It’s important to have a backup plan for any scheme.
Just because you can pretend to be a tiger cub, it doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. You should anticipate the worst-case scenario and prepare the best course of action for that situation.
What will happen when it’s revealed that you’re not a tiger cub? Is there a way to survive that? Among the methods I can use, what can ensure I come back alive?
This is a matter of my only life. No matter what preparations I make or what methods I employ, it’s never excessive.
What methods could a black-haired barbarian like me use? After much contemplation, what I came up with was ultimately leveraging my reputation in Yichang.
“Why is everyone gathered here?”
A passerby asked the members of the Tea and Book Club surrounding the Tea Bookstore.
“The works of author Ho Pil have been displayed at the Tea Bookstore.”
“Is the third volume finally coming out?”
“Actually, it’s on the brink of being discontinued! Those Sichuan Tang Family guys are looking for Ho Pil to drag him away because of The Rise of the Tang Family!”
“What! What’s there to complain about in The Rise of the Tang Family?”
“Exactly! Because of that, Manager Kang is about to get taken away!”
“Why Manager Kang?”
“Manager Kang declared he would take the place of someone protected by the Tea Bookstore, someone he deeply cares for, and that he absolutely can’t reveal their location!”
“Oh my god! He said he’d go against those terrifying martial artists? I thought he was a money-sucker, but it turns out he’s a noble person!”
“Even Ho Pil, knowing what would happen if he got taken away, cried in guilt and declared he would stop writing until Kang returns!”
“Wait, wait, stop writing?”
“Yup. The Tea Bookstore is on the brink of shutting down! Ho Pil has stopped writing! How can the Tea and Book Club not intervene in this situation?”
“You trashy bastards! Don’t you have any shame?!”
“Sichuan Tang Family should rather be rewarding him! Why are they dragging him away?”
“Discontinuation of The Rise of the Tang Family! This is unacceptable!”
People were gathering around the Tea Bookstore, agitated by the news that The Rise of the Tang Family would be discontinued.
“Was it your doing?”
The head of guards glanced at the crowd and then shot me a sideways glance.
“Seems someone witnessed the Tang Family blocking the Tea Bookstore yesterday. With no one in Yichang unaware of The Rise of the Tang Family, the rumor spread quickly.”
Did you think I’d just sit back? I casually responded with a nonchalant expression.
Starting with Ho Pil’s announcement, I actively spread the news to the Tea and Book Club members. I even asked the head of guards and the Tang Family people to circle the Tea Bookstore again when they returned.
Of course, I didn’t expect this many people to gather.
“Make way! The chairperson of the Yichang Literary Association is passing through!”
As the head of guards and the Tang Family warriors looked on helplessly, an elderly literary figure stepped forward.
“Who are you?”
As the representative of the crowd appeared, the head of guards inquired about his identity.
“Haha, I lead those who appreciate literature in Yichang.”
The chairperson of the Yichang Literary Association stroked his beard, glaring back at the head of guards without losing composure.
“My goodness! If you are the chairperson of the Literary Association, aren’t you a scholar from the Hall of Literature?”
“I heard you don’t often engage in outside activities after retirement, but it’s surprising to see you here.”
A scholar from the Hall of Literature, the emperor’s advisory body responsible for compiling royal literature.
I had earnestly requested the Tea and Book Club members to bring someone who could speak to the Sichuan Tang Family, but instead, someone who warrants a bow appeared.
“Ugh…”
Realizing it was someone formidable to contend with, even the head of guards showed signs of discomfort.
“The emperor didn’t suppress free speech. How can the Sichuan Tang Family, regarded as a pillar of the righteous faction, engage in such actions?”
“The well water does not intrude upon the river water. It’s a family affair.”
He essentially said it’s a matter for their family, so mind your own business.
“Haha, I’ve wanted to mention that since my official days. So, nowadays if well water touches river water, it all becomes well water?”
The chairperson looked at the head of guards, then turned to me, subtly suggesting that messing with the populace was now a martial arts concern.
“Just a black-haired barbarian.”
In fact, I hadn’t mentioned I was from the Tang Family.
“Barbarian, no. It’s a person from Yichang. A young man who knows propriety.”
“Right! A friend who consistently contributes to the merchant association!”
“Though strict, he’s a manager who pays thoroughly and on time!”
As the chairperson defended me, even those who had personal connections with me, not just members of the Tea and Book Club, joined in support.
How touching. I really didn’t waste my time in Yichang after all. Though I had to grease a few wheels.
“You’re not taking him away as a criminal. You’re just taking him to inquire about something.”
“Isn’t it usually the criminal who has the most to reveal?”
“We’re taking him as a guest.”
“Isn’t it nowadays that guests are forcibly taken? I heard they drag them without putting them on horses.”
The head of guards did not reply and merely glared at me. Why? They might not be using restraints, but they plan on walking me there. I can’t use Light Body Movement. I want to ride a horse or carriage!
“Misunderstanding.”
“Would you trust that coming from you?”
“Ha. What if I don’t?”
The head of guards’ visible prayer caused the atmosphere around us to turn cold instantly. Indeed, a martial artist is still a martial artist. I could believe there was even a tiger in a flock of rabbits.
