Part 1 - Drawn into the Jeong Mong-ju Assassination
Min Da-yeon looked at Yi Bang-won.
"My lord, what are you doing here?"
"My lady, what brings you here?"
"You were taking so long, so I came to check. Did your errand go well? Did you get permission?"
Yi Bang-won shook his head.
"Father opposes it. He just tells me to return to the Northeast Garrison, nothing more."
"So will you do as he says?"
"My lady, I believe Jeong Mong-ju must die."
"Then what troubles you?"
"I'm wondering if it's right to defy Father's will."
"My lord, may I offer a word?"
Yi Bang-won smiled at that. Min Da-yeon always gave wise counsel.
"Speak."
"My lord, recall whose will it was that brought you from mourning your three-year rite to Wallan-do to escort Father to Gyeongseong. The situation is the same now."
Yi Bang-won nodded. Bringing his father from Wallan-do to Gyeongseong had been his own decision, uninfluenced by anyone. In other words, Min Da-yeon was urging him to push forward on his own judgment, just as before.
"Moreover, would filial piety be better served by rushing to the Northeast Garrison to bow before our late mother's spirit now? Or by first honoring her as queen consort and then paying respects?"
Yi Bang-won burst into laughter. Her words mirrored his innermost thoughts exactly. He was glad he'd consulted her.
"Your words ring true, my lady. I'll follow my own mind."
Min Da-yeon smiled.
"Understood, my lord."
"Might I seek aid from your clan if needed?"
"Worry not. Our Yeheung Min clan can mobilize its retainers for you at any time."
"My thanks. But I doubt we'll need private troops. How is Mu-jil, though? He seemed to be recovering from his fever last I saw, but I'm still concerned."
"He's fully recovered now—studying books and practicing martial arts. No need for worry. If you wish, you may take my younger brothers as well."
"I'll discuss it first with the household. We'll speak again after."
"As you will, my lord."
Afterward, Yi Bang-won returned home and conferred again with Yi Bang-gwa, Yi Hwa, Yi Ji-ran, I Je, and the others. But unlike before, he spoke curtly, cutting straight to the conclusion.
"Father opposes it, but Jeong Mong-ju must be struck down."
Yi Ji-ran objected.
"How can we act against Lord Yeong-gong's—Yi Seong-gye's—will?"
"Father may not heed me, but without slaying Jeong Mong-ju, our great cause cannot succeed. I'll handle it myself, so just look the other way. I'll bear all responsibility."
Yi Bang-gwa, Yi Hwa, I Je, and the rest nodded. Yi Bang-won moved to action at once, summoning Jo Yeong-gyu and Jo Yeong-mu. Jo Yeong-gyu was needed for his high office; Jo Yeong-mu, for his Guard Battalion troops.
Simply killing Jeong Mong-ju wouldn't suffice. They needed to demonstrate that even with court ministers and Guard Battalion warriors mobilized to assassinate him, no one could touch them. That was the brazen show of force Yi Bang-won intended.
In the end, he successfully won over Jo Yeong-mu and Jo Yeong-gyu through their personal ties. He also secured Go Yeo, I Bu, and others, completing preparations to kill Jeong Mong-ju.
At that moment, Min Da-yeon approached.
"My lord, shall we begin at once?"
"No, my lady. We need your father's aid first, so I'll visit him."
"I'll send word."
"My thanks, my lady."
"Might my brothers join as well? They may not provide great help, but some assistance at least."
"If your brothers aid me, it would be a boon. My thanks, my lady."
"No need. It's our duty to support you. I'll instruct my brothers myself."
Yi Bang-won smiled. Min Da-yeon had her brothers utterly under her thumb. He was always grateful for how warmly she treated him alone.
"Do as you will, my lady. Your will is mine."
"My thanks, my lord."
Afterward, Min Da-yeon sent word to Min Je. Once a reply came, she went with Yi Bang-won to his house.
Meanwhile, Min Mu-jil.
Phew. I was in the midst of martial training. From what I knew, Min Mu-jil was a civilian official, but this body wielded a sword with real skill. I'd done a lot of kendo in my past life, but this body itself was accustomed to swordsmanship. It rode horses well too. Probably a perk of the possession. Not that I was grateful for it in the slightest. I'd trade this perk for possession into someone else any day.
I mulled over another worry. Why had I possessed at this exact moment? There were countless points I could have entered—right after the Wihwa Island Retreat, or during debates on disbanding the armies. Why here, on the eve of Jeong Mong-ju's assassination?
My conclusion? It was that bastard's scheme to force me into the assassination plot. No other reason made sense for this timing. They wanted to bind me irrevocably to Yi Bang-won's side, preventing any deviation or escape. I was 90% sure. What a filthy scum.
I had no regrets about possessing Min Mu-jil himself, and participating in Jeong Mong-ju's assassination didn't bother me either. From the clan's perspective, failing to kill him now would lead to impeachment of Father Min Je—hardly good for me. Even setting the clan aside, Jeong Mong-ju's death laid the foundation for Yi Bang-won to become king, birthing Sejong, the peninsula's greatest ruler. Unless I myself became king and led proactively—which I had no guarantee of doing better than Sejong—this was the optimal outcome. Honestly, one reason for propping up Yi Bang-won was to witness Sejong's reign.
After the assassination, I could claim merit and request assignment to the Three Southern Provinces. Even with the clan's influence, I'd need some official post to achieve anything.
So I'd join the assassination. I wouldn't be killing him myself anyway—just gathering intel, most likely.
