Chapter 62
Pruning (1)
Lee Hwan and Song Cheon-mu sat across from one another.
Song Cheon-mu’s expression was brighter than ever, his gaze toward Lee Hwan filled with reverence.
“Can you not manage your expression a little?”
“It is not so simple, my lord. Even if I remain still, I cannot help but smile. Thank you for looking after our family, Commander.”
Clink.
Lee Hwan set down his teacup and fixed his eyes on him.
“Now, return to the military camp.”
“…Pardon?”
“Was it not your dream to become a great general? Then go back, mingle with your comrades there, and build those bonds. Do not concern yourself with matters here.”
“……”
Was it unexpected?
Song Cheon-mu bowed his head.
If harsher events unfold, you may be placed in danger.
Lee Hwan could not bring himself to voice that thought aloud. Though he himself had grown attached, he had no choice but to send Song Cheon-mu away for his own sake.
“Go, pay your respects to your elder brother and sister-in-law, and then depart at once.”
“Yes.”
Song Cheon-mu rose, and then—unexpectedly—prostrated himself fully on the floor. Lee Hwan silently watched.
“Then I shall wait only for the day you return, my lord.”
A short while later, Song Cheon-mu departed.
Lee Hwan felt a hollowness in his chest deeper than he had anticipated, a faintly bitter smile rising to his lips.
At that moment, Cheol Mu-ok entered.
“My lord, the Prefect has sent a summons to Master Wang.”
“A summons?”
“Yes. He ordered Master Wang to appear by tomorrow morning. Even if he departs immediately, the time is barely sufficient.”
Lee Hwan frowned.
The Prefect here sides with Prince Yi Hwang… then perhaps this is Yi Hwang’s maneuver.
“You must depart at once, my lord.”
“It is best to avoid entering government offices if possible. Go tell Master Wang that he has taken ill, and to delay for several more days.”
“Would that be permissible?”
“It will suffice.”
“As you command.”
Cheol Mu-ok left, only to return shortly with Wang Ji-gyeong. The latter burst in, eyes wide with alarm.
“Are you certain it is safe to ignore a Prefect’s summons?”
“First, we must discover why the summons was issued. If you enter without knowing, you may never come out again.”
“…!”
“Has such a thing ever happened before?”
“No—never. I cannot even begin to imagine what it means!”
Lee Hwan sipped his tea before continuing.
“Connections exist precisely for moments like these. Gather all your ties and ascertain the truth. I will investigate from my side as well.”
“Very well.”
After Wang Ji-gyeong left, Cheol Mu-ok inquired:
“When are you to meet Wolju?”
“No specific time has been set. We can only hope she arrives swiftly.”
Lee Hwan leaned deep into his chair, his gaze sharpening.
“It seems the Hwangryong Trading Company intends to make its move…”
“Considering this arose right after Master Wang opposed them at the assembly, it is indeed suspicious. And since the Prefect is aligned with Prince Yi Hwang, this may well be his doing.”
“Indeed.”
Lee Hwan interlaced his fingers, his eyes sinking deeper.
Perhaps confrontation will come sooner than expected.
That night, the awaited Gomi came to him. Once again, she surprised him.
“The Prefect has issued a summons to Wang Ji-gyeong. Are you aware?”
“How did you learn this?”
Lee Hwan chuckled dryly. He had planned to ask her to investigate the Prefect’s motives, but she brought it up first.
“I discovered it while tracking dealings between the Hwangryong Company and Prince Yi Hwang’s faction.”
“Did you learn the reason for the summons as well?”
“A petition was submitted to the office, alleging that Wang Ji-gyeong wronged someone. However, I could not uncover the petition’s contents.”
“And the petitioner’s identity?”
“That too remains unknown—even those in charge could not say.”
Then Gomi abruptly asked:
“Why did you not comply with the summons?”
“I had him claim illness to delay. Should we not first learn the truth, so we can respond appropriately?”
Lee Hwan drank another sip of tea.
Clink.
“Now Wolju must act in her role as royal inspector.”
“Me?”
“If my instincts are correct, the Hwangryong Company has sought aid from Prince Yi Hwang, and he agreed. Their aim, of course, is to pressure Wang Ji-gyeong, thereby giving Hwangryong free rein to expand its usury.”
Gomi nodded.
“What must I do?”
“What else? Bind the Prefect’s hands and feet—and silence his mouth if possible. That means exposing the Prefect’s illegal dealings with the Hwangryong Company.”
“I have already gathered more than enough evidence of such acts.”
“Then that will suffice.”
“Do you intend to target Prince Yi Hwang directly?”
Lee Hwan smiled faintly.
“Think of it as pruning. For now, focus on your first inspection as royal censor—make it thorough.”
“……”
The following afternoon, officers from the magistrate’s office stormed into Wang Ji-gyeong’s residence.
“Wang Ji-gyeong, present yourself at once and obey the Prefect’s order!” bellowed a captain.
Amid the sudden commotion, Lee Hwan emerged.
“Master Wang is gravely ill and cannot move a step. Speak with me instead.”
