The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 24

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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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Chapter 24
* * *
Upon arriving at Grandmother’s Quarters, Baek Li-myeong stepped into the chamber and found himself bewildered by the gathering before him.
The room held not only his parents but also his aunt and the twins, all assembled together. The twins were covered in sweat and dirt from their recent escapades.
Baek Li-ui-muk also wore a puzzled expression upon noticing the empty seat beside Baek Li-myeong.
“Where is Li-ri?”
“She refused to come, so I left her behind.”
“You should have brought her anyway.”
“Father, you know how stubborn Li-ri is.”
Baek Li-ui-muk shook his head with a sigh.
“I apologize, Mother. I fear I’ve spoiled her with too much indulgence.”
The elderly woman set down her teacup and spoke.
“Never mind. Have someone bring Li-ri here and prepare her at once.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The woman beside the elderly matriarch answered softly and rose to leave. Observing this, Baek Li-ui-ran could no longer contain herself and asked.
“Mother, what is this gathering about?”
Despite the urging, the elderly woman leisurely lifted her teacup.
“News has just arrived. The Young Master of the Namgung Clan has come to visit.”
“The Young Master? You mean Namgung Wan?”
Everyone in the room gasped in surprise. Baek Li-ui-muk’s voice even trembled slightly.
“Could it be… could the Namgung Clan Head himself have also come?”
Namgung Mu-cheol, the current Family Head of the Namgung Clan.
He was one of the Eleven Strongest Under Heaven, standing equal with Baek Li Pae-hyuk.
He was also the Alliance Master of the Murim Alliance, which comprised the Ten Great Families, the Nine Sects, and other Orthodox Sect martial forces. Though he had since relinquished the position to another.
“No. The Young Master of the Namgung Clan came alone.”
Everyone’s expressions grew noticeably disappointed.
Yet soon their faces brightened with anticipation.
Baek Li-ui-muk’s expression in particular became radiant.
Though Baek Li-ui-muk was inferior to Baek Li-ui-gang in reputation, martial prowess, and connections, he maintained his position as successor due to the Family Head’s desire to avoid internal strife.
However, within the Baek Li Family, many believed Baek Li-ui-gang was better suited for the position. If he could forge a connection with Namgung Wan, the Young Master of the Namgung Clan, and secure his backing…
Baek Li-ui-muk swallowed hard.
Baek Li-ui-ran, flushed with excitement, spoke hastily.
“Mother! This is no time to delay! Let us go to the Reception Hall at once—”
Tap.
The elderly woman cut off Baek Li-ui-ran’s eager words with the sound of her teacup being set down.
“He is not staying in the Reception Hall.”
“Pardon?”
“He did not come as a guest of the Baek Li Family.”
“Pardon? Then…?”
“He came as a guest of Baek Li-ui-gang.”
Baek Li-ui-ran, who had already half-risen from her seat, spoke up.
“…Surely you don’t mean he’s going to stay at Baek Li-ui-gang’s Quarters the whole time?”
“Presumably.”
“Isn’t that too much? He invites Namgung Wan and only sees him? If that’s the case, why invite him in the first place…!”
“Baek Li-ui-ran.”
Baek Li-ui-muk cut off his sister’s words and spoke to her gently.
“Mother must have had her reasons for calling us all here. Please, compose yourself.”
The elderly lady, satisfied by her son’s dignified demeanor, lifted her teacup.
“Indeed. I sent word to my son Baek Li-ui-gang, inviting Namgung Wan to join us for the evening meal.”
Color returned to Baek Li-ui-ran’s face.
“Well, if he has any conscience at all, he should certainly agree, given how he’s brought shame upon Mother’s name all this time!”
In stark contrast, Baek Li-ui-muk spoke with caution.
“But Mother, didn’t Father previously say not to interfere with my brother’s guests?”
And as if on cue, commotion erupted outside the chamber door.
The elderly lady spoke with composure.
“Let him in.”
The door opened, and Jang Seok-ryang’s eyes swept across those gathered in the chamber.
