Chapter 390
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 390
Chapter Title: Nothing to Fear
In the war ignited by Yi Hwan, who truly suffered the greatest blow?
First, the Qin Kingdom had handed over the Red Water to the Zhao Kingdom and failed to secure any share of the mines. On top of that, they lost tens of thousands of warriors in the Red Water battle.
Next came the Zhao Kingdom. They gained the Red Water but at considerable cost, and they surrendered the northern neutral zone to Yeon.
One gain for one loss—did that mean they fared better than Qin?
"Aren't they both the same?"
"No way. Qin took the biggest hit."
"What are you talking about? At least the war didn't escalate. If the Great Prince hadn't stepped in, the entire Guizhou Fortress would have been in danger."
"It was a war started by the Great Prince."
"……."
Kim Mu-gwan was at a loss for words.
As Park Ji-mun said, it was a war ignited by Yi Hwan. Once the truth came out, what expressions would Yang Mu and the Qin people wear? The Zhao Kingdom would be no different.
Kim Mu-gwan stared at Yi Hwan, who was striding far ahead, and let out a wry smile.
"How's Yang Mu supposed to handle a guy like that?"
"Even Sun Wukong couldn't do much in Buddha's palm. We should count this as lucky."
Ju Tae chimed in then.
"Yang Mu won't be too upset about it."
"Why's that?"
"The Qin Emperor still hasn't shown himself, so he's probably still bedridden. At this rate, won't Yang Mu ascend the throne soon? He'd want to avoid further escalation just to prepare for that."
"Could be."
Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun nodded in agreement.
It was then.
"Don't lag behind. Keep up."
Thud thud thud!
Yi Hwan suddenly surged forward.
The three exchanged glances and sighed.
"How do we keep up with that Red Hare?"
"The horse is a fake, and so's the rider."
* * *
Upon returning to Songzi, Yi Hwan summoned a hundred thousand laborers and accelerated mine development.
As time passed, the mine's value began to shine brighter. Beyond its vast reserves, diamond fragments and even gold were discovered in some areas.
At this point, Yi Hwan's intent in dragging the two kingdoms into war had achieved perfect—nay, beyond perfect—success.
Thus, he decided to establish a military camp near the mine. Protection, of course, was the goal.
"Where will you draw the troops from?"
"Considering the location, the Central Army makes sense. Even if we pull a large force, they can minimize issues if trouble arises."
About ten days later?
Fifty thousand Central Army troops arrived in Songzi. With the camp not yet complete, the warriors were immediately put to work.
* * *
Yi Hwan sat face-to-face with one general.
He was the Central Army officer who had led the fifty thousand.
"They're building quarters for your families. Once it's progressed enough, bring all the officers' families here—and the warriors' too."
"They'll be overjoyed! Thank you, Great Prince!"
The general beamed. Nothing boosted morale like being with family.
Yi Hwan issued various other orders beyond that. Soon after the general departed, Go Mi entered.
A certain someone trailed behind her.
"Greetings, my lord."
"You came quickly."
"I heard about the quality iron and rushed down without sleep."
Yi Hwan had summoned Han Jo to inspect the iron deposits here. He also had expertise in precious metals, so Yi Hwan wanted to discuss diamond utilization with him.
"Rest today—you must be tired."
"No, I'll check it out right away."
"Then let's go together."
"Yes, sir!"
Yi Hwan, Han Jo, and Go Mi headed straight to the work site. Han Jo gasped at the sea of white tents blanketing the plain.
"Wow! What a massive workforce!"
"How far along is the facility construction?"
"Two weeks should see it done."
"Then we can start weapons production immediately?"
"Yes. We'll begin with the secured iron."
"We're building facilities here too, so coordinate with the artisans and make it happen."
"Understood."
Indeed. Yi Hwan planned to enable on-site weapons production. Han Jo would play a key role, shuttling between here and the capital.
Moments later, Yi Hwan halted near the mine entrance, now taking shape.
"Welcome, Great Prince."
The middle-aged artisan bowed deeply.
"Show this man the iron."
"Yes, Great Prince."
Han Jo followed the middle-aged man to a spot nearby.
Yi Hwan and Go Mi stood side by side, gazing at the massive mine entrance. Dust rose everywhere, but scattered around them.
"Any more clashes near the Black Dragon River Province mines with the North Sea?"
"Yes. Nothing major, but minor skirmishes continue."
"We may need to station separate troops at the Black Dragon River Province mines depending on the situation."
"Like here?"
Yi Hwan nodded silently.
"Mines will play the most vital role in national development going forward. The enemy knows it too, so they'll be prime targets. Best prepare early."
"You're right. Anyway, what a colossal scale. It's not just the largest in Yeon—probably in the entire Central Plains."
Go Mi was thrilled.
Yi Hwan had accomplished much, but this mine might top them all.
It would strengthen the military and, if gold and diamonds were leveraged well, bolster the treasury too.
