Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 252

Chapter 252
I immediately went to see my father-in-law, the princess’s letter in my grasp.
“Let’s go now! We can use this to persuade him!”
“Very well, So-ryong.”

He had promised to consider it, but had been evading a definitive response until the letter came. Our objective was now to use this letter to secure his approval.
‘Perhaps a letter from the princess will finally make him believe it’s a viable plan?’
I had a fair idea of what was troubling my father-in-law and the other elders.
Their primary concern was likely the fact that the villains from the Five Venoms Sect were targeting me, making them apprehensive about me traveling abroad.
In truth, this anxiety was unfounded.
If I were journeying alone, that would be one matter, but who would be foolish enough to challenge me when I am accompanied by my children?
These children are formidable. They are the same ones who effortlessly annihilated an entire unit of Venom-Blood warriors. Furthermore, Cheongyu, one of the Four Sovereigns, is joining us, and Yeondu’s offensive capabilities have been enhanced to rival even adult-tier combatants.
Admittedly, our fighting strength was at its maximum when we were with the Tang Clan and included the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings, but even bringing just the mobile members means most adversaries wouldn’t stand a chance.

“The princess mentioned she would be visiting?”
“Yes, Father-in-law.”
“Hmph…”

As anticipated, even with the knowledge of the princess’s visit, he remained undecided.
So I pressed the issue to remind him.
“I understand your concern, but I genuinely believe it is unnecessary, Father-in-law.”
“How can I not be worried when those ruthless scoundrels have you in their sights these days?”
“But I am not traveling alone, correct?”
“My boy, have you never heard the proverb, ‘Even ten men cannot stop a single thief’? Elders worry for a reason!”

My father-in-law is typically quite modern for his generation, so why was he suddenly resorting to these antiquated proverbs…?
I was briefly taken aback, then smiled and nodded in acquiescence.
When faced with this kind of “in my day” or “elders say” rhetoric, arguing back only invites a lengthy lecture. In these situations, feigning agreement is the most strategic approach.
“You are absolutely correct, Father-in-law. It is indeed difficult for ten people to apprehend one thief.”
“Yes, now you are finally heeding the wisdom of your elders…”

Just as I expected, he beamed with pride the instant I concurred.
But this was merely me crouching down like a frog preparing to jump.
As he was about to nod and commence a full-fledged sermon, I grinned playfully and inquired:
“But what if the guards aren’t people?”
“Huh?”

My father-in-law blinked, not comprehending my meaning.
With a sly smile, I elaborated:
“Of course, it would be challenging for ten people to stop a thief. But what if ten venoms were guarding me instead of ten men?
We have Cho, Hyang, Bini, Hwayang, Yeondu, Cheongyu, Cheongwol, Yo-hwa, Seol, Bing, Dong, and Hongdan, all without needing to bring a single martial artist from the clan.
What is there to fear?
Did you not witness what became of the Blood Cult villains?”
You saw how they, who thought themselves so formidable, were ultimately reduced to strawberry jam, right? Father-in-law, if anyone troubles me now, the Bremen Musicians—no, the Sichuan Venomous Creature Corps—will not remain idle!”

My father-in-law recoiled as if vividly recalling that gruesome scene and responded awkwardly,
“Ah, well, yes… that is true…”

With the princess managing the travel logistics and my current security being virtually impenetrable, he had no further grounds for objection.
He walked to the open window, looked out, and finally stated,
“…I suppose there is no alternative.”
It was the sort of reply that sounded like permission was given out of sheer necessity.
But, of course, there was a condition.
“Be careful on your journey. However…”
“However?”
“I’ve heard… ahem… that you recently formalized the pact with the flower. Is this accurate?”
“Uh? Oh, um… yes. I did.”
“As your father-in-law, allow me to offer some counsel. You see, when a man and a woman cross that particular threshold, especially within the context of martial sect succession, it is time to consider the future lineage.
I inquired with your cousin, and she said the expression on that flower girl’s face in her final moments is something she will never forget…
This is not a matter the Tang Clan can simply overlook, you understand?”
“R-right…”
“So, proceed with this trip, yes… but also… ahem… give some thought to the concerns of us elders as well. Understood?”

I had sought permission for the journey and somehow received approval that carried a second, very specific, implication.

