Chapter 25 – The Sparrow Flies In (3)

Chapter 25 – The Sparrow Flies In (3)

After the conversation with Zhang Yang, Sumu was deep in thought.

‘I’ve been trapped in a well called Martial World and haven’t seen the world until now.’

The weight of the scales representing national power was determined by a weight called Hwagyeong . The confirmed history includes three people in the Hui Dynasty, one in the Goryeo Dynasty, and one in the Song Dynasty. Even if Song and Goryeo formed an alliance, they were already outnumbered.

Although Hwiguk was confident in unifying the world, there were always variables. There was a sword star who had not yet appeared on the chess board.

However, a war was not necessarily decided solely by the numbers of police officers. It was a national war fought on a large scale, with as few as 10,000 or as many as a million people involved. If there were countless cavalry fighting on a vast land, how many people can you kill by running around alone? If the stepping stone to support the pillar called Hwagyeong was not strong, the pillar would eventually collapse.

Nothing was easy. There was no information about Shadow Sect, who robbed the Jin Dynasty and established the State of Hui. My head hurt.

Around the time he closed his eyes and came to his senses. The carriage slowed down and stopped.

“We have arrived, Nauri.”

When the carriage door opened, a guesthouse appeared. It was a small scale similar to the Soho Tavern that he ran. I could feel two people inside. An ordinary person who has not learned martial arts would be a master.

The other thing was clear even without seeing it in person. A pure energy that seemed to contain the power of the sun. General Yue Fei was clear.

Yang Yang handed the driver a bundle of coins and said,

“It won’t take long, so go somewhere and have a bite to eat.”

It also implied that you should not eavesdrop on the conversation here. The coachman, whose mouth was caught in his ear, secured the carriage and quickly left the seat.

“Then let’s go in.”

“Shall I go in with you?”

“It’s okay since you are one of the people I trust the most. I’d like to introduce you.”

When Zhang Yang opened the door of the shabby guesthouse, he saw a man sitting at the table. Although he was wearing gray long hemp and bamboo ribs, he was seen from the back with strong shoulders. Moreover, even at a glance, the smooth muscles revealed through the clothes showed that he was a warrior. Above all, the prayer that was felt subtly from him left So-mu in admiration.

‘I knew that I had reached the realm of perfection, but to think that it was at this level… … .’

Even if you were an expert in the same flower technique, there were differences in heights and lows. It was a tremendous energy that could not be found even in Martial World.

“Who came with me?”

Ae Fei had already noticed Su Mu’s presence without even turning around. This was because So-mu intentionally displayed a certain level of energy. As the level of inaction he revealed to those around him increased, he was adjusting his momentum accordingly.

“He is someone you can trust, General. He is my subordinate who has made the greatest contribution to our military.”

“I see. It’s a private meeting, so there’s no need to be formal. Please sit down, priest.”

When Jang Yang took his place, So-mu took a step back as if standing as a guard and kept his position.

“I’m glad that Yangyang’s defense battle ended successfully.”

“But the priest didn’t participate.”

“I thought protecting Hanzhong was more important. I’m sorry for not joining the Elders’s request.”

“No, I should be the one to apologize. I underestimated the priest. Who would have expected that he would be able to gather new soldiers and protect Hanjung? It was a situation where it was right to protect Hanjung if possible. The priest is one step above me.”

“How can I follow the execution? Why did you ask me to see it in person?”

“I thought it might be the last time. That’s why I really wanted to meet the priest.”

“Could it be that Jangjun and Jinhoe have already started working together?”

Privy Councilor Jang Jun and Prime Minister Jinhoe. These were the representative treacherous officials of the Song Dynasty with omnipotent power, and were the names of those who envy and frame Yue Fei.

“Isn’t this what was expected? What should have happened ten years ago was just postponed due to the invasion of the Hwi Kingdom. Since the war has entered a lull, they may think it is an opportunity.”

“The whole world knows that there is nothing wrong with the Elders.”

