The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 291

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

The Youngest Son of the Jin Family of Luoyang – Chapter 291

* * *

The waterway from Beijing to Hubei.
To utilize this route, I headed toward Tongzhou, located east of Beijing.
From here, I could board a vessel and travel through Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui before reaching Wuhan in Hubei.
The journey would take slightly over a month, but it would be far more comfortable and pleasant than traveling by horseback, so I could enjoy the leisurely voyage during the extended travel time.
“Wow—I’ve never seen such a massive ship before.”
Chu Hyeongi gazed at the enormous vessel waiting ahead, his breath catching in wonder.
While other locations displayed reasonably large ships, this one possessed an exceptionally grand and imposing presence.
Simply by observing the Jin Family’s emblem fluttering on the flags in the wind, anyone would recognize it as belonging to the Jin Family of Luoyang.
Just as Chu Hyeongi smiled and began rushing toward it, I grabbed the back of his neck and shook my head.
“Why?”
“We’re going to that one instead.”
“Wait, isn’t that ship ours?”
“That vessel won’t depart immediately. The cargo and supplies must be prepared before it sets sail. Are you planning to wait until then?”
“…Is that so? Then our ship is…?”
I redirected my gaze toward another vessel standing at the far end of the dock.
It was less than half the size of the Jin Family’s grand ship.
The sails were crude, and the hull’s paint had weathered away with age. Like something that had drifted on the river for ages, barely clinging to life, the creaking wooden frame groaned loudly.
As I approached and handed silver coins to the boatman before boarding, my companions’ expressions grew troubled, as if anxiety had seized them.
With each step, the sound of ancient planks echoed ominously, making me wonder whether we could even reach Hubei.
“We… will survive this, right? I can’t swim.”
“…I cannot swim either.”
“Neither can I!”
The three spoke in unison, their gazes fixed upon me with doubt about whether I’d secured a proper vessel. I offered a bitter smile before speaking.
“The ship is old, but the boatman is one who has survived this profession the longest. You can trust him.”
“Survived…? Is piloting a boat a matter of life and death?”
To Chaeseoha’s questioning remark, I nodded.
For now, there was nothing to worry about.
We were simply traveling along the waterway.
But once this water route meets the Yangtze River, everything changes.
That region is controlled by the Yangtze River Bandits.
If the mountains held the Seventy-Two Green Forest Strongholds, then the rivers held the Yangtze River Bandits.
Since they targeted those traveling by boat, one could not survive long without the courage to face such adversaries.
In that regard, this boatman was perfect.
We entered the cabin space where we could rest.
Though we claimed the largest room, with four beds inside, only a narrow passage remained for walking.
If this place was in such a state, there was little need to see the others.
After unpacking my belongings and stepping back outside, the boatman began to move, apparently ready to depart.
“There are quite a few people here.”
“For traveling such distances, there’s no more convenient method. It’s only natural there are many.”
Chaeseoha stepped outside and gazed at the passengers boarding the vessel, unable to hide her surprise.
The number appeared to be just under fifty, with some looking like newlyweds, followed by merchants carrying large bundles and martial artists—various people gathered together.
Soon, the boat that had been stationary began to move slowly.
Following the experienced boatman’s gestures and rough commands, the laborers moved and rowed, and before long the boat had left the shore.
“Wait, please—!”
Suddenly, at the sound of a voice, people turned their gazes, and a man came running as he confirmed the boat had left the dock.
Apparently having urgent business, he hurried and reached the end of the wharf, but the distance had already grown too great for anyone to board.
Knowing there was no turning back, the boatman shook his head as if to say he should give up, but at that moment—
Whoosh—!
In an instant, the man pushed off from the wharf and leaped up, barely managing to land on the boat after jumping over a dozen zhang.
“Ugh?!”
However, only his toes touched the stern.
Unable to properly balance himself and staggering, just as he was about to fall into the water, I reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him aboard.
Crash—!
“Ow?!”
Landing face-first on the deck and striking his nose, the man clutched the injured spot and grimaced.
I watched him for a moment and laughed.
“Are you alright? That was close.”
“Ugh… it hurts. It hurts quite a bit. But… if you hadn’t caught me, I would have been in the water, so I’m indebted to you. Infinite Buddha—.”
The man repeatedly bowed with courtesy.
From the Buddhist invocation that came from his lips, I could infer his identity.
“Are you a Martial Artist?”
“Ha ha, yes, that’s right. My name is Cheongdam.”
“Cheongdam… of the Five Masters?”
“Yes, though I’m not particularly distinguished, I’m the youngest of the Five Masters. Ha ha, it’s an undeserved title.”
Cheongdam scratched his head and offered an awkward smile.
As if embarrassed by such a title.
However, knowing that the title of one of the Five Masters supporting the Nine Schools was hardly insignificant, the people listening nearby couldn’t hide their astonishment.
I wore an intrigued expression.
“But why are you traveling alone?”
“Ah— I came to Beijing to meet an acquaintance and am now heading back. But I nearly missed the boat because the time got late! If I’d missed this one, I wouldn’t be able to catch another for several days, and I couldn’t wait that long, so I had no choice but to jump. I don’t know who you are, but thanks to you, Young Master, I was able to board safely. This must surely be the mercy of the Primordial Celestial Worthy. Ha ha.”
