Chapter 397
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 397
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Cultists Appear in Zhao Kingdom
A single worry had arisen for Yi Hwan, who had faced no obstacles thus far. It was the navy’s power, which lagged far behind that of the Qin and Zhao Kingdoms.
He hadn’t even considered it until Dong Yeong’s emergence as a variable, which now filled him with self-reproach.
The greater issue was that Yi Hwan himself was all but ignorant of naval matters, and he currently lacked the resources to invest in strengthening the fleet.
He couldn’t alter the plan now. Doing so could cause massive disruption and delays.
Yi Hwan faced no hurdles in other areas, but thoughts of the navy left his mind utterly blocked.
‘I have no choice but to prepare step by step from now on.’
Clink.
Today, the tea tasted not just bitter, but outright acrid.
Just then, Go Mi entered.
“How did it go?”
“We’ve thoroughly concealed the fact that Jo Gwang-mu was ambushed. The common folk and even ordinary warriors seem completely unaware. Moreover, the Zhao Kingdom army’s overall movements show no significant deviation from the norm, making it hard to infer whether Jo Gwang-mu’s condition is dire or if there’s no major issue.”
“Even after Jo Jeong-mu and now Jo Gwang-mu, they show no reaction whatsoever. Jo Yun is far more cold-blooded than I thought.”
“With no outward movements, it seems they’ve focused on internal investigations.”
“Even if there’s no action now, they could strike suddenly at any moment. Keep watching closely.”
“Yes, understood.”
Yi Hwan drained the last of his tea and stood.
“Are you heading to the site?”
“Our top priority is stabilizing this place as quickly as possible, so I have no choice but to focus there.”
Yi Hwan and Go Mi stepped outside.
The fervor from tens of thousands of laborers reached them even here. Mining development aside, the city construction was rapidly taking shape.
Yi Hwan nodded in satisfaction and headed toward Han Jo.
Han Jo was immersed in processing diamond stones in the newly completed forge. Unlike iron, diamond stones took considerable time to work, so he had started on them first.
Unexpectedly, Yellow Dragon Merchant Group Leader Yeom Yu-gwang was there as well. Yi Hwan had summoned him, as no one could better assess the market value of the processed stones.
And he hadn’t come alone. Numerous artisans from the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group had arrived to assist Han Jo.
As Yi Hwan entered, Yeom Yu-gwang bowed his head.
“Welcome, Great Prince.”
“You’ve arrived?”
Han Jo wiped sweat from his brow and stood.
“Is it progressing well?”
“We’ll do our utmost to show you processed diamond stones as soon as possible.”
Yi Hwan turned to Yeom Yu-gwang.
“What do you think, Merchant Group Leader?”
“The raw stones are so exceptional that, with proper processing, we could rake in fortunes.”
“You’re not exaggerating just to please me?”
“How dare I report falsehoods? This is my judgment based on experience, so trust it, Great Prince.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently.
“Create the optimal environment so the artisans can give their all.”
“Yes, understood.”
Yi Hwan paid particular attention to the artisans. After all, everything began with their hands, so the best treatment would spur their motivation.
“Han Jo.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“Your first piece will be presented to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress, so show your true skill.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan headed outside with Go Mi.
The two walked side by side toward the west.
The west would house the city for the stationed troops and laborers’ families. It was also under construction with spaces for merchants flocking from across the land.
“This place might become Yeon Kingdom’s greatest commercial hub. Goods made from the gold and diamond stones produced here will draw people from all over the world to buy them. With the wide river nearby, it’s ideal for trade.”
“We must make it so. This will become the new heart of Yeon Kingdom.”
“Qin Kingdom will be seething if that happens.”
“Indeed.”
Yi Hwan’s passion for the new city astonished even Go Mi. His ambitions had grown far beyond initial mining development.
“Moon Lord.”
“Yes?”
“Our navy command is at the Haemun of Jiangsuo Province, correct?”
“Yes. The naval headquarters handling maritime affairs were all consolidated there a few years ago.”
Yeon Kingdom’s navy was divided into two.
One handled the seas, the other the rivers crossing the continent.
The same held for Zhao and Qin. However, Qin’s navy was known as the strongest, given its extensive coastline.
“Why bring that up suddenly...?”
“I think I need to go there.”
“Was the occasional gloom on your face due to the navy?”
“Since Dong Yeong appeared, I can’t ignore it. If they ally with Qin, we must prepare thoroughly from now.”
“Then when will you go?”
“Leaving tomorrow morning.”
“Understood. I’ll make the preparations right away.”
* * *
The moon shone unusually bright tonight.
Yi Hwan sat in his residence’s courtyard, sipping tea with his close aides and conversing idly.
After about half a shichen, an unexpected guest arrived.
“Great Prince, a man from Wudang Sect has come.”
Yi Hwan gazed behind the general. A figure in Wudang robes bowed toward him.
“Give him a seat.”
“Yes.”
Moments later, the Wudang Taoist sat before Yi Hwan and got straight to the point.
“I’ve come to report information obtained from the captive.”
He meant Jang Cheon-jo.
The Taoist continued, and Yi Hwan listened intently.
“The sect leader instructed me to convey to you that it would be wise to hasten the alliance’s formation.”
