“Is something wrong with Hwa-rin?”
The Tang Family Head said he needed to go. I wonder if something happened to Hwa-rin.
Seeing my startled face, the Head of Guards seemed to regret it, quickly fixing his expression to calmly speak to me.
“Ah… After checking on Lady Hwa-rin’s condition, we need to proceed with the Deputy Head of Family’s treatment immediately. It’s nothing for you to worry about, Master Yoon-ho.”
So it was because of the Deputy Head of Family, not Hwa-rin, huh? I understand, but I can’t shake off the look of surprise on the Head of Guards’ face when he saw me.
“Do we need to go right away?”
The Tang Family Head asked the Head of Guards.
“The treatment for the Deputy Head of Family is urgent, so if Lady Hwa-rin is in stable condition, we’ll proceed with the treatment immediately. It would be best if you come quickly to observe, Head.”
Was my worry unnecessary? It’s like they want to bring a guardian for a significant surgery. Should I seek permission for Tang Family Rise later?
As I mulled this over, the Tang Family Head wasn’t following the Head of Guards but was staring at me silently.
“There’s something you haven’t said to me yet.”
Isn’t the Deputy Head of Family also his son?
Maybe realizing it wasn’t such an emergency. The Tang Family Head probably wants an answer regarding his wish to officially accept me as his son.
I already have my answer prepared, so there’s no need to hesitate.
“My father raised me with love and discipline. I never once thought I was an adopted child until he passed away. My proud father is the only one.”
Because I’m not actually an adopted child.
I firmly rejected the Tang Family Head’s proposal.
“However…”
This uncle, even after my firm words, has no intention of backing down, does he? Then I have another way.
“If you wish to atone, do it for my mother, not for me. If possible, it would be nice to build a small shrine for her.”
I understand the Tang Family Head feeling guilty. I also get the urge to atone. But the subject of that atonement should not be me.
The one he should be atoning for is Hyang-a, not the black-haired Barbarian.
“Is that really okay?”
The Tang Family Head looked at me with widened eyes, as if startled by my proposal.
Of course, he’d be surprised.
Performing rites for Hyang-a is both my duty and right as her son. It’s not something a man who abandoned the woman he loved can do just because he wants to.
It’s a tremendous concession and forgiveness just for the son he abandoned to allow the rites for his mother.
“What’s the issue with adding another offering to the ceremonial table? She would appreciate it.”
“Then I will honor her every year.”
The Tang Family Head nodded as if solidifying his resolve.
‘Perfect timing.’
The Tang Family Head will ease his heartache by performing rites for Hyang-a every year on her memorial day.
I, as the abandoned child, offered him the concession of Hyang-a’s rites. Concessions ultimately create negotiations.
Having retreated this much for what the other party wanted, the other party must also give me what I want.
Ho Pil Kang Yoon-ho wants only one thing.
“I also wish to honor my mother through my writings. I want to continue writing the stories of the hero she spoke of.”
Tang Family Rise is a fictitious story. However, it contains the hero Hyang-a envisioned. I have drilled this into him countless times, so the Tang Family Head would understand what I mean.
Now, I will imbue it with meaning. Writing Tang Family Rise is an act of honoring my mother. It’s another form of the rites.
After staring at me in silence for a while, the Tang Family Head pretended to contemplate deeply and finally spoke.
“If that’s what you intend, then so be it. But those who know it as the secrets of the Tang Family might start talking.”
“There’s no issue if we say the Color Demon isn’t from the Tang Family and instead link it to the Demonic Cult. If I toss in a word or two about Tang Family Rise, who would dare to question it?”
I just need to persuade him, and it’s over. Once Tang Baek-ho of the Sichuan Tang Family makes a statement, everyone will grovel; what’s there to worry about?
The Tang Family Head nodded as if he understood, then surprisingly asked.
“…So the ending will be Hyang-a, then?”
What the heck!!! Are you asking a harem novel writer if a pure love ending is happening right now?! After mentally shouting, I spoke nonchalantly.
“I already said it. Du Eung-hyang is Du Eung-hyang; she is definitely not my mother. And there’s no need to choose just one, is there?”
“What do you mean?”
I smiled at the Tang Family Head, who looked at me in disbelief.
Twenty years ago, Tang Baek-ho made a choice that cost him the woman he loved most, and he would never know the whereabouts of his own child, leaving him with a lifelong scar.
