Chapter 186
Chapter 186
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 186
Chapter Title: Go Mi's Revenge
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Yi Hwan and Yi So sat facing each other.
Yi So first explained the discussions that had taken place in the grand hall.
There was nothing particularly noteworthy. However, the part about a few elders supporting the Empress was bothersome.
“Does the power held by the elders influence the overall situation to that extent?”
“We can't ignore it. Even though they've retired from the front lines, they still wield considerable influence. Especially two of them, who still have many followers in the military. The commander of the Central Army, which the Second Prince led, is a prime example.”
‘Then I should properly investigate those old men too.’
Yi Hwan asked something else.
“Still no way found to enter the Imperial Palace Treasury?”
At those words, Yi So let out a low sigh and furrowed his brow.
“The Empress's side hasn't been able to enter there either, so they're insisting that if they can't, no one else can. It's not easy. I'm sorry, especially since I made a promise with you.”
“The Empress hasn't entered the Imperial Palace Treasury either?”
“Yes. That place is solely His Majesty's domain.”
It was puzzling.
Even the Empress, who could impersonate imperial edicts at will, couldn't enter the Imperial Palace Treasury.
Then why had Yi So said he'd find a way in, knowing that?
‘To win my favor?’
Suspicion arose, but he quickly dismissed it. Yi So would have just said no if it were impossible; he wasn't the type.
“For now, it seems there's only one method.”
“What is it?”
“Going in together.”
“With the Empress's side?”
“Yes. If I and the Empress reach an agreement, we can open the vault door holding the key to the Imperial Palace Treasury. His Majesty prepared a special mechanism requiring two keys simultaneously, in case something happened to him.”
“So each holds one key?”
“Yes.”
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair, narrowing his brow.
‘I can't let the Empress in there because of my personal desires.’
In the end, they had no choice but to wait longer.
“We'll think about the Imperial Palace Treasury later.”
“Didn't you say there was something you absolutely needed to check inside?”
“Even so, we can't let the Empress in. If there's something as important as power in there, it could ignite her greed. Even if we go together, we have to wait until we can overwhelm her side.”
“Hmm.”
Yi So nodded in agreement.
Yi Hwan asked something else.
“When is the voting scheduled?”
“The Empress's side hasn't given any indication yet. Probably because they haven't secured all the ministers who will side with them. Of course, we're in the same boat.”
“We need time too, so drag it out as much as possible until I say it's okay.”
“Yes, I will.”
Yi So continued with a faint smile.
“I heard the midnight operations are underway. Is everything going as you wish?”
“Yes. During my time on the battlefield, the Empress's side planted too many cronies inside, causing some issues, but it's almost done now.”
“Try to avoid bloodshed as much as possible. Being too aggressive could negatively affect the neutral ministers. Of course, I trust you'll handle it well.”
“Well, I had to behead a few unavoidably, but the rest I sent to the Southern Legion and Northern Legion. As dispatches, they can't complain even if they know.”
“Hahaha. That's a great method.”
Yi So laughed heartily. Gwan Ji-baek, standing at the door, smiled faintly too.
Yi Hwan emptied his tea and stood.
“I should get going.”
“Already?”
“Yes, lots to do. Then.”
Yi Hwan left the Crown Prince's Palace with Yi So seeing him off. Then Gwan Ji-baek handed a chest to Cheol Mu-ok.
Yi Hwan asked.
“What's that?”
“A while ago, the Crown Prince of Haedong sent fine silk to Your Highness. His Highness said it should go to the Great Prince and didn't even open the chest.”
Yi Hwan looked at Yi So.
Their gazes met in the air. Yi So smiled soon after, and Yi Hwan bowed his head slightly.
“I'll enjoy it.”
On the way back, Yi Hwan realized that he liked Yi So just as much.
Yi So looked up at the sky.
A blinding sun, clear blue sky, and fluffy clouds like cotton wool. There, Yi So's face, pouring endless affection toward him, came to mind.
‘Brothers...’
* * *
A night with a full moon rising.
Go Mi took a deep breath and slowly drew her sword. Yi Hwan stood before her.
“Consider me your enemy and attack with full power. That way, I can accurately gauge the Moon Lord's level.”
“Really with full power?”
“Yes, full power.”
Shing.
Yi Hwan drew his sword too.
Go Mi intended to execute the form she had most recently received from Yi Hwan.
She thought she had mastered it just a few days ago. Today was her first time using it with a real sword—against the transmitter himself.
Meanwhile, Yi Hwan admired Go Mi's stance.
‘Now she's reached the level where she can completely relax her power. Innate talent, or the fruit of effort? No, both.’
Of course, Yi Hwan saw Go Mi as a martial arts genius. But he also knew she was the hardest worker.
‘If she wants to get strong, I can make her as strong as she wants. But first, she needs internal energy. Without solving that, she'll end her life as a warrior without ever reaching the transcendent realm.’
Pa!
Go Mi moved.
