Chapter 25: The Sparrow Flies In (3)
Following his conversation with Jang-yang, So-mu fell into deep thought.
‘I have been trapped in the narrow well of the jianghu, failing to see the wider world until now.’
The ultimate balance of power between nations was decided by the presence of Profound Realm masters. As far as anyone knew, the Hui Dynasty possessed three, Goryeo had one, and the Song Dynasty had one. Even if Song and Goryeo were to unite, they were already outnumbered.
Although the Hui Dynasty was confident in its conquest, war always had its variables. And then there was the Sword Saint, a piece that had not yet been played on the grand chessboard.
However, a war between nations was not decided solely by the number of Profound Realm masters. It was a massive conflict where tens of thousands, or even millions, clashed on the battlefield. In a vast land where massive armies collided, how much could a single master achieve on his own? If the foundation supporting a pillar of the Flower or Profound Realm was not sturdy, the pillar itself would eventually collapse.
Nothing was simple. Even information about Yingjiao, the usurper who had overthrown the Jin Dynasty to establish the Hui Dynasty, was scarce. So-mu felt a headache coming on.
As he closed his eyes to clear his mind, the carriage slowed to a halt.
“We have arrived, Commander,” the driver called out.
The carriage door opened to reveal a small tavern. It was a modest establishment, similar in size to the Soho Tavern he used to run. Inside, So-mu sensed the presence of two people. One was an ordinary civilian who had never practiced martial arts—likely the tavern keeper.
The identity of the other was clear even without seeing him. It was a pure, righteous energy that felt as warm and powerful as the sun. It was undoubtedly Grand General Yue Fei.
Jang-yang handed the driver a pouch of copper coins. “It won’t take long. Go find a place nearby to eat.”
It was a quiet command not to eavesdrop. The driver, smiling from ear to ear, secured the carriage and quickly departed.
“Let us go in,” Jang-yang said.
“Shall I accompany you, General?”
“Yes. You are one of the few people I trust completely. I also wish to introduce you.”
When Jang-yang opened the door of the quiet tavern, they saw a man sitting at a wooden table. Although he wore a simple gray robe and a bamboo hat that obscured his face, his broad shoulders and the powerful muscles visible beneath the fabric marked him as a formidable martial artist. Above all, the subtle aura emanating from him filled So-mu with admiration.
‘I knew he had reached the Flower Realm, but to think his cultivation is this profound…’
Even among masters of the same realm, there were varying levels of depth. The general’s aura was of a caliber rarely seen even in the jianghu.
“Who is your companion?” Yue Fei asked without turning around. He had already sensed So-mu’s presence.
This was because So-mu had intentionally allowed a fraction of his energy to show. As his public rank in the army rose, he was gradually adjusting his displayed martial aura to match his position.
“He is a man we can trust completely, General. He is my subordinate, and the one who has contributed the most to our recent victories.”
“I see. Since this is a private meeting, let us dispense with formalities. Sit, Junior Brother.”
As Jang-yang took a seat, So-mu took a step back, standing guard near the entrance.
“I am glad to hear the defense of Xiangyang was successful, Senior Brother,” Jang-yang began.
“Yet you did not join the battle, Junior Brother.”
“I believed defending Hanzhong was of greater importance. I apologize for not responding to your request.”
“No, I should be the one to apologize. I underestimated you, Junior Brother. Who could have predicted that you could defend Hanzhong with a force of raw recruits? Retaining Hanzhong was indeed the correct decision. You have proven yourself wiser than I.”
“How could I ever compare to you, Senior Brother? But tell me, why did you request to meet in person?”
“I had a feeling this might be our final meeting. That is why I wished to see you.”
“Has Jang Jun and Qin Hui already begun their move?” Jang-yang asked, his voice tightening.
Privy Councilor Jang Jun and Prime Minister Qin Hui—the two most powerful and corrupt officials in the Song court, who constantly plotted to bring down Yue Fei.
“It was only a matter of time. What should have happened ten years ago was merely delayed by the Hui invasion. Now that the war has entered a lull, they see their opportunity.”
“But the entire empire knows of your innocence!”
“Currently, Qin Hui rules the court. I have been summoned to face charges of treason and undergo investigation.”
Jang-yang slammed his hand on the table, his eyes wide. “Treason! How can they accuse a general who has dedicated his life to defending the empire of such a crime?!”
“I am not the first, nor will I be the last.”
“Do not go to the capital, Senior Brother. Those incompetent fools in the court have no regard for the empire’s safety. They are content with this small victory, blind to the greater danger looming on our borders.”
Yue Fei poured a cup of wine for Jang-yang. “If I refuse the summons, what then?”
“It will be seen as an admission of guilt. Qin Hui will use it to brand you a traitor. But even if you go, they will not let you leave alive. Resign your post and spend the rest of your days in peace.”
So-mu watched as Jang-yang’s emotions threatened to boil over. It was a bitter sight—two loyal generals who had bled for their country, now forced to fear for their lives because of political schemes. Even So-mu found the situation absurd.
“I have never done anything to bring shame upon my empire,” Yue Fei said calmly. “I have no reason to hide. I will face them proudly.”
“Once you make up your mind, you never back down,” Jang-yang sighed. “What can I do to help you?”
“The military is filled with commanders who care only for wealth and glory, and the court is ruled by traitors. I cannot help but worry for the future of our nation. Now, you are the only one I can trust, Junior Brother. I leave the future in your hands.”
“I will not swear loyalty to the Emperor or the court, Senior Brother. My only loyalty is to the people,” Jang-yang replied firmly.
Emptying his cup, Yue Fei offered a warm, knowing smile. “I know your character well. I have failed, but you possess virtue, wisdom, and flexibility. I believe you will find a way to navigate this crisis.”
