Chapter 114
Chapter 114
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Jo Gwang Enters the Golden Army Headquarters
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Imperial Palace.
A middle-aged man entered Mun I-jong's office.
“The Great Prince has returned. The Crown Prince of Zhao, Jo Gwang, entered the palace with him.”
“What?”
Thud!
Mun I-jong closed the book he was reading and looked up at his subordinate. The subordinate spoke with a perplexed expression.
“And neither of the two we assigned to the task has returned.”
A look of distress washed over Mun I-jong's face, who had been certain of success. Regardless of whether his men returned or not, Jo Gwang entering the palace unharmed clearly meant failure.
Yi Tae-ji's face immediately came to mind.
‘He’s going to foam at the mouth.’
“There were quite a few injured among the Golden Army. That means the villains heard the information we leaked and pursued, but I can’t understand why they failed.”
“The Crown Prince of Zhao’s escorts may have been experts, or there could have been another reason.”
Mun I-jong gulped down the cold tea like water and asked about something else.
“Did you check on the Great Prince and the Moon Lord of Moon Pavilion?”
“Both appeared perfectly fine. The Moon Lord of Moon Pavilion was even smiling brightly.”
“……!”
Twitch.
Mun I-jong's eyebrows wriggled like caterpillars.
“Incompetent fools. They’re great at killing useless royals and ministers who are good for nothing…….”
“Perhaps because the information wasn’t obtained through proper channels, they lacked confidence and only a few went after the Great Prince?”
“That could be.”
“However, there’s a rumor circulating that the Crown Prince of Zhao is staying not at the Imperial Palace, but at the Golden Army headquarters.”
“What?”
“The rumor started right after news of the Crown Prince of Zhao’s defection spread. Didn’t you know?”
“Why are you reporting this now!”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it was particularly important…….”
Mun I-jong tilted his head back and pressed his temples with both hands.
“I understand. Leave me.”
“Yes.”
Once the middle-aged man left, Mun I-jong pressed his temples hard for a while.
Press, press!
“We should have taken out at least one of them…….”
Mun I-jong shot to his feet. He donned the outer robe hanging on the wall and left the office.
He had to report to Yi Tae-ji first. Thinking of his temperamental reaction made his head throb again, but it couldn’t be delayed.
As Mun I-jong stepped outside, escorts flanked him left and right. They were warriors from the Crimson Moon.
Mun I-jong crossed the plaza toward Yi Tae-ji’s residence. On the way, he glanced toward the Crown Prince’s Palace and spotted Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae standing in front, his eyes flashing.
Both were still wearing bloodstained clothes.
‘Traces of a fierce battle…….’
Then why hadn’t his assassins killed Jo Gwang? If the Great Prince’s group had fought the villains, there must have been an opportunity.
It was then.
Go Mi emerged from the Crown Prince’s Palace. Mun I-jong’s eyes instantly turned icy.
‘Your thread of life is quite long, wench.’
Go Mi was a target who absolutely had to be eliminated, just like Yi Hwan. Removing her, who served as Yi Hwan’s eyes and ears, would limit his range of activity.
Mun I-jong stared straight at Go Mi approaching him directly. She asked abruptly.
“It must be disappointing that it failed?”
“What are you talking about right now?”
“Don’t you, Grand Overseer, know better than anyone what I mean?”
“Ha ha. I didn’t realize the Moon Lord was so prone to non-sequiturs. I’m on my way to see His Highness now, so if you have something to say, come to my office anytime.”
“We’ll meet again soon elsewhere.”
After uttering those meaningful words, Go Mi took Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae back into the Crown Prince’s Palace.
Mun I-jong’s eyes flashed with killing intent as he stared at her retreating figure.
‘You know better than anyone that without evidence, there’s nothing you can do. Let’s see how long you can keep your neck.’
Already irritated by the failure, Mun I-jong’s annoyance surged at Go Mi’s impertinent attitude.
“Put more men on that wench.”
“Understood.”
* * *
Yi Tae-ji and Mun I-jong sat facing each other.
Yi Tae-ji already knew about Jo Gwang entering the palace. He was thoroughly furious.
“It seems our Grand Overseer has failed again?”
“I have no face to show, Your Highness.”
Mun I-jong offered no excuses.
