Episode 315: The Head of the Family

As soon as Namgung Myung realized his father had disappeared, he went straight to Namgung Jinya. If there was anyone in the Namgung family who was closest to Namgung Jincheon, it was undoubtedly Namgung Jinya.

Namgung Jinya was the one who would know the whereabouts of Namgung Jincheon most accurately. Namgung Myung trusted him implicitly.

Of course, Namgung Myung had no idea where his father had gone. It was pure curiosity that drove him.

“Uncle, it seems Father has vanished. Do you know where he might have gone?” Namgung Myung asked.

He expected a simple answer, assuming his father was somewhere near Cheonju Mountain. But the response he received was unexpected.

“Your father has gone to reclaim the life of a warrior for a while.”

“What?”

When Namgung Myung asked again, Namgung Jinya answered candidly.

“You’ve only seen your father as the stern head of the Namgung family. But he’s much more free-spirited than you know. Now that he’s set aside the burdens of leadership for a while, he’s probably yearning for some fresh air.”

Despite his words, Namgung Jinya wasn’t worried. He assumed that since Namgung Jincheon had left, it was only natural for Namgung Myung to take over as the head of the family.

It was a logical conclusion, assuming the other person was reasonable.

However, Namgung Myung had a brief question.

“Did he mention when he might return?”

“Well—”

Namgung Jinya hesitated, recalling something Namgung Jincheon had said about Namgung Myung possibly wanting to leave the family. Though it seemed unlikely, if Namgung Myung left while his father was away, it would be a troubling situation even for Namgung Jinya, who wasn’t the head of the family.

So, he decided not to tell the whole truth. Some truths are better revealed later, a so-called benevolent lie.

“At least a year… No, it might take a couple of months.”

Namgung Myung’s eyes flashed at this answer.

Those who have spent a long time with Hyun Gong develop the ability to read others’ intentions. It’s a basic form of enlightenment. Just as watching the world’s greatest swordsman makes an ordinary swordsman’s moves seem slow and shallow, reading the thoughts of an average person becomes easy.

Namgung Myung instinctively sensed that Namgung Jinya was hiding something.

“A couple of months, you say.”

It wasn’t a particularly long time, but the initial mention of a year lingered in his mind. It felt like a compromise, as if his father had adjusted the timeline after leaving.

Realizing that Namgung Jinya was trying to deceive him, Namgung Myung felt no guilt in doing the same.

Feigning ignorance, he said, “I suppose I should get used to the responsibilities of being the head of the family before Father returns.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you with all my heart.”

“Thank you. What should I aim for moving forward?”

Namgung Jinya thought for a moment before replying, “Your father wanted the Namgung family to surpass even the Shaolin Temple and become the most renowned martial family in the land. You may not agree with his methods, but surely you don’t find the goal itself trivial.”

“Indeed.”

“Then pursue the same goal in your own way. It’s the best way to show your father that you were right.”

“I understand. It seems like a worthy goal for a man to dedicate his life to. But it won’t be easy. I’ll need wise allies.”

“Allies?”

Namgung Jinya assumed he meant himself, as he had often advised Namgung Jincheon.

But Namgung Myung had something else in mind.

“I know a wise woman. I’m at the age where I should marry, after all.”

“You have someone in mind? Is it someone I know?”

“Jung Ok-ryeong from the Bowon clan.”

Namgung Jinya thought for a moment before recalling who Jung Ok-ryeong was. The Bowon clan wasn’t a powerful ally, and Jung Ok-ryeong wasn’t a martial arts prodigy. But she was a woman of great character and determination.

The Namgung family already had a strong background and martial prowess, so what they needed most was someone like Jung Ok-ryeong.

Namgung Jinya felt pleased.

‘Myung has a good eye for people.’

Moreover, the situation was ideal. Once married, Namgung Myung wouldn’t be able to leave the family easily.

Namgung Jinya replied enthusiastically, “That’s a good idea. We should start preparing for the wedding right away.”

But Namgung Myung shook his head.

“A wedding requires the agreement of both parties. I should visit the Bowon clan to discuss the marriage first. Preparations can begin afterward.”

“You’re not in the best health. Do you really need to go to the Bowon clan yourself?”

“Ok-ryeong has waited for me for a long time. It’s the least I can do to show my sincerity.”

Though his reasoning was slightly flawed, it sounded plausible and even admirable.

Namgung Jinya didn’t doubt Namgung Myung’s words.

“Alright. You’ve been an adult for a while now, and you’ll be taking on great responsibilities, so it’s not my place to interfere. But don’t rush. Take care of yourself before you go.”

“I will.”

Namgung Myung gave a reassuring smile, putting Namgung Jinya at ease.

For the next two weeks, Namgung Myung was remarkably diligent.

He frequently consulted Namgung Jinya about family matters, lifted the punishment on Namgung Hyun, and spent time meditating quietly. Occasionally, he discussed swordsmanship with Namgung Jinya.

