Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Handing Over the Appointment Letter
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"I've uncovered the movements of the person you're looking for from a month ago. The East Depot is mobilizing on a large scale, so I'll send good news soon."
'A month ago... that's pretty close.'
The letter from Yi So turned to ash and scattered. Just then, Cheol Mu-ok entered.
"Meal preparations are complete."
"Right."
Before stepping out, Yi Hwan informed Cheol Mu-ok of the letter's contents.
"The East Depot has tracked the ronin's movements from a month ago."
"Oh, really? If it's that recent, they might find him soon."
"We can hope."
"The East Depot's intelligence network lives up to its reputation. Chasing leads back a full month already."
"That's why they exist."
The two headed out side by side.
Behind the command tent was a space with a table made from a split log. On days without rain or wind, they usually ate and drank tea there.
Today, Cha Jung-kyeong joined them as well. His recovery was faster than expected, allowing him to walk on his own now.
They were about to start eating when Go Mi arrived.
"I'll come back after the meal."
"Just eat with us."
"......Yes. Thank you."
Song Cheon-mu quickly fetched a chair. Go Mi snatched the one meant for Yi Hwan's side and sat across from him.
"Is it more important than eating?"
"I believe so."
"Is that right? Let's hear it then."
"I've identified the martial artists in the Zhao Kingdom's army. They're called the Blood Ghosts, professional assassins who operated in the unorthodox sects in the past. The one the Great Prince killed was their leader, and about forty remain in the Zhao camp."
Everyone marveled at how much she'd uncovered in such a short time.
"How do you even find that out? Do you have someone planted in the Zhao camp?"
"Please understand that it's confidential."
"Could the Golden Imperial Guards manage something like that?"
"Those fools? Not a chance."
Yi Hwan smiled faintly at Go Mi's instantly icy demeanor.
"Alright, let's eat!"
The meal began.
Some time later, Go Mi brought up another topic.
"The Zhao Kingdom's Imperial Palace seems to be in great turmoil."
"Are they fighting like dogs over the throne there too?"
"The conflict between the Crown Prince and the Southwest King has reached a serious level."
The Southwest King was the Crown Prince of Zhao's uncle—the Emperor of Zhao's younger brother.
"And the Zhao Commander who died this time was aligned with the Crown Prince. Both sides are now clashing over sending their own man as the successor. That might be why Zhao hasn't launched an attack yet—the replacement hasn't been decided."
Yi Hwan set down his chopsticks and stared intently at Go Mi. Her slight embarrassment showed under his overt gaze.
"Did you learn this since coming here?"
"Yes."
Yi Hwan was impressed anew.
How long had it been since she arrived at the Southern Legion? Yet she'd already gathered so much intelligence, even on the power struggles in Zhao's Imperial Palace.
'With intelligence like this, wouldn't it be better for her to assist the Crown Prince directly?'
Go Mi spoke indirectly.
"I have a request."
"Go ahead."
"Please allow my Moon Pavilion warriors to join the training."
"Where? The Dragon-Tiger Army? Or with these guys?"
"I mean with these gentlemen."
Song Hoe and Song Cheon-mu brightened. But Cheol Mu-ok, their instructor, was unmoved.
"Training isn't something you just join casually."
"I'm asking the Great Prince. And as an official of the court, change that tone of yours first."
"......"
Cheol Mu-ok looked at Yi Hwan with a bewildered expression. Yi Hwan chuckled.
"He's right. The Moon Lord outranks you, so you must show proper respect in speech and action. Same for everyone else."
"Yes!"
"Understood."
Yi Hwan looked straight at Go Mi and asked.
"Have all your Moon Pavilion warriors mastered the Imperial Palace Martial Arts?"
"Yes, they have."
"Then joining them won't be very effective. These men are training in martial arts from the jianghu, not the Imperial Palace Martial Arts. As the Moon Lord knows, there's a clear difference between the two worlds' arts."
"That's not why I'm asking."
"Then why?"
"The camp hasn't fully settled yet, so there's no proper training ground. I considered using the other units' areas, but they all avoid us..."
It was a reason Yi Hwan hadn't considered. Cheol Mu-ok finally nodded in understanding.
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Mu-ok.
"Any issues?"
"No. If that's the reason, they'll train together."
Yi Hwan looked back at Go Mi.
"Join them."
"Thank you."
She clasped her hands toward Cheol Mu-ok.
"We won't be a burden. I look forward to training with you."
"No burden at all. I apologize for being stern without knowing the situation."
The mood warmed instantly, and they resumed eating.
Song Hoe and Song Cheon-mu's faces beamed with joy. Meanwhile, Cha Jung-kyeong looked distinctly disappointed.
Only they knew why.
* * *
Young Ho-chung and Mo Jae-hwang ate together and talked.
"The Left General has been acting strange these past few days. He won't even share meals or tea. Do you have any idea why?"
Young Ho-chung shook his head at Mo Jae-hwang's question.
"I've requested private meetings several times, wondering what's up, but he's refused every one. Come to think of it, it started after he returned from meeting the Great Prince..."
"He wasn't swayed by the Great Prince, was he?"
"The Great Prince grits his teeth at such things. There must be another reason. If you're worried, have the Deputy Overseer look into it."
"Got it. I'll check."
Indeed.
Paeng Mu-wi had been avoiding the two for days. Even when they sought him out, he made excuses to refuse meetings.
At first, they hadn't thought much of it. But as time dragged on, suspicions grew.
Mo Jae-hwang smiled coldly.
"If he knew his path to becoming Commander lay in my hands, I wonder what face he'd make."
"No big reason, probably. Don't take it too seriously."
