The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 153

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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 Wielder, Episode 153

Chapter 153 — From This Moment Forward

The moment Mun I-jong returned to his office, a report was waiting for him.
“Since Yellow Dragon Guild Leader Yeom Yu-gwang appeared at the Gold Guard Command Center, his whereabouts have become unclear.”
“Isn’t the man imprisoned?”
“No, sir. The Empress released him not long ago after consulting with the court officials.”
“He was released? Then why did the Gold Guard summon him to appear?”
“The report contains no reason. However, our intelligence officers are investigating the matter, so let us wait a moment longer.”
“Did this happen after the Fourth Prince returned?”
“Yes.”
Mun I-jong narrowed his brow.
“They had the Empress release Yeom Yu-gwang, only to summon him the moment the Fourth Prince returned? What is this man planning now…….”
“That’s not all. The generals on our side who were conducting the Agitation Strategy within the Gold Guard have all been reassigned to the Northern Military Unit.”
“Sending the Gold Guard to the front lines is a violation of imperial law — did the Fourth Prince do this?”
“A reassignment is apparently permitted where a direct transfer would not be.”
…….
Mun I-jong could not hide his bewilderment.
The Agitation Strategy was the operation he had labored over most carefully. He had expected that, given time, success would shake the entire Gold Guard and remove Yi Hwan from his position as Guard Commander.
Before departing for the war, he had entrusted the crucial work to his most trusted man.
“The war ended because Jin entered the conflict, so the plan fell apart. Had the Grand Prince returned even a little later, we could have controlled the Gold Guard entirely.”
At those words from his aide, Mun I-jong’s eyes turned sharp.
“How many times must I tell you not to call him the Grand Prince in my presence?”
“……My apologies.”
Mun I-jong leaned deep into his chair and clasped his hands together.
“So they sorted out and reassigned only our generals — they understood everything. How does the Anti-Corruption Movement proceed?”
“With all the leading generals and their allied captains departed to the Northern Military Unit, the movement has wilted somewhat. But more than that, the Fourth Prince’s promise of a military salary increase starting next year has been the greater blow.”
“He promised a salary increase? You began the Anti-Corruption Movement knowing full well the Gold Guard has no such funds! How in the world does he mean to raise their salaries!”
“Well, the Fourth Prince requested that the Gold Guard’s budget be increased by three million silver currency, and the Empress granted it, which made the salary increase possible.”
“The Empress approved the increase?”
“Yes. It is beyond doubt.”
Mun I-jong could not believe it. Why would the Empress, of all people, grant Yi Hwan’s request?
His aide quickly supplied the answer.
“If she refused the budget increase, she feared the Manhwa Palace would bear the full brunt of the Anti-Corruption Movement’s backlash. After all, inadequate military salaries were the very point we labored hardest to exploit.”
Twitch.
Mun I-jong’s eyes trembled.
But soon he let out a hollow laugh.
‘So our scheme has actually elevated that man’s standing instead.’
Despair gave way to fury.
Yi Hwan — the man who murdered his son.
At first, he had thought the man would be easy to remove, but instead, it was he and his faction who had been suffering all this while.
‘It is not that I underestimated him. He is proving to be far greater than I — than anyone — expected. If that is the case…….’
A cold light kindled in Mun I-jong’s eyes.
‘From this moment forward, I shall regard you as my greatest opponent and oppose you accordingly, Yi Hwan.’

