Chapter 70: Step Aside, I'll Give This Guy a Solid Thrashing Today
Step Aside, I'll Give This Guy a Solid Thrashing Today
——————Welcome to the Classic Masterpiece [The Tale of Chunhyang]!
No need to delve into the analysis of Kim Minsoo.
The perfect role for you is [The Tale of Chunhyang – Yi Mongryong]!
Boasting both martial and literary skills.
Impressive appearance.
Articulate speech.
And the commanding presence of a noble scholar!
If it's not you, who else will step into the shoes of Yi Mongryong?! ——————
"…?"Kim Minsoo expressed doubt upon seeing the information window that appeared as soon as he entered the gate.
The Tale of Chunhyang? Is it similar to the case with Don Quixote last time?
But this time, it seemed more detailed with the assigned role. Regardless of how different it might be from the original work, the role of [Yi Mongryong] is clear.
Another information window appeared to support Kim Minsoo's rationale.
——————Your role is [Yi Mongryong].
In the Classic Masterpiece [The Tale of Chunhyang], the clear conditions vary depending on the assigned role.
Form a hundred-year pact with [Seong Chunhyang] and confront [Byeon Satto] in a display of justice!
Congratulations on winning the most optimal role!
Only you truly fit the role of [Yi Mongryong], you know.
Even if you don't know, it's okay. The truth won't change.
Yi Mongryong's skill possession list:
:: Brain and Brawn, Greatness Awaits, Secret Royal Inspector ::
ㄴ Brain and Brawn (Unique): Yi Mongryong is undoubtedly a character well-suited for the title of Martial and Literary Prowess.
With wisdom and strength, he seizes everything he desires based on a resolute spirit!
You are endowed with the wisdom and strength suitable for Yi Mongryong!
ㄴ Greatness Awaits: Though the beginning may be humble, the end will be glorious. This saying fits Yi Mongryong perfectly.
As the son of a magistrate, he has no choice but to go to Hanyang, but he will achieve great things by successfully passing the state examination.
Brain and Brawn (Unique) will be inactive in the early stages. Don't worry; the effect will double as time passes!
ㄴ Secret Royal Inspector (Inactive): This skill is activated when Yi Mongryong attains the rank of a government official.
Weaken the powerful and summon numerous soldiers to create chaos!
Now, the world of the Classic Masterpiece [The Tale of Chunhyang] is set in motion.
Stay strong, brave one. ——————
"Well, well… Looks like I'm the chosen one for Yi Mongryong." Kim Minsoo muttered, smirking as he nodded to himself.
"Since Baek Taeyang is too much of a street thug, it suits me better to lean towards the scholar side. It's just that I… Hmm, what's the word for it…"
Minsoo couldn't quite put it into words, but there was definitely something in that direction.
"In the first place, the reason I bawled my eyes out on the street wasn't because of the heartbreak of parting."
"It stems from the betrayal, and the empathetic understanding of Yoomin's impending suffering at the hands of Baek Taeyang."
"I didn't really have that much affection for her anyway, and honestly, I was thinking of breaking up with her."
After putting his thoughts in order, Kim Minsoo glanced around. The room, expansive and adorned with intricate folding screens, seemed like it had been lifted straight from the stage of a historical drama.
The hanbok he was wearing was also of high quality, even the fabric was exquisite. Topped with a hat, it unmistakably belonged to a noble scholar.
"Well then, shall I play the part and meet Chunhyang as dictated by the original work…"
Even if Brain and Brawn skill is inactive, who cares? If the character suits Yi Mongryong, won't I be wise enough without it?
I'm picked for the role that best fits the intelligent Yi Mongryong, even without any special skills. Of course, my judgment is correct.
"Ahem… is anyone here?" Not someone who watches TV a lot, but that's a line that anyone would remember at least once.
Minsoo swung the door open with an air of confidence, stepping out like a crane.
"Yes, did you summon me, young master?"
"Uh… yes… I'm going to meet Chunhyang."
"Yes, I'll prepare."
They say nobles don't bow even when putting on shoes. Minsoo grabbed a strap hanging from the ceiling and slipped on his shoes. Yearning for something grand like a stylish robe, but alas, it wasn't in sight.
Setting aside the tinge of regret, he mounted the horse guided by a servant.
"There have been some unfavorable whispers about Chunhyang lately. According to the elders, it might be wise to cut back on your rendezvous…"
"You impudent fool! Trying to school me?"
"Oh no, young master. How could I dare such a reckless thing? I simply—"
"I don't want to hear it."
"Understood."
It seems like we're right on the cusp of heading to Hanyang, following the original storyline of The Tale of Chunhyang.
The more Minsoo thought about it, the more he felt a cringe-worthy embarrassment.
I have to savor every moment before I depart! Right now, I want to meet Chunhyang and indulge in this and that.
In the novel, they always painted her as a beauty, the most stunning courtesan, but there was no proper depiction of Seong Chunhyang.
Perhaps because it's a classic novel, even the illustrations are full of antiquity, and I couldn't be satisfied. And they say in the original The Tale of Chunhyang, there are many explicit scenes.
