The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 100

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Red Dragon Martial Emperor Episode 100

Chapter 100 — Sibling’s Intuition

‘Has affection taken root?’
Yi Hwan hadn’t realized how deeply he’d missed Yi So until they met again after all this time.
The two spoke for quite a long while.
Mostly Yi So talked and Yi Hwan listened. A smile played at the corners of Gwan Ji-baek’s mouth as he watched. Upon reflection, Yi So in Yi Hwan’s presence shone brighter than at any other time.
“Are you resolved?”
“I wouldn’t have come without resolve.”
“I have faith that you’ll do well.”
“Before that, there’s one favor I’d like to ask.”
“Speak freely.”
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea before stating what he wanted.
“I’d like to place Bi-wol directly under my command. The Gold Guard’s greatest weakness is its intelligence network, and I see no other way to remedy that.”
“Doesn’t the East Guard already exist for that?”
“Why would the East Guard listen to me? Rather than going through the Crown Prince Palace every time, I’d prefer to have my own intelligence network that I can deploy freely.”
Yi So laughed.
“Understood. I’ll arrange it. Anything else?”
“I’d like my residence set near the Imperial Capital rather than at the Imperial Palace. It doesn’t suit me well.”
Yi So laughed again.
“I suspected as much, so I’ve already prepared quarters for you near where the princess resides.”
Yi Hwan was caught off guard.
“How did you know I’d make such a request?”
“Call it a sibling’s intuition. Anything else?”
“That should suffice.”
“Then we’ll hold your Appointment Ceremony in four days. You must arrive at the Palace on time. Be careful of your safety, just in case.”
Yi Hwan remembered something he’d nearly forgotten.
“Is it really acceptable to replace the Guard Commander without the Emperor’s permission?”
“The Emperor has entrusted this authority to me, and I’m exercising it legitimately. There’s nothing to worry about. This is a matter the Empress cannot interfere with.”
“Then why hasn’t it been done until now? General Gwan seems more than capable.”
At those words, Gwan Ji-baek spoke with a smile.
“My rightful place is at Your Highness’s side. You cannot fathom how reassuring it is to have the elder prince here.”
“My feelings are the same. Ha ha ha.”
“I’m too embarrassed to stay any longer.”
Clink.
Yi Hwan finished the last of his tea and rose.
“I’ll return in four days.”
“I’ll have General Gwan escort you to your residence. Let’s go together.”
Yi So walked Yi Hwan all the way to the Crown Prince Palace gate. Before stepping through, Yi Hwan turned back to Yi So and asked abruptly.
“You don’t mean to use me and cast me aside, do you?”
Yi So simply smiled in response.
Yi Hwan asked nothing further.

* * *

Song Residence.
From early morning, everyone in the household had been occupied with preparations to receive Yi Hwan.
Yi Young prepared dishes with her own hands, while Song Cheon-ho worked alongside the servants, sweeping and wiping every corner of the residence until beads of sweat dotted his brow. He straightened his back for a moment and gazed toward the kitchen where Yi Young was.
‘She’s that pleased.’
Upon hearing yesterday that Yi Hwan was coming, Yi Young had lost sleep all night. Song Cheon-ho had fared no better.
‘The elder prince becoming Guard Commander. It’s still hard to believe.’
Word had already spread far and wide.
Reactions varied, of course, but Song Cheon-ho was simply overjoyed. How could he not be thrilled when his beloved younger brother, Song Cheon-mu, was coming as well?
At that moment, Yi Young emerged outside.
Song Cheon-ho approached, broom still in hand.
“Why not leave the rest to the servants and rest a while, madam?”
“It’s fine. When I think of my brother enjoying this food, I don’t feel tired at all. Please, have some.”
“Thank you.”
Yi Young handed Song Cheon-ho something to drink. He drained the cup in one long pull.
“It tastes even better today, doesn’t it? Ha ha ha.”
As the couple laughed together, a warrior from the Dao Wang clan stepped through the gate.
“The Fourth Prince approaches.”

