417 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

The Liaodong Fortress is a peculiar region within the sphere of the Central Plains. An area historically referred to as Manchuria. The people of the Central Plains constructed the impregnable fortress of Shanhaiguan and erected the Great Wall to establish an insurmountable boundary. Though under the influence of the Central Plains, Liaodong was never fully dominated by it. It was a place where foreign tribes constantly eyed the Central Plains, a buffer zone between them. It was recognized as a meeting point of civilization and savagery—this was the common perception of Liaodong by the people of the Central Plains. Appointed by the imperial court, the administrators sent to Liaodong sought a family among the foreign tribes to ensure their survival, and in return for their protection, that family expanded its power. Eventually, that family stood as a martial powerhouse, claiming the fertile land of Shenyang by the nurturing waters of the Liao River amidst the tumultuous Manchurian region of rivaling tribes. The name of that family was none other than, The rulers of Liaodong, the Murong Family. Currently, the dominion of Liaodong was split in two. "Miss... Wow..." A young servant girl who had gone to fetch her mistress found herself momentarily speechless. She was captivated by the beauty of the woman absorbed in her training. Could true beauty that takes one's breath away look like this? The woman was not a lady merely flaunting her looks. Her hair fluttered, and her forehead glistened with sweat. She hadn’t adorned herself with expensive ornaments, nor had she used makeup to conceal any flaws. Yet, the beads of sweat made her look like she was wearing jewels more beautiful than any adornment. Her face without a hint of cosmetics looked smoother than any woman’s complexion applied with powder. Flowers blooming under the moon might be beautiful even when scattered by the wind, but her beauty was not of the flowers—it was the moon. "Is something the matter?" Under the heavens, no fragrance or color could overcome the name of the moon, Mo Yong Sang Ah. A woman who had lost her other half bore that name. "Oh! Forgive me! L-Lord Chang Bong Dae Ju has arrived!" Why would the moon speak? The servant girl finally snapped out of her reverie to deliver her message. "My liege, I have returned." Chang Bong Dae Ju was already standing behind her, a moment too late. "You’ve worked hard. How goes the dispatch of the investigation teams to Sheng Wu Seok?" Sheng Wu Seok (成武書庫). A martial archive gathering the essence of the Murong family, a lost legacy. Mo Yong Sang Ah had commanded the exploration of Sheng Wu Seok, which had been permitted only to past family heads, to seize the initiative in the stagnant power struggle within the family. "Investigations were dispatched to the three locations you mentioned. They report promising findings as you suggested." "Well done." "However, a minor issue has arisen." Mo Yong Sang Ah could discern the nature of the problem from Chang Bong Dae Ju's concerned expression at a glance. "It seems the Jurchens are causing trouble." "Yes. The Jurchens have sent an envoy." --------------- Mo Yong Sang Ah had not been oblivious to the potential backlash from the Jurchens. Exploring Sheng Wu Seok was a task for the Murong family, and every time a new exploration began, the Jurchens, who lived nearby, would react. Standing with her trusted aides, she awaited the reading of the Jurchen chieftain’s message, delivered by a representative. "I, Tu Ru Shan, send word of great importance! The land where you Murong clan have settled is our tribal territory. I have never permitted you to tread on our soil! How dare you delve into our land! Are you not afraid of our wrath?" "Impudent barbarians!" "What is he saying now!" As provocative words emerged, Chang Bong Dae Ju’s anger erupted. "Ugh..." "Continue reading." Mo Yong Sang Ah, with an expressionless face, instructed the representative to continue reading, despite his trembling hands. "However, I, Tu Ru Shan, have heard that the one leading the Murong clan is a woman. I thought a woman, lacking in experience, might make mistakes!" Fury blazed within Chang Bong Dae Ju. The representative could speak no further, his face ashen while he gauged the reaction around him. "There’s no need to hear more!" "How dare they insult our commander!" "..." As Mo Yong Sang Ah cast a cold gaze upon her subordinates, it was as if they were doused in cold water, prompting even Chang Bong Dae Ju to tread carefully. "I-I will remain silent." "As much as you’ve shown us disrespect, if you extend proper courtesy to us, I will permit you temporary stay on our land. This, I declare in the name of our chieftain Tu Ru Shan, and remember, our spears are pointed towards you! Furthermore..." If you wish not to be hurt, offer tribute and bow your head to us. None of the Chang Bong troops failed to understand the meaning. The Jurchen representative could not continue his speech, sensing the lethal intent directed at him that threatened to slash him at any moment. "You insolent creatures are beyond disgraceful!" "My liege! Just give the order! I shall take this one's head and bring back the head of that barbarian Tu Ru Shan too!" In the face of such arrogant provocation toward Murong Family and the rulers of Liaodong, even those mindful of their leader’s disposition found it hard to restrain themselves. "Hiiii! S-Spare me! I am merely a representative!" Realizing the grim fate that awaited him, the representative prostrated himself before Mo Yong Sang Ah, pleading for his life. Observing the tense atmosphere as if she might tear him apart at any moment, Mo Yong Sang Ah finally gave a nod towards the Jurchen representative with a chilly expression. "Prepare a room and meals for him." "My liege?!" "Th-Thank you!" The representative, like a rabbit saved by the whims of a tiger, quickly disappeared under the guidance of the servant. Puzzled by the unexpected response of his liege, Chang Bong Dae Ju wore a perplexed expression until a senior officer cautiously spoke up. "My liege... Are you considering negotiations?" "There’s a need to see what the other side desires." Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded slightly. Unlike her enraged subordinates, she understood the situation faster than anyone else. The chieftain's confidence wasn't unfounded. Though the Murong family may be the rulers of the Liaodong fortress, their influence is not what it once was. Moreover, their power is split in half. The Jurchens primarily consist of cavalry units. If they band together, they could become a substantial nuisance for the Murong family. "It's true that the Jurchens can't be ignored if they unite. But calling it the land of barbarians? That's absurd. It's already your land, my liege." The areas initiated for investigation by Mo Yong Sang Ah’s orders were already lands she had legally purchased. However, purchasing according to the laws of the Central Plains and having it recognized by the Jurchens were separate issues. "My liege! These barbarian scoundrels should be tamed with the whip, not fed with scraps!" (Can this MF shut up. Barbarians this barbarians that, could he speak any other insult?) Mo Yong Sang Ah shook her head in response to the words of the Chang Bong unit members. "If peace can be bought with a bit of wealth, there is no reason not to do so." "Have you forgotten? One of the reasons the Murong family faltered during the exploration of Sheng Wu Seok was because we were swayed by those barbarians." "How much do they want, according to the document?" "My liege!" Mo Yong Sang Ah, indicating she did not wish to hear further protests, turned to Chang Bong Dae Ju to inquire about the document left by the Jurchen representative. "The chieftain has sent a demand for resources enough to sustain their tribe for several years without working." Unbelievable—a demand for such an amount. The amount mentioned by Chang Bong Dae Ju elicited groans throughout the room. "See? It's a ridiculous amount! We should teach them a lesson..." "It's pocket change." It was a usual thought for an ordinary martial artist. "......" Chang Bong Dae Ju then recalled who was standing right in front of him. This was the woman who dominated the ginseng trade routes between Joseon and the Central Plains, drawing silver from the fields of Joseon and selling it to the Central Plains at the value of gold. The owner of Chang Bu Gyeong, Mo Yong Sang Ah. She was a woman holding a wealth unprecedented among the Murong family. "N-no matter what, we cannot yield to mere barbarians..." One of the senior officers said once more, lowering his stance. "It's not submission; it's taming." "One never negotiates with insolent beasts." "Is throwing leftovers something one calls a negotiation?" "..." Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded briefly, silencing the discussion at once. As the ruler of Chang Bu Gyeong, she did not wish for unnecessary bloodshed. The resources needed to appease the Jurchens were only a tiny fraction of the income. Though referring to the money gifted by Sanggong as mere pocket change briefly made her heart heavy, she reiterated the insignificance of the cost, thus stifling further objections. "In accordance with our liege’s words, we shall tame the Jurchens. However, there is a slight problem." Chang Bong Dae Ju, smiling faintly at the commanding demeanor of his liege, organized his thoughts and voiced them. "What is it?" "The chieftain is requesting a meeting at the dig site." Reading the section in the document that the Jurchen representative hadn't read, Chang Bong Dae Ju continued. "Very well. It will also be an opportunity to inspect the investigation site." As Mo Yong Sang Ah rose, Chang Bong Dae Ju ordered the returning unit members to rest, signaling the end of the meeting's reverberations. ---- "Tonight, we will stay at the frontier village supporting the expedition team, and tomorrow we will meet with the chieftain, Tu Ru Shan." Inside the carriage en route to the investigation site, Chang Bong Dae Ju informed his liege of the remaining schedule. "......" What could she be thinking? Chang Bong Dae Ju gazed at his liege, who silently watched the view outside the carriage. Two years had passed since the bloodstained wedding. The once naive young mistress had become the master of Chang Bu Gyeong, rarely voicing her inner thoughts, even to him. Was it because she carried the Murong family alone? Or was it because of a certain gentleman? "It was a wise decision. Truly well done. It seems the Jurchens are relieved as well." Though aware of the reason, Chang Bong Dae Ju chose to compliment his liege rather than ponder the answer. "There is no reason to cause trivial friction when there’s an important task to complete." It was the money given by Sanggong to accomplish this mission. If minor clashes could be avoided with a small expense, it was worth it. Even Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded