Chapter 42: Loopholes in Discipline (2)
Yeon Wi entered the family head's office and immediately began his work. But the documents didn't catch his attention. The words his son had spoken earlier lingered in his mind.
'Though my ambitions may differ, my heart will always remain here.'
Yeon Wi's gaze deepened. His son's words implied his eyes were truly set on the world.
'It truly is difficult, my dear wife.'
He recalled his wife, who had passed away shortly after giving birth to Ji-pyeong.
'I wanted to raise our two sons well so I wouldn't shame you, who left before me. But under the pretext of being the head of a family, I only treated them harshly.'
Yeon Wi vividly remembered his younger self mercilessly scolding Yeon Ho-jeong during the boy's childhood.
Looking back, Yeon Ho-jeong had been only six years old at the time. At an age when he should have been laughing at butterflies in spring, he spent his days enduring his father's rebukes and training.
It was then that Yeon Wi realized something was wrong with his approach as he watched his eldest son grow thinner by the day.
When teaching his second son, he vowed never to push too hard. Though Yeon Ji-pyeong feared his quiet father, he grew up kind and well-mannered.
But Yeon Ho-jeong was different.
Jealous of his younger brother's talent, Yeon Ho-jeong eventually strayed. He abandoned martial arts training and began frequenting gambling dens.
Yeon Wi couldn't bring himself to scold such a son. After all, he himself had raised the boy this way. Instead of teaching that martial arts weren't everything, he'd narrowed his son's perspective.
As years passed, Yeon Wi realized another truth.
He should have intervened when his son first began going astray. He'd scolded when he should have comforted, stood passive when he should have acted.
I am a failure.
Yeon Wi truly believed this. That's why he could never face his eldest son without shame.
'But my dear wife, that Ho-jeong has now grown into a fine man. He reached this point entirely on his own.'
When his son changed, Yeon Wi's heart swelled with quiet joy. Though he'd done nothing to help, his son seemed to have awakened to something profound.
Though the transformation was extreme, Yeon Wi lived each day with anticipation, marveling at the young man's growth.
Yet this splendidly matured son had no intention of leading the Yeon family.
'Thinking on it now, I suppose it's only natural.'
Yeon Wi's mouth twisted bitterly.
'Who can I blame? My own inadequacy is at fault. Had I shown Ho-jeong responsible leadership, he might not have turned outward.'
The past couldn't be changed. Yeon Wi knew his son's resolve was unshakable.
He gazed out the window.
His son's retreating figure moved toward the family quarters, broad shoulders cutting an imposing silhouette.
"...At least his heart remains here. That's enough."
For a son raised under an incompetent father to still care for the family - this alone deserved gratitude.
He lingered at the window until a voice interrupted.
"Family Head. The Chief Steward is here."
"Send him in."
The door opened to reveal Tae-gyeong rubbing his hands.
"My, the chill still lingers, doesn't it?"
"Indeed."
"How did your spar with the Young Master go?"
Yeon Wi remained silent.
Flustered, Tae-gyeong produced a letter from his robes. "The documents you requested earlier."
"Hand them here."
As Yeon Wi scanned the contents, his brow furrowed.
"They're truly persistent."
"The Moyong family still hasn't given up?"
Yeon Wi studied his steward. Tae-gyeong's occasional frivolity couldn't mask his sharp mind - precisely why he served well as Chief Steward.
"What's your opinion on this matter?"
"Regarding the Moyongs?"
"Yes."
Tae-gyeong answered without hesitation: "We should ally with them."
"Your reasoning?"
"The Moyongs rank among the Seven Great Families like ourselves. Partnering could significantly expand our business ventures and wealth."
"...".
"Of course, I know you care little for riches. But think of the flood victims you aid yearly - greater resources mean greater aid."
"There's merit in that."
Yeon Wi stroked his beard. Business was business, separate from family matters. If collaborating could improve public welfare, perhaps it warranted consideration...
"Are you concerned they harbor ulterior motives?"
"The Seven Great Families differ from the Nine Sects and One School. They walk the righteous path, but hunger to expand their influence."
"True enough."
Tae-gyeong clapped suddenly. "Ah! What if we propose a marriage alliance?"
"...?"
"Have you heard of the current Moyong patriarch's daughter? Exceptional in martial arts and intellect, with commendable character."
"Moyong Yeonhwa?"
"You know of her?"
Naturally - all Seven Great Families knew each other's scions.
"Why mention her?"
"What if we wed her to the Young Master?"
Yeon Wi's eyes sharpened. "A marriage?"
"Indeed. While arranged unions for business seem crude, this could secure lasting cooperation. Imagine what our combined efforts could achieve for the people!"
"Marriage is a sacred matter. I'll not use it as bargaining chip."
Tae-gyeong pressed on: "But consider the Young Master's needs. As he prepares to inherit, wouldn't a capable partner be invaluable?"
Yeon Wi paused. His steward didn't know Ho-jeong rejected leadership...
Then he recalled his son's recent words: 'My eyes are set on the world.'
Ho-jeong's transformation had been sudden but steadfast. At nineteen, he remained young - perhaps still needing guidance. A strong companion might...
"Let me consider it."
"Sooner would be better."
"I understand the implications."
Tae-gyeong bowed. "Forgive my impertinence."
"You answered when asked. Dismissed."
Alone again, Yeon Wi muttered: "A marriage..."
Yeon Ho-jeong collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Heir apparent?
He barked a laugh. Human affairs truly defy understanding.
In his past life, he'd never wanted the title - only raged when it went to his brother. Now, self-aware of his limitations, he'd assumed leadership would naturally pass to Ji-pyeong.
'Test your capabilities as successor,' he thought... only to grow frustrated realizing my ambitions lie beyond.
Closing his eyes, Ho-jeong whispered: Forgive me, Father.
The Yeon patriarch likely believed blood would eventually bind him to the clan. But Ho-jeong's second life had been forged in hellfire no blood-tie could mend.
My path leads elsewhere.
The coming storm demanded his focus - preparing for the clan's destroyer, countering the Three Sects' rise. At the late-stage meeting, he'd realized history's course had changed because of his actions.
The Evil Lust Sect especially would offer no quarter. Their fanatical hatred required united opposition from both orthodox and unorthodox factions.
His head throbbed. Plans within plans, yet the greatest challenge remained: surviving the next half-month until Hou Gai's arrival.
Rest. I need rest.
Next morning at the training grounds, Ho-jeong witnessed an odd scene.
"Is this a joke?" A cold voice cut through the yard.
The Flying Eagle Squad Leader, Kang Yoon, stood arms crossed before trembling disciples. "I broke through your current realm decades ago. Every detail of your training was meticulously planned. Why deviate?"
When no answer came, he sneered: "Squad punishment. Practice Flying Eagle Sword Technique until midnight. No meals. No rest."
Disciples paled at the mention of ten-pound ironwood training swords.
"Move!"
"Hold."
Kang Yoon turned to find Ho-jeong glowering.
"What third-rate gangster nonsense is this?"
