The Invincible Commander – Chapter 12

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HwasanSect

[Translator: Chyluck]

[Proofreader: Chyluck]

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Chapter 12

The Seoga manor’s residents, shaken by last night’s events, spent a sleepless night.

Above all, they worried for Woosaeng.

How grave were his wounds that he hadn’t returned by dawn?

Fear gripped them.

Jeongyang’s wife insisted on going to check, but Sohyang stopped her.

They’d seen Cheon Sinwoo deal with the Huangdu Gang, but didn’t know what followed.

If any thugs lingered, it could be trouble.

They had to trust Cheon Sinwoo now.

But how could a mother not fret for her son?

Despite Sohyang’s pleas, Jeongyang’s wife paced anxiously, unable to leave.

Seeing undertakers, sent by Physician Jang, clear the bodies, they sighed in relief.

Dawn broke.

“Mother!”

“Oh, Woosaeng, you fool! Why only now?!”

At the voice from outside, Jeongyang’s wife flung the door open, rushing out.

Sohyang, seeing both return unharmed, finally eased, clutching her chest.

“Your wounds? The stab?”

“I’m fine. Big brother took me to the physician, got me all fixed up.”

“Let me see.”

Still uneasy, Jeongyang’s wife lifted Woosaeng’s shirt to check.

The neatly wrapped bandages showed no blood.

“Thank heavens! Truly. Thank you. Thank you for saving my son.”

Jeongyang’s wife seemed ready to bow all day.

Cheon Sinwoo felt the gratitude was his to give.

Woosaeng had practically saved their lives.

If they’d died?

He wouldn’t have forgiven even the heavens that revived him.

“I’m glad. And thank you.”

Thanking Woosaeng for last night, Woosaeng scratched his head sheepishly.

“But that load?”

“Oh! We picked it up.”

“Picked up?”

“Yeah. Big brother told me to grab it all.”

Sohyang glanced at Cheon Sinwoo. Woosaeng carried a sack as big as a rice bag.

What did they pick up?

“Let’s go inside.”

Cheon Sinwoo, grinning, led them to a room, and they tilted their heads in curiosity.

Before them, the sack’s contents spilled out.

Gold, silver, jade, trinkets…

The room glittered with treasures.

“W-What’s this?”

“Stuff the Huangdu Gang had. The paper bundle’s usury contracts.”

“U-Usury?”

Sohyang’s eyes widened as Cheon Sinwoo nodded.

“So you… picked this up?”

“Yes.”

Sohyang, stunned, gaped at Cheon Sinwoo, Woosaeng, and the riches.

So, they raided the Huangdu Gang’s hideout and cleaned it out?

“Then it’s stolen goods…”

“We picked it up. Ownerless now.”

Cheon Sinwoo’s bold claim gave Sohyang a headache.

What kind of excuse was that?

Through the door crack, she’d seen how he dealt with the Huangdu Gang.

Even to her untrained eyes, his skill was immense.

If he only took what they extorted, the gang was likely finished.

“But why bring it to me?”

“How would I know what to do? I figured you’d use it wisely, my lady.”

Sohyang frowned at the items, his words sinking in.

She was human; greed stirred.

With that wealth…

She could restore the Seoga manor to its former glory, live without labor.

Chang could study in better conditions.

“Hoo.”

But she exhaled, letting greed slip away.

These weren’t hers to begin with, likely precious to someone.

The tarnished ring might’ve been a dowry gift.

The rest, too, products of tyranny.

The usury contracts were the blood of debtors.

Desperate debts, no doubt.

How harsh must life be to borrow at such rates?

To survive, with no other way.

She’d wrestled with such thoughts herself.

Sohyang glanced at Cheon Sinwoo, pondering.

A man she saved by chance.

She thought him a wanderer, then a hunter, then realized he was a martial artist.

Stronger than she imagined.

Her past made her wary of martial artists.

But Chang’s words made her reflect.

Her father, Seo Jinjoong, once said:

“Hyang, cherish connections.”

“Good or bad, they stem from you.”

“Treat them well, and bad ties may turn good.”

Was Cheon Sinwoo, who chose servitude for saving him, a good tie?

His clear eyes, smiling at her, held no deceit.

An open man.

What was there to doubt?

Their bond began when she saved him.

She’d already accepted him as part of the Seoga family.

“Young Master Cheon.”

“Yes.”

“Any ulterior motives?”

“Probably should share it.”

“With people?”

“Yes. It was practically stolen. I thought you, the Seoga manor’s master, sharing it would be fitting, not me.”

Cheon Sinwoo answered naturally, and Sohyang smiled softly.

His methods were brutal, but as Chang said, his actions aimed for justice.

