The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 24

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Red Dragon Sovereign, Episode 24

Chapter 24 — Entering the Imperial Palace

No one save the Emperor himself would be permitted to visit.

It was an order handed down by Crown Prince Yi So upon regaining consciousness. The palace physician conveyed it to Yi Hwan, who found himself grateful for it.
‘I’ve shown proper respect. Now I can take my leave.’
There was nothing left for him to accomplish at the Imperial Palace, so lingering would only waste time. There was no genuine affection between blood relatives, no reason to remain.
Just as Yi Hwan had resolved to depart the palace at once, an unexpected turn of events unfolded.
“The Crown Prince requests your presence.”
An eunuch entered and spoke thus.
Yi Hwan, who had been sampling an unfamiliar delicacy, set down his chopsticks and fixed his gaze upon the eunuch.
“I was told that no visitors would be permitted. Yet you say the Crown Prince is asking for me?”
“Yes. Upon hearing that the Prince had returned to the palace, His Highness ordered me to bring you at once.”
“Has anyone else sought an audience with the Crown Prince before me?”
“No one. Yi Hwang-ja called this morning, but His Highness denied him entry.”
‘He turns away Yi Hwang-ja but summons me?’
Yi Hwan rose reluctantly, pulling on his outer robe as he headed toward the door.
The eunuch spoke quietly.
“Leave your sword behind.”
Clatter.
Yi Hwan handed the blade he’d been holding to Song Hoe.
Moments later, Yi Hwan followed the eunuch’s lead deeper into the palace’s interior.
From somewhere unseen, an eerie aura lay in wait.
“Isn’t this lodging rather secluded?”
“Since His Highness’s condition grew grave, his quarters have been moved further inward for security.”
“Are there Martial Arts World practitioners hidden within?”
“…!”
Behind him, Yi Hwan could not see the eunuch’s face. The man was surely deeply startled. The eunuch had evidently believed that Yi Hwan would be entirely unaware of the aura lurking all around him.
“I merely inquired.”
“…Yes, sir.”
The quarters lay quite far ahead.
Along the way, the eunuch asked a question.
“How are you finding life in the military encampment?”
“Well enough.”
“When news of your injury reached His Highness, he was greatly concerned. But seeing you in such robust health now, he will rejoice greatly.”
‘Rejoice? That seems unlikely.’
Moments later, Yi Hwan stopped before a door fashioned in a somewhat unusual style.
“The Prince has arrived. Open the gate.”
Whoosh.
The doors swung open to either side, and two white-robed martial artists emerged. They bowed their heads toward Yi Hwan.
“Enter, if you will.”
Yi Hwan strode forward.
The moment he crossed the threshold, a rich medicinal scent struck his nostrils sharply.
“You have come?”
A voice lacking all strength drifted from beyond the inner chamber.
It was the voice of Crown Prince Yi So.

