Chapter 371
Chapter 371
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 371
Chapter Title: Yi Seong-ji Heads to Northern Yeon
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Yi Seong-ji looked much better.
But the atmosphere wasn't bright. He knew it was because the Imperial Palace was in chaos on his account.
“How are you feeling?”
“I'm improving day by day, so don't worry. That said, it seems His Majesty is in a tough spot because of me.”
“Didn't you expect something like this?”
“I did expect it, but...”
“Then don't worry about it. It'll be sorted out soon.”
Yi Seong-ji shook his head at Yi Hwan's words.
“It's not that simple. So I've been giving it some serious thought...”
He trailed off, then met Yi Hwan's eyes directly before continuing.
“Send me north. If I serve the kingdom with a repentant heart in the most dangerous place on this land, maybe the ministers will stop giving His Majesty a hard time.”
“You mean the Northern Legion?”
“Anywhere's fine.”
“Wherever you go, it won't be any different from here. It might even be worse. It's a place where loyalty runs deeper than among those ministers steeped in politics.”
“...”
“Have you seen His Majesty?”
“He says he's fine every time, which only makes me feel guiltier. Sometimes I even regret going to see him at all.”
Yi Hwan stared at the shadow clouding Yi Seong-ji's face, narrowing his brow ever so slightly.
*Maybe that's the best option after all.*
Something occurred to him, and Yi Hwan asked right away.
“Anywhere's fine?”
“If it helps His Majesty and you, I wouldn't refuse hell itself. So, will you send me north?”
“What about Northern Yeon?”
“...Northern Yeon?”
“A man I value has become Prince Consort there. At least the prejudice against rebels will be less. And if you give your all as a subject and citizen of Yeon—not as His Majesty's brother—the past will fade on its own.”
“Have you cleared this with His Majesty?”
“I just thought of it when you asked to be sent north. If you go, I'll handle telling His Majesty.”
A faint smile tugged at Yi Seong-ji's lips.
“I'm in your debt again. Thank you.”
“If that's how you see it, then shake off that rebel label as fast as you can and become someone His Majesty can turn to for help.”
“Very well. Then I'll head to Northern Yeon.”
It was a truly abrupt resolution.
Yi Hwan had suggested it on impulse, sensing Yi Seong-ji's inner turmoil ran deeper than expected. But now that he'd said it aloud, it felt like the optimal path.
“Focus on recovering for now. You can leave for Northern Yeon once you're fully healed—it's not too late.”
Just then, Gong Ya-un entered carrying tea.
The two brothers sipped tea and chatted idly. After serving it and stepping out, Gong Ya-un polished Yi Hwan's shoes with care.
*Thank you, Great Prince.*
He had overheard the entire exchange while preparing the tea. Having witnessed Yi Seong-ji's torment up close like no one else, he finally felt a weight lift at the news of Northern Yeon.
Then a guard approached.
“Old timer, what are you doing?”
“Great Prince's shoes. They're caked in dirt, so I'm cleaning them. Go wet a cloth quick.”
“I'll do it.”
“I've got it—hurry and fetch the cloth.”
“...Yes.”
* * *
Ten days later, at Northern Yeon's forward base.
Cheol Mu-ok held a single letter pigeon missive. It was from Yi Hwan, concerning Yi Seong-ji.
Tae Seon, peeling fruit, asked.
“What's the Great Prince say?”
“Third Prince is coming here.”
“That rebel? Why?”
“He wants to help us out with a repentant heart, so treat him kindly when he arrives.”
“The Great Prince said that?”
Cheol Mu-ok nodded with a grin, and Tae Seon delicately furrowed her brow.
“Fine. If the Great Prince says so, we will. But no special treatment just because he's imperial kin. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“When's he arriving?”
“Says he's leaving soon, so we'll wait and see.”
“No one else coming to visit? I miss them all...”
“Our lord's the busiest man alive—how could he possibly step away?”
Tae Seon gave a wry smile and offered the peeled fruit.
Then.
“Your Highness, it's Gwi Rang.”
Gwi Rang's voice drifted in from outside.
“Come in.”
Gwi Rang entered. His armor was thoroughly soaked in blood.
Tae Seon frowned and asked.
“What's with the blood?”
“Went on recon—killed a few Zhao Kingdom troops. Captured one and dragged him back. Says Zhao's beefing up their forces.”
“How many?”
“Five thousand elites joining soon, along with hundreds of martial artists. And those elites? Southern Barbarian Army.”
Pfft.
“Now they're scraping the bottom of the barrel.”
Cheol Mu-ok stepped in.
“Not ones to underestimate. Southern Barbarian Army's been drilling under Zhao Kingdom for years. Sending them here means they've hit Zhao troop levels.”
“Not underestimating. Just saying this climate's worlds apart from the south—no big worry.”
Cheol Mu-ok, who hadn't considered that, nodded quietly.
*Fair point. Southerners enduring northern harsh winters? No small feat. But right now...*
“Summer shouldn't be an issue, though?”
“Flip side—they're only good in summer. Here, fruit. You too, General.”
“Thank you.”
Gwi Rang took the seat opposite.
Cheol Mu-ok told him.
“His Majesty's kin, Lord Yi Seong-ji, is headed here. With His Majesty and Great Prince's blessing, so no prejudices—treat him right.”
“That rebel?”
Gwi Rang mirrored Tae Seon's reaction.
Cheol Mu-ok repeated what he'd told her. And got the same reply.
