Chapter 251: Princess Gyeonghwa-4
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 251: Princess Gyeonghwa-4
"I shall enter secluded training."
Princess Gyeonghwa, seated at the head of the table, spoke as if issuing a royal decree while scanning the room.
"What? But how..."
"Princess..."
The numerous officials seated around the long table let out collective sighs of dismay.
"Silence."
She infused her voice with internal energy, instantly stifling the commotion.
"Let no one open their mouth until I have finished speaking."
She continued, her gaze sharp and commanding.
"As you all know, I am currently unable to control my martial arts. I cannot even predict when flames might erupt from my body."
She looked at them, her tone turning calm and level.
"If left unchecked, these flames will grow beyond control and could eventually lead to a horrific catastrophe."
Her eyes flickered with a hint of unease as she went on.
"Therefore, to prevent such an event, I intend to enter secluded training. This trouble began because my realm increased; I believe that if I reach an even higher stage, this phenomenon will simply pass."
She looked around the room with eyes full of conviction.
"Of course, it will not be easy. One does not simply ascend to a higher realm just by wishing it. However, I believe it is far more productive to enter seclusion and raise my level than to waste time like this."
Princess Gyeonghwa took a steadying breath.
"My entry into seclusion is already finalized. I will not reconsider, no matter what anyone says, so take heed."
She declared this with a firm, resolute voice.
"Does anyone have questions?"
She scanned the assembly once more. Despite her prompt, no one dared to speak.
"Ah, and before I enter seclusion, I intend to grant long-term leave to a few individuals. They have stood by my side for a long time without proper rest, and I will not require many troops during my training. This is my final decision; let no one object."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she continued with a nonchalant expression.
"The individuals granted long-term leave are Chief Ma Il-gwon, Thousand-man Commander Baek-gi, and Centurions Kwak Gyu, Boldness, and Jang Hom—five in total. All of them have served me faithfully without a single day of rest. I shall grant them one year of leave and provide a year's salary as a vacation bonus. I will hear no dissent."
She looked at those present with a stern tone.
"Any questions?"
She asked, as if to confirm their compliance.
"Um..."
At that moment, Gwan Seok, the Chief Steward, raised his hand.
"Speak."
"May I ask how long you intend to remain in seclusion?"
He asked cautiously, carefully gauging Princess Gyeonghwa's reaction.
"I do not know. However, I shall not emerge until I have achieved significant results. Whether that takes years or not."
Princess Gyeonghwa replied firmly, looking directly at Gwan Seok.
"I understand," Gwan Seok replied, bowing his head.
"Does anyone else have anything to ask?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
After Gwan Seok’s question, no one else spoke. In truth, it was natural that they had no questions.
Was she not essentially confined to the detached palace because of the flames erupting from her body? No one would be inconvenienced by her entering seclusion. Since she had no official duties to begin with, there was nothing to hand over.
"Then, this meeting is adjourned."
When no one spoke, Princess Gyeonghwa rose from her seat and promptly left the conference room. Those remaining could only stare blankly at her retreating back. Everything had happened so quickly that they seemed unable to process it. Only the Princess's closest aides remained in the room, wearing dazed expressions.
*
"I'm sorry, but it seems you'll have to look elsewhere."
"What do you mean there are no horses in the horse market?!"
Chief Ma glared at the merchant, his voice rising in anger. How could a horse market have no horses? To him, it sounded like the man simply didn't want to do business.
"These aren't just any horses, are they? Where am I supposed to suddenly find a Blood-Sweating Horse!"
The merchant snapped back, clearly offended. Since this was a horse market, he could provide any number of standard steeds. He could even find horses that rivaled famous mounts. But a Blood-Sweating Horse was a different story.
A legendary horse that sweated the color of blood—the Akhal-Teke.
Said to travel a thousand li in a single day, the Blood-Sweating Horse possessed stamina and speed that set it apart from all others. Because supply was so low compared to demand, people would pay massive premiums whenever one appeared on the market. To have someone demand one out of the blue was enough to make any merchant lose his temper.
"Even so, this is supposed to be the largest horse market in Beijing! How can you not have a single Blood-Sweating Horse in stock?"
Chief Ma shouted back. As a military man, he was well aware of how rare they were. A Blood-Sweating Horse cost dozens of times more than a standard steed, but they were worth every coin. He couldn't understand why he couldn't get one even when he had the money. Surely, the market would hide one or two away for auctions. To have none at all was baffling.
"The Tang Clan bought them all up about a month ago. They cleared out almost every horse market in Beijing."
The merchant began to explain the internal situation. Just as Chief Ma suspected, markets usually kept a few prized horses like the Blood-Sweating Horse hidden—either to use as headline items for auctions or to gift to high-ranking officials to build connections.
But the Tang Clan had bought them all. Every single one.
"Is there really no way?"