* * *

Yi Hwan regarded Yi So carefully. Though clearly bearing the marks of illness, the bearing he emanated was undeniably remarkable.
As Yi Hwan bowed with an awkward motion, Yi So, lying upon his bed, offered a faint smile.
“Has your body recovered fully?”
“Yes.”
It was the first time. He had never before answered anyone with such formal deference.
“I am relieved. Seeing you in such good health eases my heart greatly.”
“Were you poisoned?”
At the blunt question thrown at him so suddenly, Yi So smiled again, this time faintly.
Yi Hwan had shifted into an entirely different demeanor from before.
“They say one’s nature changes after brushing with death, and it seems to be true. Very well—when we’re alone together, speak as you wish. But when others are present, mind your words and conduct. Even a speck of dust can be magnified into a mountain to bring you down.”
“Yes, I understand.”
‘This is awkward.’
Speaking formally felt like holding a blade between his teeth. Yet Yi So continued to smile at Yi Hwan’s stiff manner.
He spoke softly toward the door.
“Bring it.”
Whoosh.
The door slid open, and the eunuch who had guided Yi Hwan here stepped inside. A Gold Box hung from the eunuch’s hand.
“Help me sit up.”
“Your Highness.”
“It’s fine. Do it now.”
The eunuch supported Yi So and propped him upright.
Yi So opened the Gold Box. A soft golden radiance spilled forth.
“This is yours. I meant to give it to you later, but circumstances have changed.”
Yi Hwan gazed into the box. A single pill lay nestled within, gilded and gleaming.
“What is this?”
“Your Highness, if I may—”
“It’s fine. Leave us.”
“…Yes.”
Once the eunuch had gone, Yi So continued.
“A Spirit Elixir made from Nine-Pointed Immortal Herb. Since you’ve already begun your internal cultivation, taking this will serve you greatly.”
At the mention of Nine-Pointed Immortal Herb, Yi Hwan’s eyes widened.
‘Heaven itself aids me.’
“Don’t refuse it. I made it for you from the beginning.”
“I accept it gratefully.”
Yi Hwan tucked the Gold Box into his sleeve.
Yi So reached toward the drawer beside his pillow and withdrew a thin volume. He held it out to Yi Hwan.
The cover bore no title.
Yet the pages were darkened with age, marking it clearly as an ancient text.
“This is a Secret Manual containing the essence of Imperial Palace Martial Arts. Only those of royal blood can master it, and frankly, in your current state you couldn’t learn even a single technique—but if the effects of this Spirit Elixir combine with the medicine I sent before, all the techniques in this manual could become yours.”
‘The medicine he sent before?’
“That medicine strengthens one’s internal cultivation?”
“Haven’t you felt any change in your Dantian?”
“I thought it was merely a tonic and never took it.”
“You threw it away?”
“Not thrown away—I just left it in the barracks when I departed.”
Yi So let out a hollow laugh.
“Take it immediately upon your return. If you consume it all at once, it will have the opposite effect. You must take it in portions.”
Yi So’s tone suddenly turned resolute.
“Become a master. And help General Hwang prevent the Southern Army Corps from falling into the hands of the Empress and the Second Prince. If that region passes to them, the entire border territory facing Zhao could fall under their influence.”
“You mean they’re plotting treason?”
“I cannot speak of it now. When the time comes, you will understand everything. Until I call for you again, you must devote yourself entirely to mastering this manual.”
Yi Hwan looked down at the Secret Manual.
‘What use have I for this?’
He was confident that no martial art in this world surpassed his own—Imperial Palace secrets or otherwise. Even with the passage of time, that conviction remained entirely unchanged.
‘I’ll humor him and pretend to take this seriously.’
“Are you listening to what I’m saying?”
Yi Hwan paused.
“I have a request.”
“Speak. If it’s within my power, I will grant it.”
“Could I possibly borrow the intelligence network of the Dongchang?”
“The Dongchang is not an organization that moves for private purposes. But why do you suddenly need their intelligence?”
“There is someone I must find. I have only a physical description to work with, but if the Dongchang’s network were employed, it should be possible. If you grant this, I swear I will do everything in my power to aid General Hwang.”
Yi So laughed again.
“You’ve truly changed. To negotiate terms so casually now—it’s remarkable.”
“It seems that’s what happens when you die and come back to life.”
“Have you fully recovered?”
“Yes.”
“I heard you were injured and worried greatly. But seeing you in such good health sets my mind at ease. Still, about Dongchang…….”
Yi So trailed off into silence. Yi Hwan watched him quietly, waiting for his response.
After a moment, Yi So spoke again.
“Very well. I’ll do as you ask.”
“There is one more thing. Would it be possible to gain access to the Imperial Palace Repository?”
“That cannot be. The Imperial Palace Repository is a forbidden place only the Emperor himself may enter. But why do you wish to go there?”
“I’m simply curious about something. I understand. Then I’ll take my leave now. I’ll have the description of the person I’m searching for conveyed to you through a messenger.”
“You’re leaving already?”
“Had it not been for your illness, I would never have returned at all.”
Yi Hwan turned to leave.
“Younger brother.”
He paused.
“I trust you.”
Yi Hwan’s brow twitched slightly. He lowered the hand that had grasped the door handle and turned back to look at Yi So.
“Recover quickly. The one who is to become the master of this land cannot be swayed by a pack of jackals, can he?”
He spoke of the Empress and Yi Hwang-ja.
Yi So understood perfectly well.
“Ha ha ha!”
Yi So burst into laughter, then grimaced and pressed his hand to his chest as pain flared.
“I haven’t laughed like this in so long. I shouldn’t be doing this, yet I can’t stop laughing. Ha ha ha!”
