Chapter 146
Chapter 146
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 146
Chapter Title: Embarking on the Return Journey
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The Qin Kingdom's envoy delegation entered the military camp where Southwest King Jo Yun was staying.
Unexpectedly, Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok were accompanying the envoys.
The two of them marveled as they toured various parts of the Zhao Kingdom's camp.
"The troops led directly by the Southwest King really have a different vibe to them. Without us, could the Yeon Kingdom's Northern Legion have handled these guys?"
"They're no pushovers either. They've got the famed general Gwak Chung-mu as their commander, and the Great Prince was there too."
"Well, intel says the Zhao Kingdom got properly thrashed once. Anyway, you still think highly of this Great Prince Yi Hwan, huh? Is he really that good?"
"I saw it with my own eyes. Honestly, I was hoping he'd come to the Southern Legion."
"Looks like you're disappointed he didn't."
"Yeah, disappointed."
Danri Mok was about to say more when he tapped Namgung Jang-cheon's shoulder. A group of generals had appeared ahead.
[Is that guy the Southwest King?]
[Judging by his attire, probably.]
Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok stared at Jo Yun, who approached under the escort of the generals. His imposing build made him look like a tiger striding toward them.
[What a murderous aura.]
[No wonder he's the real power in Zhao. Still, tone down that face. We're envoys representing Qin.]
"Ahem!"
Danri Mok cleared his throat and adjusted his expression and posture. Moments later, Jo Yun and the envoy faced each other.
"We pay respects to Your Highness."
"Come in."
Jo Yun swept his gaze over the entire envoy delegation.
One general spoke in a stern tone.
"We permit only two attendants besides the envoy to enter the audience."
At those words, Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok immediately stepped forward to flank the envoy.
Jo Yun fixed his gaze on the two.
Neither averted their eyes. But the mounting tension as their gazes locked was unavoidable.
Jo Yun turned away.
"Let's go."
* * *
The room was filled with a faint tea fragrance.
Mountain-water ink paintings by master artists adorned the walls, and jade carvings added splendor. Yet the atmosphere was icy.
Clink.
Jo Yun set down his teacup and stared straight at the envoy.
"We investigated, and it turns out our forces attacked yours first?"
"That's correct."
"Have you considered it might not have been our troops?"
"We conducted a thorough investigation and secured clear evidence. If Your Highness denies it, this meeting seems pointless."
The Qin envoy stood ramrod straight. Even under Jo Yun's overwhelming presence, his eyes didn't waver.
"What is this clear evidence?"
"It's undeniable that your forces deployed to the western front attacked our troops. We confirmed it from the attire of your warriors who fell in battle against us."
The envoy placed a warrior's robe on the table.
The robe bore an emblem symbolizing the Zhao unit deployed to the western front.
"All two thousand of the fallen wore this. We also recovered the body of General Ban Chu on-site."
Jo Yun's eyes flickered slightly.
Ban Chu was a general deployed to the western front, a man Jo Yun had held in high regard.
'Ban Chu, why would that fool do such a thing...'
It made no sense.
Ban Chu was as shrewd as he was brave. He wouldn't attack Qin without reason.
'If it was Ban Chu's doing, then after fighting Yeon's western forces, he attacked Qin on the way back. But why...'
Jo Yun masked his thoughts and took a sip of tea.
Thud!
"What does your emperor say?"
"His Majesty decrees that since the blame clearly lies with Zhao, you shall pay five hundred taels of silver per fallen soldier and one hundred taels per wounded. However, if you agree to compensation, all border forces will withdraw."
"What?"
Jo Yun's eyes sharpened.
From what he knew, Qin had suffered three thousand dead. That alone meant handing over 1.5 million taels for the fallen. Add the wounded?
"And if we refuse?"
"Then it will be all-out war."
Twitch.
Jo Yun's eyebrow curved like a blade.
It was then.
[Stay calm. Full war means facing Yeon too, Your Highness.]
Tremble...
The envoy continued.
"I have conveyed His Majesty's will, so I shall take my leave. We'll receive your answer through the envoys."
Jo Yun warned coldly.
"If it turns out this is all Yeon's scheme, you'll owe us several times what you're demanding today!"
"We would be grateful if you prove it. Farewell."
The envoy rose.
Moments later, as Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok stepped outside, they quietly exhaled.
Danri Mok clicked his tongue.
"Whew, never doing this again."
"Agreed."
They hurried out of the Zhao camp with the envoy. Only when they were far from it did the envoy, who had shown no agitation until now, let out a sigh of relief.
His palms were slick with cold sweat. Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok exchanged glances and smiled faintly.
[We weren't the only ones scared.]
The envoy spoke then.
"We head straight to Yeon."
"Why Yeon?"
"The Yeon Empress requested a meeting, so we're going. Let's move quickly."
"Yes!"
Danri Mok winked at Namgung Jang-cheon.
[I've wanted to see Yeon for real. Hope we run into him on this trip.]
He meant Yi Hwan.
Namgung Jang-cheon just smiled faintly.
* * *
Clop, clop.
Yi Hwan let his body sway with his warhorse's gait, his eyes drifting over the passing scenery.
Just days ago, he'd been in a desperate crisis, but now it stirred no particular emotion.
