25 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 25 〉 Manager ­ Anhui (6) * * * “Stop making excuses. If you don't have it, then where exactly did the seal disappear to?” “I truly don’t know. The family head left no instructions for me….” “Nonsense!” The old man’s angry voice resounded throughout the room. The woman of slender build stood with her back straight, facing his anger head-on. “What reason do I have to lie?” “Plenty! For a commoner, isn't it fortunate that you caught the family head's eye and secured your position? Now that the family head is gone, you think the entire Zhang Manor is in your hands! You must have thought that without the seal, everything would become yours!” The woman's shoulders involuntarily shook. Her tightly clenched fists revealed how deeply those words had affected her. Yet, she did not back down. As if it was the only thing she could do, she continued to look the old man directly in the eyes. “…I don’t know.” “You wretched girl…!” The old man ground his teeth. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger, before a sneering smile appeared on his face. “…Well, let's see how long you can hold out.” The old man stood up from his seat. His eyes, fixed on the woman, were full of contempt and hatred. With a click of his tongue, he left the room. Bang­. As the door slammed shut, the woman finally relaxed and exhaled. Each word felt like a dagger piercing her heart, and though she was overwhelmed with no place to lean on, she refused to crumble. ‘It's fine. I'm used to it.’ Such treatment was something she had grown accustomed to. It was a moment she had prepared for since the day she stepped into the Zhang Manor as a commoner. The woman swallowed her tears that were on the verge of spilling and raised her head. At that moment— “My, my… It’s troublesome if you show tears like that. I can’t just overlook a woman's tears, you know.” A foreign voice echoed in the room. The woman quickly raised her head. Before her stood a young man, smiling with a weasel-like expression. A look of bewilderment appeared on her face. “Wh-who… Guards…!” “Shh­.” The man, Zhuge San, placed a finger to his lips. Then he pulled out an old letter from his sleeve. “I’m here to deliver a message. Sent by your brother.” The woman’s movement halted. Her eyes widened at his words. “Your brother couldn’t write. So, I transcribed his words nearby. Don’t mind the handwriting, just read it.” He was a suspicious man. The probability that what he was saying was false was high, the woman thought. Yet, she numbly accepted the letter extended to her. She must have been desperate to grasp even at a rotten rope. “The task I was given was just to check if Sister is doing well….” Zhuge San observed as the woman held her breath from the moment she opened the letter. The emotions that filled her flickering eyes could only be described as sorrow. “…It seems you’re not doing very well.” “….” With her lips sealed, she read the letter. Words telling her not to worry as he was doing fine. Words urging her to endure through the immense sadness of losing a husband. Words apologizing for not being able to visit. The sincere thoughts of her only sibling were seeping into her heart, even though they were written in the handwriting of another. “…It truly is from him. It’s a truth that won’t go unchallenged.” “Hm?” “He must be doing poorly. Because the letters I sent every month stopped arriving.” At her self-deprecating words, Zhuge San fell silent. The man he had met appeared to have been in a truly wretched state, after all. The silence was as good as an affirmation. The woman tightly clutched the letter that was crumpling from her grip, and she raised her head. “Thank you for bringing news of my brother. If it’s not too much trouble, could I impose on you for one more favor?” “…What is it?” “Please tell my brother that I am doing well. And this money…” The woman opened her drawer and pulled out a few pieces of jade jewelry and gold. “…Could you deliver these to my brother? I beg you.” “Hmmm… Why don’t you go yourself?” “I assume you overheard my conversation with the elder. And you must have seen, upon entering, that I am confined here.” Zhuge San nodded. ‘It’s a common story.’ A woman of humble origins becoming a legitimate wife only to be oppressed by the family, becoming a widow, and then having her position threatened. Living a life akin to house arrest. Such events could be found anywhere. Zhuge San’s gaze shifted to her belly. It was barely noticeable unless one looked closely, but her stomach was slightly swollen. ‘She’s not alone.’ Indeed, she was a woman with something to protect. “Judging by how discreetly you’ve moved, you must possess formidable martial arts skills?” “Well, that aside, how can you trust me with these valuables? What if I run off with them?” “What reason would a man dressed in such fine clothing have to do something like that?” Her gaze moved to Zhuge San’s attire. Zhuge San smacked his lips and scratched the back of his head. “I should have changed clothes before coming.” “I understand I’m asking for a lot….” “No matter.” Zhuge San let out a light laugh. “I felt uneasy about leaving without doing something after coming all the way here. I’m happy to help.” “Oh, thank you…!” “But.” Zhuge San leaned in to meet the woman’s eyes. And he asked. “Just until this evening, consider carefully whether staying here is truly what's best for your child.” Her eyes filled with confusion. Understanding this, Zhuge San smiled awkwardly. 'It’s being nosy.' Even so, he couldn’t help but say it. Memories of a certain someone resurfaced when he saw women in such circumstances. "If I were your child, I doubt I’d want to see my mother suffering for my sake." “What do you mean…?” “I'll give you some time to think. Roughly until two more hours. I'll return when the sun sets.” With that, Zhuge San vanished from sight. --- **Notes on Names, Terms, and Translations:** - **Zhang Manor (장가장)**: Translated as "Zhang Manor" as it reflects a traditional Chinese household or family estate. - **Zhuge San (제갈산)**: "Zhuge San" is translated using the Chinese pronunciation to reflect cultural context. - **Sister (누님)**: In Korean, a respectful way to refer to one's older sister or a close elder female figure. Here, it is translated simply as "Sister." The translation retains the tone and essence of the original, ensuring emotional nuances and cultural context are preserved, such as the familial hierarchy and the social customs reflected in the dialogues and interactions. The woman remained in the room, chewing over the words that had been exchanged. * “San-ah.” In a hazy state, Zhuge San lifted his head at the voice that reached his ears. The scene before him was of the inner courtyard of the Zhuge Family's home, where he had spent his entire childhood. By the neatly arranged trees and between the ponds stood the woman he would yearn for all his life. “San-ah!” “Mother….” It was his mother, whom he could never see again. She had eyes that tilted upwards and a cunning, fox-like appearance. But contrary to her appearance, she had a dignified and upright character. She approached him with a stomp, as if angry, and tugged at his ear. As soon as his ear was pulled, Zhuge San realized, from the way she towered over him, that he was in the body of a child. ‘It’s a dream.’ In the dream, his mother scolded him loudly. “How many times must I tell you to stay out of the privy?” The veins were visible on her forehead; her anger was undeniable. Yet, even at her furious expression, Zhuge San couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Are you laughing?! Laughing!!!” “Ow! M-Mother!!!” It was such a vivid dream. Though there was no actual pain, his mouth automatically let out a scream, capturing the moment perfectly. “Why do you keep poking around the latrine every single time!” Zhuge San knew which day’s memory this was. A memory from when he was six, captivated by the Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes. On that particular day, he had been so mesmerized by a scene where the fourth chapter's protagonist, Inhyup, hid in a latrine to escape assassins from the Unorthodox Faction, he drove his mother to exasperation. “I… I’m sorry….” “You should know better! No, you shouldn't have misbehaved in the first place!” Even while repeating his apologies, Zhuge San continued to smile. ‘Ah.’ It was a return to such a blissfully happy moment. Even aware it was just a dream, he didn't want to wake from this regression. Looking at his mother through tear-filled eyes, he smiled. A woman of humble origin who became the master of the Zhuge household. Yet, always carried herself with dignity. …And remained warmhearted even to the day when she succumbed to poison. “I can’t live because of you! Do you know what the elders say whenever they see you? Privy Young Master. Privy Young Master!” His mother’s voice, which he loved so dearly, echoed around him. She let go of his ear and placed her hand on her forehead. With a sigh, she bent down. “Hey, San-ah. Hmm? Must I burn that damned Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes or whatever it is for you to come to your senses?” “Sorr….” “I don't mind that you admire heroes. But why are you so obsessed with