were, that resistance would have been weak.

To the point of falling for persuasion.

“The importance of this plan lies in the fact that there had to be someone close who could take good care of them after the incident.”

It was a task that required an “expert” who could warmly embrace, coax, and soothe the shocked “targets” and guide them in the desired direction.

“But according to your story, was the Emei Sect not continuously in conflict with the Tea Fan Maidens?”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled bitterly.

“As a result of the investigation, there was such a person.”

* * *

In front of the mansion, the main road.

“Ah, this is bad…”

A martial nun of the Emei Sect.

“Where on earth did the Tea Fan Maiden children go? Can you see them, Superintendent?”

The one who was called the self-defense teacher by the Tea Fan Maidens was craning her neck and looking around in all directions with a pitiful look in her eyes.

Then, sensing the presence, the soldiers of the 2nd Guard Brigade turned around.

“Please, stay still…!”

The Superintendent nun, who was riding in the carriage together, was startled and stopped the self-defense teacher.

“The soldiers are surrounding the carriages one by one, so is it not natural that they cannot be seen…?!”

At the scolding words of the Superintendent nun in a low voice, the self-defense teacher lost her spirit and lowered her head.

“It shouldn’t be like this…. It shouldn’t…”

Usually, she is just a gentle child.

At her starting to mutter something, the Superintendent nun looked at her with a frown.

‘I have felt this occasionally since long ago, but there is something strange about this child.’

The Superintendent nun felt goosebumps on the back of her neck, feeling as if she were looking at someone who was fundamentally twisted somewhere.

* * *

“…I see. The Emei Sect is quite something too. I thought they were merely a martial arts sect.”

“Since they ‘converted into a business entity,’ the weight they carry in Sichuan has been changing day by day, after all.”

Amidst those exchanging low murmurs, a former patriarch asked Yeon So-hyeon.

“…If it succeeded, the effect would have been excellent, but I also think it is a method that carries a lot of risk.”

“They had no leeway.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled bitterly.

“The Tea Fan Maidens had been steadily and firmly rejecting their suggestions—which were not really suggestions—but then they ended up heading to Luoyang after being invited by the Fourth Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.”

“…So they thought they would lose the Tea Fan Maidens to the Fourth Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.”

In fact, the Tea Fan Maidens showed enough execution capability to hand over all their shares to Yeon So-hyeon.

The former patriarch, who nodded in agreement, moved on to the next question.

“By the way. Even if it was merely nominal, it is surprising that you got the Dali Duan Family to move before the actual assassination incident took place, rather than after.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled.

“Because it was ‘His Highness Prince Hyeon’ who delivered the letter containing that information.”

A letter sent by the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family, who possessed enough influence to move a Prince.

That was the persuasiveness that made the Dali Duan Family move before the incident.

“…Furthermore, they only suspended the alliance, and have not completely moved yet either.”

“That is correct.”

Yeon So-hyeon added an explanation.

“It is said that the Emei Sect, whose influence had grown rapidly, was experiencing growing friction beneath the surface with the Dali Duan Family, who had treated the Emei Sect high-handedly since before.”

“…Even if the assassination did not happen, it would have been sufficient just to serve as a reminder of the Emei Sect’s place.”

“That is correct.”

Toward Yeon So-hyeon, who agreed, another patriarch asked.

“The attempted assassination did happen. But in the end, the Dali Duan Family will demand additional evidence, so how is that part?”

Yeon So-hyeon stroked his chin.

“First of all, the very first evidence is the carriage itself.”

“The carriage?”

“During the surprise attack by the assassin group known as Clear Field, unlike the other carriages belonging to the investment delegation, some poison arrows were found only on the carriage of the Tea Fan Maidens.”

The carriages of the Tea Fan Maidens and the investment delegation were being strictly kept by the Luoyang Sword Family as evidence.

And that was why today, the Tea Fan Maidens rode the carriage provided by Yeon So-hyeon, rather than their own.