* * *

“Where did you put that ear pick?”
“It’s right here.”
Yi Hwan’s ears had been itching frequently of late. Go-mi watched him work the ear pick, nearly biting back a smile.
‘There’s no need for such intense focus…….’
The expression on Yi Hwan’s face as he cleaned his ear resembled that of a master absorbed in some profound craft.
Click.
“Continue with the report.”
Go-mi picked up where she had left off.
“There should be little cause for concern regarding the Zhao Kingdom army. Zhao Yun has been demanding apportionments from provincial strongmen to raise the reparations he owes to Jin, and apparently it has caused quite a stir.”
“You mean there’s resistance?”
“Yes, particularly from the local magnates allied with Zhao Yun’s political enemies. Resistance is quite fierce, I’m told.”
“Good.”
Yi Hwan picked up the ear pick again.
Go-mi’s brow furrowed delicately.
“Wouldn’t it be harmful to dig too deeply?”
“Do you know what’s the hardest thing in the world to endure?”
“Are you speaking of an itchy ear?”
“That’s right. Continue.”
Go-mi produced something from her sleeve—a small message tube.
“She gave it to me.”
She meant Hwa Ryeong.
Yi Hwan opened the tube and unfolded the paper inside. The message was brief, but it contained news he had been waiting for.
“The Empress must have heartburn. Heh heh heh.”
“What do you mean—”
“Word is, the Manhwa Palace has decided to set next year’s Gold Guard budget at three hundred silver. They rushed the announcement before public opinion could turn against it.”
“Wasn’t that already a settled matter?”
“The difference between official and unofficial is profound. The Empress knows it too, which is why she made this announcement.”
“Could she be trying to take credit for the increase herself?”
“That’s what I’d say. By the way, have the Second and Third Princes returned?”
“Yes, they both returned on the same day. As for the Second Prince’s losses—approximately twenty-five warriors presumed to be from Hongwol were killed.”
“Has the mastermind been identified?”
“Not yet, I hear. Separately from the Second Prince’s investigation, the Manhwa Palace is also launching a major inquiry of its own. It would be wise to prepare countermeasures beforehand—they could attempt to implicate the Crown Prince or the Fourth Prince.”
“Quite right.”
Yi Hwan rose and put on his outer robe.
“Will you enter the palace?”
“The Crown Prince is coming, so I should go. Have Go-mi follow as well.”
“Understood.”
A carriage and Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae stood at the entrance of the Command Center. Cha Jung-gyeong and Song Cheon-mu, who had been sitting on the driver’s seat, jumped down the moment they saw Yi Hwan emerge.
Cha Jung-gyeong opened the carriage door.
“Please board.”
Yi Hwan studied Cha Jung-gyeong.
“Seems you’re pleased to be here.”
“Yes. Very much so.”
In truth, Cha Jung-gyeong had pestered Yi Hwan for two days until he agreed not to return to the Southern Military Unit and come here instead. It was his first taste of city life since enlisting in Zhao Kingdom, and each day had been a joy.
Moments later, the carriage departed toward the Imperial Palace.

* * *

Yi Seong-ji, the Third Prince, wore an expression far graver than usual as he emerged from the Manhwa Palace.

For a man, a scar from battle is as a medal of honor. There is no need for excessive sorrow.

These words had come from the Empress as she observed his face, ravaged by the assassination attempt.
‘Of course, Your Majesty. But surely she might have shown at least some sign of concern beforehand.’
What infuriated him was the Empress’s manner. Throughout their conversation, she had not once betrayed any expression of sympathy.
‘It was a situation where I might have died. Yet to Mother, it seemed to matter little. Does she truly believe my brother was behind it, and is she therefore treating me this way?’
The air grew cold in Yi Seong-ji’s wake.
“Salute!”
The warriors guarding the Manhwa Palace’s main gate rendered their respects to Yi Seong-ji.
Beyond the bridge, Yi Seong-ji’s master and a single warrior awaited him.
Gong Ya-un, Yi Seong-ji’s master, gazed at his pupil’s rigid expression and exhaled softly.
The warrior spoke.
“Your Highness appears to be in poor spirits.”
“He is always like this after a visit to the Manhwa Palace. Yet today he seems darker than usual.”
Shortly after, Yi Seong-ji crossed the bridge.
Gong Ya-un asked nothing.
“I wish to return home.”
“I heard the Crown Prince will soon arrive at the palace. Will you not wait?”
“I will see my brother another time.”
“Very well. Then board the carriage.”
Yi Seong-ji paused mid-step toward the carriage, then turned to gaze ahead. Gong Ya-un followed the direction of his gaze and turned as well.
Yi Hwan was walking some distance ahead of them.
He was heading toward the Crown Prince Palace at such an angle that Yi Seong-ji wouldn’t be visible unless he turned to look.
“Perhaps the greatest beneficiary of this war may well be the Fourth Prince.”
Yi Seong-ji turned to face him.
“What makes you think so?”
Gong Ya-un continued.
“I’ve heard while here that the Fourth Prince took the head of Han Seom, Zhao Kingdom’s greatest general. But that’s not all—he displayed such overwhelming martial prowess in combat that everyone was left astounded. Because of this, it’s said that Seo Nam Wang requested a meeting with the Fourth Prince rather than with Gwak Chung-mu. However, Jin Kingdom’s involvement prevented the meeting from taking place.”
“I see.”
Yi Seong-ji stared at Yi Hwan heading toward the Crown Prince Palace, his eyes sunken deep in thought.
“From now on, you must view the Fourth Prince as a competitor as well. Regardless of everything else, the Fourth Prince commands ten thousand Gold Guards. That is a force not to be dismissed lightly.”
Yi Seong-ji said nothing.
After a moment, he opened the carriage door.
“I’m exhausted. Let us depart.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”