“Now, in our Song Dynasty, Jin Hui is the world’s best. He said there was a charge of treason, so he asked me to come and be investigated.”

At those words, Zhang Yang narrowed his eyebrows and raised his voice.

“It’s a birthmark! How outrageous is this for a general who only looked ahead and contributed to his country!”

“How could I have been the only one?”

“Don’t go. We don’t know what these incompetent bastards who don’t care about state affairs will do. They are just relieved that their enemy’s momentum has been broken by this small victory, and they have no interest in the bigger danger that is to come.”

Ae Fei filled Zhang Yang's glass and asked.

“Well, what happens if you don’t go?”

“It would be like admitting the charges. Jinhoe will use this as an excuse to conclude that it was a treason. But even if you leave, it will be difficult to come out, so just resign and rest in peace for the rest of your life.”

Su Mu felt that Zhang Yang's emotions were gradually rising. These two loyalists were in a situation where they had to worry about their lived even though they had made great contributions to the country. Even I was dumbfounded as I listened.

“I have never done anything shameful in the name of my country. So why can’t I go forward proudly?”

“Once the Elders decision was made, it was never overturned. What can I do to help you?”

“The surroundings are full of generals who are only interested in fortune and merit, and the government is dominated by traitors who greedy for power, so I cannot help but worry about the safety of the country. Now, the only person I can trust is the priest. I would like to ask you to take care of me.”

“I will not be as loyal to the emperor and the court as I am to my brother. The only people I am loyal to are the people.”

A meaningful smile appeared on Ae Fei's face as he emptied his glass again.

“How can I not know the priest’s personality? I failed, but I believe that the priest has virtue, resourcefulness, and flexibility, so he will be able to find a way to overcome this difficult situation.”

“I am also in the same position as the Elders. How can I expect to survive when I have showered the soldiers with the military’s military achievements, including the Geumgang Jin-gyeong?”

“If that’s the case, don’t worry. I handed over responsibility for the defense of Yangyang to General Yu Gwang-se. In return, I received an agreement to take responsibility for this incident and cover it up. He has already filed an appeal, claiming that he ordered it all to defend Hanzhong, a strategic point.”

“Didn’t you say that General Sang arrived late and didn’t even participate in the battle? Are you saying he gave up his major because of me?”

“It’s not necessarily because of the priest. There was a need to give Yu Gwang-se more power to keep Jang Jun in check.”

From Zhang Yang’s perspective, there was no significant difference between Jang Jun and Yu Gwang Se. Jang Jun was in trouble with the treacherous Jin Hoe, and Yoo Gwang-se was a man blinded only by his major, and was also at odds with General Han Se-chung.

“I just hope that the Elders proves my innocence.”

“Don’t worry too much. If it’s going to get better, then what’s the need to worry? Now that I’ve seen the priest’s face, I guess I’ll have to leave.”

Ae Fei stood up and placed his right hand on Su Mu's shoulder and said.

“Please take good care of the priest.”

So-mu nodded silently.

It was then. Ae Fei did not take his eyes off Su Mu, as if something was strange. Moreover, it even secretly sent a true energy flowing into his body.

Su Mu sensed that Yue Fei's hand holding her shoulder was trembling slightly. Just as the atmosphere was about to become awkward, Zhang Yang broke the silence and spoke.

“Elder. It will be a difficult road, but if you can afford it, please send me a kite occasionally.”

“Hmm. I understand.”

After saying goodbye, Yue Fei silently climbed onto his horse tied next to the guesthouse. And as he walked away, his meaningful murmured were being transmitted one by one to So-mu’s ears.

“Hehe… I guess I was worried for nothing. Now I can go on the long journey with peace of mind…”

Su Mu, who followed Zhang Yang into the carriage, secretly sighed.

‘Was it impossible to completely deceive Hwa-kyung’s eyes? I'll have to be careful from now on. This means that you either have to completely stop betting, or you have to stop touching your body… … .’

