Chapter 56
The Contract is Sealed
“Why on earth! Why?!”
Wang Zhijing’s face flushed red.
He couldn’t understand it at all. The conditions were so outrageous that calling them insane wouldn’t be an exaggeration—and yet, the other party said they would think about it.
Yi Hwan watched the scene leisurely.
“Those who earn money really do think differently.”
For the first time, Yi Hwan acknowledged Wang Zhijing, who had previously seemed like a mere pebble in his plans.
Exemption from the principal, interest waived, and an unconditional investment of one million silver coins. No matter how wealthy, few could make such a decision. Only someone who had experienced something unimaginable could take such a step.
“Well, now that he’s properly hooked, I can prepare for what comes next.”
Gulp! Gulp!
Wang Zhijing drained the bottle of alcohol.
Yi Hwan gently intervened.
“It would be wise to stop drinking. You don’t know when Her Highness will come upstairs, and it wouldn’t do to smell of alcohol, would it?”
Startled, Wang Zhijing quickly set the bottle down.
At that moment, Li Young returned from downstairs.
Wang Zhijing hastily adjusted his expression and posture. Li Young frowned delicately.
“It seems you’ve been drinking.”
“Ah, just a few sips,” he replied.
Li Young sat opposite Wang Zhijing and looked him squarely in the eyes.
“I’ve decided to accept your terms.”
Wang Zhijing’s eyes widened like a calf’s.
“Thank you! Your Highness!”
“But there’s one thing I want to make clear first.”
“Please, go ahead!”
“I’ll connect you to the Crown Prince’s palace, but the outcome is your responsibility. Don’t try to shift it onto me. Understood?”
“Of course! You only need to build the bridge to the Crown Prince’s palace! That’s all I desire!”
“Good. Shall we draft the contract then?”
“Yes! Your Highness!”
Yi Hwan smiled faintly as he raised his cup. Cheol Muok watched him, completely baffled.
“Making money really is easy.”
Soon after, the contract was sealed with a signature. Even after spending a massive sum, Wang Zhijing couldn’t stop smiling. Li Young, however, remained completely expressionless.
“I’ll personally deliver the investment to your residence soon,” Li Young said, standing.
“I hope this leads to favorable results. Now, rest comfortably before you leave.”
Li Young went downstairs.
Wang Zhijing drank straight from the bottle again. He was at the peak of excitement.
Gulp! Gulp!
“The Huanglong Trading Company… those sons of dogs! Just wait!”
Shivering…
Li Young’s hand holding the contract trembled faintly. The part about investing one million silver coins unconditionally had stirred emotions she could hardly contain, her gaze even shaking.
Song Cheon-ho was no different.
Li Young spoke in a trembling voice.
“I followed my brother’s instructions, but I can hardly tell if this is a dream or reality.”
“Indeed. Heh… this is something else,” Song Cheon-mu said with a broad smile.
“Congratulations.”
“I’m not sure I should accept congratulations. How did Daegun know this would happen?”
“Perhaps he didn’t just know, but orchestrated it behind the scenes. That’s what I think. In any case, congratulations again! Now I can return to the Southern Corps with peace of mind.”
Li Young asked,
“You’ll stop by before returning to the barracks, won’t you?”
“Yes. Daegun also wishes to see Your Highness more often.”
Li Young’s eyes reddened. Unlike when facing Wang Zhijing, she now appeared a completely vulnerable woman.
Meanwhile, Song Cheon-mu felt his mouth twitching uncontrollably. Yi Hwan was upstairs, and trying to keep it secret was almost unbearable. Yet he was also deeply grateful.
“Thank you. I will never forget this favor until the day I die, Daegun.”
People entered the first floor of the inn, ordering food and glancing at Li Young and others with suspicion.
Soon, two more joined and sat with them. One whispered,
“Wang Zhijing is on the top floor.”
“Have the guards confirmed?”
“Yes. Those warned by Hyeoldo are also with him. But why would Wang Zhijing spend the night at this inn? Isn’t this run by the Song family, who are essentially enemies?”
“I was thinking the same. Even in an emergency, why choose this inn over a grander one?”
“Do you think there’s some ulterior motive?” another asked.
“The princess came downstairs earlier. Could she have met secretly with Wang Zhijing?”
“These are people entangled by debt. Secret talks are unlikely, but we should remain vigilant.”
“Understood.”
“The food you ordered has arrived.”
As the server arrived with the food, the conversation paused.
At that moment, Wang Zhijing descended the stairs. Yi Hwan and Cheol Muok appeared shortly after, causing everyone to set down their chopsticks and focus their gaze.
[They seem to be returning home. Deliver the message quickly.]
[Understood.]
One of them stood and left the inn.
Someone observed the scene: Go-mi, disguised with a mask. She sent a mental message to Yi Hwan.
