Chapter 314: The Wheels Roll (2)
“Hmm.”
It was after as much as half a shichen had passed that Murong Jun, who had been checking dozens of documents while drinking tea, spoke.
“As expected, things are flowing well. However, considering this selection, I am worried whether I should put on the brakes now or continue to proceed.”
Murong Jun glanced to the side.
There stood Murong Yu with his hands behind his back. Even though he had stood like that for as much as half a shijin, Murong Yu did not even blink an eye.
“What is your thought?”
“About what?”
“The matters written in these documents.”
“I do not yet know what content is written in those documents.”
Murong Jun clicked his tongue.
“It would be so. Since I have never shown them to you. These documents are all what Lotus Flower brought, that is, what was sent from the Black Dragon Manor.”
“I am aware of that.”
“You, who know that, sent away the attendant who came with Lotus Flower?”
It was a rare rebuke from Murong Jun.
In fact, had the opponent been someone else, he might have reached a decision on the spot. However, because the subject was Murong Yu, he had not scolded him immediately, thinking he might have his own thoughts.
Even so, the rising anger could not be helped. That was why he had made Murong Yu stand for half a shijin while he governed his heart.
“You do not know what content is written here, nor what they want from that side. Even so, you sent away their person as you pleased. Without even receiving my permission.”
“I did so.”
“Is there a reason?”
“Could it be that I would cause such a thing without any particular reason?”
Curiosity appeared on Murong Jun’s face.
Apart from being angry, the sudden behavior of this brother, who was kind and gentle by nature, was a surprise and a mystery even to him.
“Just what were you planning to do by performing such an act? Let me hear it for once.”
“Because it is dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
Murong Yu looked directly at Murong Jun.
In an instant, Murong Jun could not hide his inner surprise.
‘Did Yu also know how to make such eyes?’
Murong Yu’s gaze was extremely cold. At the same time, it contained an unidentified anger, but he could not tell from where that anger originated.
“Elder brother.”
“Speak.”
“It was just a day ago that you said you reflected on yourself. Thus, I think it is meaningless to say such things now, but I shall say one thing anyway.”
“……?”
“Look at the situation properly.”
It felt as if he had been hit by an unexpected strike.
Murong Jun’s eyes deepened.
“Look at the situation properly?”
“That is right.”
“Explain.”
“Commander Yeon already suspects whether you have joined hands with the Black Dragon Manor. In such a situation, do you truly not know how dangerous it is to bring a person from that side into the Alliance?”
“Of course I know it is a dangerous thing. However, if you thought I had not taken even that into account, you have looked upon this elder brother too loosely.”
“Even so, it was wrong.”
“Why?”
“What if, by some chance, the person who was at the inner fortress before Lotus Flower entered had not been me but Commander Yeon?”
In an instant, Murong Jun’s face stiffened.
“I have roughly grasped the movement lines and location of that rascal, Yeon Ho-jeong. That is why I told her to enter at that time.”
“What about Strategist Zhuge? What about Clan Head Yeon? What will you do about Clan Head Tang, and what will you do about the eyes of countless other people?”
“…….”
“Boldness shown at an unexpected moment can become a decisive move. However, if you become accustomed to that boldness and neglect trivial things, you may fall into a mire at a critical moment.”
Wrinkles formed around Murong Jun’s eyes.
“I know what you are worried about. However, I have prepared all countermeasures for that part. I say it again. I have prepared ‘all’ countermeasures. I am not such an easy person as to bring in a person of the Black Dragon without such things.”
“That too is a problem. Just why are you carrying out such unreasonable work?”
“……!”
“Do not create the situation itself where a countermeasure would be needed. In a moment when you must wait for the time, you must wait thoroughly. With the risks you invite every now and then, the enemy army is gathering sharp daggers one by one.”
Murong Jun felt his words were blocked.
Murong Yu continued speaking.
“Joining hands with the Black Dragon? If so, must you move forward together in an equal relationship with the Black Dragon?”
“…….”
“In any case, the Black Dragon only receives this side’s situation through information and cannot perceive it. If so, you should be the one thoroughly leading this transaction. It means there is no need to specially watch the other side’s face.”
“……Do you truly think so?”
“Of course. If one side’s power exceeds the limit in a transaction relationship, it becomes extortion rather than a transaction. However, leadership at an appropriate level can simultaneously grasp the maximum gain and the minimum loss.”
Murong Yu put strength into his eyes.
“Please think of the reason why I have not properly stepped forward in your work until now. You were handling everything in the best direction without even a need for me to step forward. But now, I do not know.”
“……Did it look that way in your eyes?”
“That is right.”
“Heh!”
Murong Jun let out a sigh.
It was not because he was absurd. Rather, it was because every single word of Murong Yu’s was being driven into his chest.
“Right, it is as you say. There is no need to create a problem for no reason.”
“Also, if you are going to continue dragging Lotus Flower along, you must start her education again from the beginning.”
It was a frightening statement.
Considering an ordinary family, this was a statement that could be seen as having crossed the line.
Murong Jun tilted his head.
“In your view, is Lotus Flower that lacking?”
“Good iron can only become a club if it is not processed properly. Lotus Flower is like that. Lotus Flower was born with good talent, but she lacks experience and patience, so she cannot utilize even half of that talent.”
“Mmm.”
