Chapter 40
Delivering the Appointment Letter
“I’ve found out the whereabouts of the person you’re looking for a month ago. The Dongchang is moving on a large scale, so I’ll send good news soon.”
A month ago? That’s pretty close.
The letter sent by Iso crumbled into a handful of ashes and scattered. Just then, Cheol Mu-ok entered.
“Meal preparations are complete.”
“Good.”
Before stepping outside, Ihwan shared the contents of the letter with Cheol Mu-ok.
“The Dongchang has found the whereabouts of the wanderer from a month ago.”
“Oh? Then we might find him soon.”
“We’ll see.”
“Truly, Dongchang’s intelligence is unmatched. They’ve already traced his movements from a month ago.”
“That’s precisely why they exist.”
The two of them stepped outside together.
At the back of the barracks was a table made from a split log. On calm days, they usually had their meals and tea there.
Today, Cha Jung-kyung also joined them. Thanks to his unexpectedly fast recovery, he could now walk on his own.
Just as they were about to start eating, Gomi arrived.
“I’ll come back after the meal.”
“Why not eat together?”
“…Yes, thank you.”
Song Cheon-mu quickly brought a chair. Gomi grabbed the one Ihwan had intended for her and sat opposite him.
“Is this more important than eating?”
“I believe so.”
“Really? Then tell me.”
“I’ve uncovered the identities of the martial artists in the Zhao army. They’re called Blood Ghosts, and seem to be professional assassins who once operated in the Sha faction of the martial world. The general you killed was the leader of the Blood Ghosts, and currently, about forty remain in the Zhao army camp.”
Everyone was amazed that she had found this out in such a short time.
“How do you even discover something like that? Did you plant someone in the Zhao army camp?”
“I cannot disclose the details due to secrecy. Please understand.”
“Could the Golden Guard even do something like that?”
“They couldn’t even dream of it.”
Gomi’s cold tone made Ihwan smile faintly.
“Now, let’s eat!”
They began their meal.
After some time, Gomi spoke again.
“The Zhao imperial palace seems to be in chaos.”
“Sounds like a fight for the throne among themselves, right?”
“The conflict between the Crown Prince and the Southwest King has reached a severe level.”
The Southwest King was the Crown Prince’s uncle—the emperor’s younger brother.
“The Zhao general who died recently was aligned with the Crown Prince. Both sides are now trying to place their own candidates as his successor. I believe Zhao hasn’t attacked yet because no successor has been decided.”
Ihwan set down his chopsticks and stared at Gomi. His intense gaze made her slightly embarrassed.
“Did you find this information here?”
“Yes.”
Ihwan was genuinely impressed.
How could she have gathered so much information in such a short time? Even the palace intrigue in Zhao.
With this level of intelligence, wouldn’t it be better to assist the Crown Prince directly?
Gomi cautiously made a request.
“I have a request.”
“Go ahead.”
“Please allow our warriors to participate in training.”
“Where? The Yongho Army? Or these friends?”
“I meant these people’s training.”
Song Hoe and Song Cheon-mu lit up, but Cheol Mu-ok was different.
“Training is not something you can join casually.”
“I asked the general. And I hold an official position, so mind your tone.”
“….”
Cheol Mu-ok looked at Ihwan in shock. Ihwan smiled.
“Exactly. As a Woeulju, you must observe proper manners and tone. This applies to everyone else too.”
“Yes!”
“Understood.”
Ihwan looked at Gomi.
“Do all the Biwol warriors know the Imperial Palace martial techniques?”
“Yes.”
“Then joining them won’t have much effect. These friends are practicing martial arts of the wider world, not Imperial Palace martial techniques. As you know, there’s a distinct difference between the two.”
“That’s not the reason for my request.”
“Then why?”
“Our camp hasn’t fully settled yet, so there’s no suitable place to train. We considered using other units’ training grounds, but everyone avoids us…”
Even Ihwan hadn’t thought of that. Cheol Mu-ok finally seemed to agree.
“Any problem with that?” Ihwan asked.
“No. For that reason, we’ll train together.”
Ihwan turned back to Gomi.
“Let them train together.”
“Thank you.”
She bowed respectfully toward Cheol Mu-ok.
“We won’t be a burden. Please guide us well.”
“A burden? I apologize for my stern attitude earlier without knowing the situation.”
The atmosphere quickly became warm again, and everyone resumed eating.
Song Hoe and Song Cheon-mu beamed, while Cha Jung-kyung looked disappointed. Only they knew the reason.
Young Hojung and Mo Jaehwang had a conversation over a meal.
“The Left General seems strange these past few days. He won’t even share meals or tea. Any idea why?”
Young Hojung shook his head.
“I’ve tried requesting private meetings several times, but he keeps refusing. Thinking back, it seems to have started after he met the general…”
“Could he have been persuaded by the general?”
“If it were the general, he wouldn’t do that. There must be another reason. If you’re worried, you should investigate.”
“Understood. I’ll look into it.”
Indeed, Pang Mu-wi had avoided the two of them for days. Whenever they approached, he found excuses to refuse meetings.
At first, they didn’t mind, but over time, suspicion grew.
