Chapter 39 – The Brown Bear’s Roar (2)

Chapter 39 – The Brown Bear's Roar (2)

So-mu walked side by side with Heo-gyu through the marketplace.

"The Hui soldiers who entered Yangjanglim disappeared all at once," Heo-gyu said. "And we are talking about a force of several thousand men."

Yangjanglim. It was the name of a dense bamboo forest located south of Chang'an Fortress.

An intrigued expression appeared on So-mu's face.

"What were the Hui troops doing there?"

"There is a small village that can only be reached by passing through Yangjanglim. The soldiers who went there to plunder did not return even after five days. Since then, scouts have been seen entering Yangjanglim multiple times. But they only saw them go in—none came out."

"People entered the forest, but not a single one returned?"

"Because of that, terrifying rumors have been spreading recently that an evil spirit haunts Yangjanglim. Who else but the Shadow King could pull off such a feat?"

It was indeed plausible information.

The forest was densely packed with tall bamboo that blocked out the sunlight. It was the perfect environment for an assassin to operate.

"Do you think he is still there?"

"Based on the circumstances, it seems a large number of Hui soldiers are trapped inside the village. If they want to return to Chang'an, they must pass through Yangjanglim. Do you think the Shadow King will let them go easily?"

"Then he won't be moving from that spot for a while."

"Undoubtedly. But why are you looking for the Shadow King anyway?"

"I'm planning to recruit him."

Heo-gyu stared at him in disbelief. "You've completely lost your mind."

"In a mad world, it would be stranger if I remained sane. I must head back now. Once we receive our pay, I'll buy you a drink."

Heo-gyu nodded in farewell. He quietly watched So-mu's receding back.

A moment later, Heo-gyu murmured softly to himself, "Please be careful. I do not wish to lose my only true friend…"

* * *

Jang-yang sat at his desk, reviewing a thick stack of documents.

Whenever the administrators reported on the affairs of the corps, he would personally review and refine every detail. Lately, his days had become increasingly hectic.

This was especially true since he had decided to accept the Beggars' Sect's intelligence. Every report was incredibly valuable, and he never overlooked a single detail.

There was also the matter of managing the relief supplies that the civilians continuously sent to the camp. It was only natural for the citizens sharing the same fate to support the government army. He stored the materials that could be used for logistics and sold off all the luxury items to purchase oxen. These oxen were then leased to the refugees working in the military settlements free of charge.

Jang-yang's primary goal was securing a plentiful supply of military grain.

'First, we must not starve. No one in Hanzhong should go hungry. Only then can we fight and endure.'

Just as he was about to sign the final document, the door to his office burst open, and a young girl appeared.

"Grandpa! Where did Uncle Yang go?"

It was So-so, who had run straight here during her break after morning training.

A warm smile spread across Jang-yang's face. She was the savior who had saved his life, so he was always happy to see her.

"Haha. Our So-so is here."

So-so carried a janggi board, looking around the room.

"Phew… He ran away again!"

Yang Yeon-jeong had been having a tough time avoiding So-so, who was completely obsessed with the game. Since she was the one who had taught her how to play, she couldn't complain.

"She will be back shortly, so why not wait a bit?"

After a moment's thought, So-so sat opposite Jang-yang, resting her chin in her hands. Soon, growing bored of waiting, she began kicking her legs back and forth beneath the chair. Then, she pulled an emergency snack from her pocket—a large carrot.

Snapping the carrot in half, So-so offered one piece to Jang-yang.

"Grandpa, do you want some?"

Come to think of it, he hadn't eaten anything all day. He had been so buried in work that he had forgotten about lunch.

"Haha. I was actually getting a bit hungry. Thank you, child."

While the two of them happily munched on the carrot, two visitors entered the office. Stepping inside, they wore dumbfounded expressions.

"Why are you here?" So-mu asked.

The visitors were So-mu and Il-gwang. Jang-yang smiled at the startled pair.

"Let her be. It is better than a quiet office."

So-mu glanced at Il-gwang and said to the General, "This is the squad leader who will be heading out to the streets starting today."

With a massive build that made him look like a brown bear, an intimidating face, and sharp, narrow eyes, Il-gwang was visually perfect for the job.

"His physique is indeed reassuring. Request whatever you need. Do you require any troops for backup?"

"I am fine, General."

Il-gwang did his best to smile. But when his ferocious face grinned, it only made him look even more terrifying.

"Haha. He indeed seems like the perfect man for the job."

Receiving the praise, Il-gwang felt proud. He felt compelled to say something.

"I will have it resolved within five days, General."

Surprise flashed across Jang-yang's face.

It was a headache that the military administration had failed to resolve. He had secretly estimated it would take about a year. To think he promised to settle it in just five days.

"The capabilities of the Wolf Fang Squad never cease to amaze me. I am truly proud to have you men under my command."

So-mu and Il-gwang bowed. Having finished their business, they said their goodbyes and left the office.

"Grandpa, I'll see you tomorrow!" So-so called out.

Leaving the office, So-so leaped onto So-mu's shoulders with a light hop.