“Including friends and foes, there are many great talents around you. Perhaps even in your eyes, Lotus Flower’s mistakes may look unsatisfactory. However, looking at it coldly, it is also hard to find a timber like Lotus Flower.”
“It is a waste to throw her away?”
“That is right. It is a talent that is a waste to throw away.”
Murong Yu promptly received Murong Jun’s words, which were taking it a step further.
“If you have the intention to drag her along, it is not too late even now.”
“Conversely.”
Murong Jun’s eyes sparkled sinisterly.
“If I do not have the intention to drag her along?”
“In that case.”
Murong Yu’s gaze also became similar to that of Murong Jun.
“Use her properly and then discard her.”
“……Heh heh.”
Murong Jun shook his head in amazement.
“I have come to see a new side of you today.”
The anger that had been directed toward Murong Yu had disappeared without a trace before he knew it. Rather, he was startled by Murong Yu’s harsh words.
‘Is he sincere?’
As he looked closely just in case, this was clearly sincere.
He was not a brother who would speak words that were not sincere in the first place.
‘He does not care about the means and methods for the purpose……. Ho, even if his nature is kind, the blood melted in those veins is clearly the history of the Murong.’
The ruthlessness of the Murong Clan, proven at critical moments.
It seemed that ruthlessness had also been passed down to his brother. And at that fact, Murong Jun could feel a deep sense of relief along with a deep gladness.
Murong Jun spoke with feigned coldness.
“No matter how clear the reason was, it is your mistake that you sent away the person of the Black Dragon without receiving my permission.”
“I am aware.”
“I cannot just let this mistake pass. Regardless of being brothers, it seems only right to bestow a punishment as the Clan Head and a member of the clan.”
Murong Yu nodded his head as if it were natural.
“Only when the family laws are established correctly is the household at peace. Unless it is wartime, do not make exceptions for equity.”
This was truly a statement he had never imagined.
Murong Jun spoke honestly without realizing it.
“You have truly made up your mind to surprise me today.”
“However, do not you forget either.”
Murong Yu’s eye-light breathed fire.
Even Murong Jun had no choice but to flinch for a moment at that fierce eye-light.
“You must become the best. And the moment you soar, I shall tear down and fix the main family from its roots.”
“…….”
“There is still much time. There is no need to think hurriedly. So please understand. As the brotherly affection was formed by a talent like me rolling in on my own and blossoming, I too cannot give the same brotherly affection as before to an elder brother who has forgotten his purpose.”
“…….”
“I shall go to my quarters and reflect on myself. Please tell me when the level of punishment is confirmed.”
Murong Yu, who bowed his head, headed for the door.
Murong Jun, who was silently staring at him, spoke as if tossing it out.
“Do you think this elder brother’s brotherly affection toward you is mere private affection?”
Murong Yu, who looked back, smiled bitterly.
“Did you think this youngest sibling’s choice, made at the age of thirty, was due to mere blood ties?”
“…….”
“Rest.”
Thump.
Murong Yu left the room.
Murong Jun, who was silently looking at the closed door, burst into a bitter laughter.
“Had the rascal, whom I thought was just a child, sharpened his fangs so sharply before I knew it?”
It was surprising. It was also admirable.
On one hand, it was pitiful, and at the same time, it was a welcome thing.
‘There was no disappointment in Yu’s eyes. He was not angry because of the matter regarding the Black Dragon or the matter regarding Lotus Flower. He is literally disappointed by my mistake and misjudgment.’
Murong Jun, who had been lost in thought for a long time, suddenly burst into a loud laughter.
“Khahaha! Did I not live a truly foolish life! Even though I could not properly wield the sword by my side, I was coveting another’s famous sword; was my eye not also a knot-hole!”
He felt a strong disappointment in himself.
At the same time, he was so happy and proud.
Murong Jun looked out the window.
Far away, Murong Yu was walking toward the quarters of the Demon-Sweeping Army.
“Yu. It seems only now can I trust you without any selfish motive.”
It felt as if the clothes that had been uncomfortable because they were too tight finally fit perfectly.
Murong Jun spoke with a smile.
“Is anyone outside?”
“Yes, Clan Head.”
“Where is Lotus Flower?”
“She is in her quarters.”
Murong Jun nodded his head.
“Call Lotus Flower. I must scold that rascal sternly today.”
Murong Lotus Flower would have to learn from Murong Yu.
Furthermore, he would have to properly raise the insight of his daughter, who had run wild without knowing how to measure a vessel.
Since he would finally begin cultivating himself and regulating his family, the path of governing the country and bringing peace to the world would not be far.
* * *
“This truly.”
Tang Kwan frowned.
“Since when did my residence become so loose?”
Yeon Ho-jeong wore a smile.
“Could a building become loose? If it has become loose, it is probably your heart that has become loose, Clan Head.”
“That three-inch tongue of yours is the same as ever.”
“Is it not thanks to this sharp tongue and fist that your status can rise, Clan Head?”
“If only you could not speak so well, you would not be so detestable.”
“As I have incurred hatred here and there, I have now developed immunity.”
“Be quiet. Just tell me the reason you came.”
“Eh? Will you not even give me a cup of tea?”
“With a dignity that does not even reach your father’s toes, what tea? Stop saying useless things and just tell me your business.”
“Haha, I see.”
Yeon Ho-jeong spoke with a serious face.
“There is a place you must go with me. Right now.”
“Where are you talking about?”
“It is the residence of Master Kong-kong.”
“……?!”