“It’s impressive.”
Ong Mungyu let out a breath of admiration. It was his first time seeing the Hwanggeum Family. The five Samdae Jeja who had followed him also stood there, mouths agape.
The buildings explained why the Geumssi Sega of Namchang was called the Hwanggeum Family.
The height of the Munru seemed to reach three jang (丈), and if you combined the walls extending left and right from the main gate, they looked to be about five jang.
Passing through the Munru wasn’t difficult. Many people came and went—people from Sanggye, Pyoguk, Jeonjang—and the Bodyguards paid no attention to the Hyeongsan people.
Everyone from Hyeongsan except Ong So-hu busily turned their heads away, as if forgetting their purpose.
Inside the main gate stood buildings taller than the Munru.
“How many rooms do you think a building like that has?”
“About fifty, I’d say. The Daecheong probably has around seven.”
Even Ong So-hu, who hadn’t visited in a while, always thought the Hwanggeum Family was grand whenever he came.
There was even talk that if the Hwanggeum Sangdan’s warehouses were emptied, they could supply ten years’ worth of grain to all the people in Jungwon.
With that level of wealth, it was no wonder the massive and prideful Gupailbang had merged.
“You’re all here solely for my Sujeong. Do not act unless I order it. Especially you, Mungyu. The same goes for you.”
“Of course. I know how to separate public and private matters.”
Ong Mungyu smiled. Ong So-hu ignored that smiling face.
He continued inside, weaving through the tall buildings.
The once noisy crowd gradually thinned, and only those dressed similarly remained. From here on, only those working within the Hwanggeum Family could be seen.
The Hwanggeum Family’s Jangwon was divided into Naewon and Oewon.
The Oewon was where external people like the Hwanggeum Jeonjang, Pyoguk, and Hoesandan headquarters came, while the Naewon was where the Hwanggeum Family’s own people lived—the real Main Family.
Naewon and Oewon faced each other across the Haija, with a stone bridge about two jang long spanning the moat.
At the ends of the stairs on both sides stood Bodyguards. They dozed standing until Ong So-hu approached, then immediately snapped to attention. If this were Hyeongsan, they would have drawn their swords right away, leaving no room for negotiation.
“Who did you arrange to meet?”
The yawning Bodyguard asked. Ong So-hu replied confidently.
“I’m from Hyeongsan. Here to pay my respects.”
At Ong So-hu’s words, the Bodyguards hastily bowed.
“Ah, yes. Please proceed inside.”
Of course, the Naewon of the Hwanggeum Family was not open to just anyone. But that rule only applied to outsiders. Authorized Munpa could freely enter and exit under the pretext of paying respects.
And there were fewer than twenty such authorized Munpa among the countless Munpa of Jungwon—Gupailbang, Odaesega, and Munpa comparable to them.
“Bodyguards asleep on duty—what a mess.”
Ong So-hu surveyed the Bodyguards with a heavy gaze.
The Bodyguards knew that occasionally the people of noble families came to pay respects to the Hwanggeum Family, but it was rare that someone showed up unannounced like this.
“You’re responsible for guarding the largest gold vein in Jungwon. How can you be dozing off? Both you and the family should be held accountable.”
Ong So-hu’s foot swept out suddenly. Though the Bodyguards were unarmed, they didn’t even notice his attack.
Thud.
In an instant, two Bodyguards’ noses hit the ground.
They clutched their noses with both hands and screamed in pain. Ong So-hu was unimpressed even by that.
To think that these so-called warriors couldn’t even draw their swords before getting hit.
“If this were Hyeongsan, your heads would have rolled. Consider yourself lucky.”
Of course, Ong So-hu knew the reality of the Hwanggeum Family. As the family became the axis for the various powers, their retainers’ morale was understandably low.
His cutting the noses of the Bodyguards was a show of preemptive dominance.
Behind the stone bridge, the servants and si nyeo were staring wide-eyed at the scene.
