Chapter 181
Chapter 181
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 181
Chapter Title: Beyond Desired Results
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‘Yeon Kingdom Empress’s escort warriors.’
Yang Chan had seen the men in blue robes in the Zhao Kingdom capital.
He had watched the Yeon Kingdom Empress’s procession up close once, and those two blue-robed men had been with her then. The blue-robed men sat whispering in a spot well away from the other guests.
“Did you hear?”
“What?”
“They say the Crown Prince’s Palace burned incense. And it wasn’t even for a ritual.”
“Ah, I heard that too. Probably to honor the soul of the deceased Fourth Imperial Prince. The Crown Prince was quite fond of him.”
Though murmured softly, every word rang crystal clear in Yang Chan’s ears, his senses heightened.
“With no body confirmed, it felt premature to declare him dead, but the Crown Prince’s Palace burning incense suggests it’s true.”
“Has to be. I heard his guard visited the Crown Prince’s Palace the day before. Probably reported the Fourth Imperial Prince’s death then. Anyway, the Southwest King did it, right?”
“Of course. Her Majesty anticipated the Southwest King’s move and held back. Thanks to that, we’ve caught a break. Now, once we seize the Golden Army, she’ll move in earnest, I suppose.”
“Soon the world will be Her Majesty the Empress’s. Heh heh heh.”
The waiter arrived with liquor and food just then, cutting the conversation short.
“Bring another bottle of liquor.”
“Yes, sir.”
Yang Chan slowly drained his cup. He even ate some of the dishes he’d barely touched.
Quite some time passed before the two blue-robed men finished their meal and rose first.
* * *
The two blue-robed men headed toward the market outskirts.
Yang Chan trailed them silently. Even on the outskirts, enough people passed by that they never sensed him following.
How much farther did they go?
When they reached a deserted spot where even the lights grew faint, the two blue-robed men abruptly collapsed limply.
Thud!
Yang Chan, shadowing them quietly, slung one over his shoulder and slipped into the forest encircling the city outskirts. He emerged about half a shichen later.
‘The man once mocked as Strawman Great Prince suddenly transformed into someone else and surged to the heart of the chaotic political storm?’
He gleaned much from the blue-robed man.
The name Yi Hwan, his recent actions, even the house where his sister lived.
‘Start by probing the Fourth Imperial Prince’s circle.’
If Yi Hwan truly descended from Daye Fortress, others might surround him too. His guards, for now.
The blue-robed man said they appeared out of nowhere, highly skilled.
‘Perhaps Three Kings descendants.’
Yang Chan returned to the inn where he’d drunk. He had a room there, planning to stay the night.
‘The Fourth Imperial Prince, rumored Daye Fortress descendant, vanished in Zhao Kingdom. Days later, the Golden Horse Command surfaced in Zhao’s Imperial Palace. Mere coincidence?’
Yang Chan shifted his angle.
‘What if the same person?’
Whoooosh!
A whirlwind swept trash toward him, scattering it every which way as it neared.
‘I’ll know soon.’
* * *
Yi Yeong took to her bed. Upon learning of Yi Hwan’s death.
Yi Hwan hadn’t told her he lived, fearing leaks. He lodged not far from the Song family estate.
A night with the new moon rising.
Go Mi came to him.
“Anything gained?”
“No unusual activity. Seems they’ll move in earnest once the Golden Army and Golden Imperial Guards’ roles and authority elevate.”
“And the Third Prince?”
“That side’s suspicious.”
Yi Hwan set his cup down, fixing Go Mi with his gaze. She pressed on.
“Numerous martial artists spotted north of the lake. No suitable houses or buildings nearby—likely using caves or tunnels as hideouts.”
“Possible they’ve been there all along, only now detected?”
“Yes. So I’ll dig deeper. Need assistance.”
“Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae suffice?”
“Yes. The two will do.”
“Done.”
Glug glug.
Yi Hwan raised his cup to his lips. Go Mi hesitated, then ventured carefully.
“The Princess seems deeply grieved. Bedridden for days—why not tell her now the Great Prince lives?”
Yi Hwan shook his head.
“She’s too pure and frank; can’t mask her true feelings. Same for the Prince Consort. Knowing I’m alive would change their faces, their actions—could derail everything.”
“…….”
Why he hadn’t informed Yi Yeong. The Golden Army’s elevation mattered greatly to him too.
“Have one.”
“Thank you.”
Lately, Go Mi never refused sharing drinks with Yi Hwan. A marked shift.
Glug glug.
“Once this wraps, thinking of officially folding Moon Pavilion under the Golden Army. Moon Lord’s thoughts?”
“Possible?”
“Entirely.”
“Then I fully endorse. Moon Pavilion as official Golden Army subordinate means intelligence work with freedom beyond compare.”