As I steeled myself during training, a servant arrived with news: Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon were coming. What business at our house? Weren't they swamped right now?
I went to see, and Father eyed me.
"Mu-jil, I worried when you fell so ill, but seeing you well eases my heart."
"Yes, Father. Forgive me for causing you concern."
Since things had turned out this way, I'd resolved to accept Min Je as my father. I'd been an orphan in my past life anyway, never knowing mine. Besides, Min Je was strict but a good man.
"No matter—glad you're recovered."
"But what brings brother-in-law?"
"Da-yeon sent word, but the details will come from her and Bang-won."
"Understood."
It was obviously about the Jeong Mong-ju matter.
Soon Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon arrived. Yi Bang-won, the ultimate victor of the late Goryeo-early Joseon chaos. Personally, I saw that era as his biography—perfect rise, climax, twist, and conclusion. Yi Seong-gye's story worked too, but his ending was tragic, self-inflicted though it was.
The problem? The finale involved purging in-laws—and I was on the list. Still, he and Min Da-yeon suited each other perfectly. Handsome pair, both with fiery tempers that matched too.
We entered the receiving chamber and took seats. Yi Bang-won looked at me.
"I heard you had a fever, brother-in-law. Are you fully recovered? I've been too busy to visit—my apologies."
"No need, brother-in-law. Forgive my worry."
Even in this body's memories, Yi Bang-won was genuinely affectionate at this time. Sister was terrifying, but he was the good brother-in-law.
After some talk, he got to it.
"Father-in-law, as my letter stated, I intend to kill Jeong Mong-ju."
The final event of late Goryeo had begun. "Event" felt off, but...
Why tell Father, though? I'd spoken with him a few times since recovering, and he wasn't without ambition. He aimed to elevate the clan in the new dynasty.
Father responded.
"May I ask why you tell me this?"
"You have thick ties with Jeong Mong-ju's followers. After his death, I wish to rally them to our side—and no one but you comes to mind."
Ah-ha? So that's how Ha Ryeon, Gwon Geun, and others defected. Ha Ryeon had indeed been introduced by Min Je.
The Yeheung Min clan was powerhouse. I'd thought them just one of the fifteen clans eligible for royal marriage under King Chungseon, but they exceeded imagination. Father was King Chungjeong's maternal uncle and Yi Seong-gye's nephew's father-in-law—double in-law ties. As a great scholar, he had legions of disciples and scholarly networks. Yi Bang-won himself was his pupil. Plus vast estates and private troops—a true powerful house. No wonder Yi Bang-won grew wary after becoming king.
Wait, whose side am I on? In my past life, I'd understood Yi Bang-won, but being purge fodder soured that.
Anyway, Father said.
"Understood. I'll lend my strength."
"My thanks, Father-in-law."
Matters settled somewhat. Then Min Da-yeon spoke privately with Father, who replied.
"Very well, do so. But Da-yeon, you'd be more effective than I. Your words carry more weight. Besides, I have matters to discuss with Bang-won."
"Yes, Father."
Min Da-yeon turned.
"My lord, may I speak with my brothers briefly?"
It had started. This body's memories confirmed Min Da-yeon ruled Min Mu-gu and me with an iron grip. What would she say?
"My lady, handle it as you will. Father-in-law has words for me too."
With that, Min Da-yeon called.
"Mu-gu, Mu-jil—come here."
We went to another room and knelt automatically. The body just did it. How thoroughly she'd dominated us... The deepest imprint was fear and respect for her, etched into the bones. Most things bent to my will, but not before her.
Min Da-yeon sat, her expression shifting to blank. She'd smiled like a crescent moon before Yi Bang-won.
Min Mu-gu spoke.
"Sister, do you have tasks for us?"
"Yes. Help my lord assassinate Jeong Mong-ju. Father has already permitted it."
I'd half-guessed. The bastard who possessed me had tweaked history to exploit me. Filthy cur.
"Yes, Sister," Min Mu-gu replied instantly.
"What are you thinking, Mu-jil?"
"Ah, Sister."
"Reluctant?"
"No, it's just..."
"So you refuse?"
Her eyes pierced like lasers. Had my brief pause looked like defiance?
"If you're unwilling, Sister will be most displeased. Father thought it too stern, so I relay it instead."
She glared harder—terrifying. Even in my past life, with few women close, I'd swear few were as fierce.
But consideration? Min Mu-gu interjected.
"No such thing, Sister. Mu-jil's just flustered. Of course we'll do it—no worries."
"Is that so, Mu-jil?"
Her gaze bored in. Pretty eyes, but so scary. I'd die by her hand before Yi Bang-won's. Curse the scum who possessed me—I'd avenge myself later. They promised a gift at the end? I'd change it to a wish and screw them proper.
For now, answer.
"Yes. I was just thinking. Of course I'll do it, Sister."
With my assent.
"Good. I know your fever was rough, Mu-jil. It's for the clan—participate well."
She smiled. What a woman... terrifying.
"Tell Sister if you need anything. I'll speak to Father and my lord."
A carrot? True consideration. Father wouldn't grant direct requests from us, but hers passed freely. Easier to ask her about the Three Southern Provinces?
Her word would sway Father and Yi Bang-won easily.
"Then, after this, could you send me to the Three Southern Provinces, Sister?"
She pondered.
"Seeking merit, eh? Do well this time, Mu-jil, and I'll put in a good word with Father."
"Yes, understood, Sister."
Yi Bang-won and Min Da-yeon soon departed. Truly terrifying. Could I survive between that fearsome couple?