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Book 19 Chapter 10

Another Visit

—Yoon Ijeong Visits the Zhongyang Express Company

The boy Yoo Gyeongyeong, who was currently a guest at the Zhongyang Express Company, saw the yellow banner by mere coincidence. As the boy witnessed it, the scrap of yellow paper was in the hands of Jang, who was on guard duty, and was being taken to the ‘temporary’ company head’s office. What made him uncharacteristically interested in this banner, which visitors commonly used to announce their identities, was the blatant hostility that appeared on the face of Jang, the courier carrying it. Just who could it be that made the good-natured Jang frown so deeply?

The boy, who didn’t want to step outside the wall even one inch, always played within the walls of the Namchang Kingdom with his younger sister. Perhaps feeling pity for the two, it was Jang, a low-ranking courier at this place, who would entertain them whenever he was bored. For the boy, who had only ever seen Jang’s smiling face, it was impossible not to be curious.

Jang’s face, as he emerged from the ‘temporary’ company head’s office, was even more furrowed. He clearly had a physiological aversion to the role he was assigned. While the boy hadn't read Jang’s complex psychological state in detail, he had enough to ask a question based on the simple impression.

“Uncle Jang, whose banner is that for you to be frowning so much?”

Yoo Gyeongyeong approached Jang and asked. Jang’s steps stopped abruptly. His head slowly turned towards the boy.

“Ah, it’s Gyeongyeong. Who did I think it was. This? This was brought by the leader of some very bad people.”

Jang fanned himself with the yellow banner in his hand and said indifferently.

“The leader of bad people?”

If one put it that way, in this world flooded with evil, the scope would be too wide to find that one person.

“That’s right, the Zhongyang Express Company, a den of very bad people.”

Jang nodded vigorously. He clearly meant it sincerely.

“But don’t worry! Now those guys will kneel under the banner of this valiant Baekmuhu!”

Jang proudly presented the majestic white tiger emblem embroidered on his newly changed martial uniform and declared with confidence. At that time, Jang was also present when they witnessed the unbelievable divine sign of Baekmuhu. From that day on, that white tiger became his guardian deity.

Yoo Gyeongyeong was startled by the four characters, Zhongyang Express Company.

“W-what’s the name of the person who sent that banner?”

The boy asked in a trembling voice.

“Huh? Gyeongyeong, what’s wrong? Your face is pale.”

Seeing Yoo Gyeongyeong’s suddenly changed complexion, the kind-hearted Jang asked back. However, the boy was in no condition to appreciate Jang’s warm gesture.

“What’s his name?”

His voice unintentionally rose. His younger sister, Seon-a, who was beside him,’s eyes widened. She was startled by her brother’s sudden reaction.

“Um… let me see… wait a moment!”

Jang, who had forgotten the name he had just heard, opened the banner again. But he soon remembered he was illiterate.

“Uh… so… Yu… no, is it Yoon…?”

Since he was illiterate and couldn’t read, he had to recall the name from his memory.

“Give it here. I can read, no, I’ll read it.”

The boy snatched the banner from Jang’s hand as if he were grabbing it. Jang was caught off guard by such a sudden action.

“Oh, you shouldn’t…”

But Yoo Gyeongyeong was already confirming the name written on the banner.

Flutter!

A gentle breeze from somewhere snatched the banner from the stunned boy’s hand. Jang, surprised, reached out towards the fluttering yellow banner in the air. He couldn’t let it fall to the ground and get covered in dust.

“You…”

Jang intended to reprimand the rude boy, but the boy was already pulling the young girl by the arm and running off into the distance.

“Why is he acting like that?”

Jang watched the scene with a bewildered expression and opened the banner again. However, he remained illiterate. Still, he knew where the name was. It was written as follows:

Zhongyang Express Company, Diamond Twelve Shields, Wind Demon Knife, Yoon Ijeong.