“If Great Prince commands it, I'll obey. But this is Northern Yeon—no special treatment for Yeon imperial kin.”
Gwi Rang echoed Tae Seon word for word.
“Understood.”
* * *
A drizzle fell.
After his audience with Yi So, Yi Seong-ji walked toward Gong Ya-un and the guards waiting beyond the palace walls.
Yi Hwan walked beside him.
“Feeling lighter now?”
“Yeah. Thanks to you, I can leave without the weight. Thanks is starting to sound weird.”
“Take this for the road.”
Yi Hwan offered a small golden box.
“What's that?”
“Boosts internal energy. Front lines facing Zhao Kingdom—clashes will be constant.”
Tremble...
Yi Seong-ji's gaze flickered.
“Gotta get stronger. For His Majesty, the kingdom, the people.”
“What if you bulk up and bolt straight for Zhao Kingdom?”
“Then what can you do.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Yi Seong-ji tucked the golden box into his robe.
Moments later, passing the gates, Gong Ya-un and the guards awaited.
Gong Son-do was there too. His face beamed brighter than any. At last, he was joining Cheol Mu-ok.
“Loyal!”
All bowed low.
Yi Hwan addressed them curtly.
“See to him well.”
“Yes, Great Prince!”
Soon after, Yi Seong-ji departed for Northern Yeon.
Yi Hwan watched his retreating figure, exhaling softly. It stemmed from Cheol Mu-ok's missive from yesterday.
*The Princess says absolutely no special treatment.*
*Won't be easy there either. But that's the least he must endure.*
The sin of rebellion.
For Yi Seong-ji, it might remain an indelible brand forever.
“Great Prince.”
Go Mi approached.
Yi Hwan schooled his features.
“Sent a ton of the Princess's favorites, as ordered. But why those?”
“Gotta make a gesture—she's still a princess. And Mu-ok's wife. Let's move.”
Go Mi trailed him, head cocked.
*He's not one to fuss over that sort of thing...*
* * *
Zhao Kingdom's northeast frontier.
Troops kicked up dust marching toward lands bordering Yeon Kingdom east and Northern Yeon north.
Roughly fifty thousand?
Hundreds of martial artists rode among them—Blood Demon followers included—along with Yi Tae-ji.
Fresh off withdrawing from Guiju Castle, Jo Gwang-mu had inexplicably ordered droves of martial artists north.
They'd pulled back from Guiju, yet faced Jin Kingdom where clashes could reignite anytime—an baffling directive.
Warriors buzzed with rumors: shelve Jin for now, launch a massive push to retake Northern Yeon's northern neutral zone.
*Hunting dogs, nothing less. Should've stuck with that guy if I'd known.*
Yi Tae-ji recalled Do Geom, a bitter smile twisting his lips.
Go where ordered, east or west—pathos surged unbidden.
“Hoo!”
Yi Tae-ji exhaled long, eyeing the Blood Demon followers marching ahead.
Some from Guiju Castle, most total strangers.
*Where do they keep crawling out from?*
Blood Demon followers hid their status.
But Yi Tae-ji spotted them instantly. Do Geom, Dong Ja-ryang—all shared the same aura. Same aura meant same arts.
*Come to think, Jo Yun had something similar...*
Clueless on Blood Demon matters, Yi Tae-ji's questions mounted.
Then a blue-robed man glanced back at him.
“Hey, exiled prince.”
Yi Tae-ji met his gaze wordlessly. Such barbs barely registered anymore.
Whoosh!
Something sailed his way. Snagged lightly: a peculiar gourd flask.
*Liquor?*
“One swig clears the dust right out.”
“Thanks.”
Caught off guard by the courtesy, Yi Tae-ji drained it in a gulp.
Fiercely potent brew? Fire scorched from throat to gut.
The blue-robed man grinned.
“Pleased. Name's Bang Hyo-mun.”
“Yi Tae-ji.”
“Heard you're tight with Do Geom. Old mates, him and me—let's get on well.”
“Kindly.”
First time. Someone initiating like this.
Do Geom came close, but never this cordial cold.
Yi Tae-ji asked.
“Any clue why northbound?”
“Beats me.”
“Word is reclaiming Northern Yeon's neutral zone...”
“Heard that too. Nah. Hitting Northern Yeon drags Yeon Kingdom in automatic...”
Truth be told, Yi Tae-ji agreed.
Hence the deeper mystery. Pure check on Northern Yeon? Why surge these numbers?
Garrison plus fresh supports already neared one hundred fifty thousand northside. Overkill for mere deterrence.
Dispatching another fifty thousand screamed ulterior motive.
As puzzlement swelled, a general neared the clustered troops.
He bellowed.
“Martial artists—break left now!”
“Left flank!”
Blood Demon followers and others veered left. Yi Tae-ji and Bang Hyo-mun joined. Tally: some five hundred.
Soon the general addressed them.
“Change quick!”
Soldiers hauled dozens of large baskets brimming clothes before the martial artists.
One queried.
“We splitting off for op?”
“Change first—then brief. Move!”
Yi Tae-ji and Bang Hyo-mun traded looks, shucking robes. Soldiers gathered the shed garments.
[Setup screams ambush op.]
Yi Tae-ji nodded mutely at Bang Hyo-mun's transmission. Elsewise, no point swapping near target.
*Beats boredom, at least.*
Just rolling with it.
Such was Yi Tae-ji's creed for Zhao Kingdom survival.