Chapter 122

Chapter 122
Chapter 122

The melody called forth by drawing a sword edge across strings.

Je Gal Seol-ha and So Wol-hyang opened their eyes wide.

It was because their profound mastery of musical arts allowed them to instantly perceive the unique timbre of the sound.

‘It flows continuously like a yiho, yet its pitch carries the exact voice of a seven-string zither.’

The yiho was an instrument handed down from the nomadic tribes roaming the vast northern steppes. It produced an exquisite resonance when a bow was drawn across two strings.

Charang, chararang!

If plucking strings normally resembled raindrops pattering against eaves, Yang-hui’s execution sounded like an unbroken, rushing current.

And that was not all.

Because he utilized a razor-sharp sword blade in place of a traditional bow, the notes rang out with exceptional clarity and purity, resembling the high, delicate cry of a child.

‘The tone is far more delightful than anticipated. Their expressions betray as much.’

Observing these two seasoned virtuosos react in such a manner only heightened his enthusiasm. Perhaps he ought to display a fraction more skill.

It was said that a true master musician could infuse their very soul into a performance. He had not yet reached that sublime state through music alone, but in times past, he had indeed imbued his singular sword intent into motion. In this lifetime, he had not yet breached the Super Peak realm—otherwise designated as the Realm of Heart Image.

‘Still, given the massive internal reserve I have cultivated, this feat should be entirely manageable.’

He closed his eyes. Within his mind’s eye, he envisioned a blank canvas and commenced painting.

A single stroke took form as the bow slid across the strings. Strokes multiplied to delineate a shape; notes converged to manifest a structure.

“Senior Brother!”

So Wol-hyang gasped in a hushed whisper, while Je Gal Seol-ha let out a cry of sheer wonder.

This signified that they had deciphered the intent woven into his performance—in other words, that he had succeeded in conveying his emotions.

‘This is a first for me. It is genuinely enjoyable.’

Beyond excitement and amusement, a peculiar, tingling sensation stirred within him. What could it be? It felt as though something momentous was approaching, yet hovering just shy of culmination, leaving a lingering trace of yearning.

It was precisely at that moment.

A jade-like resonance layered itself seamlessly over the melody of the seven-string zither.

“Su Dongpo gazed upon his son and, overcome with joy, penned a verse: *My son, my son, I only pray that you remain foolish and dim-witted.*”

Even while continuing his performance, Yang-hui found himself softly clicking his tongue in silent admiration.

‘Seol-ha’s talent is truly staggering.’

She had voluntarily offered to accompany him, yet he had given her no prior instructions regarding the tempo or rhythm. In essence, within that fleeting span of time, Je Gal Seol-ha had not only improvised lyrics matching the cadence but had also harmonized them flawlessly with the melody’s pitch.

Charang, chararang!

” *The talent of the Langzhong prodigy invites hardship throughout life, and thus, my son, I pray you are never clever.* ”

Gradually, the notes deepened, the tempo softened, and the performance together with the song drew to a close, leaving a profound echo in the air.

“That concludes it. It is mortifying to display such meager abilities before Lady Wol-hyang.”

“Mortifying? It surpassed anything I could have imagined. This junior can vouch for that.”

So Wol-hyang nodded in complete agreement.

“To encounter such an unexpected and distinguished guest has blessed this girl’s ears. I offer you my sincere thanks.”

Her demeanor radiated warmth, a stark contrast to their initial encounter. True to form, So Wol-hyang’s heart invariably softened toward those well-versed in the musical arts.

He offered her a faint smile.

“Is that so? I am relieved my words did not prove false.”

“False?”

“If you recall—when we first met at the Dongpa Inn, I remarked that you might live to regret letting me depart.”

“Ah…….”

“Now that we meet again, and you have even deigned to call me an honored guest, Lady Wol-hyang surely has nothing left to regret.”

“……Fair enough.”

So Wol-hyang nodded once more before asking, “By any chance, did the Young Master know my identity from the very beginning?”

“One of Hangzhou’s Three Great Beauties, Wol-hyang of the Wolhang Tower. You are a celebrated figure. Rumor has it that you constantly seek out those skilled in song and dance to exchange artistic insights.”

