Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 388

Chapter 388
After a ten-day stay at Lee Tae’s base, we finally prepared to depart once more.
“Let’s move, Geumdo!”
Brrrrrr…
Geumdo released a deep, hesitant murmur.
His reluctance to leave was clear—but we had no choice. This wasn’t our home, and we couldn’t remain indefinitely.
Our goal was to get back to the Tang Clan and establish a safe haven where Geumdo and the others could settle.
“I’ll find a good place for you near the Tang Clan, alright? Just hang on a bit longer, Geumdo.”
Brr.
With some gentle encouragement, we started our journey, first heading toward Chongqing.
Normally, we would go west from there—but this time, we went north, tracing the path of the Fu River.
Our destination was the Tongkou River, a branch of the Yangtze that runs east from Sichuan.
The Jinsha River from Yunnan and the Min River from western Sichuan converge at Yibin to create the great Yangtze. Traveling up the Min River takes you to Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital—where we usually stopped to restock and change vessels.
However, the river north of Chongqing is the Fu River, and its upper portion connects to the Tongkou River—which runs right by Tangga Mountain, where we were headed.
Previously, we stuck to areas around Chengdu for practicality, since we typically moored boats or transported children that way.
But now, what needed mooring wasn’t a boat—it was Geumdo and Heukjeom.
And we certainly couldn’t station them near the busy capital. Heukjeom could stay hidden, but Geumdo, a literal Golden Turtle, was another matter entirely.
If rumors spread of a giant golden turtle, pandemonium would follow.
Even if we declared it belonged to the Tang Clan, greed-driven individuals might still attempt something reckless.
So we chose another route—going up the Tongkou River, despite its historically rough and unnavigable waters. We aimed to get as near as possible to Tangga Mountain.
The Tongkou wasn’t consistently deep, so reaching the mountain itself was improbable. But we could get close.
Geumdo was strong enough to manage the vigorous flow, and the surrounding mountains offered seclusion and quiet. Plus, it was within the Tang Clan’s domain, providing a degree of safety and oversight.
Brrr.
Once we passed the small city of Mianyang, we continued far up the river.
Then, Geumdo made a sound—and Hyang translated immediately.
Zrrt! 『Dad, Geumdo says he can’t go any further!』
“This appears to be the end of the line, So-ryong-nim.”
Do Sagong agreed after assessing the water ahead.
Peering over the boat’s edge, I could see the clear water and the riverbed below—but ahead, it was too shallow to proceed. Stones were even visible above the surface.
This location, however, seemed suitable for the youngsters. The flow was gentle, and the river broadened and deepened here, forming a wide, tranquil pool—ideal for a temporary home.
“Alright, we’ll stop here. Geumdo, let’s move toward the bank.”
Brr.
Just as I directed Geumdo toward the shore, Hwa-eun approached and clarified,
“All of this land is part of the Tang Clan’s holdings. We can restrict access.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Everything from here to there belongs to us.”
That simplified things greatly.
I inquired about the distance to the main Tang compound.
“How far is it to the clan’s estate?”
“Hmm… approximately ten li?”
So, around four kilometers. That was workable.
A short enough distance that a messenger could sprint there if needed.
Four kilometers using light-step technique? Easy.
It was also within range for Tang warriors to conduct patrols—perfect.
Now, I needed to verify one thing: Were the youngsters comfortable here?
I might have thought it acceptable, but perhaps Geumdo would find it too confined, or Heukjeom might think the water too chilly.
Geumdo, a Big-Headed Turtle, naturally inhabiting mountain valleys, would be fine. But tropical freshwater stingrays like Heukjeom can be particular about temperature.
“This seems alright. Wait a moment, let me check with the kids if this spot is acceptable.”
“Of course, So-ryong.”
“Everyone, it looks like we can’t go further upriver. Is it okay to stop here? Is the water too cold or unpleasant?”
Brrrr.
Zzeeeee.
Zrrrt. 『Dad, Geumdo says the water is very clear, and Heukjeom likes it as well.』
Excellent.
I had been concerned they might feel constrained after roaming open waters, but they were content with this natural basin.
“Then I’ll notify the Tang Clan immediately.”
We had found a provisional home for our water-bound family.
I was on the verge of sending word to the Tang Clan to organize provisions and assistance—but just as we reached the riverbank, some recognizable voices called out.
“Hey! What is this vessel doing here—Wait, my lady? So-ryong-nim!?”
We were only about four kilometers from Tang territory, so a group of Tang warriors had come to the bank—likely on a standard patrol. They had noticed our unusual vessel this far upriver and came to inspect.
“It’s good to see you all again.”
I welcomed them with a relaxed wave and grin—only for one among them to abruptly exclaim in astonishment.
“Quick! Report to the Clan Leader that So-ryong-nim and Lady Hwa-eun are back!”
Several of them instantly sprinted toward the estate.
***
Meanwhile, at the Tang Clan estate…
“…When will those two finally come back?”
Standing beside the courtyard pond, Tang Cheolsan released a heavy sigh, looking toward the inner chambers with a concerned expression.
His daughter and son-in-law had left months ago, supposedly just to locate the Ji-yeong Snake—but it had now been close to half a year.
They had dispatched a few letters.
The first stated they’d found the Ji-yeong Snake and were proceeding to the Peng Clan.
The next indicated they were in Yeongcheon Prefecture, the capital.
So much for a swift return.
By now, Tang Cheolsan had decided: the instant they return, they weren’t going anywhere else.
Yes, So-ryong was remarkable—he’d managed to secure one rare spirit beast after another, even creatures from the Ten Great Venomous Beasts and Twenty-Four Venoms.
