Chapter 126 - Darkmtl
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Chapter 126

Yang Kwae’s sly attempt to slip away alone was easily thwarted by the overwhelming pressure casually exuded by Namgung Woo.

“Trying to go alone? Absolutely not.”

While Namgung Woo was busy restraining the Changcheon Pavilion members attempting to flee, Paeng Ha-ryeong quietly stepped forward and stood beside Namgung Woo, bowing respectfully to Princess Jihyang.

It wasn’t the martial world’s customary fist salute but a deep bow from the waist.

“Though I am grateful for Your Highness’s presence, I fear associating with the martial world may tarnish Your Highness’s reputation.”

The daughters of prestigious families were indeed different.

Though known for her chivalry, Paeng Ha-ryeong, the daughter of the Hapbuk Paeng Family, was far from the typical Paeng Family standard. Having spent more time with her cold and calculating brother, Paeng Ja-ryeong, she had deviated significantly from the family’s norms.

The Hapbuk Paeng Family, surprisingly well-versed in court etiquette due to their proximity to Tianjin, stood apart from other martial families who remained oblivious to imperial customs.

Unlike Namgung Woo, who casually referred to her as “Princess,” Paeng Ha-ryeong addressed Princess Jihyang with precise titles and respect.

“Princess” referred to the emperor’s daughter, while “Elder Princess” denoted the emperor’s sisters.

Though Princess Jihyang’s status had changed to Elder Princess upon the Seonghwa Emperor’s ascension, the honorific “Nanglang” remained for imperial women.

The respectful address, though proper, seemed to irk Princess Jihyang intentionally.

As Princess Jihyang suspected, Paeng Ha-ryeong’s emphasis on her title was deliberate.

Her words carried an underlying message: “You know the inviolability of officials and martial artists, right? As a member of the imperial family, know your place and step back.”

But how could such words be fatal to Princess Jihyang?

Having grown up adored within the imperial family, she was no stranger to political intrigue.

Having lived in the Forbidden City for 18 years, she was well-versed in court politics, even fleeing to Luoyang upon sensing unrest in the inner palace.

Paeng Ha-ryeong’s verbal sparring, sharp in the martial world, was mere child’s play in the imperial court.

“Paeng Family’s daughter knows her manners. But don’t worry. His Majesty has already attended martial duels with me. What’s the issue now? As for protection, my maid here isn’t just a palace maid but a rising star of the Yang Family, the most likely successor.”

While Yang Kwae, Yang Jeong, and Geumshin focused on Princess Jihyang’s mention of Yang Se-rim as the Yang Family’s prodigy, Jegal Seon-a and Myorin noticed something else.

Princess Jihyang had countered Paeng Ha-ryeong’s emphasis on imperial background by invoking the emperor and the Shinchang Yang Family’s prestige.

‘Already acknowledged by the imperial family. And what if she’s a martial artist? Do you know the history of the Shinchang Yang Family?’

But Paeng Ha-ryeong wasn’t easily swayed.

Her lack of reaction, unlike Princess Jihyang’s slight eyebrow twitch, was commendable, truly befitting the Hapbuk Paeng Family’s demeanor.

Was Paeng Ha-ryeong as skilled in veiled arguments as Princess Jihyang? Not quite. Her earlier remark was likely her peak in such tactics.

But Paeng Ha-ryeong had confidence. She had time and secrets on her side.

Princess Jihyang, unaware of Namgung Woo’s origins, having never spent a night conversing with him or fought alongside him, was no match for her.

‘Seon-a’s barely holding on. How can a newcomer like her compete?’

What made Paeng Ha-ryeong wary was Princess Jihyang’s overwhelming background, reminiscent of when Song Chaeji first appeared with her titles.

But conversely, without her background, Princess Jihyang wasn’t intimidating.

Namgung Woo, standing slightly apart, didn’t fully grasp the hidden nuances of the women’s conversation, unlike the trio discussing Yang Se-rim’s strength via Whispering Transmission.

