The Reformed Genius of the Sichuan Tang Clan - Chapter 33

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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 33
When Dang Youxian returned to his quarters, Yang Moesul was waiting for him.
“Second Son, I greet you.”
“What brings you here?”
“The Division Head said the work is complete and instructed me to deliver the documents. The items brought from Bi-dong are currently stored at Heukmu Pavilion, but I’ve organized them on bamboo tablets, so I can move them at once if you command it.”
“Typical of the Heukgang Division. You work quickly.”
“Thank you.”
‘But why did the vice-head come himself?’
It wasn’t unusual for a Division member to come in person with important documents that couldn’t fall into the wrong hands.
But for the vice-head himself to arrive was something else entirely.
It meant either the contents were important enough to warrant a skilled hand, or it was an acknowledgment of Dang Youxian’s own standing.
‘I should test the waters.’
Dang Youxian took the bamboo tablet from Yang Moesul and asked, “Did the Division Head leave any other message?”
“No message, sir. Only that you should follow your own commands as you see fit.”
“I see.”
Sending the vice-head Yang Moesul was a declaration that he would cast aside all the stigma of being a wastrel and treat him as the Second Son.
At the same time, it was a signal that if Dang Youxian entered the succession struggle in earnest, the Division Head would support him.
‘To gain the backing of two senior figures already. Fortune favors me.’
If he was to pursue his ambitions going forward, it was better to secure the support of those who wouldn’t be swayed by empty words.
In that sense, the backing of Dang Jongcheon and Dang Roe was an invaluable foundation.
‘Now at last I stand on equal footing with the rest.’
To transform the Family, becoming its Head was most effective.
If he’d decided to enter the succession struggle, he needed at least to start from the same position as the others if he was to have any chance of victory, didn’t he?
Of course, while the original Dang Youxian wasted away his years, the others had surged far ahead, so he would need to redouble his efforts.
‘Which means I must make the best use of every opportunity presented to me.’
Dang Youxian glanced at Yang Moesul, who stood with his head bowed.
“Do you have any other engagements?”
“No, sir.”
“Then follow me. I’m going to report the results at Doksak Pavilion, and you know better than anyone the effort the Heukgang Division has put in.”
“Sir?”
“This work wasn’t done by me alone—it was done together with the Division. How could I claim all the credit for myself? You’re a busy man and so am I, so let’s go at once.”
“Yes, understood!”
Yang Moesul followed Dang Youxian and found himself thinking.
He hadn’t even believed that what he’d heard and seen contradicted the rumors—that the man wasn’t truly a wastrel after all.
Now, the more he learned, the more the evaluations surrounding him seemed like lies, and the more this man appeared to be someone entirely different from his past self.
Warmth toward the common people.
A righteousness that would not turn away from injustice.
And on top of that, in a moment when he could have easily claimed all the credit for himself, he remembered and looked after the Heukgang Division.
‘How could I have misjudged such a man!’
To be dazzled by what the eye could see and turn away from what was true.
It was a great shame for a member of the Heukgang Division.
‘I, Yang Moesul, swear to devote myself completely to the Second Son!’
Yang Moesul took a sharp breath and made his vow with fierce determination.
For some reason, Dang Youxian felt a prickling at the back of his neck and quickened his pace.
* * *
A secluded spot near Yeoan Pavilion.
Doksak Pavilion, where the faint scent of poison fragrance drifted, controlled outside access strictly, so its security was formidable.
‘It’s grown quieter, but little has truly changed.’
Since ancient times, Doksak Pavilion had been established to cultivate successors and retainers skilled in both the martial and scholarly arts.
If true growth was desired, this place could not be allowed to crumble.
Dang Youxian smiled with satisfaction.
“Second Son, I greet you. What brings you to Doksak Pavilion?”
“I’ve come to report the results of the fieldwork.”
“The Heukgang Division’s vice-head accompanies you as well?”
“Indeed.”
“I understand. I shall show you in.”
Following the gatekeeper’s guidance into the room, Dang Youxian found instructor Dang Jingi busily writing something on a bamboo tablet.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’ve come to report the results of the fieldwork.”

“Haven’t you only just given me the assignment?”
No matter how consumed one was by duty, there was no way he could have missed the stir that had swept through Sacheon in a single night.
So this was a question about whether Dang Youxian had truly accomplished it.
“The matter proved grave enough to warrant swift action, sir.”
At those words, Dang Jingi’s eyes narrowed subtly.