'What an amusing life.'
It starkly contrasted his previous life's.
Back then, he'd achieved everything he wanted, bending the world to his will.
Now, he fought to protect something.
'Not bad.'
Cheol Mu-ok rode up beside him.
"Great Prince, the sun will set soon, so we should stay in that city tonight."
"Very well."
Soon, they entered the city's marketplace. Though the front lines had endured war's horrors, the streets buzzed with reveling drunks.
Ju Tae looked incredulous.
"Unfair. Some bleed out on the battlefield, others party like nothing happened. How far is the front from here anyway?"
"That's why armies exist—for the people to live like this."
"Always with the blunt talk. Can't you play along for once?"
"Can't baby you like a kid."
"Damn."
Song Cheon-mu and Cha Jung-kyeong stepped forward.
"We'll scout rooms ahead!"
"Get the top floor."
"Yes!"
The two dashed off.
Hwa Ryeong turned to Yi Hwan.
"Are you going all the way to the Imperial Palace with me?"
"You move separately near the palace. The Empress might notice if you're with us."
"I'm wearing a human skin mask. Should be fine, right?"
Indeed, Hwa Ryeong wore one—freckle-faced, for reasons known only to Moon Pavilion's agents.
"Better safe."
"Got it."
At Yi Hwan's curt reply, Hwa Ryeong pouted and looked ahead.
Now Go Mi asked.
"Wouldn't it be safer to split here?"
"We've got a long way; no need yet."
Yi Hwan transmitted mentally.
[Still on bad terms?]
[It takes me time to trust people. No other meaning.]
Yi Hwan subtly furrowed his brow. As he was about to speak, Song Cheon-mu rushed back alone.
"Great Prince, Qin envoys are up ahead."
"Qin envoys?"
"Yes. They got into it with some warriors, so I checked. They're heading to the palace at Her Majesty the Empress's request."
'The Empress requested Qin envoys? What scheme is that old hag plotting now.'
Yi Hwan ordered Cheol Mu-ok at once.
"Go tell them I want a word."
"The Qin envoys?"
"Yes."
"...Understood."
* * *
'Here, of all places.'
Namgung Jang-cheon couldn't believe Yi Hwan was sitting right there.
He sat at a separate table from Danri Mok, unable to look away from Yi Hwan facing the envoy.
Danri Mok asked.
[That's him?]
[Yeah.]
[Doesn't look that strong to me... You sure you saw right?]
[Our elders look like ordinary old men to others.]
[Even so, comparing him to them is a stretch. Invincible in the world—that title fits them perfectly.]
[Don't judge by appearances.]
Mid-conversation, Namgung Jang-cheon spotted Go Mi at the opposite table and averted his eyes. An image of her in a bath naturally surfaced.
'Hope he doesn't recognize me.'
Then.
The envoy moved to their table. After downing a drink, he said.
"I've arranged to travel with the Great Prince's group to the palace. Note it."
"Travel together?"
"Good timing. We'll avoid getting lost and arrive faster. Now, eat up."
"...Yes."
Namgung Jang-cheon's eyes gleamed.
'Together...'
* * *
Yi Hwan sat at a table with Jo Gwang.
He briefly recounted his talk with the Qin envoy.
At the part where Qin demanded reparations from Jo Yun, Jo Gwang smiled faintly.
"That bastard must be shitting bricks. Already robbing others to fill his coffers, and now this massive sum—how'll he manage?"
"Won't Qin take it from their treasury?"
"He's been dipping into it for ages. Just his palace guard costs a fortune. The ministers know; it'll get noisy."
Yi Hwan smiled inwardly.
'The Crown Prince landed a solid hit.'
Just then, servers brought food, naturally pausing the talk.
Soon, the meal began in earnest.
Relieved the war was over, everyone savored proper food and drink for the first time in a while.
Jo Gwang indulged freely tonight. Pa Pa watched with relief. She'd worried he'd crumble mentally from this ordeal.
"Granny, have a drink."
Hwa Ryeong offered Pa Pa a cup.
Pa Pa glanced at her and shook her head.
"I don't drink. But thanks all the same."
"Oh well."
"I'll pour you one."
"Thanks."
Pour.
After filling Hwa Ryeong's cup, Pa Pa surveyed the others. Watching Cheol Mu-ok, Ju Tae, Go Mi, and Yi Wang's warriors stirred odd feelings.
They'd been enemies drawing blades until recently. Now, they were indispensable allies.
'They're making the Great Prince stronger. Especially those two—they're his greatest assets. His Highness needs them desperately while in Yeon.'
Pa Pa's gaze lingered on Go Mi last.
'What abilities does that girl have?'
She was intensely curious about Go Mi's identity. Her martial prowess wasn't exceptional, yet Yi Hwan kept her close.
And they conferred privately often. You don't do that with unimportant people.
Unless lovers.
'Lovers?'
The thought came, but she dismissed it.
Go Mi's demeanor toward Yi Hwan wasn't that of a woman in love. Nor his toward her.
"Granny, eat before it gets cold."
"Ah, right."
Pa Pa picked up her chopsticks and looked at Jo Gwang again. He was stuffing a large piece of meat into his mouth.
'Your Highness, eat slowly so you don't choke.'
Pa Pa finally began eating.