Ong So-hu was now ready to go deeper inside, fully prepared to unleash a detailed account of Hyeongsan’s Munpa and its ruthless methods. This was one of the strategies often employed by his father, Ong Jinsu.
When he sensed trouble from outsiders, Ong Jinsu would punish the disciple with the lowest rank by rupturing their Danjon and send them back to Julsan.
Based on experience, it wouldn’t take more than an hour for the vast Naewon to fill with an intimidating atmosphere.
But before the servants could retreat, a group of people drew the servants’ attention. They were walking from the Naewon’s main gate across the stone bridge.
To Ong So-hu, they looked like a force pushing away the fog of creeping fear.
“Huh.”
Recognizing them, Ong So-hu smiled.
Four direct descendants of the Hwanggeum Family were coming toward the main gate.
At the front was the bear-like Geumwolsang, flanked by Geumhwacheong and Geumsurin.
Behind Geumwolsang’s legs, a small figure moved leisurely.
Though the face was not yet visible, it was undoubtedly Gold-necked Hwan.
“No need to seek them out unnecessarily.”
Ong So-hu sheathed his sword. Before greeting them, he glanced around—a final warning against solo actions.
The Samdae Jeja confirmed Ong So-hu’s gaze, but Ong Mungyu’s eyes were elsewhere—fixed on Geumsurin approaching from the right.
Seeing Ong Mungyu’s intrigued look, Ong So-hu looked toward Geumsurin.
“Hwoa.”
She was quite, no, very beautiful.
To carry the dignity of a Hyeongsanpa clan leader, one must have a beauty like that by their side.
Yes. It was a shame for someone like her to be stuck in a worthless place like Sanggye.
Ong So-hu concluded so firmly.
***
Geumwolsang silently cursed the noisy Bodyguards.
He couldn’t get over how strange it was to see noses lying alone on the ground, separated from faces.
Had it not been for what Gold-necked Hwan told him earlier, he might never have regained his composure. When Gold-necked Hwan spoke in the dining hall, his initial emphasis was precisely on the cruelty of the Gangho.
— The strong are cruel to the weak, and the weak are servile to the strong.
— Isn’t that true everywhere?
— Yes. It’s just a matter of whether one has learned Mugong or not.
Back then, he hadn’t fully understood, but now the feeling was clear.
Geumwolsang wasn’t surprised by the obvious trick in the red martial uniforms. It was clearly an attempt at preemptive pressure.
But understanding the intention didn’t erase his discomfort. It was the first time he’d seen such vivid blood and unfamiliar flesh.
Still, Geumwolsang remained calm. Geumhwacheong and Geumsurin were white-lipped and pale.
Then, a comforting, calming energy flowed from behind. Even without turning around, it was clear that it was Gold-necked Hwan.
Though Geumwolsang’s knowledge of Mugong was limited, he could sense that this was deep Naegong from the Doga lineage.
At the front, Geumwolsang met Ong So-hu. Ong So-hu was sharp and agile-looking, emphasizing the contrast between the two.
“I am Ong So-hu of Hyeongsan. I have come to pay respects.”
“I am Geumwolsang of the Hwanggeum Family.”
“The Bodyguards’ morale was crawling on the ground, so I taught them some manners.”
Ong So-hu said that and then bowed toward Geumwolsang.
Near Ong So-hu’s feet, the Bodyguards still clutched their broken noses and whimpered. Geumwolsang tried to ignore them and recalled Gold-necked Hwan’s words.
— The Bodyguards will definitely suffer. They will panic. That is fine. When they come, the Jusampa’s spies will make sure the guards are ineffective.
Had they been mere Bodyguards, Geumwolsang’s empathy and composure would have been shaken.
But since these people were pests eating away at the family, his heart calmed.
“You have something to offer thanks for.”
Geumwolsang spoke calmly.
“I saw you arriving while discussing strategies with my brothers. It’s fortunate that it’s about paying respects. Since the Gaju is not present, wouldn’t it be proper for me to accompany you?”
