Chapter 197
Chapter 197
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 197
Chapter Title: Entering the Palace
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Go Mi asked,
“Do you think the Second Prince will show up?”
“Whether he does or not, it doesn’t matter. To me, it’s just a bouquet for flower viewing.”
“What is it you truly want, then, Great Prince?”
“To unsettle the imperial clan. The Empress saw with her own eyes how I commanded the Second Prince to appear right in front of her, so by now, plenty of them must be on edge. If we dig, we’ll find corruption everywhere, no doubt.”
“…….”
“The Empress’s support from the other imperial clans would be worth more than a million-strong army. Their backing means acknowledging her legitimacy, so she has to block it at all costs beforehand. If luck’s on our side, we might even win some over.”
“Haha!”
Cheol Mu-ok, who had been listening, let out a sound that could have been laughter or admiration. Hwa Ryeong grinned with an I-knew-it expression.
Go Mi nodded in admiration as well.
“Then I’ll investigate the imperial clans even more thoroughly, as you commanded.”
“Check the collateral branches who didn’t attend the ritual too. They might prove useful someday.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Mu-ok.
“No word from Son Tae yet?”
“No. We’ll have to wait longer.”
“That bastard’s probably off squandering his time in some cushy spot.”
“You think everyone’s like you?”
“Why bring that up here!”
Yi Hwan shook his head at Ju Tae. He seemed to be getting stranger by the day.
“Get out and fight among yourselves. I need to rest.”
As everyone filed out, Go Mi pulled a sheet of paper from her bosom and asked. It was the mnemonic for the technique Yi Hwan had given her.
“I can’t make any progress past this part. Please help.”
“You’ve already gotten this far?”
“……Am I doing well?”
“Feels like you’re bragging now that you know.”
“Oh, no, not at all.”
Yi Hwan flicked his hand lightly, and the sword propped against the wall flew into his grasp on its own.
Clang!
Without drawing the blade, Yi Hwan traced patterns in the air. Despite the simple motions, Go Mi’s eyes widened.
And seeing her reaction, Yi Hwan was even more surprised.
‘She gets it after one look?’
“Oh! So that’s how it’s done. Thank you, Great Prince!”
“You really understood?”
“Let me try it!”
Shing!
Go Mi drew her sword.
Yi Hwan quietly stepped back and sat down.
‘No need to draw it, though.’
* * *
The next day, by afternoon, Yi Tae-ji still hadn’t come. Yi Hwan immediately sent out the official dispatch and headed to the Imperial Palace with a minimal escort.
Gwan Ji-baek greeted him upon arrival.
“Welcome, Great Prince.”
Yi Hwan and his group entered. The command headquarters was already fully prepared for immediate use.
Gwan Ji-baek smiled.
“His Highness ordered me to handle this with special care, so I’ve done my utmost. I hope it meets your approval.”
“This is more than enough.”
“But is this your full retinue?”
“The generals from each ministry will arrive tomorrow.”
Yi Hwan opened a window. Directly across was the hall used by the Golden Imperial Guards.
Standing beside him, Gwan Ji-baek said,
“Word of your entry into the palace has spread, and the ministers’ mood has turned quite grave. They seem deeply worried that the elevated authority of the Golden Army might turn toward them.”
“That’s one reason for entering the palace.”
“His Highness has very high expectations as well. In any case, having you here by his side makes me feel all the more secure.”
“I won’t visit often. Every time I go there, it feels like I can’t breathe.”
Gwan Ji-baek merely smiled faintly at Yi Hwan’s words.
Yi Hwan turned his gaze to the palace where Yi Tae-ji resided. It was a distance he could cover in moments with quick steps.
“I hear the Second Imperial Prince did not appear.”
“I didn’t expect much. Still, I intend to follow procedure properly. Keep prodding, and weaknesses will show. By the way, have the other imperial clans all left?”
“Yes. We confirmed they all departed the palace this morning.”
“General Gwan.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“Please procure a few more spare suits of armor for my close aides. We’ll have much to do ahead, so better to have extras.”
“Understood.”
Just then, some people approached the Golden Imperial Guards’ hall. It was Mun I-jong and his aides.
Mun I-jong, who happened to glance their way, gave a slight bow. Yi Hwan responded with a leisurely smile.
Gwan Ji-baek said,
“There are rumors that the Second Prince and that man aren’t on good terms anymore. We’ll need to investigate the details, but it’s clear their relationship isn’t what it used to be.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently, his eyes fixed on Mun I-jong’s retreating figure.
*The Crimson Moon has no choice but to obey my command. If you seek to win them over, I will help you. A single letter from me, and they will follow you, not the second.*
The Emperor had said exactly that.
But Yi Hwan had refused on the spot. The Crimson Moon had already crossed a line they shouldn’t have with him. Especially Mun I-jong, who saw him as an archenemy.
‘I’ll bring down your Crimson Moon first.’
For now, the Crimson Moon was practically Yi Tae-ji’s eyes and ears. Whether they got along or not was irrelevant.
“What are you pondering so deeply?”
“Whether to strike the neck first or sever the limbs first.”
“Have you decided?”
“I have.”
“May I ask what it is?”
“I’ll tell you when the time comes. But keep it from His Highness for now.”
“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave.”
* * *
Mun I-jong looked down at the Golden Army headquarters from the window of his office.
Yi Hwan’s office window was tightly shut.
‘Soon enough, you’ll shed bloody tears realizing you’ve made a fatal mistake, Yi Hwan.’
The thought that Yi Hwan was just a window away made his blood boil.
Along with it, the horrific image of his son’s corpse resurfaced, swelling his robes with taut veins.
Just then.
“Grand Overseer.”
An aide entered from behind.
Mun I-jong composed his expression and turned.
