Chapter 178
Chapter 178
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 178
Chapter Title: The Political Strife Begins Anew
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Rumors began to spread through the Imperial Palace of the Yeon Kingdom that Yi Hwan was dead.
The rumors soon hardened into certainty, and afterward, all sorts of vicious speculations circulated about who had killed him.
The Empress had killed Yi Hwan, that eyesore of hers.
As this anonymous claim began floating among the ministers, the atmosphere in the palace plunged into even greater chaos than before.
* * *
After returning to the palace, the Empress had not set foot outside the Palace of Illusory Flowers, not even receiving visits from the ministers.
Only one person.
Only Second Prince Yi Tae-ji could meet with the Empress.
The two sat facing each other in a pavilion at the center of a secluded garden.
“Rumors are circulating among the ministers that Your Majesty killed the Fourth Prince. Is it true?”
“Have you come seeking a firm answer from your mother?”
“This son merely wishes to confirm the bastard’s death.”
The Empress brought her teacup to her lips and spoke.
“Your mother did not act.”
“Then the Southwest King killed him?”
“That is what I believe.”
Yi Tae-ji furrowed his brow at the Empress’s ambiguous reply, as if he could not comprehend it.
“Did you not confirm it directly with him when you met the Southwest King?”
“Ask him? Do you think he would confess to killing him with his own hands? No matter our political ties, I am the Empress of Yeon, and he is the next emperor of Zhao. He is no fool to reveal a weakness that could bind him later, when we might turn hostile again at any moment.”
“…….”
The Empress took another sip of tea before quietly gazing at Yi Tae-ji and asking.
“You didn’t do anything foolish while I was away, did you?”
“With Your Majesty’s imperial edict forbidding any action, what could I do? I simply holed up in the palace and stayed quiet. So why bind even this son when all you need to do is tie down the Crown Prince’s Palace….”
The Empress smiled faintly at Yi Tae-ji’s sullen response.
“It wasn’t from distrust of you, but to avoid any unexpected variables. One day, you will understand your mother’s intentions. Return for today.”
“I wish to hear Your Majesty’s plans going forward.”
“I will arrange a meeting later and explain in detail. Until then, devote yourself to martial training and build your strength. Remember that the day will surely come when force decides everything.”
“I have been training diligently, so have no worries. Since it’s been so long since I’ve seen Your Majesty, why not share a meal? Surely you can spare that much time for this son?”
“Tae-ji.”
The Empress’s gaze shifted. With no choice, Yi Tae-ji rose from his seat and bowed his head.
“I shall take my leave.”
“Tell the Grand Overseer that I wish to see him.”
“Why the Grand Overseer….”
“There is something for him to do.”
Yi Tae-ji was curious but held back, knowing further questions might earn him a rebuke.
Shortly after leaving the Palace of Illusory Flowers, Yi Tae-ji headed across the bridge to his residence. After a few steps, a woman appeared from the other side of the bridge.
Yi Tae-ji halted and stared at her. It was Hwa Ryeong.
‘She grows more beautiful by the day.’
Hwa Ryeong’s beauty, revealed without her human skin mask, was enough to melt a man’s heart. Thus, it was only natural that the gaze of Yi Tae-ji, who had long harbored dark desires for her, changed.
The two met at the center of the bridge.
Hwa Ryeong gave a slight bow.
“I greet Your Highness.”
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Well, Your Highness.”
“You’ve been absent for some time. Were you outside the palace?”
“Yes. Your Majesty assigned me a mission, so I had no choice but to be away from the palace for so long.”
“A mission? What mission kept you away from the palace for so long? I thought you never left the Palace of Illusory Flowers unless it was something special.”
Yi Tae-ji was unaware of the Empress’s orders given to Hwa Ryeong.
‘Get lost already, you damned fool.’
Hwa Ryeong masked her inner thoughts and put on a troubled expression.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot speak of Her Majesty’s command lightly.”
Hwa Ryeong bowed once more and walked past Yi Tae-ji.
