Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Reunion
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‘Have I grown fond of him?’
Yi Hwan hadn’t expected to feel this glad seeing Yi So after so long.
The two conversed for quite some time.
For the most part, Yi So did the talking while Yi Hwan listened. A smile played on Gwan Ji-baek’s lips as he watched. It struck him anew, but Yi So seemed brighter than ever since meeting Yi Hwan.
“Are you prepared?”
“I wouldn’t have come without resolve.”
“I believe you’ll do well.”
“But first, I have a request.”
“Speak it.”
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea before voicing his wish.
“Please place Moon Pavilion under my direct command. To shore up the Golden Army’s weakest point—our intelligence—it seems the only way.”
“What of the East Depot?”
“Would the East Depot heed me? Rather than routing everything through the Crown Prince’s Palace, I’d like my own intelligence network to wield freely.”
Yi So smiled.
“Very well, it shall be done. Anything else?”
“Please set my official residence in a city near the Imperial Palace. The palace itself doesn’t suit me.”
Yi So smiled again.
“I figured as much, so I’ve already prepared your quarters near where the Princess resides.”
Yi Hwan was surprised.
“How did you know I’d ask?”
“Call it brotherly intuition. Anything else?”
“That’s enough.”
“Then in three days, the appointment ceremony will be held. Enter the palace on time. Be cautious for safety’s sake.”
Yi Hwan asked something he’d overlooked.
“Can you really replace the Golden Army’s commander without His Majesty’s permission?”
“It’s the proper exercise of the authority he delegated to me—no need for worry. Even Her Majesty the Empress can’t intervene here.”
“Then why haven’t you replaced him until now? General Gwan here seems plenty capable.”
At that, Gwan Ji-baek smiled and said,
“My place is at Your Highness’s side. With the Great Prince here, I feel more secure than I can say.”
“That’s my sentiment too. Hahaha.”
“How embarrassing—I can’t stay any longer.”
Clink.
Yi Hwan drained the last of his tea and stood.
“I’ll come in three days.”
“I’ll escort you to your residence. Let’s go together.”
Yi So saw Yi Hwan off to the Crown Prince’s Palace gates. Before stepping out, Yi Hwan turned and tossed out a casual question.
“You don’t see me as a pawn to use and discard, I trust?”
Yi So merely smiled faintly.
Yi Hwan asked no more.
* * *
The Song family estate.
From morning, everyone in the estate bustled preparing to receive Yi Hwan.
Yi Yeong had personally prepared the food, while Song Cheon-ho sweated alongside the servants, scrubbing every corner. Song Cheon-ho paused to stretch, gazing toward the kitchen where Yi Yeong was.
‘She’s so delighted.’
Ever since hearing yesterday that Yi Hwan was coming, Yi Yeong had tossed and turned all night. Song Cheon-ho had been the same.
‘The Great Prince is to lead the Golden Army. Unbelievable.’
The rumors had already spread far and wide.
Reactions varied, but Song Cheon-ho was simply overjoyed. Especially since his beloved younger brother, Song Cheon-mu, was coming too—how could he not be?
Just then, Yi Yeong stepped out.
Song Cheon-ho approached, broom in hand.
“Leave the rest to the servants and rest, my lady.”
“It’s fine. Thinking of you eating it makes it effortless. Here, have some.”
“Thank you.”
Yi Yeong handed Song Cheon-ho something to drink. He downed it in one gulp.
“Seems tastier than usual today. Hahaha.”
As the couple smiled, a warrior from the Blade King’s lineage crossed the gate.
“The Great Prince is arriving.”
* * *
Yi Hwan gazed at the approaching Song family estate. Compared to before, it had changed in many places.
Then Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho stepped out beyond the main gate.
Yi Hwan watched Yi Yeong hurry toward him, a faint smile on his lips.
A feeling similar to when he’d met Yi So welled up.
In the past, such emotions would have felt utterly foreign.
“Big brother!”
“Welcome, Great Prince!”
“Have you both been well?”
“Yes, big brother.”
Yi Yeong’s voice caught, her eyes reddening.
“I’m here too!”
Song Cheon-mu stepped forward.
Song Cheon-ho embraced him.
“Welcome.”
After sharing the joy of reunion briefly, they all entered the inner quarters. Before that, Yi Hwan exchanged nods with each warrior from the Blade King’s lineage.
* * *
Amid the feast-like meal.
Yi Hwan thought of Wang Ji-kyeong and asked Yi Yeong,
“Does Minister Wang give you any trouble?”
“Trouble? He helps so diligently I’m grateful beyond words.”
“And the business?”
“Yes. Not quite back to before, but we’ve recovered most clients and routes. A big earthquake hit the tea plantations, causing supply issues, but we have stockpiles to tide us over.”
Yi Hwan read confidence in Yi Yeong’s face. With the resilience she’d shown before, she’d managed well. And with him nearby, the Song family wouldn’t face old hardships again.
“I heard you’re to lead the Golden Army. Congratulations, big brother.”
“Congratulations, Great Prince.”
“Mother will be overjoyed in the afterlife too.”
Yi Yeong’s eyes reddened again.
For all her strength, before Yi Hwan she was simply his one and only little sister.
Song Cheon-ho’s eyes welled up too.
“We’ve cleaned your residence spotless. I arranged things as I thought you might like, but change anything that doesn’t suit you.”
“How far is the residence?”
“Two blocks on foot. All the better for it.”
Two blocks on foot was a quick leap with lightness skill. Yi Hwan thought of Yi So.
‘He put real thought into this.’
Yi Hwan offered his cup to Song Cheon-ho.
“Shall we have a proper drink today?”
