The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 181

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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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The Crimson Dragon Martial Emperor, Episode 181

Chapter 181—A Result Beyond Expectations

‘Bodyguards of the Empress of Yen.’
Yang Chan had seen the men in blue robes before, in the Imperial Capital of Zhao Kingdom.
He had witnessed the Empress of Yen’s procession from a distance, and those two blue-robed men had been among her entourage. They sat apart from the other patrons, speaking in hushed tones.
“Did you hear about it?”
“About what?”
“The Crown Prince Palace burned incense. And there wasn’t even a memorial service.”
“Ah, yes, I heard that too. Probably to honor the spirit of the Fourth Prince who died abroad. The Crown Prince was quite fond of him, after all.”
Though their voices were low, Yang Chan, who had heightened his senses, caught every word with perfect clarity.
“It seemed odd to declare him dead when his body hadn’t even been confirmed, but seeing that the Crown Prince Palace burned incense makes it seem certain he really is gone.”
“It must be true. The Fourth Prince’s guards visited the Crown Prince Palace the day before, I heard. They probably reported his death then. And surely Seo Nam Wang was the one who killed him?”
“Of course. Her Majesty herself expected Seo Nam Wang to make a move and waited quietly for it. In any case, thanks to this, we’ve also breathed easier. It seems once the Gold Guard is brought under control, she’ll begin her real moves.”
“Soon the Empress’s empire will come to pass. Hehehehe.”
Just then the server arrived with liquor and dishes, cutting their conversation short.
“Bring another bottle of wine, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
Yang Chan slowly finished his drink. He even ate some of the food he rarely touched.
After a considerable amount of time had passed, the two blue-robed men finished their meal and stood to leave first.

* * *

The two blue-robed men headed toward the outskirts of the marketplace district.
Yang Chan quietly followed in their wake. Even at the edges of the district, there were still people passing through, so the two blue-robed men had no idea he was trailing them.
How much farther did they walk?
When they reached a place where the crowd had thinned and even the light grew dim, the two blue-robed men suddenly collapsed without resistance.
Thud.
Yang Chan, who had been quietly following behind, hoisted one blue-robed man onto his shoulder and slipped into the forest that ringed the city’s outskirts. He emerged from the forest roughly half a double-hour later.
‘A man once called the figurehead Grand Prince suddenly transformed into someone else entirely and rose to the center of a turbulent political situation?’
He had gathered considerable information through the blue-robed men.
The name Yi Hwan, his recent movements, and even the location of where his sister lived.
‘First, I’ll investigate those around the Fourth Prince.’
If Yi Hwan truly was a descendant of Dae-ya Fortress, then his inner circle might also harbor such descendants. For now, that meant his bodyguards.
According to the blue-robed men, they too had appeared suddenly and were formidable masters.
‘Perhaps they are descendants of the Three Kings.’
Yang Chan headed back to the inn where he had been staying. Since he had rented a room there, he planned to spend the night.
‘The Fourth Prince, said to be a descendant of Dae-ya Fortress, vanished from Zhao Kingdom. Then, days later, a gold-masked figure appeared in the Imperial Palace of Zhao. Is this truly coincidence?’
Yang Chan began to consider the matter from another angle.
‘What if they are the same person?’
Whoosh!
A whirlwind swept up all manner of debris and scattered it about. The rubbish dispersed in all directions as it neared Yang Chan.
‘I’ll know soon enough.’