He could not tear his eyes from the subtle curves of her hips swaying with each step.
Soon, greed filled his gaze.
‘Once I ascend the throne, I will make you my first consort.’
* * *
Yi Tae-ji and Mun I-jong sat facing each other.
“Her Majesty the Empress wishes to see the Grand Overseer.”
“Why does Her Majesty summon this minister?”
“How should I know?”
Yi Tae-ji replied indifferently, took a sip of tea, and asked something else.
“How are things on the Third Prince’s side?”
“The Third Prince has secluded himself for a while now. We have detected no particular movements.”
“That bastard suspects me as the one behind the attack on him. So, Grand Overseer, you must find a way to redirect that suspicion to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
“We are exploring methods from various angles, so have no fears. By the way, what did Her Majesty say regarding the Fourth Prince?”
Yi Tae-ji leaned back in his chair and furrowed his brow.
“Her Majesty said she did not act directly. It seems the Southwest King killed him….”
“We must not be certain until the body is confirmed. If we act rashly assuming the Fourth Prince is dead, only to have him return alive and well, it could be worse than doing nothing.”
“If the Southwest King killed him, how do we confirm the body? He’s no idiot to leave evidence admitting he killed Yeon’s Fourth Prince.”
“Hmm…….”
Mun I-jong narrowed his brow.
Yi Tae-ji continued.
“Just proceed as if he’s dead.”
“It would be best to discuss after paying respects to Her Majesty. I shall go.”
Mun I-jong rose.
“There’s one more thing you must do.”
“What is it?”
“There is a woman named Hwa Ryeong by Her Majesty’s side. Find out what mission she has been assigned to.”
“May I ask the reason?”
“Don’t ask—just do it.”
“Understood.”
Mun I-jong bowed and left. Yi Tae-ji sank deeply into his chair, his gaze steadying.
‘If he hasn’t returned by now, he must be dead. Then Her Majesty will seize the Golden Army first and systematically crush the Crown Prince’s Palace outer forces.’
A smirk crept up.
‘With that eyesore gone, my heart feels so light. Heh heh heh.’
Yi Tae-ji was convinced of Yi Hwan’s death. There was one regret.
‘It would have been better if I had killed him myself.’
* * *
The Empress and Mun I-jong sat facing each other.
The Empress, quietly regarding Mun I-jong, leaned back in her chair and spoke.
“Have the Golden Imperial Guards conduct background checks on the Golden Army’s key generals. Strip bare those close to the Fourth Prince or loyal to him, fabricating dust if there’s none. I trust you know the reason without me stating it.”
“Will you bring the Golden Army under your command?”
“When I give an order, simply obey. Do not wonder or ask why.”
“I shall obey.”
Mun I-jong bowed quietly.
The Empress asked something else.
“Were you monitoring the Third Prince’s surroundings by any chance?”
Mun I-jong tensed for a moment. Answering rashly without knowing her intent could invite disaster.
‘Lying won’t do.’
Knowing the Empress’s temperament well, Mun I-jong answered truthfully.
“Your Highness ordered it.”
“Tell me in detail what orders the Second Prince gave you.”
“Your Highness…….”
Mun I-jong answered forthrightly. If it could not be hidden, it was better to reveal everything without a shred of deceit.
After Mun I-jong finished, the Empress’s gaze grew slightly colder.
“He hasn’t left his residence since returning from the Southern Legion?”
“Yes. If our warriors did not miss his movements, that is the case.”
“Even while I was in Zhao?”
“None.”
“And his subordinates?”
“No suspicious movements to speak of. Even Gong Ya-un, whom the Third Prince calls his master, has not left the lake area.”
The coldness in the Empress’s eyes softened. She had absolute faith in Mun I-jong’s abilities, forged from leading the Red Moon in the past.
‘I was needlessly suspicious.’
Clink.
The Empress reached out and took her teacup. Staring down at Mun I-jong, she asked.
“Speak what you desire.”
At the sudden question, Mun I-jong quietly lifted his head and replied.
