70.
Su-rim's Hope
When they reached a point where the manor came into full view, So-un stopped walking.
Under the moonlight, the estate revealed itself—built cleverly upon both mountain slope and level ground.
Its scale was incomparable to the former Yu estate he had known.
A long wall surrounded it, high as a small fortress.
The buildings were constructed from tall, straight timber, giving them upright dignity.
Where the valley curved, stone terraces had been raised and fitted so precisely that no gaps showed between the stones.
The structure harmonized the strengths of mountain and plain, spacious enough to house many people, and positioned upon a slope ideal for defense.
Yet it was concealed among towering trees, invisible from afar.
Only upon approaching closely could one realize such a vast manor stood hidden there.
"Wow… a great house in the mountains…"
At So-un's admiration, Su-rim turned slightly.
"This is where I live. As our paths coincided, I brought you this way."
Gun-myeong's eyes widened.
Fearing So-un might wander in without thought, he stepped forward.
"Miss, we must return. We cannot simply enter alone."
Su-rim smiled brightly.
"I understand. I would not force you. I only hoped you might at least drink and rest. You have not eaten dinner—and likely not lunch either. We will escort you on your way."
She was correct.
Since breakfast, they had only torn a few strips of dried meat before nightfall.
Her invitation felt generous indeed.
So-un glanced at Gun-myeong.
"What if we do this? It seems your goodwill is directed toward the young scholar here, not me. Let him rest briefly, and I shall go down first to inform the main force. Then I will await their reply."
"Young scholar?"
Su-rim covered her mouth, laughing softly.
In the moonlight her narrow teeth gleamed white.
She quickly realized the word referred to So-un—and found it amusing.
"Are you truly called Young Scholar, sir?"
"Yes… I passed the provincial exam young and became a licentiate. As I am still awkward in many matters, they call me that rather than by name."
Much tension eased.
A licentiate teased as "Young Scholar" could hardly seem threatening.
Deung-chun stepped forward.
"Someone waits for you, so vanishing elsewhere would cause alarm. Yet to refuse the host at her very gate is discourteous. Let Yu Gun-myeong and I descend together to inform your companions of your safety. If possible, we shall bring them all here. Meanwhile, young master, you may enter the manor and dine."
Even so, So-un hesitated.
He looked at Gun-myeong.
Within his gaze lay hope—who would not wish to enter such a place?
"Young Scholar, let us do so. I will explain to the General."
"Is it all right? This isn't desertion, is it?"
At the word desertion, Su-rim and Deung-chun exchanged meaningful glances.
Their suspicion solidified.
"It will be fine," Gun-myeong assured him.
Su-rim earnestly requested that the others be brought as well, saying the mountain at night was unsafe.
Her sincerity seemed genuine and persistent.
"So-un, how many are there?"
He hesitated.
It was forbidden to reveal troop numbers to strangers.
"I cannot say. There are… many."
"The manor is large. The number does not matter. It would be our honor."
Watching Gun-myeong and Deung-chun descend the mountain, Su-rim guided So-un inward.
So-un believed that those who welcomed people so openly must be good.
He did not consider that hospitality might carry purpose.
"Are you truly a licentiate?" she asked.
"I passed the provincial exam. Why doubt it?"
Though she denied doubt, he pulled out his wooden identification tablet.
A licentiate's tablet was carved from yellow boxwood.
She laughed softly at his straightforwardness.
"You are indeed a licentiate."
"Would I lie under Heaven?"
"Then why did you not sit for the metropolitan exam? Did you fail?"
"Family matters prevented me from continuing."
They walked along polished stone paths.
The dense forest flanked both sides, hiding the manor from view once more.
The shifting moonlight and shadow gave the place an eerie air—though So-un did not realize it was another subtle formation.
Two men at the entrance bowed deeply.
Each wore fitted blue martial robes and carried identical swords.
"You said you were from the Yu estate of Tae-won?"
"Yes. My father once held office, then retired to build our estate. That was our former home."
"Former?"
"It was burned by the barbarians."
"I am sorry. I should not have asked."
They stepped into the courtyard.
Two women passed and bowed respectfully.
"Do you use only the sword?" Su-rim asked.
"Do you not wield other weapons?"
"I shoot the bow. Not a divine archer, but competent."
"The bow?"
"Yes."
"And other weapons?"
"I once used a halberd. It was long, but suited me when I was younger."
"Like Lü Bu's famed halberd?"
"Similar, though not the same. A spear blade above, crescent below."
"Why so many questions, miss?"
"Curiosity. You are young, yet skilled and wise."
She asked much, yet revealed nothing of herself.
Her suspicions strengthened.
The burned Yu estate matched rumors.
The bow differed—but everything else aligned.
She became certain: this was the young general spoken of in whispers.
She quietly sent additional orders for her people to guide the others.
Within, she led So-un to a modest pavilion attached to the central hall.
The courtyard lay bathed in bright moonlight and lantern glow.
"Please wash and rest. I shall prepare food."
"Thank you."
Su-rim departed swiftly along a long corridor into a larger building behind.