Chapter 29

About 200 li (100 km) southeast of Beijing lies the city of Tianjin.

Known as the “Emperor’s Ferry” because Emperor Yongle passed through here during the Jingnan Campaign when he overthrew Emperor Jianwen and seized the throne, Tianjin was a unique city that was both an inland city and a port city.

How could an inland city, far from the sea, be a port city? It was because Tianjin was located along the route of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal, a massive waterway stretching in a straight line from Hangzhou to Beijing.

Tianjin was the midpoint of this canal, acting as a gateway to Beijing. Since the Yuan Dynasty, before the Ming Dynasty, Tianjin had thrived as a hub for water-based commerce. Its prosperity grew even more when Emperor Yongle moved the capital back to Beijing and renovated the Grand Canal.

For the Ming Dynasty, whose capital was excessively far north, the Grand Canal was nothing short of a lifeline. Tianjin, serving as Beijing’s port, reaped the benefits of this and established itself as the second-largest city in Hebei after Beijing.

And there, a great family had taken root.

A martial family that wielded influence over the martial world of Hebei.

The Hapbuk Paeng Family.

“Mother, it’s me, Ja-ryeong.”

In the innermost chamber of the Paeng Family’s estate, located on the outskirts of Tianjin, a young man announced his presence at the door.

The young man’s name was Paeng Ja-ryeong, the eldest son of the current Paeng Family head and the former young master known as the “Defeated Dragon.”

“Come in.”

With his mother’s permission, Paeng Ja-ryeong opened the door and entered.

True to his nature as the young master of the Paeng Family, he disliked unnecessary formalities.

“Mother, today… Ah, Ye-ryeong is here too.”

Upon seeing his youngest sister nestled in their mother’s arms, Paeng Ja-ryeong finally sensed the intense aura emanating from Paeng Ye-ryeong. It was paradoxical that he hadn’t noticed her presence in the room despite such a strong aura.

It was because Paeng Ye-ryeong’s very existence was faint.

At the same time, it meant that the time left for Paeng Ye-ryeong was growing shorter.

Paeng Ja-ryeong tried his best not to let his emotions show. If he did, his mother and sister would only feel more heartbroken seeing him like that.

Focus on the reason you came here. Recalling his original purpose, Paeng Ja-ryeong opened his mouth.

“I’ve received word from Uncle and Ha-ryeong.”

“Oh? Are they all safe?”

They had already heard rumors about the Ghost Gate Sealing Battle that took place in Muan County. But rumors were nothing compared to direct reports from the parties involved.

Moreover, the rumors seemed to have been deliberately censored, omitting the most crucial parts.

If the Paeng Family had its own intelligence organization, they could have verified the rumors and filled in the gaps, but the Paeng Family had no such organization.

The Imperial Family, coiled nearby, did not wish for it. Thus, the Hapbuk Paeng Family relied mostly on cooperation with Gaebang for information.

“Yes. It’s no different from what we heard from Gaebang. There were casualties in the Ghost Gate Sealing Battle, but they were all vagrants. Our Paeng Family members led the effort to seal the gate.”

“That’s a relief.”

“They stayed in Beijing without a word, but now they’re returning.”

“That child must have wanted to travel a bit, don’t you think?”

Both of them knew that wasn’t the case. Paeng Ha-ryeong loved her family more than anyone. But they had this conversation to consider the other person present in the room.

Though how well it would be understood was another matter.

“Ye-ryeong, why don’t you go back now? You need to prepare to welcome your sister, don’t you?”

As she released Paeng Ye-ryeong from her embrace, Paeng Ye-ryeong nodded and left the room with light, hurried steps.

After Paeng Ye-ryeong left, Paeng Ja-ryeong barely held back a sigh. He couldn’t show his distress about Paeng Ye-ryeong in front of his mother.

She already blamed herself for Paeng Ye-ryeong’s Heavenly Punishment, considering it her own failure. He couldn’t add to that burden by being unfilial.

Paeng Ja-ryeong steadied his mind and brought up the main point he had come to discuss.

“Mother, you remember that Ha-ryeong was seriously injured, don’t you?”

The face of the Paeng Family’s matriarch was stained with sorrow.

Her youngest daughter, whom she couldn’t bring into the world healthy.

And the family members who threw themselves into saving her.

Thinking of them always felt like her heart was being torn apart. Especially on days like this, when Paeng Ha-ryeong had suffered a severe injury that might have cost her an arm.

“…Yes.”

That was all she could manage to say. It was a miracle that Paeng Ha-ryeong was safe.

After catching her breath, she added,

“Truly, the Buddha has blessed us. The compassionate one has watched over Ha-ryeong and connected her with a noble person.”

It was a devout Buddhist’s words.

Knowing how much she devoted herself to Buddhist practices, Paeng Ja-ryeong could feel her sincerity. Though he wasn’t particularly inclined toward Buddhism himself.

“But the information we received didn’t include anything about the benefactor who treated Ha-ryeong.”

They said they parted ways immediately, and the benefactor didn’t wish to reveal themselves, so it was difficult to get detailed information.

Paeng Mu-ho was a very upright person. If he received a favor, he would definitely repay it. Paeng Ha-ryeong was also a kind-hearted child.

