Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Those Targeting the Imperial Family
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The Second Prince Yi Tae-ji's advisor, Mun Chi-yong, read the message in his hand and furrowed his brow.
The message had come from Paeng Mu-wi.
‘Why did they kill Moon Pavilion's Moon Lord without even conducting an investigation?’
The message detailed how Go Mi had been slain by mysterious assailants. It also questioned whether they had been sent by the Second Prince and described the clothing and appearances of the dead men in detail.
They were unmistakably Mun Chi-yong's direct subordinates.
The problem was that they hadn't even begun their assigned investigation before abruptly killing Go Mi. Even more baffling was that they had been killed by Yi Hwan's guards, with only one barely escaping alive.
‘These were the best of the best I selected. How could they fall to mere guards of the Great Prince?’
It was then.
“It is time to see His Highness.”
“Understood.”
Mun Chi-yong tucked the letter into his bosom and stepped outside.
Moments later, he entered Yi Tae-ji's chambers and reported immediately.
“We have killed Moon Pavilion's Moon Lord as instructed.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes. The Left General sent word via message himself.”
“Handled swiftly. Well done.”
“Yes.”
Mun Chi-yong omitted the part about his subordinates' deaths. There was no ulterior motive. He simply didn't wish to worry the sensitive Yi Tae-ji.
Yi Tae-ji asked.
“What of the principal we invested in the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group?”
“We are doing our utmost, but it will take some time. The key ledgers were managed directly by the merchant group leader himself, and since he is currently imprisoned, processing them is difficult.”
“Why not visit him personally to confirm?”
“Prior to a final verdict, the Prime Minister's Office has barred all visitors. Meeting him is impossible. But I will find a way somehow.”
“Make haste. If we fail to resolve this, years of effort could go to waste.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“And the conflict between Zhao and Qin is escalating. It seems both sides are pulling in martial clans. With that in mind, look into additional sects or families we can draw in beyond the Hebei Paeng Family. In the end, the victor of this board will be decided by martial forces, so it would be wise for us to prepare in advance.”
“We are already in contact with a few. I will report the results immediately.”
“Dismissed.”
“Yes. Then this humble servant takes his leave.”
Leaving Yi Tae-ji's residence, Mun Chi-yong felt a heavy heart. Beyond Yi Tae-ji's orders, he still couldn't shake his doubts about why his men in the Southern Legion had acted so hastily.
‘If the deputy overseer had survived, he would have handled the investigation himself.’
Mun Chi-yong deeply regretted the loss of the Golden Imperial Guards' deputy overseer who had died in the Southern Legion. He had been sent there precisely because of his exceptional ability to assess any situation independently, only to meet his end.
And the one who had taken his place as deputy overseer hadn't even sent word.
‘I may have to go there myself when the time is right.’
Shaking off his thoughts, Mun Chi-yong let out a quiet sigh but froze midway.
Ahead, Crown Prince Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek were approaching.
‘Lately, he's been leaving the Crown Prince's Palace more often. Is he fully committing to court politics now?’
Contrary to his inner thoughts, Mun Chi-yong bowed politely toward Yi So.
“I greet Your Highness.”
“It's been a while. How fares the Second Prince?”
“Yes. Thanks to your concern, he is well and safe.”
“With the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group in such a state, your purse must be feeling the strain. A pity.”
It was mockery. Mun Chi-yong knew it well. But he could not reveal his true feelings before the Crown Prince, so he merely bowed his head.
“Your concern leaves me at a loss, Your Highness.”
“Indeed.”
Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek passed Mun Chi-yong and headed toward the audience hall. Mun Chi-yong slowly raised his bowed head and stared at Yi So's retreating back.
Crunch.
‘I concede defeat cleanly on the Yellow Dragon Merchant Group matter. But I won't fall for it twice.’
* * *
Gwan Ji-baek said.
“I didn't expect the Second Prince's side to move so quickly. To target the Moon Lord, no less. We nearly lost a valuable asset.”
