Chapter 63
Pruning (2)
Lee So checked the letter from Lee Hwan and asked Gomi:
“Is this information sufficient to use as evidence?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You’ve truly accomplished something great. Even Dongchang couldn’t have done this.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Just then, Jang-su brought in tea.
“Both of you, sit.”
“Yes.”
Gomi, who had been eager to leave quickly, reluctantly sat down.
Lee So asked him again:
“Did the younger brother say anything else?”
“Just to consider this a sort of pruning.”
Lee So smiled faintly.
“Pruning… that’s a perfect way to describe it. The Hwangryong Trading Company is certainly a major branch for the second prince.”
He sipped his tea, then looked Jang-su directly in the eye.
“From tomorrow, I will participate in court affairs. Prepare accordingly.”
“Already, Your Highness?”
“The youngest prince seems to believe that if the Hwangryong Trading Company’s corruption is publicly exposed, the second prince won’t dare intervene recklessly. Of course, I share the same thought.”
“But the Hwangryong Trading Company is the second prince’s source of funds. He won’t stay idle; he’ll resist in some way.”
“Half of the court ministers still support me. Among them are many meritorious officials who have served Your Majesty all their lives. Even if Her Majesty the Empress intervenes, they cannot control them all.”
“So…”
Jang-su and Gomi were eager to hear what Lee So would say next. He took another sip of tea and continued.
Clink.
“The plan of the youngest prince is to expose the corruption between the Hwangryong Trading Company and the provincial governor, thus putting pressure on the Hwangryong Trading Company. By doing this, he severs the funding source without directly provoking the second prince. Publicizing the corruption is intended to prevent the Empress and the second prince from intervening recklessly. Ministers, aware of ongoing corruption cases, would not dare protect the perpetrators without consequence.”
“Ah!”
Jang-su understood and exclaimed in admiration. Gomi also finally understood the meaning behind “pruning.” She thought of Lee Hwan:
“He’s truly unpredictable.”
Even when planning such a major operation, Lee Hwan never wore a serious expression, which honestly made her nervous. Was he underestimating the situation?
“Inspector.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Do we need more personnel?”
“This is sufficient for now, Your Highness.”
“If anything is needed, you must request help immediately. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Lee So looked at Jang-su and continued:
“At dawn, go out with the inspector to bring the witness. Be careful not to alert them.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Lee So got up and took something from the cabinet—a bottle of gold-embossed liquor.
“This is the Haedong wine granted by His Majesty. It’s finally time to bring it out.”
“Shall we prepare a table for it?”
“No.”
Shaking his head, Lee So handed the wine to Gomi.
“This is for the youngest prince. Convey my gratitude to him.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Then, you may all leave and rest.”
After a while, Jang-su and Gomi left.
“I will guide you to your residence.”
“Yes.”
They walked together toward the southern part of the palace. Along the way, Jang-su asked:
“What kind of person is the general that the inspector observed?”
“…”
Gomi hesitated. How could she describe Lee Hwan? Words failed to capture him.
‘Incomprehensible? Far scarier than expected?’
She finally repeated her previous answer to Lee So:
“He is not someone I can judge.”
Jang-su simply smiled.
Soon, Gomi entered her quarters. Meanwhile, Jang-su, lost in thought, realized something:
‘He’s been calling him the youngest prince all day.’
The next morning
Gomi and Jang-su left the palace, Jang-su in disguise with a face cover.
Gomi’s inspector badge allowed them to exit without issue. They headed straight for the Song family estate to meet Lee Hwan.
Upon arrival, Cheol Mu-ok, who had arrived earlier with Lee Hwan, greeted them.
“He’s waiting in the annex.”
They proceeded to the annex, where Jang-su bowed to Lee Hwan:
“Greetings, General.”
“Sit.”
Gomi and Jang-su sat across from Lee Hwan.
“How are things?”
“Your Highness has decided to attend court today. He will publicize the corruption of the Hwangryong Trading Company and the provincial governor as soon as you report to him.”
Lee Hwan silently nodded and sipped his tea.
Clink.
“When bringing in the witness, I’ll enter as well. We’ll need a suitable identity. What do you suggest?”
Jang-su pondered, then Gomi spoke:
“How about an inspector from the Ministry of Justice? Since I’ll be escorting the governor’s messenger, it’s the safest option.”
“Not bad.”
“That’s best, Director. Any status related to the Crown Prince’s palace will attract attention.”
“Understood. Then, you’ll take the role of a Ministry of Justice inspector.”
As Lee Hwan lifted the teacup, Gomi handed him the wine from Lee So.
“This is from His Highness for you.”
“Wine?”
“Yes. It’s his way of expressing gratitude.”
Though a prince’s gift could symbolize family honor, Lee Hwan opened the bottle immediately.
Pop!
A gentle fragrance spread. Jang-su’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected Lee Hwan to open it right away.
Gomi remained composed, as she had anticipated this. Lee Hwan was not the type to be moved by a prince’s gift.
“This was given to drink, so drink it. Mu-ok, fetch some appetizers.”
“Understood.”
Lee Hwan emptied the cup, refilled it, and drank it in one gulp.