But as a party involved, he sensed the tension and knew when to intervene.

“It seems inappropriate to continue this conversation on the road. I appreciate the offer, but we already have arrangements and cannot comply with Your Highness’s request.”

As Namgung Woo stepped in to clarify, Paeng Ha-ryeong barely suppressed a smirk.

Even for someone from the martial world, openly smiling in victory before an Elder Princess was risky.

True winners leave no room for error. Instead, Paeng Ha-ryeong held her Cheongdangon, the living proof of her chosen status, even more tightly.

“Kyyaaang….”

“Ah, sorry. Was that uncomfortable?”

Paeng Ha-ryeong cradled the Cheongdangon like a baby, swaying it gently. Noticing this, Princess Jihyang abruptly extended her arms.

“You’ve never raised an animal, have you? Let me show you how it’s done.”

Unable to refuse, Paeng Ha-ryeong handed the Cheongdangon to Princess Jihyang.

Having raised cats and dogs before her sisters married, and having cared for the Cheongdangon first, Princess Jihyang’s hold was remarkably skilled.

Though Paeng Ha-ryeong was no slouch in physical prowess, handling a living, unfamiliar creature was different.

While she’d adapt faster than most, the Cheongdangon currently found Princess Jihyang’s embrace more comfortable.

‘Does this tiger understand the concept of an owner?’

Here’s good, there’s better.

Watching the Cheongdangon move around without a single complaint, Namgung Woo wondered.

“Mr. Nam, you don’t know how to raise our Gon, do you? You left so abruptly yesterday.”

“Me, Mr. Nam?”

Even the confident Paeng Ha-ryeong was shaken by that.

“Mr.” (郞) was a term of respect for young men, but it was also commonly used by women to address their husbands or lovers.

It wasn’t much different from how Paeng Ha-ryeong addressed Namgung Woo as “Gaga,” a term originally for older men but now more commonly used as a term of endearment.

Seeing the crack in Paeng Ha-ryeong’s confidence, Princess Jihyang spoke triumphantly.

“Seems I’ll have to teach you properly today. If the prepared seat is inconvenient, I’ll sit beside you. There’s no better place for such care, right?”

Paeng Ha-ryeong and Princess Jihyang.

Watching the two women’s clash, Myorin cracked her knuckles, craving cannabis, and made her judgment.

‘This is the princess’s victory.’

In the end, Princess Jihyang achieved her goal.

She even subtly claimed the title “Mr. Nam.”

‘Born in the Forbidden City, she’s truly different.’

Her overflowing confidence led to boldness and decisiveness.

The imperial background widened Princess Jihyang’s scope while limiting Paeng Ha-ryeong’s countermeasures.

Though heavily reliant on her lineage, Princess Jihyang seemed to possess higher-level stress management and pressure skills compared to Paeng Ha-ryeong.

‘In contrast… what’s this little animal planning….’

Watching Jegal Seon-a fidgeting without intervening, Myorin’s expression grew increasingly intrigued.

‘This is why I can’t leave Changcheon Pavilion.’

After all, isn’t the most entertaining thing in the world the drama of mortal affairs?

[Hey, Myorin.]

[Hmm?]

[What do you think? Who’s going to win?]

The Whispering Transmission came from Yang Kwae. Surprisingly, he had such observational skills.

Myorin revised her opinion of Yang Kwae. At least he had some human intelligence.

Sharing the same interest, their conversation turned serious. Myorin carefully reconsidered the situation before replying.

[This time, the princess wins. But overall, since only the elder sister knows the Great Master’s secret…]

[What nonsense. Not the princess, that kid from the Yang Family. If she and I fought, who’d win? Honestly, I could handle that, right? Even with a spear, the body length difference… But that monk keeps saying I’d lose…]

[Hey.]

[Oh, got an answer?]

[Get lost.]


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Make The Namgung Family Great Again

Make The Namgung Family Great Again

Status: Completed

I’ve landed in a murim world, only to find the Namgung Family ruined.

So, I’ve decided to rebuild it.

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