735 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"The execution of the criminal will be held in the marketplace three days from now!" To the governors, executions were a means to guide the populace through severe punishment and serve as a deterrent. For the common folk, an execution was a source of entertainment amidst a mundane life. Hence, once the execution date was set, it was only natural for proclamations to be displayed throughout the city several days prior. “Who committed such a heinous crime today? What? What's this?! Violation of family order? What on earth did they do?” “They say the servant of a household killed his master’s concubine.” “The world is really going mad.” “Isn't Hosanyakbang one of the most renowned pharmacies even in Changsha? How could this happen, tsk tsk tsk.” If it were just an ordinary murder case, it wouldn't have caused such a stir. Incidents were common in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. But the Hosanyakbang incident was different. For a servant to murder his master’s concubine was shocking, even to those who usually wouldn’t bat an eye at most things. The Hosanyakbang case quickly became a hot topic at drinking tables. “They say, as if killing the concubine wasn’t enough, he nearly destroyed the entire household.” The tale was further spiced up with more elaborate rumors. “What does that mean?” The eyes of those discussing the Hosanyakbang story shifted to one man. His face seemed to have an unusual shine, like he had thoroughly indulged in meat and drink somewhere. “After killing the concubine, the servant supposedly hid the murder weapon in the mistress's room.” “No way?! To frame the mistress?” “Even the inspectors and constables were allegedly in a frenzy to drag the mistress away!” For a servant to murder his master's concubine and then attempt to frame the mistress, it was a scandalous thing that caught the attention of even those who usually didn't care about such matters. “How did they catch the culprit, then?” In every aspect, things seemed to unfold according to the perpetrator’s plan. Once the listeners were all ears, the man telling the story cautiously revealed how everything got resolved. “If it weren’t for one man, the owner of Hosanyakbang might have lost his cherished concubine and his wife along with their unborn child.” “One man…?” “Someone cleared the mistress’s wrongful accusation?” “You all know the famous novel these days, right?” The man drew a book from his bosom, a book whose cover alone was enough for everyone to recognize the title. “Jegal Seolrok? How... Could it be?!” Jegal Seolrok was based on true events, conjuring in people's minds the tales of a man who solved the real ghost ship incident. “It was Kang Yoonho, the black-haired constable, a friend of Ho Pil, who got involved!” “Good heavens!!! Is that really true?” Before the man could nod, another testimony emerged. “I heard it too! A friend of mine working as a constable at the office witnessed Jegal Seolrok’s deduction firsthand!” “Did you say Jegal Seolrok’s deduction! That wasn’t just something possible in novels?” “The novel exaggerated none of it! They were so baffled, they barely kept their wits about them!” “Is that so?” “I heard a similar rumor too.” “You too?” “They say the black-haired constable solved a murder on board a ship heading to Changsha. And he even swiftly subdued three martial artists trying to act up, bringing peace back.” With the growing popularity of Jegal Seolrok, stories of the renowned constable naturally continued to be hot topics. “The man who solved all those continuous murder cases was that black-haired constable?” “There’s no shortage of witnesses! Those present claimed it was as if he was conversing with the voice of the deceased.” “My goodness…” The tale of a servant killing the master's concubine morphed into a mystery drama led by the black-haired constable. The constable’s deduction then, into the shipboard murder case. All of these almost unbelievable stories making the rounds were true. It was inevitable that tales of the black-haired detective would rapidly spread throughout Changsha. ** "Wherever you go, everyone's talking about you." "There’s a noticeable effect since the proclamations went up." Just like how companies invest heavily in advertising, there's a reason behind it. Publicity thrives on momentum. Martial artists may build their fame through tales of heroism, but as a merchant, I couldn't afford to miss this rare opportunity to build my own renown. So, I spread the word further with food and drink. “There were so many witnesses to the cases that Young Master Kang solved, accounts after accounts are forming.” “That’s good news. What about the people we sent to the government office?” “Jo Pankwan has also stated he’s heading to the execution ground.” Thank goodness. I was worried he might send a subordinate. It’s a relief he’s coming in person. “You weren’t always interested in executions.” “If we’re doing this, might as well make a big splash.” Though I might have been wary of my reputation spreading as a detective rather than a businessman or writer, things have changed. The business needed to expand, and my reputation needed to grow, so I had to make decisive moves. “What do you mean?” “I have plans. Let’s head out ourselves.” I headed straight to the execution ground with three others in tow. "The execution platform is quite high." The execution ground set up in the marketplace was not just an open space with an executioner waiting like in old dramas, but a high, wooden platform. “Yes, the capital city of Hunan. It needs to accommodate all the people gathering to watch.” “It’s like something out of legend when warriors, their resources exhausted, hid all of the world’s treasures here.” With the crowd gathered in such numbers, it seemed like a golden age for outlaws. “What are you talking about?” “Kang constable! Or should I say detective! Come this way!” Had they noticed me stepping down from the carriage in the distance? A welcoming voice called out from the platform. “Jo Pankwan.” It was Jo Pankwan, elegantly dressed in official garments. “I prepared a special spot for our detective. What are you