The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 104

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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, Chapter 104

Chapter 104 — The Tangled Threads of Fate

Yu Woo-sung’s promotion came without warning.
Yet his elation never surfaced.
‘The Gold Guard has been festering from within for years now. Most of its commanders have colluded with Yi Hwang-ja, poisoning the very identity of the Guard itself. Those who follow the Crown Prince Palace fare little better. If things continue as they are, the Gold Guard will become nothing more than a pawn in the hands of power—permanently.’
It was a conviction he had harbored long before.
But no one in the Gold Guard—not even its Commander—gave it a moment’s thought. If anything, the Commander’s own collusion with Yi Hwang-ja had only multiplied those who followed suit.
“Will you be all right?”
Captain asked.
He had taken great joy in Yu Woo-sung’s promotion, yet at the same time grieved at the parting—more than he wished to admit.
Yu Woo-sung smiled and spoke.
“The Grand General has asked for me. I have no choice but to go.”
“The rumors about the Grand General are not favorable, though.”
“I do not judge people by rumor. You know that better than anyone.”
Clap.
Yu Woo-sung placed a hand on Captain’s shoulder.
“I trust you can do this well. Do as you always have. Then you will lead the unit even better than I could.”
“How could a colonel do what a general does?”
“You can. Believe in yourself.”
……
Yu Woo-sung soothed him once more before continuing.
“My personal effects—have them sent ahead through the soldiers. And pass along my farewell to everyone in my stead.”
“Yes, General.”
Captain’s eyes reddened at last.
Parting is sorrowful for anyone. Even seasoned commanders who had weathered countless battlefields could not escape that pain.
“There is no need for tears—we shall meet again soon enough. Now, steady yourself and return to your duties.”
“Yes. Until we meet again!”
Just as Captain turned to leave, Yi Hwan’s attendant Son Young pushed open the door and entered.
The two men smiled upon seeing each other. They had long been kindred spirits, comfortable in each other’s company.
“It seems the Grand General sees people well. In any case, it is an honor to serve together, General.”
“The honor is mine to serve alongside you, Captain. I ask for your patience with my shortcomings, General.”
“Shall we depart? I will show you to your quarters.”
“Before we go, I have one question.”
Yu Woo-sung’s expression hardened as he asked it directly.
“What manner of man is the Grand General, in your judgment?”
Son Young turned the question back on him.
“Do you believe in rumor?”
“I do not judge people by rumor.”
At his words, Son Young smiled broadly.
“I have served the Grand General only a short time. But I can tell you this much—he is worth following, worth trusting.”
It was a somewhat cryptic answer.
“I, Son Young, have staked my life on the Grand General.”
‘If Son even says so much…’
Yu Woo-sung felt his resolve settle. If Son Young could speak with such conviction, then perhaps Yi Hwan deserved a chance at trust.
Shortly after, Captain departed, and Yu Woo-sung set out with Son Young toward the quarters where he would soon make his home.
Yu Woo-sung asked.
“Why did the Grand General choose this place as his headquarters?”
“I’m not entirely certain myself. But he seems deeply averse to remaining in the Imperial Capital.”
“How strange. Nearly anyone would prefer the Imperial Capital above all else.”
Yu Woo-sung found this choice commendable as well. For someone with ambitions of advancement, the Imperial Capital was a dream made manifest—easy access to the highest corridors of power, and connections bloomed relatively effortlessly. But Yi Hwan had chosen this place instead as his new command center.
Yi Hwan had chosen this place instead as his new command center, not the Imperial Capital.
This time it was Son Young who asked.
“Have you heard news from the Southern Military Unit?”
“Yes. I heard that the Grand General commanded the Southern Military Unit and defeated the Zhao Kingdom. Surely that must be true?”
“I have only heard it as rumor, but I believe it to be so.”
“Your faith in the Grand General is quite unwavering, General.”
At those words, Son Young smiled softly.
“If you spend time with me and observe a little, you’ll understand why I act this way.”
A moment later, the two of them entered the Palace Hall.
The first people Yu Woo-sung saw were Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae. His gaze upon them grew somewhat heavier.
‘Martial artists, and quite powerful ones at that…….’
He did not particularly care for martial artists. Most of the ones he’d encountered had a strong tendency to flaunt their strength and dominate their opponents. Because of this disposition, they frequently clashed with generals.
Yu Woo-sung had experienced this himself on several occasions.
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae bowed their heads slightly as Yu Woo-sung approached.
“You’ve come about lodgings?”
“Yes.”
“You’re to use the room over there.”
Ju-tae pointed toward the left side of the corridor.
“You may carry weapons, but if anyone else wishes to enter, you must obtain permission beforehand.”
“Understood.”
Yu Woo-sung also found Son Young’s excessively deferential manner grating.
‘No matter that he’s a bodyguard to a high prince, he’s just a martial artist bowing to a general of the realm…….’
It was then.
[Discard your prejudice against martial artists first. They may appear one way, but they are distinctly different from other martial artists.]
At Son Young’s Transmission of Voice, Yu Woo-sung fixed his gaze upon him.
Son Young smiled.
[They are good people.]
“…….”

