The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 110

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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 Sovereign, Episode 110

Chapter 110 — Zhao Guang, Encountered Again

Three protection requests came in simultaneously.
Two of the locations came under attack by assassins. Fortunately, both were places where Ju-tae and Cheol Mu-ok had personally intervened, so the assassins suffered heavy casualties and fled.
“Please convey my gratitude to the General-in-Chief.”
The two ministers were essentially the core figures of the Middle Path faction. Indeed, the fact that the power struggle between the Empress and the Crown Prince Palace had not tilted to either side was precisely because they had refused to take sides.
Setting that aside.
As word spread, protection requests multiplied steadily. Thanks to this, the warriors of both units found themselves busier than ever before.
Several days passed in this manner, and the total number of protection assignments undertaken had reached thirty-two, with not a single failure. Meanwhile, two ministers allied with Yi Hwang-ja—those who had not requested protection—were killed by assassins.
The effect of these contrasting results was perfect.
Evaluations of Yi Hwan began to shift, little by little.
This in turn led to positive reassessments of Yi So’s decision to place Yi Hwan at the head of the Gold Guard.

* * *

A smile never left Yi So’s lips.
Gwan Ji-baek, watching from the side, wore a broad grin as well.
“The evaluation of the General-in-Chief is certainly changing. The protection campaign was truly a masterstroke.”
“Have there been no further movements from the assassins?”
“No. It has been quiet for several days. Ah—it seems a few of the ministers who held to the Middle Path have had a change of heart. Two days ago, Yi Hwang-ja held a banquet, and I’m told that those who received invitations declined to attend.”
Yi So laughed with satisfaction.
“At this point, shouldn’t we bestow some great reward upon the youngest one?”
“Indeed.”
“What would he appreciate?”
“A visit from the Imperial Palace would be the greatest gift, though—”
“That is too soon yet.”
“Then, what of visiting the barracks yourself? If you went there and showed the warriors your concern, the General-in-Chief’s standing would naturally rise, and that itself would be a great gift to him.”
“Hmm. That would be excellent.”
“When shall it be?”
Yi Hwan was about to answer when a warrior entered through the door.
“Your Majesty, the Prime Minister seeks an audience.”
“Show him in.”
As the warrior withdrew, Yi So’s brow furrowed slightly and he murmured to himself.
“What brings the Prime Minister here unannounced?”
“There are no major matters in the court.”
Gwan Ji-baek’s expression grew puzzled as well.
Moments later, a figure with white hair and white whiskers entered. Yi So rose to greet him.
“Welcome, Prime Minister.”
“I apologize for arriving so abruptly without prior notice, Your Majesty.”
“Not at all. It is quite alright.”
After a brief moment, tea was brought in, and the Prime Minister broached his subject.
“I met with the Empress this morning. She said that she would be grateful if Your Majesty would entrust to her the matter of asylum for Zhao Guang, the Crown Prince of Zhao Kingdom.”
“I understand. If that is the Empress’s wish, then so it shall be.”
Yi So’s ready acceptance seemed to catch the Prime Minister off guard. His expression shifted slightly.
He spoke again.
“You are saying you will grant Zhao Guang’s request for asylum?”
“I shall need to give the matter some thought.”
Yi So concealed his intentions.
Although the Prime Minister had aided him when Yi Hwan was appointed to the position of Guard Commander, he could never be certain the man was absolutely loyal to him.
The Prime Minister was someone who, on each matter, carefully threw his weight behind whichever side would profit him most. Thus, Yi So had to always be prepared for the possibility that the man might switch to the Empress’s faction at any moment.
“What is the Prime Minister’s own view on this?”
“I merely follow Your Majesty’s wishes.”
The Prime Minister had skillfully evaded giving a straight answer. Of course, Yi So had anticipated this would be his response.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
The Prime Minister departed.
Gwan Ji-baek returned with another cup of tea.
Clank.
“It took longer than expected.”
“They must have spent time deliberating what would serve their interests. In the end, they decided inaction was safest and deferred the matter to me.”
“Surely there’s no hidden malice in this?”
“What else do they want but to push me aside? Of course, they might also scheme to use the Crown Prince of Zhao Kingdom for some political advantage. Whatever it is, time will reveal it. I’ll take precautions, but I won’t exhaust myself with needless worry.”
“Then whom should we send? Still, he bears the title of Crown Prince of Zhao Kingdom—shouldn’t we at least maintain proper protocol?”
“Whom would you prefer to send?”
“I believe the General-in-Chief would be best suited. Of course, only if he consents.”
Yi So’s brow furrowed slightly.
“I’m reluctant to burden the youngest with so much.”
“Perceptions of the General-in-Chief are beginning to shift. Strike harder while the momentum favors you.”
“This is an event the whole realm watches. It would indeed be a fine opportunity for the youngest to dispel prejudice.”
“Precisely.”
Yi So leaned back in his chair, his eyes growing distant. It would certainly benefit Yi Hwan, yet he could not bring himself to decide at once.