I am Kang Yoon-ho, the illegitimate child of the Sichuan Tang Family.
The Tang Jung in Tang Family Rise is a different person than Tang Baek-ho. Also, Ho Pil Kang Yoon-ho won’t allow Tang Jung to walk the wrong path.
What choice will the illegitimate child Kang Yoon-ho make?
“I want everyone to have a happy ending. The protagonist, the betrothed, the courtesans, all the women I’ve shared my love with. If it’s Tang Jung, the hero and not the Deputy Head of Family, wouldn’t there be no one pointing fingers at him for having several wives?”
Tang Jung will make a different decision than Tang Baek-ho and will make everyone smile.
This is why Tang Family Rise is a tale of fiction rather than reality, and it’s the best decision the illegitimate child Kang Yoon-ho can make.
“…Indeed. Tang Jung is not me but someone better than me. Do as you wish.”
The Tang Family Head spoke with a refreshing smile as if I had defeated him.
“Good. Since Hwa-rin has awakened and the Deputy Head of Family will too, let our meeting end here for today. I must leave soon as well.”
Great. I got everything I wanted.
Now it’s time to part ways. Let’s not meet again next time. It’s time to shout, “It was dirty being together, let’s never meet again,” and leave.
“You who have cut away the rotten parts of the Tang Family, created a perfect antidote, and made the biggest contribution to the Deputy Head of Family’s treatment, where do you think you’re going? Don’t say things like that.”
The Tang Family Head reacted in shock to my declaration and kindly warned me.
Did you think I would say stay here? But you see, I have a plan all thought out.
“My existence must not be here. Just a brief conversation has already shaken your heart; how could I remain here? If I’m here, the Deputy Head of Family’s heart will remain anxious.”
“I will make sure it doesn’t waver.”
Oh, Mr. Tang Family Head. You think you can stop me from leaving if you say that?
I’ll shake things up all at once.
“What if I say I desire the position of the Deputy Head of Family?”
“You want it…?”
The Tang Family Head stuttered slightly, surprised. The Head of Guards next to us also looked at me with wide eyes.
“See? I don’t need that kind of thing, yet you’re already shaken.”
I grinned to show it was a joke.
“If it’s anything but the Deputy Head of Family position, I could give you everything you want.”
“No way. That concern of yours could land us in trouble.”
Favoring one child over another is harmful to the rightful heir, regardless of East or West.
It’s enough with just one time where lives dangle due to succession issues within a clan. Just like with the World’s Greatest Beauty, it’s time to cash out.
“You truly know how to belittle me…”
The Tang Family Head muttered painfully. I don’t need to feel too bad about cashing out. Since it feels good to cash out, let me give you an uplifting word.
“Once a son grows up, a father must shrink away.”
“Excuse me, what did you just say?”
As I casually called him ‘father,’ a flush of color spread across the Tang Family Head’s face.
Ignoring his expression, I walked toward the door, continuing to speak.
“Hwa-rin has woken up. The rotten parts of the Tang Family have been cut out. The Deputy Head of Family will regain his health. Not all of this is due to me, but I feel good to have become the hero I dreamed of, as my mother told me. So now, it’s time to leave.”
“You played a truly significant role.”
Maybe realizing he couldn’t block me from leaving, the Tang Family Head offered me one last bit of praise during our farewell.
“Well then. Heroes usually leave quietly, but since you’re saying goodbye, how nice it is.”
I smiled brightly as if I was genuinely satisfied.
“…Is this really the end?”
Unlike me, the Tang Family Head asked in a voice dripping with reluctance.
Is this a midlife crisis? Why is our Tang Family Head so emotional? It’s not good to be so firm all the time, so I should satisfy his emotion with some words.
I looked out at the sky and murmured so he could hear.
“The abandoned seed has grown and can now stand alone. Still… whenever I feel like I’m alone in this world, I will look west from Yichang in Hubei Province. That alone will be enough for us.”
The best words an illegitimate child unready to accept a father could offer.
“I will also look to the east sometimes.”
Tang Baek-ho was slightly taken aback by my words, pulling his chin back, then smiled contentedly.
“Thank you, Young Master Yoon-ho.”
The Head of Guards gave me a thank you as we parted ways.
“Master Kang is sufficient.”
I’m not planning to become a Young Master of the Tang Family.
The Head of Guards chuckled softly at my response, then looked over to the Tang Family Head and continued speaking.