This was exactly what Yi Hwan wanted.
Though he didn’t know Jang Cheon-jo’s identity, he had predicted that direct investigation into these unorthodox martial artists would instill far greater vigilance than words alone—and it had proven spot on.
“Have you contacted the other sects?”
“Yes. We’ve reached out to most, including Shaolin and Mount Hua, and are coordinating a meeting time.”
“Then convey that Wudang should lead the effort to form the alliance. Once decided, I’ll handle the support.”
“Understood. I’ll relay that.”
“You must be tired from the long journey, so rest well before returning.”
“Thank you, Great Prince.”
The Wudang Taoist left beaming.
Cha Ryong, sipping tea nearby, asked Yi Hwan.
“Wait, Jang Cheon-jo was captured by Wudang?”
“You know him?”
“Yes. But how...?”
Go Mi explained the full story in Yi Hwan’s stead. As she finished, Cha Ryong and Ban Go stared at each other with wide eyes.
Ban Go muttered.
“Cheon-jo... that guy wouldn’t leak secrets even if his head were cut off...”
“Maybe his heart wasn’t as strong as yours.”
“......”
Ban Go scratched his head.
Yi Hwan chuckled softly and continued.
“From what I’ve seen, Blood Demon followers lack loyalty to Jo Yun more than expected. Of course, I’m not referring to you two, so don’t misunderstand.”
“......”
Cha Ryong hesitated before speaking.
“It’s probably due to the deepening rift between the Divine Strength Faction and Western Faction. Especially since Jo Yun favors the Western Faction, escalating the conflict. After he became emperor, key posts went mostly to them, breeding much resentment in the Divine Strength Faction.”
Yi Hwan asked something else.
“Any way to exacerbate their conflict?”
“Well...”
“You two look into it.”
“Us?”
“No one knows them better than you.”
“......Yes. We’ll find a way.”
Yi Hwan finished his tea and stood.
“I leave early tomorrow morning, so rest up.”
“Yes!”
“Right!”
* * *
A few days later, in Zhao Kingdom’s capital.
Jo Yun did not descend to the enemy camp where Jo Gwang-mu was.
Having confirmed through reports that his life was not in danger, he stayed in the capital to focus on uncovering the ambush’s mastermind. The internal faction expected to cause the greatest uproar was his primary target.
If it was their doing, he aimed to eradicate them entirely this time, preventing any recurrence.
Despite mobilizing all intelligence resources, no solid leads had emerged yet.
Then one day.
While Military Strategist Woo Mun-sul was away from the Imperial Palace on business, the East Depot chief visited Jo Yun.
“Sit there.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bring tea.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Once the tea arrived, Jo Yun reclined and lifted his cup.
After a moment of silence, Jo Yun spoke.
“Is the hunt for those loyal to the late emperor ongoing?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. East Depot and all agencies are combing the nation thoroughly.”
“Any results?”
“My regrets, but only a few small fry. Thus, I humbly suggest there’s no further cause for concern.”
“What makes you so certain?”
“When Your Majesty ascended, all worrisome factions were eliminated. The few survivors can be counted on one hand—best to ignore them. Wouldn’t it be better to redirect those resources elsewhere?”
“Since when did East Depot care about state finances?”
“......!”
A chill filled the air, and the East Depot chief hurriedly bowed.
“This subject forgot his place! Forgive me, Your Majesty!”
Clink.
Jo Yun set down his cup and gazed impassively at the chief, who dared not meet his eyes and lowered his head slightly.
Jo Yun spoke.
“It’s not just about the late emperor’s loyalists. What concerns Us is that many still refuse to follow Our policies readily—those We spared without punishment for the sake of balance.”
“......”
The East Depot chief knew exactly who: the ministers appointed by the late emperor.
Jo Yun had feared backlash from excessive killings or purges at his ascension. Thus, he exempted those who pledged loyalty or hadn’t openly defied him.
“We suspect them.”
“Are you referring to the Crown Prince’s ambush?”
Jo Yun nodded silently.
Realizing his intent, the chief’s face stiffened—regardless of truth.
“We must investigate them thoroughly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The East Depot chief departed shortly after.
“Come in.”
An eunuch entered at Jo Yun’s call. A sharp-featured man with snake-black eyes.
“How fares Empress Yeon?”
“She rarely leaves the palace lately. Though she lingers in the rear garden at times, barring all entry then, so we couldn’t confirm her actions.”
Jo Yun thought of Hong Seon, his gaze deepening. Beneath lay a faint glint of greed.
‘She’s not one to stay quiet like this...’
Hong Seon had been eerily silent. Jo Yun had expected her to seek revenge on Yi So and Yi Hwan somehow.
Yet since arriving in Zhao, she showed no such signs—like she was content with her current life.
‘What is she scheming?’
Lately, Jo Yun had grown suspicious.
Of course, he had no desire to monitor her openly. Thinking of Hong Seon stirred greed above all.
Recalling her in bed made even his concubines’ voluptuous forms feel like mere rocks.
“Go tell her. Soon, We shall visit. Let’s share a drink.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The eunuch withdrew.
As Jo Yun finished his tea, his eyes gleamed meaningfully.
‘Before the world, I must conquer her first. Heh heh heh.’