Chapter 47
Chapter 47
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: On the Way to Sister's House (2)
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The Song Family boasted a long and storied history.
Since the founding of the Yeon Kingdom, their ancestors—starting with the one who served as a close aide to King Yeon Taejo Yi Jeok—had produced countless officials and were renowned as one of the great merchant houses.
In the past, they had even produced a prime minister, but at some point, they had stepped back from officialdom to focus on their merchant operations. At their peak, they had handled half of all the tea circulating throughout the land.
Yet the Song Family, which had enjoyed such glory, was now on a path of decline.
If one pinpointed the exact moment the decline began, it was right after Princess Yi Yeong married into the Song Family. Rumors abounded as to the cause, but most pointed to their inability to withstand the expansion of rival merchant groups backed by the Empress and the Second Prince.
The group that had pushed the Songs aside to claim the top spot was the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group.
Under the protection of the Empress—who wielded immense power in place of the reclusive Emperor—they had expanded with terrifying momentum. By now, they had seized control of most of the Song Family's trade routes and clients.
It was called a takeover, but the common view was that it amounted to no different from outright robbery by force.
Of course, the Song Family had resisted desperately, but the backing of the Empress and the Second Prince was an insurmountable barrier.
* * *
“The situation seems even worse than the rumors suggested. They’re barely keeping the flame alive by acquiring two inns just recently.”
As he listened to Go Mi’s report, Yi Hwan’s eyes darkened.
Go Mi continued.
“We’ve also confirmed that a portion of the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group’s profits is flowing to the Second Prince’s side. We don’t have the exact amount yet, but digging deeper should reveal it.”
“So the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group is serving as their funding pipeline?”
“That’s how it looks.”
Yi Hwan leaned deeply back into his chair, interlocking his fingers.
“Do you know how the Crown Prince’s Palace covers its funds?”
“I’m sorry. That’s beyond my knowledge.”
“And it’s not something you’d have to keep secret even if you did know?”
“No, it’s not.”
Go Mi bowed her head.
“You’ve done well. Go rest.”
“Will you head out right away?”
“I can’t just show up openly. Even disguised, a stranger appearing could reach their ears.”
“Then how will you...”
“I have a plan. Grab something to eat and rest up.”
“Understood.”
Once Go Mi had withdrawn, Yi Hwan furrowed his brow, thinking of the Second Prince, Yi Tae-ji.
‘Well, he’s been a lost cause from the start anyway.’
Yi Hwan opened the window.
One more day, and he could meet his sister. But first, there was something he had to do.
Whoosh!
* * *
There were eyes watching Yi Hwan.
It was a ronin who had been tailing him since the Southern Legion. From the inn across the street, he peered at Yi Hwan through a slightly open window.
‘Moving around in disguise means he’s up to something. Tsk. But that’s not what intrigues me.’
From observing Yi Hwan so far, he had learned nothing beyond the fact that he was an imperial prince and the Great Prince.
The only takeaway was that he was far from the pathetic rumors.
The ronin’s gaze shifted to the room next door to Yi Hwan’s. It was where Cheol Mu-ok was staying.
‘Can’t approach carelessly because of that guy.’
There had been plenty of chances to get close to Yi Hwan. But he always had Cheol Mu-ok at his side, forcing him to give up. In the ronin’s eyes, Cheol Mu-ok exuded the aura of a master whose strength was impossible to gauge, and there was no need to take the risk. The ronin looked back at Yi Hwan.
‘What’s your true identity? Why are you looking for me?’
Whoosh!
A gust of wind brushed across the ronin’s face.
That was when it happened.
Yi Hwan looked his way. The ronin reflexively ducked to the side.
‘No way he’s noticed my presence, right?’
* * *
Yi Hwan stared indifferently at one spot in the inn across the street. Through the slightly open window, a curtain fluttered in the wind.
‘Is someone tailing me?’
Yi Hwan was certain the ronin he sought had come to the Southern Legion. If he had been watching there, he would surely have followed him here.
Confirming whether that man was the Sword King’s descendant was the priority, but Yi Hwan felt no urge to rush. Acting rashly in uncertain circumstances could ruin everything.
If the man slipped away by some chance, who knew how much time would be wasted.
‘If he learned from the East Depot that I’m looking for him, he wouldn’t leave on his own. He might even be watching me right now from somewhere.’
Yi Hwan took a quiet breath, scanning the darkening corners of the city. But he detected no suspicious signs anywhere.
‘We’ll meet when the time comes. I hope he truly is the man’s descendant...’
Recalling the Sword King’s handsome face, Yi Hwan closed the window.
Click!
* * *
As the light in Yi Hwan’s room went out, the ronin poked his head out the window again.
That was when it happened.
Creak!
This time, the window of Cheol Mu-ok’s room opened.
“...!”
The ronin ducked behind his window again.
* * *
The grand estate of the Song Family.
Though on the path of decline, the main household’s dignified air—born of its ancient history—remained unchanged. The guards at the main gate had sharp eyes and impeccable postures.
Clatter, clatter.
A carriage approached the gate.
Moments later, a woman stepped down from the carriage. Her skin was as fair and smooth as ivory, her slender figure radiating not fragility, but the refined nobility befitting a lady of a prestigious house.
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
The guards bowed deeply to the woman.
“Any visitors today?”
“Lord Wang came by just a short while ago.”
“Did Lord Wang come alone?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Thank you for your service.”
Entering the estate, the woman headed straight for the annex. After a few steps, she paused and turned to look left.
“You’re early today, my lady.”
Song Cheon-ho approached with a smile.
