The Eldest Daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan Protects Her Family

Chapter 1: Matters Beyond Dreams

 

A paper lantern swayed gently from the crimson eaves.

Ttang.

A clear, delicate chime resonated softly.

Tang Sohwa, gazing out the window, lifted her eyes to the edge of the roof. The red tiles, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, caught her attention. A bittersweet smile touched her lips as she took in the cozy scene, one she hadn’t witnessed in decades. She must be dreaming. To see the moments she yearned for most unfold before her eyes… it seemed she wasn't dead yet.

The warm Sichuan breeze, laden with the fragrance of blossoms from the rear garden, drifted into the room. Could the moments leading to death truly be this sweet? Immersed in the pleasant sensation, Sohwa closed her eyes once more, surrendering to the inevitable.

“Noona!”

Her eyelids fluttered at the familiar voice that pierced through the tranquility.

“Noona!” The voice called again, insistent and close.

This isn’t real. It’s all an illusion.

Sohwa fought down the rising hope within her and slowly opened her eyes. Leaning against the circular window frame was a young boy, his youthful face, barely past the threshold of adolescence, creased in a frown. A chuckle escaped her lips. Though she had clearly laughed, her vision blurred with unshed tears.

Tang Hak had lost his life in the frigid waters of the Yangtze. He had departed this world before he could even comprehend the weight of leadership, the burden of responsibility, yet here he was, wearing an expression of profound seriousness, as if burdened by the world’s woes.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Just… seeing you makes me laugh.”

“Huh?” Tang Hak’s delicate brows furrowed further, his mouth slightly agape. Wearing such a guileless expression on his handsome face was one of his few talents. Sohwa, savoring the bittersweet nostalgia that filled her, reached out and gently pressed her finger against the space between his brows.

“Don’t frown. It makes you look ugly.”

“……”

‘What is this? She seems even more out of it than usual today.’ Tang Hak's expression mirrored his thoughts perfectly. His transparency amused Sohwa, and she chuckled again.

Tang Hak glanced suspiciously at his sister's bed. "Did you have a dream or something?” he asked, dismissing the idea as preposterous. It was too early for night, too late for a midday nap.

Yet, his sister confirmed his suspicion in a barely audible whisper.

“Yes, a long dream.”

… ‘Seriously, what’s wrong with her today?’ Normally, she would have thrown something at him for suggesting such a thing. Instead, she simply gazed up at the ceiling, a wistful expression on her face. Her distant gaze unsettled him, and he unconsciously rubbed his arm.

He recalled the complaints of his cousins, who lamented that his sister had transformed into a different person upon reaching adolescence. They confessed to feeling chills whenever she spoke softly, and he now understood exactly what they meant. He wished she would behave like their sisters, adorning herself with makeup and offering silent smiles. This gentle, almost maternal gaze directed at the heavens was utterly bewildering. A gentle Tang Sohwa?

‘…I think I’m going to be sick.’

“Hak-ah.”

“Yes, Noona.”

“I’ve missed you so much.”

… ‘Is this some new form of torture?’ At this point, he’d prefer the usual physical reprimands.

Tang Hak surreptitiously scanned the room, assessing the potential projectiles within his sister's reach. Fortunately, his position near the window placed him at a safe distance.

He gathered his courage and spoke again. “Noona.”

“Hmm?”

… ‘Hmm?’ Instead of glaring at him with an impatient “Get to the point,” she looked at him with genuine warmth, her tone encouraging him to continue.

Tang Hak quickly smoothed out his startled expression. “I have a favor to ask.”

“Of course. Tell me anything.”

A brief silence hung in the air. Tang Hak clenched his fists, as if steeling himself, and asked, “Is this some new kind of torment?”

“What are you talking about? Why would I torment you?”

At his unwavering, distrustful stare, Sohwa reflected on their past interactions.

“……” Her reflection was brief. She hadn’t been particularly affectionate, but she had always cared for him deeply. Truly.

Sohwa cleared her throat, composing her features. Years of suppressing her emotions had left her with an almost perpetually stoic expression. The moment the wistfulness faded, her face reverted to its usual coldness. Tang Hak found this far more comfortable. He relaxed visibly and continued, “Actually, a hawk flew into my quarters…”

“And you want me to heal it?”

“H-how did you know?!” Tang Hak’s eyes widened in surprise, and he darted his gaze around the room. Sohwa chuckled inwardly.

Of course, she knew. This was her dream, her memory. This incident had always weighed on her mind.

Tang Hak was kind and compassionate. Had he not been the heir apparent, their father might have praised these qualities. However, Tang Hak was destined to lead the Tang Clan, a clan that demanded ruthlessness and pragmatism from its leader. That was why Tang Hak often sought her out in secret, seeking her help with matters like this.

Recognized for her skills in medicine and poison arts at a young age, she was one of the sixteen individuals authorized to access the clan’s medicinal and poisonous stores without the Patriarch’s direct permission.

As this thought crossed her mind, a shadow fell over Sohwa’s eyes. The Tang Clan Head had kept Sohwa's involvement in the deepest secrets of their poison arts hidden from the world. She hadn't attended a single clan alliance meeting, hadn't even stepped outside the Tang Clan estate until this age. Sohwa herself lacked any desire for the outside world, preferring to immerse herself in research within the Poison Pavilion, so she hadn’t minded her father’s decision.

Consequently, strange rumors had circulated about her during this time.

That she wasn't treated as a true member of the main family, which was why she didn't attend the clan alliance meetings.

That she was so hideously disfigured that the Tang Clan kept her hidden.

Even the matchmakers who frequented the Tang estate never mentioned her name.

It was only after she finally made her first public appearance at the Five Great Clans Alliance meeting, around the age of twenty, that these rumors finally dissipated.

Or so she had heard.

Actually, she had learned about the rumors from Namgung Hyeon. He had often visited her, regaling her with tales of the outside world. She realized now how remarkable Namgung Hyeon truly was. To have feigned such genuine affection, to have earned her father's trust…

The image of the young Namgung Hyeon flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but chuckle again.

Tang Hak flinched at her laughter. Seeing Namgung Hyeon superimposed over the naive Tang Hak made her chuckle once more.

People feared Tang Hak because of his sharp features, characteristic of the Tang Clan, known for their poison arts. Yet Namgung Hyeon, with his gentle appearance, had managed to cultivate a reputation for good character, despite the venomous heart that lurked beneath.

Around this age, Tang Hak was often subjected to such comparisons. He hadn’t cared about those perceptions, but now, Sohwa found it irritating. If she had nurtured this gentle boy, who snuck into her quarters to plead for the life of a small creature, perhaps his fate would have been different. Perhaps, like Namgung Hyeon, he could have gathered allies and protectors around him.

“D-did you… did you know I would come? Did you know I was keeping a hawk? Does Father know?”

Looking at Tang Hak’s anxious expression, Sohwa let out a hollow laugh. The laughter faded, replaced by a wave of bittersweet nostalgia. In her memory, this was the last time Tang Hak had secretly visited her quarters.

She had refused his request out of annoyance, and Tang Hak, determined to save the hawk himself, had attempted acupuncture, only worsening its condition.

As fate would have it, the hawk was a spiritual creature.

Sohwa, attempting to console Tang Hak, had suggested extracting the hawk's inner core. Tang Hak, horrified, had stared at her as if she were a monster. Their father, overhearing the conversation, had reprimanded Tang Hak. Already displeased with his son’s gentle nature, he had escalated the situation. He summoned Tang Hak to the main hall and forced him to cut open the dying spiritual creature and consume its inner core.

The incident had deeply affected Tang Hak; he became withdrawn and quiet, a different person altogether. It was after that day that he had closed himself off to her.

Sohwa regretted that day deeply. This affectionate boy used to chatter incessantly, sharing every detail of his day. If it weren't for that incident, she might have understood why he had gone to the Yangtze alone, and perhaps, she could have prevented his death.

A heavy sigh escaped Sohwa’s lips.

Tang Hak, mistaking her sigh for derision, shrank back. ‘She’s going to refuse.’ He knew his sister didn't like animals, but she usually relented when he pleaded with her. Among the clan members, his sister was the most similar to their father, yet she was infinitely kinder to him.

Dalgeurak. Tang Hak’s lips curved into a smile as he watched Sohwa retrieve a white wooden box from a shelf. It seemed she would help him after all!

“But, Hak-ah,” Sohwa said casually as she opened the box, “you don’t happen to know if that hawk is a spiritual creature, do you?”

“Huh?”

His brief, startled reaction told Sohwa everything. He hadn't known. He had simply wanted to save the hawk. ‘That’s just like him,’ she thought, a bittersweet smile touching her lips. She closed the box.

If she could return to the past, she would protect him. This pure-hearted boy, who valued all life regardless of status, was far more suited to lead the clan than the outwardly gentle but inwardly cruel Namgung Hyeon. He might not have been a benefit to the world at large, but at least he wouldn't make as many enemies as their father. He would have had more people willing to help him, not just lofty Taoist masters, but those who would draw their swords and rush to his aid simply because he was a Tang.

Tang Sohwa's gaze softened as she looked at Tang Hak’s gentle smile. She handed him the wooden box.

“Go ahead. I’ll follow you.”

“Yes!”


* * *
 

The hawk had apparently ingested something it shouldn’t have, its insides twisted and knotted. Spiritual creatures were said to be wiser than humans, but this one seemed to be an exception. What possessed it to eat something unknown within the Tang Clan estate?

Tang Sohwa found herself in the bizarre situation of brewing medicinal tea for a hawk, an experience she had never had in her previous life, nor in death. After three days of diligently administering the medicine, the hawk recovered completely.

“As expected of Noona!”

“…While you’re here, take this with you.” The hawk, seemingly unaware that its savior was Tang Hak, stubbornly shadowed Sohwa. With a mixture of annoyance and exasperation, she gestured towards the hawk, now perched comfortably on her bed. Tang Hak chuckled and gently scooped the hawk into his arms.

“I think it’ll just come back to you anyway.”

At his words, Sohwa scowled and glared at the hawk.

“Don’t come back. I’ll break your wings if you do.”

It was strange. For over a week, she hadn't woken from this dream. She had anticipated her imminent demise, content to relive her memories, yet this confounded hawk kept interrupting her peaceful contemplation.

“Woo woo.” The hawk made a strange sound, looking at her hesitantly.

“…I think it wants to come back again.”

“Even in dreams, this is ridiculous…” Sohwa trailed off, waving her hand dismissively.

Tang Hak, beaming, carried the hawk back to his quarters. Seeing his carefree demeanor soothed her irritation, replaced by a strange warmth that spread through her. Sohwa relaxed her tense shoulders and exhaled slowly. She wished this wasn't a dream.

And then, gradually, Tang Sohwa began to realize that this wasn’t a dream at all.


* * *
 

“N-Noona! A squirrel got into my quarters…”

“That python Father asked about last night… A-actually, Noona, I… I picked it up a few days ago…”

“Sob, Noona, you have to come quickly! A chicken fell from the sky! It can’t fly! Waaaah…”

… ‘This can’t be a dream.’ She had never dreamt of running an animal sanctuary. She had never even entertained the thought. Therefore, her mind couldn't possibly have conjured up such a scenario.

As she bandaged a chicken’s leg, Sohwa slowly opened her lips.

“Hak-ah.”

“Yes, Noona!” Tang Hak looked up, his tear-stained face full of earnest expectation. She sighed involuntarily.

“Chickens… don’t fly.”

“I know chickens can’t fly, Noona. But, they can still fly for, like, a jang! If they launch themselves and flap their wings…”

“Hak-ah.”

“Yes!”

“Don’t argue.”

“…Yes.”

Sohwa massaged her temples, a headache throbbing behind her eyes. What was going on? While the overall course of events aligned with her memories, her relationship with Tang Hak had completely transformed. And now, a hawk seemed determined to attach itself to her.

She noticed the hawk subtly attempting to land on her shoulder and quickly shrugged it off.

“Noona! Maehwa is amazing!”

“…You even gave it a name?”

“Yes. I heard it’s female, so I named her Maehwa.”

“……” The current Tang Clan Head named all his daughters with names ending in “hwa,” the character for flower. This idiot had essentially made a hawk his younger sister.

Sohwa sighed inwardly, looking at Tang Hak cuddling the hawk. This was utterly insane, yet undeniably real.

Tang Sohwa had returned to the age of seventeen, to the height of the Sichuan Tang Clan’s power, to her time as the clan’s treasured jewel.