Chapter 47
The Road to My Sister’s House (2)
The Song family boasted a long and prestigious history.
Since the founding of the Yan dynasty, their ancestor had been a close aide to Emperor Yi Jeok, assisting in his rule. Over generations, the family produced countless ministers and became renowned not only as a noble household but also as a major commercial powerhouse.
In the past, they had even produced a prime minister, but at some point, the family shifted their focus entirely to commerce. At their peak, they controlled half of the tea trade circulating throughout the land—a testament to their former greatness.
However, by the present day, the Song family was on the path of decline.
The precise start of this decline coincided with Princess Lee Young marrying into the Song family. Numerous rumors circulated about the cause, but most agreed that the family simply could not withstand the growing power of rival trading guilds protected by the Empress and Prince Lee Hwang.
The guild that displaced the Song family to become the top trading organization was none other than the Hwangryong Trading Guild.
Under the Empress’s patronage, which effectively wielded the Emperor’s power in politics, the guild expanded rapidly. Eventually, they took control of most of the Song family’s trade routes and business contacts. While some called it “control,” the general consensus was that the guild had essentially seized everything by force.
The Song family resisted desperately, but the protection of the Empress and Prince Lee Hwang was an insurmountable barrier.
“It seems the situation is worse than the rumors suggested. The family barely manages to maintain its name after recently acquiring two inns,” Gomi reported, and Yi Hwan’s gaze darkened.
Gomi continued, “We’ve also confirmed that part of Hwangryong Trading Guild’s profits flows to Prince Lee Hwang. The exact amount is unclear, but with further investigation, we could determine it.”
“So, the Hwangryong Guild is effectively funding him?”
“That appears to be the case.”
Yi Hwan sank deeply into his chair and laced his fingers.
“Do you know how the Crown Prince’s palace funds itself?”
“I’m afraid I don’t.”
“You wouldn’t have to keep it secret even if you did, right?”
“No, sir.”
Gomi bowed.
“You’ve done well. Go rest a bit.”
“Shall we leave immediately?”
“We cannot visit openly. Even if disguised, a stranger could alert them.”
“What do you suggest then…?”
“I have a plan. Eat something while you rest for now.”
“Understood.”
As Gomi left, Yi Hwan furrowed his brows, thinking of Prince Lee Tae-ji.
‘He’s hopeless from the start.’
Yi Hwan opened the window. In just one more day, he would see his sister—but first, there was something he had to do.
Whooosh!
A pair of eyes watched Yi Hwan.
It was a wandering warrior who had been trailing him since the Southern Army. Through a slightly opened window of the inn opposite, he observed Yi Hwan.
‘If he’s moving in disguise, he must be plotting something. Hmph. That’s not what I’m really curious about.’
So far, the wanderer had learned nothing about Yi Hwan except that he was a prince and a great general.
Other than that, Yi Hwan differed significantly from the terrible rumors surrounding him.
The wanderer’s gaze shifted to the next room—where Cheol Mu-ok was staying.
‘I can’t approach recklessly because of him.’
There were plenty of opportunities to approach Yi Hwan, but Cheol Mu-ok’s constant presence forced him to give up. To the wanderer, Cheol Mu-ok exuded the aura of a master whose victory could not be guaranteed—there was no need to risk it. The wanderer looked back at Yi Hwan.
‘Who are you, really? Why are you looking for me?’
Whooosh!
The wind brushed across the wanderer’s face.
Then, Yi Hwan looked in his direction. Reflexively, the wanderer ducked.
‘He couldn’t have noticed me, could he?’
Yi Hwan stared casually at one of the inns across the street. A curtain fluttered in the wind through a slightly open window.
‘Could someone be following me?’
Yi Hwan was certain the wanderer he sought had come with the Southern Army. If he had been observing him there, he would have surely followed to this location.
Confirming whether this person was a descendant of the Sword King was urgent, but Yi Hwan was in no hurry. Acting rashly in an uncertain situation could ruin everything.
If the person left, no one could predict how much time would be wasted.
‘If he approached knowing I was looking for him, he won’t leave on his own. Perhaps he is still watching me from somewhere.’
Yi Hwan quietly exhaled and scanned the darkening city, but found nothing suspicious.
‘The time will come to meet. Hopefully, he is indeed the Sword King’s descendant…’
He recalled the Sword King’s dignified face and closed the window.
Thud!
After the lights went out in Yi Hwan’s room, the wanderer peeked out again.
At that moment—
Clatter!
Cheol Mu-ok’s window opened.
“…!”
The wanderer quickly ducked behind the window.
The Song family mansion.
Though declining, the family’s noble aura remained. The guards at the main gate held a vigilant and extraordinary demeanor.
Clatter, clatter.
A carriage approached. Soon, it reached the gate, and a woman stepped out. Her ivory-white skin and delicate figure exuded the dignity of a noblewoman, rather than frailty.
“Welcome, Ma’am,” the guards bowed.
“Has anyone visited recently?”
“The King just left a little while ago.”
“He came alone?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Thank you.”
The woman entered and headed straight for the annex. A few steps in, she turned left and stopped.
“You came early today, Madam.”
