Chapter 150: Fox Borrows Tiger’s Might
After Bang Myeong-ho’s death.
Just as a brief silence settled, Bang Cheon-woo, who had been abandoned by Seo Yu-gyeom and Seomun Ak, trudged into the inn.
Bang Cheon-woo froze for a moment as he took in the chaotic atmosphere of the hall, then his eyes widened when he finally spotted his father and younger brother.
“Uh…!”
Blinking rapidly, Bang Cheon-woo stared at Bang Man-bok.
Relief that his family was safe mixed awkwardly with a tinge of embarrassment.
For over a decade, he had caused nothing but trouble and, even at the moment of crisis for the escort agency, he had wandered aimlessly, drinking without a care.
“Cheon-woo.”
Bang Man-bok felt the same awkwardness.
He never expected to reunite with his eldest son under such circumstances after so many years.
During the brief lull, Seomun Ak quietly approached Jin Seong-un and asked softly,
“May I step forward?”
“Do so.”
Jin Seong-un nodded, and Seomun Ak exaggeratedly drew attention with grand gestures as he stepped forward.
“Had it not been for Bang Cheon-woo, Young Master, these two could never have been saved. The escort agency would still be under Bang Myeong-ho’s greedy grip.”
All eyes turned toward Bang Cheon-woo.
He himself looked bewildered, for he had done nothing of note.
It was then that a single line of telepathy from Seo Yu-gyeom reached Bang Cheon-woo.
A rogue understands a rogue; when I feed it to you, open your mouth.
Bang Cheon-woo’s eyes snapped open.
As if realizing Seomun Ak’s intention, he stepped forward and surveyed all the porters, escorts, and head constables in the agency.
“As the eldest of the Red Cliff Escort Agency, I merely did what was right.”
His voice carried an uncharacteristic solemnity.
Admiration erupted here and there.
Whispers spread that the Young Master had finally come to his senses.
“I, Bang Cheon-woo, will from now on assist Father faithfully alongside my younger brother, Bang Cheon-gang. I shall ensure that you can trust the three of us and live every day without worry.”
Perhaps aided by his refined skill in composing poetry, his words flowed effortlessly, like they had been oiled.
When someone began clapping, the applause spread instantly.
“Brother! I’ll do my best too!”
His younger brother, Bang Cheon-gang, approached, eyes brimming with emotion, clasping Bang Cheon-woo’s hands.
There was no fear of losing the succession. Only tears of admiration for his brother’s resolute decision.
From a step back, Bang Man-bok observed, nodding with a satisfied expression as if he possessed the world.
Such is a parent’s heart. Simply seeing their children grow well brings joy, and witnessing brotherly love adds nothing more to wish for.
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Once the commotion settled, a cleansing wind swept through the Red Cliff Escort Agency.
Those who had conspired with Bang Myeong-ho had to be exposed.
Fortunately, Head Constable Hwang, who had always watched carefully, ensured the process went smoothly.
The loyal head constables interrogated the traitors, and Seo Yu-gyeom occasionally stepped in, teaching various methods of torture, commenting, “That’s not how it’s done.”
Since these methods originated from Deathshroud, their effectiveness was extreme; the traitors quickly spilled each other’s names.
As the agency gradually regained stability, Bang Man-bok asked Jin Seong-un suddenly,
“How did you come to have ties with the Shui Stronghold?”
“One of the guests was a member of their forces.”
It was Jang Gwang.
Jin Seong-un briefly explained the connections between Jang Gwang, Choe Jeong-myeong of the Yin-Yang Body, and the previous Chief Escort Captain.
Bang Man-bok let out an admiring exclamation.
“I had noticed that their men had become unusually docile, but I never imagined it was because of you.”
Recently, the strong-arming by the Shui Stronghold had nearly vanished, much to the agency’s delight.
Bang Man-bok continued,
“So what sustains the Shui Stronghold’s men now?”
“Well, they’re surviving somehow. The previous Chief Escort Captain was quite wicked, so they must still have accumulated wealth.”
“...Indeed, he was a ruthless man.”
Bang Man-bok shook his head, as if the mere thought made his blood boil.
“Yet, no matter how much wealth they have, their numbers alone cannot sustain them for long.”
“Is that so?”
“Why not encourage them toward a new life? Teach them the ways of the escort agency.”
“…The Shui Stronghold men running an escort agency?”
Originally, they survived by plundering. It was hard to imagine them working in the agency.
Bang Man-bok chuckled,
“Yes, it may sound strange, but they possess remarkable potential. No one knows the Yangtze River better than they do.”
They navigated the waterways daily and tirelessly, naturally making them experts.
