“I’m planning to go to the Guard Unit, so get ready to head out.”
Swish!
The Deputy Head, Tang Ok-ran, gave her disciple free time after receiving a letter from her fiancé and informed Si Bi of her intentions to go out.
“Yes, Deputy Head.”
The Tang Family had recently faced a significant trouble due to the rogue martial artists. There was no need for the rogue to swagger around the Tang Family and start new waves of chaos.
The Deputy Head dressed in her outdoor attire, put on a bamboo hat with a veil, and stepped out of the Secret Garden.
Thud!
“It’s noisy around here.”
Buzz!
The Tang Family seemed to be in high spirits. As soon as Tang Ok-ran left, she noticed the strange atmosphere within the Tang Family.
“Why on earth can’t they just release Volume 3 right away?!”
Yell!
“They said they can’t distribute it yet because they have some things to check.”
Grumble!
“Didn’t Writer Ho Pil write it perfectly! Hah! Is this what a cat feels like, staring at fish but not being able to eat?”
Meow!
“I feel the same way!”
Same!
Is there a feast being held? The cheerful atmosphere continued as they walked towards the Guard Unit.
Though the Deputy Head became curious about the bustling scene, she had no intention of asking anyone and announcing her arrival.
“Is Tang Mu-ki inside?”
Knock!
Upon arriving at her intended destination, the Deputy Head called for the Guard Unit Leader.
“Who is calling the Guard Unit Leader’s name without etiquette… D-D-Deputy Head?”
Gasp!
The martial artist from the Guard Unit recognized the Deputy Head and exclaimed in surprise.
“Don’t make a fuss. Is the Guard Unit Leader inside?”
Hush!
“Yes, he’s inside. I’ll bring you to him right away!”
Rush!
The martial artist hurriedly led Tang Ok-ran, worried that he might have made a mistake in front of the Deputy Head.
“Deputy Head? What brings you here?”
Surprised!
The Guard Unit Leader, who had been handling medicinal herbs, welcomed the Deputy Head with a shocked expression.
“I came for some necessary herbs.”
Honest!
“You could have sent someone.”
Shrug!
“They’re herbs that can’t be easily traded, and I also wanted to check on you.”
Wise!
The Deputy Head spoke with an expression akin to that of an elder looking at her grown nephew.
The Guard Unit Leader was not only a loyal subject to the Tang Family Head but also a friend since childhood. Thus, he was like a friend of Tang Ok-ran, having seen the nephew grow since he was a little kid.
“I’ll check the inventory right away. Please have a seat and rest for a moment.”
Gesturing!
The Guard Unit Leader quickly guided Tang Ok-ran into the office.
“Let’s do that.”
Agree!
“By the way, how is that girl, Hwa-rin?”
Curious!
“She’s a talented girl with great enthusiasm. As her master, if I guide her correctly, she’ll soar higher than ever.”
Ambition!
Was it said that there’s no end to parental pride and love for disciples? The Deputy Head smiled with pride as she sipped the prepared tea.
“That’s good to hear.”
Cheers!
“I heard you brought my disciple and her fiancé back safely. Thank you.”
Grateful!
Although it was before he became her disciple, would he ask for conditions to express gratitude? The Deputy Head bowed to the benefactor of her disciple as the master of Tang Hwa-rin.
“I merely did what I had to.”
Humble!
“Speaking of your disciple’s fiancé, his name is Kang Yoon-ho, right?”
Ask!
Tang Ok-ran nodded at the Guard Unit Leader’s answer and shifted the topic.
“Yes, he’s a young man with half the blood of the Tang Family.”
Half!
“What do you think of him?”
Questioning!
In truth, the Deputy Head’s reason for visiting the Guard Unit was not just for medicinal herbs.
The one disciple she accepted in a lifetime had a fiancé who shook the Tang Family. The Deputy Head had come out to learn about her disciple’s fiancé.
A question filled with warm expression yet sharp eyes was directed towards Tang Mu-ki.
“Are you asking for my opinion?”
Ponder!
“I’m curious about the young man who is my disciple’s fiancé. My disciple praises him to no end, but praise from a woman in love always raises suspicions.”
Wink!
“I understand you met the Tang Family Head.”
Impressed!
Tang Mu-ki, the secret son of the Tang Family Head and fiancé of the rogue martial artist, hesitated to give an immediate judgment.
“Like a father filled with guilt for not being able to care for a single child. I heard you observed that fiancé of mine for a while. What was he like?”
