Chapter 36
Crossed Fortunes
Crown Prince’s Palace.
As each day passed, Iso’s health gradually improved. But then, dire news reached him.
General Hwangho was dead.
The shock Iso received was immense.
Hwangho had been the most trusted figure in the military, a fervently loyal vassal who had fought fiercely for him. He was also a pivotal piece in the grand design of their righteous cause.
Clink.
Iso touched his teacup.
The tea had long gone cold, no steam rising. General Jangsoo looked at Iso with pity.
“Soon, the Empress and the Second Prince will move to appoint a new Commander of the Southern Corps. Without His Majesty’s direct approval, there’s no way to stop it.”
Iso said nothing and continued to rub the cup.
Was he merely lost in thought? Or deeply contemplating?
He remained silent for a long time.
Jangsoo simply waited. After some time—
“What are the chances of the Grand Marshal switching to our side?”
“If the Empress gets personally involved, it’s unlikely. If we try to win him over hastily, it could backfire, and the Second Prince will just gain more ammunition to use against us.”
“Then what if we prevent the envoy from reaching the Southern Corps?”
“Will you kill the envoy?”
“It seems that’s the only way to delay the appointment. If we can buy time, perhaps a miracle might happen.”
Both Iso and Jangsoo wore grim expressions. It was a desperate and painful tactic—a last resort.
“The only one in the Southern Corps who could succeed General Hwang is General Jeongcheon, right?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What about that boy?”
He meant Prince Ihwan. The guard captain replied heavily.
“With all due respect, having the Prince lead the Southern Corps is unwise. He lacks command experience, and the soldiers won’t accept him. To the warriors, the Commander is a guardian of their lives. General Hwang maintained his position despite political pressure thanks to their unwavering support.”
Iso closed his eyes.
Darkness fell over his face, mirrored in Jangsoo’s expression.
“So in the end, all we can do is pray for a miracle?”
Meanwhile, Second Prince Itaiji wore a bright smile.
“Things just keep falling into place. Heaven must be on our side. Hahaha.”
“Indeed. Since the position is vacant due to the commander’s death, there’s nothing to hinder the appointment. Once the Grand Marshal returns, we just have to instruct him to appoint General Paeng.”
“When is the Grand Marshal expected back?”
“According to his office, within ten days at the latest.”
Itaiji frowned slightly.
“Had I known, I would’ve delegated the appointment authority to someone on our side.”
“No need to worry. The Grand Marshal is a pragmatic man. He won’t refuse our request. Even if he tries, the Empress will step in to ensure it.”
At the strategist’s confident tone, Itaiji feigned concern.
“There are too many eyes on us. If I rely on my mother again, even the neutrals will begin to dismiss me.”
“You’re right. In that case, please proceed as you see fit.”
Itaiji raised his teacup.
Clink.
“Once Paeng becomes the Commander, only Jeongcheon might pose a problem.”
“Once the appointment is finalized, removing Jeongcheon won’t be difficult. We can’t kill him, but we can promote him and reassign him to another unit or to the rear.”
“That’ll do. Hehehe.”
Just as Itaiji grinned with satisfaction, he furrowed his brow.
“Should we leave that one alone?”
“The Fourth Prince?”
“Yes. Even if he’s a powerless puppet, he’s still a prince. He might obstruct General Paeng.”
The strategist chuckled.
“Bothering him unnecessarily may cause trouble. He’s not a threat, no matter how many supporters he has.”
“Still…”
“If you’re that concerned, we can summon him to the capital. We have more than enough pretexts.”
“No. You’re right. He poses no threat. Let him be.”
Itaiji stood up.
“Shall I enjoy a drink tonight?”
“Shall I summon dancers?”
“No need. I’d rather drink quietly tonight.”
“As you wish.”
Itaiji left his residence.
The smile never left his face.
Ihwan and Jeongcheon sat across from each other.
“So if the Grand Marshal appoints Paeng, there’s nothing we can do?”
“Yes. Aside from the Royal Guard, all appointments fall under the Grand Marshal’s authority.”
“Is the Grand Marshal with the Second Prince?”
“No. But he is a practical man. If the Second Prince applies pressure or offers incentives, he’ll likely give in. He has many weaknesses.”
The big question remained—what about the Emperor? His presence was barely felt. No one even mentioned him.
Even Crown Prince Iso avoided the topic.
Ihwan sipped his tea, then fixed his gaze on Jeongcheon.
“If they gain control of the Southern Corps, their first move will be to get rid of you.”
“Most likely.”
Jeongcheon nodded gravely.
“Any countermeasures?”
“None.”
“You’ll just let it happen?”
“No one in this land can defy the law. The only hope now lies in the Crown Prince persuading the Grand Marshal.”
