Chapter 248
Chapter 248
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 248
Chapter Title: Taeseon, Miraculously Revived
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Taeseon had a nightmare.
It was a vicious nightmare from which she couldn't easily awaken, even knowing it was a dream.
When she finally awoke from that grueling battle, she sought out Cheol Mu-ok. But her body wouldn't obey her.
That was when a woman's voice reached her.
"Just lie still."
It was Go Mi.
As her blurry vision cleared and she confirmed it was Go Mi, Taeseon's lips trembled. She tried to ask after Cheol Mu-ok's well-being, but her throat choked up, and no sound came out.
Creak.
The door opened, and Yi Hwan entered.
"You've just woken up."
Taeseon stared at Yi Hwan. The lump in her throat eased.
"That man... he's safe, right?"
"He'll suffer some hardship, but his life isn't in danger."
"Haa...."
Tears streamed down Taeseon's cheeks. They were tears of relief, not emotion between man and woman. Soon after, she lost consciousness again.
* * *
Gulp, gulp!
Empty liquor bottles piled up on the table where Ju Tae sat. Already the sixth one.
Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun didn't try to stop him.
They had seen it. Ju Tae's brutal frenzy as he slaughtered the demon cultists upon arriving at the scene.
At that moment, Ju Tae had been pure madness, beyond even Yi Hwan's ability to restrain.
Creak.
The door opened, and Gong Son-tae entered. With his face flushed, he addressed everyone.
"The commander just woke up briefly and fell asleep again. He spoke with the lord for a moment, but fortunately, his cognitive faculties seem fine."
"Haa!"
"No surprise. He's not the type to break easily."
Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun sighed in great relief. But Ju Tae still didn't let go of his cup.
Gong Son-tae consoled him.
"Don't worry too much. He'll shake it off and get up soon."
"I never once thought he'd die. What I'm worried about is whether he'll be able to wield his martial arts like before, even after recovery."
"...."
In truth, the others were deeply concerned about that too. If he couldn't fully recover, surviving wouldn't mean much. Especially since Cheol Mu-ok was a vital link in the Blade King's legacy.
Gong Son-tae said,
"The lord doesn't seem overly worried, so he's probably already found a solution. Let's trust him and wait."
"Did he say anything else?"
"Just to not worry and focus on our duties. His complexion wasn't particularly dark when he spoke with the commander either."
Kim Mu-gwan said to Ju Tae,
"As the friend says, the Great Prince will handle it. Let's not worry and wait."
Gulp, gulp!
Ju Tae drained the rest of his liquor and stood.
"I need some sleep."
Thud!
Ju Tae entered his room.
Gong Son-tae gazed at his door with a faint smile.
"They bicker so much, yet...."
Kim Mu-gwan muttered,
"The Southwest King must be pacing anxiously. He tried to remove one wart and ended up with an even bigger one."
"That's right. If Tae Mu-rang learns the princess survived a brush with death, things will get really interesting. Heh heh heh."
"It might not have been part of the Great Prince's calculations, but everything's unfolding just as he wants. That's what's amazing."
"They say luck is skill too. We can only see it as the fruit of the Great Prince's brilliance."
Kim Mu-gwan nodded silently and stood.
"I need some sleep too."
"Me too."
"Sleep well."
The sun was high in the sky, but they finally retired. They had spent the night wide awake, worrying over Cheol Mu-ok.
Gong Son-tae picked up the half-empty bottle Ju Tae had left. Seeing not a drop remained, he smacked his lips and headed to his room.
Click!
* * *
Yi Hwan visited the Imperial Palace Treasury with the imperial physician.
With Yi So's permission, Yi Hwan could now come and go freely.
"Still no herbs capable of treating the former emperor?"
"Yes. We've searched every corner multiple times, but nothing."
The former emperor's condition was worsening. They had barely kept the poison from reaching his heart, but that was the limit.
Thus, Yi So was practically guarding his side every day.
"Find them quickly."
"Yes, Great Prince."
While the physician bustled about seeking herbs for Cheol Mu-ok, Yi Hwan examined other areas. In the early days of his reign, Yi So had taken many treasures to care for the people, yet the treasury remained filled with all manner of items.
But nothing caught Yi Hwan's eye.
"Found it."
"Will this allow full recovery to his previous state?"
"I'll do my utmost."
"I trust you, physician."
Yi Hwan and the physician exited.
The guarding general bowed to him. Yi Hwan patted his shoulder and headed straight for the throne hall.
"I'll visit His Majesty first. You go on ahead."
"Yes, Great Prince."
Yi Hwan proceeded to the throne hall.
Fortunately, Yi So was in attendance today. As always, Gwan Ji-baek was at his side.
Yi So greeted him warmly.
"What brings you without notice?"
"Something happened last night."
"Bad news?"
Yi Hwan briefly explained the previous night's events. As soon as he finished, Yi So asked in surprise.
"They can recover?"
"The physician has ample herbs, so both the princess and that fellow will be fine."
Gwan Ji-baek said gravely,
"If it's confirmed the assailants were Ghost Valley demon cultists, we can't just let it slide. How long ago did we sign the peace treaty, and they pull this vile stunt?"
Yi Hwan shook his head.
"Without hard evidence proving they were Ghost Valley's, mere protests won't make them admit it. Besides, thanks to them, our alliance with the Blue Wolf Tribe has grown even stronger. A blessing in disguise, no?"