A flag with Baekmuhu’s divine form embroidered on it fluttered fiercely in the wind blowing from the north. Startled by dozens of white tiger flags flapping in all directions, Yoon Ijeong asked Jang.

“Hey! What are all these white flags flapping around chaotically?”

“As you can see, they are White Tiger flags.”

Jang replied as if to say, ‘Don’t you even know that?’

“I have eyes, you know. I know that’s a flag with a white tiger design. But as far as I know, the symbol of the Zhongyang Express Company is a sword and a lotus flower, isn't it?”

“That flag is over there.”

Jang pointed to a corner. Indeed, the Zhongyang Express Company flag, embroidered with a sword and a lotus, was visible.

“Then what are all these white tiger flags?”

“These white tigers are the guardian deities of our Zhongyang Express Company.”

“Guardian deities?”

“Yes. That’s right, sir. On our long journey from Sichuan to this distant Namchang, we encountered some villains. They were men in black masks, and they exuded a chilling killing intent that made our couriers feel intimidated. They were strange fellows. When they robbed the escort, they didn’t ask for the valuables, but for the children… The reason was a bit different from the usual reasons bandits rob escort parties. It seems they were newcomers to banditry.”

Yoon Ijeong, who had been listening to Jang’s rambling without much thought,’s eyes widened at the word ‘children’.

“What did you just say, Courier Jang? Did you just say children?”

His tone had softened, and his address had changed from ‘you’ to ‘you’ (sir), and from ‘Jang’ to ‘Courier Jang’.

“Ah, yes. The villains definitely said that.”

Courier Jang narrowed his brows, raised the corners of his eyes, and then squinted, lowering his body like an animal and speaking in a low, sinister voice.

“Hehehe, hand over the children obediently!”

Yoon Ijeong stopped in his tracks and exclaimed with delight.

“Tell me that story again. I really want to hear it.”

He had unexpectedly found a clue to his missing subordinates. Although he was a cold and cruel man, how could he not be excited?

“I only have to guide you and then I have to go back to work. Can a distinguished person like you stay with a lowly person like me for long?”

Jang instinctively drew back. It was a try-out, so to speak.

“Oh dear, Courier Jang! Why are you acting like this? We are fellow professionals! Here, take this for drinks.”

Jang’s mouth fell open at the cold, heavy feeling in his palm. Moreover, the famous Yoon Ijeong treated him as an equal, making him feel proud.

“Where should I start?”

Jang asked as if he were ready to start by revealing his own mysterious birth secret.

“Start with the descriptions of the attackers in masks.”

“It’s a bit long? We can’t keep the Company Head waiting…”

“Tell them you suddenly have a stomachache and need to go to the latrine, then come back.”

“Understood. I’ll tell them that.”

A moment later, Jang returned after delivering the message to the company head’s office.

“What happened?”

“Don’t worry. He said he’ll finish up well.”

“Thank… *cough*! Well, let’s move to another spot. There are too many eyes here.”

The two moved to the vicinity of the latrines. It couldn’t be helped, even if it smelled a bit.

“Alright, tell me now.”

“Um, well…”

Jang began to pour out everything he knew. It was another moment that proved gold had an excellent efficacy in smoothing the tongue.

“Was that really true?”

Yoon Ijeong’s first reaction upon hearing Jang’s eyewitness account could be summarized as stunned and bewildered.

“Of course, it’s absolutely true. It’s true, indeed. Even though I am an illiterate ignoramus, I have prided myself on my honesty my whole life. How could I dare to utter a lie from my precious mouth? It would be hurtful if you doubt me, sir.”

“Mmm, I’m sorry. It’s just that it’s so absurd. It seems too unrealistic. To think that a herd of pure white tigers suddenly appeared like thunder and wiped out nearly twenty masked masters in an instant – how can I easily believe that?”

“That’s why it’s a legend! That’s why it’s a miracle! The Company Head, who regards it as a divine favor, has made it the new symbol of our Zhongyang Express Company to commemorate the grace of those white tigers. As long as I wear this uniform, and as long as those flags flutter, no villain will dare to mess with our Zhongyang Express Company.”