In such situations, the best course was to admit it cleanly.
“What do you plan to do now?”
“Bringing in those without roots was a mistake. Next time, I will devise a plan that cannot fail.”
“Your son used to make excuses like that often too.”
Yi Tae-ji’s eyes changed. He leaned deeply into his chair and sneered.
“If you lack confidence, step down now. There are plenty to replace you.”
“Give me one more chance, Your Highness.”
“That damn ‘one more chance’! How long must I keep hearing that!”
Bang!
The teacup on the table fell to the floor.
Mun I-jong continued undeterred.
“The Great Prince’s backing is the Crown Prince’s Palace. You know well it’s no easy opponent, Your Highness. This time too, it’s likely there were others with the Great Prince whose existence our intelligence missed. Thus, I merely intend to do my utmost, and no matter how many failures, I will achieve our goal.”
“Your resolve is suspect. Are you perhaps harboring other thoughts?”
“He is the enemy who killed my son. How could I harbor other thoughts? So please do not doubt my will.”
Yi Tae-ji’s anger flared even more at Mun I-jong’s utterly calm demeanor. But he couldn’t afford to lose his temper further here. Ruining relations with Mun I-jong might mean losing the Crimson Moon.
“Bring cold water!”
A warrior brought cold water. After downing a full bowl, Yi Tae-ji spoke.
Thud!
“Jo Gwang is done for now. Focus all efforts on eliminating the fourth.”
“Have you found a way to deal with the Crown Prince of Zhao?”
“Her Majesty the Empress will handle it personally.”
At those words, Mun I-jong raised his head and stared straight at Yi Tae-ji.
“May I ask what method?”
Snicker.
A faint smile played on Yi Tae-ji’s lips.
“Grand Overseer.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Don’t forget your place just because you’ve joined hands with us. Cross the line, and you’ll return to being a mere commoner.”
It meant not to overstep.
Mun I-jong quietly bowed his head.
“I was merely curious, so do not misunderstand. Then I shall take my leave.”
As Yi Tae-ji stood to leave, he threw one more remark at Mun I-jong’s back.
“Someone is trying to access the Grand Overseer’s and Crimson Moon’s intelligence. So far, I’ve used my connections to block any dangerous approaches, but it’s bound to be breached eventually. You must do your utmost to maintain secrecy.”
“I will keep it in mind.”
Mun I-jong bowed and left.
Yi Tae-ji finally vented his suppressed rage.
“That’s why His Majesty discarded him. Damnable old coot.”
* * *
Crown Prince’s Palace.
Yi Hwan and Yi So sat facing each other.
Go Mi, Cheol Mu-ok, and Ju Tae gathered at the back. For Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae, who were visiting the Crown Prince’s residence for the first time, there was a slight tension.
Even for martial world experts, the weight of the Crown Prince’s residence was not easily borne.
The two sipped tea while watching Yi Hwan and Yi So.
Yi Hwan and Yi So had already exchanged much conversation.
At the end, Yi Hwan suddenly asked.
“If the Empress demands Jo Gwang, is there a way to refuse?”
“Explain more clearly.”
“For instance, if the Empress strikes some deal with the Southwest King of Zhao, and in return, he demands Jo Gwang’s extradition, it seems there’d be no way to refuse.”
“Is that why you assumed such a scenario from the start and brought Jo Gwang not to the Imperial Palace but to the Golden Army headquarters?”
“Well, among other things.”
Yi So asked.
“Then, if such a situation arises, what do you plan to do?”
“I asked first.”
At Yi Hwan’s nonchalant response, Yi So smiled faintly. But soon he furrowed his brow, showing reluctance.
“I hadn’t considered that far. The Empress dealing with Zhao’s Southwest King is something that naturally shouldn’t happen. It mustn’t. As Yeon’s Empress, surely she wouldn’t go that far.”
“Even after she betrayed you like that, you seem more naive than I am? People like her must be suspected down to their breathing.”
Yi So smiled bitterly.
“You’re right.”
Gwan Ji-baek stepped forward.
“From now on, we’ll assume all possible scenarios and prepare countermeasures accordingly, Great Prince.”
“We must hurry as much as possible.”
“Yes. I’ll get right on it.”
* * *
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae wondered what this situation was.