* * *

Yi Hwan gazed at the Song Residence drawing ever closer. Much had changed since his last visit.
Then Yi Young and Song Cheon-ho emerged from the main gate.
Yi Hwan watched his sister hurrying toward him, a faint smile playing at his lips.
It was the same feeling he’d had meeting Yi So.
Not so long ago, such warmth would have been entirely foreign to him.
“Brother!”
“Welcome, Fourth Prince!”
“How have you both been?”
“Very well, brother.”
Yi Young’s voice trembled, her eyes reddening.
“I’m here too!”
Song Cheon-mu stepped forward.
Song Cheon-ho embraced him.
“Welcome, my boy.”
After sharing the joy of reunion, they all moved inside. First, Yi Hwan exchanged respectful nods with each of the Dao Wang clan warriors.

* * *

The feast was in full swing.
Yi Hwan thought of Wang Ji-gyeong and turned to Yi Young with a question.
“This Wang fellow—he hasn’t been troublesome, has he?”
“Troublesome? If anything, I’m grateful for how earnestly he helps us. Sometimes I wonder if we deserve such devotion.”
“The business itself—no problems?”
“No. We haven’t quite recovered to our former heights, but we’ve restored most of our trading partners and sales channels. There was a severe earthquake at one of the tea plantations that disrupted supply, but we’d stockpiled reserves beforehand, so we should manage for the near term.”
Yi Hwan read confidence in his sister’s face. If she possessed the same resilience she’d shown in the past, she’d no doubt managed well. And with him now close by, the Song family would never again face the calamities of old.
“I heard you’re becoming Guard Commander. Congratulations, brother.”
“Congratulations, Fourth Prince.”
“Mother would be so proud of you, looking down from above.”
Yi Young’s eyes reddened once more.
For all her strength, before her brother she was simply what she had always been—his only sister.
Song Cheon-ho’s eyes grew wet as well.
“We’ve cleaned your residence thoroughly. Since I didn’t know your preferences, I took some liberty arranging things as I thought best—but if anything displeases you, please tell me at once.”
“How far is the residence?”
“A two-hour walk. Close enough that it’s all the more convenient.”
Two hours on foot was mere moments with the Lightness Technique. Yi Hwan thought of Yi So.
‘They’ve given this real thought.’
Yi Hwan offered his cup to Song Cheon-ho.
“Shall we have a proper drink tonight?”
“I’d be honored!”
“Can I drink too?”

* * *

Wang Ji-gyeong’s Residence.
The Yellow Dragon Guild, that formidable rival, had lost its momentum, and Wang Ji-gyeong’s fortune grew by the day—yet his expression was far from bright.
“Never thought I’d pine after a man like this. Sigh.”
Delicacies lay spread before him, and a cup of fine wine sat in his hand, yet all that escaped was sighs.
“Thinking of the Young Master again?”
“With ruthless brigands making trouble everywhere, how could I not think of him? Heartless fellow. A message now and then would be nice.”
“He bears the great responsibility of serving an Imperial prince—finding time won’t be easy. Still, he promised to visit whenever he returns to the Imperial Capital, so we should be patient.”
“Easy for you to say.”
Wang Ji-gyeong emptied his cup repeatedly.
And it was precisely as he was about to place a morsel of food in his mouth.
“My lord!”
A warrior entered through the door.
“What is the matter?”
“The Fourth Prince has arrived!”
“The Fourth Prince, you say…….”
His attendant spoke up.
“He is the elder brother of the princess—a grand prince, I am told. I heard he was stationed with the Southern Military Unit, but what brings him here on such a visit?”
“Is it truly the Fourth Prince—no, the grand prince himself who has come?”
“Yes.”
“I must go out at once!”
Wang Ji-gyeong sprang to his feet and hurried to the mirror, checking his appearance. Then he rinsed his mouth with cold water and rushed outside.

* * *

Yi Hwan surveyed Wang Ji-gyeong’s residence in every direction.
Armed warriors were stationed throughout, and among them were several who bore the unmistakable bearing of true masters.
‘It is good to see this place again after so long.’
Cheol Mu-ok was sharing the joy of reunion with the residence’s warriors—men he had left here long ago in case the Yellow Dragon Guild attempted something.
At that moment, Wang Ji-gyeong came rushing out from the main hall.
Yi Hwan regarded him with a faint smile, finding him unchanged.
‘Still the same as ever.’
Wang Ji-gyeong did not recognize him.
And why should he? In those days, Yi Hwan had worn Song Hoe’s face.
Wang Ji-gyeong bowed deeply.
“This humble servant, Wang Ji-gyeong, presents himself to your lordship. But might I ask what brings you to this modest dwelling?”
“Are you the Wang master I have heard of?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I have heard much of you from the Sword Saint. She tells me you have been lending her every aid and assistance?”
“Not at all. If anything, I am the one who has benefited greatly from Her Highness’s kindness.”
Wang Ji-gyeong strove to maintain his composure, though his heart quickened. He, too, had heard the rumors.
That Yi Hwan would soon become the Guard Commander.
“Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?”
“Of course, Your Highness! Please, come inside!”