Mo Jaehwang smiled coldly.
“If he knows whether or not I become the chief general rests on him, I wonder what expression he’d wear.”
“Let’s not overthink. There’s probably no special reason.”
After finishing their meal and tea, a messenger entered.
“The Left General has gone to the general’s barracks.”
“Really? Did the general summon him?”
“Yes.”
Young Hojung and Mo Jaehwang exchanged glances.
“Understood. Go see him.”
As the messenger left, Mo Jaehwang muttered with narrowed eyes.
“Does he really have something going on with the general?”
“You’re overthinking. The Left General isn’t that kind of person, and he lacks both the audacity and ability to betray Yi Hwangja. Let’s wait a little longer.”
“Agreed.”
Young Hojung wasn’t worried, but Mo Jaehwang’s intuition sensed something.
There’s definitely something going on.
Today, Pang Mu-wi drank tea with Ihwan without hesitation and conversed before returning to the barracks.
Cheol Mu-ok remarked,
“His attitude toward the general has clearly changed. But why did you call me today?”
“The medicine’s effect is wearing off.”
“The medicine… you mean the unwed potion in the drink?”
“It was hastily made, so the effect isn’t complete. It needs to be administered periodically. Also, it seems the time has come to deliver the appointment letter.”
“Do you think the three have broken ties?”
“It’s better they suspect each other rather than completely break off. Pang Mu-wi has been avoiding Young Hojung and Mo Jaehwang for days, so they must be suspicious by now. Let’s wait a few more days.”
Cheol Mu-ok was quietly surprised.
Although it seemed trivial, it was never easy to manipulate human hearts. Yet everything was proceeding as Ihwan wished.
I just gave a few words and a potion…
Ihwan continued,
“I’ve been thinking lately. The current Yeon nation law restricts royal family members from having personal soldiers. Especially someone like me—an illegitimate child—cannot even have guards without royal approval. Here, that’s not necessary. So, what if we build our own force?”
“Here?”
“It’s the safest place from the palace’s scrutiny.”
“I agree. If you order, I’ll bring our entire clan here. As you said, this place is free from palace surveillance, so if disguised as part of the Southern Army, there will be no issue.”
Ihwan had indeed felt the need for a personal force. Not desperate, but having power would allow him to control situations according to his will.
With a force, I can intervene in the Crown Prince’s power struggle and secure the future.
Ihwan made up his mind.
“Good. Bring your clans here.”
“Understood.”
The next morning, a royal messenger arrived at the camp.
The news reached Pang Mu-wi immediately.
Ihwan summoned him, but Jeong Cheon was already there.
“Have you found him?”
“Sit.”
Shortly after, tea was served. Unlike before, Pang Mu-wi drank it without hesitation.
Jeong Cheon said,
“Congratulations, Left General.”
“Congratulations? What do you mean?”
Jeong Cheon opened a tube and placed the appointment letter on the table.
“Check it yourself.”
Pang Mu-wi’s eyes trembled.
He didn’t even need to look to know he had been appointed the Chief General of the Southern Army.
Finally, I become Chief General of the Southern Army.
Jeong Cheon continued solemnly,
“Lead the Southern Army well. I will support you to the best of my ability.”
“Thank you, General Jeong!”
Seeing Jeong Cheon genuinely congratulate him moved Pang Mu-wi.
Clink.
For the first time, Ihwan spoke, setting down his teacup.
“I trust your ability, Left General, but there’s one concern.”
“…?”
“Remember what I said before?”
“You mean about Young Hojung and Mo Jaehwang?”
“Yes. I worry that as Chief General, you might be manipulated by them. I hear you haven’t spoken with them recently.”
“The other officers share this concern as well.”
Jeong Cheon supported Ihwan’s words.
Pang Mu-wi’s gaze hardened.
“Once I become Chief General, I will never be manipulated by them. You have my word. And they are not that kind of people.”
“Of course I trust you. But the safety of the Southern Army is at stake. As you know, this is like my home.”
“The same goes for me,” Jeong Cheon added.
Pang Mu-wi spoke more firmly.
“If they show disloyalty, I will assert authority as Chief General and punish any who disrupt military discipline!”
“Can we trust the Chief General?”
“Trust me, General!”
Pang Mu-wi left, leaving only Jeong Cheon.
Unlike before, his expression was dark and serious. Ihwan looked at him and smiled faintly.
“Still uneasy, General?”
“I doubt the Left General will act as you hope. If things go wrong, not just the Southern Army, but all units on the front lines could be affected. If he uses his authority to replace key unit leaders, it could become serious.”
“That won’t happen. Pang Mu-wi will be a loyal Chief General of the Southern Army, not a pawn of Yi Hwangja.”
“Eh?”
Jeong Cheon’s eyes widened.
Ihwan spread his hand and smiled deeply.
“This hand is as wide as Buddha’s hand. Hohoho.”
“….”
Ihwan fixed his gaze on Jeong Cheon.
“The Crown Prince trusted General Hwang, but he’s gone. Now, the only person to trust is you. So tell me, can I count on your loyalty to the Crown Prince?”
“I swear on the heavens!”
“Good.”