Baek Li-ui-muk averted his gaze uncomfortably from Jang Seok-ryang’s stare.
“I see everyone is assembled here.”
Then Jang Seok-ryang offered a respectful greeting. Observing this, the elderly lady spoke with a stern expression.
“How unusual for Jang, who is famous for his sluggish pace, to make such swift steps. What brings you here?”
“I’m sure you already know well why I’ve come, madam.”
Baek Li-ui-muk, swallowing dryly, carefully interjected.
“Jang, Mother is…”
“Baek Li-ui-muk, I shall conduct this conversation.”
The elderly lady cut off her son’s words with finality.
Baek Li-ui-muk hesitated and fell silent.
Jang Seok-ryang continued.
“Madam, would it not be wise to reconsider at this moment? He is the Fourth Young Master’s guest. Do not place him in an awkward position.”
“Awkward? I merely suggested we share an evening meal together.”
“You know full well what this means. Should the Family Head learn of this, he will surely hold you accountable.”
Baek Li Pae-hyuk was currently away, leading his disciples in the suppression of bandits that had been plaguing the magistrate’s office.
Baek Li-ui-muk gazed anxiously between Jang Seok-ryang and the elderly lady.
The elderly lady let out a scoff and spoke.
“Do you truly think a mother concerned for her son’s future would fear such a trifle?”
Whether Baek Li Pae-hyuk returned and raged or not, gaining Namgung Wan as a connection was worth bearing any consequence. And once she secured Namgung Wan as an ally, even Baek Li Pae-hyuk would have no choice but to accept her intentions.
“And it seems you are closer to the magistrate than I am, are you not?”
“….”
She meant that Baek Li Pae-hyuk was her family, her husband, and a member of the Baek Li Family, whereas Jang Seok-ryang was merely a subordinate.
Jang Seok-ryang sighed and took a step back.
“…Parents naturally act for the sake of their children. I merely hope they choose the right path.”
“You need not concern yourself.”
“Understood. Then I shall accompany you to the stone pavilion as well. I too must have something to report to the Family Head.”
“Do as you wish.”
Jang Seok-ryang withdrew without gaining much ground.
Baek Li Pae-hyuk instructed those remaining to prevent any mischief during his absence, regarding the twins as persons of particular concern.
Baek Li Pae-hyuk had grown increasingly displeased with the twins of late. This shift in sentiment began precisely when Baek Li-yeon knelt alongside her father.
This current matter bore no connection whatsoever to the twins, which was why he had withdrawn so readily.
Yet something felt amiss, as though I were overlooking a crucial detail. An ominous premonition kept surfacing—the sense that this affair would not be so easily resolved.
* * *
The garden, where pear blossoms and white peonies bloomed in profusion, was suffused entirely in white light as though snow had fallen. Lanterns scattered throughout deepened the ethereal beauty, evoking the sensation of stepping into a celestial realm.
The open-sided pavilion, perfectly positioned to admire the vista, overflowed with distinguished guests.
“I am Namgung Wan of the Namgung Clan.”
Namgung Wan executed a respectful bow with fluid grace.
“Welcome.”
Baek Li-ui-muk received him. The banquet was held not in the inner chambers but in the garden pavilion, while the elderly lady who had extended the invitation excused herself on grounds of poor health, having merely arranged the venue before withdrawing. This arrangement was designed to elevate Baek Li-ui-muk’s standing as the banquet’s host.
Baek Li-ui-muk and Baek Li-ui-ran exchanged greetings with Namgung Wan, as did Jang Seok-ryang, who stood to one side of the pavilion.
Jang Seok-ryang spoke with a smile toward Namgung Wan.
“How fares the Namgung Clan Head?”
Since Baek Li Pae-hyuk and Namgung Mu-cheol were acquainted, Jang Seok-ryang had encountered Namgung Mu-cheol on several occasions.
“He is well. Upon my return, I shall convey your regards to my father.”
Namgung Wan replied with measured composure.
Presently, servants arrived in succession bearing dishes. Delicacies of every variety swiftly filled the tables, and the fragrance of blossoms that had saturated the pavilion yielded to the appetizing aroma of food.
