Chapter 179
Chapter 179
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: The Reason for Accepting the Southwest King's Invitation
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Crown Prince's Palace.
Crown Prince Yi So was, as always, immersed in reviewing official duties without a moment's rest.
The portion of power granted to him by the Emperor sometimes proved to be a tremendous boon, but more often than not, it brought only exhaustion from the overwhelming workload.
One might think it was simply preparation for when he ascended the throne, but handling excessive duties without the aid of the Six Ministries was undoubtedly burdensome.
Yet he couldn't afford to neglect them. They were the very measure by which his qualifications as Crown Prince were judged.
"Hoo..."
Yi So stretched grandly.
The tasks he had begun in the morning were already enough to wear out five inkstones.
Gwan Ji-baek, who had been assisting at his side, spoke up with a worried expression.
"Perhaps rest for a moment, Your Highness."
"Shall I?"
"I'll have tea prepared."
Yi So stepped down from the desk and sank into a plush chair, twisting his neck this way and that. Each time, the sound of bones cracking echoed.
Crunch.
Gwan Ji-baek entered carrying a tray with teacups. Shortly after, the two tilted their cups and exchanged idle chatter.
How much time passed like that?
"Your Highness, the Great Prince's guard has arrived."
"Send him in."
Ju Tae entered through the open door.
But instead of standing, he sat down directly across from Yi So.
Gwan Ji-baek immediately barked.
"Mind your manners!"
"Me."
"......!"
Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek widened their eyes in shock. Ju Tae raised his hand and removed the Human Skin Mask, revealing Yi Hwan's face.
"Since a dead man was walking around so blatantly, I had no choice."
"Come in. Ha ha."
Yi So burst into delighted laughter. Gwan Ji-baek smiled faintly as well.
"I was wondering when I'd see you, Great Prince."
"Let me mooch a cup of tea too."
"Please wait a moment."
Gwan Ji-baek stepped out again.
Yi So gazed at him with infinitely warm eyes and asked.
"The Golden Army headquarters has too many eyes, so where have you been staying?"
"I'm holed up somewhere safe from discovery. By the way, any movements from the Empress's side?"
"Nothing unusual yet. They need time to win over ministers just like we do. Though there have been murmurs from her ministers about expanding the Golden Imperial Guards' roles and authority..."
"To check the East Depot, no doubt."
"Indeed. That's likely their aim."
"Nothing about the Golden Army?"
"Not yet. Why do you ask?"
Just then, Gwan Ji-baek returned with the tea. Yi Hwan took a sip before answering Yi So's question.
"The Empress won't give up on the Golden Army. Controlling it means controlling the Imperial Palace, the capital, and all nearby cities. She'll try anything, no holds barred."
"If she's convinced you're dead, she'll make a move soon enough."
"That's why I'm saying..."
Yi Hwan trailed off, then continued.
"She might push to expand not just the Golden Imperial Guards' but also the Golden Army's roles and authority. Preparing in case she seizes the Golden Army. When that happens, just pretend to oppose it moderately. But make sure she doesn't grow suspicious."
"Oh ho!"
Gwan Ji-baek grasped Yi Hwan's intent and widened his eyes.
"Once the Golden Army's authority expands, you can reveal yourself, Great Prince!"
"It's like receiving a grand gift from the Empress."
"Brilliant, Great Prince!"
Gwan Ji-baek slapped his knee in admiration. A smile spread across Yi So's face as well.
"Were you aiming for this from the start when you accepted the Southwest King's invitation?"
"Well, among other things."
"Ha ha ha!"
Yi So finally laughed heartily. It was beyond his expectations, sweeping away all his fatigue. If things went according to Yi Hwan's plan, he'd gain immense power without lifting a finger.
"With you here, I feel truly secure. Come on! It's been a while—let's have a drink."
"A mere Fourth Imperial Prince's guard lingering too long in the Crown Prince's Palace might raise suspicions. I need to go. There's somewhere I have to be anyway."
Yi Hwan stood immediately.
Yi So showed his regret.
"You never know when their eyes might be watching, so be extra careful."
"Yes."
Moments later, Yi Hwan donned the Human Skin Mask again and left the Crown Prince's Palace.
He was heading toward the city gates when it happened.
"Halt!"
A low voice called from behind. Yi Hwan stopped and turned.
*Perfect timing.*
Mun I-jong was approaching.
Yi Hwan bowed slightly toward him.
"Aren't you the Fourth Imperial Prince's guard?"
"Yes."
Mun I-jong, who had seen Ju Tae in the Imperial Palace before, remembered his face perfectly.
"Did the Fourth Imperial Prince return with you?"
"No. We were separated during an attack by ruffians in the Zhao Kingdom. I stopped by the Crown Prince's Palace just to check if he'd arrived first."
In that instant, Yi Hwan caught it—a flicker of glee deep in Mun I-jong's pupils.
But it was fleeting, and Mun I-jong quickly changed his expression, raising his voice.
"Isn't it your duty as a guard to protect your master with your life? Useless fool!"
"......My apologies. I will find the Great Prince and ensure his safe return."
