Tang Bi, without reflecting on his own actions, continued to berate Tang Sa-un.
“There’s only about a month left until the patriarch finalizes the successor selection,” Tang Sa-un said in a subtle tone. “For now, forget about the third young master and focus on persuading the Inner Court elders to build your influence.”
“You’re right… I can deal with that guy later,” Tang Bi said, his eyes glinting.
Tang Ryeong, as the eldest, had the support of many blood relatives, but his frail health and reclusive nature made many elders view him unfavorably as a successor. Tang Bi needed to sway their hearts quickly to secure the successor confirmation in a month.
“Fine. Then let’s work on winning over the old fogies at Blossom Court again,” Tang Bi said.
“Understood,” Tang Sa-un replied, bowing his head and cautiously stepping outside.
“Phew.” A sigh escaped him.
Tang Bi, not even the official successor, was arrogant and domineering. If he were confirmed as successor, his insufferable personality would only worsen.
“Troubling,” Tang Sa-un muttered, shaking his head as he exited Suyun Pavilion’s gates.
“Hm?” A clear voice rang out, and a beautiful young woman blinked at him.
“Miss.” Meeting her gaze, Tang Sa-un respectfully clasped his hands.
She was none other than the patriarch’s youngest daughter, Tang Cheong.
“Looks like Second Brother chewed you out again,” Tang Cheong said with a playful smile.
Tang Sa-un hurriedly shook his head. “Not at all.” He quickly changed the subject. “Where are you headed?”
“To see Third Brother,” she replied.
“The third young master?” Tang Sa-un’s eyes wavered.
Tang Cheong, born a woman and thus ineligible for succession, had thoroughly charmed the family’s elders. In terms of support, she surpassed Tang Bi and rivaled Tang Ryeong.
Trouble. The issue was that Tang Cheong kept showing interest in Tang Gon, the concubine’s son. If she acts on a whim… The succession struggle was already divided between Tang Ryeong and Tang Bi. But if Tang Cheong impulsively backed Tang Gon, the dynamics would shift dramatically.
“What? The youngest is here?” Tang Bi burst through the inner door, hurrying out.
“Cheong-ah, what brings you here?” he asked, his face unusually kind and gentle. “Did you come to have tea with your second brother?”
“No, I was just passing by and saw Sa-un, so we chatted,” Tang Cheong replied.
“I see,” Tang Bi said, his expression tinged with regret. “Suyun Pavilion is always open, so come by if you’re bored.”
“Sure,” Tang Cheong said with a slight smile, waving to Tang Bi and Tang Sa-un. “See you later.”
As she left, Tang Sa-un’s gaze darkened. He had a bad feeling, but voicing it would trigger another of Tang Bi’s fiery tirades.
“Why are you standing there like an idiot?” Tang Bi snapped.
Tang Sa-un forced a smile and shook his head. “It’s nothing. I’ll take my leave.”
He clasped his hands and quickly departed.
***
The Patriarch’s Study
The study of Tang Pae, the patriarch whose name resounded across the martial world, was filled not with luxurious furnishings but with shelves packed tightly with books.
Scratch.
Tang Pae sat reading an old tome titled Thousand Poison Chronicles.
“I heard you permitted the Poison Extinction Squad to stand down,” said a middle-aged man standing respectfully before him.
It was Tang Seong, Tang Sa-un’s father and Tang Pae’s brother.
“Hahaha. Here to complain about it?” Tang Pae teased.
“How could I?” Tang Seong said, his expression shifting as he waved his hands.
Tang Pae replied calmly, “The eldest pleaded with me. No matter what, should brothers spill blood in front of the family gates?”
“True… there were many eyes watching,” Tang Seong said, though his expression remained sour.
Whether aware of it or not, Tang Pae’s gaze stayed fixed on his book.
“This time, the third brought quite a helper,” Tang Seong said after a cough. “They say he’s the champion of the Dongpyoseorang Jeongmu Tournament.”
“The Martial Tournament? That contest held in the backwater wanderer market of Guizhou?” Tang Pae asked.
“It used to be insignificant, but with the Spirit Snake Sword at stake, this year’s tournament was quite competitive.”
“Hm.”
“Rumor has it his skills are impressive. Despite some controversy, he defeated Young Jiwi, a master of great righteousness, and Seomun Kyung, known as the Sword Demon of the Seomun Family.”
“Young Jiwi and Seomun Kyung…” Tang Pae said, lifting his eyes from the book with a smirk. “Both are known for being half-baked talents, aren’t they? That alone doesn’t prove great skill.”
Seizing the chance as Tang Pae finally looked up, Tang Seong got to the point. “Is there a need to delay until a month from now? Why not decide sooner?”
“What do you mean?” Tang Pae asked.
“The succession struggle is getting too heated.”
“Let it be. It’s just growing pains for the family’s prosperity,” Tang Pae said.
Tang Seong’s face showed dissatisfaction. Even if it was Tang Ryeong’s request, if Tang Pae hadn’t allowed it, Tang Gon would’ve been dealt with this time.
But with Tang Gon safely entering the family, Tang Seong grew anxious. In his eyes, Tang Gon was a prodigy with immense potential.
Even if Tang Bi doesn’t become successor, it must not be Tang Gon.
Tang Ryeong and Tang Bi, as legitimate heirs, prioritized blood relatives. But Tang Gon held no affection for the relatives and elders who rejected him, and that made Tang Seong uneasy.