“Poison arrows flew only toward the carriage of the Tea Fan Maidens?”

“Yes.”

* * *

At the time of the engagement with the assassin group.

“Mhm. The enemy’s shooting has ended, and it seems Elder Yeom is about to attack? As expected of the Sword Mountain Splitting Peak.”

Cheongsu, who had opened the window slightly to check outside, reached his hand out the window and retrieved an arrow embedded in the wall of the carriage.

“Oh?”

The gazes of the Tea Fan Maiden ladies were focused on him as he examined the arrow, but Cheongsu made no reply and merely packed the arrow away carefully.

‘A poison arrow…’

* * *

Yeon So-hyeon said.

“Those poison arrows have all been recovered, and the analysis of the poison was entrusted to the best expert.”

* * *

Yesterday evening.

Immediately after the arrival of the Tea Fan Maidens.

“It is this arrow.”

Receiving the poison arrow that Cheongsu took out from a specially crafted pouch and handed over, the “Fourth Young Master” licked the arrowhead without the slightest hesitation.

“Mhm.”

Rolling the poison around in his mouth to taste it as if enjoying the aroma of liquor, the Fourth Young Master nodded.

“It is a synthetic poison of the black swallow-beak.”

“…Oh. That is indeed a peculiar name.”

“It is a fast-acting poison that causes a significant amount of internal bleeding. It is highly volatile and cannot be detected in the body after death, so it is favored by some assassins who specialize in executing unusual requests.”

“…Assassins specializing in disguising deaths as accidents.”

The Fourth Young Master nodded.

“Well done. Thanks to your use of the special pouch, the poison did not volatilize at all and remains clearly.”

The Fourth Young Master ordered his subordinates to collect the arrows stuck in the carriage of the Tea Fan Maidens as the highest priority.

It was close, but a little bit of the poison would still remain.

And subsequently, he also ordered the traces on the carriage caused by the poison arrows to undergo special preservation treatment.

“As for me, I merely carried it out as I learned in the Institution.”

The Fourth Young Master smiled bitterly at the sight of Cheongsu put on airs strangely, unlike his words.

‘How is it that such talented people needed at each moment are attached to Eldest Brother?’

* * *

“Did you not say the Emei Sect only intended to remove a portion of the Tea Fan Maidens?”

“And yet they showered the carriage with poison arrows?”

“Those fellows called Clear Field. I thought they were fellows who made a name for themselves in Henan in their own right, but listening to it now, they are terribly clumsy fellows. What on earth did they plan to do if the entirety of the Tea Fan Maidens died?”

Yeon So-hyeon shook his head at the conversation exchanged by the former patriarchs.

“Perhaps, the original plan was different.”

* * *

Yesterday evening.

When the Tea Fan Maidens, who arrived at Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment, were relieving their travel fatigue and taking a rest.

“That was clearly fire for effect.”

Elder Yeom also nodded at the words of the war advisory council’s Old Strategist.

“I agree as well. You will see when you look at the battle report, but if you look at how the impact groups of the arrows were formed, you will be convinced more easily.”

“They fired at a pre-designated target.”

Toward Yeon So-hyeon, who was reading the battle report, the Old Strategist made an additional report.

“Yes. Additionally, according to the testimony heard at the scene, this location is the place where the appearance of ‘Hwangho’ is seen for the first time along the route approaching Luoyang.”

Yeon So-hyeon smacked his lips.

“It was a place where everyone had no choice but to view Hwangho outside the carriage window.”

* * *

Yesterday, just before the engagement, the outskirts of Luoyang.

Testimony of Jeong Ryung of the Xi’an Silk Road Rangers.

“Ah, over there!”

The gazes of all the Tea Fan Maidens turned outside the window.

“Wow!”

Without exception, they clung tightly to the window and looked outside.

As they clung to the window all at once, the carriage, its center of gravity disrupted, tilted momentarily to the point of wobbling.

“It is a lake!”

In the distance, a massive lake was gently revealing its appearance.

