Chapter 107
Chapter 107
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Tiger Hunt
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Henan Province, Kaifeng.
The Yuk family head was holding a private meeting with the Grand Steward in the rear garden.
"Despite the chaos of war, the status of each branch is proceeding smoothly. Compared to north of the Yellow River, there hasn't been much damage south of the Yangtze, so we've only suffered the expected losses."
"Is that so? Well, with the maritime ban even tacitly lifted..."
"Yes, and Fujian in particular is said to be thriving."
The Yuk family head pondered Grand Steward Choe Rim's assertion for a moment before blurting out,
"In the end, only Jin-yang will have the last laugh."
This wasn't just an assessment of the current situation. The Yuk family head was looking much further ahead. In his mind, the future unfolded clearly.
Even as a prince, Prince of Yan had openly insisted on rooting out the remnants of the Yuan. His innate belligerence was exceptional. Because of it, he had earned the favor of Ming Taizu while simultaneously drawing suspicion.
If he ascended the throne, there would surely be changes in the Great Ming's policies. Civil and military officials would rack their brains to deal with the Yuan remnants according to the new emperor's intentions.
In that case, relocating the capital would be the natural next step. The current capital was too far to control the northern borders effectively. There was the option of a divided court, but Prince of Yan was not one to settle for half-measures.
He would undoubtedly carry out the move to the north. When that happened, there would be enormous demand for building materials. The great timbers of the north had long since been depleted.
Thus, they would have no choice but to source lumber from south of the Yangtze. The Yuk family head had no doubt that his youngest grandson would be the primary beneficiary.
"With ties even to the Haenam Sect, all southern timber will pass through Fujian."
"Indeed."
"Of course, other regions will need rebuilding too, so we'll see considerable gains, but gold-threaded nanmu and rosewood fitting an emperor's dignity? That rascal's poised to monopolize them all."
Perhaps the biggest winner from this crisis would be his youngest grandson.
His thoughts reached that point, but the Yuk family head's expression wasn't displeased. He worried the other incompetent fools might grow jealous, yet he was proud of the grandson who had achieved so much without borrowing much help.
"The other lads need to step up like the youngest. At least Yuk Seo seems to be finding fulfillment in his duties lately."
"He's always enjoyed mingling with scholars, hasn't he? It suits his temperament."
The eldest son of the Zhejiang Yuk Clan, head of Cloud Sea Hall Yuk Seo, had lately been shuttling busily between Zhili and Kaifeng, acting as a secret envoy.
The pretext was coordinating interests between the alliance, the Yuk Clan, and the court and imperial family, but the reality was different. He was tasked with drawing the emperor's ministers to Prince of Yan's side.
"What have Hang and Gyun been up to? Eon is probably just diligently handling the tasks his son left behind."
"The head of Vast Sea Hall seems interested in money houses. Word is he's already swallowed up or brought to heel several minor ones in Jiangxi."
"Money houses?"
The Yuk family head's brow furrowed.
"In times like these when hard currency is king, money houses? There won't be many willing to deposit gold and silver, and how many merchants would trust bills of exchange for trade?"
Inter-bank notes had vanished with the fall of Yuan, and even the Great Ming universal notes that Ming Taizu had vigorously promoted showed signs of dismal failure.
With currency collapsing, bills of exchange couldn't fare well either. Everyone prioritized hard goods, so most money houses went bankrupt or pivoted to escort services or merchant guilds.
Or, like the unorthodox sects, they forcibly lent money and extorted high interest.
Choe Rim nodded while offering an excuse for the head of Vast Sea Hall.
"But the Yuk name carries different weight. With you still hale, who would dare question its credit? We might even reap huge profits."
"That name wasn't built for mere money games."
Choe Rim's body stiffened at the heavy warning. He hastily bowed his head.
"My apologies."
"Enough."
The Yuk family head waved him off but couldn't resist adding a sour note.
"Merchant guilds are one thing, but money houses require caution. In the end, aren't they just storing money or lending it for profit?"
"Yes."
"Unorthodox scum unbothered by reputation might manage, but for a prestigious house like ours, it's more trouble than it's worth. What if borrowers trot out sob stories and play pitiful?"
"That would indeed be tricky. My thinking was shortsighted."
Choe Rim kept his head bowed, his face flushing.
"People are even more sympathetic to the weak. And sympathy clouds judgment. If word spreads that a famed house is playing money games with its power, what's the use of centuries of reputation? In prosperous times, maybe, but in this chaos, the losses outweigh the gains."
"Shall I pass a warning to the head of Vast Sea Hall?"
"No. Leave him be for now. He needs a chance to learn on his own."
It was a meaningful statement.
What if he didn't learn? Choe Rim suppressed his curiosity.
"And Gyun?"
"The head of Distant River Pavilion seems half-absorbed into Cloud Sea Hall despite his recent promotion. His retainers have all left or switched factions."
"Useless fool."
The Yuk family head spat the short assessment with a displeased expression.
"No need to worry about it. And..."
Grand Steward Choe Rim pulled a paper from his bosom and presented it. It was a copy of the letter Yuan-yeong had sent via spirit beast.