“……I see.”
He accepted it more readily than expected.
He’d brought Yang Moesul along precisely to counter any accusation of disbelief—but it seemed unnecessary now.
‘Well. Saves me the trouble.’
Dang Jingi gestured with his chin toward the bamboo tablet in Dang Youxian’s hand.
“Is there anything else you need to report?”
“There is, sir.”
“What?”
Dang Youxian unfastened the Wol-Young Sword at his waist and laid it upon the desk.
“I recovered the Dang Family’s family treasure sword from Gwawol Tower.”
“That’s… what!?”
Dang Jingi, who had been answering in an air of indifference, bolted upright.
‘Ah. Good reaction. This is entertaining.’
His eyes widened as if they might burst from his skull, then he dragged a hand roughly through his hair.
“Ah. Yes. Wait, just wait a moment. Is anyone outside?”
“You called, sir?”
“Tell the Family Head, the elders, and the Master of Manji Pavilion to come at once to the Doksak Pavilion conference hall. Be sure to mention that the Second Son has recovered the Dang Family’s sword.”
“Yes!? No, ah, understood, sir!”
At Dang Jingi’s command, the attendant stationed outside scurried away in haste.
Even as he obeyed, he seemed startled and befuddled.
Dang Jingi turned to Yang Moesul with an expression of disbelief.
Yang Moesul shrugged, confirming it was all true.
“People will gather at the conference hall soon. Hear it all properly then.”
“Understood, sir.”
Dang Youxian bowed formally and turned to leave.
“You’ll need evidence. Bring those items as well.”
“Your command will be obeyed!”
After Yang Moesul departed, Dang Youxian turned his back to Dang Jingi, a corner of his mouth lifting.
He found himself wondering what expression those men—still dazed and holding their heads stiffly—would wear.
* * *
“……And thus I obtained the sword.”
Dang Youxian finished his account calmly before a smaller gathering than the first inquiry.
Excluding his connection with Seonwoo Yun, the process of acquiring the Wol-Young Sword had been surprisingly straightforward to summarize.
Yet those listening to him sat with jaws slack and eyes wide as saucers, all dignity forgotten.
It was only natural—they had believed the family treasure sword lost in war, and now they beheld it before their eyes.
“Master of Manji Pavilion, please verify it’s truly the Dang Family’s. Quickly!”
“I was about to examine it—don’t rush me!”
Dang Gihyeon, the Master of Manji Pavilion, who researched the Dang Family’s weapons and implements, inspected the blade carefully.
“It was not forged by a Dang Family craftsman.”
“Well, that figures!”
“However, I can see the character for Dang faintly inscribed on the blood groove—it is indeed the Dang Family’s sword.”
“Then……!”
Because it was a sword rather than a saber, the reaction felt somewhat muted.
‘Such stuffy old men, the lot of them.’
Dang Youxian snapped his fingers together sharply.
“But there’s more.”
At that, members of the Heukgang Division entered, each carrying a wooden chest.
“From the hidden chamber beneath Gwawol Tower, we retrieved account ledgers, gold bullion, and a great deal of other valuables. Some were extorted from common folk, but others have no traceable source.”
In other words, clean money that could be used at any time.
“I’ve compiled a separate accounting of the damages to civilians—you’ll find the details in the report I’ve submitted.”
“Deputy Director, is what the Second Son says true?”
“It is.”
Yang Moesul continued, explaining how the Heukgang Division had moved according to Dang Youxian’s orders, and exclamations of astonishment erupted throughout the chamber.
“Hmm…….”
In the face of such flawless and decisive action, the conference hall fell silent.
This was far more than simply completing the assignment well.
Following the Poison Record, he had achieved a remarkable deed that elevated the family’s standing.
When no one spoke, Dang Gangheon broke the silence first.
“To see you achieve such splendid results fills me with pride as your father, and joy as Family Head.”
“Heh. It is a great blessing for the Dang Family.”
“Family Head. Should we not commend the Second Son’s accomplishments?”
As though fulfilling his promise to help, Dang Jongcheon raised the matter first.
Perhaps because the matter was grave, or perhaps because it was Dang Jongcheon—who had long been hostile to Dang Youxian—who spoke first, no one raised an objection.
“Then I must ask again. Youxian, is there a reward you desire?”
“That sword.”
The measured reply sent the assembly into uproar.
He was asking for a family treasure—a sword that might be a divine blade—as his reward!
