The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 160

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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 160

Chapter 160 – The Unseen War (2)

Yi Seong-ji, the Third Prince, stood before the Bronze Mirror.
His gaze fixed on the face reflected within was cold—terrifyingly so.
The scars were not confined to his face alone.
Unhealed wounds marked his chest and abdomen with dark severity. The injuries sustained while deflecting two assassination attempts had been etched into his breast as marks that would never fade.
Tremble-tremble…….
What memory had surfaced?
In that instant, rage flickered across his eyes, and cracks began to spider across the mirror.
Crack-crack-crack!
Then came a sound like shattering glass as the mirror exploded into countless fragments, cascading downward.
Shatter!
“Your Highness! What has happened?”
Gong Ya-un rushed through the door.
His eyes darted between the shattered mirror and Yi Seong-ji’s back, his expression hardening.
“Master.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I will walk the path of Emperor Tae Ryong Je.”
“……Your Highness.”
Gong Ya-un’s eyes wavered for a moment.
Emperor Tae Ryong Je was the third emperor of Yen Kingdom—a tyrant who had murdered three brothers and two nephews to seize the throne, the worst despot in Yen’s history.
Now Yi Seong-ji declared he would walk that very path. The wavering in Gong Ya-un’s eyes crystallized into steely resolve.
This was what he had always hoped for.
“Shall I summon everyone?”
“Yes. Do so.”
“Understood.”
Gong Ya-un turned to leave.
“Master.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Gong Ya-un, who had taken a step forward, turned back to face Yi Seong-ji once more.
“From today onward, I will enter seclusion. I do not know how long it will take, so I ask that you lead everyone in my absence.”
“I will do as you command.”
Gong Ya-un bowed once more and departed. Yi Seong-ji slowly donned his outer robe, his eyes never leaving the distorted face reflected in the few remaining shards of the mirror.
Overlaid upon that twisted visage was the face of the Empress. A fresh frost of rime settled once more in Yi Seong-ji’s gaze.
‘You should have extended your hand to me, asking me to support my brother instead.’
The years of Yi Seong-ji’s life flickered through his mind like a revolving lantern show.
From childhood, the Empress had favored Yi Tae-ji. Though born of the same womb, Yi Seong-ji was coldly cast aside.
Her favoritism had intensified as he grew older, and eventually, unable to endure it, Yi Seong-ji had left the palace and made a dwelling by the lakeside.
It was there he met Gong Ya-un, learned much from him, gained much from him, and in secret, cultivated his ambitions.

When the time comes, realize Your Highness’s vision. We—all of us—will aid you.

Gong Ya-un had always spoken thus.
Each time, Yi Seong-ji had evaded an answer. But today, at last, he had resolved.
‘I will pursue my vision. Any who stand in that way will know no mercy from me.’
To walk the path of the tyrant Emperor Tae Ryong Je.