* * *

Yi Hwan walked toward the Crown Prince Palace.
Since he was dressed in Gold Guard uniform rather than the garments of nobility, there were quite a few who failed to recognize him.
Go-mi spoke.
“Should we not make a stop at Manhwa Palace first?”
“Forget it. She wouldn’t be pleased to see me, and I’ve no particular desire to go myself.”
“Still, one should observe proper courtesy……”
“What courtesy is owed to a mother who seeks her child’s death?”
“……”
Yi Hwan’s expression shifted subtly. He had caught sight of Yi Tae-ji emerging from the compound.
Though they were heading in different directions and stood at some distance, it was enough to recognize one another.
Their gazes clashed through the empty space and tangled together.
Yi Hwan offered him a cold smile.
Yi Tae-ji, by contrast, glared fiercely before abruptly turning his head away.
‘The venom’s rising high. Hehehehe.’
Yi Hwan resumed walking, and shortly after entered the Crown Prince Palace.
The guards bowed their heads.
The Crown Prince Palace bustled with preparations to receive Yi So.
Yi Hwan entered the detached quarters where he always met Yi So.
“I’m going to sleep for a while. Wake me when he arrives.”
Bang!
As Yi Hwan shut the door, Ju-tae grinned and spoke.
“You seem rather comfortable.”
“He’s the sort who’d sleep before the King of Hell himself.”
“True enough.”
Go-mi rose to her feet.
“I have somewhere I need to go for a while. I’ll step out.”
“Is it somewhere safe to go alone?”
“Yes, it is.”

* * *

Go-mi emerged and headed west through the Imperial Palace.
The western quarter of the Imperial Palace was home to a substantial forest—a highly restricted area that those of low rank could not enter.
Of course, Go-mi, who had received the rank of Inspector from Yi So, had no trouble accessing it whatsoever.
She showed her Inspector’s Credential to the guards stationed at the forest’s entrance and stepped inside.
The interior of the forest appeared no different from any other.
Yet thanks to its constant maintenance, walking through it felt like strolling through some grand garden.
How long had she been walking?
Beyond a low rise, a small pavilion came into view. And atop the pavilion stood a single figure.
It was Hwa Ryeong.
She smiled broadly at Go-mi’s approach. Go-mi asked in an indifferent tone.
“How did you get in here?”
“I don’t have the rank to enter formally, so naturally I came in secretly. Don’t worry—no one saw me.”
Hwa Ryeong smiled broadly.
Go-mi hated that smile.
“Why did you want to see me?”
“Isn’t there only one reason I’d summon you?”
“Let’s make this quick. The Crown Prince will return to the palace soon, and I need to get back.”
“Hmm. When do you think we might become closer?”
“Is that necessary? Just tell me what you came for.”
Despite Go-mi’s cold manner, Hwa Ryeong’s smile never wavered. She continued at once.
“The Empress has placed the Grand Prince under suspicion. She may have already begun investigating those around him, so tell him to be careful. It seems some very dangerous people are moving.”
“If you know who they are, tell me that first.”
Hwa Ryeong shook her head.
“The Empress has a secret organization known only to her. I’ve heard of it only through rumor, so I don’t know its details. But I’m certain there are operatives from both the East Guard and the Gold Robed Guard within it. I absolutely cannot guarantee that Bi-wol isn’t also involved.”
“Are you speaking sincerely?”
“Take it as advice that caution does no harm. By the way, has the Grand Prince entered the palace?”
“If that’s all you have to tell me, I should go.”
As Go-mi turned to leave, Hwa Ryeong called out.
“Is there any chance I might find shelter with you?”
Go-mi turned back.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I may need to leave Manhwa Palace. The Empress doesn’t seem to suspect me, but something feels wrong. I can’t shake the feeling.”
“Ask the Grand Prince.”
“Thank you.”
Go-mi turned and slipped out through the forest. Hwa Ryeong watched her departing figure recede into the shadows, then exhaled quietly.
“She really does dislike me, doesn’t she?”

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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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