“Moreover, they’ve trained in martial arts, so all of them are at least senior escorts. Their value, if quantified, would be tremendous.”
“Oh…”
“They need only continue their river work. Maintain the waterways, sail endlessly along the Yangtze. Only now, their cargo will be escort goods, not plundered riches.”
Jin Seong-un, deep in thought, nodded. This sounded like a viable proposal.
“But will they accept it? They’ve lived that way all their lives.”
“I think if you personally join the agency, they will follow. The man who once served the previous Chief Escort Captain is now working at Seong-un Inn, right? Of course, if they refuse, there’s nothing we can do. We’re just proposing the idea.”
Blinking, Jin Seong-un looked at Bang Man-bok. How could he, running an inn, suddenly enter the escort business?
Bang Man-bok laughed heartily and continued,
“You will hold half the shares of Red Cliff Escort Agency at Seong-un Inn.”
“Excuse me?”
Bang Man-bok’s gaze grew firm.
“This event has shown me painfully that no matter how honest and diligent one is, without power, one will ultimately be bitten. But now, raising martial artists myself is difficult.”
Hence, he proposed a partnership to Jin Seong-un.
To protect the agency under the name of Guest Dragon.
Of course, by granting half the shares, half the profits would also flow to Seong-un Inn.
In other words, Jin Seong-un would lead the Shui Stronghold men to join Red Cliff Escort Agency.
Jin Seong-un would quietly earn half the agency’s future profits, and the men would secure proper jobs, utilizing their skills.
However, one question remained.
“Wouldn’t the agency lose too much? Especially after cultivating it for generations?”
Bang Man-bok’s affection for Red Cliff Escort Agency was considerable.
Yet he said confidently,
“If it’s you, Seong-un, it’s fine.”
Jin Seong-un tilted his head, not fully grasping the meaning.
But Bang Man-bok was already looking far ahead. With Jin Seong-un at their side, the agency could grow two or threefold, even more in the future.
Even if half was handed over now, the expanded scale would be a net gain.
‘Moreover, with Cheon-woo and Cheon-gang nearby, what is there to worry about?’
One day, the agency must be passed to his sons.
The eldest, quick-witted but lazy; the second, strong-willed but rigid, easily broken.
If Jin Seong-un could be connected to them, it would be no loss.
Of course, one condition applied.
Jin Seong-un must be a man worthy of such value.
Bang Man-bok had no doubt about that. No recognition of a raw gem was necessary.
‘If one cannot see such a shining jewel even before their eyes, can they truly be called a merchant?’
Bang Man-bok fixed his sparkling gaze on Jin Seong-un, who nodded in response.
“Yes, I’ll have the discussion. After we finish this matter first.”
Namok Trading Company still remained.
They would act soon.
If left unchecked, their crimes through Mount Heng Sect would be fully exposed.
* * *
Namok Trading Company Leader’s Office.
Company head Nam Il-ju puffed irritably on Mangwoo Grass.
With no communication from Mount Heng Sect, he had sent men personally, only to return with a dismissal order.
Afterwards, he learned of Bang Myeong-ho’s death.
Since the man’s ambition was excessive, he had thought him useful in many ways.
Nam Il-ju, having sent people to gather information, murmured to himself in a calm tone.
“What to do about this…”
It was clearly a crisis. He did not consider it extremely severe, however.
Yet the fact that a mere escort agency and Mount Heng Sect had, in some small way, caused Namok Trading Company trouble was immensely displeasing.
“Mount Heng Sect is of no concern.”
They too had committed acts in the past, and would not easily speak.
From the beginning, no evidence had been left in any dealings with them, so it was irrelevant.
Though suspicions might arise, they would not be unmanageable.
“Red Cliff Escort Agency is also not a problem.”
He intended to speak with Bang Man-bok.
Depending on the man’s attitude, he could either absorb the entire agency or fabricate internal strife to eliminate it.
The escort agency was surely undergoing a cleansing. Those who had conspired with the deceased Bang Myeong-ho would be trembling, making it easy to stage the situation.
Whether ronin or otherwise, he could employ them, then frame the problem as internal to the agency.
The real problem was neither Mount Heng Sect nor Red Cliff Escort Agency.
Nam Il-ju exhaled lightly.
“Guest Dragon…”
All predictions are based on information: tendencies, interests, affiliations, and so on.
Yet there was far too little information on Guest Dragon. Nam Il-ju could not anticipate how he would act.
The man could be even crazier than expected—he might storm in with a sword, or, indifferent to Nam Il, could simply return straight home.
That uncertainty alone caused Nam Il-ju great displeasure.
“What do you think of his martial ability?”
Nam Il-ju asked a middle-aged man silently standing beside him.
The man thought carefully before replying cautiously.
