“The Head of the Family has finally come out of seclusion.”
The fact that Head of Family Zhuge Geuk was meeting with his close aides was also conveyed to the Elders’ Council, who had been keeping an eye on the Head’s movements.
“We need to go meet him right away! Is he in his office now?!”
“Don’t act rashly. I’ve heard he called his close aides for something important.”
“It must be about his daughter’s engagement.”
“It seems likely.”
The elders nodded in agreement.
This wasn’t just a simple family matter. If things went wrong, it could escalate into issues affecting the clans, so it was only natural for the Head to be in a meeting with his aides.
“If we had known this would happen, we should have wrapped up his aides in advance!”
“How could we possibly wrap up the Head’s close aides?”
If it were a newly appointed head of the family, there would be some influence from every clan, but Zhuge Geuk, having a grown daughter, was a different story.
After years of being the Head of the Family, he filled major positions with his own people, so all the Elders’ Council could do was grumble like a bunch of old men.
Of course, being elders of the clan, their grumbling couldn’t be ignored, but the final decision was ultimately up to the Head of the Family.
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Elder Oh clicked his tongue in disappointment.
“I heard that his aides have been singing praises about Zhuge Seolrok every day. Even knowing the situation, they probably think the same as we do.”
“Still, we can’t be sure.”
“This isn’t something to rush into. It’s a sensitive matter. As the head of the family and the father of his daughter, the Head must be struggling with many concerns.”
“Ahem.”
The members of the clan were constantly gauging the Head of the Family’s reactions regarding the marriage matter of Kang Yoon-ho and Zhuge Hyang, not just because he was her father and the head of the clan.
“The issue with the Tang family is complicated. He’ll feel betrayed by his own family and be anxious because the son-in-law he wanted to marry his daughter is involved with another woman.”
“The Head has no fault in this, yet he’ll bear all the responsibility…”
“It’s a tough decision.”
“……”
Head Zhuge Geuk was the only one who was an outright victim.
He was furious about his daughter’s situation but tried to gather information about the son-in-law. He gave a platform through Hongcheonmirijin to provide justification and intervened to not lean towards either side when the Elders’ Council opposed.
In the end, just when he was about to acknowledge the black-haired son-in-law, all the hidden problems came to light.
Zhuge Geuk was covered in all sorts of filth. However, he bore no fault as the Head of the Family.
It was merely that his obligations as a patriarch and his responsibilities as the Head of the Clan directed all errors towards him.
An utterly absurd situation that felt unjust. Everyone put in their best effort to avoid ruffling the Head’s feathers for this reason.
Of course, even if the Elders’ Council was careful not to upset the Head, they couldn’t just remain silent.
“Are we all just going to sit here?! Ho Pil just wiped out Zhuge Seolrok’s conclusion and you all want to stay quiet?!”
They saw hope.
The desperate character “完” had disappeared. The Elders’ Council needed to act actively.
“I know. It means they’ve left the possibility open for the next volume.”
“Right! No matter how I think about it, it seemed strange! To spill all that story at the end and call it a conclusion!”
“Jumping to conclusions is not okay.”
Elder Il shook his head calmly.
“What do you mean?”
“It might mean that Book 2 of Zhuge Seolrok will come out, but it could also mean that Book 2 of Tang Seolrok could come out, and they’re warning us.”
“……!”
“That kid celebrated himself for getting married. So that means something even more could be possible.”
Even though few knew Ho Pil’s identity, to celebrate oneself so brazenly could be interpreted in a way that only criminals could do. The Elders’ Council could only find meaning in one thing.
“Right. Was that it? That kid doesn’t even know how to feel embarrassed for celebrating himself! That was the meaning behind it!”
“Even if he hid his identity, has anyone been this shameless? Really! Changing the protagonist’s last name would be a piece of cake!”
“This is no time for this! We need to contact the Head of the Family right away and arrange a meeting!”
They could lose Kang Yoon-ho to the Tang family. The reality of the threat wrapped itself around the Elders’ Council.
“Calm down. I will go.”
Elder Il, sensing the atmosphere was heating up, stepped forward calmly among the elders.
“Elder Il? Do you have any thoughts?”
Even a small suggestion could upset the Head’s mood. Even the renowned Zhuge Family Elders’ Council was in a position where they couldn’t act rashly.
“The decision is up to the Head of the Family, but I can alleviate some concerns.”
Elder Il had a solution to the dilemma at hand.
———
“The Elders’ Council will visit the Tang Family directly?”
Head Zhuge Geuk could only respond in surprise to Elder Il’s proposal.
“Someone needs to go represent us and clear up the misunderstandings.”
“That may be true, but…”
The arrival of Chief of the Medical Department Tang Mu-ki regarding Kang Yoon-ho’s incident was not something that could be brushed off easily.
Tang Mu-ki had been sent from the Tang Family to save the life of the Sichuan Tang Family’s Deputy Head last year.
“We value Kang Yoon-ho just like our Vice Head.”
By sending another aide from the Tang Family, it was a simultaneous political message.
Naturally, considering the gravity of the situation, it would have been appropriate for the Zhuge Family to send someone of equal standing. However, for the Elders’ Council, which usually refrained from external activities, to take direct action was an unprecedented proposal that would surprise even the Head.
“The misunderstanding with the Tang Family is also our responsibility.”
“Ho Pil. No, confirming whether that kid, Kang Yoon-ho, really possesses great literary talent was our business. This matter…”
Although he was the Head of the Family, it was a delicate matter to command the clan elders to go anywhere. Zhuge Geuk initially intended to decline.
“Your father-in-law probably had similar thoughts.”
