Black-haired son-in-law.
How could the direct descendant of the Jiegal clan marry a black-haired man? He’s not just a despised black-haired one. He’s not from a respectable family, just an orphan!
Even though he became the successor of the Man Geum Battlefield through his adopted family, a daughter of a prestigious family who has held her position for over a thousand years wouldn’t just marry like that.
It would have been a story that wouldn’t make sense in the first place.
“I am Ho Pil.”
If Kang Yoon-ho hadn’t claimed to be Ho Pil, citing the tales of the founding ancestors and Lady Hwang…
The Elders’ Council couldn’t hide their surprise, but they didn’t dismiss their doubts.
“Write a new novel. However, it must be the story of a character from the Jiegal clan.” Kang Yoon-ho nodded at the Elders’ Council’s request and brought a reply.
“Now it’s time for us to decide.”
Is Kang Yoon-ho truly Ho Pil? Does Ho Pil’s literary talent surpass that of his hair color? Now it’s time for the Elders’ Council to reach a conclusion.
“Is there anyone who thinks Kang Yoon-ho is not Ho Pil?”
Elder Il asked the silent members of the Elders’ Council.
“…….”
There was no way there could be.
The very question of asking to write a story about the protagonist of the Jiegal clan arose from the fact that they believed Kang Yoon-ho was indeed Ho Pil.
Now that they’ve read Jiegal Seolrok, how could they deny it?
Kang Yoon-ho was indeed Ho Pil.
“He wrote Jiegal Seolrok in just half a month.”
When Elder Chil opened his mouth, all eyes that had been silently watching the others turned to him.
“It wasn’t like making spontaneous poetry over drinks, laughing and chatting. It was a test tied to a marriage with a woman he loves.”
“Hmm.”
The woman who uniquely recognized his true identity. The Muse of Ho Pil. The Elders’ Council could now hear how much Kang Yoon-ho treasures Jiegal Hyang right before their eyes.
“I’ve never seen a novel like this in my life. As Elder Il said, I wouldn’t even know how to describe this story.”
“The gaps in the sentences or descriptions. There are certainly things to critique.”
“If only he had taken the time to reflect on the meaning of the words and revised it, it would have turned out even better.”
Elder Chil spoke with conviction, countering the sporadic protests from the other elders.
“But it’s trivial.”
“……”
“As those who set the exam, can you believe that he wrote Jiegal Seolrok in half a month?”
He brought a type of novel that had never existed before in such a short time. A novel that made the entire Elders’ Council eager to read the next volume.
As Elder Chil spoke with a stern expression, more members slowly began to voice their agreement.
“Right. Even if someone wrote some poems on a piece of silk with gold powder, I wouldn’t be this surprised.”
“What about the protagonist Jiegal Seolrok! I recognized immediately that he was one of our family!”
“Sprinkling evidence everywhere and finding the culprit in one breath was truly impressive!”
While praises for Jiegal Seolrok continued to erupt, a voice came from one who had been quietly listening.
“The more astonishing thing is that he didn’t lose his way.”
“Elder Il?”
Elder Il smiled at the surprised faces of the Elders’ Council and continued.
“Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes. The Rise of the Tang Family. Including Jiegal Seolrok. We all know what Ho Pil aims for as a protagonist.”
There could be no mistake.
At Elder Il’s inquiry, one word surfaced in the minds of all members of the Elders’ Council.
“……Hero.”
Elder Il nodded.
While he enjoyed Jiegal Seolrok, there was something else that surprised him.
“How can we make a good impression on the Elders’ Council? How can I impress my father-in-law? Was Jiegal Seolrok an answer to flatter us?”
Even writers face moments of compromise.
This is a matter tied to a marriage of a prestigious family. It had to be as similar as possible. To please others rather than oneself. To suppress one’s pride, turn back on the path walked, and write flattering words.
“No. More like a detective. He showed us Jiegal Seolrok.”