* * *

“In the first place, the assassin group intended to ‘snipe’ designated individuals among the Tea Fan Maidens.”

The results of the preliminary investigation that came from the Fourth Young Master’s side also pointed in the same direction.

“Yes, my speculation is the same.”

Elder Yeom nodded.

“Perhaps the assassin group was going to give up on the request upon seeing that the government soldiers of Xi’an were escorting the Tea Fan Maidens, and subsequently, that the forces of the Main Family had arrived as well.”

The Old Strategist took over the words.

“However, they were forced into engagement by the signal arrow of that person named Seo Rim-cheong.”

Yeon So-hyeon tapped the desk.

“So the snipers who were originally designated and positioned targeting a portion of the Tea Fan Maidens had no choice but to fire even at the carriage.”

Furthermore, since Cheongsu had evacuated all the Tea Fan Maidens who were outside into the carriage.

“Synthesizing at this point…”

The Old Strategist summarized lastly.

“In the original plan, they intended to complete the mission by sniping the Tea Fan Maidens through a volley mixed among other general shots, and to hide that this attack was an assassination targeting the Tea Fan Maidens.”

* * *

Present.

“And since we have additionally secured the leader and deputy leader of the assassin group, we will be able to secure clear testimonies within a few days as well.”

At Yeon So-hyeon’s words, the former patriarchs showed surprised eyes.

“…Still, they are the leader and deputy leader of an assassin group, yet you say they will open their mouths?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded confidently.

“Because a ‘true expert’ has taken charge.”

* * *

“Arghhhhh!”

Without even knowing what he was undergoing right now, the leader of Clear Field screamed.

“Please! Please! I will talk! I said I will tell you everything!”

Even at that sorrowful and desperate voice, Seo Rim-cheong shook her head.

“No~, not yet~.”

It was Seo Rim-cheong who knew all too well that there was no way he would spill useful stories already.

“Oh my, come to think of it, it is already mealtime~.”

Wiping the blood off her hands, Seo Rim-cheong smiled.

“I am going to have a meal, so please enjoy some more pleasant time alone in the meantime~.”

Behind Seo Rim-cheong, who closed the iron door and left, the screams shrieked by the leader of Clear Field resounded.

Once she left the room and closed the iron door, all the screams vanished.

“Oopsie~!”

And as Seo Rim-cheong opened the iron door of the next room, a tremendous scream poured outside.

“I will tell you everything! Please! Please stop this pain!”

That was the scream of the deputy leader.

* * *

All the former patriarchs who heard the full story of the attempted assassination of the Tea Fan Maidens were nodding their heads without exception.

“Hmm. Indeed.”

“Eldest Young Master. If it is such a highly skilled ‘expert,’ would you please introduce them to us?”

“Indeed. I, Gongson Na-gang, also want to meet them at least once.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled bitterly and shook his head at those words.

“Since she is a person whose own will is the most important, she is not suitable to be used for grand matters.”

In fact, that was merely an excuse.

‘If Seo Rim-cheong meets them, she will probably start by ripping out their cervical vertebrae.’

Toward Yeon So-hyeon, who was smiling bitterly inwardly, the former patriarch of the Yang Family said.

“In that case, once the evidence is sent, the Dali Duan Family will proceed with the matter.”

“No.”

“Then?”

“It is a fresh one that arrived early this morning.”

Yeon So-hyeon took out a letter from his bosom.

“The Sect Leader Abbess of the Emei Sect was quick-witted. This is the Emei Sect’s ‘letter of surrender’ stating that they will accept all demands.”

The letter via the Outer Courtyard’s emergency communication network that the Luoyang Sword Family possessed in Chengdu reached Yeon So-hyeon at a speed that did not fall behind even that of the Imperial Court.

* * *

At that time.

A tea house somewhere in the Luoyang Sword Family.

“T-this… What on earth is this…”

The liver spot-filled hands of Abbess Chongmu, who received the letter that arrived through the Outer Courtyard, shook uncontrollably.

