139

Chapter 139 - Unwanted Guest - 6

On the road connecting Yichang to Sichuan's capital.

A group of martial artists with purple hair set down their luggage at an inn along that road.

Though the people of the inn did not show it outwardly, they could easily guess the identities of their guests. After all, in this colorful world, a group entirely composed of individuals with purple hair could only mean one thing.

The Sichuan Tang Family.

The presence of such a prominent family instilled a sense of tension among the people of the inn.

"There you have it because it's purple."

"You won't regret this."

Two martial artists from the Sichuan Tang Family did not seem to care about the atmosphere at the inn and instead appeared to be recommending something to another martial artist from their family.

Those at the inn, observing from a distance, thought that perhaps the two were suspiciously peddling some sketchy potion, indicative of the Sichuan Tang Family.

But the reality was different.

"Are you really coercing him to read a novel? Isn't it quite the moment to indulge in fiction when we haven't achieved our goal in Hubei Province, only to return defeated?"

What the two martial artists from the Sichuan Tang Family were suggesting was the Tang Family Adventures, obtained in Yichang. 

"I once thought the same."

One of the insistent martial artists was the very man who had previously scorned their stopover at the Temple of Great Learning.

"What are you talking about?"

"It's this thing. But anyway, if we've failed to achieve our goal, do we continue to sulk? Will sighing as if to shatter the ground or staring up as if to collapse the heaven change anything?"

"That's right. During such times, one should draw upon the divine elixir sanctioned by the state. Lift your spirits by reading this novel."

"Have you both gone mad because you couldn't find the medicine you sought? Normally, you two scarcely get along; why today, of all days, are you in such an accord?"

The man of the Sichuan Tang Family, advised to read the book, looked incredulously at the two martial artists.

"Perhaps it's because we both found satisfaction in this novel, isn't it?"

"What book could possibly do that?"

"The Tang Family Adventures! The protagonist hails from none other than the Sichuan Tang Family."

At the man's inquiry, one of the martial artists proudly elevated the book to display the title. However, contrary to his expectations, the sight of the title only made the man's expression sour instantly.

"Which lunatic has taken the liberty to mess with the Tang Family in publication?"

Though he rejected the book, it was not as though he never read novels.

A Sichuan Tang Family protagonist. That these fellows would recommend such a thing. The man frowned immediately because he had never seen a portrayal of the Sichuan Tang Family that cast them in a favorable light.

"This novel isn't what you think! The protagonist here is a true member of the Sichuan Tang Family!"

"Isn't that what I am worried about?"

"Come on, man! You shouldn't add to the trouble."

"If the content of the book is as infuriating as you suspect and stirs you to seek out the author, I won't even bother reading it and will help with the punishment. I've been feeling gloomy; it might be refreshing to set an example."

The man remained skeptical as he eyed the book.

"What nonsense for a righteous martial artist! This is why the people harbor misunderstandings about the Sichuan Tang Family."

"If they have already crossed the line, why can't we?"

"Would you dare say that in front of our family head?"

Their argument was interrupted by a low voice from a middle-aged man.

"Chief of the Medical Hall!"

"Weren't you resting?"

The man's identity revealed—he was the chief of the Tang Family's Medical Hall, the division responsible for medical treatment—and he was leading the Sichuan Tang Family martial artists back to the capital.

The martial artists were startled by the sudden appearance of the Medical Hall Chief and bowed their heads in surprise.

"I came because of the noise, but what an interesting discussion this is. Tell me, if a common literary man crosses the line, what do you plan to do?"

The Medical Hall Chief questioned the martial artist who had shown hostility towards the Tang Family Adventures.

"A novel like this can lead to misunderstandings about the Sichuan Tang Family. If it contained any material that could furrow a brow, I thought it was necessary to set an example."

The martial artist of the Sichuan Tang Family looked away from the Chief, stammering a feeble excuse.

"What did our family head tell us before we left?"

"...That outsiders already harbor misunderstandings and prejudices against the Sichuan Tang Family, thus we should always be mindful of our conduct."

The righteous faction handling poison and assassination.

Despite being recognized as orthodox, the martial arts of the Sichuan Tang Family were always viewed with caution.

"Yes. The family head has always strived to change these misconceptions and prejudices towards the Sichuan Tang Family, favoring good deeds and cooperation over displays of power. And you dare to disobey our family head's orders? It appears that if someone needs to be set as an example, it's not the common literary man, but you, isn't it?"

"I, I apologize!"

At the mention of being made an example, the martial artist immediately knelt and bowed his head.

"Let's see, what is this book? Is it truly a remarkable book to be recommended amidst our failure to achieve our goals?"

The Medical Hall Chief looked sorrowfully at the kneeling martial artist of his family and then turned to the two who held the Tang Family Adventures and appeared uncertain.