The conversation with Ae Fei brought about many changes in Zhang Yang's state of mind. His expression was even darker than when he left Hanzhong. Naturally, there was bound to be silence inside the carriage.

I hope so. Suddenly, So-mu broke the silence and spoke.

“General, if you don’t mind, could I stop for a moment?”

The carriage had just passed by the village's shopping district. Zhang Yang immediately shouted at the coachman without even asking why.

“Stop for a moment!”

When the carriage stopped, So-mu looked puzzled and asked.

“Aren’t you asking why?”

“You wouldn’t be a bad father if you came this far and didn’t buy your daughter a present. Please take your time.”

"Thank you."

Nodding, So-mu opened the carriage door and scanned the street. There were street vendors right in front, so there was no need to go far.

His eyes were fixed on a nearby trinket vendor. So-mu approached and after careful consideration, she picked up an item she liked. A norigae decorated with colorful, bright colors and flower and butterfly patterns. Even at first glance, it looked very rare.

“Give me this.”

“You have good taste, sir. But this is a product that came from Goryeo, so it is a bit expensive.”

“How much?”

“It’s 80 yeon coins.”

It was an expensive price, equivalent to half of the salary paid in the military. But So-mu had no hesitation. After taking out a wad of coins and paying the bill, he quickly got into the carriage.

“It’s late.”

So-mu carefully places the norigae in her arms. A smile appeared on Zhang Yang's face for the first time as she looked at him.

“Looking at you, it seems that all fathers have the same heart. Even if the child is not the one I gave birth to, there is no difference as long as the hearts are connected. And isn’t it the heart of every father to want to create a world where the child can grow up without worries?”

So-mu fell into deep thought.

‘It’s a world without worries… … .’

It was the world he dreamed of. The answer was already decided. This was impossible unless the war ends.

And one more thing. The problem of the incompetent emperor and treacherous retainers was already in the back of his mind.

‘Would a better world be created if someone like General Zhang Yang became emperor?’

After thinking for a moment, So-mu shook her head in her mind. This was because the conclusion was reached that it was not a matter for one to judge.

Another two days passed, and the carriage arrived at the military camp in Hanzhong. It was a few days without anything special happening, but there was a lot of gain. The information obtained through Zhang Yang and Yue Fei was very valuable.

So-mu went straight to Wolf Fang Squad’s training ground. As expected, the crew appeared to be busy with training.

His eyes immediately began to look for So-so. For some reason, Il-gwang was personally guiding the child.

So-mu, who had been silently looking at So-so, was surprised once again. This was because in just a few days, I was already learning the basics of Heavenly Martial Sword Technique.

“Hey! Yay!”

So-so's movements, as he grabbed a toy-like sword and performed a form, were very good. There was no weight to the sword yet, but my strength would solve that problem.

At that time, Il-gwang, who was the first to spot So-mu, spoke to So-so.

“So-so, your father has arrived.”

As soon as Il-gwang finished speaking, So-so’s face turned. And it happened at the same time that his deer-like eyes became moist. So-so let go of his sword and rushed towards So-mu.

“Huh…. Where have you been!”

So-so's plum-like fist began to hit So-mu's lower abdomen.

“Oh my. My father, So-so, beat me to death.”

So-so hugged So-mu's waist and shed tears endlessly.

“Now don’t leave me!”

“That will never happen.”

As So-mu was stroking So-so's head, Il-gwang came over and straightened his shoulders and said.

“He didn’t even eat and just cried, so I soothed him.”

No matter how much I thought about it, it was surprising. I can't believe Il-gwang also had this kind side.

“Thank you, Il-gwang.”

When So-so calmed down to some extent, So-mu took out a plaything from her arms and held it out.

“Well, I went to buy this to give you So-so.”

So-so, looking at the norigae, opened her eyes wide and blinked as if she had never cried before.

“Is it mine?”

“Yes, then.”

Before I knew it, So-so's tone had changed to politeness again. It was always his own way. So-so, who snatched the plaything, hugged So-mu's waist again and smiled brightly.

“Hehe. Thank you, father!”