Yeon had more land and population than Qin, yet lagged economically due to scarce resources like mines.
Qin, meanwhile, boasted the most fertile soil among the three Central Plains kingdoms, excelling in agriculture and wielding vast resources for unmatched economic might.
This mine would stabilize Yeon's finances greatly, though it still wouldn't match Qin's.
"The gods seem truly fair."
"What brought that on?"
"If our Yeon had founded a dynasty on Qin's land, we'd have unified the world by now."
"We might've been devoured already. If we'd grown complacent in prosperity like today's Qin."
"……."
Han Jo returned then.
He held out something in his palm, exclaiming in admiration. A fingernail-sized diamond.
"Iron might take a backseat to this. The raw quality is exceptional—open trade routes, and it'll rake in fortunes."
"I hear processing them is tough. Can you manage?"
"Yes! Just leave it to me!"
"Get to it."
"Understood!"
Everything falling into place so neatly lifted Yi Hwan's spirits.
Go Mi spoke up.
"Our Yeon rich alone won't make a big enough market."
"We've got experts in that area."
Go Mi's brow furrowed briefly, then her eyes sparkled.
"The Yellow Dragon Merchant Group leader and Lord Wang can handle it. Especially the Yellow Dragon—he's opened routes across the sea to Dongyeong and even distant Westeria."
"Exactly. Entrust it to them."
Even forgotten figures were summoned—for crucial roles.
Yi Hwan asked Han Jo something else.
"They say diamonds are the world's hardest material. Could they be used for weapons?"
"Never tried. If you wish, I'll research it."
"If we have enough, research it. Otherwise, no need."
"Understood!"
"Been a while—let's all drink together."
"Understood."
* * *
As Yi Hwan's plans clicked perfectly into place, others watched the chaotic world from a different angle.
Whoosh!
The sky over the Ten Thousand Great Mountains turned pitch black.
Torrential rain followed.
Pour!
Amid the downpour, Dark Heaven Cult Leader Jang Cheon-hwa and strategist Ma Jung-hyo climbed a pavilion and raised their cups.
"The Zhao-Qin war ended quicker than expected, throwing our plans into disarray."
"I figured the Zhao Emperor, stepping in personally, would seize all of Guizhou Fortress at least."
"Both sides ceased fire right after Yeon's Great Prince Yi Hwan appeared there, so he must've intervened again."
"That guy again."
Jang Cheon-hwa drained his cup, scowling.
Thud!
"The world feels like it's dancing to his tune. Even the domineering Zhao Emperor couldn't escape his grasp."
"He's undeniably exceptional. We might need to prioritize him over the Zhao Emperor."
Jang Cheon-hwa nodded gravely.
They'd long seen Jo Yun as the greatest obstacle to their grand undertaking. But Yi Hwan had risen, now looming larger than Jo Yun.
"We'll have to postpone the Zhao uprising."
"Yes. The Southwest Army dispatched to Red Water is returning to the capital—regrettable, but we must delay."
Ma Jung-hyo refilled the empty cup and broached another topic.
"Watching the Qin Emperor incident sparked an idea. Care to hear?"
"Speak."
"We could..."
Ma Jung-hyo began explaining.
Jang Cheon-hwa listened intently, his eyes shifting often. When it ended, he nodded solemnly, gaze steady.
"Assassination..."
"It's the surest way for maximum effect with minimal effort. Success would shake not just Zhao, but Jo Yun in one stroke."
"Losing an heir would do that."
Jang Cheon-hwa downed two cups in a row.
Thud!
"Send a small elite team—handpick the best."
"Understood. We'll move on it immediately."
"And about Ja-cheon."
Jang Cheon-hwa trailed off, frowning.
"What's wrong?"
"We can't keep him as a sheltered flower forever."
"……."
"Send him on this mission too."
"Too dangerous, Cult Leader!"
"The greater the danger overcome, the greater the growth."
"But..."
"Do as I say."
"……."
Ma Jung-hyo hesitated to reply.
Jang Cheon-hwa rose and walked to the pavilion's edge, hands behind his back.
"His performance on this op will determine if he's worthy of succession."
Ma Jung-hyo pressed no further, sensing the resolve.
Pour!
Rain, whipped by wind, lashed Jang Cheon-hwa's form—but an invisible force scattered it.
"Suppose."
"Yes?"
"The final foe isn't Jo Yun, but Yi Hwan. Could he handle it?"
He meant disciple Gu Ja-cheon.
Ma Jung-hyo answered without pause.
"With experience, yes. You know his genius better than anyone, Cult Leader."
"That's the issue—experience. That's why I'm sending him. Obey."
Ma Jung-hyo bowed deeply.
"I failed to grasp your intent. Forgive me."
Jang Cheon-hwa turned, smiling faintly.
"Still, best if it never comes to his turn."
"Of course. You and I will complete the grand undertaking."
"Naturally."