Song Cheon-ho smiled as he approached.
“I heard the King visited. Is it because of that?”
“Would anyone else come if not for that? Father will handle things well, so you should go in and rest.”
The woman was Yi Hwan’s sister, Lee Young.
Her gaze lingered on the main house, heavy with thought.
Song Cheon-ho placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s cold; let’s go inside.”
“Yes.”
Soon, the two sat across from each other in the annex. Song Cheon-ho poured hot water into a teacup.
“How are the inns?”
“There are rumors of a large inn opening nearby. It’s surely the Hwangryong Guild.”
“Those scoundrels,” Song Cheon-ho said with anger.
Lee Young gently replied, “Don’t worry about the inns. I’ll handle them.”
“Even if it’s elsewhere, if the Hwangryong Guild interferes, how could I not worry? Heavens are merciless… sigh.”
“Don’t worry too much. The money the young master left is still plenty. With it, we can hire skilled workers and manage just fine.”
Clink. Lee Young lifted her teacup.
Song Cheon-ho watched her, concern shadowing his face.
Then a deep voice sounded from outside.
“It’s me, Guild Master.”
“What is it?”
“The youngest prince has arrived.”
“Cheon-mu?”
Song Cheon-ho and Lee Young looked at each other, wide-eyed.
Song Cheon-ho jumped up and opened the door, Lee Young following.
Outside stood Song Cheon-mu, with Baek Po-in from the Southern Army politely behind him.
Song Cheon-mu bowed and smiled broadly.
“I’m here! Haha!”
“How soon you return! Is something the matter?”
Their faces showed more concern than joy—he had only just left.
“I’ll explain inside.”
“Your brother is here?”
“Yes, Ma’am. But he asks for understanding that he cannot visit openly due to watchful eyes.”
“My brother is here…” Lee Young’s eyes reddened.
When Yi Hwan had last visited Hwangdo, she had cried all night upon hearing he left without seeing her.
Song Cheon-ho asked, “Why has the Prince come? Another matter at the palace?”
“He will explain later. But I am terribly hungry,” Song Cheon-mu said, wiping tears and standing.
“I’ll serve food soon; you can talk while eating.”
“Please prepare lots of delicious dishes!”
“Of course. I’ll prepare everything you like. Just wait a little.”
Song Cheon-mu’s expression was bright.
“You look cheerful. Does that mean nothing is wrong?”
“Yes, brother. Everything is fine. I’ve also greatly improved my martial skills. Among the Prince’s guards, some are very strong…”
Song Cheon-mu began proudly recounting his achievements. Song Cheon-ho watched, smiling. It had been a long time since he had seen such a bright demeanor.
He was even more surprised when hearing about Yi Hwan’s negotiation with the Zhao generals. Eyes widening in astonishment was natural.
“Did the Prince really do that?”
“Yes. Since then, all Southern Army warriors treat the Prince almost like a god. But the rumors haven’t reached here?”
“Few warriors are here, so it’s delayed. Still, that is remarkable. Those vicious Zhao soldiers fled two hundred li at the Prince’s warning!”
“I heard even the Zhao commander broke into a cold sweat.”
“Oh! Really?”
“Seems rumors are unreliable. From what I observed, the Prince exceeds all other generals in authority, strategy, and martial skill. Ah! And he had hidden some of his abilities.”
Song Cheon-mu continued boasting about Yi Hwan, while Song Cheon-ho listened happily.
Yi Hwan and Gomi sat together.
Gomi placed a sheet of paper on the table.
“I’ve listed those who need to be dealt with first.”
The paper was filled with names and notes in tiny handwriting.
Yi Hwan silently reviewed the contents.
“A certain King visited today. He’s involved in moneylending, apparently pressing for interest due to recent business troubles.”
“Do we know how much?”
“No, I couldn’t confirm that.”
“Fine. We can check directly. But are you sure this is unrelated to Prince Lee Hwang?”
“Yes. That was our primary investigation, and it is unrelated.”
“Well done.”
Yi Hwan pocketed the paper and looked at Gomi.
‘I didn’t realize he would be this capable.’
Gomi’s intelligence exceeded Yi Hwan’s expectations, especially in gathering information quickly, though accuracy would need later verification.
“Wol-ju.”
“Yes, Prince.”
“Thanks. You’ve made things easier.”
“No, sir. If it’s for the Crown Prince, I can do even more. No need to thank me.”
“Shall we have a drink?”
“Thank you, but I’d rather rest.”
“…”
Cheol Mu-ok entered Yi Hwan’s room.
Yi Hwan retrieved the paper.
“We’ll start with this King fellow.”
“I’ll handle it. Shall I make it look like an accident?”
Yi Hwan chuckled.
“Killing isn’t always the best solution. With his wealth, he must have backing. If he dies, it must be done without repercussions.”
“Yes, sir.”
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair.
“I’ll act personally. You rest now. Starting tomorrow, it will be hectic—so enjoy a drink while you can.”
“Yes, sir.”
As Cheol Mu-ok left, Yi Hwan lifted his teacup.
Clink.
‘It looks like things will get quite busy for a while.’
