Chapter 71. I'll Get Your Money Back (6)

What do you mean by getting back the Fengyun Martial Hall?

I asked, taken aback and stammering, without realizing it.

"Wait a moment. Who are you talking about getting it back from?"

"From Governor Zhao."

"Wasn't it originally Governor Zhao's?"

I thought it was.

But Bukgung Rin shook her head.

"Originally, half of it belonged to our master. Governor Zhao betrayed and took it away."

It's confusing with all these sudden secrets about the Fengyun Martial Hall. I can't really say anything without knowing the background story.

Who is Bukgung Rin's master?

Seeing my awkward and confused expression, Bukgung Rin bowed her head with a look of apology and said,

"Perhaps I spoke too absurdly. Please forget it."

"No, it's not because of that... Well, it is, but... First, let's talk a bit more."

I need to understand the background to be able to say anything.

I scratched my head and asked,

"Since we're talking, why don't we move to a different place?"

We can't talk about getting back the Fengyun Martial Hall while we're in the Fengyun Martial Hall.

Bukgung Rin nodded in agreement with my suggestion.

***

We moved to an inn. Fortunately, it was late, and no one was there. We started our conversation from the beginning.

"Then, could you first tell me who your master is, Miss Bukgung?"

I asked, starting with who Bukgung Rin's master was. Bukgung Rin seemed to recall old memories and said,

"I am originally a disciple of Lady Swordswoman Xuchan."

I had never heard of Lady Swordswoman Xuchan. I tilted my head and asked,

"Lady Swordswoman Xuchan?"

"Yes. She is a lay disciple of the Ami Sect and is known by that name in the Hubei region."

Lady Swordswoman Xuchan...

I still didn't recognize the name. I don't know all the experts in Hubei, but it seems she isn't active there now.

'Since she's a woman, and there aren't many female experts...'

If Bukgung Rin's master was as famous as she should be, I would have heard of her. But since I haven't, she probably isn't active now.

Martial artists, like baseball players, are well-known when they are active, but quickly forgotten when they aren't.

To remain in people's minds even during inactive seasons, one must be a 'legend.'

Since I wouldn't learn anything more about her master, I decided to move on and asked for the next part of the story. Bukgung Rin continued,

"My master, Lady Swordswoman Xuchan, Governor Zhao, and my uncle, Iron Lion Panchen Bai, were known as the Hubei Three Heroes..."

"Wait, Panchen Bai?"

I was surprised.

Why is that name here?

Surprised by the name I hadn't heard in a long time, I asked Bukgung Rin, who looked puzzled,

"Yes? Do you know Uncle Panchen?"

"Yes. I know him through a connection."

Panchen Bai was one of the Ten Great Experts of Hubei, and I had a connection with him. It was during the time I was escorting a convoy at Zhengjia Manor.

I still vividly remember him giving me advice during my fierce battle with Baek Seung-il.

'He was so impressed by my outstanding martial arts that he offered to buy my senior, Zou Junping, a free meal. "You don't need my advice, with your skills!" he said.'

I didn't expect to hear about this old man here.

I asked, slightly flustered,

"Did they originally travel together?"

"Yes, they did."

According to Bukgung Rin, about three years ago, when I had just fallen into the martial world, the three of them traveled around the Hubei region as heroes.

At that time, the name of the Hubei Three Heroes was quite famous.

'No wonder I didn't know.'

I nodded, understanding. At that time, I was living with beggars, worrying about my next meal.

"But why are they traveling separately now?"

I haven't heard much about the Hubei Three Heroes recently, and since Panchen Bai is still known as one of the Ten Great Experts of Hubei, it's clear the team has disbanded. I was curious about the reason.

Bukgung Rin called Panchen Bai 'uncle,' so they must have been close.

"That's... "

Bukgung Rin hesitated before starting to speak.

The friendship of the three was broken...

"Panchen Bai, or rather, Hero Panchen, confessed to Lady Swordswoman Xuchan and was rejected?"

"...Yes."

Oh my.

"How old was your master at the time for this to happen?"

"They weren't that different in age."

"Really?"

I thought he was an old man, but according to Bukgung Rin, Panchen Bai wasn't that old. He just looked aged from practicing external martial arts. He was actually in his mid-40s.

I thought he was an old man when he called himself 'old man,' but it wasn't that bad.

Lady Swordswoman Xuchan was in her late 30s at the time, so it's not an unreasonable affection.

'But he looked like he was in his mid-50s.'

What if I end up like that too?

Thinking about Panchen Bai's love story, I suddenly felt the need to take antioxidants. I'm also an external martial arts practitioner, after all.

'What's Coenzyme Q10 rich in?'

While I was thinking about this, Bukgung Rin continued her story.

"So, Uncle Panchen split from the two and started traveling alone as a hero."

I would have done the same. I nodded heavily, understanding. It's hard to imagine working with someone who rejected you.

"Then what about Lady Swordswoman Xuchan?"

"My master was about to return to her hometown, Mount Ami, when Governor Zhao made a proposal."

"About setting up a martial hall?"

Bukgung Rin nodded, as if recalling the past.

"Yes. So, my master and Governor Zhao pooled their money to prepare for setting up a martial hall in Meiyang County."

That's how the Fengyun Martial Hall was established.

Calculating the timing, I realized I was loitering in front of the newly opened Fengyun Martial Hall with a coin in my hand when I got hit on the buttocks, so the story matched.

"But how did the betrayal happen?"

"That... "

Bukgung Rin, trailing off, seemed to have made up her mind and started the story.

"Originally, the martial hall was to be named Xuchan Martial Hall."

"Taking a part of each of their nicknames, I see."

It's a common naming method. I nodded, and Bukgung Rin continued with a dark expression.

"But on the day the martial hall was established, the sign read 'Fengyun Martial Hall.'"

Until then, Lady Swordswoman Xuchan thought it was a mistake, but she soon realized that all the money she had entrusted and all the records were in the name of Zhao Chashik.

By then, it was too late.

She tried to appeal to various places, but the Pure Sword Sect, which had a close relationship with Zhao Chashik, continuously interfered.

'Why is the Pure Sword Sect involved here?'

They are truly troublesome. This Meiyang County is entangled in too many things. I sighed and asked,

"So, what happened?"

"Ultimately, my master was greatly disappointed by the betrayal and returned to Mount Ami after a while. I stayed here because I was sick at the time."

After staying, Bukgung Rin thought about following her master to Mount Ami once she recovered, but decided to endure the humiliation and stay, thinking that if she left, there would be no way to reclaim the martial hall.

"My master kept sending letters, urging me to come to Mount Ami, but I refused. If I left, the martial hall would truly belong to Governor Zhao."

"Ah, I see."

Now I understand why she did a job that didn't suit her. I finally understood Bukgung Rin's situation.

After she decided to stay, Zhao Chashik kept pressuring her to continue working. So, Bukgung Rin started teaching other instructors.

When the instructors' skills improved, Zhao Chashik made her teach ordinary officials.

Due to her lack of experience, she found it difficult to teach officials, and Zhao Chashik used this as an excuse to try to drive her away.

"I was thinking of giving up, thinking it had reached its limit. That's when you came."

Bukgung Rin bowed her head and said this hesitantly. Understanding the secrets of the Fengyun Martial Hall, I asked with a sympathetic look,

"So, you're asking if I can take on this request?"

"Yes... If it's not possible, I'll return to Mount Ami and serve my master. I'm an unfaithful disciple, but I have nowhere else to go."

Bukgung Rin shook her head sadly and said this. Seeing her face, I felt a surge of resentment towards Zhao Chashik.

How could he betray his friend and exploit his disciple?

'Those who betray their friends are unforgivable.'

