Chapter 383
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 383
Chapter Title: Unexpected Gift
Jo Haeng pulled out the scroll.
“It is His Majesty’s will, so please take a look.”
Yi Hwan silently unrolled the scroll.
“It’s Emperor Jo’s own handwriting?”
“That’s right.”
Yi Hwan began to read the contents slowly. It was a long message, but the essence was extremely simple.
“If we do not intervene in the war with Qin, Zhao will completely withdraw from the neutral territory held by Northern Yeon?”
It was unexpected.
Who would have thought Jo Yun would make such an offer? If it was sincere, it was as good as an unimaginable gift.
“Thinking they can just take it back anytime?”
Yi Hwan had no reason to trust Jo Yun. But even if Jo Yun broke the treaty later, this was still a massive gift for now.
If they could secure a non-aggression pact for the next few years, Northern Yeon would be free from constraints, making it an offer too good to refuse.
“Does he value holding Cheoksu that much?”
Thud!
Yi Hwan closed the scroll and stared at Jo Haeng.
“The demands are too vague. Without clear terms on duration or scope, I can’t accept.”
“We request mutual non-aggression in Cheoksu for five years after the war there ends.”
“Hmm…”
Yi Hwan took a sip of the tea the general had brought, right on cue.
Clink.
“To sum it up: if Zhao reclaims Cheoksu and we don’t attack Zhao for five years afterward, Northern Yeon keeps the neutral territory it’s occupied as its own land. Is that right?”
“Yes.”
“Understood. I’ll think it over.”
“…Pardon?”
Jo Haeng, who had expected immediate acceptance, was slightly flustered.
Yi Hwan continued.
“Truth be told, I recently had a very unpleasant encounter with Qin, so I’d love to accept your proposal right away. But it’s not something I can decide on the spot, is it?”
“Yeon gains territory from its vassal Northern Yeon just by sitting still. What’s there to deliberate?”
“I’d accept in a heartbeat. But I must consult His Majesty, no? Wait a few more days. We’ll treat you well in the meantime. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m busy.”
* * *
“What’s his game? We’re handing them territory for free, and he needs to ‘deliberate’?”
“Exactly. Claiming he needs the Emperor’s approval is just an excuse. Hasn’t the Yeon Emperor already entrusted everything to the Great Prince?”
The envoys spoke in unison.
But Jo Haeng kept his gaze steady, nodding silently.
“What if he wants more?”
“Possibly. But His Majesty would never accept anything beyond this. We’ll just have to wait and see what he demands.”
“What if it falls through? If we return empty-handed, His Majesty won’t forgive us.”
“Indeed!”
Another wave of anxiety swept over the envoys.
Jo Haeng shared that very worry. If they failed to secure the treaty and returned, none of them—not he, nor anyone here—would escape unscathed.
“I thought he’d snap it up…”
* * *
Go Mi’s eyes widened round.
“Zhao will recognize Northern Yeon’s claim to the northern neutral zone?”
“Jo Yun wrote it in his own hand.”
“This is truly unexpected. It means Yeon gains territory without lifting a finger—right over Zhao’s head, no less.”
“And the mines to boot.”
Go Mi looked dazed. She’d anticipated Zhao demanding something in return, but never imagined it would be this generous.
“Is Cheoksu really that vital?”
“It might be, or it could just be a matter of pride. Either way, our intervention forced Zhao into defeat. For someone as domineering as Jo Yun, that humiliation might matter more than anything.”
“That sounds like Jo Yun.”
“We hold the knife, so no need to rush.”
Go Mi asked.
“Are you considering additional terms?”
“If we could push Zhao’s army—currently facing off with Northern Yeon—further south, that would be ideal. Assuming their envoy head has the authority.”
Yi Hwan headed straight to his office.
Just then, a general came running. He led the intelligence division of the Golden Army.
“Great Prince, Qin has lodged a strong protest over the violation of Songzi neutral territory. The complainant is Grand Minister Gwan Yeong.”
Yi Hwan chuckled.
“Looks like Yang Mu gained significant trust from that last negotiation.”
Yi Hwan issued orders at once.
“I’ll head down personally soon. Tell them to wait.”
“Understood.”
The general departed.
Go Mi said.
“Qin moved faster than expected.”
“No issue. All they can demand is a share of the iron—or gold. Of course, the moment Zhao acts, they won’t even be able to voice it.”
“To get Zhao moving quickly, shouldn’t we respond to the envoys sooner?”