"The alliance's Inspector General said to pass this on. He thought you should know."
"I see."
The Yuk family head quickly scanned the letter and spoke.
"We've been getting frequent reports on White Lotus Cult movements lately, haven't we?"
"Yes. Aside from the incident we encountered in the south, they've appeared in Pengcheng, Chang'an, and even Shaanxi."
"And now Guizhou too. Why would they reveal themselves, even allying with upstart clans or assassin groups?"
It was practically a soliloquy. After deep thought, the Yuk family head clicked his tongue and turned.
"We need to investigate thoroughly... But the alliance is stretched thin these days?"
"Yes. They're mobilizing not just plaque-bearing warriors but even unassigned novices."
"Then I'll handle Guizhou myself."
Choe Rim's eyes widened.
"Why use a dragon-slaying sword to kill a chicken? If you're truly concerned, send clansmen from the main compound."
"No need. I have to check if that squawking thing is just a chicken or a demon swarming with hundreds of venomous insects in its belly."
"But, family head."
"It's only a day's trip anyway. I've been bored—time for a little outing."
Right after Yu-baek arrived towing two ships.
Prince Chu ordered his generals to hurry preparations.
To prepare for any contingency, he opened the underground granaries stockpiled with grain to feed the soldiers their fill, while instructing the armorer to sharpen and repair weapons.
The Guiyang officials' reaction was immediate. The regional commander came personally to inquire.
"Your Highness, what is all this commotion?"
"I'm marching back to the capital."
"Pardon? Marching back?"
"The troops are exhausted, supplies are low—what's the point of staying in Guiyang? Better to end or reconsider the campaign here."
Dismissing him thus, Prince Chu issued an expulsion order to send the commander packing.
Afterward, ominous rumors spread through the city like plague. Many chattered that Prince Chu, disappointed by the lack of progress, was retreating to his fief. Mockery that he feared assassination followed suit.
The officials whispered among themselves too. They suspected Prince Chu's true intent wasn't a simple withdrawal but pulling back the army to regroup and openly rebel against the court.
As all sorts of tales wove together like warp and weft, the day of departure arrived.
The faint twilight of dawn's end.
Yuk Jin-yang was in private conference with Prince Chu in the command tent.
"Your disguise is truly astonishing. Not just the build, but mimicking imperial features too. Your skills rival the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
Prince Chu marveled at the man facing him.
In the mirror placed in one corner of the tent, two identical men were reflected. Only their attire differed; their features matched perfectly.
To an outsider, it would seem like sorcery of gods and demons.
"You overpraise me."
Yuk Jin-yang replied calmly.
Disguise arts were a skill from his previous life. Serving Yuk Ju-jin meant frequent need to forge or conceal identities for various missions.
Prince Chu offered advice.
"But speak as little as possible. Even if the appearance matches, differing mannerisms will raise suspicions. No common soldier has faced me directly, of course, but Guiyang officials or Embroidered Uniform Guards hidden among them might notice."
"I'll keep it in mind. Now, Your Highness, it's time for your disguise. I'll assist."
"I'll take your face?"
Yuk Jin-yang shook his head.
"I infiltrated as a censor, so mimicking me might draw unnecessary suspicion. I'll change to a suitably ordinary face."
"Understood."
By the time they finished disguising and exited the tent, the sun was high. Outside, thousands of troops stood arrayed. Gripping their weapons, they evoked a dense forest of oriental arborvitae.
The restored elite imperial army's formation exuded a momentum utterly unlike that of Jianghu warriors.
Even gathered together, Jianghu fighters couldn't hide their inherent free-spiritedness. If they were like leisurely drifting clouds, these troops were far more disciplined and imposing.
'No wonder they call it a forest of swords and blades.'
As he felt that impression, one of Prince Chu's close generals transmitted a tentative message.
—Are you Lord Yuk?
Yuk Jin-yang gave a brief nod.
The general recoiled in surprise, then withdrew with an admiring look, soon leading over a massive black steed. It seemed to be Prince Chu's own warhorse.
The general politely offered the silk-padded reins and transmitted again.
—I leave it in your hands.
Yuk Jin-yang accepted the reins without reply and mounted.
The horse tilted its head, snuffling as if scenting its rider. Fortunately, it accepted the touch docilely, without rebellion. It had clearly been trained not to be picky about masters.
Yuk Jin-yang straightened his shoulders and raised his arm. Countless gazes poured in. But they came from all directions unevenly. None emanated from the front ranks where the soldiers stood.
From government halls, homes just now sending up cooking smoke, even the woods behind the camp. Martial auras emanated from everywhere. Distinct from the imperial troops', friend and foe were clear.
They were the fierce beasts that would vie for prey in this scheme. Like suspicious tigers emerging from the underbrush.
Yuk Jin-yang opened his mouth.
"Advance. Sound the war drums."
The generals echoed in unison.
"Sound the drums!"
"Advance!"
The forest of men began to move. Clutching gleaming weapons like crimson sunlight on autumn leaves.