Chapter 193
Chapter 193
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 193
Chapter Title: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
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I had no choice but to at least take Musashi's remains. His belongings amounted to a single sword and one book that appeared to be a military treatise. I tilted my head as I examined the book from his bundle.
"Book of the Five Bonds?"
The contents seemed to be his own compilation on military strategy. After pocketing the Book of the Five Bonds, I spoke to the Shadowless Gate Leader, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong.
"I'm sorry, but I intend to bury his remains in his hometown. I hope you'll allow it."
"Hmm, no helping it. It was an unfortunate incident."
"I'll take my leave now."
I placed Musashi's body—cleaned of bloodstains and properly prepared by the Shadowless Gate disciples—into my spatial pouch. Riding Bi Deung back to Jinrang Valley, all sorts of thoughts raced through my mind.
'To think things would go awry right from the start?'
Who could have imagined that the greatest warrior of Dongyoung, as Miho had described, would fall to the Sword Demon?
My enthusiasm plummeted in an instant, but I quickly rallied myself. It wasn't over yet, and I hadn't even tried anything. I went to Mangnyang and showed him Musashi's body and the Book of the Five Bonds, explaining what had happened.
Surprisingly, Mangnyang didn't seem flustered. He spoke calmly.
"I see. What lesson have you learned from this?"
"Huh?"
"You've come to understand Musashi's character and abilities, haven't you?"
"......!!"
"It's regrettable, but let's try to look on the bright side. Handle explaining it to Miho yourself."
I could feel the weight behind Mangnyang's words.
'He always keeps in mind that I'm a reincarnator.'
From the perspective of this current life, losing Musashi was a painful blow. But considering my reincarnation, it could even be seen as a gain. Knowing what kind of man he was meant I wouldn't repeat the same mistake, and it would be easier to deploy him effectively next time.
"Understood."
"Don't overthink it."
Mangnyang continued.
"Since it's come to this, let's discuss the path ahead. It might help clear your confusion."
"I'm ready to listen."
"I'll establish the Anti-Heaven Alliance as before. But this time, I won't blindly support Hwang Yeon—I'll bring him into the light."
What did that mean?
I was puzzled for a moment, and Mangnyang explained.
"So far, we've rescued Hwang Yeon and his clan, then stoked their resentment against the current imperial dynasty to orchestrate a rebellion. But that only shortens our preparation time and hastens a clash with the palace's formidable forces. So instead, we'll steer clear of rebellion and take the righteous path, striking at the East Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard head-on."
"Is that feasible? The East Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard move according to the emperor's will."
I voiced my concern. Unless they went rogue, ignoring the emperor's commands, they operated strictly on his desires. Though they indulged in personal greed and brutality, their driving force was unmistakably the emperor. Politically targeting such palace factions would be incredibly arduous.
Mangnyang replied.
"It's not impossible. Even an emperor can't suppress all political factions through sheer tyranny. It might even be easier to confront him directly with the moral high ground."
"What do you mean?"
"I need to explain the political landscape of this Great Ming Empire."
Mangnyang took a sip of water, his throat apparently dry, then explained calmly.
"The emperor is an absolute monarch with ultimate authority. Beneath him are the Embroidered Uniform Guard and East Depot, serving as his eyes and ears, monitoring powerful ministers and purging any threats to his rule. You know this much."
"Of course."
I'd once served as an elite guard in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I'd heard all the basics. Mangnyang nodded and continued.
"Then do you know why the Embroidered Uniform Guard and East Depot were created?"
"For maintaining power, as you said..."
"That's the textbook reason. Dig deeper, and it's because the emperor couldn't trust his ministers."
"Hmm..."
Mangnyang leaned forward slightly.
"Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, a commoner-turned-founder, harbored intense hatred for powerful ministers and the privileged class. He treated the existing elite with unmatched cruelty, purging anyone who could challenge his imperial authority. For instance, you witnessed the lingchi execution yourself—that was his active tool. As the founding emperor strengthening imperial power for posterity, it was natural, but it had side effects."