* * *

That evening.
Yi Hwan sat face to face with Go-mi.
“The Gold Robed Guard’s commander-in-chief has been replaced by Yi Hwang-ja’s faction.”
“Of course they’d put one of their own in the position.”
“Yes. And they’ve reportedly reinforced the guard with many martial artists as well.”
Yi Hwan leaned back in his chair and asked, “Did Yi Hwang-ja have the authority to make such a change?”

“It was reportedly done on the Empress’s orders. Of course, the Empress herself has no such authority.”
“Then they made the replacement because they were confident that the Crown Prince Palace would have nothing to say, given that I’ve become Guard Commander. After all, my appointment wasn’t exactly through proper channels.”
“That is how I see it as well.”
Go-mi placed a sheet of paper on the table.
“This is information about the man who has become the new commander-in-chief of the Gold Robed Guard.”
Indeed, she was fast.
By now there was hardly anything left to surprise him. Yi Hwan smiled faintly.
“I’ll need to give you larger tasks in the future.”
“Whose work are you referring to?”
“The person sitting in front of me.”
“……!”
“You’ve been diligently cultivating your Inner Method, yes?”
“Yes. I’m practicing hard whenever time permits.”
“Once your Inner Method reaches a certain level, I’ll teach you new techniques. Work harder at it.”
At those words, Go-mi’s eyes shone with brightness.
“Couldn’t you teach me now?”
“Haste leads to indigestion—first master your Inner Method properly. It is the wellspring of all martial technique.”
“……Yes.”
After Go-mi withdrew, Yi Hwan walked to the window and threw it open.
Darkness was falling over the surroundings.
‘Still, many officials doubt my capabilities. From now on, if I am to guide every situation in the direction I desire, I must first change their perception of me.’
Flutter.
The paper that had been lying on the table flew up of its own accord and settled into Yi Hwan’s hand.

Mun I-jong.
The commander of Hongwol, the Emperor’s personal assassination unit that was dissolved years ago. Skilled in Stealth Arts, formidable in martial technique, and…… [Text continues.]

‘The commander of the assassination organization Hongwol, then…….’
Hongwol was an organization Yi Hwan had heard of before. If Bi-wol was an information network, then Hongwol specialized in assassination—tasked with eliminating the Emperor’s political enemies and assassinating key figures from rival nations.
It was known to have rendered distinguished service at the founding of the Zhao Kingdom under Emperor Yeon-tae-jo, and had received treatment equivalent to the Three Excellencies for generations, but a few years prior it had been dissolved for reasons unknown and vanished into the shadows of history.
“So you mean to openly assassinate anyone who stands in your way?”
Whoosh!
Paper consumed by flame.
Yi Hwan’s eyes reflected the fire, turning crimson in its light. The paper caught in the blaze soon became nothing more than ash, scattering into the air.
‘This should prove interesting.’

* * *

Mun I-jong’s quarters.
His hollowed cheeks, drained of flesh, quivered faintly—a habit that surfaced when he smiled.
“An unexpected gift indeed. Hehehehe.”
The Empress had appointed him Commander of the Gold Robed Guard. This was something he had not anticipated in the slightest.
His attendant was even more delighted.
“I offer my sincere congratulations on your appointment as Commander.”
“There’s little cause for celebration. They and I share the same purpose, after all—they mean to use me to achieve their ends.”
Mun I-jong knew what Yi Tae-ji wanted, and he harbored the same intention.
To claim the life of Yi Hwan—his son’s sworn enemy.
It was for that alone that he had broken his retirement and taken Yi Tae-ji’s hand.
“And after that, the Crown Prince, perhaps?”
Mun I-jong nodded wordlessly at his attendant’s chilling question.
“If that’s what Yi Hwang-ja desires most, then I have no choice but to oblige.”
Mun I-jong lifted his teacup to his lips.
Clink.
“He has begun his official duties. On the very first day, he made remarks that provoked Yi Hwang-ja’s generals, and it seems to have stirred considerable talk within the Gold Guard.”
“Naturally. The Fourth Prince is little more than a puppet thrust into the Crown Prince Palace—he has no choice but to do as they wish.”
Mun I-jong’s eyes grew colder than ice as he spoke of Yi Hwan.
An implacable enemy he had never forgotten, not for a single moment.
The time to sever that thread of life was drawing near.
“You’re keeping close watch, then?”
“It’s proving difficult. When he leaves the Official Residence, tracking his movements presents no problem, but as long as he remains barricaded inside, approaching him is impossible.”
“There’s no need to rush. We ourselves will require time to solidify our control over the Gold Robed Guard, so for now, maintain a safe distance and simply monitor for any unusual activity.”
“Understood.”
Mun I-jong took another sip of his tea before raising a different matter.
Tap.
“You mentioned the Bi-wol Organization has joined their side?”
“Yes. It appears they have been aiding the Fourth Prince for some time.”
“Then we must eliminate the Fourth Prince’s eyes and ears first.”
Crackle.
The still-warm tea froze solid in an instant, and a bitter cold swept through the room.
“It is time to remind them of the terror that even the Emperor once feared—the power of Hongwol. And the first target will be the life of Fourth Prince Yi Hwan.”