“One more… Take Hwa Ryeong into Moon Pavilion?”
“……Pardon?”
“Met her yesterday; she eyed leaving the Palace of Illusory Flowers. Valuable asset—better foster loyalty than leave adrift.”
“She said so?”
Yi Hwan shook his head.
“My notion.”
“No issue from me. But will she serve under me…?”
“If Moon Lord approves, it’s settled. Drink.”
“Yes.”
They emptied several cups in succession. Go Mi felt the liquor sit well today.
Her mood soared.
Yi Hwan consulting her intent first.
“One curiosity.”
“What?”
“Where does the technique you taught rank among Daye Fortress arts?”
“Mid-tier variation, low-tier power. Your internal energy limits it, naturally.”
“……!”
Go Mi reeled inwardly.
Practiced and battle-tested, it dwarfed her former Imperial Palace Martial Arts. Yet mere mid-to-low?
“Sufficient internal energy unlocks stronger forms?”
“Naturally.”
“As strong as Cheol escort or Ju escort?”
“Your aptitude allows it. Matching their internal energy required.”
Thump.
Go Mi’s heart raced.
High master rivaling Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae. The mere thought swelled her chest.
But elation faded.
‘How to boost internal energy? Great Prince’s heart method must have limits….’
Yi Hwan eyed her.
“Ways to raise internal energy pending—so stick to the heart method till then.”
“Understood.”
They lingered over drinks near half a shichen. Last bottle drained, Go Mi rose.
“Morning then.”
“Yes. Rest easy.”
* * *
Crown Prince’s Palace.
The minister who’d visited before returned. Yi So met him with his usual sour expression. The minister bowed low.
“Decided?”
“Before replying, one clarification.”
Yi So stared him down, continuing.
“Golden Army chief appointment rests solely with me. Deny that, I reject all.”
“How could we? Just heed that this requires Prime Minister, Grand Marshal, and Six Ministries’ consent.”
“I know. Begone.”
“Yes. Till tomorrow’s assembly.”
Minister departed; Gwan Ji-baek took the seat opposite Yi So.
“Tomorrow’s assembly decides—notify the youngest at once.”
“Understood.”
Yi So gave a wry smile.
“East Depot’s backlash won’t be mild. Golden Army aside, their own Golden Imperial Guards gaining equal footing….”
“Fear not. They know the instigator—resent Her Majesty the Empress more. Our gain, no?”
“Gain or not, soothe their ire. They’ve stood by me faithfully.”
Yi So sipped tea, directing.
“Gauge Crown Prince’s Palace finances, report.”
“Bestow wealth?”
“Nothing else fits. Fortune they fancy riches.”
“Understood. Will assess and report promptly.”
Yi So sank deep into his chair, fingers laced.
“Soon a brutal, unforeseeable war erupts—you generals, all our warriors must brace firm.”
“Summon remaining warriors to capital early?”
“Yes. Once assembled, set a meet with the youngest.”
“At last, the introduction?”
“Long intended. Youngest now mine beyond heavenly denial.”
“Understood.”
* * *
Next day.
Golden Army and Golden Imperial Guards’ roles, authority formally elevated.
Yi So feigned dismay at the Golden Army’s unexpectedly vast expansion but relented with showy reluctance, consenting.
Boom! Boom!
The sealed decree stood as ironclad proof none could defy.
The Empress withdrew content; her allied ministers left the hall pleased.
Yi So’s appointee lingered unknown, yet neither she nor hers fretted.
Yet Yi So rejoiced most. Even if Empress bought every voting minister, no need wield appointment—zero issue.
‘Gave the youngest true wings. Heh heh.’
Yi So kept a stony face exiting the hall, masking glee.
Report reached the Empress at once; she giggled girlishly.
* * *
That evening, Go Mi visited the Crown Prince’s Palace.
There, Yi So detailed the Golden Army’s sweeping new roles and powers.
The unprecedented leap left Go Mi stunned.
“Relay verbatim to the youngest.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Yi So smiled, querying.
“Bonding well now?”
“I merely serve the Great Prince with utmost devotion. That said, Your Highness.”
“Out with it.”
“Great Prince intends official Moon Pavilion subordination to Golden Army.”
“Indeed?”
Yi So cocked his head briefly, then grinned in realization.
“Your view?”
“Affirmed I’d heed his will.”
“Not mere obedience—do you wish it?”
“I welcome it; told him as much.”
“Golden Army gains potent oversight surpassing East Depot—Moon Pavilion’s clout swells accordingly. Youngest foresaw, grooms you for prominence. Devote yourself wholly. Clear?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Go convey. Soon, a gathering with Crown Prince’s Palace warriors.”
“Understood.”