Chapter 137: Warrior of the Sanwa Tribe (2)

Of all things, to think they were the children of a Jin Dynasty general. Things were getting slightly tangled.

So-mu could not help but ponder.

‘What should I do? If I arrest him, the children will be shocked.’

He appeared to be someone who had fled after being heavily injured when they reclaimed Chang’an.

Leaving a high-ranking officer of the enemy nation alone was out of the question. Focusing internal energy into his eyes, So-mu examined him more closely.

It was not difficult to gauge his state. His pulse and breathing were so weak they seemed about to extinguish. The bluish hue of his complexion meant that the wound’s poison had spread throughout his body. He must have missed the window for treatment because his infected wound wasn’t cared for in time.

‘He won’t last more than a few days. If he hadn’t trained in martial arts, he would have been dead already.’

It was an ambiguous situation, hard to say if it was fortunate. What was the point of arresting a dying man?

So-mu silently scanned the surroundings. There was nothing nearby that could pose a threat to So-so.

Having assessed the situation, he had to return for now. Since the march was only a few days away, there was much to prepare.

As So-mu headed back to Chang’an Fortress, his heart was heavy.

‘In the end, this will only remain a painful memory for So-so. But such experiences will serve as a strong pillar to help her endure this chaotic world.’

Making friends was a good thing. But for her friend to be the child of an enemy general. He could clearly envision how hurt his child would be. Yet, this was a world where experiences that allowed one to overcome hardships were necessary.

Returning to the palace with heavy steps, So-mu handled the piled-up work.

Since the members of the Wolf Fang Squad were doing well on their own, he did not need to worry about them for the time being.

He reviewed the strategy with Jang-yang and met with Lieutenant Han Baek of the cavalry to discuss tactics.

Afterward, his steps turned toward Uiseondang, where Lieutenant Mo Cheong was located. Mo Cheong was the only person in the army who knew his past identity as the Sword Saint.

As he entered Uiseondang, the medical soldiers stood and greeted him.

“You are all working hard. Where is Lieutenant Mo Cheong?”

“He just finished a surgery and is resting over there for a moment.”

Inside Uiseondang, a small separate space was prepared for the medical soldiers to rest.

When So-mu walked in, a white-haired elderly man with deep wrinkles was drinking tea.

As So-mu sat across from him, the old man expressed his delight and filled a teacup.

“Haha. Welcome. It has been a long time since the two of us sat together like this.”

“I should have visited more often. I am sorry.”

Had So-mu not been the one to recruit this elderly man and place him here when the old man was just waiting for his days to end? Thus, a trace of guilt remained in a corner of his heart.

“Do not worry about it. I know how busy you are. Besides, I do this because I enjoy it.”

A small smile appeared on So-mu’s lips.

“Even though the number of medical soldiers has increased significantly, you are still busy, Elder.”

“How can a person’s habits change overnight? I only feel at ease when I examine critical patients myself.”

“Please do not push yourself too hard. You might collapse.”

“Haha. I am fine. By the way, you must be busy preparing for the march. What brings you here?”

So-mu drew something from his robe and placed it on the table.

It was two ounces of silver.

“I came to deliver this to the medical unit.”

A puzzled look appeared on Mo Cheong’s face.

Although two ounces of silver was not a small sum, adding it to the medical unit’s budget would not change much. He was curious about the reason.

“What is the meaning of this out of nowhere?”

“I need to take some herbs from Uiseondang, so I wish to pay for them in advance. This amount should be sufficient.”

“If you need them, just take them. As the chief of the Wolf Fang Squad, you are more than qualified.”

“I cannot do that. The herbs are not for our army’s use.”

So-mu revealed everything that had happened today, including his worries.

Hearing the story, Mo Cheong burst into a hearty laugh.

“Haha. So you mean So-so is going to help that boy steal the medicine?”

“She is a tender-hearted child. My guess will surely prove correct.”

