The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel-Chapter 257: Wuchang - 1

Wuchang, the capital of Hubei Province.

Wuchang is where numerous tributaries flowing from the west converge into one massive waterway. Just as all roads are said to lead to Rome, so too did every stream from the upper Yangtze eventually lead to Wuchang.

Naturally, Wuchang, where all the tributaries gathered, became a hub that drew in all human resources and material goods—allowing it to grow into a colossal city incomparable to any other in Hubei Province.

After traveling for several days with Im Ha-yeon and the Seocheon Escort Bureau guards, we finally arrived in Wuchang.

“Sir Kang, you’ve returned. We informed the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild to contact us through the Seocheon Escort Bureau.”

“Thank you for your effort.”

Before I could even think, “Wow, Wuchang is incomparably bigger than Yichang—like no city in Korea could compare to Seoul,” we were already being swept up in the city’s rush.

“However, the Wuchang branch of the Seocheon Escort Bureau is small and lacks guest accommodations. It seems we’ll need to find a separate place to stay.”

The escort lowered his head apologetically, as if ashamed.

Hubei Province is home to the powerful Wudang Sect, one of the central pillars of the Nine Sects and One Gang, and the Sichuan Tang Clan's rival—the mighty martial noble clan, the Jegal Family. There’s also the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild in terms of wealth, and the Hao Clan dominating the underworld.

It seemed various powers were working to block the expansion of the Tang Clan’s influence into Wuchang, Hubei’s capital.

“Goo-goo-goo!”

“Goo!”

“Be quiet!”

“Goo...”

At Im Ha-yeon’s single sharp word toward the large box holding the carrier pigeons, they all immediately fell silent.

Was it really the right call to bring the pigeons? Im Ha-yeon insisted they were spiritual creatures and would be useful, but somehow... I wasn’t so sure.

“There’s an inn we can stay at. Let’s go there.”

I turned away from Im Ha-yeon and replied to the escort with a casual tone.

“Have you been to Wuchang before?”

“No.”

I’ve wandered all over the Central Plains, but this was my first time in Wuchang.

“Then?”

“I brought someone who can guide us.”

I gestured toward a man who, by anyone’s judgment, looked exactly like a shop clerk.

---------

“Your hair color stands out. It’s best you wear this bamboo hat while following me.”

The man was a member of the Hao Clan’s Attendant Division.

While the escorts visited the Seocheon Escort Bureau and the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild, Im Ha-yeon and I headed to the Hao Clan’s Attendant Division based in Wuchang.

We couldn’t meet the Attendant Division Chief, but once we showed the Iron Token given to us by Branch Leader Gwak, Attendant Division agreed to assist us.

Glad that slap was worth something. If not, I would’ve had to go back and repay it in full.

“Where are we going?”

“To a place where we can avoid the eyes of those from the Gambling Division and Courtesan Division.”

As he said that, the man led us toward a residential area far from the bustling main streets.

Avoiding crowded government offices or port districts did seem smart. Fewer people meant fewer eyes.

Following the Hao Clan man, we reached an old-looking inn. Was this the place? From behind its worn doors came shouting.

“Why are you here again?!”

“Brother An! Our kids are starving! Just one meal, please!”

“I’m starving to death too, with no customers!”

“You’re the most successful among us, Brother An! I’ll work as a clerk, just please!”

“Clerk, my ass! Even handling cooking and reception by myself leaves me with nothing to do!”

“...Is this the place?”

What kind of recommendation was this? A failing inn? I asked the Hao Clan man suspiciously.

“Ahem! If you stay here, you’ll avoid attention, since it’s not in a busy area. There’s also another reason.”

The man glanced at me and then pointed at the innkeeper.

“A Joseon person?”

The innkeeper was a middle-aged man with unmistakable black hair and black eyes.

“Who the hell is this now? Hey! Don’t tell me he’s your friend? I’ve got no food for you guys!”

Was the man begging also a Joseon person? The innkeeper folded his arms and frowned deeply at us.

“It’s been a while.”

“Gasp! From Attendant Division? I—I paid off this month’s debt!”

The innkeeper reacted like a bulldog running into his least favorite vet while out for a walk.

“We’re not here about your debt.”

The Hao Clan man sighed and quietly explained the situation to the innkeeper, just loud enough for him to hear.

“I see. I can do that much.”

“There are few people around here, so you won’t be noticed by the Gambling or Courtesan Division members. Stay here until we contact you again.”

