Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 396

Chapter 396
Producing the samples under the intense scrutiny of the observers was a challenge, yet I maintained my composure and completed the remaining pieces. These were not superficial coatings like the initial attempts; I worked meticulously to ensure each one had a substantial layer of silver plating. I applied an electrical current for approximately thirty minutes per piece, establishing a robust silver deposit that could withstand any attempt to scratch or examine it.

—Chwareureuk.

“Here they are. All finished.”

I had fashioned a copper rod to hold multiple items simultaneously. After placing the final sample neatly on the wooden tray, the adults gazed at them with the same fervent admiration. Their reaction was expected—the caliber of this silver plating was significantly greater than the first set.

“This is far superior to the initial batch. To dissolve silver into the Seokdamjeong using saltpeter and then direct lightning qi through it… transforming copper into silver with such a method…”

“Without a doubt. The surface quality is also exceptional. I can envision numerous applications for this.”

While the elders were preoccupied with the samples, the master poisoner inquired from nearby.

“So-ryong-nim, should we tidy this up now?”

I turned to see the artisan from the Poison Pavilion indicating the silver-plating solution, asking if we should put the equipment away now that the demonstration was over. I swiftly retrieved the pouch given to me earlier by the ironworks artisan.

“One moment, please. There’s still a final item.”

—Dalgurak.

I upended the pouch into my hand, and two gleaming gold rings fell into my palm. They were simple bands without ornamentation, bearing only the engraved characters for the Sacheon Tang Clan.

“What is that, son-in-law?”

“Ah, one last task. It will only take a moment.”

I said this while verifying the silver nitrate in the solution had been exhausted, then added more silver nitrate and potassium cyanide. After suspending the rings from a copper rod and immersing them, I called out to Seom and Byeok.

“One last request, you two!”

—Wehhhhh!

This time, Seom took over from Byeok and began generating the current. As these required a thinner coating, I waited about ten minutes before calling out again.

“That’s it! My thanks, Seom!”

—Wehhhhh!
—Weh!

Their duty complete, Seom and Byeok swam slowly back toward the middle of the pond. I retrieved the rod and cleansed the rings in fresh water to examine the outcome. The red solution washed off, uncovering silver rings that shone brilliantly in the light, polished to a mirror finish.

On the exterior were the words ‘Sacheon Tang Clan.’ On the interior: my name and Hwa-eun’s.

Clutching the rings, I walked over to Hwa-eun, who was still feigning irritation and stealing glances in my direction, with Hyang coiled around her.

“Hwa-eun, for you.”

“W-what is that…? A—A ring!?”

When I first held out my hand to show her, her tone was aloof and rigid. But the instant she recognized it as a ring, her eyes widened to the size of full moons. Then, upon looking closer, her ears turned a deep red—like water recently used by Ranghyang for bathing.

I spoke with a gentle smile.
“Yes, a ring.”

“R-really?”

She appeared incredulous. I gave a soft nod.
“I commissioned them from the Ironworks artisan. They are gold, but as members of a martial clan often find gold ostentatious, I plated them in silver. I also kept the design plain. I had our names engraved inside each one. I will wear the ring bearing your name, and you will wear the one with mine.”

“O-our names, too…?”

She became completely still, as if time itself had halted the moment I revealed the inscriptions. From the side, I heard my mother-in-law’s joyful exclamation.

“Goodness! You even had your names engraved for each other? Hwa-eun, what fortune! I feared our son-in-law might not consider a formal token, having no birth family to guide him, but this is such a sincere gesture.”

She believed the ring was a love token—a profound offering from a man with no family. But, a birth family? Did that imply a greater significance? I had only intended this gift to appease Hwa-eun’s wounded feelings, never having given one before… yet now it seemed burdened with a much weightier meaning.