He brought wealth that could tempt anyone…

His selflessness for the unrelated Seoga family was deeply appreciated.

“Understood. I’ll handle it.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Sohyang accepted his intent, and Cheon Sinwoo expected no less.

Because it was her.

“What? Share it? Why? We worked hard to pick it up!”

Of course, Woosaeng was like the old Cheon Sinwoo.

That’s the normal reaction.

He’d changed a bit for the better.

Oddly satisfying.

Good call bringing it.

Was it Woosaeng’s reaction that highlighted it?

Sohyang’s warm gaze felt like he’d scored points.

He must never let her know about the money he secretly pocketed.

Emergency funds were necessary, just in case.

Smack!

“You idiot! You’d keep it? Think of the suffering of those it was taken from!”

“Oh, right?”

“Oh, my lady, don’t mind this fool. I agree with you and Young Master Cheon.”

Jeongyang’s wife swatted Woosaeng’s head, smiling.

…Jeez.

Like a thief caught, Cheon Sinwoo flinched when Woosaeng was hit.

“What happened to Huangdu?”

“Well…”

Sohyang’s question stumped Cheon Sinwoo.

How to soften saying he chopped him up and scattered the pieces?

With Chang listening.

Animal feed?

Fertilizer for the land?

As he pondered, Woosaeng pouted, grumbling.

“Ugh, big brother’s too kind. He sent Huangdu far away. Shouldn’t have spared him. Luckily, the hideout was empty, probably fled. I worried he’d send them far away too.”

Far away.

Woosaeng believed it literally, but Sohyang wasn’t fooled.

He’d sent him far indeed.

Somewhere he’d never return from…

Frowning, she addressed Cheon Sinwoo.

“If this happens again, turn them over to the authorities.”

“What?”

“‘Well water doesn’t invade river water’—officials and martial artists don’t mix—but harming people recklessly is wrong. Criminals should face legal judgment.”

Cheon Sinwoo nodded.

She was wise.

Used fancy words too.

“Yes.”

He agreed, but did he mean it?

They’d nearly lost Chang and her.

If it happened again…

He’d decide then.

No need to fret over what hadn’t occurred after last night’s mental strain.

“Anyway, with Huangdu gone and his gang dissolved, it’s great news for people.”

“Yes.”

Not just for them, but for the Seoga manor too.

He’d considered keeping it all but chose a better path, pocketing cash and bringing the rest.

Selling the items would spark rumors, but he thought long-term.

Usury contracts.

Stolen goods.

Such a waste, painfully so.

If Sohyang shared them?

People would know the Huangdu Gang’s fall was due to the Seoga manor.

Ousting them maintained order, sharing contracts and goods spread goodwill.

Word would spread that the Seoga manor was reborn.

Such deeds would shield Sohyang and Chang from “villain’s seed” rumors.

The money would return.

Desperate folk would offer protection fees, seeking a pillar.

Well done.

He was proud of becoming a planner, thinking ahead.

Using his brain more sharpened it.

“Right, shall we head out? To share what Young Master Cheon brought?”

“What? Now?”

“Keeping it breeds greed. I’m human too.”

“But it’s before breakfast…”

“Let’s eat out. It’s a fine day.”

Sohyang smiled brightly.

That smile was lovely.

No need to pay anywhere. Anyone demanding payment would regret it.

“Let’s do it.”

A rare meal out.

He’d always wanted to try it.

Dining out, sightseeing.

What did looks matter? He was still himself inside.

What was being the best?

Surrounded by enemies, he’d missed simple joys in his past life. Now he’d savor them.

With Sohyang and Chang.

His family.

“Get ready, then.”

“Yes.”

As he stepped out, a small hand followed, grabbing his.

Chang.

His son’s hand, the first time holding it.

Such warmth overwhelmed him. This tiny hand stirred his heart.

“What is it, young master?”

Beaming, he met Chang’s gaze.

Smiling back, Chang said, “Buy me candy.”

“…What?”

“Candy. I’ve always wanted some.”

Candy, of course.

The sweetest treat, always a kid’s favorite.

He’d buy it.

No, the joy of buying food for his son—was this a father’s heart?

He’d buy ten, not one.

“You kept some, right?”

“…What?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell Mother.”

Chang grinned.

Cheon Sinwoo’s warm smile froze.

Not some—plenty—but how did he know?

Was it a guess?

“Haha, young master, what do you mean?”

“It’s obvious.”

His narrowed, confident smile was certain.

Obvious?

Really?

A twelve-year-old noticed?

Damn…

Looked like he’d be holding Chang’s hand, buying candy often.

…Should be fun.