674 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Decoction! Bring the decoction now!" "What are you all doing? Add more firewood!" "She's drenched in sweat! Bring her fresh clothes!" "Water! Fetch water with salt and honey mixed in!" "What on earth is happening here?!" After a hectic commotion, Moyong Sang-A hastily made her way to the family head's quarters accompanied by her subordinates. "My lady!" "My lady, you're here." When the mistress of Changbongdaejoo unexpectedly showed up, the nearby physicians and servants hurriedly greeted her. "How could his condition have deteriorated so suddenly?" Moyong Sang-A anxiously observed the busy servants near the family head's quarters and inquired about the situation. "Fortunately, he has passed the critical stage for now." "The physicians assured me just yesterday that there were no major issues." "It seems the cold season must have weakened him. His strength has suddenly waned." It's a common occurrence for patients' conditions to worsen during the harsh winter. However, upon hearing the physician's report, Moyong Sang-A tilted her head slightly in skepticism. "But he's been taking all sorts of tonics, including ginseng. How could he lack energy?" It's true many severely ill people succumb in the winter due to lack of proper heating or medication. However, such an explanation doesn't suit someone like the family head, who ingested rare Korean ginseng regularly. "Tonics aren't a cure-all. It appears his long-term illness has left him extremely debilitated, and the sudden cold only worsened his condition." "I must see my father immediately." "If you go in now..." Just as she was about to turn toward her father's sickroom to check on him, a familiar, though irritating, voice pierced her ears. "Where do you think you're going, traipsing around in muddy shoes without permission?" "Brother." Moyong Bi. The young lord of the Moyong family, and regretfully, her brother. His gaze towards Moyong Sang-A was cold and disdainful. "The physicians and nurses are attending to him with utmost care. What makes you think you know better?" "It's only natural for a daughter to concern herself with her father's health." "As his son, I've already assessed his condition. He's barely stable, so don't stir up more trouble. Step back." Moyong Bi scoffed at his sister, a smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth. It was clear he regarded the family matters as the domain of the son, not for a woman to concern herself with. Yet, Moyong Sang-A didn't rise to his feeble provocation. "I'll instruct the physicians we brought from the Central Plains to examine him." She only needed to proceed with her prepared plan. The timing was opportune. With her father's condition as it is, there was no room to oppose the new treatment. Moyong Sang-A carefully revealed her trump card. "That's not allowed." But her trump card was effortlessly dismissed with a snort. "What did you say...?" "It seems you've found some peculiar treatment. Our father is too frail for such experiments. Do you even hear yourself?" "You can't be sure. Changbongdaejoo, summon the physicians at once." "I am the young lord of the Moyong family." Moyong Bi firmly blocked the entrance to the quarters, his voice unwavering. "..." "No matter what mischief you stir outside, the affairs of this household are my decision." It didn't matter how much wealth the Moyong family garnered from their ginseng business, or if Moyong Sang-A equipped her followers with iron armor. The young lord of the family was Moyong Bi. No matter how much Moyong Sang-A expanded her influence or wandered around, the internal decisions rested with Moyong Bi. It was a reality she couldn't change, and she bit her lip in frustration. "He is my father." "And mine as well." A tense atmosphere lingered in the family head's quarters. A patricidal son poisoning his father to seize the position of young lord, and a villainous woman who slew her husband for the sake of the family. If the father awoke, he would be tormented with such woes. The dynamic favored the patricidal young lord, yet the villainous woman knew exactly how to mar the smug expression on her brother's face. "Is that really so...?" "You wretched girl! Do you wish to test me now?!" As if a patricidal wretch could have any dignity. Moyong Bi knew precisely what she implied. Both Moyong Bi's and Moyong Sang-A's guards had their hands at their waists, on the verge of drawing weapons, a tension that could spark any moment. "What is this commotion in front of the family head's quarters!" It was the Moyong family's council of elders that ultimately stepped in to resolve the situation. ———— "Why is it that the two pillars meant to anchor this household growl at each other whenever they meet!" "When there are those who treat family affairs like a betting ground for combat dogs, growling is necessary," Moyong Bi retorted, his dissatisfaction clear to the council. "Young lord!" "What? Tell me I'm wrong." "Ahem!" The council should have supported the young lord earlier, but Moyong Sang-A's monetary influence muddled the waters, creating this confusion. Just as Moyong Sang-A couldn't view the council favorably, neither could Moyong Bi. "As soon as our father regains his strength, he will be assessed by the physicians from the Central Plains." "I already said that's not allowed." Moyong Bi once again staunchly opposed. "You sound as if you wish to keep him unwell." "What did you say...?! You wretched girl!" "Young lord! It's a season full of troubles. Barbarians cause chaos outside while internal discord persists. In this situation, do you wish to put the family head's life at risk with your quarrels?" "There is only one real source of trouble in this family, yet you blame me." A young lord had already been decided, yet a child who started too late now throws a tantrum. Despite Moyong Bi's mocking, Moyong Sang-A endured silently and presented her main point once more. "I have brought a treatment from the Central Plains." "Such matters