Thud!
A genuine expression appeared on his face.
“I’ve never had such wine before. Is it expensive?”
“I believe it’s the Haedong wine granted by His Majesty.”
“Quite a precious drink. I must get a few more bottles if I can.”
Jang-su hesitated, knowing even the Crown Prince wouldn’t have many gifts from the Emperor.
Soon, Cheol Mu-ok brought a small table. Lee Hwan offered them cups.
Gomi’s response was unsurprising:
“I cannot drink while on duty.”
“Would you ignore the prince’s kindness?”
“It was given to me by the General…”
“Just one cup.”
“…Yes.”
Eventually, Gomi accepted the cup.
Lee Yeong’s careful hands infused the white silk fabric with care. The garment, made of snow-white silk, was crafted for Lee Hwan by her own hands.
Her face wore a smile throughout. Song Cheon-ho watched and smiled warmly:
“Are you really that happy?”
“Yes. I’m so happy I feel like crying. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to make a garment for my brother myself.”
“I’ve stored plenty of Haedong silk for General Lee, so make as much as you wish. If it isn’t enough, I’ll get more.”
Song Cheon-ho was grateful for Lee Hwan. Since his arrival, Lee Yeong’s face had never lost its smile, something Song Cheon-ho could not provide.
‘I’m sorry you had to suffer because of someone as foolish as me.’
Then:
“Ma’am, General Lee is calling for you.”
Lee Hwan accepted the white silk.
“Did you make this yourself?”
“Yes, brother.”
“Shall I try it on?”
He removed his outer robe and wore the silk. Though made by eye, it fit perfectly.
Jang-su smiled:
“It suits you well, General.”
“Do I look more like a general now?”
“You always have.”
Lee Hwan smiled at Lee Yeong:
“Thank you. I will wear it well.”
Lee Yeong’s eyes reddened again. Since Lee Hwan’s arrival, she laughed and cried easily, all in good meaning.
“Bring it in.”
Cheol Mu-ok and Joo Tae entered, each carrying a large pouch.
Clunk! Clatter!
“Use this for the expenses of your household.”
“Brother, we already have enough money.”
“This is for people precious to me and my friend. Treat them well.”
When Lee Yeong hesitated, Song Cheon-ho intervened:
“We will gratefully accept.”
“Enough. Take it.”
Lee Hwan removed the white silk, and Cheol Mu-ok took it. Lee Yeong, Song Cheon-ho, and the Do-wang faction accompanied Lee Hwan’s group.
“When will you come again?”
“I’ll be busy for a few days. I’ll come after things settle.”
“Always be careful, brother.”
“Yes, I will.”
Lee Yeong and Song Cheon-ho could not take their eyes off Lee Hwan’s receding figure.
Song Cheon-ho said:
“Jang-su and the leader of Biwol are people even high officials dare not confront. Yet they treat the General as their master. He has become like a mountain. Or perhaps he has always been such a person.”
“He’s been intelligent since childhood. No one in the royal family could keep up. If only my brother weren’t illegitimate…”
Lee Yeong trailed off and looked at Song Cheon-ho.
“Let’s go inside.”
Reluctantly, they turned away, unaware of the eyes watching them.
Two ordinary-looking men observed Lee Yeong and Song Cheon-ho entering the estate.
“Tonight, we move.”
“Are you sure? She is a princess, after all.”
“Our target isn’t the princess, but her husband. The higher-ups want the main pillar of the Song family eliminated.”
“It still feels unsettling.”
“She’s an exiled princess. Killing her husband won’t raise suspicion, especially if we use a poison with untraceable cause.”
“…Yes.”
“Until nightfall, we stay at the inn.”
The two men moved to an inn some distance from the Song estate, where another pair of men waited.
Dark clouds blanketed the night sky. The moon and stars disappeared, plunging the world into darkness.
Rustle.
Figures moved toward the Song estate, leaping over high walls and onto the main building’s roof.
One signaled a target—the residence of Lee Yeong and her husband. Only their room was lit.
[Quickly finish and leave. If the poison fails, use the sword. Do not touch the princess.]
[Understood.]
Just then, two shadows rose like ghosts behind them—members of the Do-wang faction guarding the estate. They drew their swords.
Swish!
The masked intruders were startled.
“…!”
Flash!
A sword flew through the air. Heads were severed before anyone could react.
Clang!
Three masked intruders tried to draw their swords, but one’s head was severed mid-draw.
Thunk!
“Kraah!”
The fight ended instantly. Those who had bitten hidden poisons in their mouths were struck down before they could defend themselves.
“They bit their poison pills.”
“We should have uncovered their identities…”
Suddenly, lights turned on throughout the estate, and warriors ran out. Lee Yeong and Song Cheon-ho opened the window.
Whoosh!
“Assassins have entered.”
“Assassins?!”
“Yes. They’ve all been dealt with, so rest assured.”
Lee Yeong and Song Cheon-ho’s faces hardened. No assassin had ever entered the estate before.
“Are you both okay?”
“We’re fine, ma’am.”
In that moment, Lee Yeong and Song Cheon-ho felt these two young men were the most reliable beings in the world.