“I am in the same boat, Senior Brother. I have distributed the military’s secret martial arts, including the Diamond Sutra, to common soldiers. How can I expect to survive if the court finds out?”
“Do not worry about that. I surrendered the credit for the defense of Xiangyang to Grand General Yu Gwang-se. In exchange, he has agreed to cover up the matter. He has already submitted an official report stating that the training was done under his direct orders to defend Hanzhong.”
“But Yu Gwang-se arrived late and barely participated in the battle! You gave up your hard-earned credit for my sake?”
“It was not entirely for you, Junior Brother. We needed to strengthen Yu Gwang-se’s position to keep Jang Jun in check.”
To Jang-yang, there was little difference between Jang Jun and Yu Gwang-se. One was a conspirator allied with Qin Hui, while the other was a greedy general at odds with Han Se-chung. Still, it was a necessary compromise.
“I only pray that you can prove your innocence, Senior Brother.”
“Do not worry. If worrying could solve our problems, I would worry all day. Now that I have seen your face, I must depart.”
Yue Fei stood up, placing his hand on So-mu’s shoulder. “I leave my brother in your care.”
So-mu nodded silently.
At that moment, Yue Fei paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked at So-mu. He subtly channeled a thread of true energy into So-mu’s shoulder.
So-mu felt the general’s hand tremble slightly. Before the silence could grow awkward, Jang-yang spoke up.
“Senior Brother, it will be a difficult path. If you are able, please keep in touch.”
“I will.”
Yue Fei stepped out of the tavern, mounted his horse, and rode away. As he disappeared down the road, his low murmur drifted back to So-mu’s ears.
“Haha… It seems my worries were in vain. I can depart in peace…”
Following Jang-yang back into the carriage, So-mu let out a silent sigh.
‘It seems completely hiding my cultivation from a Flower Realm master is still too difficult. I must be more careful. I will have to either conceal my internal energy perfectly or prevent anyone from touching me…’
The meeting with Yue Fei had cast a heavy shadow over Jang-yang. His expression was grimmer than when they had left Hanzhong, and the carriage ride back was filled with tense silence.
After about an hour, So-mu broke the silence.
“General, if you do not mind, could we halt the carriage for a moment?”
They were passing through a bustling market town. Without asking for an explanation, Jang-yang called out to the driver.
“Stop the carriage!”
Once the carriage came to a halt, So-mu asked, “You do not wish to know why, General?”
Jang-yang smiled faintly. “To travel this far and return without a gift for your daughter would make you a poor father. Take your time.”
“Thank you.”
Nodding, So-mu stepped out of the carriage. There was no need to go far, as several street vendors were set up nearby.
His gaze locked onto a stall selling accessories. After careful deliberation, he selected a beautiful norigae ornament. It was adorned with vibrant, colorful silks and detailed flower and butterfly patterns.
“I will take this one.”
“You have an excellent eye, sir,” the vendor smiled. “But this was imported from Goryeo, so it is rather expensive.”
“How much?”
“Eighty copper coins.”
It was a steep price, equivalent to half of his monthly military pay. But So-mu did not hesitate. He paid the vendor, took the ornament, and quickly returned to the carriage.
“Apologies for the delay.”
As So-mu carefully tucked the norigae into his robe, a genuine smile appeared on Jang-yang’s face.
“Seeing you, I realize the heart of a father is the same for everyone. Even if she is not your own flesh and blood, it makes no difference if your hearts are connected. And is it not every father’s wish to build a world where his child can grow up free from worry?”
So-mu fell into deep thought.
‘A world free from worry…’
It was the very world he dreamed of. Yet, he knew it was an impossible dream as long as the flames of war continued to burn.
Furthermore, the corruption of the Emperor and his ministers had taken root in a corner of his mind.
‘If a man like General Jang-yang were to rule, would the world be a better place?’
After a moment’s reflection, So-mu dismissed the thought. It was not a judgment for him to make.
Two days later, the carriage arrived back at the Hanzhong garrison. Though the journey had been brief, the information he had gathered from Jang-yang and Yue Fei was invaluable.
So-mu went straight to the Wolf Fang Squad’s training ground, finding his men hard at work.
He scanned the field for So-so. To his surprise, Il-gwang was personally guiding her.
As So-mu watched her movements, he was astonished once more. In just a few days, she had already begun to master the basic forms of the Heavenly Martial Sword Technique.
“Yah! Yah!”
Clutching her wooden toy sword, So-so executed the forms with surprising precision. Her strikes lacked weight, but that was something time and internal cultivation would resolve.
Il-gwang was the first to spot So-mu. “So-so, your father is back.”
So-so spun around, her large, deer-like eyes instantly filling with tears. Dropping her toy sword, she lunged at So-mu.
“Waaaah! Where did you go?!”
Her tiny fists began to pummel So-mu’s stomach.
“Oof. Your father is going to be beaten to death at this rate,” So-mu teased.
Wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, So-so sobbed.
“Don’t leave me behind again!”
“I promise I never will.”
As So-mu gently stroked her head, Il-gwang approached, puffing out his chest.
“She refused to eat and did nothing but cry. I was the one who finally managed to soothe her.”
It was an unexpected side to the fierce giant. So-mu smiled. “Thank you, Il-gwang.”
Once So-so calmed down, So-mu pulled the norigae from his robe.
“Look, I went to buy this for you.”
At the sight of the colorful ornament, So-so’s tears vanished, her eyes widening in delight.
“Is this really mine?”
“Yes, of course.”
Her tone instantly shifted back to polite speech, as fickle as the wind. Snatching the ornament, she hugged So-mu’s waist again, a radiant smile on her face.
“Hehe. Thank you, Father!”