“Even though he could’ve written something similar to what he wrote previously, he presented us with a completely new story, a new form of hero, in half a month. No one could deny he belongs to the Jiegal clan.”
Ho Pil proved it boldly.
Instead of flattering the Elders’ Council’s request, he proved his literary talent. His path.
“He proved his issues as his literary talent without losing his way at all.”
“I was still skeptical, but after reading Jiegal Seolrok, I was convinced. Elder Sam’s words were correct.”
“I told you so. That guy has talent.”
The Elders of the council looked at Elder Sam, chuckling, and could recall the words he had spoken for Ho Pil.
“……The qualities of a great master.”
A person walking a path no one else can and Jiegal Seolrok.
With such clear evidence, the Elders’ Council found it hard to contain their admiration.
“Now, he is past his youth. Aren’t you curious about what kind of path this child will take?”
Faced with Elder Il’s question, the Elders’ Council could only smile wryly and reply.
“……Indeed, he is a crazy one.”
“Right. He’s a crazy one we should keep close for a long time.”
“I agree.”
The Rise of the Tang Family. Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes. And Jiegal Seolrok.
What path Ho Pil will take moving forward. If he becomes a son-in-law of the Jiegal clan, how far can he soar?
It was impossible not to be curious.
“……Let’s assume there are no objections.”
——
“Let’s get to the main point.”
Elder Il, after summarizing Kang Yoon-ho’s literary talent, immediately brought up the discussion.
“Main point? Wasn’t the story over?”
“Can it be called a main point when the conclusion is so obvious?”
Anyone who has read Jiegal Seolrok would not oppose the marriage between the two. So what was important today was another problem.
“Then what story could this be about?”
“How to make Ho Pil write Volume 2.”
“……!”
“Now, let’s brainstorm together.”
——
“How about agreeing to the marriage but attaching a clause to write Volume 2?”
Everyone was itching to talk about Jiegal Seolrok’s next volume, and the opinion erupted from Elder Oh’s lips immediately.
“Rejected.”
“Why!”
“Elder Oh. Think before you speak.”
Sighs and grimaces flowed from everywhere towards the friend.
“What I mean is, the Elders’ Council made a promise, so why attach something ugly like a clause? Why not just say we want to pressure him because we enjoyed your novel too much?”
It was an agreement made with Ho Pil. They could not suddenly change their stance.
“If it’s a novel that was originally agreed to be a single volume, how can we change our minds?”
Elder Oh thumped his chest in frustration and cried out.
“I didn’t expect this! So let’s all think together! Don’t hesitate, let’s throw out all ideas!”
Even Elder Lee, who had always been against Kang Yoon-ho, was now actively seeking input from the others.
“How about agreeing to the marriage and then subtly pressuring him later? Why not give him some spending money during the holidays and ask when the next volume will come out?”
“What is this petty spending money? Something like a vacation home should be given as a gift.”
“Vacation home?”
“We’ll give it to him in the name of the Elders’ Council. During the summer, in the north. During the winter, in the south. By giving him a vacation home, it would be great to say this would be a perfect place to write!”
“Indeed!”
“I’ve heard that many writers dislike gripping a brush in the heat! So how about suggesting writing while spending summer in a cool vacation home with his wife?”
“Indeed! Writing during the day and conceiving at night! This would be the best gift for the newlywed!”
“If we gift it in the spring when he gets married, it would be just right as the heat starts rising!”
“In a year, we could see grandchildren and Volume 2!”
A splendid mansion complete with guards. If Kang Yoon-ho could enjoy life while reducing his resentment toward the Elders’ Council, it would be perfect.
Surely, even Ho Pil would be moved by the generosity of the Elders’ Council. A glow of excitement appeared on the faces of the Elders.
“Hmmm. This is a good idea, but…”
Elder Oh looked at his friends with a worried expression.
“Why?”
“Isn’t Ho Pil the successor of Man Geum Battlefield? He must be running a business as well; wouldn’t that be difficult?”
“……”
Kang Yoon-ho was not just a simple writer; he was also a merchant, wasn’t he? It was a painful observation.