should be discussed once the family head's condition improves." "Is the council against it as well?" A frown marred Moyong Sang-A's delicate brow. "It's not the right time." "Isn't the time of the patient for healing as soon as possible?" "Ahem!" The council turned their eyes away, avoiding Moyong Sang-A's pointed question. "Hah! Now that I've confirmed Father is stable, I'll be taking my leave." With a satisfied expression, as if he had achieved his goal, Moyong Bi turned away. The elders from the council also left, heading back to the council chambers after checking on the family head's condition. The harsh winter chill lingered. The cold weather seemed to hasten their departure from the family's quarters, not wanting to remain any longer than necessary. Everyone felt content with the current situation and exited the family head's quarters, leaving only the daughter who wished for her father's recovery, her brow furrowing in distress, unable to leave. —— "Dealing with kin is more challenging than facing the Jurchens." "My lady..." Moyong Sang-A returned to Changbong Hall, a weary smile on her lips as she spoke, reflecting on the bitter irony of being related to them. "My lady, a gift has arrived from Changryong Hall." "A gift?" Changryong Hall... could it be a gift from Moyong Bi? It was perplexing. "Let me open it." Changbongdaejoo carefully opened the box brought by a servant after motioning for his lady to step back. "What is this?" The gift was unexpected. "Needles? They are ordinary acupuncture needles." Moyong Bi had sent a set of fine needles used by physicians. They were of good quality but neither special nor sinister. While Changbongdaejoo stared at the needles in confusion, Moyong Sang-A let out a sigh, understanding the implication behind the gift. "It means he's reminding me that he holds our father's life in his hands, warning me not to act rashly." ‘Just as you can treat our father, I can end his life anytime.’ With just a single prick, it would all be over. It was a veiled threat and admission of responsibility for the current situation, warning his sister not to forget who was in control. "Moyong Bi! That despicable scoundrel!" Changbongdaejoo was ready to storm straight to Changryong Hall with the needles, but it would be futile. The needles were a warning, not evidence. ‘Is it to be grateful that the little lord hasn't yet crossed the final line?’ Perhaps they should be thankful for Moyong Bi's lack of audacity. Though he covets the Moyong family, he doesn't have the courage to become a parricide. He wouldn’t want for the Moyong family to fracture into chaos and engage in mutual destruction. Thanks to Moyong Bi's lack of decisiveness, and the inability to take concrete action, the current balance of power within the Moyong family was maintained. Moyong Sang-A exhaled a deep sigh. "Have the physicians examine him as soon as he recovers." "My lord." "There is no time to waste." "I understand your feelings, but this could escalate into a direct conflict." "What else can I do…?!" It wasn't just Moyong Bi who left her feeling frustrated and trapped. "......" "If Father were to pass away, it would all be for naught. We'd have to face not the young lord Moyong Bi, but a family head Moyong Bi." "The reverse is also true. Even if Father recovers, we need to prepare for what comes next. Blind determination won't achieve anything." Even if the family head recovers, the real danger remains. Who knows what Moyong Bi, a pawn of the sect, might attempt? "I brought a treatment. Are you suggesting I should stand by and watch as Father languishes in illness?" Moyong Sang-A found it difficult to give up on her father, potentially the strongest ally she could hope for. "...If you desire, I can summon the Changbong line." YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0UTR4NGoxMEhyT0dTRG9Vc1lCengvcHkxaERYdTNiQThyQ3gxemN0cVZuVw If war is what you want, I’ll prepare for it. Changbongdaejoo bowed deeply, a resolute expression on his face, acknowledging his inability to let go of the reluctant master. "My lord." "My lady. Yet Moyong family cannot rise again from ash." "......" "This land is full of wolves. Even if you act now, victory isn't guaranteed; Moyong Bi and his sect affiliates will fight till the end. The authorities wouldn't overlook the Moyong family's connections with the sect, nor would the barbarians, always eyeing what the family possesses." "What am I supposed to do!" Her voice, a mix of frustration and indignation, resonated through Changbong Hall. "The decision is yours, my lord. But it worries me that this might ruin the righteous legacy of the Moyong family your father built, as well as the sacrifice of the man who died for you." Moyong Sang-A’s eyes trembled with anger and helplessness. Could she really stand by and watch the Moyong family, built with her father's life-long efforts, turn to ashes? ‘Master Sang...’ Would she be willing to allow everything Master Sang smilingly offered her to become worthless through mere rage? "It was a harsh counsel." Moyong Sang-A regained her composure as she responded. "My lady..." "I will consider Changbongdaejoo's words quietly for now. Father must recover first before treatment can proceed." Moyong Sang-A turned away to quell her rising emotion. "That is the right decision." "Let's call it a day for now. Attend to your duties." "Please rest. I will take my leave." She had thought treating her father would bring hope. The sound of the door closing followed the farewells. The light that once spilled through the doorway was now sealed away. Moyong Sang-A silently gazed at the orchids brought from Joseon. Even during the bleak winter, the Joseon orchids retained their vibrant greenery. While everyone might marvel at their beauty, Moyong Sang-A knew. Orchids, too, merely endure, longing for the return of spring. "Was it a sin to even harbor a sliver of hope?" There was no one to answer her question. Only the orchids, struggling to survive the long winter of Liaodong, were there in silence.