The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 168

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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 168

Chapter 168 — Entering the Imperial Capital of Zhao Kingdom

By the laws of Zhao Kingdom, any member of the imperial family enfeoffed as a king could never, under any circumstance, bring private soldiers into the Imperial Capital.
The measure existed to strengthen imperial authority while checking those princes who might become rivals for power.
Violation brought punishment equivalent to treason and deposition alike—history bore witness to two such cases already. Thus, even Zhao Yun, who now held the true power of Zhao in his hands, dared not march private soldiers into the capital.
He feared it might give the living emperor and those faction heads loyal to Jo Gwang cause for counterattack. But above all, what consumed his attention was the will of the people.
If the common folk came to see him as an emperor who seized the throne by force, no matter how he might ascend to the Jade Throne, proper rule would be impossible—Zhao Yun knew this far too well.
Thus he had delayed bringing private soldiers into the capital as long as possible. Yet now Zhao Yun had resolved to change course. The poison assassination incident involving the Black Dragon Lodge had sparked an unexpected inspiration.
‘The Yen empress was attacked. Add to that the lives of two useless officials, and no one will dare oppose the entry of my soldiers.’
Clink.
A faint smile played at the corners of Zhao Yun’s mouth as he set down his teacup.
Yet the middle-aged aide who always stood at his side was nowhere to be seen. In his place sat a young man.
Zhao Guang-mu, Zhao Yun’s eldest son.
Unlike his second son, Zhao Jeong-mu, who had built a reputation as a fierce general, Zhao Guang-mu carried himself with the quiet, measured air of a scholar.
The look in Zhao Yun’s eyes as he regarded his eldest was peculiar. The smile that had graced his lips vanished.
“I hear you still haven’t left the library these days?”
“There is much I must learn. And there is little I can offer to assist you, Father.”
“You will be the Crown Prince of this realm one day. Should you not begin studying the way of monarchs now, rather than later?”
“I am still merely an inconsequential prince of the western territory. Once you ascend to the Jade Throne, I shall begin my studies in earnest.”
“Are you mocking your father?”
“I would never presume such a thing. I merely wish to follow what is natural and proper—I beg you not to misinterpret me.”
His tone was quiet and composed, yet beneath it ran an unbreakable firmness and strength.
Zhao Yun’s eye twitched slightly.
Clink.
Tap.
“Then what brings you to see your father?”
“With your permission, I wish to attend the martial arts tournament.”
Light flickered in Zhao Yun’s eyes. Zhao Guang-mu, who had kept himself aloof from martial affairs, was now expressing interest.
This was a source of Zhao Yun’s greatest frustration.
“Unexpected. You wish to observe the martial arts tournament?”
“It is a great festival of the realm. As a member of the imperial house, it is only proper that I should participate. Moreover, since you are hosting it, I wish to fulfill my duty as a son.”
Zhao Yun’s eye twitched again. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. His mood had improved.
“Very well. If such is your wish, I shall have a seat prepared in the finest viewing position.”
“No, please. I shall observe quietly from a distance. I ask only that you keep my attendance secret from the ministers.”
“Why would you insist on such a thing?”
“There is no hidden meaning. I simply wish to avoid the fuss.”
Zhao Yun’s brow furrowed slightly, then he nodded in acceptance.
“As you wish, so shall it be.”
“Thank you. Then I shall take my leave.”