A moment later, they finished eating and sipped tea.
Then a guard entered.
"The Left General has gone to the Great Prince's command tent."
"Is that so? Did the Great Prince summon him again?"
"Yes."
Young Ho-chung and Mo Jae-hwang exchanged glances.
"Understood. You're dismissed."
As the guard left, Mo Jae-hwang muttered with a darkened gaze.
"Is there really something going on with the Great Prince?"
"You're overthinking it. The Left General isn't the type. And he lacks the guts or ability to betray Second Prince. Let's watch a bit longer."
"Fine."
Young Ho-chung still didn't take it seriously. But Mo Jae-hwang's suspicions intensified.
His keen instincts had kicked in.
'Something's definitely up.'
* * *
Today, Paeng Mu-wi drank the tea Yi Hwan offered without hesitation. After some casual talk, he returned to his tent.
Cheol Mu-ok said.
"His attitude toward the Great Prince has definitely changed. Why'd you summon him today?"
"The drug's effect is wearing off."
"The drug... oh, the Soul Separation Technique potion you slipped into his drink back then?"
"It was hastily made, so the efficacy isn't perfect. He needs periodic doses. Anyway, it's about time to hand over the appointment letter."
"You think their trio's bond is broken?"
"It's better when they're suspicious of each other than fully shattered. Paeng Mu-wi has avoided Young Ho-chung and Mo Jae-hwang for days now—they must be getting suspicious. Let's watch a few more days."
"Yes."
Cheol Mu-ok was inwardly surprised.
It might seem simple, but pulling it off was no easy feat. Manipulating hearts was the hardest thing.
Yet everything was unfolding exactly as Yi Hwan wanted.
'Just a dose of the potion and a few words...'
Then Yi Hwan changed the subject.
"I've been thinking about something lately."
"What is it?"
"The Yeon Kingdom currently restricts royals from maintaining private armies by law. Even a secondary son like me needs His Majesty's permission for personal guards. Of course, that doesn't apply here. So, what if we build our own force?"
"Here?"
"It's the safest place from the Imperial Palace's eyes."
"I'm for it. Just give the order, and I'll bring our lineage here. As you said, it's free from palace surveillance. We can disguise them as Southern Legion troops—no issues."
Lately, Yi Hwan had felt the need for his own power. Not desperately yet, but with a force, he could steer situations his way.
'With my own power, I can intervene more actively in the Crown Prince's fight for the throne. And for the future, I need to build it now.'
Yi Hwan firmed his resolve.
"Good. Call your clan here."
"Understood."
* * *
The next morning, a messenger from the Imperial Palace arrived at the camp.
The news reached Paeng Mu-wi and the others immediately.
Yi Hwan summoned Paeng Mu-wi to his quarters. But Jeong Cheon was already there.
"You summoned me?"
"Sit."
Tea arrived shortly after. Unlike before, Paeng Mu-wi drank without hesitation.
Jeong Cheon said.
"Congratulations, Left General."
"Congratulations? What's this about?"
Jeong Cheon opened the dispatch and placed the appointment letter on the table.
"See for yourself."
Paeng Mu-wi's eyes trembled.
He knew without checking—it appointed him Commander of the Southern Legion.
'Finally, I'm the Southern Legion's Commander.'
As ecstasy filled Paeng Mu-wi's face, Jeong Cheon continued gravely.
"Please lead the Southern Legion well from now on. This junior will support you with all he has."
"Thank you, General Jeong!"
Seeing his usual rival sincerely congratulate him moved Paeng Mu-wi.
Clink.
Then, the silent Yi Hwan set down his teacup and spoke.
"I trust the Left General's abilities, but I have one concern."
"......"
"Remember what I said before?"
"About Young Ho-chung and Mo Jae-hwang?"
"Yes. I'm deeply worried the Left General—no, the Commander—might be swayed by them. I hear you haven't even spoken lately."
"I've heard the same. The other generals are greatly concerned too."
Jeong Cheon chimed in.
Paeng Mu-wi leaned forward with fierce eyes and a firm tone.
"As Commander, I will never be swayed by them, so rest easy, Great Prince. And they are not the type."
"Of course I trust the Commander. Hebei men are renowned for valor and loyalty above all. But with the Southern Legion's welfare at stake, how can I not worry? You know this place is like my home."
"I share the Great Prince's feelings."
Jeong Cheon added support again.
Paeng Mu-wi spoke even more resolutely.
"If they show disloyalty, I'll enforce the Commander's dignity. If they undermine discipline, they'll face due punishment!"
"Can I trust the Commander?"
"Trust me, Great Prince!"
* * *
Paeng Mu-wi withdrew, leaving only Jeong Cheon.
Unlike moments ago, Jeong Cheon's face was not just dark but gravely serious. Yi Hwan smiled faintly at him.
"The general still seems anxious?"
"I'm unsure if the Left General will act as the Great Prince desires. If things go wrong, it won't just affect the Southern Legion—the entire front line will suffer. If he uses his authority to replace key unit leaders right away, it'll be a major problem."
"That won't happen. And Paeng Mu-wi won't be Second Prince's limb—he'll be a loyal Southern Legion Commander."
"Yes?"
Jeong Cheon's eyes widened.
Yi Hwan spread his palm and grinned deeply.
"This palm is as vast as the Buddha's. Heh heh heh."
"......"
Yi Hwan stared straight at Jeong Cheon.
"The Crown Prince's Palace firmly trusted General Hwang. But he's gone now, leaving only you. So I ask—can I trust the general's loyalty to the Crown Prince's Palace?"
"This junior swears it by the heavens!"
"Good enough."