Chronicles of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 161: Cheol Gun-ak Arrives at Wall Thunder Manor
The fall of Northwest Murim plunged the world into shock. The overwhelming victory of the North, which had been deemed utterly inferior, amplified the impact. Now, all eyes in the world turned to the Blood Clan. Would the Blood Clan truly wage war against the North? This became the burning question amid the rising interest, while the North, having annexed Northwest Murim, surged from the weakest faction to the storm's eye dominating the political landscape in one fell swoop. Naturally, at its center stood Yeon-hoo.
Songyeong was busier than anyone these days. It was because Yeon-hoo had entrusted him with the weighty task of rewarding meritorious service.
"Aigoo, my head."
Having sat at his desk all day crunching numbers until his head throbbed and his eyes burned, Songyeong set down his brush and headed to the backyard. There was a small pond, and still fully clothed, he plunged right in.
Splash!
Songyeong lay flat in the water. How much time passed? At the sound of the door opening, he emerged from the pond as lightly as a leaf.
Whoosh!
The dripping water instantly turned to steam and scattered. Yeon-hoo and Cheol-u followed.
"Welcome, my lord."
"Taking a break?"
"Yes. My head was pounding a bit..."
Whoosh!
Something flew toward him; catching it, he saw it was a bottle of liquor. Gold-foiled, it was the kind Wi Yeon Gwang had favored, with hundreds stashed in Wall Thunder Manor's warehouse. Songyeong's mouth split into a grin from ear to ear.
"You're handling things fairly, I trust?"
"Yes. As instructed, we're prioritizing equity. However... to include even the surrendered men, we're short on funds."
"How short?"
"If we proceed like this, there'll be almost nothing left for the Jecheon Army and Bae Yeom's forces. To inspire loyalty, we should at least give them something."
"When did you say the iron mines would start operating?"
"With manpower deployed, it should be within a month. But producing iron and converting it to funds will take at least three months."
"Then we'll discuss the Northwest later. For now, proceed with rewards for our own warriors first. Pay special attention to families of the fallen."
"Understood."
Yeon-hoo rose soon after, with Cheol-u and Songyeong following.
"I'm heading to the training grounds."
"Yes."
Yeon-hoo made for Wall Thunder Manor's training grounds. Though called training grounds, its scale evoked a vast plain. There, the surrendered Northwest forces were assembled. Despite aides' warnings against gathering them in one place, Yeon-hoo overruled them and ordered camps built for their stay. He had also appointed Bae Yeom as overall commander.
Moments later, Yeon-hoo entered the grounds. Spotting him, Bae Yeom—mid-conversation with aides—approached.
"Welcome."
"How are they faring?"
"They're grateful for how well you're treating their families. To be frank, Lord... my apologies. It slipped out..."
"It's fine. Continue."
"Most surrendered due to dissatisfaction with the previous lord's tyranny, so there's little psychological shock. Quite a few even show firm resolve to live proper lives under a new lord."
Yeon-hoo nodded silently and issued orders.
"Northern provisions will arrive soon, so feed them well. Ensure the wounded get proper treatment until full recovery."
"Understood."
"Once settled, retrain them in tactics and strategy. Yun Hoe will handle that."
"It shall be done."
Yeon-hoo surveyed the tent-filled grounds, then asked Bae Yeom, "What if we build a proper barracks here?"
"Even so... is that wise?"
The question carried subtle implication.
"If I worried they'd harbor ill intent, I wouldn't have accepted their surrender."
"If that's your will, I approve."
Bae Yeom was moved. Gathering surrendered troops in one spot was something any leader would hesitate over, yet Yeon-hoo showed no such doubt. Moreover, seeking his opinion first on such a key matter—rather than an aide's—was rare among lords.
Yeon-hoo turned to Songyeong. "You take responsibility and push it forward."
"Understood."
Everything proceeded smoothly. Resistance was minimal. Rumors of generous treatment for surrendees even drew scattered Northwest warriors to Wall Thunder Manor. Today alone, over two hundred had come, pledging loyalty on bended knee. Some held key posts, especially in intelligence—valuable assets for the North, soon to handle vast information.
Yet Yeon-hoo treated them no differently, strictly enforcing merit-based equity. This shook the Northwest warriors deeply. Lower ranks, long suffering discrimination, visibly relaxed, feeling they'd finally found a true lord.
Northern personnel were the most surprised. The Yeon-hoo they knew showed no mercy to enemies. Thus, they'd worried about post-war stabilization.