As I stood there somewhat bewildered, my father-in-law’s voice reached me through sound transmission.
[He is unaware of the ring’s significance, correct?]
[No, Father-in-law. Is there a greater meaning?]
[As I thought. Merely agree with anything I say from this point onward.]
[Ah… understood.]

He must have noticed my discomfort and intervened to assist. I replied via sound transmission, and my father-in-law offered a knowing smile before speaking aloud.

“A formal love token for the betrothal ceremony, is it?”
“Yes, that… that is correct, Father-in-law.”

‘Formal Betrothal?’ A term unfamiliar to me. I looked at him, perplexed, seeking clarification. He continued kindly, as if providing an explanation.

“Had you not been entering as a live-in son-in-law, this would symbolize an engagement recognized by both families prior to the wedding. Thank you for considering Hwa-eun.”
“Oh, it was no trouble. Haha…”

‘So, it is akin to an engagement?’ That seemed to be the case—everyone now interpreted the ring as a betrothal gift. This clarified Hwa-eun’s astonished reaction. Since I was marrying directly into the family, the usual ceremony had been omitted. My presentation of a formal token was therefore seen as a deeply thoughtful gesture.

As I rubbed my head with an uneasy smile, I heard my grandfather and father-in-law add their comments.
“Though made of gold, the silver plating allows for daily wear. Typical of So-ryong to be so considerate.”
“Hwa-eun, why are you hesitating? Will you not accept it? So-ryong’s arm will grow tired from waiting!”

They were encouraging her to take it promptly. When Hwa-eun finally reached for the ring, I smiled and said,
“Let me place it on your finger.”

I took the ring inscribed with my name and moved it toward her extended left hand. Just then, my father-in-law added in a lighthearted tone,
“You are aware that unmarried women do not simply wear rings, son-in-law? Once it is on, it cannot be taken back.”

In my previous life, I hadn’t considered it. But now I recalled that every woman I had seen wearing a ring here was married. So, rings clearly held a much deeper meaning in the ancient Central Plains. Regardless, I intended to marry her. I took her hand to slide the ring on.

Then, as if muttering a silent curse, Hwa-eun extended her middle finger. Immediately, my father-in-law’s voice echoed via sound transmission once more.
[You did take a proper measurement, I trust? The Formal Betrothal ring is worn on the ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) middle finger.]

I stiffened and looked at Hyang, still wrapped around Hwa-eun. Just yesterday, I had Hyang gauge her finger size by having him gently nip her fourth finger, and I relayed that measurement to the Ironworks artisan.

‘I am in trouble.’ My father-in-law’s intention was good, but if the ring did not fit her middle finger, my error would be revealed. Resigned, I slowly proceeded to slide the ring on.

Oddly, the ring fit Hwa-eun’s middle finger perfectly. Surprised, I opened my eyes wider and glanced at Hyang. Hyang, seeming to seek praise, spoke into my mind:
‘—Sssrurr. “Dad, the fourth one fits, right?”’
“The fourth one?”
‘—Ssrrk. “Yup. The fourth one.”’

Hyang replied with utter certainty, labeling the third finger as the fourth, and I realized my failure—I had never taught her to count. I had once attempted to teach her clockwise directions, but she was equally poor at that. “My daughter is already failing mathematics!” However, since her mistake had serendipitously rescued me, she was a wonderful math dropout in my view.

“Yes, excellent work, Hyang. You found the perfect ‘fourth’ finger!” I praised her silently. Hwa-eun’s voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes glistening with tears.
“I will remember this moment forever. For all my days, So-ryong.”
Her middle finger remained held out to me.

***

“Have you been keeping well?”
“I expected you tomorrow?”
“Did you believe I could wait that long?”

That afternoon, Elder Geolhwang appeared once more, accompanied by another beggar. I had sent word that the samples were ready, anticipating him the following day, but he had arrived mere hours later.