But Cheolsan’s wish to keep him home wasn’t solely due to worry.
Buzzzzz…
The familiar hum of buzzing wings pulled him from his thoughts.
It was the very reason he’d reached that decision.
Looking toward the pavilion, Cheolsan spotted the Queen of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings floating near the hall.
Their eyes locked—and the Queen swiftly flew over to him.
Cheolsan exhaled deeply.
“Ahh…”
She was preparing to launch into another tirade in her indecipherable buzzing tongue.
And he couldn’t simply disregard it.
He had to pay close attention and even reply in time with her buzzing rhythm.
“So-ryong? Still no news, I take it?”
Buzzz…
“Yes… no recent letters either.”
Buzz? Buzz-Buzzz!
“Did… did I answer incorrectly?”
What was all this buzzing trying to say?
He couldn’t be entirely certain—but it seemed like another complaint regarding his son-in-law.
Perhaps due to his lateness?
No… more likely because of the letters.
Yes. Reflecting on it now, that was logical.
The initial few months were acceptable.
So-ryong had informed the Queen of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings in advance that he might be delayed.
But as the open-ended postponement continued, the queen began behaving oddly.
She emerged from the hive accompanied by several drones and started seeking out Tang Cheolsan.
Bzz-bzz. Bzzzz.
“Hm? You were looking for me?”
Bzzz.
“You sought me out… Is it because you’re concerned about So-ryong?”
BZZZ! BUZZZZ!
When questioned if she was inquiring about her master, the queen nodded vigorously.
From then on, she visited periodically with the same inquiry.
Then one day, a letter finally came from So-ryong—and Cheolsan shared the update.
“There’s news today. A letter came—would you like to know what it says?”
Bzzz?
“A letter is a written message from afar. It’s put on paper—people describe their situation and ask about others too.
‘I am well. Are you well?’ That sort of thing. It’s how we exchange greetings when separated by distance.
This one tells where So-ryong is and how he is faring.”
BZZZ!
The first letter was straightforward: merely that they were safe and moving on.
Nothing extraordinary.
But after that first letter, the queen’s visits increased—eager for ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) news.
Then the second letter arrived.
“Father-in-law, we are doing well. So please do not worry. Please also give my regards to Grandfather and Mother-in-law. We will be back shortly.”
Bzzz?
“Hmm? You don’t understand that section? Which part?”
Bzzz?
“You mean this? ‘We will return soon’?”
She pointed persistently at the letter’s conclusion.
Cheolsan read it aloud—and that’s when the queen exploded in fury.
BUZZZZZZZ!
In hindsight, it was understandable.
Hadn’t he explained that a letter was for exchanging greetings?
It referenced the family—but not her.
That omission must have deeply upset her.
She had even asked if there was more to read—but that was all.
Since then, she had come daily, not allowing Cheolsan to attend to anything else.
So now, he made a point of visiting her each morning instead—simply to placate her.
Bzzz.
She appeared again today, antennae twitching as usual, mutely inquiring if there was news.
“No news today either.”
BZZZ!
The same response as always.
Just as he prepared for another session of incomprehensible wasp grievances—
“Clan Leader!”
A Tang warrior, dashing in with light-step technique, dropped to one knee before Cheolsan.
“What is it?”
He bore an urgent yet thrilled expression.
“They’re here! So-ryong-nim and Lady Hwa-eun!”
“Truly!?”
A joyful smile spread over Cheolsan’s face.
“So-ryong is back! Would you like to accompany me?”
BZZZ!
Despite all that anticipation, when invited to greet him—the queen spun around and disappeared into the hive.
Cheolsan released a slow breath.
“…I suppose they will have to resolve that themselves.”
***
“Wh-what is all this…”
Cheolsan and the assembled Tang family members stood at the water’s edge with astonished expressions.
It wasn’t merely So-ryong and Hwa-eun who had come back.
They had brought a small host of new allies.
Included among them were:
Yeolbi, the bombardier beetle.
Juhwang, the Ji-yeong Snake—destined to be Yeondu’s partner.
Geumdo, the enormous Millennium Golden Turtle.
And that was not everything.
Also present were:
Jeokwol, the Blood-Blossom Dream Illusion Butterfly, one of the Ten Great Venomous Beasts.
Sandan, the Twin-Blossom Orchid Mantis.
Ranghyang, the Red-Cloud Black Millipede.
Sunbaek and Baekbaek, the White-Shell Pangolins.
And lastly—
the White Moon Black-Spotted Ray: Heukjeom.
A truly impressive assembly.
And Geumdo—his immense form, settled in the river like a golden isle—was even more breathtaking than when So-ryong had last arrived on Cheongwol.
As I was soaking in the sense of accomplishment, my father-in-law came forward.
“Im… Incredible, son-in-law.”
“Heh. I thought I should put the journey to good use.”
I answered with a humble smile—as if this represented only a fraction of my ability.
Cheolsan gave me an approving nod, but then his expression tightened—as if he’d just remembered something.
“But—tell me something. When you sent that letter… why did you neglect to inquire after the most important individual?”
“The letter?”
I looked toward Hwa-eun.
She had composed the letter for me.
[“I wrote it in your name.”]
Evidently, she had drafted it to gain favor, but now she looked puzzled.
“I’m certain I included greetings for everyone?”
Cheolsan shook his head with a weary smile.
“No, not me. Not the family. There is another exceedingly important being whose welfare you should have acknowledged.”
“…Huh?”
Was there someone like that in the Tang Clan?
My thoughts went completely blank.