"Give me a piggyback ride!"

"You're already on my shoulders."

So-so's small feet were already dangling against his chest.

Il-gwang looked flushed, clearly thrilled by the General's praise.

"I'll head out immediately, Captain."

"Right. See you in five days."

Utilizing his light movement technique, Il-gwang quickly vanished from sight.

After parting ways with Il-gwang, So-mu and his daughter walked slowly toward the barracks. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed a peaceful walk under the warm sun. The scent of peonies blooming along the path drifted on the breeze, welcoming them.

"Daddy! Why is my name So-so?"

"Well, it means to smile and smile again. So my So-so should only experience happy things."

"Hehe. Then why is your name So-mu?"

So-mu couldn't answer immediately.

Now that he thought about it, the memory was hazy. Though he had grown up as an orphan, he hadn't always been alone.

Reaching back through the years, a faint memory surfaced of himself sitting on someone's shoulders, asking the exact same question. A touch of sadness softened So-mu's eyes.

"It means to laugh and dance as you grow."

"Did you laugh and dance when you grew up, Daddy?"

Looking back, he hadn't laughed much in his life. Before meeting So-so, his days had been filled with bloodshed and tragedy.

It was not something he could tell his young daughter.

"Yes," So-mu replied.

He couldn't recall a happier moment than this very second.

'I will fight to build a world where So-so can always smile. I will change this mad world.'

He constantly pondered and reflected.

It was a noble concern, not for himself, but for the world.

He had only just taken the first step toward his goal. He had to keep moving forward.

"Daddy has to go somewhere. I might not return for about two days."

So-so thought for a moment, then smiled brightly and shouted, "Okay! Have a safe trip!"

Contrary to his expectations, she agreed quite easily. Her reaction was different from usual.

"I won't see you for two days. Won't you miss me?"

"I'll be fine."

Something was definitely suspicious. But he couldn't interrogate her.

When So-mu didn't reply, acting slightly hurt, So-so tugged his ears and said, "Have a safe trip, Daddy!"

"I had to practically beg for that. Stay safe, and don't make trouble for the General."

Arriving at the barracks, So-mu set So-so down. It was time to head toward Yangjanglim near Chang'an Fortress.

So-so watched So-mu until he completely vanished from sight, then immediately dashed inside the barracks.

It was just past midday. The other squad members were all at the training grounds, leaving the barracks empty.

So-so quickly stripped off her training clothes, humming to herself. She pulled her Hanbok from her chest, putting it on. She also opened the pouch attached to her jeogori, packing the copper coins she had saved along with a few snacks.

Stepping outside, So-so looked around. Avoiding the training grounds where her uncles were, she headed toward the main gates of the camp.

Soon, she encountered the two guards stationed at the entrance. They were familiar faces.

"Hehe. Hello, misters!"

Seeing her walk up so naturally, the guards smiled.

"You look very pretty today, So-so."

"Where are you heading?"

"I'm going to meet my daddy!"

To the guards, the commander of the Wolf Fang Squad was a hero. Naturally, they had no reason to stop her.

"Ah, he must be waiting for you outside. Have a safe trip."

"Yes! Goodbye, misters!"

Having easily slipped past the gates, So-so headed toward the Hanzhong market. Having been there before, she had no trouble finding the way.

Seeing the bustling streets lined with shops and restaurants, her heart fluttered with excitement.

So-so looked around, trying to decide where to go.

'I need to buy a gift for Daddy first…'

She had sneaked out to buy a present for So-mu. But now that she was here, she couldn't decide what to buy. She didn't know the prices of things, nor did she understand the value of the coins she carried.

After wandering for a while, her eyes locked onto a nearby street vendor. He was selling tanghulu—skewered candied fruits.

She walked up and held out her hand.

"Mister, give me one, please!"

The vendor sized So-so up. Wearing a expensive Hanbok imported from Goryeo and a fine silk jeogori, she looked like the daughter of a wealthy merchant.

"That will be two copper coins," the vendor said, handing over the skewer.

So-so opened her pouch and handed him the coins. "Here you go!"

She still had eight copper coins left.

So-so bit into the tanghulu, considering whether she should buy one as a gift for her father. But she shook her head and continued walking down the street.

"Hehe. Delicious!"

Since it was the first treat she had ever bought with her own money, it tasted wonderful. The feeling of independence made her feel giddy with excitement.

Just then, a man quietly approached her.

"Hello, little girl. Are you lost? Where are your parents?"

The man wore a round cloth hat and a blue robe. He looked down at her with a gentle smile.

"No, I'm not lost. My daddy went somewhere and will be back in two days."

"Ah, I see! What are you doing here all by yourself?"

"I came to buy a present for my daddy."

The man rested his chin in his hand, pretending to think.

"Hmm. A present for your father? You shouldn't buy just anything. I know of a great shop. Would you like to come with me? You can buy something wonderful for just three copper coins."

So-so fell into thought. She didn't know what it was, but it was only three copper coins. She couldn't help but be curious.