That remains to be seen, Yoon Ijeong thought quietly to himself and asked.

“Is that all?”

“That’s all. Is there anything else you want to ask?”

“Did you happen to see those children here…”

Yoon Ijeong’s attempt to confirm the location of the two children staying there, in preparation for the retrieval plan, was overshadowed by a sudden booming voice.

“Hey! You, Jang! Are you not done yet? It’s taking too long, the Company Head is worried you might have fallen into the outhouse! Is everything alright?”

It was Jang’s old friend, Han, famous for his loud voice, who shouted loud enough for everyone in the world with ears to hear.

It was unclear what his intentions were, to shout so loudly when whispering in his ear would have been enough.

“Everything’s fine! He hasn’t fallen into the outhouse either, so don’t worry!”

Jang, not to be outdone, replied loudly.

“Is that so? That’s good! Hurry back! The Company Head is waiting!”

“Understood!”

After replying, Jang quickly said to Yoon Ijeong.

“I really must go now, sir. If I’m any later, I’ll be severely punished. Please follow me quickly. I will lead the way.”

Jang led the way, walking briskly. Yoon Ijeong, though regretful, had no choice but to give up the questioning.

“Tch, I guess I’ll have to find out the rest myself.”

Still, the results were sufficient.

When Jang and Yoon Ijeong, who had disappeared saying they were going to the latrine, reappeared, Yoo Gyeongyeong quickly hid behind a thick tree with Seon-a.

“Oh…!”

The boy quickly covered his younger sister’s mouth with his small hand as she was about to complain about his manners towards a lady.

“Shh! Be quiet!”

Startled by his serious expression, his younger sister grew quiet.

“Welcome, Representative Yoon. I’ve heard your formidable reputation, like diamond shields protecting the Zhongyang Express Company, so much that my ears are almost deaf, but this is the first time we meet. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“What excessive praise! I am honored to meet the esteemed Company Head of the Zhongyang Express Company, which is rising like the sun in Sichuan. And…”

“And?”

“I am a Representative Head, not a Representative.”

Yoon Ijeong stated firmly in a decisive tone. However, his face still held a smile.

“Ah, right! It was like that? It was! I was mistaken for a moment! My apologies, Head Yoon!”

“Representative Head!”

This time, a slightly irritable response came out. The thin ‘glass mask’ on his smiling face cracked slightly. On the other hand, Jang Wuyang’s mask still showed a perfect smile. The one whose superficial ‘glass mask’ broke first was defeated.

“Mmm, I apologize again. I heard you have constipation. Did you finish up well?”

“Well… I did finish well.”

Speechless, Yoon Ijeong was momentarily flustered, pondering what to say, and ended up speaking whatever came to his mind. He couldn’t offer a single excuse. He had inadvertently become a constipation patient.

“Oh dear! You must be careful. Eat plenty of fruits. Drink lots of water. That way, you can prevent it in advance. If you tear yourself, it’s a lot of trouble, so it’s best to get over constipation quickly.”

“I-I don’t have constipation, but thank you for the advice.”

Yoon Ijeong had to suppress the boiling anger within him at the advice that branded him a constipation patient. In the end, Jang Wuyang did not call him by his official title. It was not a mistake or an oversight, but intentional mockery. He didn’t even offer him a seat.

“So, what brings you here?”

‘This guy….’

“May I sit down before that? It’s uncomfortable to stand in a small room.”

His words were not without a barb. However, he hadn't come to be polite.

“Ah, my apologies. I forgot again. Please, have a seat, please.”

“Thank you.”

It was like accepting an insult as a favor, but knowing he was trying to provoke him, he managed to endure it.

“Brother, where are you going?”

“Shh! Follow me quietly. Don’t make a sound. Understand?”