The chairperson seemed familiar with such scenarios and showed no signs of backing down. However, if left alone, who knows what might happen?
“Greetings. I’m humbled by your heavy footsteps to come for my sake.”
This was exactly my cue to step in. I smiled and interjected between the two men.
“Even engaging in activities for a young man bringing a new breeze to Yichang is effortless.”
The chairperson looked at me with a worried expression.
“This incident seems to stem from a minor misunderstanding. Such misunderstandings deepen the longer they linger. Before they fester, I hope to visit Sichuan once.”
“That’s too dangerous. You’d be better off making me your retainer. I’ll provide a room for you.”
To suggest being a retainer is indicative of protecting me under the name of a Hall of Literature scholar. That was an incredible favor.
“This involves my friend. Ho Pil’s mouth is mine, and my mouth is Ho Pil’s. I want to manage this before anger reaches Ho Pil.”
I expressed my resolve by thumping my left chest.
“Huuh… One side is a bond that could risk lives, while the other carries the weight of friendship. Well, then, there’s little choice. A martial artist.”
“Are we ready now?”
“My disciples are in Chengdu. I’ll have a separate discussion. And if I don’t return by the deadline, I’ll direct my efforts toward a different path, not just Chengdu.”
If not Chengdu, then likely far away where the imperial capital is.
“……That won’t happen.”
Seeming to not desire such an outcome either, the head of guards took a step back, reflecting a change in attitude.
“I hope so. And Manager Kang, I look forward to seeing you return safely while selling The Rise of the Tang Family Volume 3.”
I glanced at him worriedly, then turned to look at the chairperson of the Literary Association.
For now, I’d prepared one backup plan.
If I’m discovered not to be a tiger cub, those guys would likely think of the Hall of Literature scholar.
‘Let me prepare one more backup plan.’
What is it the Sichuan Tang Family fears the most? Why are they desperately trying to hide the Color Demon incident?
‘In the end, it’s public opinion.’
As a clan walking a tightrope as a governing faction, they pay more attention to reputation and are more sensitive to public sentiment than anyone else. Even if I fail to play the tiger cub card, I need to make them hesitate before swinging their swords.
Let’s create a situation that the Sichuan Tang Family fears.
I shouted towards the members of the Tea and Book Club who had been observing the situation.
“Members of the Tea and Book Club! I am Kang Yoon-ho, the manager of the Tea Bookstore! Here is Volume 3 of The Rise of the Tang Family!”
I pulled out Volume 3 from my robe.
“Ooooh!”
“I had planned to publish it soon, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I’ll have to postpone its release.”
“Whaaaat?!”
“Just publish it and leave!”
“If I publish this third volume and leave, author Ho Pil has stated he won’t write again! Therefore! The Tea Bookstore will temporarily close and upon my return, I will publish this third volume! Please wait for Volume 3 and me, Kang Yoon-ho!”
“Grrrr! Then we have no choice!”
“Sichuan Tang Family! I’ll see to the end if Manager Kang makes it back alive!”
“If Volume 3 isn’t released, then we’re burning the Sichuan Tang Family down!!!”
“Sounds good!!!”
With the Tea Bookstore temporarily closed, if the popularity of The Rise of the Tang Family dwindles, the attention from the people regarding the fate of a black-haired barbarian dragged off to the Sichuan Tang Family will fade.
I pulled out the third volume to prevent that situation.
Volume 3 is already complete. But because of the Sichuan Tang Family, we’re in a scenario where it can’t be seen.
Even if the popularity of Volume 2 wanes, the thirst for Volume 3 will be replaced with resentment toward the Tang Family, keeping it circulating in the public’s discourse.
At least until my life hangs in the balance.
“You’re really doing as you please.”
The head of guards, watching the entire scene unfold, spoke to me with a hint of resignation.
“In a world where a black-haired barbarian hasn’t committed any wrongs yet someone still has it out for him, if you don’t make promises, what would happen if Volume 3 isn’t released?”
“Anyway, the release of Volume 3 will likely not be possible.”
“That’s a matter for me and the Tang Family head to discuss. You’re not the one who gets to decide.”
I have no intention of discontinuing The Rise of the Tang Family. I’m going to do everything possible to release Volume 3.
“You’re quite headstrong, aren’t you? I’ll be watching to see if you can act so boldly in Sichuan.”
“You’re thinking of dragging me off already?”
I looked at the still-gathered members of the Tea and Book Club. Surely not? You’re not planning on dragging me off, right?
“Tch. I’ll give you one more day. Get me a carriage.”
The head of guards glared at me with dissatisfaction before pushing through the Tea and Book Club members and disappearing.
——–
The next day came.
“We should be good, right?”
“Yeah.”
With bleak expressions, Hwa-rin and I looked at the sign posted at the Tea Bookstore.
[Tea Bookstore Temporarily Closed] – The Sichuan Tang Family is away.
“Get on the carriage.”
We turned toward the head of guards’ horse and headed to the carriage.
Will we be able to return?
I’ve completed all the preparations I can make.
Now it’s time to see what the dice will reveal, whether I return as a baby tiger or a wreck.
Let’s go. Into the Sichuan Tang Family.