"Side effects?"
"At first glance, eliminating powerful ministers seems beneficial for imperial control. But those ministers are indispensable for governing this vast Central Plains. Without them, the Great Ming couldn't endure. Thus, purges have limits, and purging the powerful also crushes the seeds of capable, independent, outstanding bureaucrats."
Mangnyang sighed.
"In a court devoid of brilliant ministers, what can an emperor rely on to govern? Can he manage the Eight Wastes and Nine Provinces with just his own wits, ruling arbitrarily? That's why emperors after Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice but to create organizations to serve as their eyes and ears, and allies in times of need. Whether they wanted to or not, the Ming Emperor, East Depot, and Embroidered Uniform Guard rode the same boat."
"I know the East Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard are corrupt."
"It's not just that. To overcome the political ills Zhu Yuanzhang created, later emperors tried balancing the East Depot, Embroidered Uniform Guard, and ministerial power.
As a result, the previous emperor empowered the Pure Stream Faction and opposition figures who could check him, even delegating significant military authority to provincial lords. This kept the Embroidered Uniform Guard and East Depot in check decades ago, ultimately strengthening the emperor's power. Before that, their commanders exploited their shared fate with the throne to wield power unchecked."
I was quite surprised by Mangnyang's words.
"Wait. Delegating military authority to provincial lords, even temporarily... Doesn't that risk rebellion?"
"But it didn't happen. Rebellion isn't sparked by military power alone. It requires timing, talent, popular support—everything aligned. The Central Plains under the previous emperor were relatively peaceful and harmonious, making rebellion unthinkable."
"Hmm..."
"But the Central Plains under the current emperor are chaotic and turbulent. He's using bolstered imperial authority to recentralize power, expanding the East Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard. High officials from the Pure Stream Faction and opposition sense the threat and feel the need to counter it. General Hwang Yeon sits at the pinnacle of this powder keg—and his imprisonment in the Great Thunder Prison only underscores it."
Mangnyang spoke with conviction.
"Bringing Hwang Yeon back to the political forefront and rallying the opposition and Pure Stream Faction will deter the emperor and his loyalists from acting rashly. This fight has real odds of success."
Just to be sure, I asked.
"Hmm. I've traveled the world and seen extreme wealth gaps, countless people suffering. Was that because the emperor's rule is so lopsided?"
"You could say half of it is."
"Half...?"
Mangnyang chuckled and shrugged.
"Regrettably, even if a sage king like Yao or Shun returned instead of the current emperor, they couldn't eradicate all the world's misfortunes. No matter how wise the ruler or incorruptible the officials, villains and corrupt ones exist everywhere. What politicians can do is merely mitigate and contain those ills as much as possible."
"It's complicated."
"But letting a tyrant run amok would multiply that chaos and suffering tenfold. That's the crux."
Only then did I gain a new perspective on politics. It differed from my vague intuitions and knowledge so far. It was a viewpoint I'd never grasp even in death from my Embroidered Uniform Guard training.
Mangnyang, having explained thus far, said.
"So I want to borrow your help to rescue General Hwang Yeon's family. Training Anti-Heaven Alliance experts would take too long."
"You mean breaking through a place guarded by three or more Embroidered Uniform Guard divisions?"
"Yes. Without Thunder God Ryu experts."
"Hmm..."
I pondered. Not impossible, but it felt daunting. As expected, Mangnyang planned to discard the Thunder God Ryu but recruit Jin So-cheong. Curious, I asked.
"By the way, how do you plan to bring in Jin So-cheong?"
"I have my own scheme. Don't worry about it now."
"Hmm..."
"Let's handle the urgent matters first. Move out immediately."
"Understood."
As Mangnyang instructed, I headed back to Miho. Using Bi Deung to appear in Kyoto's imperial palace, Miho greeted me—she'd been waiting.
"You're back! We're still awaiting the shogun's response."
