Chapter 384
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 384
Chapter Title: The Leisurely One and the One Who Isn't
Gwan Yeong, who had met Yi Hwan again, steeled his resolve right up until they faced each other.
He had been full of confidence on the way up to Songja, but the thought of actually confronting Yi Hwan made his breathing quicken with tension.
“It's been a while, Grand Minister of Works.”
“I hope you've been well.”
“As for me, I've always been doing just fine. Have a seat.”
Gwan Yeong sat down, and tea was promptly brought in. After a brief exchange of formalities, Gwan Yeong broached the main topic first.
“I've heard you're developing the mines. But are you aware that you've already encroached on neutral territory?”
“How could I not know that? So, what is it you want to say?”
Yi Hwan lifted his teacup to his lips while staring straight at Gwan Yeong. Gwan Yeong took a moment to steady his breath before continuing.
“Encroaching on neutral territory is a clear violation of the treaty between our two nations. Accordingly, my kingdom formally requests that you halt development.”
“You said this is a violation of the treaty right now?”
“That is correct.”
Yi Hwan turned to Go Mi and asked,
“Was there such a treaty between us and the Qin Kingdom?”
“There was not.”
Yi Hwan turned back to Gwan Yeong.
Gwan Yeong raised his voice slightly.
“Even if it wasn't put into writing, you, Great Prince, surely know well that both Yeon Kingdom and Qin Kingdom have tacitly agreed to leave that land as neutral territory without claiming it.”
“I'm the sort who considers anything not formalized in a written treaty as meaningless.”
“Then conflict will be inevitable.”
Gwan Yeong tried to remain as calm as possible. But he began to feel a strong sense of unease from Yi Hwan's attitude.
“And that conflict would entail military clashes?”
“I merely hope for a smooth resolution.”
It was an ambiguous response that was neither affirmation nor denial.
Yi Hwan took a sip of his tea.
Clink.
“Can you handle that?”
“……!”
“To be honest, up until now, I've done my utmost to maintain friendly relations with Qin Kingdom. Yet, whether intentionally or not, the former Grand Commander at Jeksu put me in danger. I'm sure you, Grand Minister of Works, are aware of that fact.”
“…….”
“Even so, when you came seeking our cooperation, I gladly complied. And yet, it seems you've forgotten Yeon Kingdom's aid once again? Demanding we halt mine development just like this.”
With that, Yi Hwan stood up.
“Great Prince!”
“Of course, I have no desire for armed conflict with Qin Kingdom. But know this: if it's unavoidable, I'm not one to shy away.”
“……!”
* * *
Yi Hwan crossed his arms and watched Gwan Yeong's retreating figure.
“He came in full of fighting spirit, but he doesn't look that way at all leaving. Seems pushing back hard worked.”
“You have to break their pride first. Then negotiations can come after.”
“If you're not giving an inch, why bother negotiating at all? Once Zhao Kingdom makes its move, they'll come crawling back on their own.”
“You have to pretend to give a little. That way, we have something to say later. Of course, even that little bit—we'll make them offer it first.”
Go Mi gave a faint smile at Yi Hwan's confident tone.
*Now this kind of display doesn't surprise me at all anymore.*
“Let's head inside.”
“Yes.”
* * *
Two days passed.
Yet Gwan Yeong did not come to see Yi Hwan again. It was a battle of wills.
One of his aides asked with a worried expression.
“It's already been two days. What if Yeon Kingdom pushes ahead with mine development without even negotiating?”
“Right now, that man thinks he holds the knife. Rushing in this situation won't lead to favorable terms or good results for us. Even if it's not officially documented as neutral territory, if Yeon Kingdom ignores something the whole world knows, then whatever happens next will be entirely on his head.”
“I wonder if he's the type to think that far ahead…….”
“Don't worry. I'll handle it well.”
“…….”
It was a stark contrast to the tension he showed facing Yi Hwan—Gwan Yeong now radiated confidence.