***

*Screech. Thunk.*

Late at night, a vessel of peculiar design moored along the riverbank near the Tang Clan.
Beneath the moonlight, the ship’s outline revealed an unusual structure with a lengthened deck.
Besides the mast, a broad canopy was unfurled, giving it an appearance unfamiliar to anyone from the main household.
“The ship appears… different?”
“I commissioned some modifications.”

It was an odd-looking ship, but it was ours.
I called out to the man standing on deck holding a lantern in the dark.
“Long time no see, Do Sagong!”
“Young Master, welcome aboard! One moment, I’ll lower the gangplank!”

The gangplank descended, and Do Sagong leapt off the ship.
We began to talk as he gestured toward the now-illuminated vessel.
“You completed all the repairs I requested, correct?”
“Yes, of course! As it’s for the young ladies, I adhered to your instructions precisely.
We expanded the deck and fitted shade panels for protection from the sun, just as you specified. Is this satisfactory?”
The ship’s strange new look resulted from our return voyage from Cheonghae, during which Cheongwol had been utterly wretched.
She was immobile, and no one could navigate around her on the deck.
Therefore, we enlarged the deck and incorporated a shade to protect her from the sun.
It also offered shelter from the rain.
This was why the ship now had such a bizarre appearance.
“Let me see… This folds down, correct?”
“Of course, Young Master.”

I boarded to inspect, and everything was impeccably arranged.
The repairs were executed flawlessly, exactly as I had outlined previously.
From the deck, I leaned over and called out,
“Alright, kids—time to board!”

*Chorrr!*
*Krrrk.*
*Shyaaah!*

At my call, the kids answered with eager cries and began embarking.
They were visibly excited to be setting off on another trip.
Much like dogs from my previous life that would wag their tails at the prospect of a walk, these venomous and spiritual creatures also seemed to adore excursions.
‘…Should I be taking them out for regular walks?’
A supposed benefit of raising reptiles and amphibians is not needing to walk them… but perhaps that was an assumption I needed to reconsider.

Hwayang and Hongdan, perched atop Cho’s head, were the first to come aboard.
Next was Yeondu, the graceful Bi-cheon Shin-sa, who carried the Four Sovereign Cheongyu onto the ship.
Following them, Yo-hwa and Bini arrived with Seol, Bing, and Dong in tow. Then Hwa-eun, Sister Seol, and the Three Dragon Fangs sprang up onto the deck.
“Welcome aboard, ladies. Lady Cho, long time no see. Lady Bini, welcome back as well. Please refrain from chewing the deck on this voyage—I nearly worked myself to death mending it last time, haha!”
*Chorrr.*
*Chorrr! Chorrr! Chorrr!*
“Lady Yo-hwa, I’ll be relying on you to manage the ropes once again.”
*-Kishit.*

It was just as Cheongwol neared the ship’s side.
Having become more familiar with the children, Do Sagong had been observing their boarding with a content expression, offering warm greetings.
But as Cheongwol approached, Do Sagong started and shouted,
“P-please wait a moment! Lady Cheongwol, secure the ropes more firmly and lower the gangplank further!”
“Yes, Do Sagong.”
“Understood!”

At his command, several crew members hurried to fasten the ropes and lower the gangplank again, causing a minor stir.
Moments later—
Once everything was prepared, Do Sagong called out to Cheongwol.
“You may come aboard now, Lady Cheongwol!”

Was it due to her immense size? Perhaps sensing a certain pressure, Do Sagong even used honorifics when addressing her.
With a creaking sound, Cheongwol’s pincer leg made contact with the deck.
*-Creeaak.*
The instant her pincer leg touched the ship, it listed slightly—just as before.
But perhaps due to the prior preparations, the tilt was less severe.
Her legs began to settle onto the deck one after another.
Then, as the final leg lifted from her body—
*-Screeeeeak.*
I had expected the ship to jerk as it had previously, but instead, it leaned gradually and came to rest.
Curious about its newfound stability, I looked up at Cheongwol—and saw she was extending her long, heavy tail to carefully shift her center of gravity.
‘Damn… she planned that.’
Was this a trait of being a spiritual beast?
Using her tail as a counterbalance to stabilize herself during boarding.
I evidently wasn’t the only one impressed—murmurs of awe spread through the crew.
“Oooooh!”
“Incredible!”

