The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 197

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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 197

Chapter 197 — Entry into the Palace

Go-mi posed the question.
“Do you think the Second Prince will make an appearance?”
“Whether he does or doesn’t makes no difference to me. He’s merely a fool to be played with.”
“Then what is it the Grand Prince truly desires?”
“To unsettle the Imperial Family. The Empress watched with her own eyes as I commanded Yi Tae-ji to appear before me. By now, a great many are surely anxious in their seats. And if we dig, we’ll find corruption aplenty—that much is certain.”
……
“The support of other Imperial Family members would be worth more to the Empress than a hundred thousand soldiers. Their endorsement amounts to recognition of legitimacy itself—which means we must prevent it at all costs. Though if fortune smiles, we may even watch them turn toward our cause.”
“Hah!”
Cheol Mu-ok, who had been seated, let out a sound that was neither quite laughter nor exclamation. Hwa Ryeong smiled knowingly, her expression vindicated.
Go-mi, too, responded with admiration.
“Then I shall examine the Imperial Family members more thoroughly, as you have instructed.”
“Include even the collateral branch who didn’t attend the ceremony. They may prove useful allies someday.”
“Understood.”
Yi Hwan turned to Cheol Mu-ok.
“Still no word from Ju-tae?”
“None yet. I fear we must wait a while longer.”
“That fool—probably found a pleasant spot and is indulging himself without a care.”
“Does the world revolve around people like you?”
“Where did that come from!”
Yi Hwan shook his head at Cheol Mu-ok. Somehow the man seemed to grow stranger with each passing day.
“Rest now. Go spar outside.”
As the others filed out, Go-mi withdrew a piece of paper from her garment and asked him. It was the paper Yi Hwan had given her—containing the secret instructions for a technique form.
“I’ve reached an impasse on this section. I cannot seem to progress further. Would you help me?”
“You’ve come this far already?”
“……Am I progressing well?”
“You knew and were just boasting, weren’t you?”
“Oh, no—that’s not it at all.”
Yi Hwan flicked his hand lightly, and a sword leaning against the wall flew to his grasp of its own accord.
Clang!
Without unsheathing it, Yi Hwan traced the air with the blade held in its scabbard—a simple motion, yet Go-mi’s eyes widened considerably.
And her reaction startled Yi Hwan in turn.
‘She understood from seeing it once?’
“Ah! So that’s how it works! Thank you, Grand Prince!”
“You truly understood?”
“Allow me to try it!”
Ring!
Go-mi drew her sword.
Yi Hwan quietly retreated and sat down.
‘There was no need to draw it.’

* * *

The following day, Yi Tae-ji did not arrive until well past noon. Yi Hwan sent out the official dispatch at once and made his way to the Imperial Palace with only a minimal escort.
Upon arrival, Gwan Ji-baek greeted him.
“Welcome, Grand Prince.”
Yi Hwan and his company entered. The command center was already prepared in every way to begin immediate operations.
Gwan Ji-baek spoke with a smile.
“His Majesty has given special orders to spare no effort. I hope the preparations meet with your approval.”
“This will suffice.”
“Is the full complement of personnel here, then?”
“The commanders from each ministry should arrive by tomorrow.”
Yi Hwan opened the window. Directly across lay the Palace Hall used by the Gold Robed Guard.
Gwan Ji-baek came to stand beside him and spoke.
“Word that the Grand Prince has entered the palace has spread, and the mood among the officials has grown quite grave. They appear deeply concerned that the Gold Guard’s expanded authority may soon turn upon them.”
“That could be one reason for entering the palace.”
“His Majesty holds great expectations as well. In any case, I’m deeply reassured to be able to see you like this.”
“I won’t visit often. Every time I go there, it feels like I can’t breathe.”
Gwan Ji-baek merely smiled at Yi Hwan’s words.
Yi Hwan turned his gaze toward the palace where Yi Tae-ji stayed. It was a distance he could cover in less than a quarter hour at a brisk pace.
“I understand the Second Prince did not attend.”
“I didn’t expect him to. Still, I intend to follow proper procedure. Pressure yields weakness. But tell me—have all the other imperial family members left?”
“Yes. We’ve confirmed that everyone departed the palace this morning.”
“General Gwan.”
“Yes, Grand Prince.”
“I’d like to request a few more sets of armor for my men. We’ll have much to do going forward, and I’d like to keep spares ready.”
“Understood.”
Just then, figures approached the Gold Robed Guard’s Palace Hall. It was Mun I-jong and his attendants.
Mun I-jong, who happened to glance their way, bowed slightly. Yi Hwan responded with an easy smile.
Gwan Ji-baek spoke.
“There are rumors that the Second Prince and that man’s relations have grown strained. I’ll need to investigate the details, but it seems clear that things are no longer as they once were.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently, his eyes remaining fixed on Mun I-jong’s retreating figure.

Hongwol has no choice but to follow my orders. If they seek reconciliation, I will help. A single letter from me, and they will follow you instead of the Second Prince.

That’s what the Emperor had said.
But Yi Hwan had refused right there. To stand with them, Hongwol would have to cross a line that should never be crossed. Especially since Mun I-jong regarded him as an implacable enemy.
‘I’ll tear down your Hongwol first.’
Currently, Hongwol was little more than the eyes and ears of Yi Tae-ji. Whether their relations were good or bad was irrelevant.
“What weighs so heavily on your mind?”
“I was wondering whether to strike at the neck first, or the limbs.”
“Have you decided?”
“I have.”
“Would it be proper for me to ask?”
“When the time comes, I’ll tell you. For now, keep it from His Majesty.”
“Understood. Then I’ll take my leave.”

* * *

Mun I-jong gazed down at the Gold Guard Command Center through the window of his office.
Yi Hwan’s office windows were tightly shut.
‘Before long, you’ll weep bitter tears as you realize your own blunder, Yi Hwan.’
The thought that Yi Hwan was just beyond that window, close enough to see if he opened it, set his blood on fire.
And along with that rage came the vivid memory of his son’s mangled corpse, swelling his chest with fury.
It was then.
“Supreme Commander.”
An attendant entered from behind.
Mun I-jong straightened his expression and turned.
“What is it?”
“The Second Prince is asking for you.”
“But we just met! What does he want now?”
“He’s asking you to come to his residence at once.”
A twitch.
‘Does he think he’s training a dog?’
Mun I-jong suppressed his rising anger and picked up the outer robe he’d set aside.
But he never made it to the door. Yi Tae-ji entered first.
“I came in person so you wouldn’t think I was summoning you like some underling.”
“Has something urgent arisen?”
Yi Tae-ji settled into Mun I-jong’s chair and crossed his legs.
“Have you seen him?”
“Yes. I saw him just as I was coming in.”
“So our Supreme Commander’s feelings must be running rather high, with your mortal enemy right before your eyes?”
“…….”
Yi Tae-ji leaned back in the chair and continued.
“The Empress said she would send the masters from Manhwa Palace. They’ll arrive here soon, so Hongwol should prepare its strongest master as well.”
“Understood. If I command the operation, would that be acceptable?”
“Do so. But remember—this is truly your last chance. The Empress herself will be watching, so you must stake your life on it.”
“Understood.”
Yi Tae-ji rose from his seat and moved toward the window. With hands clasped behind his back, he surveyed the Gold Guard Command Center from one corner to another.
Mun I-jong stepped up beside him.
Just then, the window of Yi Hwan’s office opened. As Yi Hwan appeared, Yi Tae-ji smiled coldly and waved his hand.
“Chief Administrator.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Finish it before the year ends. You need not concern yourself with time or place. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, strike immediately—my mother and I will handle the aftermath.”
“Understood.”
‘Then I have much to thank you for.’
As Yi Tae-ji turned to leave, he placed a hand on Mun I-jong’s shoulder.
Tap.
“This time, do it properly. Surely you wish to avenge your son’s resentment as soon as possible, do you not?”
“…….”
“Then I shall trouble you with this.”
“Take care on your way.”
Yi Tae-ji departed.
Mun I-jong turned his gaze back toward Yi Hwan’s office. The window remained open, but Yi Hwan was nowhere to be seen.
‘He seems as pressed for time as I am. It makes sense—to suffer such humiliation before the other imperial princes, he would naturally wish to move quickly.’
Mun I-jong called for an aide.
The moment the aide entered, he issued his command.
“From this hour forward, concentrate all efforts on monitoring the movements of the Bi-wol Organization’s leader—that woman.”
“Not the Fourth Prince?”
“The woman who serves as eyes and ears takes priority.”
“Understood.”
Mun I-jong had already been considering Go-mi’s elimination from before. But with incidents erupting from all quarters, he had been unable to focus properly until now.
Having received what amounted to a final mission from the Empress and Yi Hwang-ja, he was now prepared to execute it fully. In that regard, Yi Hwan’s entry into the Imperial Palace was nothing short of a blessing for him.