[Huanglong Trading Company’s people are watching.]
Yi Hwan glanced at Go-mi, then shifted his eyes to the people she indicated. When their gazes met, they subtly looked away.
[Why is he staring at us? Could he have noticed?]
[No, just a coincidence.]
Everyone continued eating calmly, but their attention was fully on Yi Hwan.
Humming cheerfully, Wang Zhijing remained in high spirits while traveling on horseback. Yi Hwan sent a mental message to Cheol Muok.
[From now on, protect Wang Zhijing. Not a single hair should be harmed.]
[Understood.]
The gains were greater than expected. Recovering the market share taken by Huanglong Trading Company remained, but Wang Zhijing had transformed from a potential threat to a vital ally.
[Is it safe to leave the barracks for so long?]
[Don’t worry. Qin still provokes Zhao.]
The only variable was how long the conflict between Zhao and Qin would last. Fortunately, they were still engaged in tension at Guizhou Fortress, so no attacks were expected from Zhao forces near the Southern Corps.
The rain gradually eased, but the previous downpour had caused landslides and flooding. Yi Hwan had anticipated this, which is why Wang Zhijing traveled on horseback instead of by carriage. The route passed through the city, not outskirts, to maximize safety.
Then—
Thud! Thud! Thud!
A rider approached rapidly from behind. Guards quickly formed a protective circle around Wang Zhijing. Yi Hwan noticed a figure atop a horse and recognized it immediately.
“Why is Wolju here…?”
It was Go-mi, unmistakable despite her deep hood. Guards drew their swords as she approached.
Clang!
“She’s just passing. Lower your swords.”
“How do you know?”
“Follow instructions.”
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Go-mi passed by everyone. Not entirely unnoticed.
[The Sangsan Blood Path is moving!]
The guards relaxed, and so did the tense Wang Zhijing. Yi Hwan sent a mental message to Cheol Muok.
[Focus. The Sangsan Blood Path is on the move.]
[Understood.]
It wasn’t the path itself that worried Yi Hwan, but the number of enemies. If they attacked in overwhelming numbers, it could be dangerous.
Yi Hwan instructed the guards:
“Keep Wang Zhijing in the center while moving.”
“Understood!”
Movement resumed.
Then—
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Three riders approached from behind. Everyone stopped and surrounded Wang Zhijing.
[It’s my unit.]
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Muok.
[Did you summon them?]
[No. Per your orders, they were to approach via the Sangchun Inn. I don’t know why they’re here already.]
Clang!
Guards drew their swords again. Wang Zhijing’s face tensed.
“They are on our side. Lower your swords.”
“What do you mean, ‘our side’?”
“Wait and see.”
Neigh! Neigh! Neigh!
The three riders stopped in front.
“Your Highness ordered us to escort him safely to his residence!”
“Oh! Is that so?”
Wang Zhijing was delighted. Yi Hwan sent a mental message.
[Did the princess really send them?]
[Yes, my lord. There were suspicious people at the inn. She felt uneasy and sent us. She doesn’t know you are here.]
Yi Hwan smiled faintly, thinking of Li Young.
“Well done. Wang Zhijing will be overjoyed. Heh heh heh.”
The three from the Douwang unit moved with Cheol Muok at the front. They exchanged smiles and messages quietly. Yi Hwan monitored the rear.
Then, a gently winding road appeared—perfect for an ambush.
“Stick to the edges.”
Everyone moved close to the roadside. Yi Hwan warned Wang Zhijing:
“Don’t startle the horse.”
“Understood.”
“Everyone, draw your swords.”
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Yi Hwan instructed Cheol Muok to move to the center, along with his three unit members. They would be first to fight in an ambush.
He sent a mental message:
[Kill indiscriminately, no hesitation.]
[Yes, my lord.]
[Yes!]
The three exchanged grins.
“They’ve sensed something.”
“Even if they did, it changes nothing. And the three from the princess’s inn joined? Seems like there’s a connection.”
“If they’re from the palace, wouldn’t that be serious?”
“Killing them all solves the problem.”
Sangsan Blood Path watched Yi Hwan’s party approach, smiling coldly.
“Emperor of Darkness? Soon, you and your followers will be cast into eternal darkness, Wang Zhijing. Heh heh heh.”
He gestured, and everyone donned masks.
Gulp!
Sangsan Blood Path drank from a cup and covered his face. Behind him, over fifty men were ready to strike.
He stepped forward, focusing on Yi Hwan, not Wang Zhijing.
“The world may pit me against them, but I am far stronger. I’ll prove it here.”
Shing!
A beam of light ran along the blade. The raindrops sizzled upon contact, producing white steam. Sangsan Blood Path said coldly,
“Do not let a single one escape alive. Understood?”
“Yes!”