“The Tang Family Head is originally a very strong person. He believed he was a sinner and found it difficult to utter even a word in front of you, Young Master, so he showed a weak side. In fact, on the day you two met, if there hadn’t been a succession issue, he would have sorted everything out with vigor.”
“I’ve heard the story.”
Even the legendary Lee Seong-gye was called the strongest general and founding monarch in Korean history, but he was a weak father in front of succession issues.
The Tang Baek-ho showing weakness was ultimately just about his love.
Upon the return of the Tang Family Head, I heard the rotten parts of the Tang Family were completely resolved. Even the Elders’ Council must have trembled, not wanting to oppose the Tang Family Head’s feelings.
“The Head has suffered from the wounds of love in his youth, and today’s forgiveness from you, Young Master, will be of great help for him in leading the Tang Family going forward.”
The Head of Guards bowed at a 90-degree angle, expressing his gratitude towards me. But there was no need for that.
“Mother has passed away, and I have matured. It’s not good to have one person stuck in the past.”
It wouldn’t suit my concept as the illegitimate child of the Tang Family to fumble at the Elder’s bow, so I threw out a dismissive remark.
“Thank you. The Sichuan Tang Family will never forget Master Kang.”
No, please forget me.
—————————–
“Why can’t I meet Hwa-rin?”
Three days passed without meeting Hwa-rin, so I confronted the martial artist guarding her place.
“Ah, she still needs more stability.”
“Then let me see her. Hwa-rin needs to see my face to stabilize.”
“You have exhausted too much energy forming the poisonous substance. She still needs more rest.”
The martial artist repeated the same words like an impenetrable wall, regardless of what I said.
“Where’s the Guard Unit?”
Just as I was about to say something more, the Guard Unit burst out from inside. Seeing me, the Guard Unit looked startled and tried to rush past me.
“Guard Unit! Why are you trying to run away?”
Oh heck no. If you’ve treated someone, you should be proud, not trying to run away. You’re not even a shadow knight.
“I have nothing to say! There is nothing to tell!”
Doctor D! If you have nothing to say, who the heck should I ask? If someone carrying on D’s will can’t speak, I can only say something else.
“Even if you don’t say, please let me see Hwa-rin’s face. I beg you.”
I blocked the Guard Unit and earnestly pleaded.
The Guard Unit stared at me for a moment, then with a pitying gaze, nodded eventually.
“Just wait a moment. I will use my influence.”
—————-
This is why you shouldn’t trust verbal contracts.
Days passed, and there was still no news. Next time, I must insist on having a written contract when the Guard Unit promises something.
I just can’t understand the reason. Why do I feel so uneasy?
The Guard Unit’s pitying expression lingers in my mind. The Guard Unit’s attitude was strange even before Hwa-rin ingested the poisoned substance.
What could be happening? Is there a reason they’re purposely blocking me?
In the end, I went to bed exhausted from my martial arts training without finding answers or hearing news about Hwa-rin.
———————–
“Get up. It’s morning.”
Click. A voice came with the sound of the blackout curtain opening.
“Ugh.”
The sunlight hits my eyes. Who is it? Who dares to wake the child of darkness?
“Yoon-ho. It’s morning.”
“Just a little more sleep.”
Just five more minutes. The subway schedule changed with the change of the sun. If I squeeze it, I can get about five more minutes.
“Yoon. Ho. Our author.”
Who is it? Why so sweet? Sounds like the sweet-talking younger sister from a love comedy novel. Not a love comedy I have any ties to. Am I still dreaming?
My mind is hazy. Anyway, I have to hold on. I don’t know what’s happening but I need to protect my sleep time.
“Hey! Yoon-ho! It’s already day! Get up!”
Finally, the voice whipped the blanket off.
“What, what’s happening?”
“I told you this is how I have to wake you up!”
“Hwa-rin?”
The identity of the voice was Hwa-rin, whom I had been waiting to hear from.
“It’s time! Get up quickly.”
“Really, is it you, Hwa-rin?”
What is this? Is it a dream? But her actions seem too vivid. Hwa-rin opened the window, letting in a crisp breeze that jolted my senses awake.
“Yoon-ho. Let’s go out today.”
Reality and dreams. Between dawn and morning.
Hwa-rin spoke to me with a somewhat uneasy smile, like the morning dew that will disappear when the sunlight gets stronger.
