Chapter 59
Gomi Becomes the Inspector of the Crown Prince’s Palace
Gomi came to see Ihwan.
For her, sneaking in and out of Wang Jikyung’s mansion was not particularly difficult.
“I have investigated as you instructed.”
Gomi handed over several sheets of paper. They contained detailed information regarding the collusion between the Hwangryong Guild and the Second Prince.
Upon reviewing it, Ihwan realized the situation was even more serious than he had anticipated.
“From this, it seems the Song family’s distribution channels have almost entirely fallen into the hands of the Hwangryong Guild.”
“Yes. Their control over the commercial rights and distribution channels was meticulous, and there was interference from officials along the way. You could say that most of the city’s administrators have been bribed by the Hwangryong Guild.”
“What has the Crown Prince been doing all this time?”
“I confirmed that he did not seek assistance from the Crown Prince’s Palace. Princess Mama reportedly refused resolutely.”
Ihwan thought of Lee Young.
Considering how she had acted all this time, it was understandable.
‘One should know when to ask for help.’
On the other hand, he could empathize. The Crown Prince’s Palace had consistently shown complete indifference toward the Song family. No matter how one feels, if it isn’t expressed, the other party cannot know.
The Crown Prince in Lee Young’s memories was probably no different. That would explain why he hadn’t even offered a helping hand.
“Are your arms okay?”
“I told you. I took the hit on purpose.”
“So, did you achieve what you wanted?”
“Quite a lot.”
“…That’s fortunate.”
Ihwan took a sip of tea and asked another question.
“What about the Zhao and Jin sides?”
“Contrary to expectations, the situation seems to be escalating. Rumor has it both sides have deployed large numbers of martial artists.”
“So that means we have plenty of time.”
“Yes. As long as this continues, there should be no concern for the Southern Army for some time.”
Ihwan silently nodded and sank deep into his chair.
“Wang Jikyung is almost in our grasp. Now, we just need to dismantle the Hwangryong Guild.”
“You will do well.”
He snorted.
“You even say things like that?”
“……”
Ihwan remained silent for a moment. Gomi quietly observed him.
‘This man is truly unpredictable. He bent that stubborn Wang Jikyung in just a few days.’
“Wolju.”
“Yes?”
“I will be going with you to the Crown Prince’s Palace.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Why me…?”
“You don’t mind coming along?”
“Of course not.”
“Then we’ll meet in the morning.”
“……”
The next morning.
Ihwan left the mansion, claiming he had personal business with Wang Jikyung.
Gomi waited for him in the marketplace.
Ihwan mounted the horse she had prepared and set off toward the royal palace.
“When entering the palace, tell them I am a warrior from Biwol.”
“Understood.”
Gomi finally realized why Ihwan wanted her to come along. He wanted to conceal his meeting with Lee So, despite appearing as a high-ranking general.
Ihwan moved at a steady pace, carefully observing the city. Gomi, curious, asked:
“What are you scrutinizing so closely?”
“This could be a future battlefield, so it’s best to inspect it in advance.”
“Eh? What does that mean…?”
“I’ll explain later.”
“……”
It was always like this. Ihwan never revealed anything before taking action. Gomi felt slightly annoyed but couldn’t voice it.
Whoosh!
The wind was hot and humid, leaving both of them drenched in sweat.
After traveling some distance…
Thud-thud-thud!
A carriage and several mounted riders were rapidly approaching from behind, forcing Ihwan and Gomi to step aside. Ihwan’s eyes sharpened when he saw the Hwangryong Guild flag fluttering atop the carriage.
Thud-thud-thud!
Ihwan narrowed his brows as he watched the group raising clouds of dust.
“Are they heading to the palace?”
“It seems so.”
“Is it possible for just a merchant guild to enter the palace?”
“The Hwangryong Guild can. I’ve heard that the Second Prince granted them a privilege exempting them from inspections. That’s been in place for several years.”
‘All this open collusion, and yet the Crown Prince’s Palace did nothing? The guild that could become their biggest financial weapon.’
Ihwan considered asking Gomi about this but decided to wait until he met Crown Prince Lee So in person.
Pop!
Steam rose from Gomi’s body.
It was the result of using her internal energy to dry her sweat.
“Cultivate the habit of conserving energy. Sometimes a pinch of it can mean life or death.”
“…Yes.”
“Welcome.”
Lee So greeted Ihwan warmly.
The general standing beside him bowed.
“Welcome, High General.”
“You did well back then.”
“No, I merely followed your orders, High General.”
Soon, Ihwan and Lee So sat facing each other.
Gomi also joined them. Though the seat was uncomfortable, she had no choice since Ihwan insisted she stay.
Lee So spoke first.
“I was surprised to hear you had come here. So, did everything go according to plan?”
“Wang Jikyung is under control. Now, I plan to cut off the Hwangryong Guild, but I have one question first.”
“What is it?”
“Knowing that they were colluding with the Hwangryong Guild and amassing funds, why was it allowed to happen?”
Lee So furrowed his brows.
“It’s more accurate to say we couldn’t act in time. By the time we realized their collusion, it was already too late.”
“Even so, steps should have been taken before the situation escalated. By leaving them alone, you only allowed the guild to grow. They are now empowering the Second Prince.”
