Chapter 22: The Black-Haired Storyteller Of Chilgok County (1)
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Chapter 22: The Black-Haired Storyteller Of Chilgok County (1)
Chilgok County.
Located at the edge of Hubei Province, it served as a gateway to Anhui Province. While Hubei Province was typically associated with the famous Mount Hua Sect, Chilgok County lay far to the east of it.
However, being on the route connecting Hubei and Anhui Provinces, it saw considerable traffic. This meant active commerce and a lively flow of money.
With such conditions, surely there would be people willing to pay to hear the tales of a storyteller.
But despite arriving in Chilgok County with high hopes, I had been unable to start my storytelling job for a whole month.
Mr. Wang! Is this really what youre doing?!
I raised my voice at the plump Mr. Wang of the Chilgok County cloth merchant shop, whom the Master Carpenter had introduced to me.
Look, it just cant be done!
You promised to sell it at a fair price! Do you think this price is reasonable?
I went to great lengths to get these items! How can you say its unreasonable!
This much money could pay for two months of meals and a soft bed at an inn. How can I pay this price?
Then you shouldnt have asked me to get it! Do you know how hard it is to find Korean products?
The reason for our argument was my request to Mr. Wang to procure Korean goods.
I had thought it would be easier for him to find what I needed, being a cloth merchant. But I never expected such an exorbitant price.
Mr. Wang, when you first agreed to get these, you said it would take three days, right?
Well, yes.
Then when I came back after three days, you said you couldnt get them and asked me to wait a week. I waited, and then you still couldnt get them. Now its been over a month. I trusted only you.
Just showing up in the middle of the street to start storytelling would end with me labeled as a madman.
Even personal broadcasting streamers prepared, and I needed to do the same.
I had requested Mr. Wangs help for this preparation, but never expected a delay of a month.
Im sorry about that. It was tougher to get the Korean goods than I thought.
Mr. Wang, I live in a shack now. Ive been surviving on a single piece of mantou and salt each day. Why do you think I did that? Because the goods you promised in three days never arrived. Ive been waiting, hoping to afford them, but how can I with such an outrageous price? If I buy these, Ill have to starve tomorrow.
In truth, I wouldnt have starved. The Master Carpenter had given me enough. Living in a shack felt like bliss. At least I no longer had to sleep in the rain.
But I needed to lay my pitiable situation at Mr. Wangs feet.
Im sorry, but this is really just breaking even for me. If I consider the effort I put into getting these, its actually a loss. Do you think I would cheat someone introduced by the Master Carpenter?
He looked like someone who would in his business dealings. But the truth was, he was the only person I could trust here.
Of course not. A close friend of the Master Carpenter, as noble as he is, would surely be a person of character.
Hm, yes.
Mr. Wang coughed awkwardly, perhaps embarrassed by my flattery.
Mr. Wang, if you absolutely must sell the goods at this price, may I ask you for one more favor?
It was time to bring up the reason I raised my voice in the first place.
What is it?
As you know, my appearance is quite shabby right now. My clothes are worn and torn, almost beggar-like. Could I possibly get some old clothes you dont use anymore?
I hadnt paid much attention to my clothing while struggling to survive the past year. Although I washed them often whenever there was water, my clothes had become quite tattered. In my current state, I couldnt start my job as a storyteller.
Alright. Youre an acquaintance of the Master Carpenter, and it wouldnt do for you to walk around so shabbily. I feel bad for the delay, so Ill give you some clean, old clothes from my collection.
Thank you!
Since youre here for the Korean goods, come inside and try them on.
I followed Mr. Wang into the cloth shop.
After cleaning up and changing into the provided old clothes, I gathered the Korean items.
Well, well. Youre quite tall and good-looking,
The rotund Mr. Wang commented as he looked at me.New novel chapters are published on
Thank you. The clothes are surprisingly nicer than I thought.
I was quite surprised when I looked in the large mirror at the fabric store. It had been practically a year since I had dressed this neatly, so it felt even more special.
As expected of the foremost prodigal son of the Joseon Kang family. Kang Yun-hos popularity with the gisaengs wasnt just because of his wealth.
Is it because he is a Joseon person? Dressed in Joseon clothes, he certainly looks more like a nobleman on a foreign tour than a barbarian.
Haha. Thats not it.
Actually, that was correct. I was a nobleman from a wealthy family in Joseon. But I had been ruined due to treason.
What I had asked the fabric store owner to find for me were items that would unmistakably identify me as a Joseon person.
More precisely, a bamboo hat, durumagi, and a fan.
I could easily find the durumagi since Goryeo-style was once popular, but the bamboo hat and the fan were challenging.
A bamboo hat was made of bamboo.
Wow. Love and war. I could guess what was going on just by listening.
She got together with her brother-in-law? What a scandalous act!
The man who had first heard the news raised his voice in surprise.
Wow. She didnt like Sungjoru and got together with Sungjiru. I understand, but the stepmother has really done something despicable.
It was a common theme in adult novels and comics to get together with your sister-in-law. But in this world, such an act was condemned.
Its practically an open secret. Everyones keeping quiet, but theres no other reason to pass the family headship to the husbands brother. Thats why its famous.
How could the world come to this?
Right. But the hangover soup is here, so lets eat.
With that, the men began to eat their soup.
Heres your hangover soup!
The waiter brought my hangover soup. Hmm, the broth was really thick, and there was plenty of meat. Delicious.
But the Sung family, huh?
This could be good material for my storytelling tomorrow.
The next day, a crowd had already gathered around the platform in front of the fabric store.
It looks like Mr. Wang spread the word quite a bit.
There he is!
Look at his attire. He must really be from a foreign land.
Isnt that the black-haired beggar whos been wandering around lately?
Look at that elegance. Hes obviously a foreign storyteller.
Is that Joseon clothing? Its unique but stylish.
Hurry up and tell us some rare stories!
Excuse me, please.
I made my way through the crowd and climbed onto the prepared platform. The platform had previously been used by a storyteller to ensure his voice and face were clearly visible.
It was higher than I had expected. But it was spacious enough for a performance.
Good day, everyone. I am Kang Mo, a storyteller who has come from faraway Joseon to share rare tales with the Central Plains.
Holding a fan in one hand and pressing it against my chest, I bowed politely to the audience.
Joseon? Wheres that?
Its where those black-haired people live, the country that produces ginseng. He also has black hair.
Ah! That place to the west?
Its to the east, you fool!
I know! East! I misspoke!
People have been waiting for a while. Everyone, quiet down!
Be quiet!
As I greeted them and stood silently, the crowd, eager for a story, began to quiet those around them.
This felt like a bustling marketplace.
With an expressionless face, I made eye contact with the audience, and eventually, there were no more disturbances.
Thank you for waiting. Now, I will begin a story from Joseon.
Snap!
I dramatically opened the fan with a swift motion.
A storyteller from Joseon starts his tale with the flourish of an exotic fan.
I had prepared the fan to spread such a rumor.
The sound it made as it unfolded was impressive, making it a perfect trademark for a storyteller.
Start with the title!
If its a story weve heard, well just leave, so start with the title!
A title, huh?
Famous rumors from Chilgok County.
The deceased husband. The brother who seized the family. The lascivious wife.
The unfortunate protagonist.
So, what story should I tell?
The story I will tell you is about Prince Hamurin from Joseon.
Indeed, Hamlet.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 22: The Black-Haired Storyteller Of Chilgok County (1)
Chilgok County.
Located at the edge of Hubei Province, it served as a gateway to Anhui Province. While Hubei Province was typically associated with the famous Mount Hua Sect, Chilgok County lay far to the east of it.
However, being on the route connecting Hubei and Anhui Provinces, it saw considerable traffic. This meant active commerce and a lively flow of money.
With such conditions, surely there would be people willing to pay to hear the tales of a storyteller.
But despite arriving in Chilgok County with high hopes, I had been unable to start my storytelling job for a whole month.
Mr. Wang! Is this really what youre doing?!
I raised my voice at the plump Mr. Wang of the Chilgok County cloth merchant shop, whom the Master Carpenter had introduced to me.
Look, it just cant be done!
You promised to sell it at a fair price! Do you think this price is reasonable?
I went to great lengths to get these items! How can you say its unreasonable!
This much money could pay for two months of meals and a soft bed at an inn. How can I pay this price?
Then you shouldnt have asked me to get it! Do you know how hard it is to find Korean products?
The reason for our argument was my request to Mr. Wang to procure Korean goods.
I had thought it would be easier for him to find what I needed, being a cloth merchant. But I never expected such an exorbitant price.
Mr. Wang, when you first agreed to get these, you said it would take three days, right?
Well, yes.
Then when I came back after three days, you said you couldnt get them and asked me to wait a week. I waited, and then you still couldnt get them. Now its been over a month. I trusted only you.
Just showing up in the middle of the street to start storytelling would end with me labeled as a madman.
Even personal broadcasting streamers prepared, and I needed to do the same.
I had requested Mr. Wangs help for this preparation, but never expected a delay of a month.
Im sorry about that. It was tougher to get the Korean goods than I thought.
Mr. Wang, I live in a shack now. Ive been surviving on a single piece of mantou and salt each day. Why do you think I did that? Because the goods you promised in three days never arrived. Ive been waiting, hoping to afford them, but how can I with such an outrageous price? If I buy these, Ill have to starve tomorrow.
In truth, I wouldnt have starved. The Master Carpenter had given me enough. Living in a shack felt like bliss. At least I no longer had to sleep in the rain.
But I needed to lay my pitiable situation at Mr. Wangs feet.
Im sorry, but this is really just breaking even for me. If I consider the effort I put into getting these, its actually a loss. Do you think I would cheat someone introduced by the Master Carpenter?
He looked like someone who would in his business dealings. But the truth was, he was the only person I could trust here.
Of course not. A close friend of the Master Carpenter, as noble as he is, would surely be a person of character.
Hm, yes.
Mr. Wang coughed awkwardly, perhaps embarrassed by my flattery.
Mr. Wang, if you absolutely must sell the goods at this price, may I ask you for one more favor?
It was time to bring up the reason I raised my voice in the first place.
What is it?
As you know, my appearance is quite shabby right now. My clothes are worn and torn, almost beggar-like. Could I possibly get some old clothes you dont use anymore?
I hadnt paid much attention to my clothing while struggling to survive the past year. Although I washed them often whenever there was water, my clothes had become quite tattered. In my current state, I couldnt start my job as a storyteller.
Alright. Youre an acquaintance of the Master Carpenter, and it wouldnt do for you to walk around so shabbily. I feel bad for the delay, so Ill give you some clean, old clothes from my collection.
Thank you!
Since youre here for the Korean goods, come inside and try them on.
I followed Mr. Wang into the cloth shop.
After cleaning up and changing into the provided old clothes, I gathered the Korean items.
Well, well. Youre quite tall and good-looking,
The rotund Mr. Wang commented as he looked at me.New novel chapters are published on
Thank you. The clothes are surprisingly nicer than I thought.
I was quite surprised when I looked in the large mirror at the fabric store. It had been practically a year since I had dressed this neatly, so it felt even more special.
As expected of the foremost prodigal son of the Joseon Kang family. Kang Yun-hos popularity with the gisaengs wasnt just because of his wealth.
Is it because he is a Joseon person? Dressed in Joseon clothes, he certainly looks more like a nobleman on a foreign tour than a barbarian.
Haha. Thats not it.
Actually, that was correct. I was a nobleman from a wealthy family in Joseon. But I had been ruined due to treason.
What I had asked the fabric store owner to find for me were items that would unmistakably identify me as a Joseon person.
More precisely, a bamboo hat, durumagi, and a fan.
I could easily find the durumagi since Goryeo-style was once popular, but the bamboo hat and the fan were challenging.
A bamboo hat was made of bamboo.
Wow. Love and war. I could guess what was going on just by listening.
She got together with her brother-in-law? What a scandalous act!
The man who had first heard the news raised his voice in surprise.
Wow. She didnt like Sungjoru and got together with Sungjiru. I understand, but the stepmother has really done something despicable.
It was a common theme in adult novels and comics to get together with your sister-in-law. But in this world, such an act was condemned.
Its practically an open secret. Everyones keeping quiet, but theres no other reason to pass the family headship to the husbands brother. Thats why its famous.
How could the world come to this?
Right. But the hangover soup is here, so lets eat.
With that, the men began to eat their soup.
Heres your hangover soup!
The waiter brought my hangover soup. Hmm, the broth was really thick, and there was plenty of meat. Delicious.
But the Sung family, huh?
This could be good material for my storytelling tomorrow.
The next day, a crowd had already gathered around the platform in front of the fabric store.
It looks like Mr. Wang spread the word quite a bit.
There he is!
Look at his attire. He must really be from a foreign land.
Isnt that the black-haired beggar whos been wandering around lately?
Look at that elegance. Hes obviously a foreign storyteller.
Is that Joseon clothing? Its unique but stylish.
Hurry up and tell us some rare stories!
Excuse me, please.
I made my way through the crowd and climbed onto the prepared platform. The platform had previously been used by a storyteller to ensure his voice and face were clearly visible.
It was higher than I had expected. But it was spacious enough for a performance.
Good day, everyone. I am Kang Mo, a storyteller who has come from faraway Joseon to share rare tales with the Central Plains.
Holding a fan in one hand and pressing it against my chest, I bowed politely to the audience.
Joseon? Wheres that?
Its where those black-haired people live, the country that produces ginseng. He also has black hair.
Ah! That place to the west?
Its to the east, you fool!
I know! East! I misspoke!
People have been waiting for a while. Everyone, quiet down!
Be quiet!
As I greeted them and stood silently, the crowd, eager for a story, began to quiet those around them.
This felt like a bustling marketplace.
With an expressionless face, I made eye contact with the audience, and eventually, there were no more disturbances.
Thank you for waiting. Now, I will begin a story from Joseon.
Snap!
I dramatically opened the fan with a swift motion.
A storyteller from Joseon starts his tale with the flourish of an exotic fan.
I had prepared the fan to spread such a rumor.
The sound it made as it unfolded was impressive, making it a perfect trademark for a storyteller.
Start with the title!
If its a story weve heard, well just leave, so start with the title!
A title, huh?
Famous rumors from Chilgok County.
The deceased husband. The brother who seized the family. The lascivious wife.
The unfortunate protagonist.
So, what story should I tell?
The story I will tell you is about Prince Hamurin from Joseon.
Indeed, Hamlet.
Chapter 22: The Black-Haired Storyteller Of Chilgok County 1Chilgok County.Located at the edge of Hubei Province, it served as a gateway to Anhui Province. While Hubei Province was typically associated with the famous Mount Hua Sect, Chilgok County lay far to the east of it.However, being on the route connecting Hubei and Anhui Provinces, it saw considerable traffic. This meant active commerce and a lively flow of money.With such conditions, surely there would be people willing to pay to hear the tales of a storyteller.But despite arriving in Chilgok County with high hopes, I had been unable to start my storytelling job for a whole month.Mr. Wang! Is this really what youre doing?!I raised my voice at the plump Mr. Wang of the Chilgok County cloth merchant shop, whom the Master Carpenter had introduced to me.Look, it just cant be done!You promised to sell it at a fair price! Do you think this price is reasonable?I went to great lengths to get these items! How can you say its unreasonable!This much money could pay for two months of meals and a soft bed at an inn. How can I pay this price?Then you shouldnt have asked me to get it! Do you know how hard it is to find Korean products?The reason for our argument was my request to Mr. Wang to procure Korean goods.I had thought it would be easier for him to find what I needed, being a cloth merchant. But I never expected such an exorbitant price.Mr. Wang, when you first agreed to get these, you said it would take three days, right?Well, yes.Then when I came back after three days, you said you couldnt get them and asked me to wait a week. I waited, and then you still couldnt get them. Now its been over a month. I trusted only you.Just showing up in the middle of the street to start storytelling would end with me labeled as a madman.Even personal broadcasting streamers prepared, and I needed to do the same.I had requested Mr. Wangs help for this preparation, but never expected a delay of a month.Im sorry about that. It was tougher to get the Korean goods than I thought.Mr. Wang, I live in a shack now. Ive been surviving on a single piece of mantou and salt each day. Why do you think I did that? Because the goods you promised in three days never arrived. Ive been waiting, hoping to afford them, but how can I with such an outrageous price? If I buy these, Ill have to starve tomorrow.In truth, I wouldnt have starved. The Master Carpenter had given me enough. Living in a shack felt like bliss. At least I no longer had to sleep in the rain.But I needed to lay my pitiable situation at Mr. Wangs feet.Im sorry, but this is really just breaking even for me. If I consider the effort I put into getting these, its actually a loss. Do you think I would cheat someone introduced by the Master Carpenter?He looked like someone who would in his business dealings. But the truth was, he was the only person I could trust here.Of course not. A close friend of the Master Carpenter, as noble as he is, would surely be a person of character.Hm, yes.Mr. Wang coughed awkwardly, perhaps embarrassed by my flattery.Mr. Wang, if you absolutely must sell the goods at this price, may I ask you for one more favor?It was time to bring up the reason I raised my voice in the first place.What is it?As you know, my appearance is quite shabby right now. My clothes are worn and torn, almost beggar-like. Could I possibly get some old clothes you dont use anymore?I hadnt paid much attention to my clothing while struggling to survive the past year. Although I washed them often whenever there was water, my clothes had become quite tattered. In my current state, I couldnt start my job as a storyteller.Alright. Youre an acquaintance of the Master Carpenter, and it wouldnt do for you to walk around so shabbily. I feel bad for the delay, so Ill give you some clean, old clothes from my collection.Thank you!Since youre here for the Korean goods, come inside and try them on.I followed Mr. Wang into the cloth shop.After cleaning up and changing into the provided old clothes, I gathered the Korean items.Well, well. Youre quite tall and good-looking,The rotund Mr. Wang commented as he looked at me.New novel chapters are published onThank you. The clothes are surprisingly nicer than I thought.I was quite surprised when I looked in the large mirror at the fabric store. It had been practically a year since I had dressed this neatly, so it felt even more special.As expected of the foremost prodigal son of the Joseon Kang family. Kang Yun-hos popularity with the gisaengs wasnt just because of his wealth.Is it because he is a Joseon person? Dressed in Joseon clothes, he certainly looks more like a nobleman on a foreign tour than a barbarian.Haha. Thats not it.Actually, that was correct. I was a nobleman from a wealthy family in Joseon. But I had been ruined due to treason.What I had asked the fabric store owner to find for me were items that would unmistakably identify me as a Joseon person.More precisely, a bamboo hat, durumagi, and a fan.I could easily find the durumagi since Goryeo-style was once popular, but the bamboo hat and the fan were challenging.A bamboo hat was made of bamboo.Wow. Love and war. I could guess what was going on just by listening.She got together with her brother-in-law? What a scandalous act!The man who had first heard the news raised his voice in surprise.Wow. She didnt like Sungjoru and got together with Sungjiru. I understand, but the stepmother has really done something despicable.It was a common theme in adult novels and comics to get together with your sister-in-law. But in this world, such an act was condemned.Its practically an open secret. Everyones keeping quiet, but theres no other reason to pass the family headship to the husbands brother. Thats why its famous.How could the world come to this?Right. But the hangover soup is here, so lets eat.With that, the men began to eat their soup.Heres your hangover soup!The waiter brought my hangover soup. Hmm, the broth was really thick, and there was plenty of meat. Delicious.But the Sung family, huh?This could be good material for my storytelling tomorrow.The next day, a crowd had already gathered around the platform in front of the fabric store.It looks like Mr. Wang spread the word quite a bit.There he is!Look at his attire. He must really be from a foreign land.Isnt that the black-haired beggar whos been wandering around lately?Look at that elegance. Hes obviously a foreign storyteller.Is that Joseon clothing? Its unique but stylish.Hurry up and tell us some rare stories!Excuse me, please.I made my way through the crowd and climbed onto the prepared platform. The platform had previously been used by a storyteller to ensure his voice and face were clearly visible.It was higher than I had expected. But it was spacious enough for a performance.Good day, everyone. I am Kang Mo, a storyteller who has come from faraway Joseon to share rare tales with the Central Plains.Holding a fan in one hand and pressing it against my chest, I bowed politely to the audience.Joseon? Wheres that?Its where those black-haired people live, the country that produces ginseng. He also has black hair.Ah! That place to the west?Its to the east, you fool!I know! East! I misspoke!People have been waiting for a while. Everyone, quiet down!Be quiet!As I greeted them and stood silently, the crowd, eager for a story, began to quiet those around them.This felt like a bustling marketplace.With an expressionless face, I made eye contact with the audience, and eventually, there were no more disturbances.Thank you for waiting. Now, I will begin a story from Joseon.Snap!I dramatically opened the fan with a swift motion.A storyteller from Joseon starts his tale with the flourish of an exotic fan.I had prepared the fan to spread such a rumor.The sound it made as it unfolded was impressive, making it a perfect trademark for a storyteller.Start with the title!If its a story weve heard, well just leave, so start with the title!A title, huh?Famous rumors from Chilgok County.The deceased husband. The brother who seized the family. The lascivious wife.The unfortunate protagonist.So, what story should I tell?The story I will tell you is about Prince Hamurin from Joseon.Indeed, Hamlet.
