Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 116: The Price of Insult (4)

“A fine day, isn’t it?”

The sunlight streaming through the window was astonishingly clear.

It was now undeniably autumn. The breeze was cool, and the sky was clear. The leaves had yet to fall, making the weather all the more precious.

“Have a cup of tea with me.”

“Eh? Oh, yes!”

Lee Geon gratefully accepted the teacup after putting down the object that had been resting on his nose.

Moyong Woo looked at the object with curious eyes.

“Is that the ‘Aeche’ you mentioned?”

“Eh? Oh, this? Yes, it is. Come to think of it, I haven’t shown it to you yet.”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“I apologize. I’ve been too busy lately to give you proper attention.”

“Ha, don’t mention it.”

Lee Geon picked up the Aeche.

“I acquired it through a merchant. It’s from the Western Regions, and strangely, the letters appear larger and clearer.”

“Is that so?”

“Would you like to try it?”

“It’s alright. It’s not polite to use someone else’s belongings so casually.”

Lee Geon smiled awkwardly.

Moyong Woo tilted his head.

“Do you need the Aeche? With your inner strength, you should be able to read even the smallest inscriptions on a grain of rice.”

“As you know, my skills are not omnipotent.”

Moyong Woo nodded.

Lee Geon was not originally from the Moyong clan. He was someone who had formed a bond with Moyong Woo by chance, and out of gratitude, he voluntarily became his subordinate.

‘It was incredible back then.’

To Moyong Woo, Lee Geon was a formidable figure.

Not just any strong man, but one who far surpassed himself. If Lee Geon hadn’t been severely injured at that time, he wouldn’t have lasted even ten seconds.

However, Lee Geon’s inner strength, or rather his martial arts, had a clear downside as powerful as they were.

That was why he couldn’t make full use of his inner strength on a regular basis.

“Anyway, ever since I got this Aeche, work has been progressing much faster. We’re considering producing it ourselves.”

“It will require some sophisticated techniques. Even if you have the materials, it won’t be easy.”

“Ha, indeed.”

Moyong Woo leaned back in his chair.

Lee Geon smiled.

“You look comfortable.”

Moyong Woo gave a bitter smile.

“My body is at ease. Free from the mountain of work, I hardly know what to do with myself.”

“So, your mind is uneasy?”

Moyong Woo just laughed.

Of course, it had to be. He had a great worry unknown to Lee Geon.

And that worry would be resolved one way or another. The problem was that no matter how it was resolved, a greater concern would await him afterward.

‘Worries.’

A look of contemplation crossed Moyong Woo’s face.

He recalled the contents of the letter sent by Yeonhojeong.

‘Moyong Yeonhwa will go, and you will have to make a choice. Will you abandon them, or will you take them with you? Your decision will determine their fate.’

Moyong Woo closed his eyes.

‘The lives of others hang on my decision…’

It was a heavy burden.

He had been responsible for his subordinates for years. But this time, the responsibility was deeper.

‘Those unrelated to the martial world. Among them, many perform good deeds every year. That such people could be left destitute by my single decision.’

Moyong Woo sighed.

Lee Geon tilted his head.

“What’s the matter?”

“Hm? Oh, nothing. Just feeling lethargic.”

“Ha! You never know when you’ll be busy again. It’s good to rest thoroughly while you can.”

“True.”

The two exchanged smiles and conversation.

How much time had passed?

‘Huh?’

The wind from the window seemed to have grown a bit cooler.

Moyong Woo spoke calmly.

“Lee Geon.”

“Yes, Branch Manager.”

“Bring them in.”

Lee Geon’s expression hardened.

“Please be careful.”

“Don’t worry.”

Lee Geon, holding the documents, left the office.

A moment later.

“Branch Manager. Someone from the Moyong main house has arrived.”

“Let them in.”

Thud.

The door opened, and a person appeared.

She wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful, but there was something about her that drew the eye. She wore luxurious silk clothes that suited her well.

The lady, Moyong Yeonhwa, bowed her head.

“Yeonhwa greets you, Uncle. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Moyong Woo stood up.

“Yes, it has been a while.”

Moyong Yeonhwa.

In truth, the age difference between them wasn’t that great. Moyong Woo had been in his youth, earnestly practicing the sword when Moyong Yeonhwa was born.

An age difference of eleven years between uncle and niece could certainly foster a close atmosphere.

However, there was a strange barrier between Moyong Woo and Moyong Yeonhwa. It was an invisible wall they had erected for each other.

Moyong Yeonhwa smiled faintly.

“Has it been a year?”

“It has.”

“You seem to have grown even more handsome, Uncle. If you went out to the market, women would line up for you.”

Moyong Woo laughed bitterly.

“I’m nearly thirty and still unmarried. I suppose I’ll remain so.”

“Ho ho ho, you shouldn’t say that. What woman would refuse you, Uncle?”

It wasn’t an easy topic to broach, even between close relatives. Moyong Yeonhwa regarded Moyong Woo not as an uncle but as an older foreigner.

“I’m fine. You should marry a good man first.”

“I’m still far from it. There’s too much to do for the family.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. There’s so much to do, I can’t think straight. Father has been giving me so much work.”

“It must be very hard.”

“What can I do? Father trusts me that much.”

Moyong Woo was inwardly puzzled.

‘Did this child ever speak like this?’

Though they had exchanged only a few words, Moyong Woo sensed a change in Moyong Yeonhwa.

He didn’t know exactly what the change was. But one thing was clear. The solid wall surrounding Moyong Yeonhwa had a distinct crack in it, unlike before.

She complained about being busy but subtly boasted. It was a side of her he had never seen before.