“Second Son! No matter what splendid deeds you have accomplished, there are limits!”
“Tch. You ought to know your place. Because you’ve succeeded a few times, do you think you’ve become something special?”
“Are you insulting our ancestors?”
“When did I insult them? A spear fulfills its purpose when thrust forward; a sword fulfills its purpose when it cuts. I am only saying we should not let a famous blade rust away unused.”
These thick-headed fools. Think for once in your lives.
Is there any use in treasuring something only to let it rot?
“But if a sword used so long ago should break…….”
“From what I can see, it has not a single flaw.”
“And yet, the matter of propriety…….”
“Did not the Family Head himself ask me what reward I desired?”
Propriety! Always propriety!
If you treasure something carefully only to let it decay, you might as well have not possessed it at all.
Is that truly what you wish?
“I see no objection.”
“What? Thirteenth Elder, are you in your right mind?”
“This may not merely be a famous blade, but a divine sword! To bestow it upon a mere son, not even the Family Head or his successor!”
“Have you forgotten the will that our founder left us? Did he not urge us to pursue practical flexibility over rigid convention? However excellent a famous blade may be, if it passes through no human hands, it remains but a relic.”
“That may be true, but…….”
I understand your concerns, but would it not be better to let the sword fulfill its purpose? The Second Son, as he stands now, seems worthy of it.”
Then those who had opposed fiercely fell silent and looked to Dang Wi.
Since he was effectively the leader of the opposition, his agreement meant they would follow his lead.
“The Thirteenth Elder speaks truth. If the Second Son is as he is now, the bestowal is warranted.”
Dang Wi did not believe in Dang Youxian’s transformation.
How could a person abandon his former life and live anew in a single moment? It was impossible.
He believed that Dang Youxian’s cooperation was merely an illusion to avoid the Family Head’s anger, that all his accomplishments thus far were mere coincidence.
‘Not even a spear, but a sword—and of course he picks one just like himself.’
Dang Wi clicked his tongue inwardly.
‘In any case, there are other family treasures. Once I find them, that’s all that matters.’
The sword would never fall into his own hands anyway; it was better that it be damaged in another’s grasp.
So the question was not how valuable it was now, but how it could be used.
‘If Dang Youxian loses or damages what he himself requested and the Family Head personally bestowed, the consequences would be severe.’
Then, no matter how many accomplishments he accumulated, it would be difficult for him to recover.
That was precisely what Dang Wi desired.
“Family Head, since all the senior members are gathered here, why not bestow the sword now? Though it is part of his instruction, since he has earned merit, would it not be fitting to let others know of it and make it an example to follow?”
“……Very well.”
Dang Gangheon felt a nagging unease at this show of goodwill, yet he nodded in agreement.
He was both the Family Head and a father to his child. His desire to reward his son for his accomplishments was as deep as the sky was high.
“I hereby bestow upon Second Son Dang Youxian the sword of the Dang Family. Use it well.”
“I shall remember this honor.”
“With this, the assembly is concluded.”
After the meeting ended, Dang Youxian exchanged a glance with Dang Jongcheon.
Without Dang Jongcheon’s help, regardless of Dang Wi’s intentions, he would have had to take a much longer path.
Dang Youxian turned away without waiting for Dang Jongcheon’s response.
He needed to return to his quarters quickly.
Now that he had obtained what he wanted, there was much to consider.
* * *
“It’s strange.”
Dang Youxian murmured as he lay sprawled on his bed.
It’s hardly strange that the Wol-Young Sword isn’t among the Dang Family’s holdings.
But of all places, it’s at Gwawol Tower, where they’ve been building their influence in Sacheon?
Something felt off.
It would have made more sense if the Ma Sect was keeping it hidden to suppress the Dang Family’s power.
It seemed the Wol-Young Sword was entangled with more than just Gwawol Tower.
“I should look into this myself.”
Dang Youxian rose abruptly and stepped outside his quarters.
Sacheon’s merchant district, lined with pleasure houses and inns.
Dang Youxian changed into inconspicuous clothes and strolled through the streets of Sacheon.
No one clung to him anymore as they once had.
‘At last, some peace.’
Dang Youxian smiled with satisfaction, then let the expression fade.
Someone parted through the crowd and approached him.
“I am Wi Jigyeong of the Jeomchang Faction. I’d like to have a word with you.”
Sacheon Dang Family: Genius Reformed
Author |
Yi Il-young
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Samyang C&C Co., Ltd.
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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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