"......"
"Your face looks pale. What happened?"
I hemmed and hawed.
"Um... actually, Miyamoto Musashi is dead..."
"......"
Miho looked dumbfounded. I explained everything from taking Miyamoto Musashi to the Shadowless Gate onward. After hearing it all, Miho sat plop on the spot, unable to hide her shock.
"Wh-what? Losing Musashi so easily? The only swordsman on his level is Sword Saint Nobutsuna, but he's the pinnacle of Dongyoung's warrior houses—not someone we can easily mobilize."
"Sorry..."
"Sigh... Well, from what you say, he was too arrogant. No helping it."
Miho seemed to accept reality and give up. I showed her Musashi's belongings.
"He left behind this sword and the Book of the Five Bonds. We should bury them with him."
"...Book of the Five Bonds?"
"Yeah. That's the title."
"Let me take a look."
Miho took the book and flipped through it, reading. After about half a shichen, she said curiously.
"What is this? It seems like a military treatise, but isn't it actually a martial arts manual?"
"Huh?"
"You didn't read it closely. Breathing methods and sword techniques are subtly hinted throughout."
Following her lead, I began reading the Book of the Five Bonds. Indeed, upon close inspection, it was less a military book and more a pure martial arts manual. The beginning seemed ordinary, but it delved into astonishing swordsmanship, with detailed breathing techniques—and it was well-worn from use.
Miho said.
"Well, you've gained a martial arts manual. Take it."
"Yeah."
"Sigh, but convincing that Hattori Hanzo won't be easy..."
Miho's worry wasn't unfounded. Sure enough, days later, when Hattori Hanzo arrived at the imperial palace and saw Musashi's corpse and belongings, he was utterly shocked.
"M-M-M-Master Musashi is dead?!"
"......"
"Wh-what happened?!"
For a ninja who suppressed emotions to react this way—it was a massive upheaval. Miho said calmly.
"He was slain by a Central Plains expert. An extraordinary one, so nothing could be done."
"In the world... someone who could kill Musashi."
Hattori Hanzo trembled. To the stunned Hanzo, Miho said.
"It was a White Lotus Cult expert..."
"White Lotus Cult..."
Miho fed him a fabricated story. While we were searching for the Seven Desires together, Musashi had suddenly faced White Lotus Cult interference. To save me, he'd held them off and died heroically. I nodded along with Miho's lie.
After hearing it all, Hattori Hanzo cleared his throat and said.
"Frankly, I can't believe it. With things as they are, I can't accompany you to the Central Plains."
"What answer were you coming to give originally?"
"I'd agreed to temporary escort for your safety. But now it's pointless. I'll take my leave."
Miho crossed her arms and declared boldly.
"No send-off for you. And regardless, I'm going to the Central Plains."
"Do as you like. The shogun said he won't interfere beyond that."
"Much appreciated."
Shurik!
With that, Hattori Hanzo vanished using ninja concealment. Miho muttered in disappointment.
"To think it'd all fall apart like this. So hollow."
"It's fine. We can manage without that guy."
"Hattori Hanzo is Dongyoung's top ninja. Having him would've made things much smoother ahead. Hmm."
Miho smacked her lips, then said.
"Then let's head to the Central Plains together."
Miho and I used Bi Deung to reach the Central Plains. Upon arriving at Jinrang Valley, Mangnyang welcomed us warmly.
"Lady Miho, a pleasure. I'm Mangnyang."
"Hmm... So you're Mangnyang."
Having heard much about him from me, Miho treated Mangnyang more warmly than usual. After greetings, Mangnyang got to the point.
"We need to swiftly rescue General Hwang Yeon's family within the month, at most."
"Is there such urgency?"
At my question, Mangnyang nodded gravely.
"Yes. Because right after this, you must hurry to Demon Night's second seal."
"Second seal? You don't mean...!!"
My eyes widened. Mangnyang confirmed.
"To the northernmost end of this world!"