650 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"A Chosun folks association, you say?" "It seems they have formed an association by rallying Chosun people who were living in hardship. Apparently, he's gained tremendous recognition in a very short period." It was astonishing to hear how Kang Yun Ho managed to settle in Woomyeon so swiftly. The more he listened, the more incredible stories poured out from the warrior's mouth. "A folks association, indeed. On foreign soil, there's rarely a more solid connection than one's local ties." Business isn't merely about setting up a shop. If a rolling stone tries to unseat the embedded ones recklessly, it will inevitably face a furious hammer's wrath. Without connections, the merchant would vanish in an instant. "Although they left their homeland to make ends meet, they must have faced harsh discrimination because of their black hair. If such individuals gather under a folks association, their unity would have to be stronger than any other group." "The more external pressures a group faces, the stronger their solidarity becomes. That Kang Yun Ho could create his own foundation." In reality, Kang Yun Ho merely took over the leader position, using the fact that he shared origins with the former leader, and he revitalized the folks association accordingly. Unaware of the details, the patriarch of the Tang clan merely wore a satisfied smile. "Delivery service, you say." Was it possible the child had a talent for cooking as well? Finding solace in news of his worried offspring, the father heard yet another astonishing tale. "It's called the iron bag. Master Kang has personally crafted a special wooden box capable of delivering food. It's so well-made that the food doesn't spill and arrives warm." "Did the boy have a talent for carpentry as well?" "He's a child with purple blood, isn't he?" The Sichuan Tang clan is renowned not only for its venom but also for its mysterious weaponry. Thus, it's common for children with blacksmith talents to be born. Kang Yun Ho belonged to the Sichuan Tang Clan. As if stating the obvious, Uigakju explained to the astounded clan head. "I doubt that." The Tang family head shook his head slowly, recalling a faint memory with a nostalgic smile. "Pardon?" "His craftsmanship is more akin to Hyang Ah's than mine. He must take after his mother." She was a woman of many talents. A mere beauty wouldn’t have captivated him. If she hadn't been born in a trading household, she would have made a flawless matron of a noble family. Since he is Hyang Ah's son, he naturally has a knack for craftsmanship. The father reminisced about the lover buried in his memories. "Is that so..." "Courier pigeons for delivery? They aren't cheap, I imagine." While even the Tang clan used pigeons for their communication networks, they weren’t things to be used lightly, requiring high-quality birds and specialized training. The Tang family head asked curiously. "Well..." "A problem, perhaps?" Was it that in his enthusiasm, he hadn’t accounted for the initial costs? The father reacted sensitively to updates about his child. "No, not at all. He apparently took in someone skilled in training them and ensured they were well compensated." "Were there really that many talented Chosun people?" "..." The warrior refrained from correcting the head's conclusion. "In a foreign land, the Chosun people may not have opportunities, but they certainly possess numerous talents." "A man pledges loyalty to someone who appreciates him." The Tang master stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction. YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0VkpSb0JXcGxjYlBTZkdMY25FQkdxam02N0FGbDBMLzBwYzRudHEzQzRFYQ Understanding dawned. Skilled Chosun individuals engaged in menial work, but Kang Yun Ho gathered them and discerned their skills. Through business, he allowed them to showcase their abilities, enabling him to quickly take control of the Chosun folks' association. "And not just that – they have branch businesses letting folks from the association open their own points, with pigeons or ingredients supplied, expanding their influence." "That far?" Starting with the Chosun folks association, consulting pigeon networks, the iron bag, the delivery business, and even franchise points. The father, who worried endlessly for his child, could only smile at the unexpected success. --- "It seems Kang Yun Ho indeed has a knack for business." Who would’ve thought he could lay a foundation on his own? Such unheard-of business acumen. Uigakju gazed at the clan head with a relieved expression. Was he still not completely free of worry? Though Tang Baek Ho nodded to Uigakju's words, he seemed lost in deep thought. "As much as business acuity is remarkable, what's more, impressive is his other talent." "What do you mean by other talent?" "Even the most insignificant group is reluctant to accept someone standing above them. Yet he quickly assumed that position. Not only that, but he assessed the situation around the group, pinpointed what needed to be done, and identified talents, placing them in suitable positions." It's not just the talent of a mere merchant. As he listened to the warrior's accounts, the Tang master's expression hardened. "It’s not just business acumen—it’s the makings of a group leader." "I thought the test from Man Geum Jeon Joo was harsh..." The realization of his son’s capabilities brought a strange excitement to the father's voice. "No one understands valuing and judging people more than Man Geum Jeon Joo. He may have seen a talent in Kang Yun Ho that the clan hadn’t noticed." "I agree." Truly, no ordinary person would rise to become the leader of merchants. While the test felt overly harsh for his dear friend's grandson-in-law, it turned out to be the perfect opportunity for displaying his talents. All the great Tang master could do was let out an admiring sigh. "It seems the bloodline speaks for itself." "..." Tang Baek Ho did not respond to the praise from his friend and confidant. The qualities of a leader. Although it was his child, or perhaps because of it, it was something he must not acknowledge openly. The Tang clan's head must never change. Only, his youthful mistakes pierced him with regret. "Did he face any difficulties with his business endeavors, by any chance?" Tang Baek Ho managed to shake off his emotions and asked about his son once