Serious!
The Guard Unit Leader, Tang Mu-ki, fell into contemplation from the Deputy Head’s words.
Should he mention Kang Yoon-ho’s literary talent? Or his eloquence? Or perhaps the heart that burns with a passion for justice, even though he has not grown into a martial artist?
Should he speak of the courage of standing firm till the end on a battlefield where one could lose their life? Should he talk about the upright love he has for a woman?
Thoughtful!
While many thoughts arose, it ironically made it harder to find the right words to express him.
“If he had grown up under the care of the Tang Family, he wouldn’t have stayed by the Deputy Head’s side.”
Exclaim!
“……!”
Shock!
The Deputy Head’s eyes widened in surprise. It was unexpected for the loyal and upright Guard Unit Leader to make such a statement, having been a close friend of the Family Head during childhood.
“However, that situation has never occurred.”
Clarify!
The Guard Unit Leader’s statement was also one that could shake the succession structure of the Tang Family.
He added one last remark, signifying his unwavering support for the Deputy Head, making it clear that his previous statement was the highest praise he could give.
“It’s a compliment that even an old man like me can’t take lightly.”
Proud!
The Deputy Head, calming her surprised heart, lifted her teacup.
The fact that her only disciple’s fiancé was a real man made her feel joy, which she hid behind her teacup as she sipped.
———
While the Deputy Head waited for the herbs, sounds of commotion were heard from a distance.
“The Rise of the Tang Family is here! That Tang kid is definitely going to take care of the Guard Unit’s stuff, right?”
Yell!
“I wouldn’t be so sure. I heard the Elders’ Council is waiting anxiously, and who knows, we might get our share taken away.”
Worry!
“The Guard Unit is quite noisy.”
Buzz!
It had been bustling the whole way here, and it seemed the Guard Unit was no exception. The Deputy Head casually started a conversation with the Guard Unit Leader.
“Seems that a team has returned from the Tea Bookstore.”
Report!
The Guard Unit Leader smiled, as if he knew everything that was happening.
“I heard they were discussing some books.”
Chatter!
“It was quite a stir due to a book written by Kang Yoon-ho under the pen name Ho Pil.”
Whisper!
“I’ve heard bits and pieces about it. But wasn’t that story already settled years ago?”
Confused!
About 20 years ago, there was turmoil over a story featuring the Color Demon, but after that, it seemed to have ended well. Why was there noise again? The Deputy Head was perplexed.
“It’s over, so now we can relax and enjoy it.”
Relax!
“……?”
Perplexed!
“I was re-reading Volumes 1 and 2 when I heard the news about Volume 3 being released soon.”
Read!
“You like reading novels?”
Surprised!
“Novels? The Rise of the Tang Family is certainly not treated as a novel!!!”
Fired up!
An intense reaction burst forth from the Guard Unit Leader.
“……”
Silence!
“Ah… Deputy Head, I’m sorry.”
Apologetic!
Upon seeing the startled expression of the Deputy Head, the Guard Unit Leader hurriedly apologized for his mistake.
“No worries. I’m seeing various sides of you today. Is it really that impressive of a book?”
Curious!
The Deputy Head had heard her disciple talking about how excellent her fiancé’s writing skills were, but it was just a novel.
Having seen the Guard Unit Leader’s reaction, it seemed there was much more significance to it than she thought.
“It’s a novel that surprises the world with just a light flutter of wings. If The Rise of the Tang Family spreads through the Central Plains, the most famous person from the Tang Family of the era might just be Writer Ho Pil.”
Wow!
The Guard Unit Leader spoke gravely, holding up Volume 1 of The Rise of the Tang Family.
“Is it really that much?”
Incredible!
“When we went to escort the book to the Tea Bookstore, martial artists rushed to sign up for support just to read Volume 3 quickly. Eventually, after competition, the strongest ones were chosen. Just judging by the abilities of those who went, it could wipe out a small sect in a day.”
Shocked!
“Whoa… So you’re saying it was all this ruckus over just one book?”
Flabbergasted!
The Guard Unit Leader was someone who doesn’t speak lightly, so the Deputy Head couldn’t contain her surprise.
“Guard Unit Leader! I’ve brought the inventory list!”
Step!
One of the Guard Unit’s martial artists entered the office and handed over papers to the Guard Unit Leader.
“They said the herbs you were looking for aren’t available right now. They will be procured by tomorrow.”