‘Has her heart been troubled recently?’

Well, now wasn’t the time to worry about Moyong Yeonhwa.

“I’ve kept you standing too long. Please, have a seat.”

“Yes! Oh, you were having tea.”

“It’s not bad.”

“May I have a cup as well?”

Moyong Woo flinched.

“Prepare tea for you?”

Even if she had fallen out of favor with the clan, such a request was not fitting for a niece to make to her uncle. It was a breach of decorum.

Moyong Woo looked at Moyong Yeonhwa.

She smiled faintly.

“Is there something on my face?”

The more they talked, the more he felt her change.

‘She’s forcing a smile.’

It was a different mask than the one she usually wore. Moyong Woo could tell that Moyong Yeonhwa was straining herself.

He asked her bluntly while gazing at his niece.

“Are you asking me to prepare tea?”

“Yes.”

Moyong Yeonhwa tilted her head with a smile.

“Why? Is there a reason you can’t?”

“…”

“You’re not upset, are you?”

Moyong Woo wasn’t upset at all.

In fact, her response was so unexpected that it relaxed him and gave him a sense of ease.

He briefly wondered if this was a trap. But his instincts told him that her reaction was genuine.

‘I don’t know why…’

He could sense an unstable self behind her smiling facade.

‘It’s fortunate, I suppose.’

Moyong Woo was afraid of Moyong Yeonhwa.

Not her presence, but the fear of how far she might stray. He didn’t want his niece to live a life as harsh as his brother’s.

Moyong Woo stood up.

“I’ll brew the finest tea for you.”

“Thank you. You’re the best, Uncle.”

“Even words of thanks are appreciated.”

Moyong Woo lit the fire under the window and gently heated the water.

Moyong Yeonhwa looked around the office.

“There are more books than before?”

“I read a lot during my downtime.”

“Really? What books have you been reading lately…?”

“Once you finish your tea, return to the clan.”

Moyong Yeonhwa’s eyes hardened.

The natural flow of their conversation came to an abrupt halt.

She looked at Moyong Woo.

His back turned to her as he brewed the tea, he resembled a scholar.

“I’m sorry. I must have misheard. What did you say?”

“I said to leave once you’ve finished your tea.”

“Uncle.”

“I’ve seen your face; that’s enough. It seems we have nothing more to discuss.”

It was a rather cold statement.

Moyong Yeonhwa was inwardly flustered, and just as flustered, she felt a subtle anger.

“You have nothing to discuss with me?”

“That’s right.”

“Really? I don’t think that’s the case.”

“No matter what you say, my intention is clear. It seems there’s no need for further conversation between us.”

Moyong Woo turned away.

Moyong Yeonhwa flinched. Her uncle was looking at her with a bitter smile.

“You’re not interested in my personal affairs, are you?”

“I…”

“Right.”

Moyong Woo nodded, cutting her off.

“You’re here on the orders of the clan leader, my brother. You’re here to observe the situation and notify us of your intention to take over the Zhejiang Trade Alliance.”

“…”

“I have no intention of listening to that notification, so have a cup of tea and leave.”

Moyong Yeonhwa’s expression turned stern.

“You have no intention of listening… That’s unexpected. I didn’t think you would be so rude, Uncle.”

“I’m surprised too. I didn’t know you were so broken.”

“…!!”

“I don’t know if your father is aware of your condition, but emotional wounds are not easily healed. You should take care of yourself first.”

“…How amusing.”

Real anger flickered in Moyong Yeonhwa’s eyes.

“I represent the main house. Even if you’re my uncle, you should show me proper respect.”

“Even if you represent the clan, a niece is still a niece. The laws of the world may have fallen, but your manners are too lacking to be tolerated.”

“…!!”

“Return to the clan and rest for a few months. What you need is not more work, but time to reflect on yourself.”

Suddenly, Moyong Yeonhwa’s eyes trembled.

Too much work? Reflect on herself?

‘This…!’

She almost cursed out loud. Her fragile self-esteem was nearly shattered.

First, the Yeonhojeong and the merchant alliance’s heirs ignored her, and now her exiled uncle was doing the same.

Bang!

Moyong Yeonhwa pushed back her chair and stood up.

“Moyong Branch Manager.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes deepened.

Moyong Yeonhwa continued coldly.

“Bring all the trade-related journals.”

It was an unhesitant command.

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“There are no such journals. And even if there were, I have no intention of showing them to you.”

“Branch Manager! I’m telling you again! Bring the documents now!”

“As your uncle, I’ll say it again. If you won’t have tea, then leave.”

“This…!”

Trembling with rage, Moyong Yeonhwa shouted towards the window.

“Jeokpung Daechu! Come into the office right now!”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“Don’t do this.”

“Shut up!”

Moyong Yeonhwa ground her teeth.

“Having treated you with the courtesy due to an uncle, it seems you’ve lost all sense of hierarchy. You should be thankful that father hasn’t purged you!”

Moyong Woo remained silent.

Bang!

The office door opened, and Cheon In-sang entered.

“Did you call for me, Young Lady?”

Moyong Yeonhwa pointed at Moyong Woo.

“Subdue him immediately! He is to be escorted to the main house!”

“…”

“What are you waiting for! Do it now…”

Suddenly, Moyong Yeonhwa’s eyes widened like a full moon.

Thud!

Cheon In-sang collapsed forward.

Behind the fallen Cheon In-sang stood Lee Geon.

“Yeonhwa.”

Startled, Moyong Yeonhwa looked at Moyong Woo.

Moyong Woo’s eyes shone a brilliant blue.

“Return to the main house now.”