* * *

Yi Hwan received Go-mi’s report.
The Empress and Yi Hwang-ja had deferred the matter of Crown Prince Zhao Guang’s asylum to Yi So.
“That the Empress deferred it to the Crown Prince Palace means she didn’t want to hold a hot coal in her own hands. Another way to see it—she concluded that Zhao Guang’s asylum would offer her no advantage.”
“That seems the most reasonable interpretation.”
“Has he decided whom to send to Zhao Guang?”
“He’s still deliberating. To maintain proper protocol, someone of considerable standing must be sent, and it seems difficult to draw that line.”
“Deliberating? Send a letter to the Crown Prince Palace at once. Tell him I’m coming.”
“You, General?”
“Why? Am I not of sufficient rank?”
“No, no! It’s only that you decided so very quickly…….”
“The other party is the Crown Prince of Zhao Kingdom. To match rank, someone of royal blood must go from our side—the Crown Prince himself cannot appear, so who else but me?”
“He’s hardly deserving of the title Crown Prince anymore. Surely a general of adequate standing would suffice.”
“There’s such a thing as how the world perceives these matters. Do that and I’d be drowned in ridicule.”
…….
Yi Hwan drained the last of his tea.
Clank.
“I’m going myself.”

* * *

The Southern Military Unit.
Each day was torment for Zhao Guang. In sleep, the Western Prince haunted his dreams; awake, his circumstances were unbearable to contemplate.
Days had passed with no word from the Imperial Palace of Yen Kingdom. If asylum were denied, he would have nowhere to go—a man without refuge, barely alive.
Crack!
‘Others deserve the depths of Hell’s prison, not I—why must this befall me…….’
Zhao Guang clenched his fists against the rising rage and bowed his head.
Thud.
Papa entered.
Jeong Cheon was behind her.
Jeong Cheon regarded Zhao Guang’s ravaged face for a moment before speaking.
“Your asylum has been approved.”
“……!”
“Our General-in-Chief will come personally. Remember that.”
Zhao Guang turned toward Jeong Cheon, who was leaving. “You mean the General-in-Chief who was here before?”
“Yes.”
“Why must he be the one to come?”
Jeong Cheon, half-turned, fixed his gaze on Zhao Guang. Anger flickered in both his eyes.
“Mind your words. ‘Why must he’—!”
“……!”
Papa stepped forward quickly.
“The man coming crossed blades with you not long ago—naturally you’d be uneasy. Please understand, General, and forgive him.”
“In the Southern Military Unit, the General-in-Chief is the mightiest of any here. I may overlook it, but many others cannot. Mind your tongue well.”

“…….”
“We must leave soon. Prepare yourself.”
Papa asked.
“Where are we to take His Highness?”
“Did you think we’d meet the General-in-Chief here?”
“…….”
“We’ll meet him in a city two days’ journey from here. If we’re not to fall behind, we must make haste.”
Jeong Cheon swept out, leaving a chill in his wake.
Zhao Guang drained a bowl of cold water and let his irritation show.
Clang!
“Why must it be him of all people? If we’re to observe proper protocol, shouldn’t it be Yi Hwang-ja at the very least?”
“Your Highness, please. As the general said, until we depart this place, we must guard against unwanted attention.”
Creak.
The door opened and Song Hoe entered.
He carried dishes of food in both hands.
Clang!
“Two days of hard riding ahead—you’ll need sustenance. Eat this beforehand.”
Song Hoe withdrew a wine bottle from his robes and set it on the table.
“If word gets out that you’ve given me wine, I’ll be in trouble. Keep it from the others?”
“……!”
Zhao Guang turned to Song Hoe as he left. “What manner of man is the General-in-Chief?”
“What manner of man is the General-in-Chief?”
“Experience him yourself.”
Once Song Hoe departed, Papa uncorked the wine bottle and poured it into a cup.
Glug.
Zhao Guang drained several cups in succession and asked, “Will an opportunity come for me?”
“Will an opportunity come for me?”
“It depends upon Your Highness’s will. I believe—truly believe—that such a day must come. I beg you, steel your heart.”
Glug.
“Papa.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve disappointed you, and so many others. Had I only conducted myself properly, none of this would have come to pass…….”
Papa said nothing.
She judged that at this moment, letting him unburden himself like this would do more good than having him keep it locked away.
Truth be told, she too was deeply uneasy about Yi Hwan’s arrival. Not long ago, she had pursued him with intent to kill.
And she had seen with her own eyes the cruelty of his methods.
‘If only he were a man of virtue…….’