Zhao Guang-mu withdrew, and Zhao Yun walked to the window, pushing it open. He watched his eldest son’s retreating figure and exhaled softly.
“Sigh……”
There was one thing in this world that even he—one who feared nothing and was checked by nothing—could not handle freely: the existence of his eldest son, Zhao Guang-mu.
He had been the person who most fiercely opposed the removal of Crown Prince Jo Gwang.
‘Perhaps I seem a monster to you now. But in time, you will understand. You will see why I had to do this.’
It was then.
“I have returned, Your Majesty.”
The middle-aged aide entered.
Zhao Yun kept his gaze on Zhao Guang-mu’s retreating form as he asked.
“How does it stand?”
“I ordered them to finish before he reached his residence. We have selected targets from among our own officials.”
Twitch.
Zhao Yun turned to regard the middle-aged aide with visible displeasure.
The aide continued speaking with composure.
“I judged it would align with the justification Your Majesty must present hereafter. They are not persons of particular importance, so I ask you to trust my judgment.”
The faint anger in Zhao Yun’s eyes gradually subsided. He placed absolute trust in the man before him and had no wish to break that trust over a momentary flash of anger.
“Inform me once it is done.”
“I understand.”
The middle-aged aide’s gaze followed Zhao Guang-mu’s receding figure as he passed through the doorway.
“To prevent chaos afterward, we must establish a clear line of succession starting now.”
His words carried weight.
“And what do you think?”
“I will follow only Your Majesty’s wishes.”
“Then I’ll ask differently. If you were me, what would you do?”
“Your Majesty cannot become a Sage King. Must not become one. This nation, rotted to its very roots, requires the cold wind of reform. How many will perish in that process, I cannot say—but countless will remember Your Majesty as a Tyrant. Thus I submit to you this: for the tempest of reform Your Majesty unleashes to subside peacefully, the Crown Prince must ascend to the throne. Only his gentle temperament can make that possible.”
The middle-aged aide paused to draw breath, then continued.
“To the reformative fury Your Majesty raises, only the Crown Prince’s gentleness will serve as remedy.”
Who would dare speak such words before Zhao Yun, lord of all under heaven? Yet the middle-aged aide had never feared speaking truth, and today was no exception.
What surprised him was Zhao Yun’s reaction. His gaze merely grew heavier; not a flicker of anger could be felt.
“The Second shares my temperament. Such a nature suits turbulent times. If our Zhao Kingdom is to pursue an Era of Peace and Stability hereafter, then the First must inherit the throne—is this what you wish to say?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Zhao Yun’s gaze sank deeper still, and beneath that heaviness lay a current of sorrow.
‘How could I not understand? Yet that child’s true heart remains a mystery to me…….’
Zhao Yun swallowed the words that had risen to his throat and turned away.
“I will rest. See that no one disturbs me.”
“Very well.”
As Zhao Yun was about to enter through the fractured wall, something occurred to him, and he turned back to the aide.
“The First mentioned attending the Martial Arts Tournament. He said he dislikes fuss, so arrange no special seating—simply assign someone to watch over him discreetly.”
“Yes, I shall see to it.”
“One more thing.”
The middle-aged aide turned back.
Zhao Yun asked him.
“What has become of the Fourth Prince of Yen?”
“We have not yet found him. It appears the Yen Empress moved first. When you enter the palace, it would be wise to inquire subtly.”
“Very well.”
The middle-aged aide departed.
Zhao Yun’s gaze returned to the window beyond. But Zhao Guang-mu had already passed through the city gate.
‘You must understand this: I cannot give you unlimited time.’

* * *

Yi Hwan and Papa entered the Imperial Capital of Zhao Kingdom.
Flags announcing the All-Under-Heaven Martial Arts Tournament fluttered throughout the streets, and the crowd that had gathered from across the realm left barely room to stand in the marketplace districts.
This festive atmosphere mingled oddly with the vigilance of the martial artists patrolling every corner.
“Remarkable. Was there truly this much interest in the Martial Arts Tournament?”
“There have been successful precedents in the past. Each time, the emperors escaped political difficulties and pressure. Should this tournament shift the will of the people, Seo Nam Wang will openly reveal his ambitions.”
“Of course he will.”
Yi Hwan made for the most densely crowded area. Throughout the marketplace, people were being selected through screening to attend the Martial Arts Tournament.
Amid joy and disappointment clashing at every turn, Yi Hwan and Papa approached the screening station.
“We must verify your status first. Produce your identification pass.”
Yi Hwan and Papa presented the passes they had prepared in advance—of course, they were forgeries of Zhao Kingdom documents.
“Are you a martial artist?”
“A scholar who teaches children.”
“I am a potter who fires ceramics.”
The inspector’s eyes swept sharply across them both. Yi Hwan deftly set something down. A piece of gold, no larger than a fingernail.
“Watching the Martial Arts Tournament has been my lifelong wish. I beg your favor.”
The result came immediately.
The warrior who pocketed the gold produced two tickets.
“Keep these with you, and show them to the warriors when you enter the palace.”
“Much obliged.”
“Thank you, warrior.”
Their success in obtaining viewing privileges came from thorough prior investigation. According to intelligence gathered, ordinary professions proved more advantageous than martial artist status.
In preparation for contingencies, Zhao Yun had issued orders to minimize martial artist attendance at the tournament.
Yi Hwan and Papa set out toward the Imperial Palace.
After walking a short distance, the colossal Imperial Palace of Zhao Kingdom began to reveal itself faintly.
‘Extraordinary.’
Compared to the Imperial Palace of Yen Kingdom, this one appeared twice as vast, and its walls seemed ten lengths higher.
“That is the Crown Prince Palace.”
Yi Hwan followed the direction of Papa’s gaze. To the left of the Imperial Palace, a grand structure rose imposingly. It was indeed twice the size of Yi So’s Crown Prince Palace.
As regret began to shadow Papa’s face, commotion erupted behind them.
“Clear the way!”
“Step aside!”
A procession cut through the crowd, drawing near. Yi Hwan’s eyes widened at the sight. It was a Jin Kingdom entourage, and Namgung Jang-cheon and Dan Ri-mok were among them.
Yi Hwan and Papa moved to the side.
The carriage passed first, followed by Namgung Jang-cheon and Dan Ri-mok.
Yi Hwan suppressed a smile.
‘They seem quite pleased with themselves.’
Their expressions bore the glee of children who had discovered something marvelous and strange.
‘I wonder if these two are competing as well.’
Zhao had made it clear that martial artists from Yen and Jin could participate in the tournament. Consequently, a considerable number of martial artists from both kingdoms had arrived, and they were already conducting preliminary bouts at designated locations to earn their place in the main competition.
That was when it happened.
“You’ve arrived?”
Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae pushed through the crowd. Go-mi, Hwa Ryeong, and the Female Warrior appeared in turn.
Yi Hwan fixed his gaze on Go-mi.
“Any progress?”
“Yes. We have completed ten maps so far.”
“Did everyone secure their spectator passes?”
Ju-tae answered with a grin.
“We spent a bit of money.”
“All of them cleared?”
“Yes.”
That was fortunate. Had even one person failed to gain entry, the situation could have become complicated.
“Then let’s go in.”
The group moved toward the tournament grounds.
As they drew closer to the venue, security intensified, and men who appeared to be martial artists examined every passerby with razor-sharp scrutiny.
“Quite tense out here,” Ju-tae remarked lightly.
He offered the comment with a touch of humor.
When they reached the broad plaza that led to the tournament grounds, it happened.
Clang!
“Ahhh!”
A sharp metallic sound and a scream suddenly erupted from somewhere to the left. All eyes turned toward the disturbance.
Two men in blue robes were rushing forward in panic. Behind them, soldiers of Zhao pursued.
As the crowd scattered in shock, figures blocked the path of the blue-robed men.
Without hesitation, they drew their blades against them.
“Ahhh!”
“Ugh!”
Both men in blue robes fell helplessly, spraying blood.
As the conflict ended, the frightened crowd that had dispersed rushed back in.
Someone called out.
“What in the world happened?”
A Zhao soldier answered.
“Rebel gang members tried to sneak into the tournament grounds. But we’ve now disposed of all of them, so you can be at ease!”
“For rebel traitors to infiltrate this place!”
The crowd stirred with great alarm.
Yet Yi Hwan found himself suppressing a smile.
‘Is this too orchestrated? Something contrived for a purpose?’
He had seen clearly the terror in the eyes of those men in blue robes before their death. Those who had truly risen up to change a nation would never wear such an expression.
‘What are you after, Zhao Yun?’

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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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