Chapter 366
Chapter 366
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 366
Chapter Title: What the Qin Kingdom Fears Most
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Gwan Yeong returned to his tent and immediately issued orders to his close aides.
“We need to monitor Yi Seong-ji more thoroughly. If even a whisper reaches the Yeon Kingdom's great army that he's nearby, everything will go to hell.”
“Understood.”
Another close aide asked.
“Why not send martial artists to capture him right now?”
“Indeed. To minimize casualties among our warriors, shouldn't we strike before he recovers?”
As another close aide nodded in agreement, Gwan Yeong slightly furrowed his brow and fell into thought before quickly making up his mind.
“Fine. Move out now.”
“Yes! We'll capture him and escort him straight to the capital!”
“No. Wait until I've wrapped up my business and depart.”
“Understood.”
One of the close aides hurried outside.
Gwan Yeong leaned back in his chair, his thoughts drifting to Yi Hwan.
The arrogance could be overlooked. But that look in his eyes when he stared—it gnawed at him.
*You don't think we got this for free, do you?*
Especially during that line, it almost felt like Yi Hwan could see right through him.
'Honestly, we did get it for free. Didn't swing a single sword and secured a massive haul of iron, plus grabbed Northern Yeon territory that was neutral turf.'
A close aide asked.
“Why did you say half?”
“You don't show all your cards at the start of a negotiation. If he bites on that, it's the best deal for us. If he refuses, we play the rest then.”
“What if he demands the full promised amount?”
“He was tangled up in both major incidents. Unless he's some bloodless, tearless monster, his heart will waver—he'll have to yield something.”
Gwan Yeong crossed his arms, his gaze steadying.
From hard experience, he knew better than anyone that sometimes appealing to plain human decency trumped any strategy.
If Yeon desperately needed iron right now, that'd be one thing—but they weren't backed into a corner. So as long as he didn't push insane terms, he could wring concessions from Yi Hwan.
'He risked his neck to save our homeland's warriors. That should hit home.'
That was the root of his confidence.
But after the meeting, a strong hunch told him it might not land.
'Botch this, and relations with Yeon go south. Even if it's the Crown Prince's command, if push comes to shove, I might have to hand over the full amount.'
That was it.
Gwan Yeong had framed it as the court's collective will, but truth be told, this was Crown Prince Yang Mu's direct order.
'That Yi Seong-ji—does he really plan to head back to Yeon?'
* * *
Go Mi sought out Yi Hwan.
“A bunch of warriors just slipped out of the Grand Minister of Works' tent.”
“Suspicious enough to worry?”
“They bolted right after you finished talking with the Great Army Commander, so yeah, plenty suspicious.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently, then asked about something else.
“How'd the assignment go?”
“I've got it all detailed in notes. But the smelting process is top secret—no outsiders allowed—so confirming that'll be tough.”
“That tracks. Can't expect them to spill their proprietary methods. Good work anyway.”
Go Mi asked.
“Did the talk go smoothly?”
“They're offering half upfront. Claim Qin needs iron bad too after those two massive messes. Yeah, figures.”
“So you'll grant their request?”
“Still mulling it.”
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea before continuing.
Clink.
“Keep a sharp watch on the Grand Minister and his circle for now. If my gut's on point, negotiation isn't his only reason for being here.”
“What do you...”
“Not sure yet. Just instinct talking.”
Yi Hwan drained his tea and stood.
“Time to check on Hanjo.”
* * *
Iron ingots emerging amid thick plumes of smoke. Hanjo, true to form, was lost in inspecting them.
The Qin warriors watching him wore sour expressions.
In the process of smelting ore into iron, nearly half was getting rejected outright. Meaning Yeon scooped up all the prime stuff, leaving them the dregs.
Small wonder the Qin warriors weren't thrilled.
Hanjo knew the vibe but pressed on with his task undeterred.
That was when Yi Hwan stepped in—the Qin warriors hastily bowed their heads.
Yi Hwan headed straight for Hanjo, who was still so fixated on the iron he hadn't noticed the arrival.
“Coming along alright?”
“Welcome, sir.”
Hanjo bowed, then pressed on.
“Doing my utmost. But mining's been sluggish the last few days, so output's way down—gonna delay things quite a bit.”
Yi Hwan nodded quietly, scanning the area. Iron piles towered everywhere.
But Hanjo's picks were sparse.
“You look beat. Call it for today and get some rest.”
“I'm good.”
“No arguments. Rest.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Yi Hwan and Hanjo stepped outside right away.
Once well clear of the Qin warriors, Hanjo's eyes gleamed as he spoke.
“I think I've pieced together Qin's secret to high-grade iron production.”
“Not top-shelf ore, but some special trick that upgrades it to premium?”
“Exactly. Couldn't check the key zone—they bar entry—but give me two days, and I can nail it without going in.”
“With that method, we could churn out similar quality from Yeon mines.”