“What is it?”
“The Second Prince summons you.”
“I just saw him, and he’s calling again?”
“……Yes. He said to come to his residence at once.”
Twitch.
‘This bastard’s treating me like a trained mutt.’
Suppressing his rising fury, Mun I-jong donned the outer robe he had removed.
But he didn’t make it out the door. Yi Tae-ji opened it and entered.
“I figured you might misunderstand if I sent for the Grand Overseer, so I came myself.”
“Has something urgent arisen?”
Yi Tae-ji sat in Mun I-jong’s chair and crossed his legs.
“Did you see him?”
“Yes. I spotted him just as I came in.”
“With your mortal enemy right under your nose, how must our Grand Overseer feel?”
“…….”
Leaning back in the chair, Yi Tae-ji continued.
“Mother said she’s sending experts from the Palace of Illusory Flowers. They’ll arrive here soon, so prepare your strongest from the Crimson Moon as well.”
“Understood. Shall I take command?”
“Do so. But remember, this is truly your last chance. Mother is watching too, so stake your life on it.”
“Understood.”
Yi Tae-ji rose and went to the window. He surveyed the Golden Army headquarters here and there, hands clasped behind his back.
Mun I-jong stood beside him.
Then Yi Hwan’s office window opened. As Yi Hwan appeared, Yi Tae-ji gave a cold smile and waved.
“Grand Overseer.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Wrap it up before the year ends. No need to choose time or place. Whenever you see an opportunity, strike—no matter where. I and Mother will handle the aftermath.”
“Understood.”
‘Now that’s music to my ears.’
As Yi Tae-ji turned, he placed a hand on Mun I-jong’s shoulder.
Pat!
“This time, do it right for once. You’ll want to avenge your son sooner rather than later, won’t you, Grand Overseer?”
“…….”
“Then I’ll be off. Good luck.”
“Take care.”
Yi Tae-ji left.
Mun I-jong turned his gaze back to Yi Hwan’s office. The window was open, but Yi Hwan was gone.
‘They must be as desperate as I am. After all, he suffered that humiliation in front of the other imperial clans, so he’d want to rush things.’
Mun I-jong summoned his aide.
As the aide entered, he issued immediate orders.
“From this moment on, focus all efforts on tracking the Moon Lord of the Moon Pavilion—that woman.”
“Isn’t it the Fourth Prince?”
“The eyes and ears come first.”
“Understood.”
Mun I-jong had long planned to eliminate Go Mi first. But incidents kept popping up everywhere, preventing full focus until now.
With this near-final mission from the Empress and Second Prince, he intended to do it properly. In that sense, Yi Hwan entering the palace was an unparalleled boon.
* * *
By evening, the Sword King and the Blade King’s disciples had all entered the palace.
The Crimson Moon assassins, who had been watching closely, scoffed at how few they were.
But how could they know that these very men had disguised themselves as Reverse Heaven Society members and slain dozens of their comrades?
In any case, Go Mi’s office was right next to Yi Hwan’s. Hwa Ryeong was sharing it with her.
Having fully left the Palace of Illusory Flowers, Hwa Ryeong received Yi Hwan’s order to assist Go Mi, doubling as her guard. Go Mi accepted gladly.
“This place always looks like a pile of dog shit, no matter when I see it.”
Hwa Ryeong muttered listlessly, legs propped on the chair as she stared out the window.
Go Mi smiled faintly.
“You’re living as a completely different person now, so try changing your mindset from here on. They say change your thoughts, and the world changes.”
“I’m trying, but I wonder if it’ll really be that easy. I’ve been burned too many times…….”
Hwa Ryeong straightened up and asked directly,
“So, when do we go gather intel?”
“Planning to head out soon.”
“Where to? Who are we targeting?”
“We’ve wrapped up the ministers, so now the imperial clans. One thing in advance: no acting on your own, got it?”
“Yes, ma’am! I’ll follow Moon Lord’s orders to the letter!”
Snicker.
“You that happy about it?”
“Of course. Good company makes every day a joy.”
It was sincere. Fully away from the Palace of Illusory Flowers and with Yi Hwan’s group, Hwa Ryeong’s complexion had noticeably improved.
“Shall we get going?”
“Already?”
“The first imperial clan we’re investigating is half a day’s ride away, so we need to hurry.”
“Got it. Give me a sec to change and I’ll be right out.”
Go Mi watched Hwa Ryeong trot into the inner room, then let out a quiet sigh.
‘I hope she’s not taking it too lightly. What lies ahead is a whole different league from the Palace of Illusory Flowers…….’
* * *
It was a pitch-black night without moon or stars.
Go Mi and Hwa Ryeong slipped out of the Imperial Palace and headed south. The nature of their task required stealth from the moment they left, undetected by anyone.
They cleaved through the darkness at high speed toward the south.
After about half a shichen?
The cloudy sky cleared, revealing moon and stars.
“Let’s rest a bit.”
“Sure.”
Go Mi and Hwa Ryeong quenched their thirst from waterskins and climbed atop a boulder, sitting side by side. Out of the blue, Hwa Ryeong asked,
“Any lovers?”
“Not interested.”
“Ever dated?”
“Nope.”
“No way, really?”
“What’s with that look?”
Grin.
“Truth is, I’ve never dated either. People might think I’ve been around the block, but I’m pure as snow.”
“I believe you.”
The two women chatted idly. Then suddenly, Hwa Ryeong pressed a finger to her lips, signaling silence.
Go Mi swiftly gathered her qi. But she sensed no presence.
Hwa Ryeong sent a transmission.
[At least four are approaching. If they’ve been tailing us from the start, it could be dangerous. Stay sharp.]
“……!”
Hwa Ryeong silently drew her sword.
Go Mi drew hers as well and slowly rose.