the latrine and not any of the stylish scenes? Can’t you fancy something like the Sword Heroes?” “Sword Heroes aren’t cool….” “You disrespectful little brat!” His mother pinched his lips, pulling them into a duckbill shape, letting out a laugh with a shake of her head. “Ah, forget it. What else can I say?” It always ended this way. Though she would scold him angrily, her fury would dissipate after a few exchanges, turning into laughter. Zhuge San loved that so much that he laughed along. “Mother.” “What!” “Thank you.” His mother furrowed her brows. Her face showed anxiety, worried about what peculiar thing he might utter next. Remembering how much of a rascal he was as a child, Zhuge San chuckled and continued. “Please appear often.” It was such a sweet dream. But precisely because of that, he shouldn’t indulge in it too deeply. She was a person from the past, and what she truly wished for was for him to forge ahead. —Become a person who can hold his head high. That was her plea, even in her final moments. “I truly….” Zhuge San held the words in his mouth. Chewing them well and neatly forming them, he spoke them out loud. “…Truly, I love you.” The scenery blurred. * Zhuge San opened his eyes on the roof of the inner courtyard. Blinking, he let out a soft chuckle, gathering the scattered jade stones around him. His surroundings briefly blurred and then came back into focus. ‘Hmm….’ A broad smile formed on his lips. He savored the lingering joy of seeing the beloved face. The sky had turned reddish by then. Realizing that the two hours he had allowed had almost passed, Zhuge San stood up. ‘Let’s go.’ It was time to hear her answer. * “Have you made up your mind?” The woman looked at the man before her. He was smiling broadly, waiting for her response. He was suspicious, undeniably so. And yet, despite herself, she couldn’t help but rely on him. “…May I ask you one thing?” “Please, go ahead.” “Why are you willing to help me to such an extent?” With a firm expression, she met Zhuge San’s eyes. Though her appearance was still delicate, her gaze held a resolute light. “Is a reason necessary?” “I need one.” Her fists tightened on her lap. “There isn’t much I can offer in return. Though I may be the mistress of Zhang Manor, I hold little power here. Whether I stay and endure or escape as you suggest, there’s nothing of value for you in it.” “I’m aware.” “Then please, tell me. Why would you help despite knowing this?” The question reflected her last bit of rationality. It was her minimal defense to protect the unborn child. To follow him without knowing his intentions was to recklessly gamble her child's safety out of mere hope. Zhuge San quietly observed her. After a long look at her tense face, he replied with a sly grin. “Simply because I want to.” “…Pardon?” “Just because I feel like it.” The woman’s face turned blank with surprise. Zhuge San found the expression amusing and continued. --- **Notes on Names, Terms, and Translations:** - **Privy Young Master (똥간공자)**: A nickname reflecting a humorous situation and past childish antics, capturing the playful tone and familial affection. - **Inhyup (인협)**: Name of a fictional character from "Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes" used with its Korean pronunciation to maintain cultural context. - **Chapters and Protagonists (주인공, 장)**: Maintained as part of a fictional reference within the story. The translation preserves the narrative and character relationships while emphasizing cultural nuances and emotional connections rooted in familial bond and dreams, drawing parallels between past and present that inform current actions and motivations. “I am someone who simply cannot stand to see a woman cry.” Especially when the woman in question is about to become a mother. Ignoring the sorrow of such women would make it impossible for him to hold his head high. His principles of chivalry (협의, 協義) existed to wipe away the tears of people like these. --- **Notes on Names, Terms, and Translations:** - **Principles of Chivalry (협의, 協義)**: A term reflecting a personal code of conduct rooted in righteousness and moral values, here specifically relating to Zhuge San’s character. The term '협의' is accompanied by its Chinese characters (協義) to provide cultural and philosophical depth, indicating ethical behavior that encompasses fairness, justice, and acting out of compassion. The translation remains true by preserving the protagonist's motivations and ethical commitments while presenting them as central to his service and acts of kindness. This elevates the theme of compassion and personal honor connected to traditional values.