“I regret we could not prepare a more lavish reception given the short notice.”
“It is quite sufficient.”
“I heard there was an incident. The gatekeepers behaved disrespectfully, I understand?”
“….”
Namgung Wan remained silent, his displeasure plainly evident.
Baek Li-ui-muk laughed good-naturedly and spoke.
“It appears there was some misunderstanding. Upon learning the truth, I dealt with them decisively. Please, set your mind at ease.”
“Well, I heard the general account from Baek Li-ui-gang.”
Baek Li-ui-muk glanced toward Baek Li-ui-gang beside Namgung Wan and continued with a smile.
“Though he likely did not hear all the details. I dismissed those gatekeepers entirely. They shall never set foot in the Baek Li Estate again.”
“…You dismissed them?”
Baek Li-ui-gang asked, taken aback.
Namgung Wan also regarded Baek Li-ui-muk with surprise.
“Naturally. How could I know they would not commit such rudeness again?”
Namgung Wan let out a soft laugh.
“I find that approach agreeable. Our methods of conducting affairs align well. But surely I shall not encounter them again?”
It was a question probing whether they had been dismissed temporarily as an example, only to be reinstated later.
Namgung Wan’s gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Baek Li-ui-muk. Of course, having anticipated this very reaction, Baek Li-ui-muk suppressed his inner alarm. Yet he couldn’t help but acknowledge that Namgung Wan possessed the keen insight befitting Namgung Clan bloodline.
Now that he had stated it so explicitly, recalling the gatekeepers was impossible. If Namgung Wan caught wind of it, explaining himself would be far too difficult.
It was regrettable that he had to abandon the gatekeepers he’d gone to such lengths to position. No—perhaps it would have been easier to make excuses when Father returned.
“Haha, of course. Such a thing would never occur.”
“Good.”
Only then did Namgung Wan’s demeanor ease, and though not quite warm, the atmosphere loosened enough for them to converse more freely.
Baek Li-ui-ran, who had remained quiet until now, gestured toward a servant in the back, and the servant slipped out of the Pavilion.
Baek Li-ui-muk spoke.
“It’s a shame you won’t be staying long. How much longer do you plan to remain?”
“Hard to say. I don’t move according to a fixed schedule.”
“I see. Though your stay may be brief, surely comfort matters when choosing lodgings? Baek Li-ui-gang’s Quarters are serviceable enough, but I shall prepare a more spacious chamber in the Reception Hall for you.”
“That’s unnecessary. In truth, I came to this gathering because there’s something I wished to discuss.”
As Namgung Wan set down his chopsticks and spoke, both Baek Li-ui-muk and Baek Li-ui-gang wore puzzled expressions.
“Your brother’s close friend is as a younger brother to me. Please, consider me an elder brother and speak freely.”
Baek Li-ui-muk laughed heartily as he spoke.
After a moment of silence, Namgung Wan opened his mouth as though steeling himself.
“Regarding your son…”
“The young master and young lady have arrived.”
With the servant’s announcement, four children tumbled in. Baek Li-ui-ran was so focused on the children that she failed to notice Namgung Wan’s expression turn glacial.
“Oh my, the children were so eager to see you, and here they are. Children, this is Namgung Wan, the Great Master of Namgung Clan. Come now, greet him properly.”
Baek Li-ui-muk, too, was so occupied with the children that he missed the shift in Namgung Wan’s expression.
Baek Li-ui-muk introduced the children.
“The one on the far left is my eldest son, Baek Li-myeong. The girl on the right is my daughter, Baek Li-ri. She hasn’t ventured out much and is quite shy.”
Baek Li-ui-ran then spoke.
“The twins beside her are my sons—the one on the left is So U-ak, and the one on the right is Baek Li Pyo.”
Baek Li-myeong, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement, bowed first.
“We greet you, Senior. I am Baek Li-myeong.”
The twins and Baek Li-ri, clinging to the hem of Baek Li-myeong’s robe, all offered their respects.
…
But no response came.

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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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