Yang Sobang (1)
Gwangdu let out a sigh as he stared at the pile of snow he had pushed to the side.
“There’s way more debt than there is snow here.”
And the consequences of that debt were far more burdensome than the inconvenience of the snow.
“We used to have three sword squads. Over time, they dwindled down to just one. The number of servants and attendants has also been cut by more than half. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve heard the finances are still in dire straits. It’s like one bad apple…”
Gwangdu couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence and sighed again.
In essence, what Seojoong had said about “the whole family struggling because of me” was a very real and direct statement.
“Your wages must be delayed.”
“They haven’t been delayed yet. The master has always prioritized our wages.”
Even so, the wages that should have increased likely haven’t, and the benefits of being from this family have diminished as our household declines. In the end, I was eating away at their future.
“Alright, let’s say I muddied the waters. But what’s got you all riled up this evening?”
“Someone’s coming to collect a debt, so I need to clean up. I’m busy, let’s talk later.”
Gwangdu hurried off, leaving me with a strange feeling that he was rushing to end the conversation.
Just then, someone spoke from behind.
“Young Master Yang hit Brother Gwangdu.”
I turned to see a maid standing there. Was her name Songhee? Gwangdu had mentioned she was a very kind girl.
“He hit Gwangdu?”
The unpleasant face from yesterday flashed in my mind. That guy dared to hit Gwangdu?
“Yes. He used to be too scared to even move. But now that our family is in decline, he’s throwing his weight around.”
“Why did he hit Gwangdu?”
“There was trash in the yard. He said lazy servants deserve a beating. But it was that young master who threw the trash there! He just wanted to hit Brother Gwangdu!”
Now I understood why Gwangdu was making such a fuss about cleaning late in the evening.
Songhee’s eyes were brimming with tears, and I could sense how much she cared for Gwangdu.
“Was I there too?”
Songhee looked at me as if she were glaring. Her expression was answer enough.
“You were drunk… laughing.”
Damn it. That wretched, idiotic fool. My anger towards Byukridan was even greater than towards Yang Gikang, who had done the hitting.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Yesterday, Brother Gwangdu said you’re changing for the better. He said he thinks he can trust you now. I still can’t trust you… but I trust Brother Gwangdu.”
With that, Songhee’s initial courage seemed to vanish. Her face flushed red, she bowed her head and ran off. She nearly tripped, but thankfully didn’t fall.
I turned to see Gwangdu in the distance, busily sweeping.
A sudden wave of emotion hit me.
“Even after all that, you still treat me kindly.”
That night, people from Yang Sobang visited.
A group of about twenty, including guards, arrived all at once, throwing the household into chaos as we scrambled to receive them.
Visiting another family at such a late hour was considered highly disrespectful unless there was an intention to belittle or insult. And if one had to visit late, it was customary to bring as few people as possible.
Yang Gicheol strolled in leisurely and greeted my father.
“Hahaha, how have you been, Byukmunju?”
“Thank you for coming all this way at night, Yangbangju.”
My father greeted him warmly.
In the past, he would have run out barefoot, calling my father Byukdaehyeop, but now even the titles had changed, and he walked with his hands behind his back.
The simplest way to judge someone in a relationship is to see how they act in difficult times.
Among the group following Yang Gicheol was Yang Gikang.
When he spotted me, he gestured with his eyes and shook his fist, as if telling me to back down.
I could tolerate disrespect towards myself… but this guy hit Gwangdu?
Yang Gicheol brought up a topic my father hadn’t even asked about.
“You know the great hero Peng Mundo of the Hebei Peng family, don’t you?”
“Of course, I do.”
“I’ve recently partnered with the Peng family on a new venture. I was on my way back from meeting him. Hahaha.”
“Oh! Is that so?”
“I made sure to speak highly of our Byukmunju to Pengdaehyeop.”
Did he really? I doubt it.
Yang Sobangju Yang Gicheol left a poor first impression, much like his son.
In my past life, I had met all sorts of leaders in the martial world. From the cold, polished heads of large sects to the desperate leaders of small factions trying to stand out. I prided myself on knowing more about those close to power than anyone else.
And those who left a bad first impression always ended up proving that feeling right. Yang Sobangju seemed to be one of those.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“Hahaha. You know, don’t you? I’m the only one who looks out for our Byukmunju.”
His eyes and actions were filled with an unmistakable, vulgar arrogance.
“Let’s discuss the details inside.”
“Let’s do that.”
My father and Yang Gicheol headed inside.
Several of us had come out to greet Yang Gicheol, but he didn’t even glance our way as he went in.
Well, that’s probably for the best.
If someone like him tried to act all superior, it would really get on my nerves.
Sword Master Seojoong was tasked with hosting the Yang Sobang guards.
Fortunately, the leader of their guards treated Seojoong with respect, even showing admiration.
I had heard from Gwangdu why that was.
When the three sword squads were reduced to one, many things happened.
As our fortunes declined, the other two sword masters left for other sects that offered more money. But Seojoong stayed loyal to my father.
At the time, Seojoong was the most sought-after by other sects. They offered him a fortune, but he refused and remained with our family.
Everyone knew this, which is why they respected him.
“Hey, we meet again.”
Yesterday’s unpleasant guy swaggered over to me, unaware that my feelings had shifted to anger.
The energy in my core stirred.
I had a strong urge to beat him senseless. In my prime, I would have started by punching him in the face.
But for the sake of my father and our household, I decided to hold back this once. If the reason for hitting him came to light, it could eventually harm Gwangdu.
Gwangdu, I’m sorry. Just this once, let’s let it go.
Whether he knew my thoughts or not, Gwangdu stood to the side, head bowed, trying to avoid eye contact with the guy.
Seeing that made my anger flare up again.
Damn it.
If I stayed any longer, I’d really cause a scene.
“Since you’re here, have a meal before you go.”
I spoke as gently as I could to Yang Gikang and turned away. Then I heard his mocking voice behind me.
“Ha, these beggars sure have their pride. Just shut up and pay back the money. How long will it take to repay twenty thousand nyang?”
Twenty thousand nyang. Enough to plunge a small sect into financial ruin.
What kind of mess had been made to borrow such a sum?
“Maybe I should just sell you off at the wanderer market. Though I doubt you’d fetch even ten nyang.”
Everyone was present, so the guards from our household frowned. But they couldn’t step in or reprimand him. The one they served was no better.
Without turning back, I asked, “It’s not a debt I owe you, is it?”
“This bastard? Do you still think you’re the heir to the greatest sect in Shandong?”
“I know I’m not.”
“What?”
“I know I’m trash.”
Seojoong’s eyes sparkled. It was a moment that added weight to the uncertainty about my change. It was probably the first time he’d seen me admit something like that.
Without exchanging more words, I walked away, but then I heard a pitiful scream.
“Kyah!”
I turned to see Yang Gikang trying to forcibly embrace Songhee, who was standing nearby.
“Since your trash master won’t play with me, you should.”