[What the hell is going on?]
[I don’t know.]
[Watching this, it’s hard to tell who’s the Crown Prince and who’s the Fourth Prince.]
Cheol Mu-ok glanced at Go Mi.
Go Mi looked utterly serene. Ju Tae asked via transmission.
[Do the two of them always converse like this?]
[Is there a problem?]
[No, but isn’t the way our lord is treating His Highness the Crown Prince abnormal?]
[His Highness is just smiling, isn’t he?]
[…….]
It was then that Yi Hwan stood.
Yi So rose with him and said.
“I feel like I’ve burdened you with too much.”
“Just keep the promise you made before.”
“I’m already looking into a way to report it, so wait a bit longer.”
“Ah, about that gift you bestowed before, could I take a few bottles? It was quite tasty.”
“Was it? Understood.”
Yi So looked at Gwan Ji-baek, who smiled and said.
“I’ll fetch it right away.”
Yi So’s gaze turned to Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae.
“If you wait, I’ll formally confer ranks on you both. Continue to support your brother as you have.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“Understood!”
Their voices were so loud that Go Mi poked their sides with her hand.
Moments later, Gwan Ji-baek returned not with bottles, but carrying an entire chest.
Yi Hwan’s eyes lit up.
“Is that the liquor from before?”
“Yes.”
As Yi Hwan looked, Ju Tae hoisted the chest onto his shoulder.
“I must return and rest now.”
“Very well. We’ll meet again soon.”
After Yi Hwan’s group left, Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek sat facing each other. Yi So slightly furrowed his brow and said.
“I hadn’t even thought of that part…….”
“I feel the same. Perhaps the Great Prince has already prepared countermeasures even for that case? That’s how it seemed to me.”
“I saw it that way too. The boy should just speak plainly.”
Clink.
After finishing the remaining tea, Yi So stood.
“I’ll enter cultivation. No visitors until tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The back wall parted left and right, and Yi So disappeared inside.
Gwan Ji-baek walked to the window and watched Yi Hwan’s retreating figure heading toward the city gates.
‘His Highness’s trust in the Great Prince grows ever firmer. I sincerely hope you do not betray those expectations, Great Prince.’
* * *
Yi Hwan’s official residence.
Now publicly acknowledged by all as the Golden Army headquarters, Jo Gwang entered there.
Yi Hwan escorted him to his quarters.
“It’s not up to Imperial Palace standards, but it should be comfortable enough.”
Jo Gwang looked around the quarters, unable to hide his mixed feelings. It wasn’t about whether the place suited him. He was finally realizing his position as a defector to Yeon Kingdom.
Jo Gwang asked.
“Is it true that the Empress and Second Prince disapprove of my defection?”
“Yes.”
Jo Gwang let out a quiet sigh.
He knew it too. Yeon’s imperial family was embroiled in power struggles as fierce as Zhao’s. And that the Empress and Second Prince held the advantage.
Yi Hwan stared impassively at Jo Gwang’s hardening face and asked.
“You seem anxious.”
“I know the rough state of affairs in this imperial family.”
“Don’t worry. Our Crown Prince won’t end up like you.”
“……!”
It was a remark that mercilessly tore open Jo Gwang’s wounds.
Pa Pa showed a flustered look, but Yi Hwan continued indifferently.
“From now on, my actions will depend on what you do. If you cooperate, I’ll ensure neither the Empress nor the Second Prince can touch you. But if not…….”
Yi Hwan trailed off, and Jo Gwang asked with a somewhat angry face.
“What do you want from me?”
“We’ll talk about that later. For now, you must be tired, so rest well. Let the warriors know if you need anything. Then.”
After Yi Hwan left, Jo Gwang sank weakly into a chair.
Pa Pa comforted him.
“Still, the Great Prince seems trustworthy. His words and actions are rough and crude, but he appears to have integrity, so don’t take it too hard.”
“You saw him speak in a threatening tone just now, and you say that?”
“Better to trust one who doesn’t hide ill intent than one who smiles to your face. The Great Prince seems that type, so don’t worry too much.”
Jo Gwang shook his head weakly.
“I want to be alone.”
“Rest well.”
Pa Pa went outside and sat in the corridor. She closed her eyes and didn’t move until Jo Gwang called.