Chapter 080
I sighed.
It seemed like Baek Sugyeong's opinion didn't matter anymore. So many people just did whatever they wanted first and worried about consequences later, making it hard to handle.
It's truly dizzying.
Baek Sugyeong swallowed another sigh that threatened to escape as he thought this.
"...I understand."
"That means we value your achievements highly, Sugyeong. While you're going to Beijing, how about entering court service?"
Entering court service was a polite way of suggesting he take up an official position. Of course, Baek Sugyeong had no intention of becoming a government official.
"I'm sorry, but regarding court service..."
"So you still have no interest."
"I apologize, Princess."
"Well, if that's your wish, so be it. But know that I won't give up."
'Please just give up.'
Baek Sugyeong couldn't reveal his true thoughts and simply bowed his head.
"When will you depart?"
"I plan to leave once preparations are complete, but not immediately."
"I see. Very well. You may withdraw, Sugyeong."
Baek Sugyeong bowed respectfully to Princess Ju Geumye once more and left.
...
As Yi Jonhyo watched Baek Sugyeong's retreating figure leaving Dragon Gate Pavilion, he asked,
"Do you desire Master Baek, Princess?"
"I think he's a good person. Besides, with his reputation and influence shaking the Central Plains, even without my interest, thoughtful people like Father would never want to let such a person slip away."
Establishing the Sugyeong Pavilion and expanding its influence throughout the Central Plains was a kind of scheme to keep Baek Sugyeong's attention tied to the region.
Baek Sugyeong had a rebellious temperament that responded strongly to authority or force, but that was all. If one approached indirectly, influencing those around him rather than confronting him directly—like sculpting a statue—he often showed surprising confusion. Hadn't he just done so moments ago?
"Besides, someone like him is destined to accomplish great things someday. Didn't he successfully establish the Orthodox-Demonic Agreement after entering the New Murim, something no one else had managed to achieve?"
"That's true, but..."
"Now countless people throughout the Central Plains will be watching Sugyeong. All sorts of people will compete for him. To gain the high ground in that competition, we need to make appropriate investments."
"What do you intend to do with Master Baek?"Wi Seoyeon asked.
Ju Geumye smiled in response.
"If possible, my goal is to bring him into the imperial palace. Though it won't be easy, of course."
Even if she couldn't beat people like Namgung Somin, So Seonha, or So Ssanga, her status put her ahead of all of them.
"When it comes to patience, I'm more confident than anyone."
...
Beijing — Hanlin Academy
"It's unbelievable. Using the name of a mere writer to establish a new educational institution serving as schools throughout the Central Plains. This is impossible."
This was where elite officials gathered, equivalent to Joseon's Jiphyeonjeon and Hongmungwan.
"How great can that novel be..."
"It's just worthless trash. Nothing compared to the time-honored classics."
"The fact that His Imperial Majesty shows interest in such trash is shameful to us!"
"What is this 'Wudang Sword Hero'?"
The Grand Scholar stroked his beard.
"Hmm... What connection is there between something being popular in the martial world and disparaging it?"
"If you have time to slander others, use that time to read one more line of text."
The Grand Scholar's sharp eyes turned toward the young scholars.
"Jealousy is understandable, but this matter has already been approved by the Princess and His Imperial Majesty! Don't question it!"
The young scholars dispersed.
The Grand Scholar muttered,
"Hmm, I wonder when the next volume will be released. It would be nice to meet Master Sugyeong sometime."
...
Roll, thud. Roll roll roll, thud.
Baek Sugyeong's gaze trembled anxiously.
'The daughter of the Sword King of the Blue Sky, the chairman of the Heavenly Dragon Trading Company, the guild leader of a rising merchant group, a young expert rising to prominence, and the Princess of Imperial Favor...'
'At this point, he's either caught in a love trap... or just human suffering in general.'
...
"Master Baek, if you're going, I'll assign our company's guard warriors to you."Jin Agyeong said.
"With Lady Namgung and Seonha here, I'm not sure if your guards are necessary, Chairman Jin."
"Though I appreciate your help in finding Lady Gal recently, I think the Owner might find any more favors burdensome?"
"My goodness, Guild Leader So. This is purely my goodwill. I have no intention of charging for it."
As Jin Agyeong and So Ssanga engaged in their battle of nerves...
"Sword Phoenix sister, please spar with me, spar~"
"No."
"Ugh, that's unfair-"
"I'll do it as much as you want when we get to Beijing."
"Really? That's a promise!"
Namgung Somin and So Seonha, who had become quite close over their shared interest in swords, were also visible.
In the middle of all this, Baek Sugyeong, like a deserted island, simply sipped his cheap fragrant tea.
To Mokyeong, it seemed like he had simply given up. Well, if someone who didn't seem to have learned martial arts was surrounded by such people, wouldn't giving up be the most comfortable option?
"Chairman Jin. That's enough arguing."
"Yes, Master."
"Guild Leader So, that's enough as well. It's not right to be rude to Chairman Jin who helped find Lady Gal."
At Baek Sugyeong's words, So Ssanga made a slightly disgruntled expression but quickly corrected it.
"Yes, Owner."
"I'm grateful for Chairman Jin's help. Though Guild Leader So did get my permission, since you granted it willingly, I should offer some compensation."
At Baek Sugyeong's words, Jin Agyeong waved her hands.
"Compensation? I didn't help expecting anything in return, so please don't worry..."
"How about turning 'Wudang Sword Hero' into a Beijing opera?"
At Baek Sugyeong's words, Jin Agyeong's mouth fell open. The others also looked at Baek Sugyeong with surprised eyes, as if they hadn't thought of that. Among them, only Mokyeong remained calm.
"A-are you serious?"
"I can't give you the copyright to 'Wudang Sword Hero' or 'Arhat Fist God.' Instead, I'll give you the performance rights for a Beijing opera based on 'Wudang Sword Hero.'"
Baek Sugyeong looked at Jin Agyeong.
"It might be bait, but why don't you ask about it?"
Since things had come to this, he might as well make the situation even bigger. If you can't avoid the wave, enjoy it. If you can't avoid the wave, ride it.
Baek Sugyeong's move was to simply broaden the base entirely.
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📚 Author's Note:
Big thanks to Daoist_fungust for the 3 shiny Power Stones!
🐧