TM | Chapter 22

He had intended to meet Lee Seol and talk directly, but it seemed unnecessary. Cheongrok, Lee Seol’s cousin, was right there.7421dba54463750c

“Tsk, tsk… If they spin like that, they can’t make the next leap.”97f1ea2081888650

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Kang Taegwon glanced at Cheongrok, who was once again meddling while watching the training subordinates, and forced a smile. He was about to ask about Yoon Sung’s news, but it seemed too blatant, so he decided to stick to the current topic.f4ad4ec9848b1a2c

“Don’t you have any marriage talks going on?”79ed159db6e0c3ea

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I’m not planning to get married yet. I have a lot to do.”48cf99856c0434cf

He inwardly scoffed d5078ae764 at the nonsensical 820b9afbb8 response. What could he possibly d040f25654 have to do while 43c05d259c lazing around and running 0fafe47d8b errands?d936d712e7a092b0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What about you, Taegwon?”8b1477e1c5135de4

“There’s a marriage talk going on with the second daughter of the Jeong family.”f196dd0164866c34

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh~ congratulations.”a34f17aaeeb7c4e1

“But I’m considering a proposal I received.”e4299e08b57a96c3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Cheongrok clapped 3ec1a2fc7e his hands 10e7ee6656 with his 079413e6c4 slanted eyes df917dd850 sparkling.7fd0eb872f9f2d03

“Oh… who could it be? Perhaps the owner of the White Tiger Ring?”d2acf0d7f0178267

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cheongrok’s eyes turned to Kang Taegwon’s finger. The ring, removed for training, was tied with a leather strap and tucked inside his shirt. He pulled back his collar to reveal the White Tiger Ring. Cheongrok leaned in to examine the craftsmanship seriously. His lips curled up at the sight.0352f8c644573839

“Isn’t it a testament to their sincerity?”1817aa90c138acdc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Indeed. Is there a craftsman in this village who can do this level of work?”7284dd47aa72d0b2

Kang Taegwon’s brow furrowed at Cheongrok’s oddly off-point remark. He was trying to convey how much the person who proposed cared, but Cheongrok was talking about finding a craftsman.4cf202d7c3ffb3c4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“The craftsmanship isn’t what’s important. It’s the sentiment in this ring that’s important.”3db1b0ad059b25b1

“Well… that’s true. They must have paid a good price for this level of craftsmanship, and there must have been many trial and error in drawing the design. It’s really sincere. So what are you going to do? Are you going to reject the marriage talk?”eccc9e6bd3da1870

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What’s the point of marriage talks when there’s a Marriage Ban Decree? People’s hearts can change overnight.”8191aa77c143028c

Cheongrok nodded, 2f93d9e74d stroking his f3ce2319bb chin.e22951237dbe3936

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“True. Seeing how Seol and Sung-i got along, you never know with people’s hearts. Don’t they make a good pair?”caecfaeddc030d5f

Kang Taegwon’s brow furrowed deeply at Cheongrok’s words. Their conversation was oddly serious yet light, and while it seemed to avoid the point, there was a sharpness that seemed to hit the mark. Conversations with him always got on his nerves.7d693e2e313e3a3d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Even now. He was talking 19630e5753 about the owner 7a94f17fcf of the White 4d268b6696 Tiger Ring, so ecaea1ae77 he should be 168cdca8af curious about who 7211c36acd it was, but 31e3003fd5 instead, he was b0bf489b75 talking about Lee 10d7f39de6 Seol and Yoon 41185bb986 Sung. He wondered 7515a957c8 if he 0820cb6199 was being 99064902aa overly sensitive 19202d422f and tried 65546ed2b6 to smooth 0833dd0eed his expression, 92ef843445 forcing a 355f56b037 smile.77e03ef12dde435b

To steer the 3f79a5c35e conversation back to ea082d6c4f his desired direction, 1e5ab63bc0 he deliberately cleared 8e7f21f405 his throat to 15334a2f48 draw attention.d31b9965494016ab

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But I made a mistake. I was flustered by the proposal and misspoke. It seems to have hurt their feelings, and now they don’t even want to talk to me.”1f637352d966cb6b

“Oh dear…”d9d79ce0fd648b17

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“When a day passed, they were already with someone else, seemingly proceeding with a marriage talk. I didn’t know they were so fickle…”d844e425a3eb1ee1

He trailed 72ceccbd2c off, looking 31354e0ebb at Cheongrok, b9858339a3 who nodded ec41a459c9 quietly.2489d54a2985c496

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Well, they should get married quickly. Just proposing to someone as promiscuous as you might be a blemish.”3cff8dd6fe8e4ef6

“What are you saying!”07b7b1bdea3b8692

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Why are you getting so worked up? Can’t you take a joke?”d55bdb7d2994ec75

Cheongrok playfully punched Kang Taegwon’s chest with his fist. His playful behavior made Kang Taegwon’s nerves even sharper.80ef55459b742086

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Even though he called it a joke, everyone knew there was a sting and a barb in his words. He always laughed it off, so everyone pretended not to notice. That’s why everyone listened to his words.f98d0f5e947eb4c8

Feeling twisted inside, Kang Taegwon gritted his teeth. Thinking about Lee Seol and Yoon Sung’s marriage made his insides churn.c07ce2db43b0d4da

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’m thinking of accepting the proposal.”5c82d12c2c34b052

I’ll accept it. I’ll accept your proposal, Yoon Sung. No, I’ll spread the word that you proposed to me. So you can’t go to Lee Seol. I’ll have Cheongrok, Lee Seol’s cousin, spread the word, even if I don’t say it myself.fc2e4cb59942aaa0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He forced a gentle 98f83ad8ea smile at Cheongrok, who ad9b961c6d was looking at him 0229e5c805 with curious eyes.910e9c71a45565b2

“Because of what happened earlier, it’s not easy to approach. So could you help me?”704f5d971d6c180a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“If you need help.”73445341d23ceae1

Seeing him readily agree, one corner of Kang Taegwon’s lips twitched upward.23bfe0767a80729f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Let’s see if you can laugh like you did yesterday. Let’s see how you look at Yoon Sung now. Aren’t you Lee Seol’s cousin? Even if you can’t spread the word, you’ll at least check with Yoon Sung.1aea85022a14aea9

“I’ll tell you who it is, so could you hint that I’m waiting for them to come back?”a8fb9b3e02b4a0f1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Cheongrok nodded lightly at Kang Taegwon’s request. But then, as if pondering something, he stroked his chin and looked into the air.19a9331c4c4e405e

“Well… it’s not a difficult request to fulfill, but…”e5e6a78e3615e476

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Cheongrok, who had been tilting his head, met Kang Taegwon’s eyes.0c893b819f9a856c

“Wouldn’t it be awkward for them to know that I know about their new relationship? I don’t want to make them feel humiliated by letting them know I found out. And shouldn’t you say it yourself? Whether you get slapped by your old lover or embraced with gratitude, you should ask for forgiveness like a man.”9be4f7ebe2a3fd62

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What?”0fd8065556f57a88

“If they don’t forgive you, you should kneel and beg for permission. Why are you scheming to take them back if they come back?”4fc49995033f7922

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Cheongrok’s firm rebuke made Kang Taegwon’s shoulders flinch.720cce8c2f846eb0

“Look at Seol. As soon as he heard Sung-i was looking for a male partner, he waited for him all day in the alley of his house the next morning. If he had been a day late, he would have been taken by another friend. When the body moves, the heart follows. Hurry before they get too close to their new lover.”9bc860d752cb1f35

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His advice sparked a 2f58c464b6 rebellious feeling. What does he know e48f169587 to speak like that?d14f94ead9b89d75

“Are you telling me to beg?”0726322170ed7623

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“If you don’t want to beg, let them go. How can you be sure they’ll come back to you if you can’t even do that? Wishing them well with their new partner might be a good way too.”5997b559aefc1fcf

“I’ve never begged an ex-lover before!”08457b5067f54d99

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Then try it this time. You’re getting married, aren’t you? What’s the point of keeping such a shallow pride when you’re gaining a life partner? It looks pathetic.”b34ec2e13122cb96

“What!”fa1a9a0db8b24af7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Kang Taegwon was so taken aback that he couldn’t even breathe. He couldn’t even speak, only letting out exasperated breaths.ea0356c4f2e2e8b1

Even if he b784cd8bae looked down on f7f38e52a5 him, there was 07e3605033 a limit. How could af28bbd712 he speak b1b66376a6 so harshly?2893f9bd5ce89a2b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Ignoring Kang Taegwon’s feelings, Cheongrok continued.7310567c59885a3c

“I’m even thinking of kneeling and begging in the marketplace.”ddd9f689c07dce26

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

A nobleman doing 97cb1ff63f such a thing 761e7cd181 in the marketplace?8ef48f3e68be90ec

The absurdity of it 74d2fff2bc left him speechless, but 147b1771bc Cheongrok suddenly seemed annoyed 2f93fb22d2 and roughly ran his bfbe732a79 hand through his hair, 442d61a5f2 turning his body. Leaning against the railing, 1a9adf3991 he sighed as he f58b700dce looked at the blue 6a9469ec5c sky.4cce87e209859938

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I have a woman I like, but she’s a commoner, so I have to use some tricks to take her as my legitimate wife.”807c621dd29c4759

Kang Taegwon’s ears perked up. He said he was taking Yoon Sung, but he had a woman he liked? Was last night’s talk really just a joke? The relief made his voice calm.cbefbc54da5c005a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“If she’s a commoner, can’t you take her as a concubine?”706468570192a148

“She said she’d rather die than be a concubine.”00cc61b9f5675aab

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…I see.”1b5b6205b6939f5b

“So I threatened her with a knife, and she slapped me.”e26a7fa48b5ed1ab

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What! She slapped a nobleman?!”87dfc081bdf69e24

Unlike the shocked 265e7f7782 Kang Taegwon, Cheongrok 5cf7a1db2d laughed silently.7808f33a7af708f4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“She said if she was going to die for insulting a nobleman, she’d rather kill me first and then die, and she picked up a rock to smash me.”98add071c09d2c41

“Isn’t she crazy!”d7587a8acf3d1462

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Right… isn’t she amazing? I’m completely smitten with her. Just thinking about her drives me crazy.”c4722470de4db4ca

“…”3d6e9847ec669f5a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I knew she was something when she beat a fox with a stick, but she’s really… If she comes into our family, she’ll save it. I’m thinking of asking Seol to take her as his adopted daughter.”cdf7eea580ed3744

“What?! Are you out of your mind?”0be66f153ad85730

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“She’s sixteen, so if Seol takes her as his adopted daughter and she gets married when she’s eighteen, it’ll be perfect!”4155571c43747b7a

The absurdity of 3c296f8393 it left Kang 641c7427eb Taegwon speechless. He opened his mouth 1d9539e57c to scold him.1f8109b4ca9228fb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“No, shouldn’t you take a noblewoman as your legitimate wife? Don’t you care about your family?”d010b6593d782264

At Kang Taegwon’s intense voice, Cheongrok smirked.5ce15df759fd9530

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“It’s possible because we’re a mixed family. I’m the second son, aren’t I? I don’t need to continue the family line. The problem is… she’s so closed off that it’s a headache. When I brought her flowers, she said I brought something she couldn’t eat and glared at me, asking if I had money to burn.”f8324abdd937e4c7

Kang Taegwon was speechless at Cheongrok’s serious expression. If she was capable of beating a fox, she must be lively and rough. And from the way he talked, she seemed to have a lowly nature. Why would he give his heart to such a worthless woman?d929ebcf92fe8394

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…Bring her five pounds of meat and some cotton cloth.”577cc22fb6e53214

“Huh? Hey. Even if she’s a commoner, how can you convey your feelings with that?”b969db1d7d857228

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Tsk. She’s someone who likes practical things. She’ll appreciate something necessary, even if it’s not expensive.”0dbf224a367f9b6b

“Even so… How about silk fabric?”e3b23890aae9577f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Where would a woman who farms and climbs mountains wear silk clothes? It’s much better to have neat cotton clothes and cotton cloth to patch up old clothes.”79459b81edd9c110

At Kang Taegwon’s indifferent words, Cheongrok’s eyes narrowed.5468dcabe486ecdb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Will it work?”a652310147ac228a

“It’ll be better than silk. Wouldn’t she feel burdened to accept it?”0436ced106275e5a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Hmm…”9d8273d5f0a32be1

“Try it, and if she opens her heart, then give her silk ribbons as a gift.”653dc29e98a805d2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Kang Taegwon casually advised him on how to win over a commoner’s heart and turned away. He was heading to his room to change out of his sweat-soaked clothes when he stopped walking.3723d0e63334b89b

Thinking back, he realized he had only talked nonsense with Cheongrok. He had been swayed by him and hadn’t been able to say that the one who proposed to him was Yoon Sung.efa5760ef1d483fb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley