Chapter 42
Who Is the True Leader of the Southern Legion?
The previous night, Gomi nodded while reviewing the letter she had personally drafted.
“Perfect.”
Next to her letter lay another one, written by Mo Jaehwang, with his seal. Remarkably, her handwriting closely resembled Mo Jaehwang’s, and the seal was so expertly forged that it was indistinguishable.
Respectfully submitted.
After observing General Pang Mu-wi, it is judged that his temperament is hasty, he lacks cold-bloodedness, and his judgment is insufficient to perform the duties of Chief Marshal. Duke Yeongho agrees with this assessment… [text abridged].
Under Jeongcheon’s guidance, the inauguration ceremony for the new Chief Marshal was held. Considering the tense atmosphere in the camp, the ceremony was brief, and Pang Mu-wi immediately met with the key generals. Yeongho Chung also attended.
As Yeongho Chung was about to leave after the ceremony, Pang Mu-wi called him to sit.
“Congratulations on your appointment as Chief Marshal.”
“Congratulations, Chief Marshal!”
Just as the pleasantries were ending, Yi-hwan entered. Everyone stood to greet him.
“Please, have a seat, Your Highness.”
Pang Mu-wi personally escorted Yi-hwan to a seat. Everyone’s astonishment was evident. No one was unaware that Pang Mu-wi had always secretly looked down on Yi-hwan. Yet, he now displayed such polite behavior overnight—it was shocking.
Yeongho Chung stared at Pang Mu-wi, confused, but Pang Mu-wi ignored him.
Once Yi-hwan sat, Cheol Mu-ok took a position behind him. Replacing Song Hoe, who was training, Cheol Mu-ok accompanied Yi-hwan wherever he went.
Pang Mu-wi stared at Yi-hwan. Yi-hwan nodded, and Pang Mu-wi shouted toward Yeongho Chung:
“Guards, restrain him!”
“Yes, sir!”
Pang clan warriors grabbed Yeongho Chung’s arms. Shocked, he shouted:
“What are you doing, General!”
Other generals, unaware of the circumstances, were equally startled.
“We’ll deal with the details later. For now, put him in the prison!”
“…!”
At this thunderous order, Yeongho Chung shook off the warriors and sprang up. The warriors were thrown backward.
Crash! Bang!
Yeongho Chung placed his hand on his sword as if ready to draw it.
“Put me in prison? What is this, General!”
Clang!
The generals beside Yeongho Chung jumped up, drawing their swords.
“Will you not put your swords down!”
Yeongho Chung ignored them, focusing solely on Pang Mu-wi.
At that moment, Yi-hwan spoke coldly:
“To defy the Chief Marshal’s order and cause a commotion—you must be desperate to die. Mu-ok, subdue him.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Cheol Mu-ok stepped forward, drawing his sword.
“Your Highness! This is unjust! What crime have I committed to be imprisoned?”
“Right or wrong will be judged later. For now, lay down your sword and kneel, Yeongho Chung.”
“I cannot do so without knowing the reason!”
Yeongho Chung refused to back down.
‘Good, Yeongho Chung.’
Yi-hwan, inwardly smiling, kept a stern expression:
“If you refuse military orders, there is no choice but to punish you here. Mu-ok.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Behead him.”
“Yes, sir.”
Clang!
Yeongho Chung drew his sword and dashed through the barracks wall.
Crash! Boom!
‘This is a conspiracy! Pang Mu-wi and Yi-hwan are plotting with Ja to kill me!’
In that instant, Mo Jaehwang also realized he might have been killed not by Zhao soldiers, but by Yi-hwan and Pang Mu-wi.
Yeongho Chung ran desperately toward the barracks. Fighting alongside the Pang clan warriors was his last resort.
‘I cannot die here. I must escape and inform Yi-hwang of everything!’
Suddenly, Cheol Mu-ok appeared in front of Yeongho Chung as he ran madly.
‘How did he get here…!’
Yeongho Chung was shocked, but had no time to react.
Flash!
Yeongho Chung’s strike, a technique once called unrivaled under heaven, aimed at Cheol Mu-ok’s waist. Yet Cheol Mu-ok easily deflected it.
Bang!
“Argh!”
With a thunderous sound, a groan escaped. Cheol Mu-ok swung fiercely at Yeongho Chung.
Whoosh!
Yeongho Chung barely blocked it but staggered under the immense force.
“Ugh!”
Blood ran from his mouth. Internal injuries struck him.
‘Impossible…’
Cheol Mu-ok charged again. Yeongho Chung used all his strength to block the attack.
Bang!
“Gah!”
Groaning, Yeongho Chung was pushed back. Cheol Mu-ok struck his chest with the tip of his sword.
Thud!
“Argh!”
It was the end. Yeongho Chung flew, bleeding, collapsing in front of Pang Mu-wi.
“Ugh… I… did nothing wrong…”
Yeongho Chung looked up at Pang Mu-wi, lips quivering. A Pang warrior handed Pang Mu-wi a great sword. For a moment, conflict flickered in Pang Mu-wi’s eyes.
[Now is the time to show the Chief Marshal’s authority.]
Yi-hwan’s voice erased all doubt:
“Greed kills you, Yeongho Chung.”
Thud!
Yeongho Chung’s head fell lifelessly to the ground, blood streaming from his not-yet-closed eyes.
Across from Yi-hwan, Jeongcheon and Gomi sat. Gomi maintained her cold expression.
Jeongcheon asked:
“What about the Golden Guards and the Yeongho clan warriors? Shouldn’t we eliminate them, as they could cause trouble?”
“No.” Yi-hwan answered immediately.
“If we remove them, Yi-hwang’s side will grow suspicious. I have a separate strategy prepared, so do not act rashly.”
“What strategy?”
“In every organization, there are always ambitious individuals.”
Yi-hwan glanced at Gomi. She continued:
“As instructed, we selected one person from the Yeongho clan and one from the Golden Guards to pass to General Pang. Our investigation shows that they see their superiors’ deaths as opportunities for advancement.”
‘Still not appeased, huh.’
Yi-hwan smirked inwardly at Gomi’s cold tone, understanding her deep hatred for Mo Jaehwang. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare confront him so boldly.
“Good work,” Yi-hwan said.
Jeongcheon asked, surprised:
“You prepared all this in advance?”
“I can’t do things halfway.”
“Haha,” Jeongcheon muttered in awe, neither laugh nor exclamation, just astonishment.
After sipping tea, Yi-hwan continued:
“These two will replace Yeongho Chung and Mo Jaehwang. Unaware of the inner workings, they will follow the Chief Marshal as allies, eager to prove themselves. Since each leads their own group, they will maintain appearances and report only what we want. This will be an added benefit.”
“So no need to worry about Yi-hwang sending replacements?”
“Exactly. That is why we keep them alive.”
“Haha,” Jeongcheon muttered again, then his eyes reddened.
“Why didn’t you show your true ability earlier? The General would have been greatly pleased.”
He must have been thinking of Hwang Ho. Seeing this, Yi-hwan recalled Hwang Ho’s dying face.
Gomi asked:
“Have you sent a dispatch to the Crown Prince?”
“That should be handled by Wolju.”
“Me?”
“My writing is poor. I keep making mistakes in etiquette. Can you do it?”
“Understood.”
“Don’t make me look like a fool.”
“If you wish, I can review it…”
“Just joking.”
Pang Mu-wi met with the chief of staff. Despite the horrific events, the chief smiled.
“Congratulations, General. You are now Chief Marshal of the Southern Legion.”
“Thank you.”
“Forget Yeongho Chung and Mo Jaehwang. Honestly, they were obstacles in your path. It’s regrettable they died, but perhaps it was for the best.”
“I didn’t expect such deceit. If not for Yi-hwan, I would have been done for.”
The chief poured wine and continued:
“Honestly, I worried about Yi-hwan and General Jeongcheon, but seeing them cooperate eased my concerns. They cannot resist the authority of the Chief Marshal.”
“That’s why the higher-ups desire this position.” Pang Mu-wi nodded.
The chief asked:
“Will Yi-hwan and General Jeongcheon remain with the Southern Legion?”
“Yi-hwan helped immensely against those treacherous men. Naturally, he should stay. You will all treat him with respect.”
“Understood. And General Jeongcheon?”
“He needs consideration. Though he helped with this event, placing him in the Southern Legion is not straightforward.”
“Since he came willingly and submitted, keeping him close to the Chief Marshal would benefit morale. Honestly, he is the most outstanding general in the Southern Legion.”
“Yes, that could work.”
At that moment:
“Chief Marshal, General Jeongcheon is here.”
“Speak of the tiger, and he appears.”
Pang Mu-wi drained his cup and commanded solemnly:
“Escort him in!”
Jeongcheon entered, presenting confidential documents:
“These record all camp matters. Also, a small token of congratulations.”
Several thick volumes and a bottle of wine wrapped in silk. Pang Mu-wi looked stunned.
“Thank you, General Jeongcheon.”
“Congratulations again. I have other duties, so I will take my leave. Rest well.”
After Jeongcheon left, Pang Mu-wi smiled:
“Indeed. The Southern Legion’s finest general cannot be dismissed.”
“Wise choice!”
Jeongcheon’s face twisted like he had bitten a bitter herb after leaving Pang Mu-wi’s barracks.
“Ptooey!”
Spitting several times, he approached the stables. He recalled Yi-hwan’s advice:
A single bow can solve all problems.
Without Yi-hwan’s counsel, Jeongcheon would not have bowed, even at the threat of death.
Breathing deeply, he stopped. A white horse stood weakly in the pen, separated from its herd.
Hwang Ho’s steed.
Tears welled and streamed down his face.
‘Do not worry. The General will protect the Southern Legion. And the Chief of Staff will dedicate himself to serving the General.’
