Episode 208: Wuchang
Namgung Myung discreetly rubbed his shin and asked Jung Taeryeong, “So, what’s this about a marriage proposal?”
“As you know, Namgung, our Bowonmun has never been short on funds. But when we needed quick cash, we often borrowed from nearby merchants or trading companies. Thanks to our reputation, getting loans was never an issue.”
“That’s true.”
Namgung Myung nodded along, even though he wasn’t entirely familiar with Bowonmun’s financial situation. The pain in his shin was a sharp reminder to keep his thoughts to himself.
Jung Taeryeong’s expression darkened. “But two years ago, a massive fire broke out in the Hoeryeong area. It was during a dry spell with strong winds, and there was no way to control the blaze. Bowonmun was left with nothing but its walls and foundation.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Indeed. But we couldn’t just sit on the streets. The people of Hoeryeong were determined to rebuild, even if it meant borrowing money. Our family members scattered to find loans. Among them was a trading company called Jeungdo Sangdan.”
“Jeungdo Sangdan? I’ve heard of them. They’re one of the top five trading companies in the central plains.”
While the Man Geum Jang is the wealthiest, each region has its own dominant trading company. Jeungdo Sangdan is a powerhouse in Anhui and Hubei.
“Exactly. While everyone was out seeking funds, Okryeong went to Jeungdo Sangdan. Unfortunately, the eldest son of the trading company fell for her at first sight.”
Jung Okryeong stood confidently, her posture saying, ‘With so many men interested in me, how dare you reject me?’
Namgung Myung quickly averted his gaze from her.
“So, the head of Jeungdo Sangdan proposed lending money in exchange for making Okryeong his daughter-in-law?”
Jung Taeryeong shook his head. “Not quite. Instead, the head of Jeungdo Sangdan took over all our debts from other lenders. He proposed that if Okryeong married his son, all debts would be forgiven.”
“And if she doesn’t marry him?”
“Then we have to repay the money.”
Contrary to Namgung Myung’s assumption, the proposal seemed more than fair. It wasn’t just about repaying the debt; it offered a way out by marrying Okryeong into the family.
“Couldn’t you just repay the debt slowly?”
“The amount is overwhelming. That’s the problem. As Bowonmun struggled to repay, the head of Jeungdo Sangdan made another proposal to my father: a wager.”
“What kind of wager?”
“A contest at the Wuchang martial arts tournament. Between me, representing Bowonmun, and the eldest son of Jeungdo Sangdan. Whoever achieves a higher rank wins. If I win, the debt is forgiven. If he wins, Okryeong becomes his daughter-in-law.”
Dang Mujin and his group now understood why Jung Taeryeong’s opponent earlier had fought so strangely. He was likely hired or bribed by Jeungdo Sangdan to injure Jung Taeryeong and ensure an easy win.
Dang Mujin interjected, “But isn’t he just the son of a trading company? His martial skills can’t be that impressive.”
“The eldest son of Jeungdo Sangdan is quite skilled, comparable to the children of martial families. But I still have the upper hand.”
The situation was clear. The head of Bowonmun must have accepted the wager, confident in his son’s superior skills. If Jung Taeryeong performed well, the massive debt would vanish.
In fact, the terms of the wager were quite generous. Win or lose, the debt would be forgiven. It seemed both the head of Jeungdo Sangdan and his son were quite taken with Okryeong.
This time, Hyun Gong chimed in, “Does the eldest son of Jeungdo Sangdan have any major flaws? A violent temper, a penchant for women, or perhaps he’s unattractive?”
Jung Taeryeong shook his head. “He’s known to be serious, well-mannered, and avoids vices.”
The group glanced at Namgung Myung. It was clear that the eldest son of Jeungdo Sangdan seemed a far more suitable match than Namgung Myung, who was a one-armed thief cast out by his family.
Namgung Myung grumbled, “Why are you all looking at me like that? It’s not like I told her not to marry into Jeungdo Sangdan.”
Hearing this, Jung Okryeong glared at him, and Hong Geolgae lifted his right foot off the ground.
Namgung Myung instinctively stepped back, shielding his shin.
Hong Geolgae sighed deeply. “You clueless fool.”
Jung Taeryeong burst into laughter. “Many people have said the same as Namgung. They wonder why we would reject such an offer. But I’m here because Okryeong’s wishes are what matter most.”
“Hmm.”
The group watched the dynamic between Jung Okryeong and Namgung Myung. Namgung Myung remained indifferent, while Jung Okryeong seemed frustrated by his lack of understanding.