“How about persuading his niece instead?”
It was too early to give up. Another opinion popped up.
“Are you talking about Hyang?”
“That child is also a daughter of the Jiegal clan. Before formally agreeing to the marriage, meet her and seek a promise. Ask her to persuade him to release Volume 2 of Jiegal Seolrok.”
“Unfortunately, that’s impossible!”
“Why?”
“Her personality can’t handle that. She can stand by her husband, but she wouldn’t speak up against something he doesn’t want.”
An elder who knew Jiegal Hyang’s character answered with confidence.
“Tch. She was a bit introverted.”
“That means that won’t work either…”
“Then what about this method!”
Next up was Elder Sa.
“What is it?”
“Each time he writes a volume, we attach a beautiful wife to him!”
“…….”
A cold silence enveloped the Elders’ Council.
“Why, why?! Since he wrote it to get married, then automatically, getting one more wife for another volume can’t he write it again? What man would refuse a woman who loves him?”
“Stop thinking like yourself. It’s because of you that at your age, you come home to hear complaints from your wives.”
“Let him be. That kid probably had a good time changing his bed every night. Did he expect to hear nagging every day when he got older?”
“Ugh!”
To Elder Sa, who struggled to count the number of wives with one hand, it was a painfully sharp point.
“Not a bad idea, though.”
Despite teasing Elder Sa, many still supported his proposal.
“What?”
“Even stubborn men can be swayed by pillow talk. If we attach a lovely girl to him, he might quickly produce Volume 2.”
“I’m saying! He may refuse a request from his in-laws, but it’s hard to refuse a request from a beloved wife!”
The Elders’ Council found it hard to deny the validity of the method presented by Elder Sa, reflecting his confident expression.
“Indeed, one wife per volume… how many volumes should Jiegal Seolrok have for a good conclusion?”
“Realistically, wouldn’t ten volumes be a nice goal?”
“Why not have each Elder bring in one granddaughter?”
“The head of the family will be disturbed hearing some of the comments we are making so casually.”
As the junior uncle of the head of the family and Jiegal Hyang’s grandfather, Elder Il could not help but point it out.
“Hmm, hmm!”
“Okay. Introduce one bride-to-be and get the second volume. The idea is solid. But you know what we need to think about.”
“What?”
“Can we find a woman who appeals to Ho Pil like Hyang does?”
“If we find a beautiful granddaughter…”
“Though Hyang has her quirks, she can be absolutely stunning if she keeps her mouth shut. Can any of the granddaughters in this gathering match her beauty?”
“…….”
No one could refute.
“Perhaps we’ve gone too far with our discussions…”
“Just a short while back, she passed the Hongcheonmirijin.”
Elder Il nodded, bringing up facts everyone had briefly forgotten.
“That’s right. She’s not the type to be swayed by lust.”
“Her affection for him is just because they are muses, isn’t it?”
“Even if we offered her another woman, she would definitely refuse, claiming she would forever love only one.”
“If she’s beautiful and has an ample bust, she’s not a man who will easily win over any woman.”
All members of the Elders’ Council could only concede with expressions full of regret.
“How about we compromise with two wives for one volume?”
Of course, Elder Sa was not one to back down.
“…….”
“Then what shall we do!”
“Would we be having this conversation if we knew the answer?”
“Let’s hurry and let him have children, pass on the legacy, and let him succeed.”
“Twenty years to wait?”
“Ugh!”
“That’s a long wait. If Ho Pil doesn’t have a son, several of us might meet again in the afterlife.”
“Bring in all your beautiful granddaughters! Surely among them, one will catch Ho Pil’s fancy!”
“Oh.”
Elder Oh’s admiration flowed out.
“Oh, what’s ‘oh’ now?! Are you going to keep making strange comments?”
“I’m completely serious right now!!!”
The 1st meeting of the Jiegal clan’s Tea and Book Club, just like in Wuhan and Yichang.
It was chaotic.