“More than doable.”
This was a total blindside. A hidden gem like that?
“You gunning for this from jump?”
“Yes, sir.”
Yi Hwan gave a hazy smile and clapped Hanjo's shoulder.
“Something to look forward to?”
“I'll give it everything.”
Just then, Ju Tae came running.
“My lord, you need to come quick.”
“What's up?”
“Warrior from the Third Prince is here.”
* * *
Yi Hwan eyed the warrior prostrated before him. Steam billowed off the man—clear sign of a nonstop sprint.
After kowtowing, the warrior lifted his head.
“His Highness is close by.”
“What?”
“His Highness resolved to return home. But Zhao troops pursued en route; combat flared, worsening his old wound. Had no choice but to hole up at a clinic.”
“How bad?”
“He's mending nicely now. Needs a few more days' treatment before traveling again, though. If Qin's military catches wind, who knows what happens—that's why His Highness sent me begging the Great Army for aid.”
Desperation laced his voice.
Yi Hwan nodded in silence.
“Not just some unit head—exiled royalty means political minefields too.”
“Precisely. His Highness frets Qin'll hound him harder over that.”
Yi Hwan pictured Yi Seong-ji.
Back when he'd returned to Yeon, he'd agonized over fallout and scrapped the plan.
If he'd flipped now, things must be seriously sideways.
“Ju Tae, Mu-gwan, Ji-mun.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, Great Army Commander.”
“Go with him to the Third Prince. Make sure they link up safe with our camp.”
“Got it.”
Moments later, Ju Tae and the others departed with the warrior.
Go Mi asked carefully.
“You've fully forgiven him?”
“Full forgiveness a thing?”
“Then...”
“Won't drop suspicions till I test his heart.”
Yi Hwan sipped cold water, brow creasing faintly.
“Grand Minister might have ulterior motives here. Sure, showing me goodwill, but him coming in person for this? Overkill. Hanjo already tossed half as scrap—gave them exactly what they wanted.”
“If ulterior... maybe after the Third Prince.”
Yi Hwan nodded wordlessly.
“Him back in Yeon? Qin's royals in deep shit. Crown Prince Yang Mu's stunt seals it.”
“Sending an exile to the front lines? Criticism's locked in already.”
“They ain't sweating backlash.”
“Pardon?”
Yi Hwan steadied his gaze before going on.
“Souring ties with us. That's their nightmare. We flip, Zhao storms back into Gui Prefecture.”
“So why push to cut the iron half?”
“Not cutting—the rest later. Makes sense for them; weapon losses from those two fiascos were insane. No way I'm rolling over easy, though.”
“What's the play?”
“Give an inch, take a mile. Figuring the mile.”
Go Mi, who'd figured as much, pivoted.
“If his warriors hit the Third Prince's spot, clashes could pop... you good?”
“Like I said—Qin's terrified of tanking Yeon relations. Nabbing Yi Seong-ji? Zero real upside, won't burn bridges for it.”
“So his goal's capture? No sweat for us.”
“Yeah.”
Go Mi's face finally lit up, fog lifting.
“Drink outside?”
“Outside?”
“Let 'em see me chilled—they'll sweat. Psychological jab.”
“Understood. Prepping now.”
Go Mi headed out, a stray chuckle escaping. Yi Hwan never let a detail slide—it always struck her.
'Wrong matchup for him.'
Go Mi smirked, Gwan Yeong in mind.
* * *
Whish.
Yi Seong-ji stepped into the clinic's courtyard, tilting a teacup with Gong Ya-un.
Sensing the brighter complexion versus yesterday, Gong Ya-un asked gently.
“How's the body?”
“Improving by the day. Might bump up the timeline.”
“No rush. The kids headed to the Great Army—they'll relay you're here soon. Maybe already have. Tens of thousands strong? Easy spot.”
“Master, no fear?”
“Of?”
“Yeon return.”
Gong Ya-un wore a faint smile.
“As I always say, servant goes anywhere with Your Highness. Kids too. And you—afraid?”
“Yes. Not me failing, but forced to settle scores with someone—that scares me. You'd be most at risk then.”
“Why fret early? If it hits, servant bears it gladly for Your Highness. And...”
Gong Ya-un trailed off, eyes on the front gate. Figures emerged right then.
“Open the gate!”
A booming, overbearing shout echoed.
Yi Seong-ji set down his cup.
Clink.
Bang!
The gate flew open roughshod, intruders flooding the courtyard. Qin's warriors from Gwan Yeong's tent.
Gong Ya-un's eyes flickered.
'How the hell did they...'
Rustle!
Yi Seong-ji's warriors surged forward swift, shielding him and dropping into stances.
A pale-faced man barked coldly.
“By His Highness the Crown Prince's command: all here arrested for desertion, to be escorted back! Resist, and fallout's on you. Value your necks? Submit quietly!”