144.Yusaengwon!
"Yusaengwon!"
Someone shouted first.
At the sight of Sowoon stepping out, one man cried out, and everyone turned, their voices rising in similar cheers.
"Where've you been, Yusaengwon? Get over here!"
"You don't drink, right? Then eat some meat today!"
"You're not hurt, are you?"
"Come here, come here!"
All of them hailed him.
Having witnessed his overwhelming martial prowess with their own eyes, the Baekryongdae realized that the nickname "Yusaengwon"—once half playful, half teasing—had changed in meaning.
It now carried genuine respect.
They called him Yusaengwon as one who practiced what he had learned, as a man who embodied what he studied.
"Yusaengwon, can you drink? You should have a cup today!"
"I cannot drink. If I do, those around me will suffer. I will refrain. Forgive me."
"Today's victory is yours. You were unmatched at the vanguard. The best in Baekryongdae history."
"You were incredible!"
Someone raised a finger in admiration.
They began explaining his feats to the members of the household, though embellishments quickly crept in.
They said he had flown through the air and shattered the gate, that with a single sweep he had sent dozens tumbling into the river.
The stories were not entirely false, yet they were greatly exaggerated.
Accounts told after battle often grow larger than the battle itself.
In the chaos, each had seen only fragments, yet the sheer force of his presence invited imagination.
Sowoon took a piece of meat and turned to look behind him.
Jin Mugwang had not yet appeared.
He closed his eyes.
He felt it—the faint movement of Jin Mugwang, gravely injured, making his way toward the courtyard where the feast was being held.
"Felt" was the closest word for it.
Someone tapped him on the back.
"Who?"
He turned slowly. It was Yang Johwi.
"It's me. Your elder brother. Where'd you go?"
"Ah, Uncle."
"Yeah, damn it. Uncle and elder brother."
Sowoon laughed.
Their banter from the battlefield returned vividly to him.
The words they had exchanged while charging toward the enemy resurfaced one by one.
Why had they spoken so lightly then?
Perhaps it had been a way to dull their fear.
The absurd conversation had softened the edge of tension.
Perhaps Yang Johwi had meant it that way all along.
Soon the courtyard fell quiet.
General Jin Mugwang staggered onto the small raised platform at the front.
Lee Sogun, frail in appearance, supported him.
Behind them stood a familiar warrior—General Lee Hee, a man who looked as though he had crossed seas of blood.
The sight of the two men silenced everyone.
They could barely stand straight before their former subordinates.
The hearts of those watching felt as though they were tearing apart.
Was this right?
To brand a loyal man a traitor and leave him in such a state?
Anger and grief rose like fire, yet all of them held it back.
"General…"
Someone whispered hoarsely.
In an instant, the entire Baekryongdae rose, then dropped to one knee in formal salute.
Gagyeongpil stepped forward, saluted, and reported.
"The Baekryongdae, one hundred and ten strong, has today annihilated five hundred mixed forces of local troops and Geumuiwi advancing upon the estate. We pursued them to Anyang Fortress and repelled the enemy."
His voice trembled with restrained emotion.
"At ease. Rise."
The voice was low and rough, worn by exhaustion.
Jin Mugwang surveyed them slowly—the same gaze he had worn before battle.
Faces he knew. Faces he trusted.
He began to speak.
"First, I thank you for defending this house.
Those who left the army, those who resigned, those who returned home—you came back to protect the homeland of a foolish former commander. For that, I am grateful."
He paused, then continued.
"I arrived only today. I may now bear the charge of treason.
You know well why. I have hidden from the eyes of the imperial court and the Black Blade.
My supposed death shielded this estate.
That day I feared has come.
I have neither strength nor will to conceal myself further.
I have returned home.
I will die here."
The air grew heavier.
"I thank you for your loyalty and righteousness.
But to remain with me now is too dangerous.
My foolishness has darkened not only this house but your futures as well. For that, I apologize."
His breathing grew labored.
"The Emperor does not wish this unworthy warrior to live.
Therefore I ask you—find your own paths and leave.
This house will fall.
It may be ashes by tomorrow.
I will not place your young lives upon that pyre."
"From this moment, the Baekryongdae no longer remains here.
I order your disbandment.
Leave tonight.
To sacrifice the strongest force on the continent for one household is not right.
I cannot reward your blood with honor or compensation. Forgive that failing.
Leave Jin Estate for better days.
Return to your homes.
If you live, good days will come.
Go. Preserve your lives.
This is my final command."
Having spoken, Jin Mugwang swayed.
A chair was rushed forward and set behind him.
The unyielding general who had never flinched before the savage winds of Harlan now faltered.
Tears filled the eyes of the Baekryongdae.
Have you ever felt rage toward an unseen enemy?
They felt more anger than sorrow.
Traitor.
In that moment, they understood why Jin Estate bore the plaque "The Greatest House of Hanan" without shame.
Facing disaster, he told those who came to help to leave.
If five hundred failed, five thousand would come. Then fifty thousand.
He would not let them die for him.
Seated and gasping, the general lost consciousness.
The slight woman supported him inside.
The blood-soaked commander followed, tears falling freely.
Why?
A heavy silence suffocated the courtyard.
No one spoke.
The order to leave remained in their hearts.
That was why it was called the Greatest House of Hanan.
That was why the plaque was not a lie.
And the word "leave" burned deeply in the hearts of the Baekryongdae.