"Commander."
"Yes, my lord."
Bae Yeom's "my lord" now flowed naturally.
"Compile all Northwest intel on the Blood Clan and Golden Merchant Group soon and bring it to me."
"Understood."
Yeon-hoo encouraged Bae Yeom and left the grounds, followed by Cheol-u, Seobaek, and Songyeong.
Cheol-u spoke. "Northwest's intelligence network was top-tier even among the White Night Eight Great Families. Used well, it'll be invaluable."
"Filter for falsehoods, but yes—it's undeniable aid. Intelligence was our greatest weakness."
Yeon-hoo was most satisfied with this. In these warlord-split times, intel rivaled hundreds of thousands of troops. Annexing the Northwest solved it at a stroke.
"My lord!"
Dongbang Ri came running from afar, face flushed—clearly good news.
"Lord Yuksoon has regained consciousness."
"...!"
"He hasn't fully lost his sight, they say. If vision remains upon waking, recovery odds are high. You can rest easy now."
"Hahaha!"
"Knew it! Hahaha!"
Seobaek and Songyeong laughed joyfully. Cheol-u's face eased too.
"Here..."
Dongbang Ri offered a message tube. Yeon-hoo opened it, unrolling the tightly wound letter.
Sincerely congratulating you on the conquest of the Northwest...
[Omitted]
I apologize for causing you worry. As soon as I recover sufficiently, I will rush to Wall Thunder Manor to assist.
A faint smile touched Yeon-hoo's lips. Yuksoon might have been his first close aide lost since returning to Iron Blood Family; his recovery was joyous news above all.
"To my quarters."
"Yes."
After a few steps, Jo Yeong came dashing from ahead, kicking up dust in frantic haste. Everyone chuckled.
Thud!
Cheol-u caught Jo Yeong, who slipped forward from poor control.
"My lord! A guest from Baekya-beol has arrived!"
Wall Thunder Manor's opulent annex reached the pinnacle of splendor. There sat Janghan, of ordinary appearance, sipping tea. He glanced around the room with a faint smile.
"Who'd have thought I'd come to Wall Thunder Manor to offer congratulations."
Then the door opened, and Yeon-hoo entered. Janghan set down his cup and rose.
"It's been a while."
"Welcome, envoy."
Janghan was Cheol Gun-ak in disguise. Yet Yeon-hoo recognized him instantly.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Eyes like yours aren't common."
Cheol Gun-ak looked impressed, as if to say of course.
"Is the Great Earth Sovereign well?"
"Yes. He's adapting nicely."
"What brings you here amid your busyness?"
"To congratulate you, naturally. The Great Earth Sovereign sends his heartfelt felicitations."
"My thanks."
"Now lord of two forces, even calling you family head feels inadequate."
After exchanging pleasantries, Cheol Gun-ak got to the point.
"The Golden Merchant Group requested mediation from Baekya-beol. Via the Elder Council Chairman they're close to; things may get noisy for a while."
Unexpected. Yet not unwelcome. Surely fear of the North prompted it.
"They must be terrified."
"Yes. Conquering the Northwest so swiftly would scare anyone. Not just them—the other families, the whole world is stunned. Hahaha."
Cheol Gun-ak laughed as if it were his own triumph.
"You said it'll get noisy. Why?"
"No precedent for accepting mediation from non-White Night Eight Great Families forces. Though their ties to the Blood Clan are open secret, officially they're unrelated to Baekya-beol."
"If the Elder Council Chairman accepts?"
"No precedent there either, so hard to predict. But... expect pressure on you, or perhaps overtures."
"If I refuse?"
"That..."
Cheol Gun-ak looked troubled. Yeon-hoo recalled Seomun-hoe's stubborn demeanor and lifted his teacup.
Clink.
"We'll watch how it unfolds, then plan accordingly."
"The Great Earth Sovereign hopes you avoid clashing with the Elder Council Chairman if possible."
"And you, envoy?"
"I align with your will."
An intriguing reply. But Yeon-hoo gauged his intent: Best to yield a step until stronger.
Not anymore...
Yeon-hoo had no intention of yielding. Even if forced, he'd never accept meekly.
"If I accept mediation, the Golden Merchant Group and Blood Clan will pay dearly. If I refuse..."
He trailed off. Cheol Gun-ak knew without hearing more. His mind flashed to Great Earth Sovereign Somubaek.
If he takes after this man's temperament, all would be well...