Chapter 48 - The Dead Witnesses
Rain fell for the third day straight. Winter's stubborn resistance refused to yield easily to spring's arrival.
On the fourth day, Jang Cheon crossed through the main gates of the Iron Blood Family.
It had been a full month since he'd used his illness as an excuse to hole up in the Jang family estate.
Shwaaa…
The rain suddenly intensified.
His close aides unfurled a large bamboo umbrella, but Jang Cheon brushed it aside and strode purposefully toward the main hall.
Does he have some ace up his sleeve?
Yeon-hoo gazed down at Jang Cheon pushing through the downpour, a cold smile curling his lips.
He'd expected a grim expression, body tense with strain—but Jang Cheon looked utterly at ease.
"He's no pushover. Heh heh heh."
Cheol-u stared at Yeon-hoo.
His injuries from Wall Thunder Manor had been severe, yet since returning, he'd stuck to Yeon-hoo's side without fail, just as before.
"As I said before, the quickest and surest method remains valid, my lord."
"Cut off his head, and I'd claim the throne easily enough. But that would lose me the people's hearts. A lord without the people's hearts is nothing but a tyrant."
"There were emperors who climbed the throne without flinching at kin-slaying, only to be hailed as sage rulers afterward."
Yeon-hoo turned to Cheol-u. His eyes had grown noticeably colder.
"How many times must I explain before you understand? Do I need to launch into another speech to shut that mouth of yours?"
"I only wish for you to ascend the throne as swiftly as possible, my lord…"
"Enough. Repeat yourself once more, and even you won't be forgiven."
"…My apologies."
"Go prepare to receive him."
"Understood."
As Cheol-u moved to open the door, Sama Song burst in frantically.
"My lord! Disaster!"
"What is it?"
"Hong Mun, Hong Son-pae, and the others… they're dead!"
"…!"
"It appears to be poisoning. We investigated everyone involved in the prison duties, and the man in charge of meals has vanished."
"All three are dead?"
"Yes."
Yeon-hoo let out a hollow laugh.
He'd planned to tighten the noose around Jang Cheon's neck using those three, and now they died on the very day Jang Cheon showed up.
Moreover, there were still truths buried in them he hadn't fully unearthed.
Did I get too complacent?
"I'm sorry. We prepared thoroughly to prevent anything like this, yet…"
Sama Song couldn't lift his head.
"It's not your fault. No need to apologize."
Yeon-hoo turned his gaze back to the window.
Jang Cheon was just entering the courtyard of the main hall.
For things to tangle up like this…
Anger surged at his own overconfidence.
Sama Song spoke.
"We have confessions from those three already secured. That alone should suffice to prove the Jang family's corruption."
Yeon-hoo shook his head.
"Even with witnesses, if he digs in claiming conspiracy, it'll be a grueling fight. And if he denies it outright, there's little we can do. You know better than anyone what kind of man the Jang family head is, Sama family head."
"…"
Sama Song was at a loss for words.
As he'd said, Jang Cheon would cling to the conspiracy angle even with witnesses—now that they were dead, his stance was obvious as fire.
"I'll handle it from here. For now, investigate the cause of death more thoroughly."
"Understood."
Jang Cheon stepped into the corridor.
He approached Cheol-u, who stood like a guardian post at the door, and asked directly, "Is he in?"
"He is."
"Announce my arrival."
"No weapons allowed. And your escorts wait outside the corridor."
"Escorts in the corridor have been tradition since the previous lord's time. And who do you think you are, some mere guard, to stand tall and answer back?"
Cheol-u wouldn't budge on such matters.
"It's a new rule set by my lord. Obey it."
Twitch.
"What did you say?"
As Jang Cheon's brow arched like a blade, Yeon-hoo's voice drifted out.
"Enough. Escort him in."
Only then did Cheol-u step aside.
"I'll remember your face well."
Jang Cheon glared fiercely at Cheol-u before opening the door and entering.
Cheol-u eyed Jang Cheon's escorts.
They all shot back sharp glares at him.
"Take one more step, and you'll go back as a headless ghost."
Snicker.
The apparent escort leader, Jang Han, bared his teeth in a grin.
But the other escorts unwittingly retreated two steps under Cheol-u's chilling aura.
Then—
"Make way."
A thick voice boomed from behind.
It was Baek Mu Yeong.
At his appearance, the escorts parted left and right.
The escort leader eyed him with a what's this now? look.
Baek Mu Yeong ignored it, passing the escorts to stand before Cheol-u.
"Someone's here?"
"A guest has arrived."
"Then I'll come back later."
"What is it?"
"Nothing. Keep up the good work."
As Baek Mu Yeong turned away, Cheol-u sheathed his sword across his chest and leaned diagonally against the door.