Above all, as someone who prioritized the family, Paeng Ja-ryeong would have meticulously documented everything about the benefactor and reported it.

But the two of them, who loved the family just as much, chose a slightly different path.

A full-force, head-on charge.

“It seems they stayed in Beijing after the Ghost Gate Sealing Battle to meet the benefactor. According to the letter Uncle sent, they managed to meet that person again.”

The report to the main family was made by Paeng Mu-ho, not Paeng Ha-ryeong. As the son of the previous family head and the younger brother of the current head, he was recognized as a direct blood relative.

Though Paeng Ha-ryeong was ahead in the line of succession, as the representative, he presented his niece. His status and position were also highly esteemed.

“And they said they’re coming together this time.”

“The benefactor is coming too?”

Hearing this unexpected news, she acted as if she was about to get up and prepare to welcome the guest.

Of course, she didn’t actually get up, but she did wiggle her hips a bit, which would have surprised anyone who knew her.

“I must tell them to prepare to welcome the guest immediately.”

“Don’t worry. Our Paeng Family is always ready to welcome distinguished guests. The problem isn’t that.”

The real main point was yet to come.

Before speaking, Paeng Ja-ryeong hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure if he should say this to his mother.

But he couldn’t hide it. Even though he was the young master of the Paeng Family and currently managing the family’s affairs in the absence of the family head, his mother was the matriarch of the Paeng Family. She needed to know.

Paeng Ja-ryeong, though he could hardly believe it himself, finally brought up the words he had been hoping for.

“Perhaps, the benefactor who treated Ha-ryeong might also be able to help Ye-ryeong.”

At those words.

The matriarch of the Paeng Family, a woman who had come through a political marriage but had come to love the Paeng Family more than anyone, Moyong Hye’s eyes widened as if they would tear.

Her expression, so similar to the rabbit-like eyes Paeng Ha-ryeong often showed, made it clear to anyone that they were mother and daughter. Soon, understanding the full meaning of her son’s words, Moyong Hye’s face flushed with intense emotion.

Paeng Ha-ryeong never spoke idly.

Especially when it concerned her sister.

§

“So this is Tianjin…”

Three days after departing from Beijing.

Namgung Woo and his party arrived in Tianjin.

If Beijing was grand and splendid, befitting the capital of an empire where the emperor resided, Tianjin had a rougher charm but was filled with a vitality of life that surpassed Beijing.

The massive flow of goods coming through the port built on the Grand Canal. The merchants who gathered because of it. The commoners who came seeking work. The visitors who came to buy goods.

The vibrant energy created by this diverse crowd of people was enough to overwhelm first-time visitors.

Not only Yang Jeong and Yang Kwae but even Namgung Woo, who had walked the much more bustling streets of the distant future, couldn’t help but turn his head.

“Is this your first time in Tianjin?”

Seeing the three of them looking like country bumpkins who had just arrived in the city, Paeng Ha-ryeong smiled softly.

“Yes. It’s my first time, but it’s much more impressive than I imagined.”

“We feel the same. There’s plenty of work here, but Tianjin is too peaceful for our tastes.”

“Hmm, that’s true. With our Paeng Family here, how could there be any trouble?”

Paeng Mu-ho subtly showed his pride in the family.

“Since we’re here, let’s take a look around Tianjin, boss.”

As Yang Kwae spoke, Paeng Ha-ryeong naturally replied.

“Of course, you should. I’ll personally guide you around Tianjin. With the Paeng Family’s name, there’s nowhere in Tianjin we can’t go.”

“I’ve heard Tianjin’s Tianhou Palace is quite impressive. I’ve always wanted to visit.”

Though Tianjin is now an inland city, in ancient times it was by the sea. When sedimentation turned it into land, it became a coastal city.

Even now, as an inland city, the old traditions and customs remain, and the people of Tianjin have long worshipped Mazu, the goddess of the sea. The Tianhou Palace is a shrine dedicated to her.

Namgung Woo knew about this because, once again, it was due to the influence of Namgung Pung, who had traveled back in time from the future.

“Oh, so you know about the Tianhou Palace dedicated to Mazu?”

Paeng Mu-ho, delighted that Namgung Woo had some interest in their hometown, Tianjin, asked with enthusiasm.

“Yes, a little.”

“Seeing the Tianhou Palace is also good. Tianjin’s commercial district is centered around the Tianhou Palace. The streets around it are practically all markets.”

As Paeng Ha-ryeong explained, Paeng Mu-ho also stepped forward to introduce his hometown’s famous spots.

“You must also visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion. It’s a Taoist temple built by Emperor Xuande of the Ming Dynasty, a pure Taoist place without martial arts.”

He added his own experience, saying he would visit to calm his mind and body when his martial arts felt blocked.

“That’s all good, but let’s go to the Paeng Family first. We didn’t come here for sightseeing.”

“Ahem, the benefactor is right.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already sent word ahead, so by now, the main family should be preparing to welcome us…”

Paeng Ha-ryeong trailed off.

Because right in front of her, she saw people who were all too familiar.

“Ha-ryeong!”

A group of people rushing toward them from ahead.

The person at the front of the group was someone not only Paeng Ha-ryeong but all five members of the Paeng Family knew well.

“Brother?”

“Young Master?”