I Became the Eldest Daughter of a Fallen Family - Chapter 57

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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 57. The Wang Attack (3)
In the end, they rose before dawn broke, put their dress in order, and rode their horses together.
Though Ju Ha-yoon worried it might be too early, he didn’t slow the pace—he was terrified that So Yeon-hui might be disappointed in him over this matter.
Yet the moment he arrived at the So Household, Ju Ha-yoon faced the worst, though not quite in the way he’d imagined.
Sturdy men gripping clubs.
The twins, trembling and terrified, huddled behind the door.
Jang and the senior lady Hong, standing firm despite eyes full of fear.
And So Yeon-hui herself, standing before them all, steadfast-eyed and armed, locked in confrontation with the men.
“Today I’ll hold a proper funeral for this wretched woman! This cursed wretch!”
At those words, the slender thread of reason Ju Ha-yoon had barely maintained snapped.
And so he drove his horse between the men and So Yeon-hui in one swift motion, drawing his blade.
“My lord, no—County Magistrate? What’s the meaning of this at this hour?”
What an absurd question.
Ju Ha-yoon, finding his tension dissolve somewhat, turned to So Yeon-hui and answered.
“I came to speak with you. There are things I owe the So Household an apology for…… But truly, are you well?”
“As you can see? I’m not the sort of person who runs about getting beaten.”
Her response—far more spirited than he’d expected—caused his gaze to sweep across the So Household members in turn before settling on Wang and then Wang Chun-bae.
For some reason, the men with clubs were shaking badly, the one who’d been in front was bleeding from his head and backside, and the old man beside him…….
‘Has he actually soiled himself? ……Certainly. The situation is somewhat different from what I expected.’
Yet this slender girl, who’d bravely stood against them, remained there in the courtyard, eyes still confident and unshaken.
‘……She’s inherited her father, General Seung-un, intact and whole.’
Perhaps the word “heroine” was meant precisely for a girl like this.
Only then did Ju Ha-yoon, relieved at last, sheathe the sword he’d drawn. Wi Jung, who’d arrived a moment late behind him, entered the So Household courtyard just as Ju Ha-yoon was putting away his blade, and jumped in alarm.
“What—what were you thinking, drawing your sword? What are all these people?”
“Can’t you see? A ruffian band here for retaliation against the So Household. How in the world was this matter handled……!”
Wi Jung, scolded immediately upon arrival, drew his neck in like a turtle. Then, spotting Wang Chun-bae rolling on the ground, he tilted his head.
“Hmm? That one…… They beat his backside with a club, so why is his head split open?”
So Yeon-hui, hearing Wi Jung’s murmur, quietly turned her head away.
Just as she tried to slip back in embarrassment, Ju Ha-yoon suddenly seized her hand.
Then he spoke with an unwavering, steady voice.
“In any case, worry no more. No one will be able to harm you or the So Household.”
His tone was not loud, but it admitted no retreat.
At that firm declaration, what could So Yeon-hui possibly say? She could only smile awkwardly.
* * *
After leaving Wi Jung to handle the aftermath, Ju Ha-yoon stepped into the main room and immediately bowed deeply to Hong, Jang, and So Yeon-hui.
“I apologize for my rudeness this morning. And I must sincerely apologize for the shameful conduct my cousin Wi Jung has displayed.”
“G-Gracious Prince! Why do you do this so suddenly?”
When Jang remonstrated in flustered concern, he only lowered himself further and spoke to her.
“I have wronged Miss So and the So Household deeply. How could I raise my head? Outside, there were eyes upon us, so I could not offer my apologies until now. I am truly sorry.”
That unexpected statement hung silence in the room. They could not understand why he was doing this.
So Yeon-hui, at last unable to hold back, spoke first.
“Forgive me, but what exactly are you apologizing for?”
“I heard that Wi Jung…… my cousin proposed a transaction to you, using the resolution of the tax issue as a pretext. I’m told the act itself held no ill intent, but as a result, it has caused harm like this, and I am deeply ashamed.”
Wait, he’d just rescued them splendidly from the ruffians, and now what was he saying? Besides, aside from a moment’s alarm, there had been no real damage.
So Yeon-hui waved her hand and shook her head.
“No, no—why speak such things? Didn’t you just see? That you saved my life?”
Certainly, So Yeon-hui would have rushed at them resolved to break bones, but even so, they held thick clubs.
And if she’d been struck badly and her head split open, what then?
It was truly fortunate that Ju Ha-yoon had stepped in when he did.
She prevented him from bowing again, quickly seating him instead.
It was just then that thoughtful So Yeon-u and So Yeon-su brought a cup of warm tea and some Du-hwa for their guest.
