Gangchan was unaware, but Cheonhyangru was quite expansive.
Centered around the main building he had visited before—a five-story structure—there were four annexes behind it.
Each annex had its own carefully tended garden and a small training courtyard.
It was known as one of Hangju’s most prestigious places, costing over fifty silver taels for just one night’s stay.
The woman who guided Gangchan to one of the annexes gave a brief greeting before quietly disappearing back toward the main building.
Gangchan stepped inside the annex.
The interior was far more lavish and exquisite than it appeared from outside.
The rare furniture and decorations were not just expensive items; it was clear they had been carefully selected for their quality.
“Who buys and uses things like this?”
Gangchan couldn’t stop admiring the objects, many of which he had never seen before.
After a cursory look around the room, Gangchan turned his gaze toward the window.
Though not large, the garden outside was meticulously cared for, exuding a cozy and warm atmosphere.
“If you lived in a place like this, you wouldn’t want to go outside.”
For a moment, Gangchan was lost in admiration.
Then he sensed footsteps approaching from afar and turned his head.
People entered the room carrying trays neatly arranged with food.
With cautious and respectful movements, they laid out the meal, seeming to put their utmost care into every gesture to serve Gangchan properly.
The dishes placed on the table were unlike anything Gangchan had ever seen or even imagined in his life.
With their vivid colors and rich aromas, the food could only be described as “Sanhae Jinmi” — delicacies from both land and sea.
Just as Gangchan was gazing at the food, waiting, Cheonhyangru Mistress Nanseol and her bodyguard Ga Seokho entered the room.
Nanseol gave a slight bow and spoke lightly.
“I apologize for making you wait. Something urgent came up suddenly, so I was delayed.”
Gangchan shook his head in response.
“It’s alright. I was just about to lose my patience in front of such tempting food.”
Nanseol smiled gently.
“Then please, start your meal. Enjoy it slowly.”
“I can’t ignore the kindness put into this. Thank you.”
Gangchan began eating without haste.
Nanseol quietly sat opposite him, attentively tending to his meal.
Of course, Ga Seokho’s face grew grim.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Gangchan focused on his food. In truth, he had not eaten a single meal since last night and was ravenous.
“If Yumo were here, I’d be getting scolded endlessly.”
As Gangchan took the last sip from his water glass, Nanseol quietly poured some tea and spoke.
“I sincerely thank you for granting my request. Thanks to you, Gongja, we were able to prevent great chaos, and the Cheonrangpa survived unharmed.”
Her voice carried genuine gratitude and relief.
But her feelings went beyond mere politeness or thanks.
In fact, Nanseol had been quite shocked upon hearing the report of last night’s fight.
Though she had high hopes after seeing Gangchan’s composure and presence while confronting Ga Seokho, she had never imagined things would be resolved so easily.
Especially with archery.
To Nanseol, Gangchan was more than just a warrior or a ronin.
Perhaps he belonged to a world she could hardly even imagine.
Bowing with deep respect and gratitude, she added,
“Once again, thank you. Because of you, Gongja, no one in Cheonrangpa was harmed. We will never forget this favor.”
Her words were more than a simple greeting.
They expressed awe toward the one who had saved Cheonrangpa’s fate and an instinctive desire to rely on him.
Gangchan paused, meeting Nanseol’s sincere gaze.
Her words seemed to carry a deeper meaning beyond mere thanks.
Yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be a hidden story beneath the surface.
“This woman can’t be just a Ruju…”
He thought inwardly as he observed her every movement carefully.
However, her demeanor remained steady and authentic.
Still, Gangchan recalled his experience.
Everyone harbors stories they want to keep hidden.
He had learned many times that sometimes it’s better to wait for the right moment rather than forcefully dig them out.
“Better not to ask now. I’ll learn naturally when the time comes.”
He resolved silently, waiting for Nanseol’s next words.
***
After pouring another cup of tea, Nanseol spoke cautiously.
“I asked you to meet, Gongja, not only to express my gratitude but also to discuss future measures.”
Gangchan nodded, lifting his teacup.
“Well, since Cheonrangpa survived safely, Hangju should quiet down soon. What measures are you talking about?”
Nanseol went straight to the point without hesitation.
“The current situation is far from stable. Just because Baekryonghoe has vanished doesn’t mean the remaining factions have given up their ambitions. In fact, greater chaos is likely to come.”
Hearing her words, Gangchan furrowed his brows slightly.
As expected, more complicated matters were unfolding.
“…Complicated, huh. So what exactly do you want me to do?”
Nanseol pulled out a scroll she had prepared and handed it to Gangchan.
“Please take a look.”
Gangchan unrolled the scroll and read its contents.
His expression grew serious as he read.