“Thanks to the youngest, we saved the Moon Lord—another great debt owed. But why does incurring a debt feel so good?”
“Haha.”
Gwan Ji-baek laughed and continued.
“Truly impressive, isn't it? How did he come up with that? And in such a tight timeframe.”
He was referring to Yi Hwan's response.
A smile spread across Yi So's lips.
‘The time is drawing near, little brother. Just wait a bit longer, and this elder brother will summon you to the Imperial Palace and put you to great use.’
Yi So quickened his pace.
He planned to visit the Prime Minister's Office to discuss a replacement Moon Lord in Go Mi's stead.
To keep the Second Prince's blade from turning toward Moon Pavilion, it would be best to appoint an ordinary person as the new Moon Lord.
Recalling Yi Hwan's message, a smile formed again on Yi So's lips.
‘Very well. I'll do as you say.’
Yi So looked up at the sky.
The unusually clear blue expanse and dazzling sunlight were almost blinding.
How long had they walked?
Clang! Clang!
Warriors marched in formation from one side. The leading general spotted Yi So and saluted militarily.
“Loyalty!”
“Has something happened?”
“I regret to report that in the capital, a disturbance by suspected martial artists has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. We are heading to the scene!”
“What? And the assailant?”
“He escaped.”
“Go swiftly. Ensure the commoners are not alarmed and handle it well.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek watched the warriors leaving the palace, their expressions hardening.
“For such an incident to occur in the capital again. What have the Golden Army been doing!”
“This is the third time this year. It seems we need strong measures against martial artists entering the capital.”
“With the Golden Army's commander, responsible for the capital's security, mired in politics and rotten to the core, what use are measures? Removing him would be the best countermeasure.”
“…….”
Determination filled Yi So's eyes.
“Someday, we must uproot them all.”
“The Prime Minister awaits. Shall we go?”
Despite Gwan Ji-baek's urging, Yi So couldn't take a step. A general had rushed up like the wind and knelt before him.
“Your Highness, disaster!”
“What is it!”
“His Imperial Uncle has been attacked by assailants and...”
“……!”
* * *
Yi So changed course from the Prime Minister's Office to the East Depot.
Moments later, he sat face-to-face with the eunuch, head of the East Depot. The eunuch explained in a somber tone.
“Witnesses say the culprit targeted the Imperial Uncle from the start. Most casualties were his guards, and this was left at the scene.”
Yi So unfolded the cloth the eunuch handed him.
“……!”
In place of the heavens, we bring divine punishment upon the imperial kin who feast on the people's blood. Our judgment shall not cease until every imperial scion on this land is eradicated.
Tremble...
Yi So's eyes quivered.
They had intentionally killed imperial kin? This was a grave crime akin to treason.
“If targeted deliberately, there must be a mastermind or organization behind it.”
Yi So's shaken gaze grew heavy. The eunuch nodded.
“Indeed. We have issued an emergency alert to the organization, launched a full-scale manhunt, and requested support from the Golden Imperial Guards.”
“This heinous crime shakes the nation's foundation. Find them at any cost.”
“Yes, Your Highness. And one more thing to report.”
“Speak.”
The eunuch continued.
“We must elevate security for all imperial kin inside and outside the palace to wartime levels.”
“Understood. I'll discuss it at the Prime Minister's Office.”
Yi So left the East Depot and headed back to the Prime Minister's Office. He instructed Gwan Ji-baek.
“Send word to my sister of this heinous incident and tell her to take care.”
“Understood.”
* * *
Princess Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho, the couple, had come out for a rare outing. Since Yi Hwan's visit, everything had fallen into place smoothly, making them even busier than before. Yet they had carved out a day for this because today was Yi Yeong's birthday.
Their destination was a lake.
The picturesque spot, like a painting, always drew crowds for outings. Today, too, throngs of visitors bustled around the lake.