* * *

Yi Young had taken to her bed. Learning of Yi Hwan’s death had struck her down.
Yi Hwan had not informed her of his survival—he feared word might leak out. For now, he was staying not far from the Song Residence.
On a night when the crescent moon hung in the sky.
Go-mi came to find him.
“Have you found anything?”
“Nothing unusual so far. It seems they won’t begin their real moves until the authority and roles of the Gold Guard and Gold Robed Guard are elevated.”
“What about the Third Prince?”
“That quarter is somewhat suspicious.”
Yi Hwan set down his cup and fixed his gaze on Go-mi. She continued immediately.
“A considerable number of martial artists have been spotted north of the lake. Given that there are no houses or buildings suitable for habitation nearby, it seems they’re using caves or tunnels as their hideout.”
“They might have been there all along—we’re only discovering them now, aren’t we?”
“That’s correct. So I’d like to look into this in somewhat greater detail. For that, I’ll need assistance.”
“Would it suffice if I attached Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae to you?”
“Yes. Those two would be more than enough.”
“Then do it that way.”
Pour.
Yi Hwan lifted his cup to his lips. Go-mi, hesitant for a moment, carefully ventured to speak.
“The Princess seems to be bearing considerable sorrow. I hear she’s been bedridden these past few days—wouldn’t it be wise to let her know now that the Grand Prince is safe?”
Yi Hwan shook his head.
“She’s too honest and transparent to ever conceal her true feelings. The same goes for her husband. The moment she learns I’m safe, her expression and behavior will change immediately. If that happens, the whole thing could fall apart.”
…….
That was why he couldn’t inform Yi Young of his safety. The elevation of the Gold Guard’s role and authority was a matter of considerable importance to Yi Hwan himself.
“Have another drink.”
“Thank you.”
Lately, Go-mi hadn’t shied away from drinking alongside Yi Hwan. It was a considerable change from before.
Pour.
“Once this matter is resolved, I’m thinking of officially bringing the Bi-wol Organization under the Gold Guard as a subordinate unit. What do you think, month-keeper?”
“Would that even be possible?”
“Entirely.”
“If it’s possible, then I’m absolutely in favor. Once Bi-wol officially comes under the Gold Guard’s command, we’d be able to move with far greater freedom in intelligence operations—nothing like what we could do before.”
“There’s one more thing… Could your Bi-wol organization take Hwa Ryeong in?”
“……I beg your pardon?”
“When I saw her yesterday, she seemed eager to leave Manhwa Palace. Since she’d be of considerable military value to us, I thought it better to give her a sense of belonging than to leave her unattached.”
“Did she say she wished to do this?”
Yi Hwan shook his head.
“It’s my own thought.”
“I have no objection. But I wonder whether she’d be willing to work under my command…….”
“If you’re fine with it, then it’s settled. Have another drink.”
“Yes.”
The two emptied several cups in succession. Tonight, the alcohol seemed to sit well with Go-mi.
Her spirits were good.
Yi Hwan had asked for her thoughts first before taking action—that was what mattered.
“There’s something I’m curious about.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like to know what level the technique you taught me ranks at among Dae-ya Fortress’s martial arts.”
“The adaptability is mid-tier, the force is low-tier. Of course, the reason it can only be at that level is because your inner strength hasn’t caught up yet.”
“……!”
Go-mi was inwardly startled.
Based on what she’d learned directly and tested in real combat, it was on an entirely different level from the Imperial Palace Martial Arts she’d mastered before. Yet it was only mid-tier to low-tier?
“If the inner strength supported it, stronger techniques would be possible?”
“Of course.”
“Could I become as strong as Cheol’s bodyguard and Ju’s bodyguard?”
“Given your aptitude, it should be entirely possible. Though of course, you’d need to reach their level of inner strength.”
Thump.
Go-mi’s heart leaped.
To become a master as powerful as Cheol Mu-ok and Ju-tae. Just the thought of it made her chest swell with possibility.
But soon the feeling faded.
‘How can I raise my inner strength? The Grand Prince’s mental cultivation must have its limits…….’
Yi Hwan gazed at her.
“I’m working on finding a way to increase your inner strength, so until then, devote yourself entirely to the mental cultivation.”
“I understand.”
The two continued their drinking through nearly half a double hour. When the final bottle was finally drained, Go-mi rose to her feet.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yes. Rest easy.”

