Chapter 54
Everything Goes as Desired
Wang Jigyeong once again headed toward the Song family’s mansion.
As before, Ihwan and Cheol Mu-ok moved in the rear.
[Do you think the creditor will really give up the principal?]
[Since he’s returning after just a day, that’s the only conclusion. But let’s keep watching, just in case.]
[If that happens, it’ll be as if the Hwangryong Trading Company has helped the Grand Prince.]
[That’s life. That’s where the fun comes from.]
Ihwan was certain.
The desperate Wang Jigyeong would give up both the principal and the interest owed to the Song family.
‘Someone from the Crown Prince’s palace should already be here by now…’
The only remaining question was whether the Crown Prince’s palace had sent someone to the Song residence. The ideal outcome would be if they arrived before Wang Jigyeong did.
Just then—
[His Highness the Crown Prince said to follow the Grand Prince’s wishes.]
A voice suddenly whispered into Ihwan’s ear.
He turned around.
Among the crowd was a figure wearing a deeply lowered bamboo hat. The person raised it slightly and bowed their head.
It was Gomi.
‘She really doesn’t know how to disappoint.’
Smiling faintly, Ihwan sent a whisper back.
[Well done.]
[Do you have any further orders?]
[There’s someone in the Hwangryong Trading Company named Sangsan Hyuldo. Dig into him.]
[Understood.]
With that, Gomi melted back into the crowd. Ihwan gazed at Wang Jigyeong’s carriage, a faint smile playing on his lips.
‘I’ll get to see the rare sight of a man giving up a hundred thousand silver taels and still smiling.’
Could such a person exist—someone joyful after abandoning a hundred thousand silver? Without a doubt, it would be a rare sight.
Ihwan was convinced he was about to witness it.
* * *
Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho were already waiting in the courtyard.
Wang Jigyeong bowed to Yi Yeong, who received him with the same cold expression.
“If you’ve come about yesterday’s matter, you should turn back now.”
“No, I’ve come again because there’s an urgent matter I must discuss with you, Madam.”
“…Very well, come inside.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Wang Jigyeong glanced back at Ihwan.
“Come along.”
Leaving his sword with Cheol Mu-ok, Ihwan followed inside.
Soon, the three sat facing each other across a table. Unlike yesterday, Ihwan seated himself at a side table, quietly observing.
Wang Jigyeong cleared his throat and spoke.
“I apologize, but what I must say today is not much different from yesterday. However, I wish to make an additional proposal.”
“Sir Wang!”
Yi Yeong’s voice turned cold as ice. At that moment, Song Cheon-ho intervened.
“Wife, let’s at least hear what he has to say.”
At her husband’s urging, Yi Yeong reluctantly held back. Song Cheon-ho asked:
“So, what is this new proposal?”
“Well…”
Just as Wang Jigyeong began to speak, a voice came from outside.
“Madam, someone from the Crown Prince’s palace has arrived.”
A faint smile curled at the corners of Ihwan’s lips.
* * *
Ihwan was slightly surprised at the figure who entered.
‘For him to come personally…’
The man stepping in was none other than Jang-su, the Crown Prince Yi So’s close confidant.
Ihwan sharpened his gaze just in case. A master could recognize another by their eyes, even through a disguise mask. Caution was necessary.
‘It seems the Crown Prince intends to intervene directly. Understandable—since this concerns the Second Prince as well.’
If not, he would never have sent someone of Jang-su’s standing, equal to a commanding general.
Jang-su bowed to Yi Yeong.
“I greet Madam.”
“Welcome, General.”
“Welcome, General.”
“Forgive me if I intrude while you have guests.”
Yi Yeong turned to Wang Jigyeong.
“I’m sorry, but we’ll have to postpone our discussion. Please take your leave for today.”
“….”
Caught off guard, Wang Jigyeong slowly rose.
Song Cheon-mu appeared and gestured.
“Please, see yourself out.”
“Then I shall withdraw for now.”
Bowing, Wang Jigyeong stepped outside—and froze.
At the gate stood several soldiers and horses. One officer’s armor indicated he held authority to command ten thousand men.
If even the guards were of such rank, then the status of the man inside must be even higher.
Just then, Ihwan’s low murmur brushed into Wang Jigyeong’s ears.
“Strange, for the Crown Prince’s confidant to show up here.”
“What did you just say? That general is the Crown Prince’s confidant?”
“When I once received an invitation from the Crown Prince’s palace, I saw him from afar. A soldier told me then—he is the man His Highness trusts most, almost like his second self. So it puzzles me to see him here.”
“Is that true?”
“Why would I lie?”
Thump-thump.
Wang Jigyeong’s heart pounded wildly. His fists clenched tight.
‘So the Crown Prince values the Princess enough to send his most trusted man! Then I must secure the Song family’s loyalty, even if it costs not a hundred thousand, but far more! Only then can we stand against the Hwangryong Trading Company!’
Ihwan watched Wang Jigyeong with a faint smile.
‘It must feel like seeing a ray of sunlight break through the clouds.’
* * *
Yi Yeong pressed a hand to her chest. Her face was flushed like peach blossoms. Song Cheon-ho laughed.
“Well done, wife. Your acting was so natural Sir Wang didn’t suspect a thing. Hahaha.”
“I’m too embarrassed to even lift my head.”
In truth, the timing of Jang-su’s entrance had all been carefully prearranged. He had arrived at the Song residence half an hour earlier.