doing? Make room so the detective can come closer!” “Step aside!” "Haha. I'm not sure if a mere lowly official like a dark-haired constable should sit next to the esteemed Jo Pankwan." Guided by the constables, as I ascended the high execution platform, the heads of people below resembled a mountain range swathed in colorful autumn foliage. “Don't say such things! Isn’t it thanks to the detective that today’s proceedings are even possible?” “The title of detective feels quite excessive for me.” “You jest! I'll keep calling you detective until you're accustomed to it! Worry not!” "Haha. I'll accept it gratefully then." I exchanged brief greetings with the people from Hosanyakbang and took my seat. While everyone awaited the arrival of the criminal, I was waiting for something else. “The lowly dark-haired one sitting next to a magistrate!” “The… the rumors were true…!” Those were the words I had been expecting. There was a reason I was showcasing my acquaintance with Jo Pankwan atop the platform. The neatly dressed official’s attire was a symbol of authority associated with enforcing justice, which naturally drew people's attention. Furthermore, the sight of him conversing with someone clad in high-end clothing like the dark-haired one only fueled that interest. Seeing a dark-haired figure engaging amicably with a magistrate from such a high position would surely cement certain beliefs. “Did you hear what the magistrate said?” “Yes, I did! Clearly!” "Detective…! They definitely called him a detective." It's always more convincing to see it with your own eyes than just hearing it a hundred times. The story of the dark-haired detective was no idle gossip. What I did was publicly seal the truth of it here. “We shall now carry out the execution!” The criminal who left scars on so many people lost his head all too easily, leaving only a hollow impression. “Un Yeop.” “Shall we start organizing a list as soon as the requests come in from today?” As expected from the deputy, quick-witted as always. Having a detective in Changsha who’d actually solved cases wasn’t mere rumor; it was fact. Given this truth, responses were inevitable. Though jumping into full-scale operations could be advantageous— “Let’s raise the stakes a bit first.” ** “Did you find out…?” “The rumors seem to be true.” “A detective, you say? Was the story of Jegal Seolrok actually true?” The magistrate publicly expressed his gratitude to the dark-haired one. The tale of the dark-haired detective quickly reached the ears of those who might need his services. “The local dignitaries who attended the Hosanyakbang case were effusive in their praise. It was as if he was describing the scene firsthand.” “Seeing the voices of the dead…” “Even the perpetrator was reportedly so astounded that he confessed his crimes.” The story is hard to believe. But with so many witnesses corroborating it, those who needed his help couldn’t help but be intrigued. “No more hesitation is necessary. Schedule a meeting with the detective immediately.” “Well…” The servant lowered his head with an uncomfortable expression. “Is there a problem?” “He’s reportedly refusing to meet everyone who approaches him because of cases.” “What did you say?” “Due to his sudden fame, too many people are trying to meet him for the same purpose.” It’s understandable. While many need help, there's only one person who can provide it. Naturally, everyone would flock to him. The man nodded, acknowledging the situation. “Still, avoiding cases as a detective?” “The detective is merely a nickname. He's not a constable anymore, but Kang Yoonho of Mankeum Trading Company now.” “I see... So, he’s the son-in-law of the Jegal family.” A renowned constable. It's fascinating how legendary tales continue to unfold, but unlike the glamorous role of a detective in stories, the reality of a constable is more akin to a low-ranking position. If he had left that line of work, it was only logical that requests for cases could no longer be made. UlFRblVJeEt0R01oWGZFZXFXMGFSNjJxd0d2TUlnSFhVc091eUUwZzVxMkUwOTdFR0g2SlNzVHlJMmx4UzVpag “Some fools caught a lot of trouble attempting to meet him without an appointment.” “Bold ones indeed. The Jinju Yuan clan wouldn’t ignore guests in distress.” The man could only chuckle bitterly. His counterpart was the son-in-law of Jegal family and a guest of the Yuan clan. He wasn’t someone who could be easily pressured or coerced to fulfill requests. “Without an appointment, it seems meeting him is impossible.” “This is quite a predicament. I truly wish to speak with him.” Should he swallow his disappointment? The man muttered, unable to abandon his lingering hopes. “There could yet be a way.” “You just said he’s turning down all case-related requests?!” “He's declining meetings focused on cases, not refusing all requests.” “So there is a way.” Decline all requests, at least initially. Since he doesn’t intend to solve every case, this was the dialogue that Kang Yoonho had anticipated. Acting as a detective was solely a business expansion tactic. So how should he expand his ventures? The solution Kang Yoonho offered to those leaving disgruntled was simple. “Why not approach as Hosanyakbang’s owner did?” “Like Bang Dae-woon? Right. How did Bang Dae-woon request a case?” He hadn’t accepted any cases, yet resolved the Hosanyakbang incident. It didn’t add up. How did he manage to engage the detective? The answer was simple. “He deposited a significant sum at Mankeum Trading Company.” “Did he change his entire primary trading account?” He was no longer just the dark-haired constable. However— “Yes. Though Kang Yoonho does turn away cases for the detective…” “Yet Mankeum Trading's Kang Yoonho doesn’t turn away those coming to meet him!” Kang Yoonho at Mankeum Trading doesn’t turn away valued clients. “Clients who deposit a substantial amount are considered premium customers, granting them the opportunity to meet the successor of Mankeum Trading.” “Find out how much it requires to be a premium client, and deposit the funds at Mankeum Trading immediately!” Why solve cases to attract clients when those who wish to seek help should become clients first? It was all a clever tactic by Kang Yoonho.