Yi Yeong and her husband strolled the lakeside, admiring the scenery and people. Behind them, three warriors of the Blade King's lineage kept watch at a distance.
“It's so nice to get out like this.”
“We should make time for this more often. We should visit more places while we're still young, right? Hahaha.”
Song Cheon-ho laughed heartily.
Yi Yeong smiled softly too. It had been so long since they'd had such a time that the smiles never left their faces.
How long had they walked?
One warrior suddenly stepped in front of the couple. Another moved to their left.
Song Cheon-ho asked, puzzled.
“What is it?”
“Suspicious figures are circling nearby. It would be best to head back now.”
“Are they targeting us?”
“We cannot be certain yet.”
Yi Yeong grabbed Song Cheon-ho's arm.
“Let's go back.”
“Very well.”
Song Cheon-ho felt reluctant. It had been ages since he'd seen Yi Yeong so happy.
The couple turned toward where their carriage waited. The warriors deliberately led them through less crowded areas.
Soon, the carriage came into view.
It was at the entrance to the path leading to the lake, still bustling with people.
One warrior whistled.
Tweet!
The warrior seated on the carriage driver's perch looked toward the group and started moving the carriage.
“Please wait here a moment.”
It was then.
Swoosh!
A chilling whoosh of air carried hidden weapons toward Yi Yeong and her husband. At the same time, the two guarding warriors drew their swords, forming a sword barrier.
Whummm!
Clang-clang-clang!
Sparks flew as the projectiles scattered in all directions. A young woman passing nearby not far to the left screamed and collapsed.
“Aaah!”
Struck by a ricocheted weapon.
Yi Yeong instinctively moved toward the fallen woman.
“No, Your Ladyship!”
A warrior blocked her path.
Then another warrior shot forward like lightning.
“How dare you!”
Clank-clank!
The youth's sword transformed into a broadsword midair, mercilessly smashing the head of a nearby vendor selling candied haws.
Thud!
“Argh!”
“Ugh!”
“Kyaaah!”
The sudden uproar sent passersby fleeing in panic.
Two men charged at the warrior who had crushed the vendor's head. They had burst from the crowd.
Clang!
Crack!
Song Cheon-ho shouted urgently.
“Help that man quickly!”
But Song Cheon-ho soon widened his eyes and pulled Yi Yeong into his arms. Assailants were charging from behind and ahead. A nearby warrior intercepted them.
Another stayed by the couple.
Outnumbered, Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho paled.
Then a figure soared into the air. It was the carriage driver.
He too was a warrior of the Blade King's lineage.
Thud!
“Argh!”
One assailant's head vanished without a trace. Soon after, screams erupted near the first warrior who had charged.
“Ugh!”
“Gah!”
The warrior who had decapitated two landed before the couple.
“Are you alright?”
“We're fine.”
“Do not worry. No one will get near.”
The warrior's words became reality.
Moments later, the remaining assailants could not overcome the Blade King's lineage warriors and all fell.
The warriors who had eliminated the threat returned.
Yi Yeong asked in a trembling voice.
“Is everyone alright?”
“Yes! Your Ladyship!”
Yi Yeong rushed to the fallen woman. The warriors guarded her like an iron wall.
The woman's companion burst into tears.
“She's still alive! Please save her!”
“Load this woman onto the carriage...”
Yi Yeong couldn't finish. One of the guarding warriors pulled her back and struck the wailing woman with a single fist.
Thud!
“Kaak!”
Half the woman's head exploded in a gruesome death. Yi Yeong cried out.
“What are you doing!”
“She was an assassin.”
“……!”
It was then.
The fallen woman lunged at Yi Yeong with both hands like lightning. But her hands were severed before reaching her, dropping limply.
Slash!
“Aaak!”
Her severed head followed to the ground.
Thump!
Roll...
“Mount the carriage quickly, Your Ladyship.”
Yi Yeong and her husband hurriedly boarded.
“Full speed!”
“Yes!”
Clop-clop-clop!