Jung Taeryeong tried to wrap up the conversation. “Most people assume Jeungdo Sangdan will win the wager. The head of Jeungdo Sangdan wouldn’t have proposed it without confidence. I hear they’ve even prepared a wedding dress for Okryeong, assuming she’s as good as theirs.”
Something in that story seemed to ignite a spark in Namgung Myung. His demeanor suddenly became more assertive.
“Hmm. So, all you need to do is win the tournament, right?”
“Exactly.”
“Alright. I’ll help you.”
Namgung Myung’s sudden enthusiasm made Jung Okryeong blush and her eyes sparkle.
“What? How are you going to help?”
Namgung Myung replied, “First, I’ll help with Jung’s training.”
Dang Mujin nodded in agreement. Helping with training meant staying in Wuchang for a few days.
From Dang Mujin’s experience, relationships develop naturally when a man and woman spend time together, especially if the man shows his best side. That’s how he won Dan Seolyoung’s heart and married her.
Helping Jung Taeryeong with his training as a more experienced martial artist would certainly count as showing his best side.
Moreover, Wang Jincheng needed time to rest and focus on his breathing exercises, so the schedule wouldn’t be disrupted.
However, there was one issue.
Jung Taeryeong looked troubled. “Of course, having a skilled martial artist like Namgung assist would be invaluable. But the problem is, there’s not enough time to train. There’s a match tomorrow.”
“Do you know who your opponent is?”
“Song Jihak from the Akju Song family. He’s known for his spear technique, wielding a long spear as if it were an extension of his arm.”
Namgung Myung glanced at Dang Mujin’s group.
“Song Jihak from the Akju Song family. Do you think he might have been bribed by Jeungdo Sangdan, like today’s opponent?”
“Most likely. The Akju Song family is always in financial trouble.”
Namgung Myung spoke with a hint of mischief. “In that case, how about we ensure a walkover tomorrow?”
“A walkover?”
“If they’re playing dirty, maybe we should use some bold tactics ourselves.”
In Namgung Myung’s mind, he envisioned sneaking into Song Jihak’s quarters at night. A quick twist of the wrist while he slept would guarantee a walkover the next day.
With a few days’ break in the tournament schedule, there would be time for training.
But the rest of the group was horrified. How would Jung Taeryeong and Jung Okryeong react to such a suggestion?
Surprisingly, Jung Okryeong blushed even more, interpreting Namgung Myung’s willingness to risk his reputation as a sign of his dedication to her.
Meanwhile, Jung Taeryeong laughed heartily, taking Namgung Myung’s words as a joke.
“Haha! You’re quite the joker. But your eagerness to help is reassuring. Tomorrow, I’ll win without a scratch and then focus on training with your help.”
Namgung Myung clicked his tongue softly, so only he could hear.
The next day, Jung Taeryeong and Song Jihak from the Akju Song family faced off in the martial arts arena. Song Jihak wielded a spear much longer than a person and had an unknown pouch at his waist.
Though Jung Taeryeong wasn’t in perfect condition, he was fit enough to fight.
Song Jihak seemed surprised by Jung Taeryeong’s apparent readiness.
Dang Mujin’s group assessed Song Jihak as he warmed up.
“He looks weaker than yesterday’s opponent.”
“With the advantage of sword over spear, it seems like Jung can win without much trouble.”
The mastery of spear techniques is unique.
The spear, with its long reach and straightforward use, initially gave Chang-su an advantage over Geom-su, who was still learning. This is why those untrained in martial arts often choose spears over swords. However, as one’s martial skills improve, a swordsman begins to dominate a spearman. Mastery of footwork and agility reveals the spear’s weaknesses in close combat. Yet, once one surpasses the pinnacle of martial arts, the balance between spear and sword evens out.
For now, though, Jeong Tae-ryeong holds the upper hand.
“Begin!”
At the announcer’s call, Jeong Tae-ryeong charged forward with fierce determination. His opponent quickly retreated, swinging his spear to target Tae-ryeong, but Tae-ryeong deftly dodged the spear’s tip and closed the distance.
Tae-ryeong had the advantage both in martial prowess and weapon compatibility. It seemed he would secure an easy victory, much simpler than yesterday’s match.
But then, Song Ji-hak reached for a pouch at his waist.
‘What’s he doing?’
