Chapter 369
Chapter 369
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 369
Chapter Title: The Furious and the Relieved
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yi Hwan and Yi Seong-ji sat facing each other once more.
The atmosphere was far softer than before.
"Thanks to you, I saved my life. Even as brothers, I will never forget this grace."
"If you're grateful, then go back and serve His Majesty with all your heart."
"If you've forgiven me, then of course I should."
"You will be forgiven."
Yi Seong-ji's eyes reddened slightly.
But a smile rose to his lips.
"After deciding to return to my country, I was shocked by my own sense of relief. I hope you understand that it's not merely a ploy to save my neck."
"I understand fully."
Tremble...
At Yi Hwan's attitude, Yi Seong-ji's eyes quivered.
She had read sincerity in Yi Hwan.
"There's no tonic like a good rest, so you should get more of it. We can talk as much as we like later."
Just then, the military physician entered.
He carried a bowl of medicine in both hands, filling the room with a herbal scent.
Yi Hwan rose and gave instructions to the physician.
"Use the finest herbs without stinting."
"Yes, Great Prince."
"Then I'll visit again later."
Stepping outside, Yi Hwan looked up at the sky.
Today, as always, not a single cloud marred the vast expanse.
'When you return, stay by His Majesty's side as his confidant. That's something I, who must roam the wilds, cannot provide.'
* * *
Early evening.
Ju Tae and the others returned.
"They were already all cleaned up when we arrived. It seems the Grand Minister of Works moved swiftly to eliminate every trace."
"Good work. Go rest—and eat something."
"Even liquor...?"
"One bottle each."
"Thank you!"
Grinning.
The three laughed as they left the tent.
Go Mi wore an incredulous expression as she spoke.
"To eliminate every trace as if he'd been waiting for it—how thrilled must he have been inside when the Great Prince laid out those terms? In the end, it's as if the Great Prince showed him the path forward."
"Perhaps."
Recalling Gwan Yeong, Yi Hwan gave a wry smile.
"Through this, he might even climb to a higher post."
"Perhaps."
"Moon Lord."
"Yes?"
"Isn't this wandering life wearing on you?"
"What do you...?"
"Drifting across the land like this, always."
At Yi Hwan's words, Go Mi smiled faintly.
"You always deliver results I never expect, so it's actually enjoyable. I'll look forward to more ahead."
"Don't call it praise."
"It's simply true."
"Then go rest."
"Rest well."
Go Mi departed, and Yi Hwan promptly shed his robes and lay upon the pallet.
It was a crude affair of woven bamboo for easy transport, yet right now it felt far cozier than any grand inn's bed.
'This campaign has yielded much. Now, upon return, I must pour all into solidifying my foundations.'
The work of fortifying his base had long been advancing steadily on every front.
Hanjo's skills would place the final seal upon it.
'Will sleep come...?'
Yi Hwan sought slumber at once.
And contrary to his fears, it came swiftly.
* * *
A rare sound sleep.
When he awoke, dawn had broken.
Yi Hwan donned his outer robe and stepped out.
The warriors were fully engrossed in preparations to depart.
"You're awake?"
Hwa Ryeong approached with a water bowl.
"Why sleep so deeply?"
Yi Hwan drained the bowl Hwa Ryeong offered in a single gulp.
"Breakfast time?"
"I'm fine."
"Moon Lord prepared it especially for the Great Prince from before dawn. You should eat."
"......"
"Come along."
Yi Hwan followed Hwa Ryeong.
Moments later, Go Mi and his close aides greeted him.
"You're up?"
The table bore quite appetizing dishes.
Ju Tae grinned broadly.
"Moon Lord prepared it all. Please, sit."
As Yi Hwan reached for his chopsticks and glanced toward Yi Seong-ji's tent, Go Mi spoke.
"I just brought him some porridge."
"Much appreciated. Then, let's dig in."
The meal commenced.
Yi Hwan ate more than usual—not out of regard for Go Mi's efforts, but simple hunger, and the flavors were superb.
"Breakfast outdoors as daybreak spreads—it has real charm. We should do this more on future campaigns."
At Hwa Ryeong's words, Ju Tae chimed in.
"Then next time, we'll pack plenty of meat."
As he ate, Yi Hwan surveyed the camp.
Warriors clustered here and there, intent on their meals. Those finished first busied themselves with departure preparations.
Yi Hwan eyed Hanjo and asked.
"Thought about the forges?"
"Yes. I'll sketch plans to show you once we're back."
"I'll give unlimited support—do as you please."
"Yes, sir!"
Hwa Ryeong asked.
"You can make one for me too, right?"
"Not hard to craft, but your current sword might be superior."
"No—it's all show, rotten iron within. Please?"
"Understood."
"Mine too."
"Reserve one for me."