“And this gentleman?”
I inquired politely, gesturing toward the man. Elder Geolhwang regarded him with an affectionate smile.
“Ah, this fellow was once an inspector of high-grade silver and Dragon Silver for the royal court. I brought him to evaluate the quality of your product. Go on, introduce yourself—this is So-ryong, the Tang Clan’s son-in-law.”
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young hero. My name is So Geol-gwi.”
“The pleasure is mine, Master Geol-gwi.”

So, he had been brought to authenticate my silver. As I offered a respectful martial salute, Elder Geolhwang’s voice slipped into my mind via sound transmission:
[Do not inform him it is counterfeit silver.]

He evidently desired an unbiased, thorough evaluation and instructed me to conceal that detail. I gave a subtle nod and suggested we proceed to the workshop, where the false silver was stored.

“Shall we go to the master’s workshop? The silver is located there.”
“Very well.”

We reached the Tang master’s study.
“Father-in-law, Elder Geolhwang has arrived.”
“Oh?”

The door opened, and my father-in-law emerged, seeming to have hurried. He personally came to welcome Elder Geolhwang, who smiled apologetically.
“I am beginning to feel apologetic for visiting so frequently.”
He appeared slightly embarrassed by the courtesy.
“Even if you came a hundred times, I would greet you a hundred times. You are a revered elder of Murim, after all.”
“Hah, well, when you state it so, I shall accept graciously. Thank you.”
“Please, enter.”

Elder Geolhwang entered the study with a satisfied nod. We seated ourselves, and my father-in-law brought over the tray of Dragon Silver, placing it on the table. It shimmered in the afternoon light streaming through the open window.

“Here it is.”
“Oh? This is the material?”
“Yes, please inspect it.”

My father-in-law likely intended to remark on its impressive quality—even as a fake—but perhaps Elder Geolhwang signaled him, for his words faded into a vague gesture.

“Proceed, take a look.”
“Understood.”

At Elder Geolhwang’s direction, So Geol-gwi withdrew a cloth-wrapped object from his chest. Unwrapping it revealed a small scale and a needle. He started by weighing a silver piece, then pricked it, scrutinizing it for some time. Finally, he nodded.

“This is exceptionally high-grade Dragon Silver—of superb purity.”
He seemed entirely convinced. With a contented smile, Elder Geolhwang suddenly flicked one of the silver bars into the air.

—Sshhk.

A blur. With a motion too swift to follow, Elder Geolhwang struck. The silver bar sheared cleanly in two and landed with a clink on the table.

—Dalgurak.

The cross-section revealed distinct layers: a thin veneer of silver, copper beneath, and even a clay core. So Geol-gwi stared, utterly astounded.

“Impossible… How were you able to layer them in this manner? Attempting to plate silver onto copper typically causes it to slide away or melt the copper completely…”
His expression was one of complete disbelief. Frankly, this degree of craftsmanship should not be possible in this era.

“Will this suffice?”
I asked Elder Geolhwang with a smile. He nodded profoundly, clearly impressed.
“So Geol-gwi may resemble a beggar now, but he was once ranked among the top three silver appraisers in the entire Central Plains. If he pronounces it good, then it is good. This will most certainly suffice.”

Now all that remained was mass production and distribution to our targets.
‘You scoundrels from the Five Venoms Sect… Prepare to receive this explosive present from So-ryong!’
I grinned inwardly, imagining the impending chaos.

Then, Elder Geolhwang spoke again, cautiously.
“Incidentally, So-ryong… would you happen to possess knowledge concerning Swarming locust?”

I assumed our business was concluded—but it seemed he had a further inquiry. This time, it concerned locusts. Specifically, whether I was knowledgeable about them. Swarming locust does not refer to just any locust, but to the devastating swarms that lay waste to entire regions.

I nodded casually.
“Of course. I am quite familiar with them… I can even produce them.”
“You can produce locusts!?”
“He can produce locusts!?”

Both Elder Geolhwang and my father-in-law swiveled to face me, their eyes wide, their voices filled with astonishment.