Chapter 243
Chapter 243
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 243
Chapter Title: The Mission Given to Cheol Mu-ok
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A few days later, in the Zhao Kingdom's Imperial Palace.
Hong Seon never left Yi Tae-ji's side, who had returned badly injured.
She had requested an imperial physician from Jo Yun, but none came. It was no wonder—the Southwest King was plunged into deep grief and rage upon learning of Jo Jeong-mu's death.
Knowing this, Hong Seon could not press further.
"I am fine, so please leave me now."
"You're injured like this and you say you're fine? Your mother will steadily channel her internal energy to aid your recovery, so lie still and say nothing."
"What of the Southwest King?"
"Since learning of his son's death, he hasn't stepped outside once. With his eldest son a constant source of worry, and now his one reliable second son gone, how do you think he feels?"
Hong Seon gripped Yi Tae-ji's hand tightly. For her, it was already a blessing that he had returned alive.
"Still no word from the third prince?"
"Don't even mention that one. If he were coming, he would have by now."
Indeed.
They had yet to even track the movements of the Third Prince, Yi Seong-ji. Of course, there was no contact from him.
"How many martial artists have gathered?"
At Yi Tae-ji's question, the Empress's face flushed with anger.
"Yi So, that bastard—ever since he declared Non-Aggression between Court and Martial World, visitors have stopped coming altogether. Some even vanished without a word. They've all crossed over to Yeon Kingdom."
Thus, Jo Yun's faction was on high alert.
Even the Southwest Army, loyal to him, could not escape the impact of Yi So's declaration.
Not only those who had been mistreated, but even some who had been well-treated had been drawn to the allure of Non-Aggression and defected to Yeon Kingdom in droves.
A bitter smile tugged at Yi Tae-ji's lips.
"Perhaps we fought an opponent who was too strong."
"You mean Yi Hwan, that bastard?"
"I mean my brother."
"What has he even done?"
Hong Seon snorted derisively.
Yi Tae-ji continued.
"That stubborn fourth brother—he wields him like his own sword. Perhaps that's my brother's true strength. Mother and I couldn't do the same."
It was a remark that pricked at Hong Seon's nerves.
Normally, she would have lashed out immediately, but instead, she gripped Yi Tae-ji's hand even tighter.
"For now, put all thoughts aside and focus on recovering. Once the Southwest King calms, I'll bring the physician."
It was then.
The door opened, and a general entered. He was one of Jo Yun's closest aides. Behind him was the imperial physician.
Hong Seon's face brightened at the sight.
"The physician is here, so please step back for a moment, Your Majesty."
Hong Seon retreated, and the physician sat beside Yi Tae-ji. Soon, the pulse diagnosis began.
Hong Seon quietly asked the general.
"The Southwest King must be deeply saddened."
The general said nothing. Hong Seon asked no more.
After about half an incense stick's time,
The physician suddenly asked.
"When were you injured?"
"Four days before arriving at the Imperial Palace."
"Have you received any treatment since the injury?"
"With pursuers on our tail, I could only staunch the bleeding— no further treatment."
The physician asked meticulous questions. Just as Hong Seon was about to intervene, Yi Tae-ji's transmission entered her ear.
[Stay still.]
"......"
Hong Seon clamped her mouth shut, glaring at the physician with displeasure. The questions continued, and Yi Tae-ji answered calmly each time.
At last, the physician and general withdrew.
Hong Seon immediately asked.
"Why did they act like that? Was there something at the plains?"
"Jo the general and all his men are dead, yet I and one of my aides survived and returned. Naturally suspicious. Don't worry about it."
"You're certainly not involved in his death?"
"Of course not."
"......What?"
Yi Tae-ji smiled faintly as he spoke.
"With Jo Jeong-mu's death, the Southwest King's fury will turn entirely toward Yi Hwan. Watch how he responds afterward."
Tremble...
Hong Seon's eyes shook violently.
The shock of Yi Tae-ji having killed Jo Jeong-mu was great enough, but his nonchalant attitude astonished her even more.
"You left no traces?"
"Yes. It was handled perfectly. No need for concern."
Just then, a presence approached from outside. Hong Seon composed her expression and straightened her posture.
The one who entered was the green-clothed attendant who had returned alive with Yi Tae-ji.
Hong Seon let out a sigh of relief and asked softly.
"Did the physician visit you as well?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Did they suspect you?"
"They pried into everything, but I gave no answers to arouse suspicion. Don't worry."
The green-clothed attendant turned to Yi Tae-ji and continued.
"If not for Your Highness's brilliant scheme, we would have been in grave danger. This lowly one has truly learned a lesson from Your Highness."
"What do you mean?"
"Your Highness's wounds were inflicted deliberately to evade the Southwest King's suspicions."
The green-clothed attendant explained in detail. When the explanation ended, Hong Seon did not express admiration but let out a deep sigh.
"Until the Southwest King fully drops his suspicions, we must be especially cautious. If he catches on, we'll end up buried here. Understood?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
* * *
Yi Hwan set off toward the capital, leaving behind the farewells of many.
Tae Seon watched his retreating figure, her gaze steady.
'Everyone, from Jo Cham onward, follows him sincerely. Is it because of his status as Great Prince, or his own abilities?'
In the meeting with her father, Tae Mu-rang, Yi Hwan had displayed a bearing that exceeded all expectations. Afterward, Tae Mu-rang had said this:
I saw the aura of an emperor in Yeon's Great Prince. It's not something you can learn—it's innate. So, I'll trust him. One with such eyes never lies.
Tae Seon felt the same.
The impression Yi Hwan left on her was intensely powerful, and like her father, she inexplicably trusted him. Thus, she had volunteered to accompany the envoy, even at the risk of becoming a hostage.