After taking a sip of the warm tea and finally settling his mind, Ju Ha-yoon, after much consideration, slowly set down the cup and continued.
“It seems I shall have difficulty visiting frequently. Given my position.”
So Yeon-hui nodded.
“Of course. The County Magistrate cannot stand guard over our household.”
“That’s precisely what I wish to say.”
Ju Ha-yoon fell silent for a moment.
“Would you consider moving your residence to Geonup Castle? It is where the county office stands, so should such an incident occur again, we could respond swiftly, and the So Household would be safer.”
The main room grew quiet once more.
So Yeon-hui looked around at her family. Jang said nothing, adjusting her apron. Hong gazed downward, her expression thoughtful and distant. So Yeon-su and So Yeon-u had begun to speak but, catching So Yeon-hui’s eye, fell silent.
Yes. They’d all reached the same conclusion.
Reading her family’s will, So Yeon-hui shook her head first.
“Your kindness is appreciated, but we shall be fine.”
“If I may ask—what is your reason?”
“We have planted things on the mountain slopes in the thatched cottage. The water conduit, the fields. If we leave now, all of it would be wasted.”
“Winter will come soon enough. Life on the mountain will be far harsher than in the county town. Are you truly certain?”
So Yeon-su smiled faintly and nodded. Then he added quietly.
“We’ve already endured seasons far harsher than this.”
They had lived through days when they could barely eat one meal. They had survived times when the whole family had turned against each other, worn down by helplessness.
Thus, So Yeon-hui held no fear of life here.
And the same was true for young So Yeon-u. Without hesitation, she stepped before Ju Ha-yoon and spoke.
“Your Highness! Our father is here too. If Father is here, I have nothing to fear!”
“That’s right! Our father is invincible under heaven!”
Ju Ha-yoon gazed for a moment at the twins, whose eyes shone with love for their father, then looked away.
Just then, Hong spoke.
“Your Highness. Our household came to this state not because we failed to avoid the coming crisis, but because we failed to fight properly. Once one grows accustomed to fleeing, there comes a time when there is nowhere left to flee to.”
Ju Ha-yoon looked at Hong. She met his gaze directly and continued.
“We are grateful for Your Highness’s kindness. But the So Household wishes…… to remain here.”
At that firm declaration, Ju Ha-yoon fell silent.
He was not without the desire to persuade her further. But what could he do when the family’s hearts were already united?
He let out a short breath, then nodded.
“If the senior lady and the So Household’s will is truly thus, how could I insist otherwise? I spoke hastily out of needless worry, but there was no ill intent. Please forgive me.”
Then he rose from his seat calmly and continued.
“Only, I ask that you strengthen your defenses henceforth. Check the gate locks first, avoid venturing outside alone at night. And above all…… I would wish for the height of your walls to be raised somewhat.”
So Yeon-hui nodded.
“I understand.”
“And do send word frequently to the Cheongpyeong Wi Household. I have already arranged it so they will assist the So Household in many ways.”
“No, there’s no need to go to such lengths.”
At So Yeon-hui’s taken-aback response, Ju Ha-yoon gazed at her for a moment, then looked away. Shielding his slightly reddened ears, he spoke softly.
“……It puts my heart at ease.”
With those words, Ju Ha-yoon bowed once more with proper courtesy and left the main room.
Hong and Jang moved to see him off, but he asked them to rest, saying they must be quite startled. Only So Yeon-hui followed him.
Entering the courtyard, Wi Jung, who had finished dismissing the men and was dealing with the damaged gate, looked at So Yeon-hui with a troubled expression and asked.
“Miss, what about this gate? It won’t be fixed.”
“Don’t worry. It won’t take more than half a day to rebuild it.”
“Shall I send some workers? Or perhaps proper materials…….”
“It’s fine. There’s bamboo all around the property.”
She hastened the two young men out of the courtyard, unwilling to let them fuss further, and waved them off.
“If you really feel sorry, then spread the word in County Town about the So Household’s Du-hwa. Business is good, and we’re planning to expand to County Town soon.”
“Then I’ll be sure to come eat some myself!”
“Thank you, Master Wi.”
Ju Ha-yoon gave a light nod, then set his horse forward in silence.
In the place where the two had departed, So Yeon-hui stood dazed for a moment, watching the mountain path grow quiet as the hoofbeats faded.
As she exhaled a long breath, So Yeon-u came out and asked.
“They all gone?”
“Yes.”
So Yeon-hui answered curtly, looking at the gate.
‘Now how am I supposed to clean all this up?’
The fence in ruins, the courtyard in disarray.
‘Father’s going to have a fit when he comes home.’
So Yeon-hui grunted as she lifted the gate, split in half, and propped it roughly against the fence entrance.

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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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