"Then maybe me too? Hehehe…"
"Pardon?"
"Oh, it's nothing."
Words unconsciously slipped out of his mouth.
Minsoo looked around and let the horse lead the way. He could gauge that the servant was properly guiding him to the courtesan house based on Yi Mongryong's memories.
Surely, it's not a place to let my guard down.
No matter how conceptual it might be, an S-rank gate is an S-rank gate. It wouldn't just end with sweet interactions with Chunhyang and performing the assigned role.
There must be something more that I don't know. At this stage, I can't uncover it, first I'll just have to identify the upcoming characters.
Is it okay?
It's a belated thought, but isn't it quite a decent plan?
Minsoo nodded, affirming that he was indeed suitable for the role of Yi Mongryong.
The servant observing Minsoo maintained a solid poker face, silently wondering, ‘Why is he nodding so much today?'
The servant was concerned that his master might have contracted an incurable illness.
+++++++++++++++++++++
"How long do you think you can avoid customers? Do you really believe that the son of that arrogant magistrate will protect you for a lifetime?"
"That's not it. I simply made a promise to only share a bed with a man I'm married to…"
"Have you lost your mind? Do you realize that nobody else bothers with such ideals? They all make promises, but eventually, they cave. Why? Because they can't marry a nobleman's son. You think what you're doing is righteous?"
"I'll just have to wait, I'm sure he'll take me…"
"As if the master would ever allow it."
Seong Chunhyang.
The daughter of Magistrate Seong Champan and the courtesan Wolmae, breaking the boundaries of social status. Chunhyang, too, has a love transcending her status as a courtesan, and her noble demeanor doesn't align with the typical courtesan image.
Yet, even she has a person she's afraid of—the master, the pimp.
"If you're a courtesan's daughter, you're a courtesan. Why? Thinking of rewriting your fate? Do you think I can't off your father, mother, and that man who shadows you? I'll kill them all, and you'll be a goner too. Go ahead and try."
Chunhyang often lost sleep mulling over it. Sometimes, the master even haunted her dreams, berating her.
The words, "You can never escape being a courtesan," served as the anchor pulling Chunhyang into the courtesan house. It felt like a noose perpetually tightening around her neck.
What if she informed her family about the master's threats? What if she told Yi Mongryong?
It won't work.
If the master was a good person, I wouldn't have been dragged to this courtesan house in the first place.
And if I showed even a slight strange behavior, the other courtesans would inform him.
He's really someone who reveals himself when he wants to. He's a man with a strange aura, different from his vicious and fierce exterior.
Just reminiscing about those moments made her face flush, and her body quiver.
Chunhyang deftly stalled the master, paying him off with borrowed funds while rejecting customers. Yet, there were limits. As he clamored for more money, her balance plummeted, and now it was really time to entertain customers.
Moreover, all the courtesans in the house were eyeing her, including the one she just talked to. They'd be on the lookout for an opportunity to rat her out, even if it meant mingling intimately with the master.
"Chunhyang, where are you?"
"Psst, she's screwed without even being taken."
Upon Yi Mongryong's words, the surrounding courtesans whispered.
Chunhyang decided she had to leave this place quickly. Now, during the master's sleeping hours, was the only time she had some freedom. Perhaps, after today, she might never meet him again.
"Young master, you're here. Let's talk outside for now."
She hopped onto his horse, praying this interlude wouldn't conclude. As she clung to his waist, they arrived at the pavilion where the breeze whispered.
"Chunhyang, I like you so much."
"It's embarrassing…"
"Wuhahaha!"
I wonder if his laughter is always this crude… But it doesn't matter now. What matters is we're laughing together, talking, and pouring our hearts out.
Even though the two hadn't intertwined their bodies, and they had only made a century-long vow, still, someday… Thinking about that moment, Chunhyang felt unnecessarily embarrassed and her body tingling.
But as time passed, the inevitable moment of parting approached.
"Everyone in the house is busy taking customers. And what the hell are you doing alone? Know your place, you slut."
As if a dark cloud decided to rain on their love parade, the dreaded situation Chunhyang feared unfolded.
"Haha… Who does this peasant think he is, calling my darling slut? You really need a good scolding."
"Young master, this man is no ordinary. I'll handle this situation, so—"
But Yi Mongryong looked at the master and showed no sign of backing down. Though Chunhyang felt warmed by his protective stance, it was short-lived.
Given the repeated occurrences of such situations, the master couldn't bear it any longer. Chunhyang firmly believed that she should never let them fight.
"Step aside, I'll give this guy a solid thrashing today."
"Chunhyang, you're making a big deal out of this. You're acting just like a cheap streetwalker from the market."
"Enough! You're disrespecting my darling again!"
"No, wait—"
Without a chance for her to intervene, Mongryong charged at the master.
Please!
Chunhyang clasped her hands and prayed. Under these circumstances, she desperately hoped Yi Mongryong would prevail over the master.
She fervently wished to the heavens.