“Elder Il…”
“The Elders’ Council has misinterpreted it. We will take responsibility.”
Zhuge Geuk was momentarily speechless. Elder Il’s statement was not something to be taken lightly.
All the things his father-in-law had done. They would sweep it all under the rug, which could potentially harm the Zhuge Family. No, they would take the blame instead.
Elder Il had come to clarify the position on behalf of the Elders’ Council.
“……Do you happen to have any other conditions?”
If the clan elders didn’t bring up anything regarding the father-in-law and his wife, it would solve a multitude of awkward situations. In the end, it meant that only the Head could say something to the father-in-law and the wife.
Zhuge Geuk asked, still doubtful about Elder Il’s words.
“I merely wish to lighten your concerns.”
“It’s because of that kid.”
Elder Il made no denial of the Head’s words. He simply smiled with wrinkled eyes.
“The decision is ultimately yours. Before it’s a matter of the clan, it’s a matter of a family. I’ll only strive to keep the promises made.”
The promise made by the Elders’ Council regarding Kang Yoon-ho would not vanish. Elder Il calmly informed the Head of their decision.
“I’ve come out after a few days, and it seems I’m in Kang’s family while that kid is in Zhuge’s family.”
“Regardless of the decision the Head makes, the Elders’ Council will send someone to the Tang family.”
“Thank you.”
“My head is spinning, so I’ll take my leave.”
While supporting the Head, Elder Il hoped he would also consider Kang Yoon-ho. After sufficiently clarifying the Elders’ Council’s stance, he left the Head Family’s Hall.
——
“What on earth is going on?”
His wife, close aides, and even the Elders’ Council kept siding with one person.
As Zhuge Geuk reflected on the events of the day, a weary chuckle escaped him.
“It feels like everyone has conspired together.”
While taking a short walk, he even overheard a strange conversation.
“Are you really going to take another wife?”
“That’s worrying me a lot.”
“If you have the ability, you can take another wife.”
“Having multiple wives isn’t necessarily bad. It could be good for the women too!”
“Exactly! When a man is busy outside, how lonely would a woman feel? They could become as close as sisters and support each other!”
“It depends on the man. All you need is love!”
Surely, that couldn’t be right. It felt like they were suggesting it directly to the Head.
“It feels like everyone has suddenly become that kid’s ally.”
His wife begged, while the close aides used family matters to persuade him. Even the Elders’ Council were ready to make the long journey to the Sichuan Tang Family, asking for the Head to make a careful decision.
It was quite surprising how unified everyone’s opinions were. Even the Head found it shocking.
What should he do? What decision should he make? In his troubled heart, he recalled the aide’s words.
“The decision rests with the Head. Still, it would be better to open your ears and walk around rather than stay cooped up.”
To untangle the mess, whose words should he listen to more?
There was no need to think too deeply.
“Head Steward. Is Head Steward outside?”
“Did you call for me?”
“I need to hear that kid’s story too.”
“Is that really true?”
A messenger visited the Head Family’s Hall.
“Yes, the Head asked to meet tomorrow morning.”
Hearing such wonderful news.
“Great! That’s great! …Ah!”
What a relief. I thought I might get instantly called off. The pain of my shin hitting the desk vanished in sheer joy.
“Be careful.”
No, wait. No canceling. That really hurt. Am I going to bruise?
“My leg! Ugh! Gil-san! P-Pick up that paper!”
Grabbing my shin, I gestured toward the manuscripts of Zhuge Seolrok that had fallen from the desk.
“You pick it up. Anyway, are the decisions finalized?”
Such a heartless guy. I’m really hurting here. After rubbing my shin repeatedly, I finally spoke.
“I have to go talk to my father.”
As I pretended to pick up the papers, Gil-san sighed and helped.
“That’s good. I’ll put the manuscripts back on top. Where should I put this?”
What he handed me with a troubled expression wasn’t the manuscripts of Zhuge Seolrok.
“Hwa-rin’s letter…”
“Put it in a drawer or something.”
“Right…”
As I received Hwa-rin’s letter, I involuntarily let out a tired voice.
“Why? Are you going to get engaged again with your fiancée still around, suddenly hit by your conscience?”
“No, it’s just…”
Hwa-rin’s letter felt somehow heavy. It’s great that my father-in-law said he would meet, but suddenly my shoulders felt heavy.
“How many times have you read this? The edge of the paper is worn out.”
“I’ve had a lot on my mind…”
I should focus on the pressing matters at hand, but every night I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from Hwa-rin’s letter.
“Man, this is hopeless. You should hide that letter somewhere else, not in a drawer.”
Gil-san looked at my expression and casually tossed a comment.
“Huh? Why? It’s fine.”
“It’s not because of you; it’s because of Hyang.”
“Why is Zhuge Hyang involved?”
“……”
“Why are you suddenly making a face?”
What’s wrong with him? Why is he heaving such heavy sighs in front of others?
“Are you asking because you don’t know?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s strange. For someone who has never had a woman at his side, you sure look confused. Seriously, you don’t know?”
“I’ve never been single before. What are you saying?”
My side has been a barren land. Even if I sow seeds, they don’t sprout. Even when I water it, it’s just like the Sahara Desert, all dried up.
“Isn’t it something a guy who just wants to date should think about?”
“……”
Just because I found a fiancée doesn’t mean I’ve started dating anyone else right away.
It didn’t take long, though.
“Not true? Maybe it’s that you’ve always had the upper hand in relationships? Even Hwa-ryun must be worried about you. Hmmm.”
“What are you talking about?”
Don’t make it difficult for me. What’s going on?
