Chapter 399
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 399
Chapter Title: Wu Mun-sul's Agony
The next morning.
The sun rising beyond the horizon dyed the entire world red. Yi Hwan momentarily set everything aside, immersed in the majestic spectacle unfolding in nature.
“You’re up already?”
Kim Mu-gwan and Park Ji-mun approached.
From the room next door, Ju Tae’s snoring drifted faintly.
“I have something to report.”
“What is it?”
“I’ll help you build even stronger warships.”
Yi Hwan’s eyes changed in an instant.
“Do you have knowledge of warship construction?”
“I’m no master craftsman, but what I’ve learned by observation in Haedong should still be of use.”
“They won’t be pleased in Haedong if they find out about this.”
A grin.
“Don’t worry about that. I don’t know enough for them to make an issue of it anyway, and I ask that you understand I can only offer help while avoiding their key secrets.”
“Even that much will make them superior to our current warships, I assume?”
“Of course. Especially in speed—they’ll be a match for Haedong’s, with hardly any difference.”
Snap!
Yi Hwan placed a hand on Park Ji-mun’s shoulder.
“I’m always the one receiving help from you all. Thank you, Ji-mun.”
“No need for that. As long as you’re here, relations between Yeon Kingdom and Haedong won’t sour, right? But if Zhao or Qin expand their influence in the Central Plains, it could threaten Haedong too. This helps not just Yeon, but Haedong as well.”
Yi Hwan knew it. Park Ji-mun was saying this out of worry that he might feel burdened.
“Then let’s start with the blueprints. Once they’re done, you won’t need to stay here.”
“Is there someone at headquarters who can handle the designs?”
“Fortunately, one remains.”
“Then we can begin right away. Building the number of warships you want will take considerable time, after all.”
* * *
Yeom Yu-gwang and Wang Ji-kyeong, still lingering in Songja.
The two frowned slightly upon reading the messenger bird dispatch Yi Hwan had sent.
“Why does he suddenly need so much money?”
“Indeed.”
The dispatch ordered them to prepare five million taels of silver as quickly as possible. No explanation for why.
“He seems in a great hurry, so best if you and I split it evenly.”
A grin.
Wang Ji-kyeong chuckled slyly.
“You seem to have fully become the Great Prince’s man now?”
“I forgot all about the past long ago. And I must repay the grace he showed in sparing me, despite my ties to the Empress.”
“Thanks to that, I feel secure. In any case, let’s join forces from here on to properly support the Great Prince.”
“Of course.”
As the two exchanged looks to reaffirm their resolve, the dispatch reached Yi So, who had returned to the capital.
Yi So smiled faintly upon checking the contents.
“He’s already found the answer?”
“What did the Great Prince say?”
“He’s starting warship construction, it seems. He’ll stay at naval headquarters a few days to oversee until things take shape, then return.”
“Then how can I assist?”
“He asks to send as many skilled shipwrights as possible to Haemun. He’s already inquiring through Moon Pavilion, but we should help too.”
“Understood. I’ll deploy people to gather as many as possible. Seeing him rush like this, the navy’s strength must not have satisfied him.”
“That’s likely. I’ve overlooked the navy’s importance until now myself.”
Yi So lifted his teacup to his lips.
Clink.
“With the navy strengthened too, we’ll have the strongest force in history. I eagerly await that day.”
“I share Your Majesty’s eager anticipation.”
“Now go! I must discuss support measures with the ministers, so move quickly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Ah! If word of our warship construction leaks to Zhao or Qin, it won’t be good, so keep it airtight. Make the craftsmen swear to secrecy as well.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yi So’s steps toward the throne room seemed unusually light.
* * *
Jo Yun and Wu Mun-sul sat facing each other.
Having changed clothes and washed up cleanly, Wu Mun-sul emptied the cup Jo Yun offered.
“How goes the search for those behind it?”
“We’re doing our utmost, but no solid leads yet. I have no face to show Your Majesty.”
Thud!
“Are all suspects under investigation?”
“Yes. With every investigative organ mobilized, if it’s internal elements, it’ll come to light soon.”
“You seem to hope it’s not internal forces. Afraid I’ll unleash a bloodbath?”
“I seek only the culprit who targeted Crown Prince.”
Jo Yun emptied cup after cup in silence. Wu Mun-sul refilled whenever it was empty.
Thud!
“Do you think the people’s hearts have turned back to me?”
“To reach a level that satisfies Your Majesty, it’ll take a bit more time. But those who recognize Your Majesty’s sincerity are growing quickly, so please wait a little longer.”
“Until when.”
“…….”
Jo Yun emptied another cup.
Wu Mun-sul read the strange glint in Jo Yun’s eyes and was suddenly seized by an ominous feeling.
“I’ve given up much, they say the people’s will is heaven’s will. I even poured funds meant for the Southwest Army—my own flesh and blood—into swaying the populace. Yet many still shun me as a tyrant. Even the ministers who followed the late emperor.”
Crack!
The cup in Jo Yun’s hand shattered, fragments scattering across the table.
Drip!
“If I lead, they should follow—that’s the people’s duty. How long must I keep watching their faces?!”
The intense anger in his tone made Wu Mun-sul’s unease grow.
“Chief of Staff.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“From this moment, I’ll no longer tolerate those who don’t sincerely submit to me. Not even you.”
“……!”
“After purging those who followed the late emperor, I’ll seat the sons of Left and Right Ministers in their places to strengthen imperial authority, and redirect the funds spent on public sentiment to military buildup.”
“Purging without cause will only breed chaos, Your Majesty.”
“The Crown Prince was attacked. I see them as the culprits.”
“……!”
Chills ran through Wu Mun-sul’s body.
‘To use the Crown Prince incident as pretext for purges…’
Vivid images of ministers dying brutally flashed in Wu Mun-sul’s mind like reality.
“Why say nothing?”
“I shall obey Your Majesty’s will.”
Unable to voice dissent, Wu Mun-sul bowed deeply.