Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 381

Chapter 381
We made good time sailing the lengthy north-south channel of East Dongting Lake and soon reached the broader, east-west expanse of South Dongting Lake, journeying on for a considerable while.
Sagong Won, the head boatman of the Dongting Eighteen Boats, gazed out across the water, then indicated a specific location.
“Sir So-ryong, that area over there is where East Dongting Lake is said to begin.”
“Starting from that point?”
“Indeed. That small island of reeds is commonly regarded as the marker separating East from South Dongting Lake. Naturally, it’s not an official border, so some disagree on the exact line.”
He elaborated that some believe you must circle the island to truly enter East Dongting, while others contend it starts immediately upon reaching it.
He was pointing toward a tiny islet thick with reeds, protruding from the marsh to our left like a natural marker. Confirming his words, a glance around revealed a complete absence of fishing boats in the vicinity.
Up until now, we had encountered numerous fishing boats pulling in their nets and elegant passenger vessels on both West and South Dongting Lake—but here, there was nothing. Not one other sail broke the horizon.
“Then we’ll wait here until dark and proceed as intended?”
“Yes, sir. Understood.”
We did not immediately venture into East Dongting Lake.
Though no patrol ships were visible, it was wiser to err on the side of caution.
“Geumdo, let’s take cover near that reed island for the time being.”
—Brrrmm.
The central region of Dongting Lake often shifted from deep water in the wet season back to marshland when drier, resulting in vast fields of dense reeds.
Groups of small islets were clustered together here, so I directed Geumdo to navigate toward them.
The pirates in their smaller vessels trailed in our wake.
They appeared to be following without complaint—but only because all their boats were tethered together and being pulled along by Geumdo.
They had previously agreed to assist us, but given their disgruntled expressions, I had deemed it prudent to secure them with ropes.
“W-we can just row and follow you, then.”
“That won’t be necessary. If we connect your boats to Geumdo, we can simply tow you.”
“R-really, it’s no trouble…”
“I insist, you’ll want to save your energy for rowing on the lake tonight. Also, should any ropes break or a boat get loose, my daughter will be following behind us.”
“Y-your daughter will be tracking us?”
“Yes, my daughter. Cho-ya?”
—Ssrrrr…
“…”

Once Geumdo was settled within the cluster of reed islands, I issued a clear command to Sagong Won.
“We will rest until sunset and set out the moment it grows dark.”
“Understood, Sir So-ryong! Everyone, remain on your boats and rest until nightfall!”
“Yessir…”
“Understood…”
The pirates offered weak acknowledgments to the order and began to moor their boats alongside the reed island to wait.
Observing them, I concluded it was time to get a suitable outfit for swimming.
Since I expected to need to enter the water to find the spirit beast, the long, flowing robes common in the Central Plains would be entirely impractical.
‘I should copy the style the pirates use.’
Trousers in the Central Plains were typically loose, but the pirates usually wore only short pants that reached their knees, frequently going without a shirt.
Their design was somewhat snug—likely for ease of movement in the water. The look was actually quite practical.
“It seems I need to locate Unmirang.”
Unmirang had once been employed in the palace, overseeing and sewing garments—essentially, she was a palace maid.
I resolved to ask for her assistance with this project.
“Has anyone seen Unmirang?”
“I haven’t, Sir So-ryong.”
“Alright. Thank you. Where might she be? Perhaps in the cabin?”
I looked in the galley and her personal quarters below deck, but she was not there.
I then knocked on Tang Hwa-eun’s door to inquire if she had any information.
“Hwa-eun, have you seen Unmirang anywhere?”
“I noticed her going into your cabin a short while ago.”
“Did you? Thank you, Hwa-eun.”
After searching for some time, it seemed she was likely tidying my room.
Unmirang was exceptionally thorough when it came to cleaning.
‘It seems I worried for no reason.’
Just as my hand moved to open the cabin door—
I detected quiet murmuring from within.
“Miss Bini, I heard you asked Miss Hwa-eun how babies come into the world?”
—Ssrr. 『Yes. But Mother said she would explain when I am older. Bini is quite grown up already.』
“Hehe. Should I tell you, then? I received comprehensive lessons on this while in the palace, you know.”
—Srrt? 『Truly?』
“I’ll share it with you in secret, so Miss Hwa-eun won’t find out.”
It appeared the two had become very friendly. Even though Unmirang could not comprehend Bini’s speech, she answered as if she did.
She seemed on the verge of imparting some illicit knowledge to Bini.
For a brief moment—I was uncertain.
Should I intervene?
Bini was merely a year old.
It certainly seemed premature. However, if Unmirang provided that information, it might prevent some uncomfortable explanations later on…
At that instant, my foot inadvertently nudged the door.
—Tap.
—Srrt! 『Someone is at the door!』
“You enjoy this part?”
—No! 『I said there is someone outside!』
“Alright, alright, I’ll tell you swiftly. So, a man and a woman—mmph!”
Even though Bini had alerted her to a presence outside, Unmirang continued without pause—
Until I opened the door.
The sight that met me was Bini coiled firmly around Unmirang’s head.
Unmirang’s eyes widened then narrowed within the confines of Bini’s limbs, and the instant she was freed, she hastily retreated.
“Oh! You were indicating this area needed a more thorough cleaning! Sir So-ryong!”
—Ssrr. 『Y-yes. Ah, Father?』
The pair were transparently attempting to divert attention.
It felt too uncomfortable to acknowledge, so I chose to feign ignorance and steer the discussion elsewhere.
If I mentioned it, they might ultimately demand an explanation from me…
“Unmirang, so you were in here?”
“Y-you were searching for me?”
Now that I had pretended not to observe anything, both of them showed clear relief.
I nodded in response to Unmirang’s query.
“Yes, I was told you are skilled with needle and thread, and I wished to ask for your help.”
“Oh, sewing? Absolutely! When it comes to tailoring, no one surpasses this Unmirang. What is required? Has a garment been torn?”
I searched through a storage chest in the cabin and produced a worn-out pair of trousers.
“Nothing is torn—I was hoping you could alter these into a pair of short pants like the pirates wear.”
“These?”
“Correct. I believe I will need to swim tonight while searching for the spirit beast, so…”
After I explained the reason for needing the shorts, she inspected the trousers and inquired,
“Ah, so you need them promptly?”
“Right. Do you think you can finish them soon?”
“You stated we would depart after sunset, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Then one or two hours is sufficient. It will be no trouble. Please give them to me.”
She held the pants against my waist to approximate the measurements, then exited and returned with a basket containing her sewing implements.
And so, the sewing commenced.
Approximately an hour later, Tang Hwa-eun visited the cabin, noticed Unmirang, and looked on with curiosity.
“What are you working on, Unmirang?”
“Oh, Sir So-ryong requested I alter these into short pants similar to those worn by the pirates.”
“Sh-short pants?”
“Yes. I believe he intends to enter the water wearing them.”
She glanced at me, then at the shorts—a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
In a somewhat hesitant tone, she asked,
“So-ryong, are you planning to wear only… those?”
“Yes. I will likely have to follow Cho into the water. These long robes would become waterlogged and hinder my swimming.”
“I—I understand.”
She nodded, her face still slightly flushed, then turned to Unmirang with a resolved voice.
“Very well, how can I assist?”
She was clearly enthusiastic about helping.