Jang-su asked,
“When will the Grand Prince arrive?”
“He only sent word that he would visit soon.”
Yi Yeong’s eyes grew moist.
“For His Highness the Crown Prince to care for us so much—I hardly know how to bear it.”
“His Highness has always worried for you, Madam. He regrets that circumstances prevented him from even sending proper word.”
“Thank you.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Song Cheon-ho patted her shoulder, his own eyes glistening.
The Crown Prince was on a different level from Ihwan. For the future ruler of the realm to personally aid their family—it was beyond moving.
Meanwhile, Jang-su glanced out the window at the retreating figure of Ihwan.
‘Why does that back look so familiar?’
Song Cheon-ho approached.
“What are you staring at?”
“Ah, nothing. By the way, who was that man?”
“Sir Wang’s bodyguard. Rude to the extreme, like his master. Though today he showed a bit more courtesy.”
“Something happened?”
Song Cheon-ho chuckled.
“His attitude yesterday was insolent, so my wife gave him a firm scolding.”
While they spoke, Ihwan left through the front gate. Jang-su turned back to Yi Yeong.
“What instructions has the Grand Prince given next?”
“He said to refuse three times, and wait until Sir Wang offers terms first.”
“Do you know where His Highness is now?”
“Only that he’s nearby. He said he’d visit soon, but…”
Her voice trailed off.
Jang-su frowned.
“It seems the Grand Prince is orchestrating things from behind the scenes. If so, then he must be watching everything right now…”
His expression suddenly shifted. Without another word, he strode outside and leapt toward the gate.
Yi Yeong and Song Cheon-ho exchanged puzzled glances.
Outside, Jang-su narrowed his eyes at Wang Jigyeong’s departing entourage.
‘Could it be…’
* * *
Shhhhhh!
Rain suddenly poured down.
Unfortunately, they had reached the outskirts of the city and had no shelter.
Without umbrellas, Ihwan was drenched.
Clatter-clatter!
The carriage slowed, for wet roads could easily cause accidents.
Crack!
Boom!
Lightning webbed across the nearby sky.
After a while, a guard rode back and shouted:
“The road ahead is blocked by a landslide!”
The sudden downpour had sent mud tumbling onto the road.
Neigh!
The carriage halted. The driver shouted toward Wang Jigyeong:
“Sir! We may have to turn back toward the city!”
Clack!
Wang Jigyeong opened the window and stuck his head out.
“Can we even turn the carriage around on this narrow road?!”
“Forgive me, Sir, but you may have to dismount and ride on horseback.”
“I can’t ride on in this pouring rain! Just clear the debris!”
“The mud is too much, Sir. It would take half a day at least. Better to return to the city.”
“Damn it!”
Amid the commotion, Ihwan calmly scanned the surroundings. His eyes suddenly gleamed.
Cheol Mu-ok whispered to him.
[Did you see?]
[Yes.]
They had both caught sight of shadows moving beyond the treeline.
[Are they after Wang Jigyeong?]
[Let’s hope so.]
[What?]
[If he’s reminded again of the fear of death, his reliance on us will only deepen. When they attack, show them overwhelming strength.]
[Understood.]
Ihwan silently wished the attackers were indeed after Wang Jigyeong. The man was still debating whether to continue or turn back.
Ihwan stepped toward the carriage.
“In weather like this, it’s best to be cautious. If I were targeting you, Sir, I’d strike under just such conditions.”
He pointed to the right of the road.
“If turning back is difficult, we can shelter over there until the rain stops. That estate looks abandoned, but its walls offer better defense than the open road.”
“Very well, let’s head there.”
Just as Wang Jigyeong opened the carriage door to step out—
Whoosh!
An arrow sliced through the rain.
In an instant, Cheol Mu-ok drew his sword and raised a barrier.
Thwip-thwip-thwip!
The arrows shattered off his defense; the rest thudded into the carriage.
Thunk-thunk!
Ihwan muttered coolly:
“Assassins! Form up!”
The guards quickly encircled the carriage.
Figures burst from the forest—about twenty, faces wrapped in cloth.
Wang Jigyeong froze like stone.
Shing!
Ihwan slowly drew his sword.
‘Sent by the Hwangryong Trading Company, no doubt. In that case, I’m grateful.’
He pressed close to the carriage window.
Wang Jigyeong’s voice trembled.
“You’re the strongest, shouldn’t you be the one to fight?!”
“My duty is to guard your side. The rest is my friend’s job.”
Clang!
“Argh!”
“Gaaah!”
The battle erupted.
The first two attackers were torn apart by Cheol Mu-ok in an instant. He was like a tiger among sheep—none could withstand him.
The others veered away, clashing with the guards instead.
‘They hired some capable ones, at least.’
Just then—
“Ugh!”
A guard collapsed, blood spraying.
The masked killer who felled him lunged like lightning straight at Ihwan.
“Ah!”
Watching through the window, Wang Jigyeong cried out.
Ihwan coolly deflected the incoming blade with a strike.
Clang!
The enemy staggered. Ihwan grabbed his head and slammed it against the carriage.
Crunch!
The skull burst like a melon, blood and brain matter splattering even onto Wang Jigyeong’s face.
Ihwan calmly folded his arms again.
“Are you all right, Sir?”
“D-didn’t you just…”
“Don’t worry. No matter who comes, not a single hair on your head will be touched.”