“If Mount Heng Sect retreated, it’s likely he has reached near Peak Master level.”
“Perhaps he was merely persuaded by words?”
“In conversations between martial artists, persuasion is only effective when backed by strength.”
“I see… contemptible folk, in any case.”
Nam Il-ju’s blunt criticism drew a cough from the man—after all, he was a martial artist guarding Namok Trading Company.
Regardless, Nam Il-ju continued.
“If Peak Master, then roughly equivalent to an elder of a major sect? Could you defeat him if you fought?”
“…A straightforward victory would be impossible, but if I create the circumstances and prepare for mutual destruction, it could be attempted.”
“How much would it take?”
“Excuse me?”
“How much would your family need to be paid for you to risk your life to kill him?”
A brief silence followed.
The man had never considered converting his life into monetary value.
Nam Il-ju continued in a calm tone.
“Think about it and tell me. If you cannot, I will need to find someone else.”
“…Yes, understood.”
“So, the situation you mentioned—what exactly is it? The one to be created for mutual destruction.”
“You would need about one hundred ronin. Preferably with beautiful women, children, or the elderly. They act as pieces to exhaust his body and mind.”
The strategy was ruthless yet simple.
Place the weak before Guest Dragon to destabilize him. Even a cold-blooded man would feel uneasy if nearly a hundred women, children, or elderly were slaughtered.
The moment cracks appeared in his mind, the success rate of mutual destruction would rise sharply.
Nam Il-ju nodded.
“It would take some time to gather that many. But what if Guest Dragon, being a madman, attacks immediately?”
“….”
The man could not respond. If the opponent were a Peak Master, there was nothing to be done without preparation.
Nam Il-ju clicked his tongue.
“I suppose I’ll have to see that toad-like fellow myself. With him, holding Guest Dragon—or anyone—captive for a fortnight would be nothing.”
Leaving Namok Trading Company, Nam Il-ju walked through the market streets under the escort of the man. Soon they arrived at a massive government office.
The Inspection Bureau of Hunan Province.
The Inspection Bureau, along with the Provincial Judicial Office overseeing administration and the Provincial Military Office, formed the “Three Offices” at the top of local government.
Nam Il-ju, evidently acquainted with the Inspector, was immediately led to his office.
As the office door opened, a middle-aged man resembling a toad brightened and said,
“Hoho, what brings you here without notice?”
Hunan Inspector Wi Gyeong-heon liked Nam Il-ju.
The reason was simple: money.
Nam Il-ju chuckled lightly.
“Hoho, must I always have a reason to visit your honor? I just stopped by while passing through.”
“Quite the man.”
The Inspector nodded with satisfaction.
Of course, he knew Nam Il-ju had an agenda. Yet the flattery and wheedling pleased him.
As always, after formalities, the matter at hand was addressed.
“So, you only need to have a martial artist from an inn detained, correct? Hoho, what a trivial personal matter to rush here for.”
“…But the man’s martial skill is somewhat strong.”
“How strong?”
“I do not know exactly, but Nam Young said he is at Peak Master level.”
The Inspector’s gaze fell on the shadowed guard standing behind Nam Il-ju.
“Is that true?”
“…Yes, that is my assessment.”
Nam Young bowed slightly as he replied.
The Inspector pondered briefly, then spoke.
“Ho, possible, you say? I too once practiced martial arts and know something of it. Peak Master is not easy to reach, even with talent. Reaching it in your fifties already makes one a renowned martial artist.”
Yet this young man had achieved it barely past youth.
Honestly, the Inspector doubted Nam Young’s claim.
“Of course, if I had devoted myself entirely to martial arts, I too might have reached that level…”
“Not to mention your honor’s spirit would surpass Peak Master to Hua-gyeong, dominating the martial world by now.”
“Hoho, you remain as sharp as ever. Regardless, even if his skill is high, he is ultimately just a martial artist. What could he possibly do against the power of the government?”
The atmosphere was cordial.
The Inspector’s authority made martial skill irrelevant.
Ordinary civilians would tremble even before district officers, and officials themselves dared not meet the Inspector’s gaze.
“Ah, and one more thing. As you know, my daughter is to be married next month…”
Nam Il-ju smiled slyly.
How could he not know? If the day came without inserting money into his hands, he would throw a fit.
Nam Il-ju gestured to Nam Young, who placed a large wooden casket on the table. Inside were six gold toads resembling the Inspector.
“Why bring such a thing?”
“Hoho, consider this a gift for the wedding guests’ travel expenses. My true intentions will be delivered on the day itself.”
He deliberately left room for flexibility.
The bribe would vary depending on how well the task was performed.
