Chapter 349
Chapter 349
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 349
Chapter Title: A Successful Operation Incurs No Blame
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The atmosphere in the camp was somber. More than half the men had not returned.
Word then spread that their own unit had been used as bait for the success of an allied operation, turning the somber mood into anger.
Thud.
Yi Hwan sat drinking tea with Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun.
Kim Mu-gwan reported on the camp's mood.
"Word's spreading that it was no different from using us as bait, and everyone's furious. If this continues, there could be a full-blown mutiny."
"I'd be the same. It wouldn't be enough to storm Yuan Gai-se's tent and cut him down on the spot."
But Yi Hwan shook his head.
"Even if Yuan Gai-se devised this plan, he won't be held accountable. No one questions a successful operation. The same goes for me."
Kim Mu-gwan nodded gravely.
"The Qin army's original goal was to burn the Zhao army's grain depot, so you could see it that way. The operation succeeded, after all."
"That's how it is."
Park Ji-mun wore an incredulous expression.
"The warriors who died unjustly end up as nothing more than dogs' deaths."
"That's not true either."
"......Pardon?"
"The dead and their comrades in the camp might see it that way, but on a larger scale, their deaths are no different from any other fallen soldiers in war. Their sacrifice was part of the plan, and the plan succeeded because of it."
"......"
Kim Mu-gwan asked.
"If you were in this situation, Great Prince, would you use the same strategy?"
"For victory, we'd have to be willing to do anything. But Yuan Gai-se deceived his warriors. And he even factored in the deaths of those aiding us into his calculations to execute the plan."
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea before continuing.
"What I'm curious about is what they'll say to me and how. Depending on my response, the relationship between Yeon and Qin could change entirely."
At those words, Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun nodded silently.
"They'll probably claim they had no idea you'd join the operation, using that as an excuse."
"Yes. That's the most likely right now."
"Ha! Those filthy bastards!"
Park Ji-mun, seething with rage, gulped down his still-hot tea like cold water.
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair, his gaze steadying.
"The real issue is whether this operation was carried out with Crown Prince Yang Mu's approval. If so, he's likely far more capable than the rumors suggest."
"It couldn't have been without the Crown Prince's approval, especially since it involves you of all people. Yuan Gai-se wouldn't act on his own."
"It's too early to assume. If someone other than Yuan Gai-se harbors ill will toward us, we can't overlook it."
It was then.
"Great Prince."
Baek Yeon's voice drifted in from outside. Kim Mu-gwan rose and opened the tent flap.
Baek Yeon entered with two warriors, who carried baskets of liquor and food.
"How are the wounded?"
"The severely injured were all transported to the rear just now. The rest should recover in a few days."
"I've heard the camp's atmosphere is restless."
At that, Baek Yeon let out a quiet sigh before replying.
"Even with my brother stepping in to calm things, it's not easy. They were already stationed in the most dangerous spot without proper treatment, and now this happens..."
Trailing off, Baek Yeon changed the subject.
"I need to go see the Grand General with my brother shortly. Do you have any message for him?"
"Tell him this: if he feels even a shred of remorse toward me, he should come see me himself."
"Understood. Anything else...?"
"No."
Baek Yeon rose.
"Thank you again. Thanks to you joining us, at least half of us survived."
Soon after Baek Yeon left, Yi Hwan stood as well.
"I'll go meet the Third Prince. Eat without me."
* * *
Yi Hwan and Yi Seong-ji sat facing each other.
Yi Seong-ji's complexion was still pale.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm getting better bit by bit, so don't worry."
Yi Seong-ji took a sip of tea, then smiled faintly as he asked.
"You're surprisingly calm. If it were me, I'd be too furious to bear it."
"What's the point of getting angry over something that's already happened? By the way, why did you send men to rescue me?"
"Was it unexpected?"
"Honestly, yes."
A faint smile touched Yi Seong-ji's lips again.
"You're a prince of Yeon, leader of the Golden Army, and Grand Commander. If you suddenly died, Yeon would fall into chaos, and neither Zhao nor Qin would stand idly by. I couldn't let that happen."
Yi Hwan's eyes flickered slightly.
"You still consider Yeon your homeland?"
Yi Seong-ji answered the question only with that faint smile. Silence fell for a moment.
Yi Hwan broke it.
"If His Majesty forgives you, do you plan to return?"
"......"
Yi Seong-ji's eyes wavered faintly.
Yi Hwan continued calmly.
"I'll stay a few more days, so if you're considering it, let me know."
As Yi Hwan rose to leave the tent, Yi Seong-ji spoke.
"Could you forgive me?"
Yi Hwan paused and turned to gaze at him.
"If it's truly for His Majesty and Yeon, then yes, without question."
"......!"
"But even if you resolve to, it won't be easy. Unless Qin lets you go willingly. Think it over carefully."
With that, Yi Hwan stepped outside.
Gong Ya-un and the warriors waiting outside bowed their heads.
"What did the physician say?"
"If you avoid using internal energy, you'll be nearly fully recovered in ten days. I've requested Grand General Yuan to move you to the rear at least until then."