* * *

‘Who’s cursing me?’
Snap.
Yi Hwan broke off a thin twig and scratched his ear. He was now waiting for Zhao Guang at the outskirts of a city.
Behind him stood dozens of Gold Guard. Had he not been mindful of Zhao Guang’s dignity, he would have brought only his closest attendants.
Whoosh.
A strong wind blew across the plain.
Whirlwinds sprang up across the fields stretching to the outskirts, sending dust spiraling like dragons, and the watching Gold Guard cried out in awe.
Go-mi gazed steadily at Yi Hwan’s back.
‘All of this—he’s created it entirely through his own abilities.’
It had not yet been a year since she’d stood beside him. In that short span, Yi Hwan had shed the stigma of a Figurehead General-in-Chief and risen to prominence as a figure of undeniable importance.
What moved Go-mi most, what she could not help but acknowledge, was that he had achieved it not through the Crown Prince’s backing, but through his own talent.
‘People in the world say it was possible because the Crown Prince stood behind him. But that’s not it. Rather, the General-in-Chief has guided the Crown Prince.’
At several gatherings she had attended, Go-mi had observed plainly how Yi Hwan conducted himself toward Yi So.
In nearly every matter, Yi Hwan led and Yi So followed. She was certain this dynamic had forged the man he was today.
“Go-mi.”
“Yes, General-in-Chief.”
“What progress on the matter I asked you to look into?”
“The Prime Minister requires a little more time. As for the Commander of the Gold Robed Guard—further investigation may prove impossible.”
“Why is that?”
“Beyond what we’ve already ascertained, direct access is no longer possible. It appears Yi Hwang-ja has secured his position quite thoroughly.”
“Then there’s nothing for it. If we dig deeper, it could become dangerous, so let’s withdraw from that front.”
“My apologies.”
“Don’t say that. I’ve always been grateful to you.”
…….
That was when it happened.
A cloud of dust rose thick from the southwest.
Cheol Mu-ok cried out from behind.
“They’re coming.”

* * *

‘He’s been through more than I thought.’
Yi Hwan watched Zhao Guang descend from his horse with an even gaze. Though he carried himself with composure, exhaustion seeped from his eyes. Yi Hwan caught sight of Papa standing beside Zhao Guang and smiled faintly.
[Let bygones be bygones.]
“……!”
[If you’d thrown yourself at me then, it would’ve been quite dangerous. Heh heh.]
Papa’s eyes trembled narrowly.
‘He knew all along!’
Thump-thump.
Papa pressed down the turbulent pounding in her chest and bowed her head.
[I beg your pardon for my rudeness. I would be most grateful if you would receive His Highness warmly.]
[Don’t worry.]
Yi Hwan met Zhao Guang’s gaze directly. Their eyes clashed in midair and locked together.
“I am Yi Hwan, General-in-Chief of Yen Kingdom. I welcome the Crown Prince’s asylum with genuine sincerity.”
“I am Crown Prince Zhao Guang of Zhao Kingdom. I am merely grateful that the General-in-Chief has come to receive me personally.”
Yi Hwan turned his gaze to those behind.
Commander Jeong Cheon bowed to him. Yi Hwan smiled and asked.
“The military unit is operating smoothly?”
“Everyone is doing their utmost. If you would visit us once, we would be pleased to show you our progress.”
“And the Crown Prince — how is he?”
Jeong Cheon answered with a smile.
“He mentions the General-in-Chief at least ten times a day. It seems you ought to come if only for the Crown Prince’s sake.”
“That day will come soon enough.”
Shortly after, Jeong Cheon departed with his troops.
Yi Hwan mounted his horse and called out from behind.
“Return to the palace.”

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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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