* * *

Crown Prince Palace.
The official who had visited before returned to the Crown Prince Palace. Yi So greeted him today with the same impassive expression. The official bowed his head.
“Have you reached a decision?”
“Before I answer, there’s something I need to make clear.”
Yi So fixed his gaze on the official and continued speaking.
“Remember well that the authority to appoint the commander of the Gold Guard remains with me. Should you refuse to acknowledge this, I will reject any decision you propose.”
“Is there any room for objection? Only note that this time, the consent of the Prime Minister, the Grand General, and the Six Ministries must be obtained.”
“I’m aware of that much. Now go.”
“Yes. Then I shall see you at tomorrow’s court assembly.”
The official departed, and Gwan Ji-baek took the seat across from Yi So.
“As soon as the decision is made at tomorrow’s assembly, inform the youngest immediately.”
“Understood.”
Yi So smiled bitterly all of a sudden.
“The East Guard’s opposition will be considerable. The Gold Guard is one thing, but the Gold Robed Guard—a subordinate organization—now holds authority equal to theirs. That’s quite a blow.”
“Have no concern, sir. They surely know whose doing this is, and will likely direct their resentment toward the Empress instead. Would that not work in our favor?”
“Favor or not, I should still soothe their anger. They’ve stood by me and served well all this time.”
Yi So took a sip of tea and issued an order.
“Find out how much financial reserves the Crown Prince Palace has, then report back.”
“Are you intending to bestow wealth upon them?”
“It’s all I can offer them, after all. The fortunate part is that the East Guard’s leadership quite enjoys material gifts.”
“Understood. I shall investigate at once and bring you my report.”
Yi So sank deep into his chair and clasped his hands together.
“A perilous struggle is about to begin, one where we cannot see even a step ahead. Our generals, and all our martial artists alike, must steel themselves for what comes.”
“Should we not summon the remaining martial artists to the Imperial Capital in advance?”
“Do so. And once they’re all gathered, arrange for the youngest to meet and greet them.”
“You’re finally allowing them to meet?”
“I’d planned this from the start. The youngest is now my person, and heaven itself cannot deny that.”
“Understood.”

* * *

The next day.
The expanded roles and authority of the Gold Guard and Gold Robed Guard were officially confirmed.
When the Gold Guard’s authority proved greater than anticipated, Yi So made a show of reluctance. But it was only theater—he soon feigned capitulation and assented.
Thud! Thud!
The document stamped with the Jade Seal became evidence that no one could refuse.
The Empress departed satisfied, and the officials who supported her left the Great Hall in excellent spirits.
Of course, the matter of whom Yi So would appoint as the next commander remained, but neither the Empress nor her supporters showed any concern about it.
Yet it was Yi So who welcomed this turn of events most of all. Even if the Empress’s faction had managed to buy the votes of every official present, he had no need to exercise his appointment authority—there was no problem whatsoever.
‘I’ve given the youngest proper wings. Hehehehe.’
Yi So maintained a stern expression until he left the Great Hall, concealing his true thoughts.
His demeanor was immediately reported to the Empress, and she giggled like a young girl.

* * *

That evening, Go-mi visited the Crown Prince Palace.
There, Yi So detailed the expanded roles and authority of the Gold Guard.
Faced with such an unprecedented expansion, Go-mi could not hide her shock.
“Relay this to the youngest as it is.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Yi So asked with a smile.
“Are the two of you growing closer now?”
“I merely do my utmost to serve and assist the Grand Prince. However, sire…”
“It seems you have something to say.”
“The Grand Prince said he intends to formally incorporate the Bi-wol Organization as a subordinate body of the Gold Guard.”
“Is that so?”
Yi So tilted his head once, and as if sensing something, he soon smiled and asked.
“What do you think of it?”
“I told him I would follow his wishes.”
“It’s not about following his wishes—it’s about what you yourself desire.”
“I thought it was good, and told the Grand Prince as much.”
“The Gold Guard now possesses formidable inspection authority that even exceeds the East Guard’s standing. Your Bi-wol will inevitably gain greater power as well. The youngest has already foreseen this and is elevating you for that reason. So you must give him your full support. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Go and tell him this: I will soon arrange for him to meet and greet the martial artists of the Crown Prince Palace.”
“I understand.”

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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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