Yoryeong, Moyong Family—

“Head of the Family. Have you been well?”

“Ah! Lord Jin!! You’ve come?”

Today, a precious visitor came to the Moyong family.

It was none other than the current head of the Imperial Guard of the Imperial Palace, and So-ah’s older brother.

Jin Won-tak.

“This way, please, Lord Jin.”

A moment later, Moyong Baek guided Jin Won-tak to the tea ceremony room of the third annex of the family and served him Longjing tea.

In other words.

It meant that the Moyong family now had more than three annex buildings.

As expected, Jin Won-tak, who had looked around the various aspects of the Moyong family, which was changing splendidly day by day, said with his eyes shining.

“Head of the Family… the family’s power seems to be growing day by day. Every time I come, the buildings increase and the family members also increase, so while I think it’s amazing, I’m also worried about how hard it must be for you with all the work.”

In the meantime, Jin Won-tak and Moyong Baek had met several times and had various conversations.

Of course, most of them were about So-ah or matters related to the subjugation of the White Lotus Cult, but it is human nature to grow fond of and become close to people you see often.

Jin Won-tak’s concern was not a pretense, but sincere.

Knowing that, Moyong Baek smiled and opened his mouth.

“Hoho! It wouldn’t do to complain about this much. So-ah has done much more work than I have. When I think of that child, I can’t complain until I die.”

The two exchanged glances and tilted their teacups.

“This is a very excellent Longjing tea. It’s not lacking even when compared to the tribute offered to His Majesty.”

“It’s a tea that the Grand Steward personally procured from Shenyang. Since it’s worth whatever you call it, the taste can’t help but be excellent. Hohoho!”

As he said that, Moyong Baek, even in this situation, suddenly thought of So-ah’s face.

‘Thanks to So-ah, our financial situation is getting better day by day, so I can drink such high-class tea. So-ah. Are you doing well?’

In an instant, as a look of concern spread across Moyong Baek’s face, Jin Won-tak’s heart also sank a little.

Because he also felt the same way as Moyong Baek.

“Head of the Family. I heard that the martial world has also completely finished the subjugation of the White Lotus Cult. Have you not heard from So-ah yet?”

“That’s right, Lord Jin. But what could be wrong? If something had happened to So-ah, a public notice would have flown from the Martial Alliance long ago. He’s probably busy tidying up the aftermath. But we should hear from him within a few days, so let’s wait a little longer.”

Jin Won-tak, who seemed a little anxious.

Moyong Baek reassured him.

“Hah… that brat. He doesn’t even think about how worried the Head of the Family will be. He’s a truly thoughtless brat.”

“So-ah is originally like that. He’s a brat who lives as if he’s carrying all the burdens of the world on his own. He’s probably not contacting us more because he’s thinking of me.”

As they were talking with anticipation and concern for So-ah.

“Head of the Family-y-y-y-y-y!!!”

…from outside the annex.

A voice that was not just familiar, but so desperately hoped for, brushed past the ears of Moyong Baek and Jin Won-tak.

***

“So-ah!!”

“So-ah!”

“So-ah… you brat. Why haven’t you sent a single message to this aunt? Do you know how worried I was?”

“Young Master Jin… you’ve finally returned. I’ve been waiting for you with my neck stretched out.”

“Master…”

The moment they saw So-ah, who had returned to the family, all the members of the Moyong family, beyond just being happy, welcomed him with a bright expression.

‘Wow! Really what… no matter how much my older brother is the great disciple. I’m his biological daughter. They don’t even care about me and are only welcoming Older Brother So-ah?’

‘I’m disappointed… everyone!’

Moyong Hwa and Moyong Su clicked their tongues at the sight of their family members who were only paying attention to So-ah.

We also worked hard to subjugate the White Lotus Cult, you know?

Besides, we even got a one-rank special promotion and will be appointed as a small branch chief, you know?

They wanted to shout.

“Hahaha! I’m sorry for being late. The great disciple, Jin So-ah. I have returned to the family after taking the head of the Blood Demon who was residing in Potala Palace all by myself!”