His behavior had become so mature that it was clear the position was shaping him. The once reckless nephew was now embodying the dignity of a family head.

Apart from the occasional report of missing items by careless martial artists, Namgung Jinya had no concerns.

Finally, the day came for Namgung Myung to depart for the Bowon clan.

“Uncle, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Ok-ryeong, so it might take some time.”

When two people who care for each other meet after a long separation, things are bound to happen.

Namgung Jinya couldn’t help but smile slyly before quickly composing himself.

“I understand. There’s no need to rush. Take your time and have a deep conversation.”

Namgung Myung spoke with deliberate emphasis.

“Please take care of the Namgung family until I return. It’s presumptuous of me to say this, having never been the head of the family, but…”

“Don’t worry. It would be even better if you returned with Miss Jung.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Namgung Myung gave a light bow and headed north, where the Bowon clan was located.

Namgung Jinya had no doubt that Namgung Myung would return soon.

It was about two weeks later that Namgung Jinya realized something was amiss.

A few days after leaving the Namgung family, Namgung Myung and his companions arrived at the Bowon clan.

Jung Ok-ryeong’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What brings you here?”

Namgung Myung had mentioned he would visit when the time was right, but this was the first time he had actually come to see her.

The timing of his visit was particularly significant, given the recent rumors that Namgung Myung had surpassed the pinnacle of martial arts.

However, Jung Ok-ryeong couldn’t fully rejoice in Namgung Myung’s achievements.

Instead, she felt a bit anxious. A remarkable man often attracts many women. She worried that Namgung Myung might have set his sights on someone else.

The world is vast, and there are many men who abandon their first wives. Even after marriage, this happens, so how many men must there be who leave a woman they haven’t even married?

Jung Ok-ryeong feared the marriage might be called off.

But Namgung Myung, as if to dispel her worries, answered calmly.

“I just wanted to see you.”

Both Jung Ok-ryeong and the person standing next to her, Jung Tae-ryeong, were taken aback.

To express his feelings so directly. Jung Ok-ryeong felt secretly pleased.

”…I see.”

“The journey is long, so I can’t stay for long. But passing by the Bowon clan without stopping felt wrong.”

“Then at least have a meal before you go.”

“Alright.”

Namgung Myung and his friends spent half a day at the Bowon clan.

Jung Ok-ryeong wished Namgung Myung would stay longer, but he seemed anxious, as if something was chasing him, so she couldn’t bring herself to hold him back.

Instead, she felt warmth in her heart, knowing he had taken the time to visit the Bowon clan despite his urgency.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Namgoong Myung set out from Bowonmun with his friends.

He turned to Jeong Ok-ryeong and said, “I’ll come back once everything’s settled. Just wait a little longer.”

“Alright. Come back as soon as you can,” she replied with a gentle smile, seeing him off.

What was unusual, however, was that Namgoong Myung headed west instead of south. But Jeong Ok-ryeong didn’t find it strange.

Namgoong Myung assessed the situation. “We’ve successfully made our escape.”

In truth, he was the only one who would describe their departure as an escape. The others could leave the Namgoong family whenever they wished.

Whether it was even right to call leaving his family an escape was another matter.

“Do you think this will cause any trouble for the Namgoong family?” It was Hyun Gong, not Namgoong Myung, who voiced concern. Hyun Gong always hoped his backing remained strong.

Namgoong Myung spoke confidently, “Uncle Namgoong Jinya will lead the family much better. He knows the ins and outs of the family, is highly skilled, and is well-respected. If I, who knows nothing, were to act like the new head, it would only cause problems.”

“True enough,” Hyun Gong agreed too easily, leaving Namgoong Myung feeling oddly unsettled.

But he couldn’t express his unease. Asking why someone didn’t argue back would be petty.

Dang Moo-jin asked, “How much further to Suksong?”

“According to what people say, about two more days.”

They were on their way to Suksong, where Doctors Yang and Yeom had decided to stay instead of coming to the Namgoong family.

If they dawdled, Uncle Namgoong Jinya might catch on and pursue them, but they couldn’t just abandon the doctors.

Yet, Suksong was a peculiar place.

Whenever Dang Moo-jin’s group asked for directions, they received odd looks.

“You’re heading to Suksong? Why on earth?”

“Our companions are there,” they replied honestly, but the reactions were far from friendly.

Some even recoiled at the sight of their swords. People would point them in the right direction and then quickly leave.

“Something’s off about the way people react. There must be some issue with this Suksong place.”

“Probably. Remember what the doctor we met on the road said? The people of Suksong are rough, and there are many injuries and illnesses.”

It was strange. Rough people weren’t good for doctors, but a high number of injuries and illnesses meant steady work. They wouldn’t go hungry.

Yet, if a doctor left the village, there had to be a serious problem.

By now, a subtle worry crept into Dang Moo-jin’s group.

‘Could something have happened to Doctors Yang and Yeom?’

They pushed aside their ominous feelings and quickened their pace.

As they neared Suksong, a faint scent of blood reached them.