Perhaps feeling embarrassed by the admiration, Cheongwol settled into her spot and uttered a soft sound.
*-Krrk.* “It’s… it’s really nothing special, please stop making a fuss.”

Once everyone was on board, the crew stowed the gangplank and began raising the anchor ropes.
With their task complete, Do Sagong turned to me and asked:
“So-ryong, shall we set course for Mount Botan in the Zhoushan Archipelago of Zhejiang Province?”
That was indeed our destination—but there was a place I needed to visit first.
“No. Let’s make a stop at the Three Gorges first. I must pay a visit to Blood-Wind Boatman Lee Tae.”
“Understood. Then we will proceed to the Three Gorges immediately. Set sail!”

At his order, the crew sprang into action, adjusting the sails.
As everyone moved about busily, Sister Seol and Hwa-eun approached me.
“So-ryong, why are we going there?”
“So-ryong, what business do you have with Lee Tae?”

I hadn’t informed them beforehand, so I provided an explanation.
“Oh, I instructed him to send word if any information on venomous or spiritual creatures surfaced, but I haven’t received any news lately.
I thought I would stop by and… reiterate his instructions.”
“Ahh.”
“Yes, it sounds like his leash needs a little tightening.”

The ship cut swiftly through the water toward the Three Gorges.
Concerned that lackeys from the Five Venoms Sect or the Blood Cult might be lying in wait, I periodically emitted qi waves as a precaution—
And sure enough, the moment we entered the Three Gorges, Lee Tae’s underlings approached our ship.
Their expressions suggested they were about to board and raid us for fun—
Until they saw me and the children and went pale.
“G-gah! S-So-ryong!”
“Now you understand why I’m here? Bring me Lee Tae, please.”
“P-please give us just a moment!”

A moment later, Lee Tae appeared.
Likely aware he was about to be reprimanded, he began making excuses the second his foot touched the deck.
“S-So-ryong, there is a reason I haven’t been in contact!”
“Oh really? Let’s hear it.”
*-Chorrr!* “Yes, let’s hear it.”
*-Kishit.*
Cho and Yo-hwa echoed my annoyance in perfect unison.
Lee Tae swallowed hard, then blurted out:
“T-the truth is… the fellow who knew how to write… passed away…”

You have got to be kidding me.
So the reason for his silence… was that the only literate person among them died shortly after we departed?
Naturally, I am aware that the literacy rate in the Central Plains was relatively high compared to other regions—even in my previous life.
Still, it was no longer a reason for anger. It seemed we would simply have to dispatch someone from the Tang Clan to gather intelligence directly from now on.
“I suppose we will have to send someone from our side on a regular basis, then.
So? Do you have any information for me at all?”
“Yes, So-ryong!”

*Tch.* I was irritated, but he was fortunate to have something to report.
“Go on.”
“Yes, sir! First—
There are reports that in a small village in You County, Hebei, the entire populace is afflicted with anemia.
And near the Yellow River by Mount Tai, some say rocks have begun to rise out of the water periodically!”
“Hm…”

I pondered this briefly.
If a whole village is suffering from anemia, it could be some form of parasitic infestation.
And rocks rising? Possibly an illusion caused by water levels.
I had asked him to collect any information potentially related to venomous or spiritual creatures, but it seemed he had merely assembled a collection of worthless rumors.
Regardless, I informed Lee Tae that we would commence collecting intelligence ourselves from now on and continued our voyage.

The princess was not, in fact, at Mount Botan—she was in Hangzhou.
When we met, she looked at me with a bright, hopeful expression and asked,
“It’s not an enormous request, but… we are experiencing some trouble with pirates.
Might I ask for assistance from your venomous creatures?
Merchants are suffering significant losses, but their ships are so swift we haven’t managed to apprehend them.”

So that was the purpose—a pirate hunt.
“Ah, so you’re saying you need us to hunt some pirates?”
“Yes. They use Iju as their base, so if you’re traveling with us, it will align perfectly.”
“In that case, we will naturally help.
Though I suspect pirates will be known by a different name from now on.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”

The princess tilted her head, confused.
But it was true—they would require a new designation.
We refer to them as pirates while they remain on their ships,
But once they lose their ship at sea, we refer to them as fish food.
In response to her question, I glanced over at Yeondu and Cho—both now fully mature—and smiled.
‘Now then… should we employ the anti-ship missile, or the torpedo?’