Chapter 168
Chapter 168
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 168
Chapter Title: Entering the Capital of Zhao Kingdom
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According to the laws of Zhao Kingdom, imperial clansmen enfeoffed as kings were absolutely forbidden from bringing private troops into the imperial capital, no matter the reason.
This was to strengthen imperial authority while keeping potential rivals among the imperial clan in check.
Violating it brought punishments equivalent to treason, including deposition, and history had seen such incidents twice already. Even Jo Yun, who effectively held real power in Zhao, refrained from bringing private troops into the capital.
He feared it might give his living emperor and political foes loyal to Jo Gwang an opening for retaliation. But above all, he was deeply concerned with public sentiment.
Jo Yun knew all too well that if the people saw him as a usurper seizing power by force, he could never rule properly even from the throne.
That was why he had delayed bringing in his private troops as long as possible. But now, Jo Yun had changed his mind and decided to bring them in. The poisoning incidents, starting with the Black Dragon Pavilion Master, had given him an unexpected inspiration.
‘The Yeon Kingdom’s empress was attacked. Add two more worthless ministers’ lives, and no one will oppose bringing in private troops.’
Clink.
A faint smile played on Jo Yun’s lips as he set down his teacup.
Yet the middle-aged man who always stood by his side was absent today. In his place sat a young man.
It was Jo Yun’s eldest son, Jo Gwang-mu.
Unlike his second son Jo Jeong-mu, renowned as a fierce general, Jo Gwang-mu exuded a calm demeanor like a scholar.
Jo Yun’s gaze on his son held a peculiar glint. The smile on his lips had vanished.
“You’re still holed up in the library these days?”
“There’s much I need to learn. Besides, I have nothing particular to assist you with.”
“You’re the one who will become crown prince of this land one day. Shouldn’t you start studying the ways of kingship now?”
“I’m still just an insignificant prince of the southwest. I’ll begin once Father ascends the throne.”
“Are you mocking me?”
“How dare I... I simply wish to follow the natural order. Please don’t misconstrue it.”
His tone was quiet and composed, yet it carried an unyielding resolve and strength.
Jo Yun’s eye twitched slightly.
Clink.
Thud!
“Then why have you come to see your father?”
“If you permit it, I’d like to observe the Grand Martial Tournament.”
A spark lit in Jo Yun’s eyes. Jo Gwang-mu had always kept his distance from all things martial.
It was Jo Yun’s greatest grievance.
“Unexpected. You, wanting to observe the tournament.”
“It’s a grand national festival. As a member of the imperial palace, it’s only proper I join. Especially since Father is hosting it—I wish to fulfill my filial duty.”
Jo Yun’s eye twitched again. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. His mood had improved.
“Very well. If that’s your wish, I’ll prepare the best seat for you.”
“No. I’ll just watch quietly. So I ask that you keep my attendance secret from the ministers.”
“Why go to such lengths?”
“No special reason. I simply dislike the hassle.”
A faint crease formed between Jo Yun’s brows, then he nodded.
“If that’s your wish, so be it.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll take my leave.”
As Jo Gwang-mu departed, Jo Yun walked to the window and flung it open. He stared at his son’s retreating figure and let out a low sigh.
“Hoo...”
For a man afraid of nothing in the world, there was one thing he could not handle lightly: his eldest son, Jo Gwang-mu.
He had been the staunchest opponent of Crown Prince Jo Gwang’s ousting.
‘You may see your father as a monster now, but in time, you’ll understand why I had to go this far.’
It was then.
“I’ve returned, Your Highness.”
The middle-aged man entered.
Jo Yun, still gazing at Jo Gwang-mu’s back, asked,
“How did it go?”
“I instructed them to finish before reaching their residences. We’ve selected our own ministers as targets.”
Twitch!
Jo Yun turned to the man with clear displeasure.
The middle-aged man continued calmly.
“I judged it fits the pretext Your Highness will use later. They’re not important figures, so trust in me.”
The anger in Jo Yun’s eyes gradually faded. He trusted the man before him absolutely and had no desire to shatter that with a moment’s ire.
“Report when it’s done.”
“Understood.”
The middle-aged man’s gaze shifted to Jo Gwang-mu’s figure just crossing the threshold.
“To prevent future chaos, you must clarify the succession now.”
It was a weighty statement.
“What’s your view?”
“I follow only Your Highness’s will.”
“Then let me ask differently. What would you do in my place?”
“Your Highness cannot become a sage king—nor should you. This rotten nation to its roots needs the gale of reform. In that process, countless will die, and many will remember you as a tyrant. Thus, I submit.”
The middle-aged man paused for breath before continuing.
“To smoothly quell the storm of reform Your Highness unleashes, the eldest prince must ascend the throne. Only his gentle nature can make it possible.”
Who else could dare speak thus before Jo Yun of the realm? Yet the middle-aged man never feared straight talk. Today was no different.
What was astonishing was Jo Yun’s reaction. His eyes merely grew heavier—no trace of anger.