"Hoo..."
Tae Seon exhaled softly and examined each of Yi Hwan's aides following behind. The aura each exuded was intimidating.
'I hear he has many elites, yet he only brought this few for escort—must mean they're that strong?'
It was then. Her eyes met those of Cheol Mu-ok, who had turned to look back.
[Thank you for that time.]
[It was only what was expected. Think nothing of it.]
[Expressing thanks is also expected, isn't it?]
[......]
Cheol Mu-ok quickly looked away, and Tae Seon did the same.
The Blue Wolf Tribe's envoy was quite large. There were many female warriors as well, tasked with attending Tae Seon or providing escort.
Whooosh!
The wind was fairly strong. But the blizzard that had tormented them seemed to have vanished as if it never was.
'Rather, the blizzard helped us.'
Though the Blue Wolf Tribe had subjugated other tribes and united the northern minorities, it was hard to say they were perfectly unified.
Tribes that had lived for so long with their own distinct cultures and forces could not merge into one overnight.
The seven tribes could unite now only thanks to the brilliant leadership and overwhelming prestige of Tae Mu-rang.
In other words, it could disintegrate anytime after his death.
But if Tae Mu-rang were truly enthroned as king, unifying and assimilating the tribes into a nation... then the north could truly become one.
This held greater meaning than merely reclaiming ancestral lands.
"We'll pick up the pace."
Cheol Mu-ok turned to the Blue Wolf Tribe's envoy and said quietly.
Tae Seon gripped her reins tightly.
Thud thud thud!
* * *
How long had they ridden?
Both horses and riders began to tire.
But with no sign of stopping, Tae Seon grew irritated.
She nearly suggested a rest, but pride held her tongue. As proud horsefolk of the great plains, showing fatigue first was unacceptable.
Purrruk!
The horse carrying her began to falter.
'Hang in there! Our pride is on the line!'
Thud thud thud!
After another half shichen,
"Eh!"
A startled cry erupted from behind. Turning, she saw one envoy member falling with his horse. Fortunately, the man leaped into the air and landed lightly, but the horse did not.
Thud!
The fallen horse shuddered once, then went limp. Exhausted as it was, it had suffered a fatal blow crashing its head into the ground.
Tae Seon exploded.
"Enough already! You have to watch the horses' condition while riding!"
Her face flushed with anger atop shattered pride.
"Short rest."
"Rest!"
Finally halting, Yi Hwan gazed at Tae Seon. Hot breaths steamed from her nose and mouth as she glared at him.
Yi Hwan asked calmly.
"The northern horses seem far weaker than rumored."
Twitch!
"What did you say?"
Tremble...
Tae Seon clenched her fists. Then, a maid gently took her hand.
[Please quell your anger, Princess.]
Yi Hwan gestured.
"Come, join us and eat."
Tae Seon approached without refusal. She loathed the sight of him, but needed drink to cool her rage.
Hwa Ryeong lifted a bottle toward Tae Seon and asked.
"It's quite strong—sure you can handle it?"
Snatch!
Tae Seon seized the bottle without a word and downed it in one go.
Gulp gulp!
"I have questions. Sit."
Tae Seon sat across from Yi Hwan.
Yi Hwan took a sip, stared at her intending to ask something, then offered side dish first. No point asking when she was this furious—calm her first.
Tae Seon snatched and chewed the side dish. Having rushed since dawn without proper food, she was ravenous.
Cheol Mu-ok filled a plate with meat and offered it.
"Care for some?"
"Is this the wild boar from before?"
"No way that lasted. It's beef from General Jo Cham's gift to the Great Prince—should be good."
"...Thank you."
Perhaps due to the hairpin favor, Tae Seon was not cold to Cheol Mu-ok.
Once anger begins to fade, it dissipates quickly. Such was Tae Seon now.
Yi Hwan waited until she finished eating.
'As expected, her temperament is extraordinary.'
Glancing at Cheol Mu-ok for more meat, Yi Hwan caught a difference in his gaze toward Tae Seon—far from usual.
Snicker.
Yi Hwan's lip curled slightly.
'Well, he's long past marriageable age.'
"More meat?"
"Ah, yes!"
Caught mid-act, Cheol Mu-ok hurriedly plated meat.
"You said you had questions?"
"Feeling better?"
"Somewhat."
"I'll ask when you're fully calm."
"I'm fully calm now."
Yi Hwan smiled faintly and asked.
"Any Zhao Kingdom natives among the Blue Wolf Tribe or other tribes?"
"No. Each tribe consists strictly of its own people. But why do you ask?"
Yi Hwan sipped before replying.
"I'm certain the Blue Wolf Tribe's sudden intent to attack our Yeon Kingdom stems from Zhao's schemes. Of course, your father may not have known."
"You're right. Father and I think so too."
"......"
Everyone, including Yi Hwan, let out hollow laughs at her easy admission.
"Can you explain in detail?"
"Well, here's what happened..."
Tae Seon's explanation followed. All listened with rapt interest.
When it ended, Yi Hwan finally nodded.
'The bad blood between the north and Yeon Kingdom is ancient, so they didn't find it strange.'
As Yi Hwan thought this, Tae Seon sighed deeply and continued.
"Anyway, I apologize on everyone's behalf. War was started by us, no matter what anyone says."
A faint smile graced Yi Hwan's lips.
"Why smile?"
"Your princess's frankness pleases me—no misunderstanding."
The others felt the same. Tae Seon's bold honesty was endearing.
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Mu-ok.
"Mu-ok."
"Yes, my lord."
"Assist in escorting the princess until she returns to the great plains."
"Understood."
Ju Tae stepped forward.
"I'll help too!"
"You have other duties."
"...Yes."