* * *

Yi Hwan had established the Official Residence as the headquarters of the Gold Guard.
Thus key figures within the Gold Guard gradually transferred their posts there, among them those tasked with maintaining communication with the Imperial Palace.
Of course, most of them belonged to the Crown Prince Palace.
Many considered it only natural, but Yu Woo-sung alone viewed the command headquarters’ transformation into an extension of the Crown Prince Palace with displeasure.
He sat across from Yi Hwan.
“Might I offer a word of counsel?”
“Go ahead.”
Yu Woo-sung opened his mouth with deliberation.
“It seems to me that there are far too many people with close ties to the Crown Prince Palace in the command headquarters. Isn’t this contrary to what you said at our first meeting regarding your intentions?”
“Have you forgotten who placed me in this position?”
“Well, that……”
Yi Hwan posed his question calmly.
“The Crown Prince becoming Emperor of this realm is an indisputable fact of the natural order—can it truly be said that I am wrong in aiding the Crown Prince Palace? What do you think, General?”
“……”
Yu Woo-sung found himself at a loss for words.
It was a question that admitted no rebuttal, no alternative opinion. The Crown Prince becoming the next emperor was the natural order of things; loyalty to him was a matter of course.
Yi Hwan continued.
“No one in this land can defy it. I simply wish to follow the proper sequence. Yet I have not the slightest intention of deploying the Gold Guard solely for the Crown Prince Palace, so watch a while longer.”
“And if the Crown Prince Palace were to walk a path that violated the natural order—what then?”
“You mean despotic rule?”
“Yes.”
Yi Hwan smiled calmly and tilted his teacup to his lips.
Clink.
“That’s a step beyond the line.”
“My apologies. But this colonel wishes to know the Grand General’s true mind.”
Yi Hwan met Yu Woo-sung’s gaze directly as he spoke.
“Is waiting and watching for a time truly such a difficult thing?”
As his tone and eyes shifted, Yu Woo-sung felt a chill of alarm. The man before him now seemed entirely different from the Yi Hwan he had observed these past several days.
“That won’t come to pass. I promise you that.”
It was then.
“I beg entry, Grand General.”
Go-mi’s voice drifted through the door.
“Come in.”
As Go-mi opened the door and stepped inside, Yu Woo-sung rose from his seat.
“Stay where you are, if you please.”
Yu Woo-sung settled back into his chair, and Go-mi took the seat beside him.
“New intelligence has come in regarding the Gold Robed Guard.”
“What is it?”
“Men believed to be the former core of Hongwol have reportedly joined the Gold Robed Guard in large numbers. As they are specialists in assassination, even the Crown Prince Palace has been watching them closely.”
Yu Woo-sung stared at Go-mi with a startled expression.
“You said Hongwol just now?”
“Yes, General.”
“The ones dissolved by imperial decree—why would they join the Gold Robed Guard?”
Yu Woo-sung did not know that the new commander-in-chief of the Gold Robed Guard was Mun I-jong, who had been the head of Hongwol.
Yi Hwan spoke without inflection.
“The head of Hongwol has now become commander-in-chief of the Gold Robed Guard. It appears to be an attempt to counter my appointment as Guard Commander, but let us observe the situation for now.”
“Though the Crown Prince appointed you Guard Commander, it can be said to be an imperial decree. Yet that the Second Prince should summon Hongwol—which was dissolved by imperial decree—back to the Imperial Palace to check you… would that not be a violation of His Majesty’s command?”
“The Second Prince lacks both the audacity and the capability for such a move.”
“Then…?”
“The Empress.”
…!
Yu Woo-sung’s eyes grew heavy and grave.
Yi Hwan laughed faintly, as if to himself.
“Things are about to become interesting.”
Yu Woo-sung’s eyes shifted once more.
‘Interesting?’
In a situation that left him breathless merely to contemplate, Yi Hwan was actually laughing. As if he already knew what trials awaited the Crown Prince.
It was then that Go-mi’s transmission of voice pierced Yu Woo-sung’s ear.
[If you are startled by merely this, it will become difficult to stand at our side going forward.]
…!

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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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