Chapter 109
Chapter 109
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Jo Gwang's Exile
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The key generals of the Southern Legion had all gathered in the command center.
Song Hoe, who had rushed over upon hearing the news late, couldn't hide his shock upon spotting Jo Gwang sitting across from Paeng Mu-wi.
*Exile? What in the world is going on?*
Everyone in the Southern Legion knew that Jo Gwang had lost the power struggle against the Southwest King. But even so, the idea of the crown prince himself seeking exile was a shocking turn of events.
Just then, Paeng Mu-wi glanced over at Song Hoe.
"Since His Highness lacks suitable lodging, he'll have to use the Great Prince's quarters for the time being. That all right with you?"
"Ah, yes. Of course."
"See to it."
"Understood."
Jo Gwang rose to his feet.
A short while later, Song Hoe escorted Jo Gwang and Pa Pa to the quarters.
Meanwhile, Cha Jung-kyeong, who had heard about Jo Gwang's exile, felt a heavy unease weighing on his heart.
*He couldn't have recognized me, could he?*
He had stolen the secret funds stashed away in the crown prince's annex vault. There was no way his mind could be at ease.
But it wasn't as if he needed to go into full hiding.
*There's no reason for a crown prince to know a nobody like me. Still, I shouldn't set foot near the command center until he leaves.*
Cha Jung-kyeong took a deep breath and peered outside. He spotted Jo Gwang and Pa Pa walking over with Song Hoe. Cha Jung-kyeong quickly averted his eyes.
*Why are they coming here? Don't tell me they're planning to stay here?*
Seeing Jeong Cheon following behind confirmed it seemed likely.
Cha Jung-kyeong's face twisted in dismay.
*Damn it.*
He took another deep breath and composed his expression.
Moments later, Jo Gwang and Pa Pa entered. With no need for greetings, Cha Jung-kyeong gave a slight nod and hurried out to the back courtyard.
Song Hoe stepped out to the back courtyard.
"I'll need to heat some water."
"That guy's staying here?"
"No other option for now, so it'll just be temporary. But what's with that look on your face?"
"You really don't know?"
"You're worried the crown prince might recognize you?"
"No way he'd spot a lowly soldier like me, but it still gets under my skin. Why here of all places? Just give him a spare tent or something."
Smack!
Song Hoe rapped Cha Jung-kyeong on the head.
"Go complain to the Commander, you fool."
"Ugh..."
"Quit the nonsense and heat the water in the cauldron already."
* * *
Jo Gwang surveyed the room.
It felt strange to think this was the dwelling of Yi Hwan, the man he had so desperately wanted to kill.
Jeong Cheon sat down before him.
"You can stay here for now and await a response from the capital."
"Will the general be staying here as well?"
"That's what the Commander ordered."
Jeong Cheon was the man the Zhao Kingdom army both feared most and ranked as their top target for elimination. Even if it was just for protocol, Jo Gwang couldn't help feeling uncomfortable.
Jeong Cheon asked.
"Why this place of all places?"
"......"
Jo Gwang gave no reply. Jeong Cheon didn't press further.
"Try to avoid going outside as much as possible. Plenty of our warriors lost comrades in the battles against Zhao."
"......"
"Rest well."
As Jeong Cheon exited with his usual curt demeanor, Jo Gwang closed his eyes. He struggled to suppress the surging wave of sorrow.
Pa Pa watched Jo Gwang with pity in her eyes.
"Pa Pa."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"We're like caged birds now, trapped with no escape. Mind your tone and behavior carefully. Even if someone treats me rudely, you must endure it. Understood?"
"I will, Your Highness. Then I'll go request dinner."
As Pa Pa left, Jo Gwang walked over to the window.
Creak!
He opened it, taking in the sprawling Southern Legion camp at a glance. Standing here as an exile in what had been enemy territory just days ago filled him with gloom.
*Hah...*
* * *
Yi Hwan read the report sent by Song Hoe.
Jo Gwang has requested exile... [The rest follows.]
Even Yi Hwan, who seemed unflappable as if the sky itself could fall without him batting an eye, couldn't hide his surprise at the report's contents.
*Jo Gwang seeking exile...?*
He could hardly believe it.
For a crown prince of a nation to come seeking exile—such a thing had no precedent in the Central Plains' history.
"Great Prince, what is it?"
Go Mi, who had come to report, asked curiously.
Yi Hwan set down the report and replied.
"Jo Gwang came to the Southern Legion and requested exile."
"What?"
Go Mi's eyes widened. Who wouldn't be shocked?
"But why the Southern Legion? If he was going anywhere, shouldn't it have been straight to Qin?"
"Coming with just one attendant suggests he was in quite a hurry—his life truly in danger."
Clink.
As Yi Hwan lifted his teacup, Go Mi spoke up.
"The palace is going to be in an uproar from now on."
"What do you mean?"
"Someone of Jo Gwang's stature—even if it's political exile—won't be accepted lightly. If the Southwest King of Zhao demands extradition, the court officials will surely split in opinion, plunging everything into chaos."
Yi Hwan nodded silently.
It made sense upon reflection.
"The war hawk Southwest King might use the extradition outcome as a pretext for war. Refuse him, and we'll become the laughingstock of the world."
"Exactly."
"What would the Moon Lord do if she were the Empress or Crown Prince?"
"That's not for me to decide. But let me ask—if you were in charge, Great Prince, what would you do?"
"Accept him, naturally."
"Even if it leads to war?"
