Chapter 93
Chapter 93
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: Hanlin Academy's Deliberations
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The capital, Hwangseong's Hanlin Academy. The hall blooming with chrysanthemum flowers was abuzz after a long silence.
The scholars, neglecting their classics, were compiling reports from across the land and engaging in heated debate. This was the preparatory step before reporting merits to the Emperor and discussing future strategies.
"The Huangbo Clan head is still raging wildly. It's only natural after suddenly losing his sons. Huangbo Myeong is a promising talent whose name we've all heard, isn't he?"
A middle-aged scholar relayed the Huangbo Clan's latest developments with a grave expression. The reactions from the other scholars ranged from indifference to outright coldness.
"We should declare the alliance traitors right now. They dared to divert the Lian Fortress supplies. Isn't this a deliberate rebellion against us?"
"We lack the justification. Wasn't it the Huangbo Clan that crossed the line first? We told them to secure military provisions, not join hands with cults."
"We pressured them despite their pleas of manpower shortages. If we don't share the blame, the Huangbo Clan will defect."
"Ha, what does it matter if those on the brink of annihilation defect? Let them go. If you think the other rising clans will waver, you're mistaken."
Opinions flew back and forth. Some unleashed a barrage of hardline statements, while many others took a more reserved stance. Even the court ministers had yet to settle on how to deal with the Five Harmony Alliance.
"Perhaps the alliance is just throwing a tantrum. It's not about the rising clans—they're saying to use them instead."
"The leader of the Sword Spirit Hall, which holds key authority in the alliance, is His Majesty's aunt, isn't she? With her in place, the alliance as a whole won't revolt. We have a suitable suppressant, so no need for major concern."
A young scholar shook his head at the conversation between the elderly ministers.
"Haven't you heard? All contact with the spies we placed in the alliance has been cut off."
"......"
"What's to guarantee the Grand Princess is still holding that position? She might have committed treason."
"How dare you say such a thing! Are you implying the Ancient Clan's members in the alliance assassinated the Princess? That's excessive speculation, and as a subordinate, casually speaking of a superior's death is irreverent!"
"She may be one of the realm's top experts, but if even one of the four clan heads steps forward, the story changes."
As the scholars' voices began to rise, the man at the head seat spoke up.
"Now, now, everyone. Have some tea and calm your minds."
His tone was polite, yet the Hanlin scholars instantly ceased their arguments and fixed their gazes on him alone. It was utmost respect.
The speaker was Bang Hyo-yu. Not only was he exceptionally learned, but he had served as tutor and closest aide to the current Emperor since his days as crown prince.
Now, as Hanlin Shigang, he held a position allowing direct remonstrance to the Emperor—a heavyweight whose words even the haughty scholars could not ignore.
Bang Hyo-yu stroked his long, sage-like beard and calmly offered his view.
"Unlike Prince Yeon's faction, which was mostly purged, the Ancient Clan has connections reaching even here in the capital. We can't easily make them enemies."
"......We're completely unrelated to them."
"The other ministers in the Six Ministries feel differently."
Unlike the Hanlin scholars appointed solely through imperial exams, the other Six Ministries were filled with scions of prestigious families.
Right after the founding of Great Ming, Taizu abolished the wen yin system that granted offices to noble sons without exams. But it had little effect. Corruption in the exams was an open secret.
Favors great and small based on background, and even those barely versed in the Four Books and Three Classics could buy posts with money. Despite purges, the practice persisted.
Bang Hyo-yu sighed and corrected the other scholars' misconception.
"And do you truly believe the Hanlin scholars have no ties to the Ancient Clan?"
"Hyijik Master—what do you mean? Are you suspecting us?"
"Do you know how much it costs a rural scholar to come to the capital for the exams?"
No one answered. It wasn't ignorance; they were too embarrassed to speak.
"Tens of thousands of jeon at minimum, they say. Poor scholars often give up entirely. The Ancient Clan has sponsored such students."
Bang Hyo-yu shook his head emphatically, adding word by word with emphasis.
"There may be their collaborators even among our juniors. Aside from us gathered here, loyal to His Majesty for so long, we can't trust anyone."
"......"
"For now, let's approach the alliance containment more discreetly. There are plenty of ways to punish them without declaring them traitors."
The scholars' expressions grew even graver. Those handling practical affairs seemed to grudgingly agree with Bang Hyo-yu but added a caveat.
"That's a concern, though. We can't confirm if they're rebelling against the court, but their hostility toward the rising clans is clear, isn't it? We lack justification even to mediate."