Seeing Bukgung Rin's sad face, I thought of my father.

My father was in a similar situation. After retiring, he went into business with a middle school classmate he had known for 30 years.

The restaurant was a simple kimchi stew place. The classmate managed the business, and my father handled the kitchen.

Both my father and his friend were in a tight spot, so they couldn't afford to hire many people. From the opening, my family took turns helping out, working every day.

However, the business was strange. Despite decent sales, there was no profit. After deducting rent, materials, and gas, they barely covered the wages.

'This is insane.'

Investing over 100 million won and the whole family working from 10 AM to 3 AM, yet barely covering wages?

It's enough to drive anyone crazy.

But my father, hoping things would improve, endured and worked hard. He wasn't the type to complain.

When his friend complained, my father even secretly lent him money.

'But it was all a scam.'

After a year, the truth came out. It turned out the friend had colluded with the supplier to inflate prices and take kickbacks.

Thus, there was no profit. Paying 700 or 1,000 won for something that cost 500 won, how could there be any profit?

'This is unforgivable.'

Thinking about this, I felt a surge of anger towards Zhao Chashik. My principle is never to betray a friend.

I took Bukgung Rin's trembling hand and said to encourage her,

"I understand. I'll help you."

"Really, really?"

When I said this confidently, Bukgung Rin, taken aback, asked. I shook her hands and replied firmly,

"The agency might not take such requests easily, but with various means, it might be possible."

I hadn't thought of the methods yet, but I felt I could make it work using the method my father used. Seeing my determination, Bukgung Rin nodded.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I nodded firmly, assuring her to trust me.

At that moment, I heard someone coming down from upstairs. I turned my head, wondering who would be coming down from the inn at this late hour.

"Huh?"

"Cheng Biao? You're back. I was just about to ask you something..."

Wizhian, coming down the stairs, stopped abruptly when she saw us.

"What...?"

Wizhian's eyes widened.

"Ah, it's fine. Miss Wizhian."

What a turn of events.

***

"...So, that's how it happened."

"..."

The timing was strange, and it seemed like a misunderstanding. I tried to explain desperately, but Wizhian just stared at me silently.

'Her eyes are scary.'

I wondered if she might suddenly shoot some strange beam from her eyes.

After a moment, Wizhian spoke in a low voice,

"I see."

"Indeed! You understand!"

Words do make a difference. I nodded in relief, feeling grateful.

Then Wizhian asked,

"But why did you have to hold hands?"

"It's... "

I explained for another 30 minutes. Her eyes were the same as before; she didn't seem to believe me.

'Why doesn't sincerity work?'

It's a truly difficult world.

Anyway, we decided to talk about this later and moved on to Bukgung Rin's story. It was late, and Bukgung Rin had been sitting stiffly, looking very awkward between us for almost an hour.

I briefly introduced Bukgung Rin to Wizhian.

"Um... So, this is..."

"Yes. Instructor Bukgung Rin."

After the introduction, they exchanged somewhat stiff greetings. Wizhian then lowered her voice and asked me,

"But... How do you plan to return the Fengyun Martial Hall to Miss Bukgung? The Baiyun Escort Agency might not take such a request easily."

Wizhian's tone suggested she didn't think it would work. It was a valid concern.

'It's not a particularly advantageous request.'

The agency would likely reject it. I had promised to help out of the moment's enthusiasm, but I didn't have a clear plan.

As I was thinking, Wizhian continued,

"Or, what about going to the government office?"

"Hmm. I don't think that will help much."

I shook my head.

The government office was no help.

Occasionally, people go to the government office to appeal grievances, but it can take months, sometimes even years, for a resolution.

Even if you wait months for your case to be heard, the magistrate might read the complaint and say, "From ancient times, it is said that 'when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold.' Without lips, the teeth feel cold. The same principle applies to the world. You should reconcile and help each other. Hmph."

Would they really reconcile