Chapter 43
Red Dragon Martial Emperor
The Ronin
Imperial Palace
Crown Prince Lee Tae-ji straightened his back as he listened to the strategist’s report.
“What did you just say?”
“Commander Mo Jaehwang of the Golden Guard was killed by an assassin from the Zhao State, and Yeong Ho-chung’s plot to undermine the Left General was discovered, resulting in his execution on the spot.”
A deep frown formed on Lee Tae-ji’s forehead.
The strategist continued.
“We need to investigate the full circumstances, but the situation seems understandable.”
“Mo Jaehwang I can understand, but Yeong Ho-chung’s case is strange. Why would he plot against the Left General?”
“The Yeong Ho family and the Hebei Peng family are both well-known in martial circles and have been rivals for generations. It’s likely Yeong Ho-chung resented the Left General rising to the position of Chief Commander.”
“This is foolish…”
Lee Tae-ji leaned back in his chair, tilting his head, then looked at the strategist again.
“Did the Left General personally execute him?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I thought he was as simple and honest as a bear, but he has ambition after all. Though he might have taken another approach instead of killing Yeong Ho-chung…”
“In any case, the Left General is now the Chief Commander, so one concern is settled.”
“Do we need to send more help?”
“There’s no more capacity. For now, all efforts must focus on keeping the Crown Prince’s palace in check.”
“Is he still not leaving the palace?”
“Yes. However, since the Imperial Physician no longer visits the Crown Prince’s palace, it seems it won’t be long before he starts moving in earnest. We should gather as much manpower as possible ahead of time.”
“Money is no issue. Gather as many as possible, but make sure it’s done discreetly so they don’t notice.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Enough. You may leave. I need some rest.”
After the strategist left, Lee Tae-ji walked to the window and opened it. Unlike the flags fluttering in the sky, the palace courtyard was still, with not a breath of wind.
“This place is suffocating.”
His gaze shifted to the largest and most magnificent hall.
A smirk formed on his lips.
“The day I enter there isn’t far off. Heh heh heh.”
Crown Prince Lee So
Crown Prince Lee So’s expression was heavy. During the report, he silently stared at his tea cup without saying a word.
“That concludes the report sent by the Moonmaster of Biwol.”
When the general finished, Lee So finally spoke.
“Appointing Peng Mu-wei as Chief Commander to block the Second Prince’s attention? I wonder if that is truly the right course of action.”
“The matter has already started, and the army is under your command, so it’s best to observe.”
Lee So let out a faint laugh.
“Looks like you’re only starting to trust that child now.”
“The general only trusts Your Highness’s judgment.”
“Giving the appointment documents to Peng Mu-wei—surely that expresses confidence that someone like him can be handled with ease?”
“Yes. The general thinks so as well. Perhaps…”
He trailed off. Lee So’s eyes urged him to continue.
“The report mentions that Commander Mo Jaehwang of the Golden Guard was killed by an assassin from Zhao, but somehow I have a strong feeling that’s not entirely true.”
“Heh heh heh.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“I was just thinking the same. One day, Mo Jaehwang dies to an enemy assassin, and the very strength of Peng Mu-wei, Yeong Ho-chung, is exposed plotting to overthrow him and is killed—coincidence seems unlikely, doesn’t it?”
“Indeed. The only concern is that the Second Prince’s side may share the same suspicion and send more people.”
“That need not worry us.”
“Why not?”
Lee So smiled.
“From the moment General Hwang-ho died, they must have assumed he commanded the Southern Army. So rather than suspicion, they are likely celebrating Peng Mu-wei’s rise to Chief Commander. Mo Jaehwang and Yeong Ho-chung are expendable to them. Still, caution isn’t bad—we just need to distract them from focusing on the Southern Army.”
Clink.
“Let’s ruffle their attention a little, but not too much.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Also, spread the rumor that I am about to take action soon.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The general bowed and left. Lee So sank deep into his chair, calming his gaze.
“If you are confident, I will trust you. Don’t disappoint me.”
Lee Hwan
Boom!
The rain that had fallen for days had made the waterfall even more ferocious.
Lee Hwan drew his sword in front of it.
Swish!
The blade cut through the waterfall, and time seemed to freeze for a moment before returning to normal.
Boom!
“Much better.”
Clack!
Satisfied, Lee Hwan turned around. From the cliff’s edge, he looked down at the camp, which lit up like a massive flower.
“The Southern Army is essentially under control. Now, I just need to observe the Second Prince’s reactions. Nothing will go wrong.”
A sense of finality washed over him—it felt like the long, tedious war was over.
Whoosh!