"If Zhao pushes that far, we'd have even more reason to accept. It's a matter of Yeon's national dignity and pride."
Go Mi smiled faintly.
"Why the smile?"
"You gave the exact answer I expected."
Yi Hwan chuckled and leaned back in his chair.
"With the Emperor in seclusion, it falls to the Empress and Crown Prince's Palace to decide... I'm curious how the Crown Prince's Palace will respond. Would he really risk war to shelter Jo Gwang?"
"Wouldn't it be best to leave the decision to the Empress?"
"So, pass the hot potato rather than hold it yourself?"
"If possible. The Empress and Second Prince have always stepped back from risky matters."
Yi Hwan drained the last of his tea.
Clink.
"I need to head to the palace."
"Stopping by the Crown Prince's Palace?"
"Where else would I go in the palace?"
Yi Hwan stood and said.
"Come with me."
"Yes."
* * *
Yi Hwan and Yi So sat facing each other.
As expected, Yi So was already aware of Jo Gwang's exile request.
"What's the Empress's reaction?"
"Nothing yet. It's a matter with massive political ripples, so they're likely calculating what's most advantageous."
"And if they leave it to the Crown Prince's Palace?"
"What choice is there? We'd accept him. It's a matter of propriety."
Yi Hwan admired Yi So's firm stance. Any hint of hesitation would have disappointed him.
"I've heard the Southwest King of Zhao is a warmonger. He might use this as a casus belli for war. Still accept?"
"A man dreaming of an emperor's throne—would he go that far? Even if he does, I won't back down."
*Impressive.*
Yi Hwan smiled inwardly. He found Yi So particularly appealing today.
Gwan Ji-baek spoke up cautiously.
"Shouldn't we wait and see how the Empress responds first?"
"Probably."
Yi So lifted his teacup.
Yi Hwan took a sip of his own tea.
Clink.
Yi So changed the subject.
"Proposing protective detail first was a brilliant move. Public opinion is glowing because of it. Any more requests for protection?"
Yi Hwan glanced at Go Mi, who answered on his behalf.
"Three requests have come in. All from moderate officials."
Yi Hwan added.
"Winning their hearts will aid the Crown Prince's Palace greatly going forward."
"Not just breaking prejudices against you, but calculating that far ahead too?"
"Well, among other things."
"Hahaha! Truly remarkable. I never even dreamed of that!"
Gwan Ji-baek laughed heartily.
Yi So smiled contentedly. Feeling a bit awkward, Yi Hwan set down his cup and shifted topics.
"If the Crown Prince's Palace takes charge of Jo Gwang's exile, house him at the Golden Imperial Guards' headquarters."
"You've got something in mind?"
"Isn't it the safest place?"
"That all?"
"I've got a few ideas, but they're not fully formed yet. I'll explain step by step."
"Understood. If it falls to us, we'll do that. Anything else you need?"
Yi Hwan transmitted mentally.
[How long will you keep His Majesty's secret?]
Yi So's expression hardened instantly, though unlike before, a flicker of anguish showed in his eyes.
[When the time comes, I'll reveal it. Bear with the curiosity until then.]
[I await that day, sooner rather than later.]
Yi Hwan drained his cup and stood.
"I'll take my leave."
Then Yi So's transmission followed.
[There might be a way into the Imperial Palace Treasury after all.]
"......!"
Yi Hwan whipped around.
[I want to know what's in the Imperial Palace Treasury first.]
Unable to mention searching for Daye Fortress records, Yi Hwan deflected.
"There's various things I need to look into, but it's not convenient now—I'll explain later. It won't harm the Crown Prince's Palace, so no worries. I'll be waiting."
Yi Hwan left the Crown Prince's Palace with Go Mi.
They headed toward where Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae waited. Since Go Mi had come with Yi Hwan today, the Sword King lineage warriors assigned as her guards weren't present.
How long had they walked?
"Great Prince, there he is."
Go Mi nodded toward the left.
Mun I-jong was walking with a few close aides.
"He's the head of the assassination unit Hongwol, who just became Grand Overseer of the Golden Imperial Guards."
Yi Hwan stared at Mun I-jong. He couldn't see the face clearly from the side profile, but the overall aura felt oddly familiar.
Then it happened.
Mun I-jong glanced their way.
Their gazes clashed across the air. In that instant, Yi Hwan saw it.
The cold killing intent pooling in Mun I-jong's eyes.
*Killing intent toward me, a total stranger?*
One face came to mind.
Mun Chi-yong, whom he had killed.
*Could he be family?*
Mun I-jong looked eerily like Mun Chi-yong. If Mun Chi-yong had aged, he'd look just like that.
"Remember that advisor to the Second Prince?"
"Yes. You executed him, didn't you, Great Prince?"
"Investigate his connection to that man."
"I already looked into it because they resemble each other so much, but nothing turned up. Why the sudden interest...?"
"Just now, he glared at me with killing intent. For a stranger—let alone an imperial prince—to show that openly means grudge, obviously. Uncover their link as fast as possible."
"Understood."
As Yi Hwan walked on, he furrowed his brow slightly.
*If they're blood relations, and it was kept so secret even Moon Pavilion's intel net missed it... Hongwol might be far larger than the Moon Lord realizes.*
The two characters "Hongwol" hit differently now.
Its leader had openly bared killing intent toward him, a stranger.
*Showing it so brazenly means that much confidence...*
Heh.
*You've made an irreversible mistake. If you truly wanted me dead, you should've hidden the intent.*