Chapter 133
Chapter 133
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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To verify if Miho was right, I headed to Mangnyang.
"Is it really treason?"
"......"
"What we're plotting—is that treason?"
Mangnyang glanced at me. The book he was reading was *The Art of War*. Out of the blue, Mangnyang held it out to me.
"You've probably never read this *Art of War*. Read it when you have time. It's a masterpiece."
"I'll make sure to. But don't change the subject—answer my question."
As I took the book and pressed him, Mangnyang replied.
"Of course it is. What we're scheming right now is perfect treason and rebellion. The manifesto has already been circulating for quite some time, so the warlords and city lords across the Central Plains have grown tense and are watching this region closely. They're at the stage of debating which side to join."
"Good lord... You can just say 'treason' so boldly?"
Mangnyang chuckled.
"I wouldn't say this in front of ordinary people. I'd dodge it somehow, avoid any direct mention. But since it's you, I'm being straight with you."
"What do you mean?"
"You're the freest man in the world when it comes to power. Honestly, whether our side wins or loses this battle, it won't derail your ultimate goal. Plotting treason is just the fastest path."
Mangnyang cracked his knuckles and continued leisurely.
"Then let me ask you instead. In this situation, does General Hwang have any other options?"
"....."
"No. Originally, General Hwang and I planned to rally the opposition factions, purge the Brocade Guards and the Dragon Horse Hall forces from within, and ultimately turn the emperor into a mute puppet. No matter how much we rose up, that's as far as it would go. Since the emperor stands above all men, it's far better to make him a figurehead and use him than to rashly pull him down or eliminate him.
In other words, what we originally sought was change from within. It could be called somewhat moderate.
But with the emperor's sudden death and the Dragon Horse Hall seizing real power, the situation changed drastically. Those bastards no longer even glance at the emperor's mood—they do whatever they please. In this state, do you think mobilizing the Clear Stream scholars or officials from various regions would make the newly enthroned crown prince bat an eye? The moment the emperor died, our only choice became force."
"Ah..."
I understood Mangnyang's point and sighed.
I'd thought that simply removing the enemy leader called the emperor would cause them to collapse on their own, but that wasn't the case. The emperor was the linchpin and compromise point for countless powers. The colossal enemy that was the imperial palace wouldn't crumble just from eliminating one man.
*'Either follow the proper procedures, or possess the power to sweep them away without a trace.'*
Seeing the realization on my face, Mangnyang said,
"Of course, Baek Woong, eliminating the emperor wasn't necessarily the wrong choice. He had to be purged eventually. It's just increased the odds of crossing a dangerous bridge a bit, so we must focus on the present."
It wasn't mere consolation. I needed to pull myself together.
"Got it."
Mangnyang looked pleased that I'd accepted it, like a teacher glad his student understood. He unfolded his fan and said,
"Tomorrow morning, 30,000 troops led by General Gibaejong, 10,000 from General Hwang's North Dragon Corps, and about 25,000 from Guanzhong responding to General Hwang's manifesto will arrive. We'll advance on the capital with roughly 60-70,000 troops."
"70,000!!"
I realized what an enormous number that was. Ordinary people might not grasp it, but even being surrounded by a few hundred in battle felt suffocating, like drowning in a sea of people. Imagining hundreds of times that clashing in a massive field was mind-boggling.
A sudden thought struck me, and I asked Mangnyang,
"Wait. Didn't we send the manifesto across the whole country? Why not wait for more to arrive, gather forces, and then storm the capital?"
"That's an option. If we sit tight for a month, occupying key points nearby and rallying lords and nobles, we could muster at least 200,000."
Mangnyang folded his feather fan and pressed it to his temple.
"But we can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Three reasons."
Mangnyang took a sip of water and continued.
"First, no matter how suspicious the emperor's death or tyrannical his orders, he's still the emperor. The longer the standoff drags on, the more advantageous it becomes for his side, both in terms of legitimacy and practicality. With the crown prince newly enthroned and the realm in chaos, we must strike swiftly for a quick resolution to have any chance of victory.
Second, if we can gather 200,000, they can gather 500,000.
Third, a 200,000 versus 500,000 showdown would shatter the Great Ming Empire into a massive civil war. Regardless of who wins, the capital's control over the provinces would plummet, ushering in a new age of chaos. We must avoid that at all costs."
"Hmm!"
"We need to rout the Imperial Guard as quickly as possible and seize the capital. That's the absolute condition for victory."
I felt Mangnyang's words were perfectly logical. Admiring him inwardly, I mulled them over again. Then I asked what I was truly curious about.
"So, how many Imperial Guards defend the capital?"
"Basically, 100,000 are stationed there at all times. By now, they've probably pulled in reserves from nearby, so by the time battle begins, it'll be nearly 200,000."
"......!!"
That meant 70,000 against 200,000!
A nearly threefold disadvantage in numbers, yet Mangnyang was utterly calm. As I looked at him worriedly, he said,
"No need to worry."
"How can I not?"
"Battle—especially war—isn't just about numbers. And we have Hwang Yeon on our side. That's reason enough to win."
Mangnyang smiled and pointed his fan at the *Art of War* I held.
"So read that book when you have time. This battle will be a great lesson for you."
"Understood."
I left with the *Art of War*. Passing by, I saw Great General Hwang Yeon and Lee Gwang gathered. As I approached, voices carried over.
"General, are you really planning to attack the capital?"
Lee Gwang's familiar voice. Facing him came Great General Hwang Yeon's reply.
"Yes, Lee Gwang."
"That doesn't make sense. It's not like you, General."
Lee Gwang spoke humbly before Hwang Yeon, deferring completely. Regardless of differences in martial prowess, Hwang Yeon was clearly a man he respected. The veteran general stood in full armor, gazing softly at Lee Gwang before saying,
"What is 'like me'? Tell me."