“The second son shares my temperament. It suits these chaotic times. For the peaceful era our Zhao Kingdom must pursue afterward, you mean the eldest should succeed me?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Jo Yun’s gaze sank heavier still. Beneath the weight lay a trace of regret.
‘Do you think I don’t know that? But I can’t fathom that child’s true heart...’
Jo Yun swallowed the words risen to his throat and turned away.
“I’ll rest. Admit no one.”
“Understood.”
As Jo Yun moved toward the partitioned wall, something occurred to him, and he glanced back.
“The eldest wants to observe the tournament. He dislikes hassle, so don’t prepare a special seat—just assign someone to let him watch quietly.”
“Yes, I’ll see to it.”
“One more thing.”
The middle-aged man turned.
Jo Yun asked,
“What of Yeon’s Fourth Imperial Prince?”
“We haven’t found him yet. It seems Yeon’s empress struck first. When you enter the palace, it might be good to inquire subtly.”
“Indeed.”
The middle-aged man left.
Jo Yun gazed out the window again. But Jo Gwang-mu had already passed beyond the gates.
‘You must realize this. I can’t give you time forever.’
* * *
Yi Hwan and Pa Pa entered Zhao Kingdom’s imperial capital.
Flags announcing the Grand Martial Tournament fluttered everywhere, and markets overflowed with crowds from across the nation—no room to step.
The festive air mingled oddly with the stern patrols of warriors sweeping the streets.
“Impressive. Is interest in the tournament this high?”
“There have been successful precedents in the past. Emperors used them to escape political binds and pressure. If this tournament sways public sentiment, the Southwest King will openly reveal his ambitions.”
“Naturally.”
Yi Hwan headed toward the densest throng. Everywhere, screenings selected observers for the tournament.
Amid waves of joy and regret, Yi Hwan and Pa Pa approached a screening table.
“We must verify identity first. Show your travel permits.”
Yi Hwan and Pa Pa produced pre-forged Zhao permits.
“Martial artists?”
“I’m a tutor for children.”
“I’m a potter who fires ceramics.”
The examiner sharply scanned them head to toe. Yi Hwan discreetly set down something—a gold nugget the size of a fingernail.
“Seeing the Grand Martial Tournament is my lifelong dream. Please allow it.”
The result came swiftly.
The warrior pocketed the gold and handed over two tickets.
“Carry these and show them to the guards when entering the palace.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
They’d secured observer status easily thanks to thorough prior scouting. Intelligence showed common tradespeople had the edge over martial artists.
Jo Yun had ordered minimizing martial entrants to prepare for contingencies.
Yi Hwan and Pa Pa headed for the palace.
Soon, Zhao’s colossal imperial palace loomed into view.
‘Vast.’
Twice Yeon’s palace in size, its walls at least ten zhang taller.
“That’s the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
Yi Hwan followed Pa Pa’s pointing finger. A grand structure rose on the palace’s left—twice Yi So’s in scale.
As regret shadowed Pa Pa’s face again, commotion erupted behind them.
“Clear the way!”
“Step aside!”
A procession pushed through the crowd. Yi Hwan turned, eyes lighting up. It was Qin’s group—Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok toward the rear.
Yi Hwan and Pa Pa stepped aside.
Carriages passed first, then Namgung Jang-cheon and Danri Mok.
Yi Hwan smirked.
‘They look thrilled.’
Their excited faces resembled children with new toys.
‘Are these guys participating too?’
Zhao had explicitly allowed Yeon and Qin warriors to join the tournament. Many had come, already competing in qualifiers at set venues for main tournament slots.
It was then.
“You’ve arrived?”
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae pushed through the crowd. Go Mi, Hwa Ryeong, and the female warrior appeared next.
Yi Hwan eyed Go Mi.
“Any progress?”
“Yes. We’ve mapped ten sites so far.”
“Everyone got observer passes?”
Ju Tae grinned.
“We spent some coin.”
“All cleared?”
“Yessir.”
A relief—no snags if even one failed.
“Then let’s go in.”
They moved toward the tournament grounds.
Security tightened nearer the venue, with presumed martial artists scrutinizing every passerby.
“Pretty intense.”
Ju Tae quipped.
It was then, upon reaching the vast plaza leading to the grounds.
Kagang!
“Argh!”
A sharp clash of metal and scream burst from the left. All eyes turned.
Two men in blue robes fled desperately, pursued by Zhao warriors.
As crowds parted in shock, figures blocked the blue-robed men’s path.
They swung swords without a word.
“Argh!”
“Urk!”
The two collapsed, spraying blood.
As the scene ended, the scattered crowd surged back.
Someone asked,
“What happened?”
A Zhao warrior replied,
“Rebel scum trying to sneak into the grounds. This lot were the last—we’ve got them all. You’re safe!”
“Rebels infiltrated this far?!”
The crowd buzzed loudly.
But Yi Hwan smirked.
‘Another staged act for some scheme?’
He’d clearly seen the terror in their eyes before death. True rebels wouldn’t show that.
‘What are you really after, Jo Yun?’