Yi Hwan bowed his head deeply, as if at a loss for words.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Was it flawless acting?
Mun I-jong stared at Yi Hwan's retreating figure toward the gates, baring his teeth.
*Heh heh heh. That look in his eyes was no lie.*
Unlike Yi Tae-ji, who was certain of Yi Hwan's death, Mun I-jong had left a sliver of doubt. Now, he finally confirmed Yi Hwan's death and felt relieved.
Meanwhile, Yi Hwan smiled as he passed through the gates.
The reason he'd worn Ju Tae's Human Skin Mask was precisely for such a scenario.
*Now all that's left is anticipating the size of the gift from the Empress.*
Shortly after passing the gates, Yi Hwan entered an inn in the marketplace. First, he stopped by the outhouse to remove Ju Tae's mask and don another face.
The inn bustled with people.
As always, Yi Hwan headed to the top floor. The server blocked his path.
"The top floor requires advance reservation."
"Even for Imperial Family guards?"
"......!"
"Why no answer?"
"Forgive my ignorance! Please, go right up!"
Yi Hwan ascended to the top floor and entered a room. He handed the server a silver coin and said.
"If a woman looking for the Fourth Imperial Prince's guard arrives, bring her to my room."
"Yes, understood!"
"Bring liquor first."
"Please wait just a moment!"
The silver coin made the server move with the speed of a martial master.
Yi Hwan closed the door and opened the window.
The marketplace teemed with people as ever. But unlike usual, armed warriors were unusually plentiful throughout the streets.
*The Second Prince summoned a large number of martial artists to the capital while the Empress and Great Prince were en route to the Zhao Kingdom.*
Yi Hwan recalled Go Mi's words and chuckled. She'd been active the moment she returned, reporting various intel to him.
Then his eyes gleamed.
Hwa Ryeong was approaching from the north end of the street. He'd come here today specifically to meet her.
Yi Hwan watched the smiling Hwa Ryeong approach and gave a wry smile.
*She wouldn't look out of place dying by my hand.*
Yet now, she was under his shadow. Contrary to everyone's worries, she had fully integrated into his group.
Just then, Hwa Ryeong looked up at him. But with the mask, she didn't recognize him.
Yi Hwan simply stayed still.
Moments later, Hwa Ryeong entered his room, guided by the server.
"Huh?"
[It's me.]
The server left after setting down the liquor.
"Sit."
"Why pretend not to know?"
"Should I have shouted your name?"
"Good point."
Hwa Ryeong sat across from him and immediately uncorked the liquor bottle. She poured him a cup.
Glug glug.
She held out her cup and chattered away.
"I dug up something big."
"Worth the hype?"
Glug glug.
"Have a drink first."
Clink.
"Kugh! You have plenty of money, so why always this cheap flower wine?"
Grimacing, she popped a side dish into her mouth and continued.
"That old fox the Empress plans to expand the Golden Imperial Guards' roles and authority. The Grand Overseer visited yesterday, so I looked into it—turns out orders have already gone out to her ministers."
"How far?"
"Apparently elevating them to rival the East Depot."
*Moving faster than expected.*
Yi Hwan drained his cup.
Hwa Ryeong refilled it, furrowing her brow delicately.
"Just curiosity, but why not consider assassination? If it were me, I'd have tried in the Zhao Kingdom..."
"Think killing the Empress suddenly wraps it all up neatly?"
"No?"
Yi Hwan drained his cup again.
Clink.
"If the Empress vanishes abruptly, how would the Second Prince react? With his leash gone, he'd unleash his ambitions without restraint. The court and the entire nation would plunge into chaos."
"Removing an enemy sometimes requires weathering some chaos, doesn't it?"
"Ensuring the Crown Prince ascends the throne with minimal disruption—that's ideal, and what I want. Remember that."
"Ugh, beats me."
Hwa Ryeong shook her head and drained her cup.
Yi Hwan refilled her empty one and asked something else.
"Seen Jin Chu-gwang?"
"Meeting him tonight, actually. When we went to Zhao, I planted a vixen disguised as me by his side. Sounds like she's got him well-cooked. Might get what you want tonight."
"Don't push too hard."
"Worried about me now?"
"Drink up."
Once the business talk ended, Hwa Ryeong chattered nonstop. If the server hadn't brought food soon after, Yi Hwan's ears might have bled.
The meal dragged on, and as Yi Hwan set down his chopsticks first, Hwa Ryeong asked.
"How long do I have to stay by the Empress's side?"
"If you don't want to, wrap up the Prime Minister business and get out."
"Really okay?"
Yi Hwan nodded silently, and Hwa Ryeong beamed.
"The Empress isn't ordinary. Stay sharp till the end."
"Don't worry. She thinks she has my life in her grip, so she won't suspect me."
Yi Hwan drained his final cup.
Clink.
"See you next time."
"Leaving already? Stay a bit longer."
"Busy."
Yi Hwan left Hwa Ryeong pouting behind and exited the inn. She stood by the window, gazing quietly at his retreating figure in the marketplace.