“…”
At his endless stream of words, not only I but Chaeseoha and Jang Chuchyeong beside me wore uncomfortable expressions.
Namgung Yeon, deliberately looking away and gazing at the scenery, seemed as though he had closed his ears entirely.
I offered a bitter smile, nodded, and stepped back.
“Then, I wish you a pleasant journey.”
“Haha, but I haven’t learned the name of my benefactor. Since I must repay any debt, would you be willing to share your name with me?”
“Don’t think of it as a debt. I simply caught you because I couldn’t overlook it, so there’s no need to concern yourself.”
“How could a martial artist not repay such kindness? Even if I cannot repay with money—”
A chirping sound like sparrows filled my ears noisily. He seemed like someone who, once he started talking, rarely knew how to stop.
I glanced at Chaeseoha, and even she let out a hollow laugh.
Then she gave me a look that said to just tell him and send him on his way.
“I am Jin Cheon-u of the Jin Family.”
“…Do you mean the Jin Family of Luoyang? Jin Cheon-u—the Young Master of that place, the Golden Dragon! Surely you’re not saying you’re the famous Golden Dragon Jin Cheon-u!?”
“I’m not sure how famous I am… but yes, I am Jin Cheon-u of the Jin Family of Luoyang.”
“Huh?!”
In that moment, Cheongdam’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
His eyes began to sparkle as if he were seeing someone unbelievable right before him, and he quickly approached me, clasped his fists in salute, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.
“It’s an honor! A true honor! I’ve heard much of the Golden Dragon’s reputation and know of your deeds—”
His words went in one ear and out the other. He continued with endless praise, but in essence, he was simply saying he had long wanted to meet someone so remarkable.
I offered an awkward smile.
“Haha…”
“So—”
As his words continued without pause, and I was beginning to consider covering his mouth, the boatman who had been watching us approached with a furrowed brow.
“Listen here, Taoist.”
“Hm? Who are you?”
“Who else? I’m the owner of this boat! If you’re not paying the fare, get off now. No money and yet so much talking.”
“Ah! My apologies, boatman. I forgot for a moment. How much do I owe?”
“Where are you headed?”
“Of course, to Muhan.”
“One silver tael and fifty copper coins.”
At the boatman’s words, Cheongdam nodded and searched his robes. But when his money pouch didn’t appear, his hands moved more frantically across his body, and his face gradually turned pale.
“Ah—didn’t something fall into the water earlier? Could it be that?”
Chaeseoha said this and pointed to a location with her finger. That place, now far behind us, was impossible to swim to, and attempting it would mean missing the boat.
Besides, even if we went back, there was no guarantee we’d find it.
I looked at Cheongdam with a bitter smile as he slowly turned to me and carefully extended his hand.
“…I’m terribly sorry, but could you lend me some money?”
At his absurd request, I couldn’t help but click my tongue.
Shaking my head, I took out two silver taels from my purse and handed them to the boatman, who disappeared with a bright smile.
“Thank you, benefactor. I’ve received your kindness once again. As for the money… I will definitely repay it, so please don’t worry.”
“I’m not particularly concerned. But was the person you were planning to meet in Beijing the Cyan Grandmaster?”
“Huh?! You know even that?”
Cheongdam fell silent in surprise.
From the questioning gleam in his eyes alone, I could tell he was harboring excessive misconceptions about me, as if I could read the secrets of heaven.
“I learned he was the Grand Disciple, but it seems his influence remains considerable.”
“The Grand Senior was truly remarkable. Had he remained in the Martial Arts Alliance, I’m certain he would have surpassed Myeong-ryun’s position by now. He was that extraordinary. Haha, but seeing him now, he seems more at ease beside the Emperor than he ever was in the mountains.”
Cheongdam scratched his head and sighed.
Though his voice carried a bright tone, it seemed he harbored a wish that Chungho, once cast aside by the Martial Artists, would return once more.
Perhaps this journey to Beijing was meant to persuade such a person, I thought.
“It seems the Martial Artists’ circumstances are equally complicated.”
“Haha, not just us―.”
As his words threatened to continue, I nodded my head.
Then, quietly stepping back, I grasped Chaeseoha. There seemed nothing more to gain from further conversation, so there was no need to endure more meaningless talk.
As the conversation naturally found a pause, I did not hesitate—I lowered my head and swiftly excused myself.
“Then please rest. I’m rather tired, so I’ll retire first.”
“Oh my! My apologies, Young Master Jin. It seems I’ve detained you while you’re weary and rattled on with unnecessary words. I wish you a pleasant journey. Ah, perhaps―.”
I moved quickly, letting his words flow past me.
I felt an uneasy sense that if I lingered even a moment longer, that mouth would continue moving ceaselessly, even through the night.
So I hurried along.
Upon entering the cabin and closing the door firmly, Chaeseoha, who had been covering her ears with both hands, finally removed them and groaned.
“How can a person chatter on like that?”
“Yes, I wonder the same.”
Agreeing with Chaeseoha’s exasperated remark as she stuck out her tongue, I settled onto the cabin’s bed and fell into thought for a moment.
The Mudang Ogum are powerful figures within the Martial Artists.
Such a person went to Beijing and met Chungho?
Whether the Emperor summoned them or the Martial Artists went directly for some reason, the two possibilities felt distinctly different.
If the former, they would have discussed this matter; if the latter, it meant the Martial Artists had reason to meet Chungho again despite having cast him out.
“Either way, the Martial Artists are clearly troublesome.”
Phew…
I exhaled a long sigh with that judgment.
Our destination appeared increasingly complicated.

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