Details!
“Then send someone to the Secret Garden tomorrow.”
Order!
The business was concluded, and the Deputy Head shook herself free and stood up.
“It would feel wrong to send the Deputy Head back empty-handed. Would you like to take The Rise of the Tang Family with you?”
Offer!
The Guard Unit Leader offered the first two volumes of The Rise of the Tang Family with a sad expression.
“I don’t have a hobby of reading novels, but thank you for the offer…”
Decline!
Just as the Deputy Head was about to decline with a wave of her hand…
“Pardon…?”
Confuse!
The Guard Unit martial artist who had come to report looked at the Deputy Head with a shocked face as if he had heard something ridiculous.
‘What on earth is this book that’s causing such a reaction?’
Questioning!
The Deputy Head noticed the martial artist’s reaction and continued, “Haha, it’s the book that recently caused a stir in the Sichuan Tang Family. Since it’s also written by my disciple’s fiancé, you should consider reading it.”
Advice!
The Guard Unit Leader seized the opportunity and quickly handed Volume 1 and 2 of The Rise of the Tang Family to the Deputy Head.
“Alright, I’ll give it a read. I’ll have a delivery person return it tomorrow with the herbs.”
Agree!
The Deputy Head nodded with a lukewarm attitude.
She had no interest in reading novels. She wasn’t the type to follow trends without a backbone either. But since it was a book written by her disciple’s fiancé, maybe it was worth checking out.
The Deputy Head left the Guard Unit while still holding a skeptical gaze on The Rise of the Tang Family.
“Ughh, Kang Yoon-hooooo.”
Moan!
The next day, Tang Hwa-rin sat in her room with an expression still not softened.
She had heard from the Tang Family that Kang Yoon-ho had provided the employees with a work uniform.
“What’s a chi-pao? And what’s a mei-zi dress?”
Wondering!
Providing the male employees with neat work uniforms would have earned her praise, but the issue was with the female employees.
Clothing that accentuates every curve! Only the beautiful female employees were dressed this way!
If she had been there, she would have pinched Yoon-ho’s earlobe and scolded him on the spot.
Moreover, there was another reason why she was angry.
Fuming!
“I-I-I could wear something like that too.”
Defensive!
Had it been a clothing style where her skin wasn’t showing but her shape was? She could wear it anytime. Tang Hwa-rin muttered in embarrassment, concerned someone might hear her.
She recalled the provocative outfit she wore in front of Kang Yoon-ho before they parted ways; it left the upper chest exposed, something she had never worn before.
“Ugh!”
Blush!
In an instant, Tang Hwa-rin’s face turned crimson.
It was so delightful to have the gaze of the man she loved directed at her; it was an experience too wonderful to describe. Plus, what had happened afterward…
Yoon-ho’s hands were rough while his lips were gentle. Their faces heated up, and just before they lost control, they finally managed to pull apart.
Phew!
“Could it be my fault?”
Concerned!
Could it be that Yoon-ho, who had been holding back, had acted that way because she had provoked him? That’s why he might’ve done things he usually wouldn’t do at the Tea Bookstore.
Tang Hwa-rin struggled to rationalize Kang Yoon-ho’s odd behavior.
“If he wants I could wear even more provocative outfits.”
Bold!
Tang Hwa-rin stood in front of the mirror without wearing a top.
She gathered her grace that would never droop due to her optimal physique and abs that wouldn’t sag due to inner strength, posing as if it were a scene her fiancé would admire and feel awe over.
“What am I doing?”
Realization!
Of course, someone watched the scene with disdain.
“Master?!”
Gasp!
“I was wondering why you hadn’t come out yet when you should have already changed into your training clothes….”
Observe!
“I’ll change right now!”
Quick!
Tang Hwa-rin hurriedly began changing into her training outfit.
“Okay, and… Never mind.”
Sigh!
The Deputy Head looked around her disciple’s room with a strange expression and shook her head.
“Is there something you need?”
Concerned!
It was the first time she saw her mentor hesitate to speak. Was there something serious going on? Tang Hwa-rin approached the Deputy Head with a worried tone.
“Nothing serious.”
Reassure!
“If it’s not serious, then you can tell me.”
Encourage!
The Deputy Head gazed at Tang Hwa-rin for a moment, then with an awkward expression, finally asked, “Have you read Volume 3 of The Rise of the Tang Family yet?”
Curious!
“Yes?”
Confused!
