Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 341

Chapter 341
A chill of apprehension ran through me. ‘Surely he isn’t… actually coming to find me, is he?’
The mere idea of the Crown Prince seeking me out sent a jolt of panic straight to my core. A profound sense of foreboding settled in, a certainty that events were spiraling toward a disastrous outcome.
If the Crown Prince were to appear in person and discover me dressed as a palace maiden, the consequences could be severe—a formal accusation of mocking the royal family.
In a worst-case scenario, even the secret message I had composed using the centipedes for the Emperor might be brought to light.
I attempted to calm my nerves with logic: if the situation were truly that dire, surely agents from Dongchang or the Embroidered Guards would have descended upon me by now.
‘Hold on. The fact that neither Dongchang nor the Embroidered Guards have made a move suggests it might not be as critical as I fear.’
Had it blossomed into a major incident, someone from those powerful organizations would undoubtedly have arrived to interrogate me.
‘That makes me wonder, is Unmirang alright? And what about the other palace maiden who was with me?’
Even if I were somehow spared, the maid who had been my companion could have faced punishment. However, after pausing to steady my breathing and wipe the cold sweat from my brow, I acknowledged that worrying about others was a luxury I couldn’t afford.
I could feel two intense stares burning into the sides of my face.
The heated glares from Sister Seol and Hwa-eun were practically tangible.
Too apprehensive to meet Hwa-eun’s eyes, I slowly turned my head toward Sister Seol.
And then the question came.
“So-ryong, no, why would you keep something this important from us?”
I squeezed my eyes shut, then dared a glance at Hwa-eun—only to be met with an identical question.
“So-ryong, why didn’t you tell us?”
But how could I possibly explain?
That their little brother… had worn women’s attire and captivated the Crown Prince?
That their fiancé… had worn women’s attire and captivated the Crown Prince?
“Well, you see… it’s only… haah…”
I released a long, weary sigh. Eunbi Ruju, who had been listening to our exchange, chose that moment to speak up.
“Um, Young Lord So? I’m not certain what this is about, but should we perhaps return to our own discussion first…?”
She was, technically, our guest, and it was undeniably rude to ignore her for a private conversation. Well, the secret was already out, and if its disclosure meant dealing a significant blow to the Five Venoms Sect, I had no choice but to endure the embarrassment.
Shutting my eyes tightly, I confessed.
“It was me.”
“?”
Hearing only silence, I carefully opened my eyes to find Eunbi Ruju tilting her head in bewilderment.
“What about you, Young Lord So?”
Did she really need me to state it so explicitly, as if confirming a final blow?
Suppressing my deep humiliation and redirecting it into pure hatred for the Five Venoms Sect, I made myself reply. If not for those wretched villains, I never would have been forced to cross-dress.
‘I will transform every bit of this shame and embarrassment into wrath, and I will eradicate every last one of you Five Venoms vermin!’
“The, the palace maiden the Crown Prince is searching for… That person is me…”
“Huh?”
Elder Punggae’s eyes widened in shock. Eunbi Ruju blinked several times, then let out a soft sigh and murmured.
“No, I understand this concerns the Imperial Family, but still… That is simply too incredible to believe…”
A lovely palace maiden turning out to be me—no wonder she seemed so thoroughly perplexed.
She appeared to think I was inventing a cover story because the Imperial Family was involved.
“It can’t be!?”
But then, while staring at me with that confused expression, her eyes suddenly went wide. She curled her thumb and forefinger into a circle and peered through it at my face.
She was likely trying to block out my current appearance to visualize me in makeup and gown. As the proprietor of a giru, her imagination was undoubtedly vivid.
A moment later, she covered her mouth with her hand, her expression one of utter astonishment. “No freaking way.”
“Good heavens…”
I hurried to explain to all three of them—Eunbi Ruju, Sister Seol, and Hwa-eun.
“I can’t go into the specifics, but I had urgent business within the palace that required me to wear a palace maiden’s uniform for a short time. It was simply my misfortune to encounter the Crown Prince during that period.
Does that explanation work for you?”
Hearing this, Eunbi Ruju nodded quickly.
Originally, she had likely hoped to forge a connection with a future Empress or consort, but it was now evident I would be no use in that regard. Flustered, she simply agreed.