Ji-hak pulled out a small ceramic object, slightly larger than his palm, and smashed it on the ground without hesitation. The ceramic shattered, releasing its contents—hundreds of sharp, spiky metal shards resembling the fruit of the cocklebur, each coated with a faintly blue poison.
Tang Mu-jin exclaimed in shock, “What the—? Isn’t that a hidden weapon? Can he use that?”
But only Mu-jin seemed surprised. Namgung Myeong, slightly tense, replied, “It’s allowed.”
“Allowed?”
“It wasn’t before, but after the last Great Martial War, it’s become permissible.”
“Why?”
“There are two main reasons. First, the realization from the last war. The orthodox martial artists struggled because they weren’t accustomed to the dark arts’ hidden weapons and underhanded tactics.”
Namgung Myeong and Tang Mu-jin watched the unfolding scene. The poisoned shards made it difficult for Tae-ryeong to advance, forcing him to dodge the spear while on the defensive.
“What’s the point of a fair fight? Practicality is what matters. To prevent panic when facing the dark arts, such tactics are now allowed in tournaments.”
“And the second reason?”
“Because there’s no such thing as fairness between weapons.”
Seeing Mu-jin’s confusion, Myeong elaborated, “Is it right to allow ordinary swords and spears but not exotic weapons in a tournament?”
Mu-jin thought of exotic weapons—like the brush-like pen, the jagged-edged sword, and the claw-like blade. He realized there was no reason to ban such weapons from tournaments.
“Exotic weapons have their pros and cons.”
“Then where do you draw the line for exotic weapons?”
Mu-jin pondered. It was a question without a clear answer. Exotic weapons were defined by their uniqueness, not easily categorized.
“It’s not just about whether a weapon is exotic. Quality matters too. Imagine I bring a cheap sword, and you bring one you’ve crafted with care. What happens?”
“I’d win, obviously.”
Myeong ignored Mu-jin’s confident reply. “It might take me a bit longer to defeat you.”
“Honestly, I’d win…”
“That’s not the point. No weapon can be truly fair.”
“Why not just use the same weapon, like a practice sword with dulled edges?”
“What about those who excel with their own weapons? Using the same weapon doesn’t make it fair.”
“Hmm.”
“The simplest solution is to allow all weapons. That’s why such tactics are permitted in tournaments.”
The justification of preparing for another potential war seemed more convincing than fairness. The audience seemed to enjoy the unexpected turn of events.
A rational suspicion arose—perhaps all these allowances were for the tournament’s entertainment value.
At that moment, Tae-ryeong made a decision. ‘Better to risk a dangerous victory than face defeat.’
Ignoring the shards, he advanced boldly, swinging his sword to end the fight before the poison took effect.
Of course, Ji-hak didn’t stand idle. He thrust his spear, aiming for Tae-ryeong’s thigh.
Instead of retreating, Tae-ryeong accepted the risk of injury and pressed forward, his sword reaching Ji-hak’s neck as the spear grazed his thigh.
“The winner, Jeong Tae-ryeong of the Bowon Clan!”
Yet, Ji-hak seemed more pleased in defeat, while Jeong Ok-ryeong looked on the verge of tears. The blood flowing from Tae-ryeong’s leg was clearly not a minor wound.
Even if Tae-ryeong forced himself into the next match, he wouldn’t be able to perform at his best.
Namgung Myeong understood the rules’ intent but found the outcome deeply unsatisfying. He sighed heavily.
“We needed a win without major injuries to keep our plans on track.”
Jeong Ok-ryeong approached Myeong, her voice trembling. “What do I do now?”
Myeong’s eyes glinted dangerously. “I imagine all your future opponents mysteriously disappearing, leading to a default victory. What do you think?”
Ok-ryeong seemed to prefer this possibility over an unwanted marriage.
Hyeon-gong and Hong Geol-gae pondered whether such a victory was acceptable in a tournament.
The question of fairness aside, wouldn’t it be too obvious who was behind it?
Meanwhile, Tang Mu-jin, showing no reaction, picked up one of the metal shards from the ground, examining it.
After a moment, Mu-jin spoke to the group. “Namgung Myeong.”
“What?”
“In the tournament, all exotic weapons are allowed, right?”
A seemingly random comment. All eyes turned to Mu-jin.
“Yes.”
“Then why not show them what a real exotic weapon is?”
Understanding Mu-jin’s intent, Myeong, Geol-gae, and Hyeon-gong grinned.
“Sounds good. I like it.”
Jeong Ok-ryeong, however, still didn’t grasp what Mu-jin meant by a “real exotic weapon.”