Chief Ma asked, his expression troubled. This was a problem—a significant one.
A standard steed could not withstand the freezing Snow Wind of the North Sea. To endure that cold, a horse had to run constantly to keep its body temperature up. Standard horses would simply stop and slow to a crawl the moment the biting air hit them.
The Blood-Sweating Horse was different. Known for its volatile temperament, it would actually increase its speed when hit by the freezing wind. Rather than waiting for the Snow Wind to die down, it chose to escape the cold by raising its body temperature through exertion. They knew instinctively that the cold would vanish if they kept running.
Because of this unique trait, Blood-Sweating Horses were treated as treasures among treasures. They were essential for traveling to the North Sea.
Chief Ma was at his wit's end. He needed a Blood-Sweating Horse to pull the carriage, but he couldn't find one anywhere. He had scoured every market in Beijing, ending with this one. The Tang Clan's mass purchase a month ago had left the market dry.
He fell into deep thought, wondering how to overcome this obstacle.
"I truly wish I could find one for you, but there's nothing I can do. All the grown ones went to the Tang Clan; the only ones left are young foals."
The merchant spoke with a look of genuine regret. He wanted to sell a horse to Chief Ma just as badly. Who wouldn't want to sell when the buyer was offering double the market price? But he didn't have the horse. He couldn't sell what didn't exist.
"Then, can you at least recommend a place that might have one?" Chief Ma asked grimly.
"Even if you go to other nearby markets, the situation will be the same."
The merchant shook his head slowly. As things stood, he wouldn't find a Blood-Sweating Horse in Beijing, or likely any other region. The Tang Clan had been buying them up across the entire country, not just in the capital.
"Damn it!" Chief Ma cursed.
Why on earth did they need so many? Unless they were going to the North Sea, it would have been much more efficient to buy dozens of standard steeds.
"Is there a specific reason you must have a Blood-Sweating Horse?" the merchant asked, his curiosity piqued by Chief Ma's desperation.
"I have a sudden need to travel to the North Sea," Chief Ma replied curtly.
"Hmm."
The merchant stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then, looking at Chief Ma, he spoke slowly.
"If that's the case, I might be able to help."
"Help? How?!" Chief Ma asked, his eyes widening.
"It just so happens that my cousin is a caravan leader at the Seven Star Escort Agency, and they are departing for the North Sea soon."
"To the North Sea?!"
"Yes. I heard they signed a contract with the Bukmun Merchant Guild, which specializes in importing North Sea regional products."
The merchant searched his memory as he spoke.
"When are they leaving?" Chief Ma asked, his face brightening.
This was a fantastic opportunity. Merchant guilds were notoriously thorough in their preparations—whether it was food, horses, or carriages. Traveling with them would undoubtedly be much easier. A glimmer of hope appeared in Chief Ma's eyes.
"I don't know the exact time, but I believe I heard they're departing in three or four days."
The merchant shared what he remembered.
"Do they take companions?"
It was common for long-distance escort agencies to take on peddlers or travelers for a fee. Since long-distance trade was expensive, they used companions to offset some of the costs. They usually had more than enough guards assigned anyway.
"I'm not sure about that. I'd have to ask," the merchant replied, noncommittally.
Chief Ma's expression hardened.
"I'm asking you as a favor. Please, find a way to connect me with them."
Chief Ma bowed his head in request. He wasn't the type to bow easily, but now was not the time for pride. He had to make this happen.
"Oh, please, sir, raise your head! How can a man of your stature bow to a mere merchant like me?" the merchant said, flustered.
"Then you'll do it?" Chief Ma asked, slowly looking up.
"Well... since you're asking so... earnestly... how could I refuse?" the merchant stammered.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Chief Ma grabbed the merchant's hand and shook it repeatedly, his gratitude overflowing.
"Um... however, there is one problem," the merchant said in a low voice.
"What is it? I'll resolve it even if I have to draw my sword!" Chief Ma declared, his eyes fierce.
"Well... to ensure they take you along, a 'gesture of sincerity' will be required. We need the permission of the Head Escort, after all."
The merchant watched Chief Ma's reaction carefully. While escort agencies generally welcomed companions, the merchants who commissioned the trip often found them a nuisance. Why would they welcome outsiders tagging along on a long-distance journey they had paid a fortune for? To quiet their complaints, some "greasing of the wheels" was necessary.
"..."
Chief Ma fell silent at the mention of a bribe. It wasn't his own money, but the thought of funds being wasted felt like a loss. Moreover, a bribe went against his upright nature.
Chief Ma stroked his chin, lost in thought. He wondered if this was the right thing to do. After a long silence, he looked at the merchant and spoke, his decision made.
"Tell me how much is needed. I will give you whatever they ask."
His face was set with grim determination. Hearing this, the merchant's face lit up with joy.