“It seems you favor the third, don’t you?” Tang Seong finally voiced the question he’d been holding back.
Unlike other clans, in the Sichuan Tang Family, a concubine’s son couldn’t even be considered for succession. Yet Tang Pae had given Tang Gon an equal chance at the successor position.
“Favoritism?” Tang Pae’s eyes sharpened, and Tang Seong, sweating, said, “I was just worried I might’ve made a mistake.”
“What a pointless thing to say,” Tang Pae said, his sharp gaze softening as he chuckled. “Who you support is your prerogative, isn’t it?”
“Still… I worried my choice might displease you,” Tang Seong said.
“Did it seem that way?” Tang Pae sighed, closing the book on his desk. “I placed Tang Gon on equal footing for one reason: his talent, intellect, and character are in no way inferior to the others.”
“Is that so? Then he’s qualified to be a successor,” Tang Seong said.
“If he proves himself worthy,” Tang Pae said with a smirk. A terrifying aura emanated from him. “The position of patriarch demands unshakable strength and ruthlessness. That’s the secret to our family’s survival in the martial world for generations.”
Tang Seong realized he’d misunderstood Tang Pae.
The patriarch only wants an exceptional successor. He’s not favoring that boy.
Tang Pae, as if reading Tang Seong’s thoughts, chuckled softly. “The eldest is strategic and good at uniting people, but he relies too much on his mind.”
“True.”
“The second is talented in martial arts but impatient and quick to make enemies,” Tang Pae said with a bitter smile. “Honestly, the most suitable successor would be Tang Cheong. It’s a pity she wasn’t born a man.”
Tang Cheong was exceptional in strategy, martial arts, and inspiring loyalty, but as a woman, she couldn’t inherit the patriarch’s seat.
“The third could rival her if his personality changed. That’s why I gave him a chance. Does that answer your question?”
Tang Seong bowed deeply, clasping his hands. “I failed to grasp your deeper intentions. Please forgive me.”
“Don’t worry about it. The only pity is that personality doesn’t change easily,” Tang Pae said.
Tang Seong nodded quietly.
Personality is hard to change. Tang Gon had remarkable qualities but was unfortunately too honest and trusting. He could be called a hero or great warrior, but his temperament didn’t suit the patriarch’s role.
“Then I’ll let the children do as they please,” Tang Seong said.
Tang Pae nodded. “Good thinking. It’s their matter to settle.”
“Understood,” Tang Seong said, swallowing hard.
A storm of blood was about to sweep through the Tang Family.
***
“Hmm, hmm.” Humming a tune, Tang Cheong strolled along.
Leaving the Inner Court, she headed to the Outer Court, where retainers and external experts resided, toward a small building at the western edge.
It was Cheongyang Pavilion, where Tang Gon stayed. The lodge was adorned with a beautiful garden of rare flowers and plants, originally built by Tang Pae for Tang Gon’s birth mother.
“Hm.” In the garden, a young man with an ink-black sword slung across his back stood with arms crossed, admiring the flowers. It was Bu Eunseol.
“Oh?” Arriving at Cheongyang Pavilion, Tang Cheong spotted Bu Eunseol standing alone in the garden and let out a small exclamation.
“Is Third Brother not here?” Bu Eunseol, lost in thought as he gazed at the garden, turned his head.
Her face was as pure and vibrant as a blooming lotus.
Glancing at Tang Cheong, who was staring at him, Bu Eunseol nodded. “You must be Tang Cheong.”
Not only was she strikingly beautiful, but her aura surpassed even Tang Gon’s. Her calling him “Third Brother” made it clear to Bu Eunseol that she was the patriarch’s youngest daughter, the precious jewel of the Tang Family, Tang Cheong.
“And you’re the champion of the Martial Tournament, Bu Eunseol, Young Master Bu, brought by Third Brother?” Tang Cheong said with a casual tone.
Bu Eunseol nodded. “He’s at the Martial Court.”
“Ah, he must’ve gone to give a gift to that boy you brought along,” she said.
Tang Gon had taken Black Leopard to the Martial Court to give him hidden weapons as a reward for the journey’s hardships. Surprisingly, Tang Cheong seemed to know every detail of Tang Gon’s actions.
“How did you know?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“The master of the armory, Gam Gok, told me Third Brother requested to take some hidden weapons. So I asked why,” she explained.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
The armory master reports to her…
As rumored, Tang Cheong was not only sharp and skilled in martial arts but also held significant influence among the Inner and Outer Court experts.
“Sigh,” Tang Cheong suddenly muttered under her breath. “Taking him to the Martial Court to give hidden weapons means he’s probably teaching him some techniques too.”
As she deduced, Tang Gon was indeed teaching Black Leopard a few hidden weapon techniques. Though Black Leopard was Bu Eunseol’s attendant, Tang Gon found the clever and friendly boy endearing.
“Third Brother always wanted a younger brother since he was little. He must like that boy you brought,” Tang Cheong said, rambling on unprompted.
Growing annoyed, Bu Eunseol silently left the garden.
“Wait,” Tang Cheong called, hurrying after him. “Where are you going?”
“Do you have business with me?” he asked.
“I came to see Third Brother. Now that he’s back in the family, he’ll likely decide his next move. But…” Tang Cheong said, staring into Bu Eunseol’s steady eyes with a bright smile.
“I think talking with you will be more interesting.”