“Gladly!”
“I’ll drink too!”
* * *
Wang Ji-kyeong’s estate.
With the mighty rival Yellow Dragon Merchant Group faltering, business boomed day by day, yet Wang Ji-kyeong’s expression wasn’t bright.
“To think I’d miss a man like this. Sigh.”
Fine delicacies filled the table, a cup of fine liquor in hand, but only sighs escaped.
“Thinking of the Divine Sword again?”
“With those vile brigands rampant, how could I not? Heartless man. A message now and then would be nice.”
“He’s handling major duties serving the imperial Great Prince—hard to find time. But he said he’d visit upon returning to the capital, so wait a bit.”
“When will that be?”
Wang Ji-kyeong drained cup after cup.
As he reached for a dish,
“My lord!”
A warrior burst through the door.
“What is it?”
“The Fourth Imperial Prince is here!”
“The Fourth Imperial Prince...”
An aide said,
“He’s the Great Prince, brother to Her Highness the Princess. He’s with the Southern Legion—whatever brings him here?”
“The Fourth Imperial Prince—no, the Great Prince is really here?”
“Yes.”
“I must go out at once!”
Wang Ji-kyeong jumped up, checked his attire at the east pavilion, rinsed his mouth with cold water, and hurried outside.
* * *
Yi Hwan surveyed Wang Ji-kyeong’s estate.
Armed warriors were plentiful everywhere, some exuding the air of skilled masters.
‘Good to see this place after so long.’
In one corner, Cheol Mu-ok shared reunion joys with his clan’s warriors—left here in case the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group tried anything.
Then Wang Ji-kyeong came rushing from the main hall.
Yi Hwan smiled faintly at Wang Ji-kyeong’s unchanged ample figure.
‘Still the same.’
Wang Ji-kyeong didn’t recognize him.
No wonder—before, Yi Hwan had worn Song Hoe’s face.
Wang Ji-kyeong bowed deeply.
“This lowly one, Wang Ji-kyeong, greets Your Excellency! What brings you to this humble abode?”
“You’re Minister Wang?”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“I’ve heard much about you from the Divine Sword. So, you’re helping my sister with utmost devotion?”
“Not at all. Rather, I’ve received great aid from Her Highness.”
Wang Ji-kyeong struggled to stay composed, but his heart raced. He’d heard the rumors.
Yi Hwan was soon to lead the Golden Army.
“Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?”
“Yes, Great Prince! Please, come inside!”
* * *
Yi Hwan sat facing Wang Ji-kyeong.
As expected, Wang Ji-kyeong hadn’t noticed a thing.
“I heard the Divine Sword resolved your issues with the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group. No further trouble there?”
“Their leader’s still imprisoned, so no major problems. But rumors say he’ll be released soon—that worries me.”
“Such rumors are circulating?”
“Yes. He had deep connections; they say he’s buying off officials with vast sums to secure his release.”
News to Yi Hwan.
Or rather, he’d simply forgotten for a moment.
‘He’s the Second Prince’s surest money source. He must never be freed.’
Yi Hwan sipped his tea.
Then Wang Ji-kyeong hesitated before cautiously asking,
“How fares the Divine Sword?”
Yi Hwan nodded silently.
“It would’ve been wonderful if he’d come along.”
Regret filled Wang Ji-kyeong’s face. Yi Hwan probed gently.
“You seem quite taken with that fellow.”
“Yes. The Divine Sword saved my life several times. And with him here...”
Yi Hwan felt a touch awkward as Wang Ji-kyeong praised him effusively.
Soon, Yi Hwan got to the point.
“I’d like your cooperation on something.”
“Anything you say.”
“How many branches do you have in Liaoning Province?”
“Four in total.”
“I’d like to station my men there for a while. That all right?”
“Your men, Great Prince?”
“Don’t ask why.”
“Understood. How could I refuse the Great Prince? I’ll notify the branches ahead. Anything else you need?”
“I’ll send word if there is.”
As Yi Hwan rose to leave, he paused at the door and added,
“If business brings trouble with the court, call on me anytime. You helped my sister, so I must repay the favor.”
“...Really?”
Wang Ji-kyeong’s eyes widened like a calf’s, and he flung himself prostrate.
“Thank you! Great Prince!”
“See you next time.”
* * *
Yi Hwan exited Wang Ji-kyeong’s estate.
Eyes watched him.
They were imperial guards in utterly ordinary garb. Trailing Yi Hwan’s group from the estate toward the market, their gazes flashed.
“That must be the Fourth Imperial Prince back from the Southern Legion.”
“Yes, definitely him. But his escorts don’t look ordinary.”
“They’re the Great Prince’s guards—of course they’re not. Still, wandering with just two... his guts must be huge.”
“He only just returned to the capital. Lucky for us anyway.”
“Exactly. Heh heh heh.”
One imperial guard sneered coldly and continued.
“Go ahead and inform the others. We’ll strike him in the market.”
“Understood.”
* * *
Cheol Mu-ok said,
“One peeled off first. Heading market-way. What of the straggler?”
“Drag him in.”
“Got it.”
Cheol Mu-ok turned.
No— the instant he did, he shot like lightning toward the trailing imperial guard.
“Urk!”
A startled yelp escaped the guard. He reflexively spun and leaped back.
But Cheol Mu-ok was faster than the eye could follow.
Crack!
The guard’s left leg snapped at the shin at an unnatural angle—Cheol Mu-ok had shattered the bone with his great blade.
“Argh!”
Cheol Mu-ok seized the screaming, collapsing guard by the scruff.
Then—
Thud!
A dull sound rang from the guard’s mouth, and blood gushed out.
“Damn...”