"......"
Great General Hwang Yeon stated firmly.
"I've realized something in the Great Thunder Prison. This nation's underbelly hides inhuman beings. If we don't strike them now and weaken them, we'll leave eternal regret."
"But this is rebellion."
"Indeed, rebellion. Then why are you standing here trying to persuade me?"
Hwang Yeon smiled.
"Heh heh... I wouldn't expect such a choice from someone as cool-headed and rational as you. Just cut off my head and present it to the new emperor. That would end all the chaos. So why haven't you?"
"... For General Jin Cheonhwi."
"Jin Cheonhwi."
"At least he would have found a better way."
Hwang Yeon and Lee Gwang's eyes both dimmed with sorrow, as if reminiscing about General Jin Cheonhwi. Hwang Yeon sighed.
"He was a true genius. Someone I couldn't even touch the heels of... But I have no more options. As a mere mortal, I can only enforce justice through force."
Lee Gwang spoke without killing intent, but with firm resolve.
"Even if I kill you, General?"
"Do as you will. That too would be heaven's will."
Great General Hwang Yeon remained composed. Threats to his life wouldn't sway him from the start. That was the pride of the Great Ming's foremost commander.
Lee Gwang wavered in conflict—torn between his lifelong creed of utter loyalty to the nation and his bond with Great General Hwang Yeon. Hwang Yeon drove the wedge home.
"But remember this. The one we offered our souls in loyalty to was the late emperor, and we've done our utmost for his son. There is no one left for us to serve."
The words hit hard; Lee Gwang faltered, visibly shaken.
"That's—"
"Where is the Great Ming? Is the current emperor the Great Ming Empire? Answer me, Lee Gwang."
Lee Gwang fell silent.
After a long pause, he sighed deeply and said,
"I'll need to sort out my thoughts a bit more."
"Do as you like. But without your help, we can't win this war."
"......"
I locked eyes with Lee Gwang as he withdrew dejectedly. He glanced at me without expression and passed by. But his eyes clearly held torment and anguish. I'd never seen an iron-blooded warrior like Lee Gwang so drained after a conversation.
*'Truly deserving of the title Great General.'*
Honestly, I'd wondered what difference rescuing one man, Hwang Yeon, would make. But I was gradually realizing I was wrong. The Great Ming Empire's greatest commander possessed, in himself, the charisma and dignity to shake the world. He was a force that could change the Central Plains.
Great General Hwang Yeon spotted me and said warmly,
"Oh, it's you. Little Hero."
The title "Little Hero" carried a playful tone. I smiled wryly and replied,
"I feel like I was intruding."
"Not at all. It was bound to happen eventually, and that fellow won't mind."
As I stayed silent, Great General Hwang Yeon continued.
"By the way, I've always been curious. What's your relationship with that Half-Heaven Alliance Leader?"
I answered firmly.
"Comrades and friends."
"Would you lay down your life for each other?"
"Of course."
Hwang Yeon said admiringly,
"No hesitation in your eyes. You have the mettle of a battle-hardened veteran... I've never seen a prodigy like you."
"......"
Naturally—laying down my life for Mangnyang was almost a given from my past life, and in truth, I was a veteran warrior. My actual age was likely far beyond Hwang Yeon's. Embarrassed, I stood quietly as he laughed.
"I was just curious. Seeing young heroes like you move for righteousness stirs my blood."
"You're too kind. I still have much to learn."
"Hahaha... Pathetic old men like me, sixty years old and still unable to match your heels, are everywhere."
Watching Hwang Yeon laugh heartily, I felt a pang inwardly. Before my reincarnation, I truly couldn't keep up with Mangnyang's heels, as he said. Even now, I was still learning from him, so it stung. It had taken immense time and effort just to catch up.
Hwang Yeon said,
"You've probably heard, but I've handed full command of the capital battle to the Half-Heaven Alliance Leader. Lee Gwang and I will handle contingencies."
"What?!"
What was this? Mangnyang hadn't mentioned it to me, so I was stunned. Instead, Great General Hwang Yeon tilted his head.
"You hadn't heard?"
"N-no, but why aren't you commanding personally...?"
"Hmm. It's simple. We've discussed strategy and tactics extensively, and one fact emerged. The Half-Heaven Alliance Leader's tactical prowess is extraordinary."
Great General Hwang Yeon gave a wry smile.
"I consider the Half-Heaven Alliance Leader's skill genius-level. If he commands, we'll achieve tremendous results. I'll just observe from the side."
My jaw dropped.
Great General Hwang Yeon was a living war god and commander who had defended the Great Ming Empire from steppe invaders and outer barbarians. He commanded absolute trust in the military, enough for his manifesto calling to arms against the deviant emperor to resonate. Thus, his strategic and tactical abilities were beyond question on this continent.
For such a legend to claim inferiority to Mangnyang?
"That good?"
"Hmm... You're his closest comrade, yet you don't know his prowess? Only General Jin Cheonhwi could match him. With equal forces, I have no confidence in defeating an army led by the Half-Heaven Alliance Leader."
"......"
Great General Hwang Yeon chuckled.
"If you're so doubtful, try leading a company of a hundred men. Then you'll understand."
I felt profound unease.
Mangnyang, Great General Hwang Yeon, even Lee Gwang—despite expecting a threefold disadvantage, none showed the slightest tension. Whether it was innate caliber or something else, they all believed victory in the capital assault was a given.
*'Is it really...?'*
I recognized my weakness.
In the realm of strategy and tactics, I was utterly clueless. I was only accustomed to fighting personally; commanding large-scale battles was beyond me.
*'I'd better study hard.'*
I looked down at *The Art of War*. Mastering it might let me command not just hundreds, but thousands or tens of thousands at will someday.