"Yours is fine?"
"Can't have two?"
"Greedy one."
"You're talking?"
Gains aplenty, perhaps? The mood was buoyant.
The meal ended; they sipped tea when the general approached.
"Ready to depart."
"The carriage for Your Highness—is it properly prepared?"
"Yes. Thick layers of cloth for your comfort."
Yi Hwan set down his cup and rose.
Dawn's glow faded from the earth, which sparkled jewel-like under blinding sun.
'If duty brings me here again, the purpose will differ entirely.'
Yi Hwan turned at once.
"We return."
"We return!"
Bwoooong!
* * *
Zhao Kingdom camp, dozens of li north of Jeoksu.
Commander Gwak Beom tilted cups from morning.
Anger over yielding captured Jeoksu still festered.
And one more.
Failing to claim Qin Crown Prince Yang Mu's head lingered as eternal regret.
Pour!
Thud!
Alone on his second jar.
The deputy general flung open the door.
"Commander! You must come!"
"What's the uproar?"
"...The heads of our men sent to silence Cha Ryong hang at the gate."
"......!"
Boom!
Gwak Beom bolted up and rushed to the camp gate.
There dangled two severed heads.
"Dawn patrol found them."
Tremble...
Rage flickered in Gwak Beom's eyes.
"Yeon Kingdom dogs came here, hung them, and slunk away?"
"......"
Then U Mun-sul hurried from the left.
He too glared at his subordinates' heads, teeth grinding.
Flour clinging to the heads scattered on the wind to his face.
U Mun-sul's beard quivered.
"Beastly deeds unfit for beasts! Yeon curs are savage indeed."
"Uwaaak!"
Boom boom boom!
Apparent Blood Demon followers succumbed to fury, pummeling walls and gate with fists.
"Take them down—now!"
"Yes!"
* * *
U Mun-sul's report left Jo Gwang-mu's face stone-hard.
"Then Cha Ryong's killing failed."
"......Yes."
"How far does he know?"
"Worry not. Favored for talent and long employed, yet barred from vital secrets by rank."
"And Ban Go?"
"Talented, trained in special arts—but same, no access to keys. No great concern, I judge."
Jo Gwang-mu lifted his gaze to bore into U Mun-sul.
"Who deems it vital? Can you vouch for that, Strategist?"
"Yes? Well..."
"Foresee every leak of what they know—devise countermeasures. Trivial scraps can doom us if foes wield them."
"......Understood."
Jo Gwang-mu pressed on.
"Send more men after those bound for Qin's capital. Should they fall to foes, dispatch without this delay."
"Yes. As ordered."
"And pursuit of presumed Yeon Third Prince?"
"Nothing new since last report. I'll relay at once."
Jo Gwang-mu slowly closed his eyes—a tic of irritation.
U Mun-sul, knowing it well, rose cautiously.
"Then rest, Your Highness."
U Mun-sul gone, Jo Gwang-mu opened his eyes.
Faint wrath rippled like heat haze in his deep pupils.
"War with Qin—yet Yeon drove us out."
Clench.
"This shame, repaid manifold."
* * *
Zhao retreated; Qin reclaimed Jeoksu, redoubling fortifications.
Yang Mu, fled before Gwak Beom's pursuit, returned to Jeoksu.
A missive arrived—from Gwan Yeong.
Yang Mu's face shifted repeatedly as he read.
"Missed Yi Seong-ji—but halved iron to Yeon..."
Yang I-cheon gaped wide-eyed.
"Missed Yi Seong-ji?"
"Healer said gone. Slaughtered all there. Sensed something amiss."
"Base ingrate. After our honors, such vileness..."
"You think yourself fit to say so?"
"Why me...?"
"You scorned and slighted him most."
"That..."
Thud!
"Who detains the resolute escapee? Half the iron saved—satisfaction enough. Grand Minister achieved much. Concessions from Yi Hwan? No easy feat."
Yang Mu directed Yang I-cheon.
"Dispatch to palace—hail Grand Minister's feats."
"Understood."
Yang I-cheon departed; an aide entered.
"Yeon troops left Seokmun laden with iron. People's cheers immense."
"Indeed?"
"Yes. Throngs from every city near Zhao frontier."
Yang Mu's expression grew odd.
He snorted derisively.
"Fools. Blind to Yeon's potential enmity."
"Ignorant rabble know naught. Still, for tomorrow—visit the region, Your Highness, to win hearts. Let victory be wholly yours in memory."
"Hm......"
Yang Mu reclined, eyes lowering.
Then nodded.
"Sound counsel. Post-fortifications, set the tour."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Yang Mu eyed the retreating aide and smiled.
'Yi Seong-ji slipped—but half iron secured; Father cannot chide. Success, this? Hahaha.'