The Inspector grinned and confidently assured,
“Good. No need for formalities between us. Your request will be handled promptly, so do not worry.”
“Of course, Your Honor.”
Rising, Nam Il-ju bowed courteously.
Though a significant sum had been spent, he felt relieved that Guest Dragon could be temporarily dealt with.
The next morning, dozens of head constables and constables stormed through the main gate of Red Cliff Escort Agency.
Seeing that the Inspector had led them, even Bang Man-bok prostrated himself on the floor.
Merchants feared the Inspector above all others in the Three Offices.
The Provincial Military Commander was rarely involved, and the Judicial Officer left room for negotiation.
But the Inspector literally oversaw investigation, exposing corruption, embezzlement, and tyranny.
He did not care whether the target was a high official or a wealthy merchant. The Inspector’s authority was akin to a power handed down directly from the emperor.
Unlike the merchants, Jin Seong-un, Seo Yu-gyeom, and Seomun Ak simply stared at the Inspector’s face with blank expressions.
Suddenly, the Inspector fixed his gaze on the three and, in a deliberately imposing tone, said,
“Which one among you is called Jin Seong-un?”
Seo Yu-gyeom instinctively tried to point to Seomun Ak, but Jin Seong-un beside him stopped him and replied,
“I am Jin Seong-un.”
Jin Seong-un looked up at the Inspector with his characteristic dry, composed gaze.
The Inspector, locking eyes with him for a moment, twitched his eyebrows and said,
“Apprehend him.”
At the same time, the head constables gripped their clubs tightly and began to move forward cautiously.
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Bound in ropes, Jin Seong-un and Seo Yu-gyeom blinked rapidly.
Having done nothing warranting arrest, they found the situation simply absurd.
Lowering his voice, Seo Yu-gyeom asked,
“Is this Namok Trading Company’s doing?”
“Hmm, seems so.”
As Jin Seong-un and Seo Yu-gyeom whispered, the Inspector’s sharp command rang out.
“Do not converse recklessly! You are being taken for causing unrest among the common people in Hunan. Bind that one as well.”
The Inspector gestured toward Seomun Ak.
As the head constables cautiously approached, Seomun Ak spoke calmly,
“By the way, I am the second son of the Seomun Clan.”
Immediately, the constables halted.
The Inspector’s gaze wavered as well.
The Seomun Clan was a prestigious family, difficult to ignore.
Seomun Ak continued,
“Moreover, I am not particularly close to them. I will leave quietly, so could you release me?”
Jin Seong-un and Seo Yu-gyeom looked at him with bewilderment.
Seomun Ak then sent a telepathic message,
I need to stay outside so I can get you out faster.
It was reasonable, though somewhat cheeky.
After a moment of thought, the Inspector nodded.
“Let this one go.”
After all, Nam Il-ju had requested that Jin Seong-un be detained, so letting the second son of the Seomun Clan go was acceptable.
Soon, the Inspector took Jin Seong-un and Seo Yu-gyeom, bound like a pair of fish.
Watching and chuckling, Seomun Ak sent a telepathic message,
Don’t kill or strike anyone, just wait quietly. It won’t take more than seven days and nights.
Shortly after everyone left, Bang Man-bok bit his lips, pretending to be anxious.
Seomun Ak, however, remained composed and said,
“Could you bring me some brush, ink, and paper?”
While sending his men to fetch them, Bang Man-bok tilted his head and asked,
“How can you be so calm while your friends have been dragged off by the Inspector?”
“Why should I be anxious? It’s the Inspector or whatever—he’s the one who should be nervous.”
Seomun Ak smirked, then, holding the brush he received, pondered,
“Hmm, who would be the most fun to inform?”
Several faces flashed through his mind.
Elder Hyeon-un of Wudang Sect, who treats Jin Seong-un almost like a grandson? Or Elder Shin Mok, one of the Three Great Master Artisans, might be interesting.
Perhaps Hwa-un Trading Company, one of the Ten Great Trading Companies, or the Tang Clan, who would chew up anyone if enraged.
“Ah, maybe I’ll just send it to Chief Strategist.”
If sent to the Martial God Alliance Chief Strategist from the Sima Clan, he would have strong connections not only with high-ranking provincial officials like the Inspector but also with the top central authorities.
If the opponent attempted to interfere using power, they could respond in kind.
He was curious how they would react when they learned that Jin Seong-un had been imprisoned by the Inspector.
As the saying goes, “Fox borrows tiger’s might.” Seomun Ak relished the thrill of power before casually saying,
“Hmm, I’ll just send them all.”
He moved the brush briskly.
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And before five days had passed, letters from across the country arrived at the Hunan Inspection Bureau, leaving Inspector Wi Gyeong-heon drenched in sweat.