A single sword wind sliced through the air, piercing toward Yi Hwan's chest.
Klang!
Swords clashed, sparks flying.
Go Mi was pushed back five steps. Yi Hwan stayed in place.
‘Fast. But still lacking power.’
Go Mi moved again. This time, her sword flew with flashy changes.
Kakang!
They exchanged blows in an instant and separated again. Go Mi five steps back, Yi Hwan in place.
‘She's perfectly made the changes her own. But lacking internal energy reduces the power.’
“Hap!”
Kakakakang!
Five exchanges in a flash.
Rising dust yellowed Go Mi's hair and face.
“Hah hah!”
Rough breaths escaped her lips. Yi Hwan sheathed his sword.
Click!
“That's it.”
“I can do more!”
“No point, sheath your sword.”
Click!
Go Mi sheathed and bowed her head.
“Thank you for the guidance, Great Prince.”
“Your speed is excellent. But there's a slight hitch in connecting forms. Well, experience will smooth that out naturally, but the problem is... internal energy, as expected.”
“If I don't resolve my internal energy, I can't go beyond this level forever?”
“Pretty much.”
Go Mi was disheartened by Yi Hwan's answer. Internal energy wasn't something effort alone could solve.
“But don't be too down. Not many women reach that level at your age. Let's head in.”
“...Yes.”
They walked side by side out of the training ground.
But they stopped after a few steps. Someone stood on the path leading out of the training ground. It was Pa Pa.
“What brings Pa Pa here?”
“Couldn't sleep, so I came out for some air and happened to watch your training.”
“Some worry?”
“No. Just wanted some air.”
Yi Hwan was about to pass but asked.
“How did it look in Pa Pa's eyes?”
“The Moon Lord's swordsmanship?”
Yi Hwan nodded silently, and Pa Pa continued.
“At that age, she was far superior to me. With internal energy backing it, she'd be a fearsome expert.”
Do experts all see eye to eye?
Go Mi bowed her head again. Pa Pa smiled faintly at her.
“Shall we talk?”
“...”
“Then I'll head in first.”
Yi Hwan left the two women behind and headed to his quarters. As he went, he smiled faintly at Pa Pa's back.
‘Feels like she's completely on our side now.’
* * *
Next morning.
A generals' meeting convened in the command room. Go Mi, now fully part of the Golden Army, attended as a matter of course.
Yi Hwan checked her expression first. Unexpectedly, she seemed very bright. Completely different from last night's dejection.
‘What did she talk about with Pa Pa?’
Yu Woo-seong spoke up.
“Shall we begin, Great Prince.”
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea and got straight to the point.
“As you all know, the Golden Army's authority has been greatly elevated. So now, we must devote all efforts to possessing strength worthy of that authority. That means not only enhancing individual martial prowess but also group combat ability rivaling the top frontline units. So, what I'm saying is...”
Yi Hwan paused briefly then continued.
“My guards will serve as instructors. Generals included, all attend training sessions.”
“When do we start?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Oh!”
The generals reacted positively. Probably because they knew Cheol Mu-ok and Ju Tae's skills.
Yi Hwan looked at Go Mi.
Receiving the signal, Go Mi spoke.
“I've uncovered the identities of those who infiltrated among imperial clans and high officials. They are descendants of those killed in political strife years or even a century ago, using the organization name Reverse Heaven Society. Their goal, as the name suggests, is rebellion.”
“Rebellion? Have we seen such madmen?”
“Descendants of criminals. Blood can't lie, it seems.”
The generals buzzed loudly.
Deputy General Yu Woo-seong asked.
“Have you located their base?”
“They're run in a thorough cell structure, so no base found. Moreover, they attempt suicide immediately if captured, so getting detailed info will take considerable time.”
Yi Hwan asked.
“What's this rumor about them acting on some prophecy?”
“The Reverse Heaven Society followers adhere to an unknown evil cult in the Central Plains. That's probably why the rumor spreads.”
“So they're all so fanatic.”
“Characteristic of zealots.”
Yi Hwan asked via sound transmission, not aloud.
[No connection to the Empress or Second Prince?]
[Investigating now. Will report if anything comes up.]
[As always, don't overdo it if it's dangerous.]
[Yes, Great Prince.]
Yi Hwan moved to the second agenda. And after the third, he ended the meeting.
* * *
Yi Hwan and Go Mi walked side by side.
On the way, Yi Hwan asked.
“Did Pa Pa say something nice? You seem much brighter.”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
“I'll tell you later.”
“...”
“Then, excuse me.”
Go Mi bowed and headed to the office. As she went, she smiled silently.
‘I really wanted to try this.’
Once, Yi Hwan never gave timely answers. Back then, Go Mi had endured rising frustration countless times.
So today, she had gotten revenge for that.
‘Not bad. Heh!’
Meanwhile, Yi Hwan watched Go Mi's back ahead, slightly narrowing his brow.
‘Feels like I got done in somehow?’