‘Well, she claimed she only needed this information, so she probably won’t dig any deeper.’

***
I had assumed Haomun would manage all operations south of the Yangtze River, leaving the north to the Beggar’s Union. It turned out the next leader of Haomun possessed a surprisingly ambitious nature.
After learning the locations of the Five Venoms Sect and Blood Cult bases, they volunteered to handle a few additional sites personally.
They must have identified a few particularly valuable targets.
“This one, and this one as well—would you permit us to take these? They are technically north of the Yangtze, but we are exceptionally keen to acquire them.”
“You’d go that far?”
“Securing these four locations would greatly expand our influence. Furthermore, one is a giru and another is a tavern that has been a persistent thorn in our side. If you grant us permission, we will ensure the matter is handled with utmost efficiency.”
“That is acceptable to us. We have no objections if Haomun is taking charge.”
We reached a favorable agreement and decided to initiate the plans that very day.
“If we hesitate, our targets may flee, so we must act swiftly.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Young Lord.”
With our business concluded, we prepared to leave the giru.
“Please, allow me to see you out.”
“Thank you.”
Eunbi Ruju offered to escort us. As we walked back through the garden, passing the pond, ducks and peacocks drew near, nuzzling their cheeks against her.
When I first entered the garden and saw the birds, I assumed they were cared for by an employee. But witnessing this, it became clear—Ruju herself was their keeper.
As the owner of the establishment, I had thought the numerous cages and birds were merely part of the décor. I had even considered asking who looked after them, assuming she was too occupied for such a task… but I was mistaken.
“There are so many birdcages here. I was curious about who tended to them, but it seems it is you?”
At my question, Eunbi Ruju nodded.
“Yes, it is a personal pastime. It also aids my practice of vocal arts.”
“Ah…”
A courtesan and vocal arts—it made perfect sense.
In this era, courtesans were essentially professional singers. The connection between singing and vocal arts was a natural one.
I nodded and continued toward the small gate we had entered through. Then, a sudden realization struck me.
Forging a stronger bond with Eunbi Ruju would be prudent.
Not due to any personal attraction, but because of the Ten Great Venomous Beasts.
The foremost among them—Zimjo.
I knew I would eventually need to pursue it, but my knowledge of birds was severely lacking.
I understood general concepts, but the practicalities of raising and handling them? I was profoundly ignorant.
Gaining assistance from an experienced avian keeper would provide a tremendous advantage.
Naturally, Zimjo was a spiritual beast, so it would be different. Yet, some knowledge was infinitely better than none.
‘I should strive to evolve our relationship from a business arrangement to a personal connection. And to do that… I will need a gesture of mutual recognition.’
If I desired her future help, shifting our dynamic to a more personal footing would be ideal.
But how does one build a personal rapport between people of “our kind”?
Among dedicated enthusiasts, there is only one true method.
‘Recognition. Without a doubt, recognition.’
Just as this thought crystallized, the perfect opportunity arose.
“Incidentally, how did you know I raised them myself? Others always assume I employ a helper. Do you have an interest in birds?”
She looked at me with a hopeful sparkle in her eyes.
A question laden with anticipation.
Her true meaning was easy to decipher. She desired acknowledgment, praise, and understanding for the dedication she invested in raising her birds.
This is the way of all genuine enthusiasts.
Merely demonstrating that we were of a similar mind would be enough to strengthen our tie, so I decided to offer that recognition immediately.
Even if our specific interests weren’t identical, proving a shared passion would foster camaraderie.
Smiling, I answered.
“Ah, it isn’t that I have a particular fondness for birds. It’s more that… we are of the same kind.”
“The same kind?”
Her expression faltered slightly at my admission, but upon hearing “the same kind,” her eyes brightened again.
In response to Ruju’s query, I summoned Dong and Hongdan from within my robes and from my wrist.
“Come out, Dong. Come out, Hongdan.”
Kkyuit!
Kkiii.
At my call, Dong emerged from my chest and peeked out, while Hongdan slithered up from my wrist to rest on my shoulder.
“Say hello now.”
Kkyui.
Kkiiii.
As anticipated, after I instructed them to greet her, Ruju’s voice rang out in amazement.