***
As the sun descended, I changed into the shorts Unmirang had fashioned for me.
They ended at the knee, with a sturdy waistband to guarantee they would stay on even if Cho swam vigorously and tugged me along.
The instant I emerged from the cabin wearing the short pants, Sister Seol’s eyes brightened with an expression that seemed to say, “Well, now! Very impressive!”
“So-ryong, you’ve certainly developed some muscle, haven’t you? You originally had the appearance of an ordinary townsman.”
“That was true then. I had only just begun my martial arts training.”
Now that I had attained the level of Samhwa Chwijung, my internal energy had grown stronger, and my physical form had followed suit. I was no longer the same person.
I had gained a more robust build, and I felt self-assured about it—but Sister Seol sought validation from Hwa-eun.
“Hwa-eun, doesn’t So-ryong look remarkable?”
At this, Hwa-eun, concealing herself slightly behind Sister Seol’s shoulder, flushed and gave a quick nod.
She was unmistakably flustered that I was shirtless, but it was equally evident she was sincerely admiring the view—too much so to voice her thoughts.
‘Yes… I suppose I have become somewhat more handsome.’
“Alright then. Shall we depart?”
As I walked out onto the deck wearing only the shorts, Sagong Won, the leader of the Dongting Eighteen Boats, stared with widened eyes and asked,
“Sir So-ryong, this attire…?”
“Ah, I decided comfort was paramount for swimming. The clothing your crew wears seemed perfectly suited for it, so I thought I would adopt the style.”
“That is correct. Bulky garments absorb water and impede swimming. That is precisely why they dress in that manner.”
“Shall we commence, then?”
“Perhaps you would like to offer a few words of encouragement before we leave?”
“Ah.”
Understanding he wished for me to address everyone, I moved to the bow. Before me, the pirate boats were assembled and waiting.
Their faces were filled with reluctance—but what choice did they have?
Instead of attempting to rouse their spirits with fierce shouts, I opted to calm their fears.
“Some of you appear concerned about the possibility of your boat overturning in a whirlpool, but there is no cause for alarm. My daughter and my younger sister will be ready to aid any vessel that capsizes.”
“Daughter?”
“Younger sister?”
The pirates looked puzzled, blinking in confusion at the mention of a daughter and a sister.
Right on time, Cho and Yeondu leaned out on either side of me, looking over the railing.
“This is my daughter. And this is my younger sister.”
—Ssrrrr. 『I am the daughter.』
—Shaaaa. 『I am the younger sister. Although, upon reflection, So-ryong, it is possible I am the elder…』
As I made the introductions, Yeondu questioned her designation as the “younger” one.
She must have heard that the sibling with the younger age is the younger one.
‘It is merely for the pirates’ comprehension. And truthfully, Yeondu, you often seem like a little sister to me.’
—Shaaa… 『A brother who pilfers his little sister’s Neidan, indeed…』
‘L-let’s not dwell on that, Yeondu. I offered my apologies, remember? Besides, human brothers occasionally behave that way—taking things from their sisters. It is, well… a demonstration of familiarity. A trait of genuine siblings.’
As anticipated, she had not entirely moved past it. She still referenced that old grievance.
While I was attempting to reassure her, the pirates inquired,
“T-the spirit beasts are going to assist us?”
“A spirit beast?”
‘What, do they doubt this?’
They clearly did not believe my daughter and sister were truly going to provide help.
To eliminate their skepticism, I decided on