* * *

Yi Hwan sat facing Wang Ji-gyeong.
As expected, Wang Ji-gyeong showed no sign of recognition.
“I hear the Sword Saint resolved matters with the Yellow Dragon Guild. Has there been any further trouble from them?”
“Their leader remains imprisoned, so there have been no further incidents. However, there are rumors that he will soon be released, which troubles me.”
“Such rumors are circulating?”
“Yes. He has always had extensive connections. I hear he is now distributing vast sums of silver to corrupt court officials into securing his release.”
This was news to him.
Or rather, he had simply forgotten.
‘That man is Yi Hwang-ja’s most reliable source of funds. He must never be allowed to leave prison.’
Yi Hwan took a sip of tea.
Wang Ji-gyeong hesitated before speaking carefully.
“How fares the Sword Saint?”
Yi Hwan nodded silently in affirmation.
“I wish he could have come with you.”
Regret flickered across Wang Ji-gyeong’s face. Yi Hwan ventured a question.
“It seems you have grown quite fond of him.”
“Indeed. He has saved my life more than once. But it is more than that. With him at my side…….”
Yi Hwan felt a touch of embarrassment as he watched Wang Ji-gyeong speak of himself with evident pride.
After a moment, Yi Hwan broached his true purpose.
“I find myself in need of a favor.”
“Ask what you will, Your Highness.”
“How many branch establishments do you maintain in Yao-ling Province?”
“Four in total.”
“I’m thinking of stationing some of my men there for a while. Would that be acceptable?”
“Your men, sir?”
“Don’t ask why.”
“Understood. How could I possibly refuse a request from you? I’ll send word to the branch office in advance. Is there anything else you might need?”
“I’ll send word if there is.”
Yi Hwan rose to leave, pausing at the door to add one more thing.
“If any trouble arises with the authorities while you’re conducting business, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You aided my sister, so it’s only natural I repay the favor.”
“Is that truly so, sir?”
Wang Ji-gyeong’s eyes widened like a calf’s, and he sprang to his feet before prostrating himself on the floor.
“Thank you, my lord!”
“Then I’ll see you again next time.”

* * *

Yi Hwan emerged from Wang Ji-gyeong’s Residence.
Those watching him were already in motion.
They appeared as unremarkable Gold Guards—their eyes glinting as they followed Yi Hwan’s party down from the residence toward the marketplace district.
“That must be the Fourth Prince who just returned from the Southern Military Unit, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes, it’s certainly the Fourth Prince. Though I must say, the atmosphere around his bodyguards doesn’t seem ordinary.”
“Well, they’re the Fourth Prince’s personal martial artists—of course they’d carry themselves that way. Still, wandering about with only two escorts? He’s either fearless or foolish.”
“He’s only recently returned to the Imperial Capital, it seems. But for us, it’s fortunate, is it not?”
“Indeed. Heh, heh, heh.”
One of the Gold Guards smiled coldly and continued.
“Go ahead and inform the others. We strike at him in the marketplace district.”
“Understood.”

* * *

Cheol Mu-ok spoke.
“One of them split off and headed toward the marketplace. What about the one still following us?”
“Bring him in.”
“Understood.”
Cheol Mu-ok turned.
Or rather, the moment he began to turn, his body shot forward like a Flash Step toward the Gold Guard who’d been trailing them.
“Agh!”
A cry of alarm burst from the Guard’s mouth. He spun reflexively and launched himself away.
But Cheol Mu-ok was faster than sight itself.
Crack!
The Guard’s left shin snapped at a grotesque angle—Cheol Mu-ok had shattered the bone with his broadsword.
“Ahhhhh!”
As the Gold Guard screamed and fell, Cheol Mu-ok seized him by the nape of the neck.
Then it happened.
Thud!
A dull sound echoed from inside the Guard’s mouth, and blood spilled out.
“Tsk.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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