Tae Mu-rang already harbored great resentment toward Zhao Kingdom due to their schemes.
Now, if he learned they'd even targeted Taeseon's life, what reaction would he have?
Even if Yeon and the Blue Wolf Tribe allied, such bonds could break anytime. But this incident would ensure a solid alliance at least until Zhao fell.
Yi So nodded in agreement and asked,
"So, you're delaying departure until the guard recovers?"
"Considering it. Whether to leave him or wait."
Yi Hwan changed the subject.
"This incident confirmed the Golden Army's alert network and signaling system are flawless. Reports reached me before a quarter-hour had passed. No need to allocate more men or funds to palace or capital security. Your Majesty should venture out occasionally to connect directly with the people."
"Yes, I will."
Yi Hwan emptied his tea and rose.
"Leaving already?"
"Much to sort out. Then."
"Brother."
Yi So called as Yi Hwan turned.
"Wherever you go, what you do, remember your safety comes first. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Leaving the throne hall, Yi Hwan went to the Golden Army headquarters within the palace, issued separate orders to Deputy General Yu Woo-seong, then exited.
The true heart of the Golden Army was the headquarters outside the palace. All key commanders were stationed there, along with forces ready for immediate deployment.
Yi Hwan gazed at the passing scenery through the carriage window. Despite the recent upheaval of the emperor's change, the capital was peaceful. The faces and energy of the people on the streets brimmed with far more vitality than before.
'From now on, governing is solely the emperor's duty. My further involvement would only backfire.'
Feeling unburdened at the thought of departing carefree, Yi Hwan let out a quiet breath.
"Ju Tae."
"Yes, my lord."
"To my sister's residence."
"Understood."
* * *
With every step, excruciating pain tore through her body like it was being ripped apart, drenching Taeseon's face in cold sweat.
But despite the physician's protests, she made her way to Cheol Mu-ok's room, supported by a maid.
Cheol Mu-ok lay in deep slumber. Not unconscious, but deliberately induced by the physician with acupoints to aid recovery.
Go Mi and Hwa Ryeong were already there.
Taeseon labored to a chair at the bedside and sat.
She gazed down at Cheol Mu-ok with conflicted eyes. Her gaze trembled whenever it fell on the wound crossing his cheek.
Go Mi said,
"He's strong, so don't worry too much."
"What of the attackers?"
"One got away."
"Their identities?"
"Warriors from Zhao Kingdom. The Great Prince believes the Southwest King targeted Your Highness to drive a wedge between us and the Blue Wolf Tribe. Of course, we need a thorough investigation, but I agree."
Chill filled Taeseon's eyes.
"Definitely Zhao?"
"Ghost Valley. They supported Crown Prince Jo Gwang until recently, but now serve under the Southwest King. Seems their lord led the operation himself. You're safe—that's a relief. The guard's sacrifice is regrettable, though."
"I'll repay this debt. Tenfold, a hundredfold...."
"Excessive agitation hinders recovery. Calm yourself."
Taeseon bit her lip hard. Go Mi watched her quietly.
Hwa Ryeong's transmission voice flowed in.
[Bit awkward to say, but seeing the princess's attitude, it seems the Southwest King handed us a huge gift in the end.]
Go Mi nodded silently in agreement. Injured were injured, but the outcome was indeed as Hwa Ryeong said—a great boon from the Southwest King.
The fiercer Taeseon's enmity toward Zhao, the greater a threat the Blue Wolf Tribe would pose.
"He won't wake till morning, so rest now. Recover quickly to depart sooner, right?"
Taeseon asked in return.
"Will you keep fighting Zhao?"
"We have a peace treaty, but the empress's fall rendered it hollow. Zhao remains Yeon's chief enemy."
At Go Mi's words, Taeseon's eyes changed.
"When does the Great Prince return?"
"He's been in the palace a while; should be back soon."
"I see."
Go Mi swiftly supported Taeseon as she rose, while Hwa Ryeong hurried to open the door.
After Taeseon left, Hwa Ryeong said,
"The princess's vibe is off. Like she's made some big decision? Anyway, hopefully it's good for us."
"Her resentment toward Zhao, probably. For her temperament, barely surviving on another's aid must feel like unbearable shame."
Hwa Ryeong tilted her head and muttered.
"Is it that big a shame?"
"You saw her at the talks. Raised without fear, she could absolutely feel that way. Anyway, both avoided the worst—fortunate. The Great Prince seemed quite worried too...."
Go Mi trailed off.
'Will this delay the schedule?'
Venturing into the martial world.
Go Mi eagerly anticipated it. Especially visiting Wudang Sect and Mount Hua Sect.
Since awakening to martial arts, she'd sporadically researched its history and sects.
'The two peaks of the sword....'
That's how history called those two sects.
"You're back."
"....!"
At Hwa Ryeong's words, Go Mi looked out the window. Yi Hwan was just passing through the main gate.
"Getting more handsome, right?"
"Maybe."
Go Mi donned her outer robe and stepped out. Then she halted, eyes widening.
Taeseon, whom she'd just seen leave, was approaching Yi Hwan, supported by her maid.
Go Mi started to hurry over but paused. She sensed an indescribable, peculiar aura from Taeseon's face.
Hwa Ryeong, who had followed, murmured softly.
"See? Her vibe's definitely weird."
"...."