again. "Well..." The warrior hesitated, showing a troubled expression. "It seems so. If there’s anything the Western Escort Guild can provide in terms of support, do so generously. However, rather than offering unilateral generosity, assist him through transactions that bear manageable losses." "It’s not that, but there's another issue that has come up in a report." "Another issue?" "..." The warrior hesitated, averting his eyes as if finding it difficult to speak. "Go ahead and tell us. The clan head is curious, isn't he?" What trouble has come upon Kang Yun Ho? What sort of problem could induce such awkwardness? Could it be an issue related to the Tang family? Tang Baek Ho and Uigakju pressed for answers. "The truth is... it seems a woman issue has arisen." And so, an unforeseen problem with Kang Yun Ho emerged. A woman issue arose shortly after Kang Yun Ho's arrival in Uichang. No, perhaps it even arose during his journey. "Is he said to be protecting a run-away courtesan?" --- "What in the world is this about? A run-away courtesan?" Neither the Tang family head nor Uigakju could wrap their heads around the warrior's words. It didn’t make sense. This was the same man who gave up everything to leave for the sake of saving his beloved. Could he possibly have suddenly fallen for a courtesan? "It appears Master Kang rescued a run-away courtesan with pink hair by chance." Faced with piercing, inquisitive stares, the warrior began to explain. "Pink hair?" "Does Uigakju know something about this?" "I heard that Kang Yun Ho rescued a fleeing courtesan and hired her as an employee. Even the warriors mentioned her—said the pink-haired employee was of unparalleled beauty, leaving them awestruck by her appearance." The stories that circulated among the guards returning from escort duties seemed trivial, yet they hinted at a woman issue. "She must be quite a beauty then. So that's why he's protecting her?" "She’s not only beautiful but incredibly talented. The special pigeon, Gio Sugoo, is also her handiwork." The warrior continued to speak about Im Ha Yeon. "Could it be that the one he’s especially taking care of is that pink-haired woman?" "It is said that she was the only woman Master Kang brought with him when he left Uichang for Woomyeon." "Well..." This is significant. Bringing just one person when leaving for a foreign place suggested she was the woman he trusted the most. "So, has Kang Yun Ho already set his heart on another woman?" Tang Baek Ho asked in surprise. "How would that be possible? When in Uichang, a group came searching for the run-away courtesan, and the Western Escort Guild’s warriors drove them away. Perhaps that's why she accompanied Master Kang to Woomyeon." "...Is it a dangerous situation?" "With the Western Escort Guild around, that’s unlikely. It’s said the group wasn’t even aware of her exact whereabouts. It seems Master Kang decided she needed protection." "Protection..." If it’s protection instead of a romantic relationship, there might be a guessable reason. "It appears Master Kang stated she was the daughter of a benefactor, asking not to misunderstand. Yet, those who heard claim the woman’s gaze was anything but ordinary." "I see... so that's the situation..." A run-away courtesan. Kang Yun Ho. And deepening emotions. Tang Baek Ho's gaze grew more profound. "Though the exact details are unclear, it’s reported that Master Kang may be attempting to erase the courtesan’s past." "..." "Take a rest for now. We’ll hear more about it tomorrow." Uigakju had to commend the warrior's efforts, as the clan head had already fallen deep into thought. --- "A run-away courtesan..." Uigakju knew well the reason for Tang Baek Ho's deep sigh. "It truly seems you can't hide the bloodline." "He probably thought of his own mother." Why would Kang Yun Ho help a run-away courtesan? Leaving his beloved at the Tang family, yet keeping a beautiful courtesan by his side? The father didn’t need to ask his distanced son. "Turning a blind eye to a troubled courtesan would have been an unimaginable choice for the boy." Uigakju recalled the courtesan he had once driven away. Kang Yun Ho's mother. A courtesan expelled in the dead of winter, with nowhere to go. He could surmise the feelings Kang Yun Ho had upon seeing the run-away courtesan. "Indeed, that's my thinking too. No matter how unparalleled her beauty, with a beloved woman in his heart, he wouldn't have harbored other thoughts." A gifted and beautiful courtesan. Having her nearby, she would continuously remind him of his mother. For Kang Yun Ho, it was an irresistible choice. The father murmured with a bitter look. "The issue lies in the heart of the woman by his side." "Tsk. Whom does he take after...?" However, without knowing the truth, one can clearly predict the feelings the woman might harbor towards the man. It was truly a situation deserving to be labeled a woman issue, as the warrior suggested. "Kang Yun Ho lacks subordinates to help sever ties with enamored women." Uigakju playfully remarked to the clan head. "Your words carry a sharp tone." "I did advise not to smile too freely at women nor to show unwarranted kindness, back in my youthful days. Do you know how much trouble that caused?" "Ahem, ahem." An awkward cough echoed in the clan head’s hall. "Who knows what might happen if Hwa Rin finds out about this." Tang Hwa Rin's beauty was unmatched in Sichuan, but there was a stark difference between the position of a nearby beauty and that of a distant fiancée. "Let's keep it a secret, for now. After all, it's not as if Kang Yun Ho has fallen for anyone. If feelings towards the woman emerge, it's not wrong." It's a troublesome matter. How could one tell the son of Hyang Ah not to help a run-away courtesan? There's a fiancée, yet he harbors no other thoughts. Furthermore, one cannot meddle with the affections between men and women. If the Tang family were to erase her past for her, it might cause her to remain closer instead. Hoping Kang Yun Ho doesn't develop other inclinations, keeping it secret was the only option. "Yes, indeed. That's very true." Of course, it wasn’t precisely the topic that caused Uigakju to reminisce about matters that should have been kept secret decades ago. "In my youthful days... I do apologize." Indeed, he's my son. He didn't need to take after me in this way. The Tang family head silently cried out within his heart.