Lee Hwan let the wind carry him briefly, then walked toward the camp. The darkened mountains always offered a sense of uniqueness, which he savored as he made his way at a steady pace toward the barracks.
Soon, approaching the barracks, he noticed Gomi outside.
He paused and observed her.
“Sending Biwol here was a masterstroke.”
Gomi’s intelligence was remarkable—both in scope and in speed of action, unmatched by anyone.
He chuckled, recalling how coldly she had treated him before.
At that moment, their gazes met. Gomi bowed slightly. When she raised her head again, Lee Hwan had already entered the barracks.
Gomi’s gaze lingered on Lee Hwan’s barracks, heavy with thought.
“This isn’t merely hiding strength. He controlled the Southern Army in a single maneuver using Peng Mu-wei.”
Thinking of Mo Jaehwang and Yeong Ho-chung’s deaths, she felt hollow.
Mo Jaehwang, who she had longed to kill but never could—he fell to Lee Hwan’s plan without resistance.
“Does His Highness know everything and still trust the army?”
She recalled the Crown Prince’s letter:
“Help your brother even at the risk of your life.”
A bitter smile crossed her lips.
“I’m not helping the army; I’m being used, like a sword in their hands. Perhaps everyone in the Southern Army will end up in my position.”
A female soldier approached.
“The water has been heated.”
“Thank you.”
Gomi shook off her thoughts and went to the back of the barracks. In a wood-surrounded area, a large tub emitted thick white steam.
She undressed, revealing several scars—some so deep it was miraculous she had survived.
“Shall I prepare some alcohol?”
“Yes.”
Soon, the soldier returned with wine.
Gomi downed a glass in one gulp.
“Any letters from the palace?”
“No. The Second Prince’s side seems inactive. If there were any suspicious moves, we would have received word by now.”
“Did the army’s operation truly succeed?”
If the Second Prince suspected, he would have acted by now. Yet Gomi remained cautious.
“Tell them to keep a close watch until I say it’s enough.”
“Yes.”
She sank into the water for another drink.
Splash!
A City Two Days from the Imperial Capital
A ronin opened the door of a shabby inn. His disheveled hair and the worn iron sword at his side marked him as a typical wandering swordsman.
The innkeeper frowned but forced a smile after a quick glance at the sword.
“Welcome.”
“One boiled chicken and a bottle of wine, please.”
“Yes, please wait a moment.”
The ronin took a corner seat, arms crossed, and closed his eyes while waiting.
He was being observed by men in black cloaks with sharp features. They had watched him enter the inn.
Exchanging glances, they left their table—half-eaten food still there—and paid the innkeeper before exiting.
The innkeeper brought the wine.
“The wine is ready.”
The ronin uncrossed his arms, drank, and refilled his cup in a steady rhythm.
Some time later, the door opened again. The black-cloaked men returned, three more behind them. They blocked the inn’s exit.
Flutter!
A wanted poster dropped onto the ronin’s table.
The ronin paused mid-drink, eyeing it.
One black-cloaked man approached.
“You must come with us.”
“Who are you?”
Instead of answering, he rolled up his sleeve, revealing a silver bracelet—signifying a powerful, untouchable organization.
“Why are you taking me from Dongchang?”
“You go when told. Stand up.”
“Even if I go, I’ll finish this first.”
The ronin drank the wine straight from the bottle, then stood.
“Pay for this yourselves.”
“Enough talk. Move!”
He stepped outside, surrounded by the black-cloaked men.
“Follow us.”
They led him north through the streets. He followed silently. When they reached a quiet area, he suddenly grabbed one man’s sword, attacking the pursuers.
Pow!
Bam!
“Kugh!”
Three black-cloaked men screamed and fell.
Clang!
Two drew their swords, but one realized his blade was now in the ronin’s hands.
“This…!”
Bam!
“Kugh!”
One was struck and fell; the remaining man backed away in shock.
The ronin leveled his sword at him.
“Draw this, and you die. Now, tell me why someone wants me.”
“The Crown Prince is looking for you!”
“Why would he seek me?”
“Reckless!”
“Recklessness could cost you your head! Answer properly.”
“….”
The ronin pushed his sword slightly.
Click.
“Want to die?”
“The Fourth Prince seeks you. The wanted poster is his doing. We don’t know the reason. Truly!”
“Where is the Fourth Prince now?”
“With the Southern Army!”
“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely!”
Whoosh!
The ronin threw his sword; the man caught it instinctively.
Clang!
“Hand over any money you have.”
Moments later, the ronin collected the money and disappeared into the darkness. The remaining man collapsed, panting.
“Damn! We weren’t even a match for him!”
The black-cloaked man had narrowly survived, left gasping on the ground.