Seeing their older brother, who was enjoying the attention and interest of the people with a grin from ear to ear, the thought of doing so vanished.

‘Th-th-that… detestable…’

‘Great Disciple…’

But the corners of Moyong Hwa’s and Moyong Su’s lips had also curled up slightly.

The sight of all the family members gathered together for the first time in a while.

Because something warm was welling up from a corner of their hearts.

***

Eating, drinking, and enjoying.

Eating, drinking, and enjoying again.

So-ah, who had returned home, explained his journey in detail to his family (bragging about his heroic deeds) and shrugged his shoulders with an excited look.

Among them, especially when he recounted the story of overcoming the third trial of the Ghost Valley Mountain Manor, achieving an unknown realm, and beating up the Blood Demon who had turned into a monster.

The family members burst into cheers and even clapped their hands.

—So-ah! You’re truly amazing!!

—You are the glory of the family, the glory!

—Amazing, my younger brother! Now that a smart brat like you has appeared in the Jin family! Your parents in heaven will also be proud of you!

—Master! Hurry! Hurry up and train me. I’ve been waiting for you with my neck stretched out!

—Our young master is truly a hero sent from heaven! Kehkehkeh! How much did you earn on this journey? I’m not even jealous of the chaebols!

…from his uncle, aunt, older brother, to his disciple and the grand steward.

The atmosphere of praising So-ah until their mouths were worn out continued.

However.

“Hahaha! So, you see… now I’m going to start unraveling the thoughts I had while experiencing those things one by one. In short…”

Bragging is fine once or twice.

But what if that bragging goes on for one hour, two hours, three hours.

For a whole day and a half?

Wouldn’t anyone have a seizure?

‘Huh? Isn’t it about to end soon?’

‘He’s going back to the beginning and unraveling his thoughts?’

‘This is a big problem! Once our young master’s mouth opens… he’s the strongest in the Central Plains in terms of chattering.’

In the end, the family members had to face a tragic end due to their excessive interest and useless curiosity.

It meant that they had to listen to a lecture until their ears were bleeding.

***

“Phew!”

How much had they drunk?

Not just So-ah, but all the members of the Moyong family had overindulged in alcohol last night.

Even Miss Yuk Jeong-ran, who was working at the Cheong-a-ru, had visited the family late at night and had drunk herself to death.

However, So-ah didn’t even have the energy to groan from a hangover.

Because he had to start by grasping the financial situation, the newly built annex building, and the number of new Moyong family members, which he had been putting off, and he also had to take Hin-dung-i and Geom-dung-i for a walk on a nearby mountain for the first time in a while.

‘Either way, I’m destined to die working like a cow!’

However.

That was just the beginning.

“So-ah.”

“Yes, brother.”

“There’s somewhere you need to go with me.”

Around noon.

His older brother, Jin Won-tak, casually spoke to So-ah.

“Ah! We promised before. That I would definitely visit your house once. I have to see my sister-in-law and my cute nephews and nieces! Let’s go right now, brother!”

“Haha! So-ah. Of course, you have to come to this brother’s house too. But there’s a place to stop by before that.”

“Yes? Where, brother?”

“The Imperial Palace.”

“Yes?!”

“His Majesty the Emperor wants to see you.”

No, this brother!

What on earth are you talking about right now?

Why is the emperor suddenly looking for me?

Ah!

***

Unfortunately, Jin Won-tak’s words were not a lie.

In the end.

‘Ah… I’m nervous! Crazy.’

A few days later.

So-ah had arrived at the Imperial Palace to have an audience with the real emperor.

No matter how strong-hearted So-ah was, meeting the emperor was no small matter to be nervous about.

“Brother… I’m nervous. What should I do?”

Seeing the great Jin So-ah being nervous, Jin Won-tak smiled and patted his younger brother’s shoulder.

“Haha! It’s okay, So-ah. You’re a person of the martial world, aren’t you? His Majesty won’t be able to treat you carelessly, so relax.”

“Yes… brother.”