Ong So-hu’s eyes flashed at Geumwolsang’s calm reply.
Warriors and Sanggye people had different tolerances for blood.
Warriors grew up seeing people die from a young age, often in the most disgraceful and miserable ways. Sanggye people did not.
Many were already vomiting at the sight, and some fainted, clutching their chests.
Yet this Geumwolsang maintained considerable composure. Ong So-hu did not like a Sanggye native showing off a warrior’s arrogance.
“Good, he’s well-trained. Had he reacted with hostility, I would have demonstrated Guhyang Geombeop.”
Ong So-hu’s blatant challenge halted Geumwolsang. He couldn’t answer that question.
If he bowed, it would invite mockery; if he resisted, there would be consequences.
But the answer came moments later.
“If given the opportunity, I would like to see it.”
With those words came the calm gaze of Gold-necked Hwan.
Ong So-hu realized he had momentarily forgotten about Gold-necked Hwan while paying attention to Geumwolsang.
Right now, the most curious person was Gold-necked Hwan, but Geumwolsang’s unexpected response had piqued his interest.
Ong So-hu looked carefully at Gold-necked Hwan. Thinking back, he had always slouched and bowed his head, so he rarely had a chance to see his face properly.
Ong So-hu had imagined Gold-necked Hwan’s face would have drooping eyes, a damp nose, and a timid mouth.
But the face looking straight ahead without hiding, lifting his chin to look up at Ong So-hu was so delicate it reminded him of Ban An, Song Ok’s reincarnation.
“I have always wanted to observe Hyeongsan’s Guhyang Geombeop in its entirety.”
Gold-necked Hwan’s expression was cold as he spoke, his voice monotone—whether sarcasm or sincerity was unclear.
Many thoughts flashed through Ong So-hu’s mind. He wanted to find a flaw but lacked a proper reason.
Gold-necked Hwan was much younger than him. Since he came merely for information, there was no need to act recklessly.
“… The Youngest Master seems interested in Hyeongsan’s Sword Technique. When he visits later, we’ll show the Samdae Jeja’s training.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
The brief tension ended there. Ong So-hu was more curious about Gold-necked Hwan, but as soon as the words ended, Gold-necked Hwan moved behind Geumwolsang.
Geumwolsang’s large frame completely shielded Gold-necked Hwan.
“Where would you like to begin your respects?”
“Where the Elders are. I want to see how the Elders work.”
Ong So-hu said. First, he had to confirm face-to-face with the people planted by Hyeongsan.
“Ah, you mean Jingjeongwon.”
Geumwolsang nodded.
“Follow me.”
Ong So-hu felt something was amiss. It was unexpected that they came to greet him and also avoided his challenges so cleverly.
But it didn’t matter. No mistakes had been made yet. He would gather information and leave.
He was certain the Hwanggeum Family’s direct descendants hadn’t yet caught on to Hyeongsan’s spies. At least he had effectively blocked their eyes and ears.
If he could hear a detailed explanation from Hyeongsan’s spies without incident, then…
“Young Master, your hair texture is quite nice.”
At that moment, Ong Mungyu raised the Hwanggeum Family daughter’s hair to his nose. It was a sudden, unexpected move that even Ong So-hu didn’t anticipate.
Then, a small white hand suddenly reached out and caught Ong Mungyu’s wrist with a sharp and precise Geum Na-su technique.
But Ong Mungyu sensed it and sharply pulled his entire body backward.
Surprisingly, the one who wielded Geum Na-su was Gold-necked Hwan, standing behind Geumwolsang.
“How rude, Hyeongsanpa…”
Gold-necked Hwan didn’t even glance at Ong Mungyu. Instead, he looked at Ong So-hu with the same cold expression and monotone voice.
Ong So-hu looked at Ong Mungyu in return. His face was filled with anger, as if ready to leap out immediately. Ong So-hu smiled inwardly.
And Gold-necked Hwan, too, was smiling at this strange situation.