“What?”
The captain scrutinized him sharply, but Lee Hwan remained calm.
“I am his representative.”
“How dare you defy the Prefect’s summons!”
“I just explained—he is too ill to move. We informed you yesterday by messenger. Did you not receive it?”
“Then let me see him with my own eyes!”
“Follow me.”
As they walked, Lee Hwan added lightly:
“It may be contagious. Will you still enter?”
“C-contagious?”
“The physician warned that none should come close.”
The captain flinched, yet barked louder:
“Open the door! I will confirm here!”
Lee Hwan opened the chamber.
At the sight of the pale, sweat-drenched Wang Ji-gyeong lying as if already dead, the captain froze.
Lee Hwan said evenly:
“Who could defy the Prefect’s will? Yet no law demands summoning a dying man. Once he recovers, he will answer—so grant us time.”
Just then, Wang Ji-gyeong began coughing violently.
Hack, hack!
Startled, the captain recoiled.
“Would you like a closer look?”
“N-no!”
Only then did Lee Hwan shut the door.
Thud.
He slipped a pouch of gold into the captain’s hand.
“A small token. Please explain the situation clearly to the Prefect.”
“Hmm!”
Instead of refusing, the captain pocketed it at once.
“Then I shall report he is bedridden. But once he recovers, he must comply!”
With that, he departed.
Inside, Wang Ji-gyeong cracked his eyes open.
“Gone?”
“Yes.”
He leapt upright.
“I nearly suffocated! And why is it so hot!”
“The medicine will wear off by evening. Take a cold bath to ease it.”
Lee Hwan had dosed him with a concoction that drained his complexion and overheated his body, producing sweat to mimic illness.
“I follow your plan, but the uncertainty gnaws at me. Is this truly wise?”
“As I said, the moment you enter the office, anything could happen. The safest course is to resolve matters outside.”
Clench.
“It must be Yeom Yu-gwang’s scheming! He thinks I do not know he colludes with the Prefect!”
Lee Hwan answered calmly:
“Perhaps not the Prefect, but Prince Yi Hwang himself.”
“Prince Yi Hwang!”
Wang Ji-gyeong’s eyes blazed.
“In that case, money may be needed. If necessary, bribes may buy us time.”
“Would bribery work?”
“I know enough of the Prefect’s character. But first, we must learn the truth—speak of money later.”
Lee Hwan returned to his quarters, where Cheol Mu-ok awaited.
“As you commanded, Wolju and Ju-tae are tailing the captain.”
Clip-clop.
The captain could not suppress his grin.
Indeed, such dealings are most profitable. After weeks of drought, today brings the richest harvest.
The first thing he did after leaving Wang Ji-gyeong’s estate was check the pouch.
Gold, not silver! Truly, Wang Ji-gyeong is wealthy… ha ha.
It contained a sizable lump of gold—worth far more than several years’ salary.
He hummed cheerfully as he rode. But before long—
Thundering hooves!
Riders approached, raising dust. He scowled.
“Who dares ride so recklessly upon the road?”
“I shall stop them.”
Two guards rode forward, shouting:
“Halt!”
The horses reared to a stop.
The riders were Gomi and Ju-tae, disguised in masks.
Before the guards could protest, Gomi produced her badge.
“From the Royal Inspectorate. Do you carry the Prefect’s orders?”
“…Inspector!”
The captain’s eyes widened in shock. He quickly composed himself, bowing deeply.
“I failed to recognize you, my lady. Forgive my insolence!”
“Seize him immediately!”
“Yes!”
Ju-tae dismounted and advanced. The captain panicked.
“Seize me? For what crime?!”
“The truth will be judged in due course. Down from your horse!”
“This is outrageous…”
Ju-tae warned coolly:
“Refuse, and I will force you.”
“Inspector, surely there is some misunderstanding! I am innocent!”
“You talk too much.”
With a yank, Ju-tae pulled him from the saddle.
Thud.
“Ugh!”
Gomi ordered the guards:
“You two as well—come along.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Later, atop the estate’s roof, Lee Hwan and Gomi stood together, gazing toward the Imperial Palace.
After a pause, Gomi spoke:
“We confirmed the captain was the Prefect’s nephew.”
“He is securely detained, I presume?”
“Yes. And we have also discovered the ties between Prince Yi Hwang, the Prefect, and the Hwangryong Company are far closer than expected. But are you certain of continuing with this plan?”
“We must ensure Yi Hwang cannot move openly.”
“If his financial channels are disrupted, will he not retaliate? It could bring consequences even upon the Crown Prince.”
“Are you worried for me?”
“For you, and for His Highness the Crown Prince as well.”
Lee Hwan smiled faintly.
“The Empress is not the Emperor, and Yi Hwang even less so. I have my designs. Deliver this to the Crown Prince’s palace, and our next meeting shall be at my sister’s house.”
“As you command.”
Gomi accepted the sealed message and turned to leave.
Lee Hwan nearly spoke further, but stopped. He simply watched as she disappeared into the night, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
“One thing about her is certain—consistency. Hah.”