But his aide knew. Gwan Yeong was extremely tense.
“Bring some liquor.”
“Yes. Please wait a moment.”
Soon after, the aide brought in liquor and simple snacks.
Even as Gwan Yeong drank, he envisioned facing Yi Hwan again in his mind.
*From the negotiations over iron onward, I've been overwhelmed by his presence and unable to speak properly. This time, I absolutely cannot let that happen.*
He was steeling his resolve and determination, downing half a bottle of liquor, when a general burst in hurriedly.
“Grand Minister of Works!”
“Why all the fuss?”
“Zhao Kingdom's army is advancing south toward Jeksu again! And their numbers are far greater than before!”
“……!”
Gwan Yeong's face hardened. The first thing that flashed in his mind was Yeon Kingdom's previous assistance.
*I need to wrap up negotiations before they learn Zhao Kingdom's army is moving!*
He shot to his feet.
“We're heading up to Songja immediately! Hurry!”
“Yes!”
* * *
Go Mi came to see Yi Hwan.
“Zhao Kingdom's army has begun moving. The forces heading to Jeksu are far more numerous than before.”
“They're clearly out to finish things decisively.”
Yi Hwan leisurely tilted his teacup.
Clink.
“He must be regretting not coming for those two days to test my resolve. Heh heh heh.”
“The Grand Minister of Works?”
“Yes.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently and continued right away.
“They won't be unaware of Zhao Kingdom advancing south either, so he might be rushing over by now. Hoping we have no idea.”
“What will you do?”
“Refuse him. Until the Qin imperial family requests our aid once more.”
“Zhao Kingdom timed their move perfectly.”
“Something like that.”
Yi Hwan finished the rest of his tea and stood.
“Shall we go to the site?”
“Yes.”
Moments later, Yi Hwan headed to the mine development site, where work was in full swing. Thanks to nearly ten thousand laborers deployed, progress was extremely rapid.
The site supervisor bowed his head in greeting.
“Welcome, Great Prince.”
“How's it going?”
“Yes. We've already found large quantities of iron at the entrance. I can hardly wait to see how much more there'll be once we reach the target depth.”
“You're providing proper meals to the laborers, right?”
“Yes. Just as instructed, at the highest level. The laborers are very satisfied.”
“Pay special attention to the artisans identifying the iron. Calculate and pay them for every extra hour worked.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan looked around briefly before heading to his quarters. That's when he spotted Gwan Yeong in the distance, kicking up dust as he galloped toward them.
A faint smile played on Yi Hwan's lips.
“Looks like he's in quite a hurry.”
* * *
Yi Hwan and Gwan Yeong sat facing each other again.
Gwan Yeong spoke first.
“My Qin Kingdom has received much aid from you, Great Prince, up to now. Allow me to express our sincere gratitude first.”
“No need for such words.”
“So, I'll get straight to the point.”
Gwan Yeong steadied his breath and broached the main topic.
“After examining from all angles, we request that you yield twenty percent of the mining output.”
“Yeon Kingdom is shouldering all the manpower and resources for the mines, and you want us to just hand over twenty percent to Qin Kingdom?”
“From our confirmation, seventy percent of the mines are located in neutral territory. Twenty percent is by no means excessive.”
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair and fell silent for a moment. Gwan Yeong unconsciously swallowed dryly.
A brief silence passed. But to Gwan Yeong, it felt like years.
“For now, I've heard your position, so you may go. I'll send a dispatch to His Majesty and contact you once we receive a reply.”
At those words, Gwan Yeong's expression changed.
“……Isn't it you, Great Prince, who wields full authority?”
“This is a major matter requiring His Majesty's approval.”
“……!”
* * *
Gwan Yeong's face flushed red as he departed. He believed Yi Hwan was lying.
“His Majesty's approval? What nonsense from someone with more power than the Emperor himself…….”
“Could he be dragging this out on purpose because he knows Zhao Kingdom has moved?”