Watching him smile despite the pain, Yi Hwan was seized by a strange, indefinable emotion.
‘This boy—I truly do consider him family.’
Soon after, Yi Hwan left the Crown Prince’s Residence.
He had obtained the Spirit Elixir, which he never expected, but his mood was far from pleased. It was because of Yi So.
Then he remembered something he hadn’t asked.
‘Since it doesn’t seem I’ll return, I should ask this before I leave.’
Yi Hwan went back to Yi So’s quarters. The eunuch’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Why have you returned?”
“There’s something I’m curious about.”
Yi Hwan went directly inside.
“Is there another favor you wish to ask?”
“I’ve heard that martial artists are gathering around Yi Hwang-ja. Are you aware of this?”
“How could I not be?”
“Then why do you allow it?”
“It’s not that I allow it—it’s that I cannot stop it. My second son has already escaped from beneath my shadow. The only existence in this world he fears is the Empress.”
Perhaps his emotions had flared—Yi So’s gaze flickered with intensity.
Yi Hwan looked down at him and continued.
“If you simply leave the growing numbers of martial artists unchecked, the problem will become grave. And this is the Imperial Palace, is it not?”
Yi So spoke with renewed resolve.
“I am waiting for the right moment. When it comes, I will expel all martial artists from the Imperial Palace. The place where they should live is not the political arena but the vast Kangho, is it not?”
“There seem to be quite a few martial artists here as well.”
“What can be done? To maintain balance of power, I have no choice but to borrow their strength.”
Yi So suddenly smiled faintly.
“It feels strange to have such a conversation with you. I should have called for you long ago. Haven’t you resented this older brother all this time?”
‘You didn’t have time to resent him. You were simply struggling to survive in a place where you were cast aside so cruelly.’
Instead of answering, Yi Hwan asked again.
“Just now you said that when the time comes, you’ll expel the martial artists. What do you mean by that?”
“Long ago, government and martial arts coexisted under the spirit of the Official-Martial Non-Interference Principle established by the Founder King, each acknowledging the other’s existence while maintaining strict and rigorous boundaries. Because of this, they could coexist, and there was almost no confusion like we see now. I intend to do the same. If those who possess martial power beyond ordinary imagination were to seize political power as well, this world would plunge into endless chaos.”
At the words “Official-Martial Non-Interference Principle,” Yi Hwan’s gaze shifted slightly.
‘If he means to revive the spirit of the Official-Martial Non-Interference Principle…….’
Suddenly, Yi Hwan sensed that Yi So feared the martial artists.
‘Indeed, in the past, those in power saw martial artists as untamable beasts no different from wild animals.’
What those in power desire most is the absolute loyalty of those who follow them. Without it, they cannot maintain power.
In that sense, the court ministers are expected to be loyal to the Dynasty and State, for they have been taught and raised to do so since childhood.
But to expect loyalty from martial artists would be difficult. What they follow and pursue is, after all, the Martial Way.
If a martial artist with overwhelming power were to seize political authority as well, who would dare stand against them?
“If you ascend to the throne, will your conviction remain unchanged?”
“Ascend to the throne…….”
Suddenly Yi So’s face was touched by a sorrowful light. He soon shifted his expression and continued.
“If I ascend to the throne, I will surely make it so. It is for the peace and stability of the court and the imperial house.”
Yi Hwan’s expression shifted gradually.
The same change flickered across his eyes as he regarded Yi So.
‘So that’s how it is.’
Though his reasons differed from Yi Hwan’s own, learning that the Crown Prince Yi So also sought the Official-Martial Non-Interference Principle proved an unexpected gain.
It felt as though coming to the Imperial Palace had already been worthwhile.
“So I need only prevent the Southern Army Corps from falling into the hands of Yi Hwang-ja and the Empress?”
“I will soon send men capable of lending strength. But there are matters that force alone cannot resolve. If you bolster General Hwang’s position, nothing would serve better than that.”
“Understood. And I say again—do not become a tiger made to dance by a pack of jackals.”
Yi So smiled faintly.
“Indeed, I shall not.”
Yi Hwan departed the Crown Prince’s Residence at once.

* * *

An officer entered Yi So’s chambers.
“Are you well, Your Highness?”
“It has been some time since I’ve laughed—my heart feels light.”
“Is it because of the Prince?”
“Yes. That boy has my gratitude.”
“Your Highness has changed so much that this officer was deeply unsettled. But what manner of conduct from the Prince brings you such joy?”
Yi So merely held a faint smile and did not answer. The officer ventured another question cautiously.
“Should we not keep watch on the Prince?”
“If I do not trust him first, how can he trust me? Instead, word General Hwang—tell him to treat that boy as he treats me.”
“Very good, Your Highness.”
“I must rest now. Ah, and later, call upon the Dongchang and tell them I wish to see them.”
“Why do you seek the Dongchang, Your Highness?”
“My brother made a request, and only the Dongchang can fulfill it. I wish to help him.”
“Your Highness, if your connection to the Dongchang becomes known, Yi Hwang-ja will surely prepare countermeasures. Is that not why you have preserved the Dongchang for a critical moment?”
“To gain one thing, one must surrender another. Now, above all else, we must not let the Southern Army Corps pass to my second brother. Speak no more of this.”
“Yes, understood, Your Highness.”
Once the officer withdrew, Yi So fell asleep at once.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————