The scroll outlined that Hangju’s three remaining factions would evenly divide Baekryonghoe’s authority and pay a fixed amount each month to a figure called “Cheongung.”
At the bottom, there was space for the faction leaders’ seals.
Frowning, Gangchan muttered, “Cheongung… does this mean me?”
Nanseol nodded.
“Yes. Gongja, you will oversee Hangju. That way, the remaining factions can maintain balance themselves without outside interference.”
Gangchan took a deep breath and set the scroll aside.
“Receiving tribute means not just taking money but also being responsible for their protection, right? Isn’t that the Heukdo way?”
Nanseol answered politely.
“That’s correct. But it’s the most practical method. Right now, while they fear your strength, Gongja, is the only chance to quell the chaos in Hangju.”
Gangchan sighed and pressed his temple with his fingers.
“Even so, will they sign this? I don’t think they will.”
Nanseol smiled lightly.
“If it were just one, no. But if even one of the three signs first, the others will have no choice but to follow. Otherwise, they must bear the fear that Cheongung could turn them into another Baekryonghoe.”
It would probably be Cheonrangpa that signed first.
Gangchan tilted his head toward Nanseol.
“Hmm… but why must I do it? Seems like someone else could.”
Nanseol smiled and shook her head.
“It has to be you, Gongja. Since you took down Baekryonghoe as a warrior and established your position, the other factions already see you as the symbol of Hangju’s new order. No matter how hard I try, I cannot replace that weight.”
Gangchan sighed.
“Well, I’m listening for now… but I’m not sure if I really have that weight.”
Nanseol softly added, understanding his hesitation.
“If you just agree to sign, I’ll handle everything else. I’ll make sure no matter where you go, it won’t interfere. And the tribute will be kept in Hwanggeum Jeonjang. You can use it anytime you need.”
Gangchan mulled over her words and chuckled quietly.
“Tribute, huh… sounds good. But if I accept tribute, doesn’t that naturally bring responsibility?”
Nanseol answered steadily.
“Of course. But I’ll manage it so you won’t have to bear the burden. Just trust and leave it to me.”
Her voice was filled with confidence.
Gangchan listened quietly, lost in thought.
“I wanted to wait for the right time instead of prying, but now things have changed.”
Nanseol’s proposal meant Gangchan would have to take responsibility for Hangju’s order.
The moment he accepted his role as Cheongung, he needed to clearly understand who around him relied on him and what intentions they harbored.
Slowly putting down his teacup, Gangchan resolved inwardly.
“If I am to accept my role as Cheongung, then Ruju, you must also show your true self.”
He lifted his gaze to look directly at Nanseol.
“Alright.”
Gangchan spoke calmly.
“But let me ask just one thing.”
Nanseol looked slightly surprised as she met his eyes.
Gangchan smiled meaningfully and quietly asked, “Is it… Haomun?”
Nanseol’s expression stiffened instantly.
The chopsticks she held slipped from her hands.
She hastily composed herself and tried to regain a calm expression, but traces of fluster remained.
Ga Seokho, standing nearby, reacted immediately to Gangchan’s question.
His eyes flashed sharply as he emitted an intimidating aura toward Gangchan.
Gangchan raised his hand lightly to stop him.
“Enough. I only wanted to confirm.”
Ga Seokho narrowed his eyes and slowly withdrew his hostility.
But Nanseol still stared at Gangchan directly.
Her voice lowered, yet she spoke calmly.
“…That’s right. Haomun.”
“Miss!”
Ga Seokho exclaimed with alarm, but Nanseol gestured for him to calm down.
Gangchan nodded and continued.
“Understood. Now much makes sense. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear this. But there’s no need to hide it any longer.”
Nanseol smiled and rose from her seat.
“Thank you, Gongja. I will summon the representatives of the three factions. They will gather here in two hours. Until then, please rest.”
Gangchan nodded quietly, watching her retreating figure.
***
As Nanseol left the annex, Ga Seokho spoke with concern.
“Miss, this time you were too reckless.”
Nanseol sighed in response.
“Maybe so. But I’ve spent fifteen years in hiding, searching for the lost Haomun. It’s been so long. Hiding from the Demonic Sect and Uisuk’s gaze, I’ve lost track of whether I’m a person or a mole. I feel it would be faster to build Haomun anew.”
Ga Seokho nodded silently, but deep worry crossed his eyes.
“Are you placing your hopes on him?”
“I don’t want to, but my heart keeps pulling me in. Watching him feels like seeing a treasure the world hasn’t yet discovered.”
Ga Seokho replied gravely, “That’s why he’s also dangerous.”
“True. Too many factions desire those who are exceptional. But right now, I intend to place my hope in him.”
Nanseol turned her head to Ga Seokho and said firmly, “Inform the three factions. Make sure they come on time.”
“I will.”
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