Meanwhile, Yeon-hoo sat in his chair, greeting Jang Cheon with a relaxed expression.
"It's been a while, Uncle."
"A minor mishap delayed me until now."
"Fully recovered now?"
"Thanks to your concern, my lord, I've healed enough to answer the summons."
Jang Cheon sat opposite Yeon-hoo.
Yeon-hoo poured pre-prepared tea and offered it.
Jang Cheon deliberately savored the aroma, then took a leisurely sip, as if to show off.
Yeon-hoo sipped his own and met Jang Cheon's gaze squarely.
"Hong Mun and the others were just poisoned."
"Oh dear, how could such a gruesome thing…"
"Gruesome to me, but welcome news to you, no doubt, Uncle?"
"How could the death of such valuable talents be glad tidings? Besides, the accusations against me uncovered in the investigation are all fabrications. If you wish, I can prove it."
"That'll come to light in due time…"
Jang Cheon remained utterly composed.
Yeon-hoo betrayed no frustration.
Neither wanted to yield an inch in this battle of wills.
"Thanks to this, the trial must be postponed. But don't think it's over. For now, they cower under your influence, but who knows when or where someone might step forward?"
"Criminals often frame the innocent to escape their due. Surely a wise lord like you understands that much."
"If only I were that wise. That's why I'm saying…"
Yeon-hoo trailed off, draining the last of his tea.
He leaned deep into his chair, staring straight at Jang Cheon.
"You'd best hope my attitude and methods toward you don't change. Should I ever reconsider…"
Shwaaa…
The air froze in an instant, white frost settling on Jang Cheon's beard.
This bastard…
As Jang Cheon flinched inwardly, Yeon-hoo wore a faint smile.
"I have a knack for crafting hells. I hope that knack isn't turned on you. As I said before, I have no desire to commit the filial impiety of severing your head myself."
"Are you threatening me now?"
"Call it a threat or a warning."
Jang Cheon's eyes sharpened.
"See the guest out. Open the door."
Creeeak.
Cheol-u entered.
Jang Cheon started to speak but instead rose abruptly.
I've yielded so far out of regard for public eyes, but if you force all-out war, you'll have to stake everything too, whelp.
As Jang Cheon reached for the half-open door—
"We've detected someone leaking my movements to Northwest Murim. Any guesses?"
"As you know, I've barely left the main household since returning. I pray you swiftly uncover the traitor and punish them severely. Farewell."
Yeon-hoo watched Jang Cheon's retreating back as he sauntered out, then reached for his teacup.
It was already empty.
"Bring some liquor."
"Yes."
As Cheol-u stepped out, Yeon-hoo sank deep into his chair again, furrowing his brow.
He hated this situation.
He'd been certain this chance would bind Jang Cheon tighter, but it all crumbled to nothing.
Self-reproach washed over him again. He closed his eyes tightly and shook his head.
"This time, I have to admit defeat."
It was an undeniable loss.
Carelessness played a part, but he had to acknowledge Jang Cheon's tenacity and meticulousness in flipping a bad hand in one stroke.
Moments later, Cheol-u returned with the liquor.
Yeon-hoo downed two cups in quick succession.
"Sending Jang Cheon off like that?"
"With the witnesses dead, no choice. We could hold a trial on the testimonies we secured, as Sama family head said, but that would plunge the entire Iron Blood Family into chaos and division. That's not what I want."
Pour.
Clink.
"You seem disappointed."
"Frankly, yes."
"Shake off the regret. This incident taught us we can't relax for a moment— that's no great loss."
"…Are you all right?"
"Do I look it?"
"You're too calm."
Snicker.
"If rage could undo it, I'd have raged like a madman in his face. Might've even seen the blood you crave so much."
Pour.
Clink!
Yeon-hoo drained two more cups and stood.
"Where to?"
"The training grounds."
"Your brother will handle it fine. Leave it be."
"Not there."
"Pardon?"
"To the Dongbang family head."
"Ah…"
On the western side of the Iron Blood Family, a fair distance from Yeon-hoo's main hall, stood three buildings in a row.
The new home of the Dongbang family, including Dongbang Ri.
As Yeon-hoo appeared, passersby set down their work and bowed deeply.
Yeon-hoo acknowledged each one without exception.
Then—
"You've come."
Dongbang Ri's voice rang from behind.
Turning, he saw her crossing the gate, arms laden with large bundles, flanked by two maidservants.
"Out somewhere?"
"Needed something from the market."
"Hand the luggage to the servants and come with me."
"Where to…?"
"Didn't you ask me to teach you martial arts personally? Starting in earnest today."
"First, I have something to tell you."
"Important?"
"Yes. Very."