* * *

In the Imperial Capital of Zhao Kingdom.
Seo Nam Wang Zhao Yun sat across from a middle-aged official.
Few dared to speak freely in his presence, but this man was different.
“The people’s sentiment and court opinion grow ever worse, Your Majesty. Criticism of the war as reckless spreads daily among scholars and ministers who do not support Your Majesty.”
Zhao Yun listened in silence, raising his teacup to his lips.
“If we allow this to continue, it may interfere with your accession to the throne. We must find a way to reverse public opinion without delay.”
Zhao Yun finally opened his mouth to speak.
“What is your assessment?”
“Your Majesty need not concern yourself with the ministers’ displeasure. The common people, however, are another matter. If resentment accumulates, those with impure designs will seize upon it to advance their schemes. We must soothe them beforehand. To do so……”
The middle-aged official’s trailing words resumed in a tone grown firmer.
“Hold the Martial Arts Tournament. Open its gates to the martial artists of Jin Kingdom and Yen Kingdom alike, and conduct it with great splendor. Your Majesty surely understands what benefit this shall bring.”
“You speak of following the precedent of the former emperor?”
“Indeed. The former emperor overcame crises even graver than this through two such tournaments. The common people are like livestock one tends. Give them sustenance and fulfill their appetites, and they will forget their grievances as if nothing had passed.”
Zhao Yun sank deeper into his chair, his gaze growing distant.
“So the situation has grown that dire.”
“We lost far too much in the war with Yen Kingdom. I have even heard some say that the true victor of that war was Yen Kingdom’s Fourth Prince, Yi Hwan.”
A twitch.
The moment Yi Hwan’s name was spoken, Zhao Yun’s eyes flashed with an icy glint.
The middle-aged official pressed on, unbothered.
“It is the result of rumor amplifying his courage—how he did not yield before Your Majesty, who took the field in person. Yet Your Majesty withdrew your forces first.”
“Had Jin Kingdom not intervened, Yen’s Northern Military Unit would have been reduced to ash. They cannot be ignorant of this, and yet they dare reproach me. Such fools.”
“The common people do not think in such terms, Your Majesty. They remember only how the Fourth Prince Yi Hwan stood unbowed and courageous before Your Majesty’s overwhelming might. And your own great achievements serve only to make him shine the brighter.”
“Why do the people of Zhao Kingdom—not Yen—sing that man’s praises? Why?”
Crunch!
The armrest of the chair crumbled to powder in an instant, scattering to the floor.
As it fell, the dust dusted the middle-aged official’s eyebrows yellow.
A suffocating silence hung in the air.
The middle-aged official waited for Zhao Yun to speak. After a moment, his excitement subsiding, Zhao Yun posed his question in his characteristic grave tone.
“How will the finances be secured?”
“Through contributions gathered from the regional clans, merchant houses and courier stations that operate in partnership with the government, and court ministers. Combined, they will be more than sufficient.”
“They will see it as extortion. If you proceed, will it not backfire contrary to your intent?”
“If Your Majesty grants official positions and promotions to those who contribute, and offers sweeping tax reductions to the merchant houses and courier stations, there will be no issue whatsoever.”
“You are asking me to sell offices and ranks?”
Zhao Yun’s voice carried irritation once more. Yet the middle-aged official remained entirely unmoved.
“Once you ascend to the throne and govern with benevolence, all will be forgotten. Until then, you must proceed with the resolve to sell your soul to the devil. Remember, Your Majesty, that there are still many in this realm who follow the Crown Prince Jo Gwang, who enjoys the favor of the former emperor’s will.”
A shift.
Zhao Yun’s thick brows twitched like caterpillars. Yet he did not grow more agitated.
He understood the official’s words well enough.
A clink.
Zhao Yun took a sip of tea and posed another question.
“How proceed matters at the Imperial Palace of Yen Kingdom?”
“Serious court strife has not yet begun. It seems the unexpected emergence of the Fourth Prince Yi Hwan has slowed the empress’s movements.”
“Does that man hold such considerable influence in Yen Kingdom?”
“The Fourth Prince alone would pose little threat. But behind him stands the Crown Prince Palace. At present, the Fourth Prince Yi Hwan, backed by the Gold Guard, serves as the sword of Crown Prince Yi So, causing the empress grave difficulty.”
Zhao Yun recalled Yi Hwan.
That arrogant bearing of his, even in Zhao Yun’s presence—the memory kindled fury each time he thought of it.
“With your permission, I shall begin preparations at once.”
“Can you conduct it without mishap?”
“If you entrust me with this, I shall deliver results to satisfy you.”
“Should the results prove unsatisfactory, you shall forfeit your position.”
“Yes, I shall bear that in mind.”
“Extend an invitation to Yi Hwan, Fourth Prince of Yen. Of course, together with the empress.”
“I am uncertain whether they will accept the invitation.”
“When the emperor—not I—extends the invitation, the empress will have no choice but to come. She cannot break the long-standing traditions and conventions of the three kingdoms. And if the empress accepts, no mere prince can dare refuse.”
“Understood. I shall proceed as you command.”
The middle-aged official withdrew.
Zhao Yun, lost in thought, was suddenly approached by a figure that appeared like a phantom.
Zhao Yun opened his eyes, which had been shut.
“What news?”
“We have confirmed the presence of numerous individuals employing the same martial techniques as the Fourth Prince’s two bodyguards. However, we have yet to locate anyone presumed to be the Heir of the Poison King.”
“No direct intelligence on Yi Hwan himself?”
“Access to him proves exceedingly difficult. We have not yet obtained meaningful results, but we continue to investigate thoroughly. I ask for your patience.”
Zhao Yun settled deeper into his chair, his gaze growing cold.
“The Heir of the Poison King is what matters most. Deploy additional personnel if necessary. We must confirm his existence or absence without fail.”
“Understood.”
Zhao Yun rose to his feet.
At that, the wall split left and right, and a ornate curtain billowed forth to reveal itself. Beyond it sat several scantily clad women in quiet repose.
“Rest now. You’re dismissed.”
“Yes, understood.”