* * *

By evening, all the warriors of the Sword King and the Dao Wang clan had completed their Palace Entry.
The assassins of Hongwol, who had been watching closely, noted that their numbers were far too few and let out a scoff.
But how could they know that these very men, disguised as members of the Yeokcheon Society, had slain dozens of their own comrades?
In any case, Go-mi’s office was in the room directly adjacent to Yi Hwan’s. Hwa Ryeong had also decided to share quarters with her.
Having completely left Manhwa Palace, Yi Hwan had instructed Hwa Ryeong to assist Go-mi. It was a supporting role that doubled as bodyguard duty, and Go-mi had accepted it readily.
“This place is always such a shithole, no matter when you look at it.”
Hwa Ryeong muttered listlessly, staring out the window with both feet propped up on the chair.
Go-mi smiled faintly.
“You’ve become a completely different person now, so why not try changing how you think about things from this point on? They say that when you change your mind, everything looks different.”
“I’m trying, but I wonder if it’ll really change so easily. I’ve been burned too many times…….”
Hwa Ryeong shifted her posture and asked directly.
“When are we going to dig up information?”
“I’m planning to go out later.”
“Where are we going? Who are we investigating?”
“I’ve finished with the ministers, so now I’m thinking of looking into the imperial family. I’m telling you in advance—you absolutely must not make any careless moves, understand?”
“Yes! I’ll follow your instructions obediently, my lady!”
Snort.
“You’re that pleased?”
“Of course. The people I’m with are wonderful, so every day is absolutely delightful.”
It was sincere. Since leaving Manhwa Palace completely and joining Yi Hwan and the others, Hwa Ryeong’s very complexion had noticeably changed.
“Shall we head out then?”
“Already?”
“The first imperial family member I need to investigate is half a day’s journey away, so we should hurry.”
“Understood. I’ll just change clothes and be right out.”
Watching Hwa Ryeong scurry into her room, Go-mi suddenly let out a quiet sigh.
‘I wonder if she’s thinking too lightly of this. What lies ahead is a completely different realm from what we did in Manhwa Palace…….’

* * *

It was a moonless, starless night—pitch black as ink.
Go-mi and Hwa Ryeong left the Imperial Palace, heading south. Given the nature of their task, they had to move with absolute secrecy from the moment they departed, avoiding all notice.
The two cut through the darkness at a rapid pace, pressing southward.
They had been traveling for roughly half an hour when—
The hazy sky parted, and the moon and stars emerged.
“Let’s rest for a moment.”
“Of course.”
Go-mi and Hwa Ryeong each drew out their water pouches, quenched their thirst, and climbed onto a boulder, settling side by side. Hwa Ryeong asked something entirely unexpected.
“Do you have a lover, by any chance?”
“I’m not interested in such things.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
“Never.”
“Really? Truly?”
“What’s that look for?”
Hwa Ryeong broke into a smile.
“Truth is, I’ve never been in love either. People assume I’m promiscuous, but I’m actually quite chaste, you know.”
“I believe you.”
The two women continued their conversation, one topic flowing into another—until Hwa Ryeong suddenly pressed a finger to her lips and gestured sharply for silence.
Go-mi swiftly drew up her inner strength. Yet she sensed nothing.
Then Hwa Ryeong sent a Mental Transmission.
[At least four people are approaching us. If they’ve been following since the beginning, it could be dangerous. Stay alert.]
……
Hwa Ryeong drew her blade without a sound.
Go-mi unsheathed her sword as well, rising slowly to her feet.

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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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