It made sense. To avoid using internal energy, the rear—far from combat—was safest.
'But if he decides to return before that...'
Then it would be better not to go to the rear. This location was far more advantageous for smuggling Yi Seong-ji out secretly.
"Take good care of him for now."
"Yes, Great Prince."
Yi Hwan headed to the tent of the warriors who had joined the operation. As he entered, they all rose and bowed.
"Welcome, Great Prince."
Yi Hwan first checked on the injured, wrapped in bandages. The critically wounded had already been sent to the rear, so no lives were in immediate danger.
That said, not all injuries were minor. Some were too hurt to wield a sword for a while, writhing in severe pain.
"Why weren't these sent to the rear?"
"Injuries like this don't qualify for rear evacuation under military law."
"Who decides that?"
"It's based on the physician's judgment."
It was absurd. In this state, they contributed nothing to the fighting force. Sending them to the rear for faster recovery made more sense.
"Is this Grand General Yuan's military law?"
"......Yes."
Typical of Yuan Gai-se.
'He might be Qin's greatest weakness.'
Having spent considerable time together, Yi Hwan felt for them. But he couldn't interfere lightly in another nation's military rules.
Yi Hwan left the tent with a heavy heart.
It was then.
Thud thud thud!
Two riders entered the camp: a general and a man in blue robes who looked like a warrior.
They headed straight for Yi Hwan.
Moments later, the general dismounted before him.
"Do you need something?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince sends thanks for your recent merits, along with liquor and meat!"
At the general's glance, the blue-robed man respectfully offered a large silk-wrapped bundle.
"No rewards for the warriors who joined the operation?"
"None."
"Then you're done. Go."
"No message to relay?"
"No."
"Very well."
The general and blue-robed man departed.
Park Ji-mun said, looking exasperated.
"Trying to brush it off without a proper apology, just with some meat and booze? Unbelievable."
"Is this truly their intent?"
"I think so. It reveals how Qin's Crown Prince views me—at smallest—and Yeon—at largest."
Park Ji-mun said angrily.
"Give it here. I'll dump it in the latrine."
"Why waste it?"
Yi Hwan dropped the bundle off at the Qin warriors' tents and returned to his own.
'Is all that's left waiting for Yi Seong-ji's decision?'
In the meantime, he'd eliminated quite a few of the Blood Demon's followers. He couldn't stay away from Yeon forever; it was time to return.
As he walked, Yi Hwan thought of Crown Prince Yang Mu.
'He may excel in strategy and tactics, but his political sense is as poor as Yuan Gai-sei's.'
Heh.
A chuckle escaped him.
'You'll regret today's actions for a long time, Yang Mu.'
* * *
Crown Prince Yang Mu and Yuan Gai-se shared drinks.
The mood was extremely jovial. Though only half successful, a success was a success, so they raised their cups in celebration.
"I heard you sent liquor and meat to Yeon's Great Prince. Is that true, Your Highness?"
"Well, he's aiding our army, so it's only right."
"He might take offense. After all, he's a prince of a nation..."
"Surprising, coming from you, Grand General. I thought you'd be pleased."
"I'm naturally pleased. But I'm worried how warriors like Baek Woo-kyeong will take it. Your Highness knows many admire him since suppressing the Guangshin cult rebels, right?"
"No need to worry. They might think it excessive, but Yi Hwan is Yeon's man, not Qin's. They're all patriots at heart, so no issue."
Thud!
Yang Mu set down his cup and changed the subject.
"With half our grain gone, Jo Gwang-mu won't sit idle. Stay vigilant; he could move troops anytime."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Now, enough heavy talk! On a day like this, we should savor the victory!"
"Understood. Hahaha!"
They raised their cups again, laughter blooming.
About an incense stick's time later, a general entered.
"Your Highness, they've arrived."
"Let them in."
"Yes."
The general withdrew, and Baek Woo-kyeong and Baek Yeon entered.
Yang Mu greeted them smiling.
"Come in."
"You summoned us?"
"On such a joyous day, I thought we'd share a drink. Sit."
"Yes."
Baek Woo-kyeong and Baek Yeon sat behind Yuan Gai-se. Even as the pinnacle of Qin murim, they couldn't dine equally with them.
"I'll pour personally."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Pour.
"Drink it all."
Baek Woo-kyeong and Baek Yeon emptied their cups. Yuan Gai-se then rose with a bottle.
"I'll pour this time."
"That's enough liquor."
"......"
Baek Woo-kyeong stared at Yang Mu as he continued.
"I have something to report, if I may."
"Speak."
"My deepest apologies, but it seems there's a traitor colluding with the enemy in the camp."
"What?"
"Someone leaked the route of Yeon's Great Prince's unit to the enemy in advance. Many of our men already know, and it's spreading fast. For discipline alone, we must root out the traitor."
"......!"
Baek Yeon added his piece.
"Many warriors lost their lives because of it. Ignoring this will breed discontent and severely impact morale."
Crack!
A crack sounded in Yuan Gai-se's cup.