"Hubei Pang Clan, Huangbo Clan, Jinju Eon Clan, and Moyong Clan—all murim families responsible for northern security. If they're wiped out or suffer massive blows, our reliance on the Ancient Clan will only grow."
"After suppressing Prince Yeon's rebellion, we'll need to reform the northern army, which will require no small amount of supplies. That means even less leeway to check the Ancient Clan."
Murim clans rooted in regions weren't mere local tyrants. In times of unrest, people sought them out before the yamen— their responses were far swifter.
The north, especially, was a frontier plagued by constant barbarian incursions. Clans proved far more effective at soothing public sentiment than sluggish armies.
Their conversation veered briefly elsewhere.
"Speaking of which, I hear the youngest grandson of the Yuk Clan performed remarkably in the Huangbo subjugation campaign. That's what the Huangbo survivors reported."
"Wasn't that family rumored to have a dragon birthing an earthworm? The eldest son aside, I heard the grandson is utterly worthless."
"Indeed, they finally birthed an imugi. The dragon must be desperate to pass on its yeouiju."
"And is it just the yeouiju? As long as it doesn't start paving a path to the heavens, we'll count ourselves lucky."
Dark shadows fell over the scholars' faces.
The Emperor of Great Ming tolerated no 'one below one, above ten thousand.' They might covet the throne. Thus, he abolished the prime minister post and dispersed power across organizations for stability.
The Hanlin Academy had been born for that very reason.
It had largely inherited the advisory role of the Zhongshu Province under the former prime minister. Even without a PM, a similar organization was needed.
The difference lay in real authority. The Hanlin could remonstrate the Emperor but not command officials.
Yet it faithfully fulfilled its role: vigilantly monitoring any forces challenging imperial power. That was their duty.
"The future truly worries me. Mountains beyond mountains, as they say. Even after punishing Prince Yeon, we'll fret over the Ancient Clan. We once felt safe with no worthy heir to inherit."
"Your concerns are excessive."
"We'll discuss that later. A message bird has arrived."
A small bird flew in through the open window and perched on Bang Hyo-yu's shoulder.
It was the imperial spirit bird, nanjae, its feathers shimmering with iridescent colors. Its true value lay beyond mere beauty—otherwise, it wouldn't serve as a messenger.
Bang Hyo-yu listened to the bird's chirps. Through mystical arts, the cries transformed into clear meaning. His brow furrowed at the grave content.
He chose his words carefully before speaking.
"......General Kyung Byeong-mun, sent to subdue Prince Yeon, has been repelled. He barely rallied his troops and withdrew."
Sighs erupted everywhere. Some vented their fury openly.
"What were those arrogant 'peerless experts' doing? The ones from the military who fancied themselves grandmasters of the jianghu—where did they go?"
"And General Kyung Byeong-mun? Didn't he boast of aiding Taizu in unifying the realm? His Majesty trusted him with hundreds of thousands of elite troops, yet he was defeated!"
"We must punish him exemplarily and reforge military discipline strictly."
Bang Hyo-yu raised his hand, instantly silencing the clamor.
"General Kyung Byeong-mun's loyalty is well-proven, and he's won hearts inside and out. What would the military think if we punished such a man?"
Bang Hyo-yu posed a pointed question. The scholars fell silent at once. They weren't dull enough to miss the implication.
"B-but, Hanlin Shigang."
"Everyone, bear this in mind. Our situation is far from optimistic."
Bang Hyo-yu's eyes flashed sharply. The gentle demeanor of the lofty scholar vanished, leaving only the aura of a loyal minister concerned for the realm.
"Petty rewards, punishments—those come later. Focus solely on a way to crush Prince Yeon. Understood?"
"Yes."
The scholars replied in unison. Bang Hyo-yu gestured for dismissal. As they rose to leave without protest, one approached and whispered cautiously.
"How will you handle the Prince Cho matter?"
"Handle it how? We follow His Majesty's will. The Jinyiwei has already left the capital—no room for debate."
"Hanlin Shigang, it's not too late. Recall the Jinyiwei's deployment and send someone to appease Prince Cho. With Prince Yeon's momentum already unusual, why create a new enemy?"
"His Majesty's resolve is firm. It's beyond our interference now."
Bang Hyo-yu let out a quiet sigh and continued softly.
"I know. Needlessly provoking even a fief lord friendly to the court is a bad move."
"If we persuade His Majesty now......"
"I've already said: He ordered no further debate. We simply obey."
Bang Hyo-yu flicked his sleeve and rose.