“Hmph…”
“By now, the news must’ve reached the Crown Prince. He may already be working behind the scenes.”
Ihwan was silent for a moment. Jeongcheon waited.
Then Ihwan spoke.
“I’ll find a way to make you Commander.”
“Pardon?”
“We can’t rely solely on the Crown Prince. We must act as well. But first…”
Ihwan tapped his temple.
“Clear your head. I understand how you feel, but that defeated look doesn’t suit you.”
“Apologies.”
Jeongcheon rose and bowed.
“I’ll see to your lodging being prepared swiftly. Then, if you’ll excuse me…”
As he turned to leave, Ihwan asked suddenly:
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
“Not as a prince. I mean my abilities.”
“Now, I want to.”
Smirk.
“Not that you do—just that you want to? You’re saying you still don’t fully trust my abilities?”
“That’s the truth. But please understand that my standards for you have risen much higher than before. May I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
Jeongcheon hesitated, then asked:
“Why have you been hiding your strength?”
“A damn complicated story. One I can’t share right now. I hope you understand.”
“Understood.”
Once Jeongcheon left, Cheolmuok entered.
“As ordered, I displayed their severed limbs at the enemy’s camp.”
“Good work.”
Ihwan looked out through the gap in the tent. They were now in a new military camp to the north of the ravine. Outside, soldiers were busy setting up tents, and carts moved supplies back and forth.
Just then, Paeng Muwi and Yeonghochung passed in the distance.
Cheolmuok spoke up.
“Why not just kill Paeng?”
“And keep killing every new appointee?”
“…”
“We need a more definitive solution. Which means we need to buy time.”
“How?”
“We’ll start figuring that out now.”
Ihwan stepped out of the tent. Songhoe and others were busy erecting tents beside him.
“Chief.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Send a letter to the Crown Prince. Ask how that matter I requested is progressing.”
“Understood.”
Ihwan headed north. Cheolmuok followed and asked:
“How long will you stay here?”
“I made a promise to the Crown Prince—to keep this camp out of the Second Prince’s hands. In return, he’s helping me find the drifter through the Eastern Intelligence Bureau. I intend to keep my end.”
Ihwan stopped and looked at Cheolmuok.
“I’ll find the descendant of the Three Kings no matter what. I’m more desperate than you are, so don’t be impatient.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“My prince.”
“Yes, my prince.”
They continued walking. But soon stopped.
From the ridge ahead, Gomi descended. Spotting Ihwan, she approached and bowed.
“Out for a stroll?”
“No. I was surveying the area.”
“And what did you find? Suitable for a military base?”
“I heard it was your decision. So we simply follow.”
“You do know how to say pleasing things.”
“Just stating my duty.”
Ihwan smiled faintly.
That stiff tone still felt odd coming from such a delicate beauty.
“See you later.”
“Yes, my prince.”
Watching her descend, Cheolmuok murmured,
“She’s truly remarkable. No wonder she became head of covert operations at such a young age.”
“You like her?”
“I don’t care for women.”
Smirk.
A soft chuckle left Ihwan’s lips, his eyes suddenly filled with a distant light.
“Better than the most beautiful woman in the realm is simply being by your side, my lord.”
The voice of Iron Prince Cheolmugwang echoed in his mind, as if whispered right beside him.
“I hope your descendant is just as admirable. So far, I quite like him.”
“My prince.”
“What is it?”
“Those people from the Second Prince’s side, staying in the market district—why haven’t they come here?”
“With General Hwang dead, they’ll either join or leave soon.”
“What do you mean…?”
“If they came this far but are staying away, there’s only one reason.”
“You believe their goal was to assassinate General Hwang?”
“That’s what I thought.”
When Ihwan nodded silently, Cheolmuok pressed further.
“Then why did you let them be?”
“I didn’t. I was waiting for them to make their move. If we caught them in the act, we’d hold the blade, not the Second Prince. But the agents from Jo Nation ruined it.”
“…!”
Cheolmuok was shocked.
“So that’s what he was thinking all along…”
He had been puzzled why Ihwan had done nothing after receiving Gomi’s report.
Cheolmuok watched Ihwan’s back as he walked ahead.
He still had many questions about Ihwan—but his faith grew stronger.
“It may seem trivial, but he always sees what others miss. He even predicted the Jo assassins’ return.”
When they went to capture the Blood Demon’s leader, Ihwan had said:
“They left before confirming General Hwang’s death. So they’ll definitely return to make sure.”
“He even predicted their exact location. Incredible.”
In a camp so vast, to predict where the assassin would appear was nearly impossible.
“What are you doing? Hurry up.”
“Ah, coming!”