Mo Cheong picked up the silver So-mu had offered.

“Since you ask, I will cooperate. One cannot simply blame an action born of good intentions. But we cannot just let this continue either.”

“Of course, I plan to show them a better way. A different way.”

“Raising a child is no easy feat. Well, you must have a plan. By the way, does the General know about this? Although he is a dying man, he is still a general of the Jin Dynasty. I worry it might cause a misunderstanding.”

“I have already met with him and discussed it.”

“Your handling of matters is flawless as always. What did he say?”

So-mu took a sip of his tea and relayed his words.

“He said, ‘If everyone’s heart were like So-so’s, how could there be war in this land? It is one of the few warm flames remaining in this world, so we must protect it and ensure it burns brightly without being extinguished.'”

Lieutenant Mo Cheong laughed for a long moment.

“Hahaha! That is just like the General. That is why, even at my age, I still come out to serve him.”

“You are right. And everyone has their role to play. There is no one in this world better suited to lead the medical unit than you, Elder.”

Praise always makes one feel good. After his meeting with So-mu, Mo Cheong’s face seemed to have aged backward by several years.

“Come to think of it, that Jin Dynasty general. If it’s alright, I would like to examine him myself.”

“His condition is already too severe. It will be difficult to save him.”

“Even for me?”

Was he not the one who had once made a name for himself in the Jianghu as the Life-Saving Divine Physician? So-mu could not afford to bruise his pride.

“Perhaps it might be possible for you, Elder. But that is something we must ponder.”

“Haha. Since he is an enemy general, treating him blindly might not be the best course either. Anyway, if you need this old man, just say the word.”

After thinking for a moment, So-mu made a few requests of him. And Mo Cheong readily agreed without hesitation.

“Thank you. I am always receiving help from you.”

After exchanging a few more words, they parted with bright faces.

“It was pleasant. Drop by for a cup of tea often.”

“Understood. While it is good to care for patients, please look after your own health as well, Elder.”

Mo Cheong nodded continuously as he watched So-mu’s retreating figure. Then, he whispered in a voice only he could hear:

“You are always the same. Therefore, I will also remain by your side. Though I do not know how much longer this old man’s life will last…”

So-mu’s rank was several levels higher than Mo Cheong’s. Yet, in private, he never hesitated to show him the same respect as in the beginning. How could he not like him?

With a brightened expression, Mo Cheong headed back to the treatment room.

Meanwhile, leaving Uiseondang, So-mu looked up at the sky. Before he knew it, the sun was setting.

He washed up and headed to the Wolf Fang Squad’s barracks.

So-so was lying down alone inside. She was staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep, looking as if she had something on her mind.

“Why are you lying like that?”

“Father. Are all the people of the Jin Dynasty bad?”

It seemed So-so had also realized the identity of the family.

“Why do you ask that? Did you meet someone from the Jin Dynasty?”

“No…”

So-so turned onto her side, facing away from him.

To think she would lie even to her father. Though he felt a bit hurt, he understood. She must be worried that he might arrest them.

Lying down gently beside the child, So-mu said quietly:

“Do the people of the Jin Dynasty have horns on their heads? What is the standard for a good person and a bad person?”

“I don’t know. Do you know, Father?”

“No one is born bad. Circumstances make people bad. But if one lacks flexibility and allows oneself to be ruled by those bad circumstances, then one truly becomes a bad person.”

“Then are there good people in the Jin Dynasty too?”

“Yes. They are all people just like us. It is only the war that makes everyone bad.”

“Hmph… Why do we have to fight the Jin Dynasty?”

“The bad person at the very top of their ranks. He started the war and is making everyone in the Jin Dynasty bad.”

So-so, who was facing away, clenched her fist.

“Then you must scold him, Father!”

“Yes… I will surely do so.”

So-so turned back around and hugged her father.