“I heard Lord Wang visited. Is it about that matter?”
“If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t come. Father will handle it well, so come inside and rest.”
The woman was Yi Hwan’s sister, Yi Yeong.
Her gaze toward the main hall grew heavy for a moment.
Song Cheon-ho placed a hand on her shoulder.
“The wind is cold. Let’s go in.”
“Yes.”
Moments later, the two sat facing each other in the annex. Song Cheon-ho poured hot water into a teacup and asked.
“How are things at the inn?”
“There are rumors of a large inn opening nearby. No doubt the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group.”
“Those bastards.”
Anger flashed across Song Cheon-ho’s face.
Yi Yeong said softly.
“I’ll handle the inn, so don’t worry too much.”
“How can I not worry when it’s the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group interfering? Heaven is truly blind. Haah...”
“The money Young Master left is still plenty. We can hire a better chef with it and manage just fine.”
Clink.
Yi Yeong brought the teacup to her lips.
Song Cheon-ho gazed at her face, obscured by rising steam, with a look of pity.
That was when it happened.
“It’s me, Master of the Merchant House.”
A deep voice came from outside.
“What is it?”
“The youngest young master has arrived.”
“Cheon-mu?”
Song Cheon-ho and Yi Yeong exchanged glances, their eyes widening in surprise.
Song Cheon-ho sprang up and opened the door, with Yi Yeong following behind.
Song Cheon-mu stood outside. And behind him stood the white-robed man who had visited the Southern Legion, bowing politely.
Song Cheon-mu beamed at the two and bowed deeply.
“I’m here! Haha!”
“How long has it been since you left, and you’re back already? Is something wrong?”
Song Cheon-ho and Yi Yeong stared at Song Cheon-mu, their faces showing more worry than joy. It hadn’t been long since his last visit, after all.
“I’ll explain inside.”
* * *
“My brother has come?”
“Yes, Your Highness. He asks for your understanding that he can’t visit right away due to watchful eyes.”
“My brother is here...”
Tears welled up in Yi Yeong’s eyes almost instantly.
The last time Yi Hwan had come to the capital, she had stayed up all night crying upon hearing he had left without seeing her.
Song Cheon-ho asked.
“Why has the Great Prince come? Is it business at the Imperial Palace again?”
“He said he’d explain in person later. By the way, I’m starving.”
Wiping her tears, Yi Yeong stood.
“I’ll prepare a meal soon, so talk among yourselves.”
“Make lots of delicious things!”
“Of course. I’ll prepare all your favorites, so just hold on a bit.”
Song Cheon-mu’s face was beaming.
“Your expression is so bright. So there really is nothing wrong?”
“Yes, Brother. Truly nothing, and I’ve been doing great. My martial arts have improved a ton too. There’s this really strong guard with the Great Prince...”
Song Cheon-mu began chattering proudly. Song Cheon-ho watched with a pleased smile. It had been ages since he’d seen Song Cheon-mu so cheerful.
Then they were startled to hear the outcome of Yi Hwan’s negotiations with the Zhao Kingdom’s Commander. Their eyes widened naturally.
“The Great Prince really did that?”
“Yes. Ever since, all the warriors of the Southern Legion revere him almost like a god. The rumors haven’t reached here yet?”
“With hardly any warriors around, it’s no surprise they’re late. Still, what a tremendous feat. Those vicious Zhao bastards tucking tail and retreating two hundred li at the Great Prince’s threat!”
“I only heard about it secondhand, but they say the Zhao Commander was sweating bullets.”
“Oh! Really?”
“Rumors really can’t be trusted. From what I’ve seen, the Great Prince has more dignity than any general and excels in strategy. Oh! And he’s been hiding his martial prowess too.”
Now Song Cheon-mu was bragging about Yi Hwan. Song Cheon-ho listened gladly, smiling with joy.
* * *
Yi Hwan and Go Mi sat facing each other.
Go Mi placed a sheet of paper on the table.
“I’ve listed the ones we need to target first.”
The paper was covered in tiny writing with names and details.
Yi Hwan silently reviewed it.
“Lord Wang stopped by today. He’s a usurer pressing for interest amid our worsening finances.”
“Don’t know the interest amount?”
“No, we couldn’t find that out.”
“Fine. I’ll look into it myself. But you’re sure he has no ties to the Second Prince?”
“Yes. That was the focus of our investigation, and we confirmed no connection.”
“Good work.”
Yi Hwan tucked the paper into his bosom and looked at Go Mi.
‘Didn’t expect her to be this capable.’
Go Mi’s intelligence-gathering exceeded Yi Hwan’s expectations, especially her speed. Accuracy would need verification later, of course.
“Moon Lord.”
“Yes, Great Prince.”
“Thank you. This makes things much easier.”
“No need. For the Crown Prince’s sake, I could do far more. Please withdraw your thanks.”
“Shall we have a drink?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d like to rest.”
“...”
* * *
Cheol Mu-ok entered Yi Hwan’s room.
Yi Hwan pulled out the paper.
“We start with this Lord Wang bastard.”
“I’ll handle it. Make it look like an accident?”
Heh.
“Killing them outright isn’t always the answer. With that level of wealth, they’ll have backers, so we need to kill without leaving loose ends.”
“Ah, yes.”
Yi Hwan leaned deeply into the chair and continued.
“I’ll handle it myself, so go rest. We’ll be very busy starting tomorrow, so drink your fill tonight.”
“Understood.”
Once Cheol Mu-ok left, Yi Hwan lifted his teacup to his lips.
Clink.
‘It’ll be quite busy for a while.’