"Ha-ha, Chief of the Medical Hall. This book, well…"

"The Tang Family Adventures is an extremely popular novel currently in Yichang. It's not a story that stokes misconceptions about the Sichuan Tang Family but rather corrects them and exemplifies the spirit of the orthodox path!"

Just when had the outspoken supporter of Tang Family Adventures become mute, as if he had been stung by a bee?

One of the Tang Family's martial artists quickly jumped to the novel's defense when he saw his colleague become stiff as if struck by a paralyzing poison in front of the Medical Hall Chief.

"A book I have never heard of during our time in Hubei Province is popular?"

"I found that it's only published by a single bookstore in Yichang, and despite constant printing, they can't keep up with the demand. That's why it hasn't gained fame beyond there yet."

"Is that so?"

"If by any chance… if the Chief doesn't approve, I will dispose of the book and accept the same punishment as my friend here."

The two martial artists waited anxiously, lowering their heads, gauging the Chief's reaction.

"No need. If you two praise it so highly, there must be a reason. In fact, it's fortunate. With everyone in such a gloomy mood, if the book speaks well of the Sichuan Tang Family, let's circulate it among ourselves."

The Chief of the Medical Hall looked at the two crestfallen martial artists and smiled.

"Is that really so?"

"Yes. Start by showing it to the one here on his knees and then share it with the group."

"Understood!"

"You will write down your thoughts on the book once you've finished reading it. We'll consider making an example based on your review."

"Th-thank you!"

With those words to the kneeling man, the Chief of the Medical Hall disappeared from his place.

*************************

"The top beauty of Sichuan as the lawful wife? If mere first meetings dictated marriage, my childhood friend would be wed to me!"

"That's your fault for letting down your guard after the catch was ensured."

"Annoying as it is, you're right. But still infuriating!"

"Tsk tsk. As ever, they are immersed in pointless quarrels."

Another peaceful day at the Reading Pavilion. Son, the scholar who was the first guest at the pavilion's grand opening, watched the members of Reading Association with disdain and then started talking to me.

"It's not nothing. The battle for status as the lawful wife may be seemingly trivial, yet it is all-encompassing."

Thanks to the guests who came for the 'Wife Selection Battle', today's sales at the Reading Pavilion were skyrocketing.

"Tsk tsk. I understand, but that's why it's a meaningless debate."

"You say you understand, yet you call it meaningless?"

"The true wife of the Tang Family isn't the top beauty of Sichuan, nor the foremost marvel of Hubei. It's another woman."

Ah, I see what you mean. Son the scholar must be the type to set his hopes on a heroine yet to be introduced, unsatisfied with the current ones.

"That's a fresh perspective. So, Scholar Son, who do you expect the legitimate wife will be?"

"Ahem. It's a secret. But I am certain."

Son seemed uncomfortable and avoided my gaze. Surely, he wasn't implying something as outlandish as recommending a succubus for the role of the true wife.

"Ha-ha. You're quite fond of Tang Family Adventures. Have you considered joining the Reading Association?"

To respect Son's sexual orientation, I took two steps back before asking.

"A conversation with strangers? That's not an easy proposition."

"Yet here you are conversing with me."

"Manager Kang is not a stranger to me, Master Son. Ahem."

Embarrassed as if guilted into confessing to a friend, Son avoided eye contact. Hey, when did we become friends?

"Hahaha. Still, it's good to have friends with whom you can discuss shared interests."

"True connection needs to be found with just one."

Since when was our relation elevated to such profoundness? If there's a demotion match, inform me in time, so I can participate.

"Deep bonds are important, but broad..."

"I have something crucial to say to you, Manager Kang, my one true connection."

Son interrupted me and spoke with a grave expression.

"What is it?"

Perhaps he wants an extra stamp on a coupon. With no real expectations, I lightly prodded him for an answer.

"Did you know that the Sichuan Tang Family members passed through this region recently?"

The news caught me completely off guard.

"Yes, I am aware."

I certainly remembered the palpable chill down my spine when a man with purple hair held the Tang Family Adventures.

"It's rare for the Sichuan Tang Family, far from Sichuan-land, to appear in a group. Out of curiosity, I dug into the news. And I came upon quite the interesting tidbit."

"What kind of interesting news?"

"Ahem. Bring your ear closer."

Son glanced around warily at the people nearby and gestured for me to come closer.

The last thing I wanted was to feel a man's breath on me. Despite my reluctance, intrigued by the promising news, I leaned in without quite letting Son's breath touch me.

"The sole heir of the Sichuan Tang Family lies critically ill having practiced toxic arts."

"Critical from practicing toxic arts in a family skilled with poisons?"

It sounded as absurd as a shark drowning.

"Afflicted with a severe toxin during practice, or having fallen into a coma due to demonic influences while training—that's the sort of gossip floating around."

"Nah, that must be a baseless rumor."

"Do you take me for one who would feed Master Son here mere idle chatter? A less known but very urgent piece of news: even the Zhuge Family, with whom the Tangs aren't particularly amiable, were approached for a solution."