The boy led the girl, sticking close to the building wall, and crept towards the ‘temporary’ company head’s office. To dispel his doubts and gain certainty, he absolutely had to know what was being discussed beyond that door. The boy decided to risk it. Bringing his younger sister was a big mistake, but it was too late to turn back. Fortunately, his sister was still quiet. Finally, reaching the company head’s office, Yoo Gyeongyeong cautiously approached the wall like a fragile glass doll and pressed his ear against it. Then, he heard the familiar voice of Company Head Jang from beyond the wall.

“You’re saying strange things, Head Yoon. Just in case, I’m asking, aren’t you mistaken? It seems you’ve come to the wrong place.”

“Came to the wrong place… Did I come to the wrong place, or are you, Company Head Jang, saying the wrong thing?”

The two people’s words had become as sharp as drawn swords. Even the thick mud wall couldn’t hinder the transmission of the tension between them. Yoo Gyeongyeong swallowed hard, concentrating all his attention on his ears.

“I will give you a clear answer. Our Zhongyang Express Company does not protect the children of the Azure Dragon Silver Lord.”

“Company Head Jang, can you take responsibility for that statement?”

“Of course.”

“As I said a moment ago, I am their uncle.”

“I know. But you are not a blood relative.”

Jang Wuyang retorted as if to say, ‘What does it matter if there’s no blood relation?’

“Of course, there is no blood relation. However, you and the late Lord Yoo were sworn brothers, bound by a brotherhood stronger than blood. Do you still have to hide the truth from me?”

Hearing this through the wall, Yoo Gyeongyeong suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. The world suddenly turned dark, and fear surged like a wave.

“Brotherhood stronger than blood… It could be. But! This Company Head is not responsible for what I have not personally confirmed. The matter is too serious to just blindly believe the words of Head Yoon. Could ‘brotherhood’ turn into ‘ducks’?”

Finally, Yoon Ijeong exploded.

“I met those children in the marketplace a few days ago! The child, Gyeongyeong, told me directly that he was staying here! And yet, you say the children are not here? Hmph! Who would believe that!”

“The world changes from moment to moment. What guarantee is there that the situation today is the same as a few days ago?”

“Don’t change the subject, Company Head Jang! Gyeongyeong told me this. I remember it clearly. He said he believed you, Company Head Jang of the Zhongyang Express Company, would thoroughly investigate the blood feud of the Azure Dragon Silver Lord and reveal the truth, so he decided to stay here.”

Lies! Lies! Lies!

Yoo Gyeongyeong wanted to rush into the room and shout. While some of the statements just made were true, the rest were all complete falsehoods. The boy clenched his teeth and gripped the wall roughly.

“I wonder why those children didn’t follow you, their ‘self-proclaimed’ uncle? Why would they not follow you, their father’s sworn brother and their uncle, bound by a ‘brotherhood stronger than blood,’ compared to me, who is just a stranger?”

As he said it, it seemed like a rather plausible hypothesis even to himself. He felt he should focus on that point.

“Stop changing the subject. I clearly heard with my own ears. And yet, you say there are no successors to the Azure Dragon Silver Lord here?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

*Bang! Clang!*

“Then what is this?”

Before Jang Wuyang could stop him, Yoon Ijeong roughly flung open the door. Yoon Ijeong and Yoo Gyeongyeong’s gazes met head-on. The boy’s eyes were instantly filled with terror.

“Company Head Jang, what do you have to say to these children now?”

“That’s…”

Suddenly, the door was flung open, and Yoo Gyeongyeong didn’t know how to react. He felt his body tremble as he met those dark, murky black eyes. He was scared. The pressure was too much for a twelve-year-old boy to bear.

“Have you been well, Gyeongyeong?”

“Yes, I’ve been well, Unc…”

The latter part of his words couldn’t be finished. The boy trailed off.

“No, why are you acting like this? You don’t look well. Is something wrong?”

“Ah, no. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Is that so? That’s fortunate. I thought you were being bullied here.”