“…….”
Gwan Yeong had been thinking the same.
If so, the problem was extremely serious. It would go beyond merely holding the knife to having it at his own throat.
Grip.
*Of all times, why is Zhao Kingdom moving now?*
Jeksu was no longer on Gwan Yeong's mind. His sole focus was achieving the best possible outcome to solidify his position.
It was then.
Thud thud thud!
A single rider charged forward like the wind from the front. Seeing the flag on his back, it was clearly a messenger from the rear.
Gwan Yeong was suddenly gripped by intense unease.
Neigh!
The messenger halted before Gwan Yeong and dismounted, bowing deeply.
“His Highness the Crown Prince orders all nearby forces to move to Jeksu!”
“Does that include me?”
“There was no mention regarding the Grand Minister of Works!”
Gwan Yeong asked in relief,
“The battle hasn't started yet, has it?”
“No reports on that yet! Then, shall I relay the order to the garrison commander?”
“Do so.”
“Yes, Grand Minister of Works!”
Thud thud thud!
Gwan Yeong stared at the messenger galloping away amid dust, his gaze steadying.
“Will Jeksu be alright?”
“With General Wi Ji-gwan, the master of defense, holding it, we won't yield to Zhao Kingdom like before. So, we just need to do our utmost in these negotiations.”
“Understood.”
* * *
While waiting for Yi Hwan's contact, Jeksu fell into battle once more, and reports of the situation reached Gwan Yeong steadily.
As Gwan Yeong predicted, the battle was evenly matched. Thanks to the prowess of Wi Ji-gwan, one of Qin Kingdom's top generals.
However, something unsettled Gwan Yeong. Unlike before, reports indicated Zhao Kingdom forces were also advancing from the Yunam Province side.
Even someone as ambition-driven as Gwan Yeong, Qin Kingdom's Grand Minister of Works, couldn't ignore the war situation.
Creak!
His aide entered through the door.
“What's the news?”
“No reply from the Imperial Palace yet, so they ask for a few more days.”
Twitch.
Gwan Yeong's eyelid twitched violently.
*What on earth is he scheming? Is he taking advantage of our lack of leeway due to the Zhao Kingdom war to give nothing at all?*
It was then. A general burst in hurriedly.
“Grand Minister of Works! Jeksu's northern sector has fallen to Zhao Kingdom's army!”
“What?!”
“While General Wi Ji-gwan's main force engaged the enemy main body, a Zhao detachment raided and overran it!”
“Hasn't His Highness the Crown Prince or the Grand Commander arrived at Jeksu yet?”
“The Grand Commander has already gone to Jeksu! But His Highness the Crown Prince remains at the Imperial Palace, as far as we know!”
Tremble……
Gwan Yeong's eyes shook.
He had trusted Wi Ji-gwan's abilities and never imagined the northern sector would fall in just a few days.
His aide said with a grim expression,
“Shouldn't we postpone negotiations and return to the capital? If the situation worsens further, His Highness may have to go to Jeksu himself for morale, and if anything happens to His Majesty in the meantime…….”
“…….”
This was a critical issue. If the Emperor passed away while the Crown Prince was absent, it could spell disaster.
No matter how firmly Yang Mu held the Crown Prince position, if the Emperor's final words named another prince as successor, Yang Mu would have no choice but to step down.
Even if the Emperor died without issuing such instructions, the problem remained. The powerful families could band together, citing the lack of a final testament to block Yang Mu's ascension.
The issue was that the other ministers could manipulate the situation either way, having witnessed the Emperor's deathbed.
To prevent this, Gwan Yeong himself needed to stay by the Emperor's side until the end.
*What to do?*
Gwan Yeong couldn't decide easily.
As he agonized deeply, another general opened the door and entered.
“A dispatch from the Crown Prince's Palace.”
Gwan Yeong immediately unfolded it.
To begin with…… therefore, the Grand Minister of Works shall return to the palace at once to attend His Majesty.