* * *

Yi Hwan received Go-mi’s report in his office.
When Go-mi’s lengthy briefing finally concluded, Yi Hwan smiled bitterly.
“Officials suspected of corruption have voluntarily turned themselves in to the Disciplinary Bureau?”
“Yes. Twelve officials have come forward of their own accord and are currently under investigation.”
“Rather than be caught by us, they’ve chosen to surrender to the Disciplinary Bureau, which falls under the Empress’s influence, hoping for lenient punishment—is that it?”
“That appears to be the case.”
“A solid blow, and a well-landed one at that. I heard the Manhwa Palace was lying low, but it seems they’ve been doing far more than just sitting idle.”
……
This was a situation Yi Hwan himself had not anticipated.
“Have you met with Hwa Ryeong?”
“We’re scheduled to meet this evening.”
“Whatever happens, we must capture the Prime Minister. When you see Hwa Ryeong, emphasize this point and urge haste.”
“Understood. And Grand Prince.”
Go-mi raised another matter.
“It appears that suspicious individuals have been circling around you.”
“Are they from the Empress’s faction?”
“I haven’t yet confirmed which side they belong to. But their movements seem distinctly different from before, so it would be wise to exercise caution.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And one more thing……”
Yi Hwan looked up and fixed his gaze on Go-mi.
“You seem hesitant to speak. Is this difficult to say?”
“Please examine my condition. I’ve come to understand the secret formula completely, and I would be grateful if you would observe my form directly to ensure I’ve executed it correctly.”
‘Already?’
It had been scarcely a month since he’d passed the new technique to Go-mi. Yet she had already grasped the secret formula. If she truly understood it all, then Go-mi could genuinely be called a prodigy in the martial arts.
“Shall we do it now?”
“Thank you!”
“Go to the training ground.”
Yi Hwan watched Go-mi’s retreating figure as she walked ahead, a faint smile playing at his lips.
‘I’ve never seen her this elated before.’

* * *

Crack!
Snap-snap!
Yi Hwan and Go-mi clashed in a whirl of combat.
As they watched flashes of light dance and dust billow across the training ground, Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae’s eyes widened in astonishment.
“What is that woman?”
“Remarkable. Her rate of improvement is beyond what the reports suggested.”
“At this level, there wouldn’t be much difference if we compared her to the youngest of our lineage, would there?”
“Not quite at that level yet. The form our lord bestowed upon her is so varied in its applications that it merely appears so. The gap in inner strength is still evident—her sword and intent aren’t quite unified.”
“The way you speak, you sound like some unrivaled master who’s mastered every martial art under heaven.”
……
“Still, she’s nothing short of remarkable. At that rate of progress, she has to be called a true prodigy.”
Ju-tae spoke with genuine admiration.
As the dust settled, Yi Hwan and Go-mi emerged from the haze.
While Yi Hwan stood at ease, Go-mi was bent forward, breathing heavily and catching her breath.
Ju-tae’s eyes flickered with an odd gleam.
“Ah, the view from behind is really something—”
Thwack!
“Ugh!”
Cheol Mu-ok drove his fist into Ju-tae’s ribs and then approached the two of them.
Yi Hwan asked, “What’s your assessment?”
“The primary issue remains insufficient inner strength. Beyond that, I found almost no other flaws.”
Go-mi straightened up.

“Thank you, sir. You mean you’ll teach me a new technique?”
“It’ll take a few days.”
“Thank you!”
Yi Hwan was handing the sword back to Cheol Mu-ok and turning to leave when it happened.
“Sir!”
Song Cheon-mu came running up.
“Someone has come from the Imperial Palace looking for you!”

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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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