impassively to Chang Bong Dae Ju’s praise. “Yes, that’s right. We must quickly find Sheng Wu Seok and reclaim the Murong family!” If Sheng Wu Seok could be found, regardless of any justification presented, the Murong family would return to her liege’s embrace. Chang Bong Dae Ju replied energetically, with laughter in his voice. "It would be nice if there are clues related to Sheng Wu Seok at the investigation site." Perhaps because Chang Bong Dae Ju spoke optimistically, Mo Yong Sang Ah revealed a small bit of her own thoughts. "I’m sure we will find them." Finding Sheng Wu Seok and reclaiming the Murong family, so that her liege may smile again—Chang Bong Dae Ju's hopeful wish, however, did not last long. "My liege!" One of the Chang Bong unit members rode up urgently to the carriage, his face filled with urgency. "What’s the matter?" "The frontier village supporting our investigation team!" "The frontier village?" "It’s under attack by the Jurchens!" ---------- "What is this?!" It was ablaze. The frontier village that had assisted the Murong family's investigation team was burning. The Chang Bong unit members were aghast as they took in the scene of destruction. "They don’t seem like government troops. Who are you?" A Jurchen man approached the Murong men with a casual demeanor, riding up with bloodied spear in hand. "We are the Chang Bong unit of the Murong family! What is the meaning of this?" "Meaning? Ah! This village was constructed without our chieftain’s consent! It has no right to exist without expecting plunder!" The Jurchen man laughed as if finding it all amusing, giving his retort. "This place was supporting the Murong family’s investigation team!" "That’s not our concern. This is tribal land! No place for the Central Plains people to plow fields indiscriminately!" The Jurchen man's words left several Chang Bong unit members momentarily speechless. In a way, he was right. The frontier village was built by slash-and-burn farmers. As an unauthorized settlement, they were protected by no one—not the officials of the Central Plains, nor the Jurchens. Except for one person. "Tu Ru Shan." Amidst the chaos, a voice exuded both calm and an aura that no one could disregard. "A woman?" "Did you not know that the frontier village is under my protection?" "...If you intervene, we will not remain idle." The man managed to back away on horseback, barely withstanding the voice that felt suffocating. "My liege! You cannot let this stand!" "My liege, regrettably, they are merely slash-and-burn farmers." As the Jurchen man retreated, conflicting reactions erupted. "Are you telling me to pretend I didn’t see?" Mo Yong Sang Ah looked with trembling eyes at what remained of the frontier village. The situation was nearing its end. The bodies of men were strewn on the ground, houses were ablaze, and the Jurchens were greedily seizing their spoils. "Sometimes, it's necessary to close our eyes for the greater good." The only option left now was revenge. Chang Bong Dae Ju stood in the way of his liege’s potentially futile revenge. "My liege! These people reside on your land and are under the protection of the Murong family!" "We are on our way to meet the chieftain." "..." Mo Yong Sang Ah tightly pressed her lips together, watching the beams of the burning houses collapse. It was a difficult choice. To smoothly proceed with the exploration of Sheng Wu Seok, she might need to ignore this. She should not waste resources on mere Jurchens. The promise of protection to the frontier village was only to the extent of giving them convenience as compensation for assisting the expedition team. Weak justification, but significant practical benefits. The choice was difficult for a woman who had just passed adolescent years. "In order to reclaim the Murong family, I must turn a blind eye." She must reclaim the Murong family. It is imperative to regain it from her brother and the Demonic Cult. There’s no need to waste time. Just throw the food they want, and we continue our mission. Closing her eyes once is all it takes. Mo Yong Sang Ah was deep in thought amidst the smell of charred bodies and distant screams. It’s such a hard choice. Thus, Mo Yong Sang Ah thought of someone who had made difficult choices in the world. "My dear, regain the Murong family and stay alive." Even in the face of death, Sanggong had chosen her. Mo Yong Sang Ah thought of her love, etched in her heart every night. “Mommy! Wake up. Mommy, why are you lying down? Mommyyyyyyyy...” Far off, a girl’s cries echoed from the frontier village. Would Sanggong have told her to close her eyes to reclaim the Murong family? "Sanggong would..." "I’m sorry for making you a praying mantis that killed your husband, my dear. But if I can save you with my life, I am content." He had come, extending his hand to save a woman in distress. For a woman who could ignore, he willingly offered his life with a smile. If one day, she were to tell Sanggong, who came to greet her, that she ignored a child to reclaim the Murong family. "What expression would Sanggong wear?" There was no need to ponder for long. "Unsheathe your swords." "At your command!" She feared no scorn from the world branding her a wicked woman. What terrified her was the prospect of not witnessing his smile on that final burning judgment. Anticipating a reunion, Mo Yong Sang Ah drew her sword just as Sanggong had reached out for her. "Those who lay their hands on what’s mine will not live to see tomorrow's sun."