“You must scold him, Father. He is such a bad person…”

Without a word, So-mu stroked his daughter’s hair.

A warm and gentle internal energy flowed from his hand, enveloping the child’s body. Her mind and body at peace, So-so soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Confirming that his daughter was asleep, So-mu quietly slipped out of the barracks and went somewhere.

When he returned after a few hours, he was holding something in his hand.

And after a few more hours, dawn arrived once more.

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

As expected, the rooster crowed at dawn.

Reflexively opening her eyes, So-so began to pull out her uniform. Even though no one had ordered her to do so, her diligence was mind-boggling.

So-mu, who had not slept today either, helped the child put on her uniform.

“Is it not exhausting?”

“No. I must not be late today.”

“Why?”

When he pressed further, So-so blushed slightly in embarrassment.

“T-that’s because I have to catch the thief.”

Since she was not used to lying, it was clearly written on her face.

In any case, she would find out soon enough. Suppressing his laughter, So-mu sent her out.

“Have a safe trip.”

“I’ll be back!”

So-so bowed politely and quickly disappeared. As soon as she was gone, So-mu opened his chest. Inside was a patrol officer’s uniform he had borrowed from the patrol guards at dawn.

Without hesitation, he changed into the clothes and pulled a bamboo hat low over his eyes.

“This girl. To lie to her father so boldly.”

Even though it was for a good cause, the more he thought about it, the more audacious it felt.

Leaving the barracks, So-mu stealthily headed to Uiseondang. And indeed, his daughter’s actions did not deviate from his predictions.

Under the shadow of a pavilion about ten Zhang away from Uiseondang, two children the size of chestnuts were holding a serious conversation.

So-so stood with her arms crossed, blocking the way.

“If you steal, you become a bad person. Stop doing it.”

“You saw my father yesterday. Would you just stand by if your father were that sick?”

So-so shook her head. Since she had not experienced it herself, she could not be certain.

“No… But since I am a patrol officer, I have to arrest you.”

“If I can’t bring the medicine today… my father will die.”

At the mention of his father dying, So-so’s eyes suddenly turned red. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Busy wiping her tears, So-so no longer had the heart to block him.

Leaving the sobbing So-so behind, the boy stepped forward.

“…I won’t help you if you get caught.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

For some reason, not a single sentry could be seen at Uiseondang today. It felt suspicious, but he had no choice.

The boy dashed forward and leaped toward the small window of Uiseondang.

So-so hid far away and watched.

The pounding of her heart was so loud that even the distant So-mu could feel it. It seemed she was the one who was terrified.

When fifteen minutes passed and there was still no sign of him, So-so approached the window and whispered softly:

“Sang-ah, are you not done yet?”

The boy’s name was Baek Sang. They had exchanged names yesterday after first meeting.

Just then, two small bundles of herbs were tossed out from the window frame.

Catching them reflexively, So-so flinched.

A moment later, Baek Sang slipped out and asked with a puzzled look:

“Why haven’t you left yet?”

“I was about to…”

“Were you keeping watch for me? Thank you, So-so. I found all the herbs I couldn’t find before.”

“If you take this medicine, will your father get better?”

Baek Sang’s face darkened.

“No…”

The herbs he had taken were hallucinogens and pain relievers used only for critical patients. For some reason, Baek Sang seemed to have an extensive knowledge of herbs.

Feeling pity for him, So-so let out a deep sigh.

“Whew.”

Did her sincerity reach him? Baek Sang’s thin face, worn from hunger, cracked a grin.

“My father told me that a favor must be repaid tenfold. I will definitely repay you later, So-so.”

Just as Baek Sang was about to receive the bundle of herbs.

Suddenly, a patrol officer wearing a bamboo hat appeared and blocked their path.

“What audacious brats. To dare steal the army’s medicine.”

It was So-mu, who had altered his voice using a voice-altering technique. Having no way of knowing this, So-so’s face turned pale.

“W-what do we do?”