“What!? They comprehend human speech!?”
“You are aware of my nickname, ‘Tianha Dokmul Papa’, are you not?”
“?”
At the mention of the nickname, Ruju seemed momentarily hesitant.
She answered in a slightly flustered tone.
“O-of course! I know you raise many poisonous creatures, but I never imagined you carried them on your person… or that they could understand language. And yes, I am absolutely familiar with Tianha Dokmul Papa. Naturally.”
It felt as though she hadn’t actually known the nickname.
But, in the spirit of shared enthusiasm, she pretended otherwise.
Among our kind, such acknowledgment is essential.
Although a little disappointed, she hadn’t committed a grave error, so I nodded and continued.
“I am considering raising a bird myself one day. When that time arrives, would you be willing to offer your advice?”
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
“Of course! Young Lord, what type of bird appeals to you? You see, there are birds renowned for their song, and others for their beauty. For a novice, chickens or ducks are actually quite suitable as they are simpler to raise, but they are large and noisy, so they are not commonly favored. That is why many people capture small wild birds, though those tiny creatures often refuse to eat provided food. It is challenging at the start. So, once you decide what you wish to raise, please do inform me. I will be happy to assist you.”
Hearing her passionate explanation, Sister Seol smiled and said,
“It seems you will become good friends.”
Sister Seol, too, had sensed the budding connection between us.

***
In the past, Hwa-eun would have grown jealous, questioning why I was becoming friendly with the owner of a giru.
But observing Sister Seol’s reaction, she merely made a face that said, “Ah, he’s doing that again.”
She seemed accustomed to it by now.
“It is a peculiar thing. A brief conversation about birds, and she becomes so fervent.”
“Hwa-eun, you also feel pleased when someone compliments your little ones, don’t you? And you wish to boast when they achieve something grand. It is similar to that.”
“Well, when you explain it that way, it does seem to make sense.”
The boat ferried us back across the canal.
Unexpectedly, individuals were waiting for us on the other side.
“Huhhh!?
G-General Meng!?”
“A-and the Elder Eunuch as well!?”
“Ah, So-ryong, where have you been? We have been waiting for some time.”
“We intended to send a message ahead, but…”
Earlier, I had comforted myself with the thought that if anything serious had occurred, Dongchang or the Embroidered Guards would seek me out. And now, here they were.
They were even dressed in civilian attire.
Their discreet appearance suggested a matter of significant import.
‘A-am I finished?’
“What brings the two of you here?”
“Well, it concerns the Crown Prince, you understand…”
I clung to a desperate hope that my fears were unfounded. But the answer I received was the very one I dreaded.
My heart sank at the mention of the Crown Prince.
It felt as though events were sliding directly into the catastrophic scenario I had envisioned.
However, the final part of their explanation delivered an even greater shock.
“…So we brought her along.”
“Whaaat!?”
No, these lunatics—what conceivable reason did they have for bringing the Crown Prince here instead of resolving the matter quietly!?
As my panic surged, a palace maiden stepped out from behind them.
“Huh?”
“Ah, greetings.”
It was not the Crown Prince. It was Unmirang, the palace maiden.
As I stared in surprise, General Meng explained.
“The Crown Prince was causing an immense disturbance, insisting on finding you. He commanded us to at least retrieve the girl who was with you. We feared it would cause complications, so we concealed the girl. Ever since the day the centipedes wrote their message in the Emperor’s rear garden, we have propagated a story about a heavenly fairy descending. We have ensured the silence of the other palace maids; officially, this girl never served at the palace. But, we could not simply eliminate such a loyal individual to maintain the deception… Nor could we keep her ourselves. So, would you take her in? Bring her into the Tang Family, perhaps have her work as a servant.”
An enormous wave of relief washed over me that it wasn’t the Crown Prince himself. They had even managed the situation adeptly.
But why were they dumping the palace maiden on me!?
I looked toward Hwa-eun in confusion. Hwa-eun tilted her head and asked Unmirang,
“Are you the one who assisted So-ryong with his disguise?”
“Ah? Y-yes, that is correct, my lady.”
“Hmm… Well, welcome to the Tang Family.”
It was the fastest recruitment imaginable.