Ihwan’s slightly cold tone made Lee So smile faintly.
“It was unavoidable.”
Meanwhile, Gomi was silently amazed. Not only by Ihwan’s attitude toward Crown Prince Lee So but also by how warmly Lee So treated him without any reprimand.
“By the way, why have you come to see me?”
“Could you grant Wolju the authority to oversee the local governors?”
Gomi was stunned by Ihwan’s request.
‘Why would he ask me for such authority…’
“The authority to oversee governors is not mine to grant. Only His Majesty can do that. But why do you need such authority?”
“Most officials, including the governors, have been bribed by the Hwangryong Guild. Surely, the Second Prince’s influence is involved. To handle minor issues, we first need to block these officials’ interference, but I cannot reveal my identity.”
“Hmm…”
At that moment, the general spoke.
“There may be a way.”
Everyone turned to him.
“If you appoint Wolju as your palace inspector, he can supervise both governors and provincial lords.”
“Ah-ha!”
Lee So clapped his hands.
“Then that will work.”
“Is there really a separate inspector for the royal and crown prince’s palace?”
“It was established by His Majesty to reinforce the Crown Prince’s authority. Though it was controversial at first, it was created after I became Crown Prince. Come to think of it, I’ve never used it. Very well, Wolju will be appointed as my inspector.”
Gomi stared at Ihwan in surprise.
Ihwan looked back at her.
“Why grant me such a significant position…?”
“This isn’t just anyone’s task. It involves cutting off the funding of the Empress and the Second Prince. After this, close cooperation with the Crown Prince’s Palace will be required, and Wolju, who can move freely through the palace, is the most suitable candidate.”
“……”
“Doubtful?”
“It’s not that. I’m just afraid of interfering with what the High General is doing.”
“Just do as you have done so far. No need to worry.”
“…Yes.”
Lee So asked,
“Anything else?”
Ihwan bluntly asked,
“Why have you been so neglectful toward your sister?”
“……”
Lee So was momentarily speechless.
“Pay more attention to her from now on. She’s even more pitiable than I am.”
“Alright, I will. Anything else?”
“I’ll ask as needed.”
After spending considerable time talking with Lee So, Ihwan left the Crown Prince’s Palace.
The general escorted him out.
Before leaving the royal palace, the general said,
“His Majesty also cares greatly for Mama. But he hid his intentions, fearing harm from the Second Prince.”
“How would anyone know if one hides their intentions?”
“That’s true.”
The general smiled faintly.
“See you next time, then.”
“Farewell, High General.”
The general bowed deeply.
He watched Ihwan and Gomi leave through the city gates, a faint smile playing on his lips.
‘To command such presence in such a short time… What has he been through?’
“From now on, you’ll be called Inspector.”
“Just call me as before.”
“You’ll need to get used to it. There’s much work ahead under this title.”
“The inspector’s role is confidential; it’s better not to flaunt it.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Then so be it.”
Indeed, it was Gomi.
Elsewhere in the royal palace.
A man in his early fifties, with unremarkable features, yet his jet-black eyes were as cold and piercing as a snake’s.
“An absolute mess.”
“My apologies. I have no excuse to meet you.”
The man bowing before him was none other than Sangsan Hyeoldo.
“Why? I told you to handle it quietly, yet you caused chaos everywhere.”
“There were formidable warriors around Wang Jikyung, so we had no choice but to deploy a large force.”
“The Black and White Sword… were they formidable to you?”
“They are dead. Those guarding Wang Jikyung now replaced them…”
The middle-aged man’s eyes widened.
“Dead? How?”
“They died fighting unidentified assailants.”
“So those who replaced them killed you and dozens of guards?”
“…Yes.”
A twitch.
The man’s eyebrows curled slightly, and Sangsan Hyeoldo’s face stiffened.
It was astonishing. Someone who could dominate Sangsan Hyeoldo with just their expression.
“Have you identified them?”
“We’re investigating. They were introduced by Sangchun Guest House and called themselves Shin Sword and Blood Sword. Nothing else is confirmed. Many adopt such titles nowadays…”
“Once identified, either recruit them or eliminate them. One of the two must happen. Understood?”
“Yes, Guild Master.”
The middle-aged man was the head of the Hwangryong Guild.
Though famous, he remained shrouded in mystery; few had seen his face.
“Go out and check.”
Sangsan Hyeoldo stepped back, and another person stepped forward.
“I heard the Song family acquired two large guesthouses?”
“Yes. They started operations recently, and sales seem considerable.”
“Did they have such funds?”
“That was suspicious, so I ordered an investigation into the source of their capital.”
“Once confirmed, cut the link immediately. If the Song family survives, it’ll be trouble only for us.”
“Understood.”
At that moment, a man in yellow entered.
“The Second Prince says he cannot meet today and requests another visit.”
“What reason did he give?”
“None.”
A twitch. Eyebrows furrowed—a habit when displeased.
“How dare he refuse without even giving a reason after the money we provide!”
“….”
Bang!
The Hwangryong Guild master slammed the table and stood abruptly.
“Let’s go!”
He left the palace, heading straight for the city. Observing the city through the carriage window, a subtle anger was evident.
‘I had to visit three times just to be seen once. Does that brat think he can tame me? A fool who ignores the power of gold…’