"Really, that far as to ask the Zhuge Family?"

The strategic brain of martial arts novels, the Zhuge Family.

Renowned as the progeny of the celebrated Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period, the Zhuge Family is a martial clan as prestigious in Hubei as the Sichuan Tang Family is in Sichuan.

Regardless of the martial world depicted in novels, where the martial alliance has diverse affiliations, it's a cliché that strategic affairs are dominated by the Zhuge Family—a family of dark legacy.

While it may be hard to believe that descendants are obliged to follow the military vocation of their ancestors, in martial arts fiction, it would be almost disappointing if a member of the Zhuge Family were not a strategist.

Of course, in this world too, the Zhuge Family is unrivaled when it comes to battle formations, medicine, and military strategy.

If the situation were dire enough for the Tangs to seek help even from a rival like the Zhuge Family, then circumstances must be truly severe.

"To make matters worse, they couldn't find a solution even from the Zhuge Family. The unique heir of the Sichuan Tang Family is teetering between life and death, and the atmosphere within the clan is said to be particularly foreboding."

"That's concerning."

"That's concerning, indeed! It's not a topic to end lightly. Aren't we selling Tang Family Adventures here at the Reading Pavilion? Imagine what reaction it might provoke if it falls into the hands of the Sichuan Tang people."

Son expressed his concerns anxiously.

"Ha-ha. Since Tang Family Adventures doesn't represent the Sichuan Tang Family negatively, what's there to worry about?"

I mean, members of the Tang Family even left with words of praise for the book.

"It's because I'm worried. When spirits are low, even the things viewed positively can take on a negative tinge. A detail one person finds acceptable may be an irritating speck in another's eye. After all, martial artists tend to reach for their swords over such irritations."

"Worrying over nothing shrinks the joys of life. But I appreciate the information."

Although I had my concerns before writing, since the very group Scholar Son worried about had given good reviews about my book, there wasn't much need for alarm.

"Is that so? Then, never mind..."

Son nodded and began fumbling in his pocket.

"Do you have something to give me?"

Do you have more news about the Sichuan Tang Family to share? Son the scholar searched his person and then extended something to me.

"So in return for the information, would you be able to stamp this coupon just once?"

Was that his true intention all along?

*******************

Having obtained the permission of the Chief of the Medical Hall, who was leading the group back to the capital, it didn't take long for Tang Family Adventures to circulate among the Sichuan Tang Family.

"What an extraordinary book!"

"How could it be so fascinating?"

"Let me see it too!"

"Tang Zheng truly is a hero of this era!"

"If you're from the Sichuan Tang Family, you'd want to peruse it. No, when we return to our home, we must show this book to everyone in the Sichuan Tang Family."

The people of the Sichuan Tang Family began to excitedly discuss Tang Family Adventures while sitting in the inn, eating their meal.

"A poison duel with a triple toxin. Who would've thought to write such a thing?"

"I heard it's someone from the Sichuan Tang Family."

"Is that so? Now that you mention it, it makes sense. Perhaps a branch family member wrote this to correct misconceptions about the main family."

"It seems even the Medical Hall Chief is engrossed in reading the book late in his room."

One of the Sichuan Tang Family's martial artists, tilting his tea cup, glanced towards the room the Chief had entered.

"After reading it and spouting praises, could the Chief resist reading it?"

"There's no need to stress that point."

Who would have thought the book would be this interesting? The man felt embarrassed as he recalled how he had blindly threatened to set the author straight before kneeling and apologizing to the Medical Hall Chief.

"The Chief's face will shine with admiration when he comes out."

"Unlike you, who shrivels up like this kid."

"You'd dare say that to the Chief?"

"Are—are you really going to tell him? After all the drinks I've bought you over time!"

"Ha-ha. Just kidding."

The members of the Sichuan Tang Family looked at the door of the Chief's room with eager anticipation.

As the Sichuan Tang Family members bantered, the door of the room eventually opened, and the Medical Hall Chief emerged.

"Chief?"

"What's the matter?"

Contrary to the group's expectations, the Chief's face was neither filled with emotion nor gaunt. It was, in fact, rigid with seriousness.

"This book. You procured it in Yichang?"

The Chief approached the group, lifting Tang Family Adventures as he inquired.

"Yes. We bought it from a bookstore called the Reading Pavilion in Yichang."

"Only published in the Reading Pavilion suggests an exclusive contract with the author, correct?"

The Chief pressed, his expression stern as he awaited the reply from one of the members.

"Yes. They have an exclusive publishing contract with an author named Hao Bi."

"Is that so? Hoo."

The Chief closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.

"Chief? What's troubling you?"

What could possibly be the matter? The martial artist who had responded asked the Chief.

The Chief didn't answer the question right away but scanned the group that was attentively looking at him. Mustering a voice filled with resolve, he declared,

"We return to Yichang immediately."