A moment later…

The two finally took a step into the place where the emperor resided.

“Hohohot! Are you the Young Hero Jin whose fame is so great in the martial world?”

Seeing So-ah cautiously entering, the emperor welcomed him with a happy face.

At that, So-ah, who had been bowing his head low, peeked up.

‘Lord Bao is here too!’

Fortunately, he had seen another familiar face.

The official with whom So-ah now had a deep trust.

The Prefect of Kaifeng, Bao Zheng, was smiling broadly and nodding at So-ah.

‘Yes! What’s there to life? It’s not like I’ve committed a crime. Besides, the one who called me first was the emperor, right? I have nothing to be ashamed of. That’s right!’

Yes.

On his right, his older brother was standing firm, and on his left, there was even the respected Lord Bao.

So-ah, who had regained his confidence, politely knelt and said boldly.

“It is an honor to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor. Please retract the words that my fame is great in the martial world. I am just a martial artist with little experience.”

Oh!

Seeing So-ah saying that, Jin Won-tak’s eyes widened.

When he first went to the Moyong family to arrest So-ah.

So-ah was a person who didn’t care about the laws of the country.

He was close to a thunderbolt who acted as he pleased, relying only on his martial power.

‘I was worried about what would happen if So-ah made a slip of the tongue… it was a groundless fear!’

But how would Jin Won-tak know?

The true face of the man named Jin So-ah.

So-ah was an extremely intelligent person.

He was a meticulous type of person who could smell a case that would be beneficial, profitable, and helpful to him like a ghost.

For such a So-ah to be arrogant or rude in front of the emperor?

Not a chance!

The person who could act out his loyalty by squeezing out tears if necessary was that person right there!!

“Hoho! Young Hero Jin. Seeing as you have even acquired humility, your character is also great. I have heard that you took the lead in the subjugation of the White Lotus Cult and saved countless people who were being deceived. Although I, too, followed you and suppressed the White Lotus Cult belatedly, it was still you and the martial artists who had the greatest contribution in uprooting the wicked group.”

At the emperor’s praise, So-ah didn’t know what to do, and soon, he prostrated himself and, raising his voice from the depths of his abyss, he said in a very loyal tone.

“Your Majesty! Your grace is boundless! Under the benevolent and wise leadership of Your Majesty, all the people will live their lives in peace today!”

???

If So-ah’s friends or the Moyong family members had seen this scene, they would have been disgusted and would have vomited.

Fortunately, Bao Zheng and Jin Won-tak, who had not yet finished their study of the man named Jin So-ah, just smiled with satisfaction and looked at So-ah proudly.

Of course.

‘I smell something, I smell something.’

So-ah, inwardly.

‘Emperor old man…’

…was thinking his own sinister thoughts that others could never know.

‘I smell a pushover!’

In short, he was thinking of making a big profit.

As expected.

“Kehkehkeh! Young Hero Jin. You are a truly charming person.”

Of course, you should feel that way.

The words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He had practically plastered his face with gold.

That kind of reaction.

Good, good!

So-ah was cheering inwardly.

Of course, his face was not just serious, but looked like a hero of iron and blood who was laying the foundation of the country.

“Your Majesty. I don’t know what to do with myself when you see this lowly martial artist in such a way!”

“Hah! Lowly! What nonsense is that? According to Bao Zheng and Jin, the head of the Imperial Guard, your martial arts can be said to be the strongest of the time.”

“You flatter me.”

“Seeing you, my mood also improves. A strong and gentle person is also humble. Please lead the martial world well.”

“Your Majesty…”

“In that sense, I will give Young Hero Jin…”

“…”

Gulp—

“…a great reward.”

The corners of So-ah’s lips ascended towards the sky.

Were you the one who was nervous just a moment ago?

This is too fast an adaptation.

The problem is.

‘Huk… So-ah… you…’

Jin Won-tak had witnessed So-ah’s face, who was bowing his head low and smiling sinisterly.

Yes.

You should know now too.

So-ah is originally that kind of person.

(End of Chapter)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep