Chronicles of the Northern Heavens Chapter 109: The True Beginning Starts Now

The rebellion had been quelled. Though it birthed the unprecedented crisis of the great army's defection, everything proceeded smoothly afterward. Yeon-hoo promoted Sama Song to Elder Council Chairman, and Sama Song immediately held a grand banquet to formally recognize Yeon-hoo as the lord of the North. There were no objections. On the contrary, many who had maintained a neutral stance grew furious at Jang So's flight and rallied even more fervently behind Yeon-hoo.

But tragedy struck once more. Jang Yeong, who hadn't managed to escape Iron ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Blood Family in time, had hanged herself in her chambers—along with her maids who lived with her. Her death marked the final punctuation on the rebellion and the prelude to a new era.

In the grand hall, a man knelt before Yeon-hoo on the throne dais, bowing deeply and raising both hands high. It was Song Hak, the grandson of Song Gyeom, who had begged Yeon-hoo to look after him until the very end.

Tears streamed endlessly down Song Hak's cheeks as he placed the scroll on a golden tray and bowed toward Yeon-hoo. He had arrived at Iron Blood Family that morning in high spirits with the document, only to learn of his grandfather Song Gyeom's death and plunge into grief.

"……Dae Ji-jon asked me to convey his sincerest congratulations."

Song Hak's voice trembled faintly. He was clearly trying to hold back, but the tears wouldn't stop.

"Well done."

Song Hak stepped back a few paces and bowed deeply with utmost sincerity. As the bow ended, Yeon-hoo rose from the throne dais and descended to his side. Everyone in the hall stood at attention the moment he did.

"Let's go pay our respects together."

"……Yes."

Yeon-hoo visited Song Gyeom's tomb with Song Hak. There, Song Hak wept openly, while Yeon-hoo simply watched from beside him. After some time passed, once Song Hak had composed himself somewhat, Yeon-hoo spoke.

"From now on, your place isn't in the Penalty Hall—it's here. Rest well for a few days, knowing that."

"Did…… Grandfather ask you to look after me?"

"Until his very last breath."

Tears slid down Song Hak's cheeks once more.

"That's not the only reason I want you by my side. I see you as essential talent for what I plan to accomplish."

Yeon-hoo patted Song Hak's shoulder reassuringly, then departed the tomb. As everyone followed him, one man—Songyeong—remained at Song Hak's side. The two talked until darkness fell and the moon rose, never leaving Song Gyeom's grave.

A night with the full moon hanging high. Yeon-hoo sat face-to-face with Sinhwi. They clinked glasses and chatted idly. Since ascending the throne, Yeon-hoo had spoken most with Sinhwi. Political matters were left entirely to Sama Song, who handled them masterfully. Politics had been the aspect Yeon-hoo found most irksome, but thanks to Sama Song's excellence, he could focus elsewhere.

Clink! Sinhwi set down his glass and spoke.

"It's a relief things settled faster than expected. Honestly, I thought we'd stumble around for a while."

"Everyone pulled together as one."

"Not because our lord's abilities are exceptional?"

"What are you getting at?"

Sinhwi chuckled and changed the subject.

"When's the inauguration ceremony?"

"Still thinking on it. I don't particularly want to, but if it must be done, then at the most fitting time."

"Annoying as it is, you have to. It's the stage to proclaim to the world that you've become lord of the North—and to show all Northerners your stature."

Yeon-hoo furrowed his brow. When a new lord ascended among the Eight Great Families of White Night Cartel, it was customary to notify Baekya-beol and the other families, holding a banquet. The attendees from Baekya-beol and the Eight Great Families determined one's prestige and political standing. It was said that at Yeon-hoo's father Yi Yeom's inauguration, not a single family head from another clan had attended—a factor in Yi Yeom's early struggles with governance.

Yeon-hoo lifted his glass with a wry smile.

"Wonder who'll ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠even show…… Might end up following in Father's footsteps."

"What's with the uncharacteristic pessimism? Dae Ji-jon's on our side. If he attends, the other family heads don't matter—whether they come or not."

It was true. Dae Ji-jon So Mu-baek's presence would say it all. But Yeon-hoo doubted it would be that easy.

"Baekya-beol's real power lies with Elder Council Chairman Seomun-hoe. He might have ties to other families—and if so, he'd surely block Dae Ji-jon's attendance to protect his allies."

"Hm. Possible."

"I won't put Dae Ji-jon in a tough spot over it. My prestige will rise through results anyway. He can come if he wants; if not, no matter."

Sinhwi nodded silently, then smiled wryly too. He asked something else.

"Need a military advisor?"

"Have to appoint one……"

"No suitable candidate, huh? Makes sense—your circle's all razor-sharp killers……"

Sinhwi trailed off. Yeon-hoo stared at him. Their eyes met, and Sinhwi chuckled.

"Don't even say it. I lack the talent anyway, and you know better than anyone I'm built for the battlefield. Plus, if I took it, they'd whisper we're cronies hogging everything. Can't afford political fights right after taking power, so let's take time and find the right person."

"Didn't expect you to think that far."

"You're my only friend—gotta watch out for you. Heh."

Then—

"My lord, Baek Mu Yeong reporting."

"Enter."

Baek Mu Yeong stepped in.

"Word from Commander Yun Hoe and Commander Ma Ui Tae: they've safely reached their garrison. No unusual activity from the Northwest during the troop withdrawal."

"Good."

Yeon-hoo had been worried about Northern Legion. When Yun Hoe led the elites south, only twenty thousand remained. If Northwest Murim had noticed and attacked, it could've been disastrous.

Sinhwi asked, "Jang So killing Jang Cheon sped things up, right? If it dragged on, Wi Yeon Gwang would've moved his forces somehow."

Yeon-hoo nodded silently, poured a drink, and handed it to Baek Mu Yeong.

"My thanks."

"Overhaul the intelligence network properly. Increase carrier pigeons and secure more methods. Pay extra attention to Northwest and Hwangha Suryeon."

"Understood."

"How's the kid?"

"Starting to show his true colors. Already nagging to train."

He meant Jo Yeong.

"Train him right."

"Don't worry. Once he's recovered, I'll ramp it up to Demon Corps level. If he endures, he'll be useful."

Yeon-hoo nodded and turned to Sinhwi. Before he could speak, Sinhwi said,

"Told my brother about cavalry training—they'll start soon. Master Blood King Army's group tactics, and they'll be far stronger than before. But we need warhorses first……"

"For now, scour the North for every horse available."

"That'll cost a fortune…… Horses ain't cheap."

"Funds are ample."

Yeon-hoo turned back to Baek Mu Yeong.

"From tomorrow, post notices across the North. Offer one extra nyang of silver per horse."

"……One nyang extra per horse?"

Baek Mu Yeong's eyes widened. Sinhwi was shocked too.

"One nyang extra per horse? That's excessive—we're not buying one or two."

"I agree."

"Jo Clan Head gave us something precious."

Thud! Yeon-hoo placed two golden boxes on the table. Dragon's-eye stones carved from gold diamonds, given by Jo Chung via Sama Song. Opening the lids bathed the ceiling in brilliant yellow light. Even Sinhwi, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠free of greed, couldn't hide his awe.

"Incredible."

"Planning to sell them to Golden Merchant Group. If we get fair value, it'll cover warhorses—and plenty of quality iron besides."

"Dealing with Golden Merchant Group won't be easy. They're sharks—even with eyes open, they'll take your nose."

"I'll handle ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Golden Merchant Group myself."

"Huh?"

"Other business too."

Sinhwi frowned.

"Safe for you to leave amid this? The world’s watching the North now……"

"Can't delay force-building even a day. And my brief absence won't cause issues."

"Too trusting?"

Yeon-hoo chuckled.

"With the Blood King of the world here, what worry?"

"……Heh."

The next morning, Yeon-hoo met with Jo Chung. To sell at full value, he needed details on the dragon's-eye stones. Their gazes had already shifted—mutual respect.

Yeon-hoo questioned Jo Chung on the stones, and Jo Chung detailed even the artisan's background.

"Then when do you plan to depart?"

"Force-building can't wait, so today. Only a handful know I'm going to Golden Merchant Group—keep it secret, Clan Head."

"Of course."

Jo Chung swelled with pride at being among the trusted few.

"Thanks to you, the North will have a mightier army. On behalf of all Northerners, my thanks."

"Nonsense. Thanks to our lord, my foolish son found a proper dream for the first time. Nothing gladdens a father more—I should thank you."

"Whatever the dream, I'll support him."

"My gratitude. I'll take my leave."

Yeon-hoo called back the bowing Jo Chung.

"Clan Head."

"Yes?"

"I owe you and Yeong a great debt. I won't forget."

"If you say that, allow me one request. Make the North the strongest under heaven. Then I can boast I helped our lord, even a little……"

Jo Chung left smiling. Yeon-hoo watched his back, sinking deep into his chair. He steeled his resolve.

The true beginning started now.