Whether such a rumor actually circulated was uncertain to him, but he reinforced his statement with recollections from his past life. Fortunately, So Wol-hyang appeared entirely convinced.

“If that was the case, why did you conceal it from the start? You possess quite the mischievous streak, Young Master.”

He responded with a light chuckle, quietly turning his thoughts to the matter at hand.

‘Which approach should I initiate first?’

To hell with it. Should he simply bypass formalities and invite her to join him outright? It would certainly be straightforward, but given the young lady’s temperament, a flat refusal was guaranteed.

“I have a single inquiry.”

“Please, ask away.”

“Why do you pursue the path of song, dance, and music with such unyielding fervor?”

He was already well aware of the reason. He had heard it spoken directly from her lips in his previous existence. He posed the question now solely to reconstruct their bond from the foundation up.

“Song, dance, and music embody rites and harmony, which are the outward expressions of beauty and the pursuit of joy. Does a person require any alternative motivation to seek beauty and profound pleasure?”

In truth, human beings often required much more. To endure genuine hardship, one needed a powerful driving force. While countless individuals yearned for mere wealth and prestige, those who relentlessly trained and refined their craft were rare—that was proof enough.

He waited in silence for her final words.

“It has simply… transformed into the very purpose of my existence.”

Splendid. It was a concise reply, yet precisely what he desired to hear.

“Sister, that is so cool. Right? Music alone holds more than enough worth to dedicate an entire lifetime to it.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

“Sister, addressing me as ‘Miss’ feels rather awkward. Would you mind calling me younger sister Je Gal instead?”

So Wol-hyang’s eyebrows twitched slightly. Now that he reflected on it, none of the four occupants in the room had formally exchanged introductions.

“Miss. Are you affiliated with the Je Gal Clan?”

“Not Miss, younger sister. And yes, I belong to the Je Gal Clan.”

“……How can a mere courtesan address a noble daughter of the Je Gal Clan with such casual familiarity?”

“What significance does family background hold between those treading the exact same path? I wish to converse at greater length and depth regarding music with you, Sister.”

So Wol-hyang repeatedly demurred, but Je Gal Seol-ha proved equally matched in stubbornness. Left with no alternative, So Wol-hyang adjusted her form of address.

“Very well, younger sister Je Gal. You truly possess a warm spirit.”

“It feels rather strange hearing ‘younger sister’ paired with such formal speech.”

“Please, at least maintain the polite phrasing……..”

“Understood, Sister. I am content for today.”

Yang-hui chuckled softly and stepped into the dialogue.

“Lady Wol-hyang. Now that you have formed a sisterly bond with my junior sister, that naturally makes you my sister as well. I shall address you as Sister from this point onward.”

“……Haa. Do as you please. You may drop the formal speech as well.”

“Shall I do so, Sister?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, she accepted, causing a flash of bewilderment to cross So Wol-hyang’s countenance. It appeared she had merely spoken in passing, but a promise was a promise.

“Sister. Since matters have progressed thus far, why not accompany us?”

“Accompany you where?”

He proceeded to elaborate on the expanding Yeongnak Street and the underlying purpose of their journey to Hangzhou.

“That is why your assistance would be invaluable, Sister. Seol-ha intends to work there as a musician as well.”

“Myself? Since when?”

“Now, now. Is it not far wiser to perform song and dance alongside this senior brother rather than under some unknown master? It kills two birds with one stone.”

“……I have a distinct sensation of being exploited. As though you are attempting to profit off my talents.”

As sharp and perceptive as ever.

“A beneficial outcome is a good outcome. In any case, Sister, what are your thoughts? We would cherish you dearly at our Yeongnak Street.”

“……I appreciate the sentiment, but it is an impossibility. I am bound contractually to this Wolhang Tower.”

“I am well aware of that obstacle. Let us negotiate the terms first. Though, unfortunately, there will be no signing bonus.”

It directly contradicted his prior statement of cherishing her, yet So Wol-hyang waited patiently for him to proceed.

“Instead, I guarantee you ten percent of the total net profits generated by the pleasure establishment you will be stationed at.”

No individual in Hangzhou possessed composure matching So Wol-hyang’s, yet even she failed to suppress a look of shock.

“Ten percent of the profits? Are you speaking in earnest?”

“A man’s word is heavier than gold. I am entirely serious. Your talent is easily worth that much.”

It was an unadorned truth, devoid of a shred of exaggeration. She was already an exceptional talent, but in days to come, after refining her craft to the absolute pinnacle of rites and music, So Wol-hyang would indeed become a priceless treasure valued at ten thousand gold.

Even in his past life, when he had traveled in her company, similar legends had persisted.

‘They said the revenue she generated single-handedly rivaled ten percent of all earnings across Hangzhou’s entire pleasure district.’

Hangzhou stood as the most prosperous domain under heaven, boasting a cultural refinement second to none. Ten percent of that very Hangzhou? In reality, So Wol-hyang alone produced wealth comparable to the entire prestige of Baek’s Gate.

“Such honeyed words sound like a mere dream. Even so, I cannot abandon the Wolhang Tower.”

“Do you wish to leave, though?”

“Not even that. I owe the Tower Master not merely a monetary debt, but a profound grace as well.”

The corners of his lips curved upward involuntarily.

‘Grace, is it? I sincerely doubt it.’

“Then permit me to negotiate directly with the Tower Master. If necessary, I shall settle her price and purchase your freedom.”

So Wol-hyang did not reject even that proposition, merely appending a single caveat.

“However, the Tower Master is an exceedingly occupied individual. Securing an audience will not prove simple.”

“I am well aware that the master of the Wolhang Tower is a prominent financial magnate in these parts. Possesses dozens of commercial ventures, correct?”

Whether she was busy or not was entirely irrelevant. He merely needed to provide her with an incentive to carve out the time.

For instance…… Ah, speak of the tiger, and its stripes appear.

A familiar presence was making its way up toward the uppermost floor.

“Seol-ha. Would you like a reliable method for identifying wealthy individuals instantly?”

“What is it?”

“If their internal cultivation feels substantial yet their outward presence remains restrained, nine times out of ten, they are immensely wealthy. They purchase rare cultivation manuals to preserve their health long-term and gorge themselves on precious spirit pills.”

“Aha.”

A sharp knock echoed through the room, and the door to the private parlor slid open.

“Pardon the intrusion, esteemed guests. I am Hang Chang-un, Master of the Wolhang Tower. Do you happen to have a brief moment?”

Attire that was elegant yet remarkably understated. A gentle cadence of speech and impeccable manners. At first glance, the Wolhang Tower Master projected the image of a benevolent, middle-aged gentleman.

“Certainly, I possess ample time. Please, enter. To what do we owe the honor?”

“I am grateful for your hospitality. I wished to discuss the minor disturbance that occurred earlier.”

He had timed his intrusion precisely for when those arrogant young scions were harassing So Wol-hyang. Je Gal Seol-ha’s timely arrival had fortunately defused the situation, otherwise events would have unfolded exactly as Yang-hui intended, with the Tower Master appearing considerably sooner.

“Ah, indeed. Those men were molesting Sister Wol-hyang, so I intervened. My apologies if my actions were overly abrupt.”

“There is no need for apologies. But… Sister?”

“She is still youthful and forms friendships with remarkable ease.”

“Well, even granting the Young Master some leeway, our Wol-hyang is not the sort to allow just anyone into her inner circle so readily.”

The Tower Master maintained a thin smile as he spoke. Yang-hui did not fail to catch the subtle twitch near the edge of his eyebrow.

‘Irritated, are we? Excellent.’

A wolf masquerading in a sheep’s pelt. Feigning ignorance while gently prooking him proved quite entertaining. He felt an urge to scratch even deeper beneath the surface.

“Ah, how fortuitous. I happen to have a request for you, Tower Master. Sister Wol-hyang and I resonate deeply with one another, so I wish to take her with us. Please grant permission for her to depart the Wolhang Tower.”

The smile vanished instantly from the man’s face.

“Wol-hyang is bound by a binding pledge to me. She shall not depart until every penny of her financial debts and all accumulated graces have been fully repaid. Is that not correct, Wol-hyang?”

“Yes, Tower Master.”

“Consequently, I cannot honor the Young Master’s request.”

Yang-hui’s rejoinder was deceptively simple.

“What is the precise sum of these combined debts and graces?”

“……Why do you pose such a question?”

“To settle them on her behalf and escort her away with me.”

The Tower Master fixed an intense, piercing gaze upon Yang-hui’s features.

‘Stare all you please; it will neither pierce nor wear me down, you bastard. I shall simply play the part of the shameless fool once more.’

“Financial debts can be tallied precisely, but grace is exceedingly difficult to quantify in mere coin. If I am forced to name a figure…… Wol-hyang, what would you say to five hundred gold taels?”

So Wol-hyang bowed her head in heavy silence.

Five hundred gold taels. Fifty thousand silver taels. A staggering sum that no ordinary laborer could amass across an entire lifetime of grueling toil without spending a single coin. The scoundrel had deliberately inflated the figure to induce immediate surrender.

However.

“That is far too paltry a sum to keep my sister detained. I shall pay it gladly.”

He drew forth a thick bundle of bank notes and meticulously counted out the exact sum of five hundred taels—funds originally allocated as unspent investment capital for Yeongnak Street.

“To confirm: with these five hundred gold taels, do Sister’s debts and obligations become transferred entirely to me, Tower Master?”

Finally, the Tower Master revealed his true colors, discarding any remaining pretense.

“Young Master. Wol-hyang is the premier courtesan of the Wolhang Tower. While you clearly hail from an esteemed background, carrying such vast sums at such a tender age, I have no intention whatsoever of relinquishing her.”

Yang-hui struck back instantly, as though waiting for that exact admission.

“Then even after every debt and grace has been fully compensated, Sister remains forbidden from leaving the Wolhang Tower.”

This precisely explained why he had deliberately prolonged the dialogue.

The Tower Master stiffened rigidly at the direct, undeniable hit.

‘Come on, voice it aloud, you hypocritical bastard. You have backed yourself into a corner!’

If she were truly free to leave, the man would have snatched the bank notes and released her instantly. But if not?

‘Younger sister Wol-hyang will grow deeply suspicious. She will uncover the stark truth all the sooner.’

There was zero possibility that the Tower Master would surrender So Wol-hyang for a paltry five hundred gold taels. Because the Tower Master was already acutely aware of her true worth.

A beauty worthy of ranking among Hangzhou’s Three Great Beauties? A master of song and dance possessing peerless talent before even reaching her twentieth year? Undeniably impressive traits, to be sure…….

‘Yet they pale in comparison to Sister’s true, intrinsic value!’

The rationale was remarkably straightforward.

So Wol-hyang. She was a direct descendant of So So-so, as well as the great Su Dongpo. So So-so was lauded throughout the ages as the supreme courtesan of history, while Su Dongpo stood as one of the Eight Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, a literary giant who reigned supreme even among those elite eight. In other words, Su Dongpo could likewise lay claim to the title of greatest through the ages.

A direct descendant of two such legendary paragons. A gifted woman who inherited the combined genius of both bloodlines, poised to claim yet another title as the greatest through the ages with her delicate jade hands.

That was the true identity of So Wol-hyang.

‘In my previous life, a woman of such staggering potential was shackled by this very Tower Master’s demonic clutches and subjected to immense suffering.’

He locked eyes with the Tower Master. The man remained stiffly frozen, yet Yang-hui could clearly perceive the frantic calculations spinning within his mind.

‘You wretched bastard, this lifetime shall unfold entirely differently from the last. And in a manner most ruinous for you.’

Hangzhou, a place where heaven resided above and hell slumbered below. So Wol-hyang, whose worth was equivalent to ten percent of its entire prosperity. A woman harboring the latent destiny to claim the title of greatest through the ages in the realms of art and music.

“Our ancestor Su Dongpo once left these words: *The talent of the Langzhong prodigy invites a turbulent life. Why? Why was I endowed with such a gift? Young hero. Young hero. I implore you, grant me an answer.*”

He would rewrite that destiny. And in doing so, he would claim it. For the sake of the main family. And for the ultimate happiness of Sister Wol-hyang.