“Since Qin jumped the gun, yes.”
“Then when…”
“Tomorrow morning.”
* * *
The next morning.
Yi Hwan visited the Zhao envoys.
Perhaps because he’d come sooner than expected, Jo Haeng and the others were on edge, wondering what he’d say.
“I’ll be direct.”
“We’re listening.”
“In addition to recognizing the promised land as Northern Yeon territory, withdraw your forces there one hundred li further back. Shorten the treaty term to three years, and we’ll sign right here.”
“…”
“I trust the envoy head has that discretion.”
Jo Haeng hesitated. But his mind raced.
“It’s land we’ll reclaim later anyway. Withdrawing a hundred li now changes nothing major.”
“If that’s what the Great Prince wishes, so be it. We’ll draft the treaty immediately.”
Jo Haeng gestured, and an envoy prepared brush and ink.
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair and asked casually.
“How’s Hong Seon faring?”
He no longer called her Empress.
Jo Haeng flinched inwardly but replied calmly.
“Yes. Thanks to His Majesty’s concern, she’s doing well without issue.”
“Pass on my regards. Tell her to live long and prosper.”
“I’ll relay it exactly.”
Soon after, both sides sealed the treaty documents, concluding the negotiations.
* * *
Yi Hwan watched the Zhao envoys pass through the command headquarters’ main gate, narrowing his brows slightly.
“I’ve stirred up a war that might have been avoided, all with my own hands. It weighs on me.”
“Even if the truth comes out, Yeon’s people will praise the Great Prince.”
“Thank you. For understanding.”
“It’s for all our nations.”
“Let’s eat. We need to head to Songzi soon.”
“Already hungry?”
“Worrying makes the stomach empty fast.”
“You’re… actually worrying?”
“What do you mean?”
Go Mi smiled and continued.
“I just meant it wrapped up too easily.”
Heh.
“The situation favored me, but it was no easy feat. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
* * *
The border between Hubei Province and Chongqing.
Qin’s Grand Minister Gwan Yeong stared at the distant Songzi lands, furrowing his brow.
“Five days since the formal protest, and still no reply…”
Yeon hadn’t even responded. They’d only said Yi Hwan would arrive soon and relay then.
“Still no confirmation on whether it’s iron or gold mines?”
“Yes. The perimeter is too heavily guarded for approach.”
“Then select elite experts for scouting.”
“We’ve already sent some warriors, but the Yeon experts stationed there have superior skills beyond expectation. Even our warriors couldn’t get close.”
“They’re dug in deep. No doubt the Great Prince Yi Hwan is personally overseeing it.”
“He’s remarkably versatile. Always at every key scene, isn’t he?”
Gwan Yeong nodded silently at his aide’s words, a bitter expression crossing his face. He thought of Second Prince Yang Yi-cheon, the irredeemable playboy.
“Let’s head back. Rain’s coming soon.”
“Yes.”
As Gwan Yeong predicted, the downpour started the moment they reached their quarters.
Whoosh!
Gwan Yeong shared drinks with his aide.
“May I ask something?”
“Speak.”
“If His Majesty should pass, what becomes of you, Grand Minister?”
“Why? Worried about your future since I fell from Crown Prince’s favor?”
“How dare I…”
Heh.
“No need to fret. I’ll deliver results from this negotiation that satisfy His Highness. So you’d best support me diligently. Understood?”
“Of course. I wish to stay by your side to the end.”
“Drink.”
“Yes.”
Rumble!
Crack!
Thunder crashed fiercely.
Then someone entered—the warrior sent on recon.
“Great Prince Yi Hwan has arrived in Songzi.”
“You confirmed personally?”
“Yes. I saw him myself.”
“Good work.”
The warrior left, and Gwan Yeong drained his cup repeatedly.
Thud!
‘We’ll meet again soon.’
* * *
Whoosh!
Clatter-clatter!
Torrential rain battered the windows.
Yi Hwan dined with Ju Tae and others, raising his cup.
“Checked their side?”
“Yes. Grand Minister Gwan Yeong and about two hundred men. No further forces.”
“No need to bring troops if it’s not war.”
“They said they’d relay when you returned. Shall I notify now?”
“Morning’s soon enough. Drink.”
“Yes.”
The drinking lasted until dawn.
In the morning, they informed Qin of Yi Hwan’s arrival. By noon, Gwan Yeong entered Songzi territory.