“No, it cannot be like this…”

Yeon Ha-eung, who delivered the letter to Abbess Chongmu, wore a pitiful expression.

“Oh dear, it seems something bad has happened to you.”

Having “deliberately” delivered the letter late under Yeon So-hyeon’s instruction, he shook his head.

“However, there is even worse news.”

Hearing those words, Abbess Chongmu looked back at Yeon Ha-eung with pale-blue eyes that felt of madness.

Yet, Yeon Ha-eung was calm as could be.

“This letter contains details requesting cooperation from our Luoyang Sword Family, stamped with the seals of the Emei Sect, the Dali Duan Family, and the Governor of Chengdu.”

Behind him, the warriors of the Luoyang Sword Family poured in.

Yeon Ha-eung said to Abbess Chongmu with a smileless face.

“Abbess Chongmu of the Emei Sect. I arrest you as the mastermind of the attempted assassination of the Tea Fan Maidens.”

Abbess Chongmu of the Emei Sect tried to raise her internal energy right away, but soon realized where this was and lowered her hands.

“Y-you…!”

After Abbess Chongmu, whose whole body trembled violently with intolerable anger, was practically dragged out.

Yeon Ha-eung picked up the letter fallen on the floor.

[I am sorry. This is all for the sake of the Emei Sect, which you have devoted your life to building.]

Reading that letter, a cold sneer hung on Yeon Ha-eung’s face.

The Emei Sect’s renowned Divine Nun Jaseong was defeated by the Eldest Young Master, whose face she had never even met, before she could even try to do anything.

* * *

Yeon So-hyeon judged that the Emei Sect might carry out some unexpected actions after they received the Sect Leader Abbess’s letter.

Therefore, this morning, he had the Emei Sect members join the procession, separating them from Abbess Chongmu.

‘Because it was obvious that Abbess Chongmu would instruct them to stick their members to the Tea Fan Maidens somehow.’

And he separated the members of the Emei Sect, who might have received some instructions in advance, from the Tea Fan Maidens.

‘By now, the Emei Sect members might have noticed that the carriage carrying the Tea Fan Maidens has vanished.’

“Eldest Young Master.”

The former patriarchs looked at Yeon So-hyeon with eyes burning far more intensely than before.

“I understand that it was to play a trick on the Emei Sect, but the method seems a bit complicated and troublesome.”

“Is there some meaning to it?”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“It had to be so.”

And then, he took out a bundle of luxurious envelopes from inside his coat.

“Only then could I obtain these operator selection rights.”

Yeon So-hyeon placed the envelopes containing the operator selection rights on the table.

“Oh…!”

As soon as he placed them down, the former patriarchs rushed forward as if practically pouncing on the table.

At that moment, Yeon So-hyeon pressed down on the envelopes with a thud!

And then, he looked at the former patriarchs with a pathetic expression.

“Eldest Young Master…?”

Yeon So-hyeon clicked his tongue.

“As I said earlier, everyone is too blinded by immediate gains.”

Even though he subtly lowered his honorifics, none of the former patriarchs pointed out Yeon So-hyeon’s tone.

“…What do you mean by that?”

Yeon So-hyeon picked up one envelope.

“Even if you take this, it is one per person. One per family.”

Yeon So-hyeon continued speaking.

“All you can do with this is select an appropriate family in Sichuan or Yunnan and exert influence through them.”

Just as the Dali Duan Family of Yunnan had exerted influence in Sichuan through the Emei Sect.

“T-that is true, but…”

“Even so, it amounts to nothing more than the lords handling matters faster than the current patriarchs in your respective families.”

“If so?”

Yeon So-hyeon bared his teeth and smiled.

“At the very least, regardless of who is the patriarch, should you not become an indispensable, important existence in your families?”

The eyes of the former patriarchs widened.

“Does such a method exist?!”

Yeon So-hyeon nodded.

“Of course.”

Yeon So-hyeon muttered inwardly.

‘Now, one step forward.’