Yoon Ijeong’s cynical gaze turned towards Jang Wuyang.

“Well, now the reputation of the Zhongyang Express Company will be tarnished. For the Company Head himself to tell such a lie.”

“That’s…”

Jang Wuyang gritted his teeth, as if making a decision.

“That child is not the successor to the Azure Dragon Silver Lord.”

What kind of unreasonable argument was this? Yoon Ijeong was utterly bewildered by Jang Wuyang’s preposterous claim. The boy was equally taken aback.

“Then what is he? I’m suddenly curious about the Company Head’s opinion.”

He thought he would first hear a weak excuse. However, Jang Wuyang, unfazed by this bait, declared clearly and distinctly.

“Young Hero Yoo is no longer the successor to the Azure Dragon Silver Lord. As the Young Lord of the Azure Dragon Silver Lord, he is our Zhongyang Express Company’s most important partner.”

“What?”

“What did you say!”

*Boom!*

It was truly an unbelievably shocking statement. Not only Yoon Ijeong, but even the person concerned, Yoo Gyeongyeong, was dumbfounded.

“What do you mean by that, Company Head Jang?”

“Just as you heard, Head Yoon. Our Zhongyang Express Company intends to offer its full support for the revival and reconstruction of the Azure Dragon Silver Lord.”

“Do you mean that sincerely?”

“How rude, Head Yoon. To say such a thing in front of a merchant. Are you making light of a contract?”

“But if that child doesn’t agree, isn’t it all for nothing? From what I see, this child seems to find this matter quite unexpected, doesn’t he?”

It was too much mental confusion for a teenage boy to gloss over.

“Gyeongyeong, speak your mind in front of Company Head Jang and me. Do you really intend to partner with Company Head Jang? Or will you follow me, your uncle?”

Uncle… Why did this warm and affectionate word sound so cursed and hateful?

“I…”

The boy opened his mouth to say something.

“I… am.”

His voice was still inaudible, perhaps due to his emotions.

“What? I can’t hear you well.”

“Lord Yoo, speak clearly. You are now a businessman. You are the head who must bear the responsibility of a family. Age doesn’t matter. Stand tall and confident! People don’t follow uncertain leaders.”

The boy lifted his head, which had been bowed. There was no hesitation in the boy’s eyes anymore. The boy looked at the person called his uncle with burning eyes. Then, as if to engrave it in his heart, he began to speak clearly.

“I am now the second generation Young Lord of the Azure Dragon Silver Lord, my surname is Yoo, and my given name is Gyeongyeong. Along with Company Head Jang of the Zhongyang Express Company, I will revive the Azure Dragon Silver Lord, which collapsed in vile betrayal and flames.”

At that confident declaration, Jang Wuyang exclaimed with delight.

“Oh! Well said, Lord Yoo. Our Zhongyang Express Company will support you with all our might.”

“I ask for your ample assistance.”

“Leave it to us. We are now comrades on the same boat!”

With a dignified greeting, Yoo Gyeongyeong bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Are you serious?”

The eyes of the boy, who was once a nephew to the man who was once his uncle, collided in the air. The boy gritted his teeth to overcome the fear that made him want to kneel. However, the killing intent was too powerful for the boy to endure. He couldn’t even breathe properly. The boy’s face turned pale. Feeling that something was amiss, Jang Wuyang released his aura to help the boy. Only then did Yoo Gyeongyeong realize that breathing had become slightly easier. And then he shouted desperately.

“I, I am serious!”

Then, the pressure that felt like it was squeezing his lungs vanished as if by a lie.

“You will regret this!”

Leaving those words as a final remark, Yoon Ijeong left the scene. It was a rude departure without even a word of farewell, but Jang Wuyang didn’t stop him. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of how to lead this joint venture in the future.

‘Regret… Was that word spoken to the boy, or to himself?’

Jang Wuyang could only guess, not be certain. The only certainty was that he was now bound by fate with this young boy.

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