“Thank you. Please go safely.”

With the innkeeper nodding, the Hao Clan man gave us a quick word and left.

“Tch. Still doesn’t feel good... So, what do you want? Food first? Or a room?”

The innkeeper walked up to our table with a skeptical look.

It’s been a while since I saw another Joseon person. I was intrigued, but judging from the man’s lack of reaction, they must be common in Wuchang.

This guy didn’t seem very welcoming. That’s a problem, since we might need his help to keep Im Ha-yeon from getting caught.

“Where are you from originally?”

I asked the innkeeper after a short pause.

“What’s it matter to a fellow Joseon guy? Namwon.”

“Namwon? Do you have any relatives there with the surname An?”

“What? Uh, yeah. How’d you know that?”

I heard the surname An outside just earlier.

“I used to live in Namwon. Are you Mr. An? I have a close friend there.”

I patted my chest with a knowing expression.

“Really? Where in Namwon?”

The innkeeper’s skeptical face softened a little as he tested me.

He probably thinks I might not be from Namwon.

“Do you know Gwanghan Pavilion?”

“Of course I do. What kind of Namwon guy doesn’t know Gwanghan Pavilion?”

“If you follow the road between Namwonbu and Gwanghan Pavilion, you’ll reach a residential area...”

“Ahh! I think I know where that is. My relatives live there. Is that corrupt official with the surname Kim still around?”

“The corrupt Kim? Ah, I think I know who you mean. I heard he got dismissed by the royal court. I was young, but I remember hearing about it.”

“So that bastard got dismissed, huh...”

The innkeeper couldn’t suppress his grin and covered his face with one hand.

“What brings you here, if I may ask?”

Corrupt officials and extortion—fleeing from oppression was the same in both the Central Plains and Joseon.

“Who doesn’t have a story? But it’s been a while since I saw someone from home—and they brought good news, too! All right! I’ll show you to the best room I’ve got!”

The innkeeper, now smiling broadly, looked completely different from before.

“Thank you.”

------------

“Brother! I poured noodles into dongchimi broth—have a taste! It’s on the house!”

“Homestyle food! Thank you, Brother An!”

He even delivered the meal to our room. That’s good service.

“Must be nice, running into someone from your hometown like that.”

Im Ha-yeon said with a curious expression.

“He’s not actually from my hometown.”

I replied with a casual tone.

This cold noodle’s pretty good. The cook’s talented, but there’s no business. Maybe something happened.

“Huh?”

“I only lived there a little while, barely counts.”

Wandering bastard Kang Yun-ho had traveled all over. I’d even visited Namwon near Mount Jiri once.

“You lied?”

Im Ha-yeon asked, looking dumbfounded.

“I didn’t lie. And he’s the one sheltering us for now. Gotta build trust.”

It’s not like the innkeeper is going to run off to Joseon and fact-check if I’m from Namwon.

Attendant Division referred us, but you never know. I need to make sure he keeps quiet so Ha-yeon doesn’t get caught.

Being fellow Joseon people and from the same hometown makes it easier to ask favors—and keep secrets.

“Wow...”

Im Ha-yeon couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Since the Attendant Division Chief is away, let’s just wait cautiously for now.”

“Have you finished reading all the info Branch Leader Gwak gave you on the Guild Leader?”

“I’ve read it all, but all I got was a biography. There’s nothing in it about why he’s targeting Daseogak.”

I’ve read enough to write a whole hagiography about him, but I still don’t know what’s going on in his mind.

Why would he target the bookstore of the Baek Family Head—his lifelong friend and sworn brother?

Just because of that brat Jeon Gil-san?

A man who raised his own kids Spartan-style wouldn’t act so indulgent toward his grandson.

Or is it about money?

If it were, he could’ve seized Daseogak back when we first discussed debt.

Why now? Why is he throwing a tantrum all of a sudden?

“Then going to the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild might be pointless?”

“We may lack information, but I’ve got a plan. We can still talk. Don’t worry too much.”

Even if I don’t know his true intentions, I have enough data to try a few things.

The problem is, from the Guild Leader’s perspective, I’m nothing more ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) than a minor debtor.

Would he even agree to meet me?

If I can’t even get an audience and have to turn back empty-handed, things are going to get seriously complicated.

“Sir Kang! Someone from the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild is here!”

Did not expect them to come this fast.