I Became the Eldest Daughter of a Fallen Family - Chapter 30

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 30. The Wi Ga Proposal
In the inner chambers of So Ga, Jang and So Yeon-hui sat across from the two young men with somewhat tense expressions, offering them water bowls.
“Our humble holdings offer no tea, I’m afraid. At least the water is clear—please, drink.”
Who could have imagined that the once-mighty So Ga would fall to such straits?
Ju Ha-yun felt momentarily unnerved by the So Ga household’s circumstances, which were more dire than he’d expected, but he accepted the bowl with both hands and bowed respectfully.
“There is nothing clearer or more fragrant than pure spring water. How could you call this humble?”
“I’ve never been fond of tea anyway, so water suits me fine. Heh.”
It seemed So Ga drew their water directly from a mountain spring, rather than from any well.
Unfiltered, it would be murky or carry an unpleasant tang—yet what guest, having come to make a request, would refuse what their host offered?
Even if the water proved difficult to drink, they would not let it show. With this resolve firm in their hearts, both men carefully took a sip.
But in the next instant, their eyes flew wide open in surprise.
‘What… what is this? The taste of the water…’
‘Not fishy at all—it’s refreshing, almost sweet!’
Their gazes shifted as one toward the courtyard beyond the door.
That mysterious water purification device continued to pour water into a large earthen jar with steady, confident grace.
‘Is it the deep mountain springs that give the water such flavor? Well water from Jinseong tastes somewhat dull even after boiling.’
Yet from his own nights camping outdoors, he knew well that not all spring water or clear well water tasted equally good.
‘Could it be that passing through the bamboo tube improves the water’s taste? If so, where on earth did So Ga obtain such knowledge?’
The mysterious confections that So Yeon-hui created, the metal bowl of unknown purpose, and now this extraordinary filtration method using a bamboo tube—
his curiosity about So Ga’s secrets deepened by the moment. His eyes were beginning to narrow with habitual suspicion when—
So Jin cleared his throat lightly.
The two men snapped back to attention and straightened their posture as he continued in measured tones.
“Then let us speak to the matter at hand. What business brings you to seek out So Ga? We should not be known to exist in this place.”
The imperial court had kept the exile location strictly secret to prevent unrest among the people and to block any collusion between So Ga and local magnates or provincial officials.
So thorough was the secrecy that even those who had escorted them here did not know their true identities.
Yet now the Wi Ga—one of the most influential clans in Cheongyang County—had come openly seeking So Jin?
He could not shake his worry that they might be drawn into something seditious.
But Wi Jeong, oblivious to such complications, spoke to So Jin in a cheerful and brisk tone.
“Not long ago, this young woman saved my grandmother’s life in Jinseong. We have come to repay that debt of gratitude.”
So Jin’s gaze shifted quietly to So Yeon-hui. Caught off guard by this sudden attention, she hastily protested.
“It wasn’t anything so grand! As I said before, I simply passed by and happened to help an elderly woman in distress for a moment. I did not do it in hopes of reward.”
“Though you did pressure her to buy that fragrant ointment, as I recall?”
Wi Jeong chuckled mischievously—only to fall silent when Ju Ha-yun’s elbow drove sharply into his ribs.
“To repay a debt is the proper thing. How could we pretend not to see So Ga’s hardship? We wish only to express our sincere gratitude, however modest. Please, accept it.”
Ju Ha-yun bowed, belatedly smoothing over the situation.
But So Jin cut through with a firm voice, bringing the conversation to an abrupt halt.
“Your sentiment is appreciated, but you must leave now. Take everything you brought with you.”
“… What?”
Wi Jeong’s face went blank with shock.
“Surely you don’t think we meant to offer a bribe! Our hearts are entirely sincere…”
“The bond between our two houses was severed more than fifteen years ago. The previous generation kept their distance because it was wise that we not have dealings. How could I disregard such profound judgment?”
“But surely circumstances have changed since then!”
“They have not.”
So Jin’s eyes gleamed with cold clarity.
“It is true that So Ga once stood in glory, and now we have fallen. Yet So Ga remains So Ga. Our honor has not been broken—how could circumstances be different?”
He paused to gather himself, then turned his attention to his family members, who had been watching from a distance.
“Mother, my wife, and my children—Yeon-hui, Yeon-su, Yeon-u. Though I am inadequate and our family’s fortunes have declined, I still wish to preserve the honor of our house. I beg you to forgive this stubborn heart of mine.”
Who could fail to be moved by such solemn and resolute words from the patriarch?
Hong stood behind So Jin in support, letting out a scoff of approval.
“Bah! Money comes and goes. One day you have it, the next you don’t. How could we sell So Ga’s honor for mere coins? Don’t talk such nonsense!”
Jang nodded in agreement.
“Your words are right. None of us in this family differ from you in spirit. Please, sir—eat your apple.”
Even the young twins added their voices, each speaking in turn.
“That’s right, Father!”
“We all stand with Father!”
At this unified declaration, Hong lifted her chin proudly toward the two young men.
“See how virtuous and wise my daughter-in-law is, gentlemen? How well-reasoned our children have become! Hmph!”
“Mother…”
Jang’s lips moved in embarrassment, but Hong remained steadfastly unabashed.
So Yeon-hui smiled and turned calmly to address the two men.
“Since Grandmother, my parents, my brothers, and I are all of one mind, I must ask you both to leave. If the bowl you purchased from me truly displeases you, I will refund your money.”
Seven hundred cash coins vanishing stung, but they could always earn more.
With matters having taken this turn, it was the two men who grew desperate.
“That was never our intention! If we return empty-handed, how will people view Wi Ga? Won’t they call us petty, unworthy even of repaying a debt?”
Wi Jeong waved his hands in panic.
Ju Ha-yun, rarely showing such alarm, quickly pressed on.
“My friend speaks truly. Kindness must be met with reward. How can you refuse to accept our gratitude?”
Most people would have moved heaven and earth to form ties with men of their station. Why did this household insist on doing the exact opposite?
Both men struggled to conceal their bewilderment at this unprecedented species of human behavior.
Yet So Yeon-hui was a girl who exceeded whatever one might imagine.
“I have already received my reward from the Bodhisattva for my kindness. Moreover, since we do not wish for repayment, how can you insist? That would be returning gratitude with enmity.”
“But then what about that fragrant ointment and that metal bowl—!”
Beyond mere bewilderment, Wi Jeong felt the sting of injustice, and his words caught in his throat.
At this rate, not only would they fail to forge a bond with So Ga—they would be turned away at the very gate.
‘Where did this go wrong?’
As Wi Jeong sat frozen in confusion, Ju Ha-yun, the one still clinging to reason, clenched his fist.
‘When you lose your way and no longer know which direction to go, try walking backward on the path you came.’
He furrowed his brow and lowered his head deeply. Then, as if making a final wager with fate, he played his last hand with a heavy sigh.
“If that is the wish of So Yeon-hui and So Ga, we shall press no further. But because I have failed in my conduct, the path to form a good relationship with your house and seek your aid is now closed forever. I know not how to face my grandfather in heaven.”
A long, weighty sigh; eyes that seemed to compress all their sorrow inward.
How could one continue to turn away such a sorrowful face?
In the heavy silence that fell, So Jin carefully opened his mouth.
“… Has something happened at Wi Ga?”
At last, a subtle smile played at the corners of Ju Ha-yun’s lips.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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