“This minister is fully satisfied serving Her Majesty and Your Highness by your side.”
“I’ll rephrase.”
Clink.
“What do you need most to serve me and the Second Prince better?”
Mun I-jong lowered his head.
His gaze took on a meaningful glint.
“Elevating the Golden Imperial Guards’ authority would allow us to more easily eliminate those who hinder Your Majesty henceforth.”
“To what extent?”
“On par with the East Depot would suffice.”
A light flickered in the Empress’s eyes. The East Depot’s surveillance powers were beyond what the Golden Imperial Guards could match. It had never changed since the founding of Yeon.
‘With that, Your Majesty will wield a sword to cut down the world.’
Mun I-jong swallowed the words rising to his throat and awaited her response.
“Very well. It shall be done. But on one condition.”
The Empress slowly sipped her tea. To Mun I-jong, that moment felt like an eternity.
Clink.
“From this moment, we begin separating the Golden Army from the Crown Prince’s Palace. Success or failure will depend on the intelligence you bring. Can I trust you?”
“This minister, Mun I-jong! I will deliver beyond what Your Majesty desires.”
“I shall see.”
With that, the Empress turned aside. A signal to leave.
Mun I-jong bowed deeply and exited the Palace of Illusory Flowers. By the time he reached the bridge, his reverent face bloomed into a grin.
“Authority like the East Depot? Finally, wings for me? Heh heh heh.”
In that instant, Yi Hwan flashed in Mun I-jong’s mind. To him, an enemy worthy of being torn apart.
But he was dead. Thus, Mun I-jong resolved to shift his vengeance.
‘In place of your worthless corpse, I’ll utterly destroy the Crown Prince you trusted and followed. Watch closely from the afterlife.’
* * *
Eyes watched Mun I-jong cross the bridge. Hwa Ryeong’s.
She had just changed into fresh clothes to see the Empress when she spotted him. She subtly furrowed her brow.
‘What’s got that loathsome bastard grinning like an idiot?’
A female warrior on guard approached.
“Welcome back, Lady Hwa Ryeong.”
“That man—is he coming from seeing Her Majesty?”
“Yes.”
“Is she in?”
“Yes. But she ordered no one be admitted.”
It was then.
“Come in.”
The Empress’s voice flowed clearly into Hwa Ryeong’s ear, despite the distance to the main gate.
‘That ghostly old hag.’
“Thank you for your service.”
Smiling at the female warrior, Hwa Ryeong entered.
The Empress sat with legs crossed, looking down at Hwa Ryeong. She bowed toward her.
“I heard of your return to the palace but was delayed in paying respects due to the mission you assigned.”
“I hear you left the palace right after I departed for Zhao? So you’re just returning now?”
“The Prime Minister’s eldest son absolutely refused to let me go….”
Hwa Ryeong trailed off in her usual tone. In truth, before leaving for Zhao, she had sent a subordinate wearing her human skin mask to stick by Jin Chu-gwang.
Thus, no one knew she had been to Zhao.
“Did you sleep with him?”
“Yes.”
“And how far has it progressed?”
“He shows his lust but is tight-lipped, so I haven’t yet drawn out the Prime Minister’s secrets. Give me a little more time, and I’ll bring what you desire.”
“Hurry it along.”
“Yes.”
The Empress turned aside. Knowing what that meant, Hwa Ryeong bowed and turned to leave.
“Wait.”
“Is there more you command?”
“The spirit pill I gave you before—has it had any effect?”
She meant the one laced with blood poison. Hwa Ryeong inwardly scoffed but replied with utmost composure.
“Thanks to it, my body feels much lighter. I can only be grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
After Hwa Ryeong withdrew, a faint crease formed between the Empress’s brows.
‘Offering even her purity to carry out orders. Did I misjudge that child’s heart?’
The harsh punishment of blood poison, born from distrusting Hwa Ryeong’s loyalty.
‘If you produce results to choke the Prime Minister, I shall forgive you.’