The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 33

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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 Undefeated – Episode 33

Chapter 33 – Breaking In

The next morning, Yi Hwan sought out Peng Wuwei again.
Though Peng Wuwei had endured this more than once before, he could not refuse the summons.
For him, it was enough to drive a man to madness.
‘Damn this bastard. What does he want now?’
Peng Wuwei entered Yi Hwan’s quarters with an angry face, but his expression shifted the moment he crossed the threshold.
“Is he within?”
“Yes. Please, come in.”
Peng Wuwei took a quiet breath to steady himself before entering. The first thing to catch his eye was a tea cup with wisps of steam rising from it.
“Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Sit.”
Peng Wuwei took a seat across from Yi Hwan.
“I hear your men arrived in considerable numbers.”
“Yes. The Imperial Capital sent additional martial officers to replenish our losses.”
“Did they not know I am here, or did they know and simply disregard it?”
“……I beg your pardon?”
“Had they come, they should have paid their respects first.”
“…….”
Peng Wuwei recalled Young Hochwung’s murmuring from the previous night.

It seems the Crown Prince was not greeted properly.

‘Surely not this again……’
A chill of unease suddenly crept up Peng Wuwei’s spine.
The thought struck him forcefully that Yi Hwan might use this as a pretext to exercise tyranny.
Was this not the same Yi Hwan who had severed the arms of his own men because Cha Junggyeong had been wounded?
Peng Wuwei bowed his head.
“My sincerest apologies. Exhausted from the long journey, it appears I forgot to observe proper protocol toward the Crown Prince. I shall be certain to reprimand myself severely.”
“Yet those tired men seemed to have energy enough for an extended conversation with your people?”
‘How could he know that?’
Peng Wuwei stiffened.
‘He’s been watching our quarters the whole time?’
“General.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I believe that should anyone dare show me disrespect, they show disrespect to the royal house, and moreover, they commit an affront to His Majesty himself.”
“……!”
Peng Wuwei’s face hardened like stone. From Yi Hwan’s bearing, it seemed his dark premonition was about to become reality.
“Vice-Commander.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What punishment may be administered to one who affronts the king and disrespects the royal house?”
At Yi Hwan’s question, Song Hui answered with a readiness that suggested he had been waiting for exactly this moment, his tone emphatic.
“Depending on the circumstances, execution is certainly possible.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently, then fixed Peng Wuwei with a direct stare and asked, “What is this man’s rank within the Keumui Guard?”
“He is Vice-Commander.”
“Vice-Commander of the Keumui Guard.”
“Vice-Commander.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“How far can the Vice-Commander of the Keumui Guard be punished?”
“What significance has a Vice-Commander’s rank? Indeed, depending on the circumstances, execution remains entirely within the realm of possibility.”
The two of them worked together perfectly, each response falling into place like a well-rehearsed dance.
“……!”
Peng Wuwei’s eyes widened in alarm.
“This man was sent here by the Queen Consort herself. Though he may have been discourteous to Your Highness, execution would surely be an excessive punishment.”
A cold light descended over Yi Hwan’s gaze.
“So because the Queen Consort sent him, I should forgive him—is that what you mean to say?”
“The commandant merely spoke from a heart that wished to offer gracious forgiveness. I beg you not to misunderstand, Your Highness.”
Yi Hwan fell silent for a moment.
To Peng Wuwei, that silence stretched like an eternity.
“Very well. Out of respect for the general’s position, I shall overlook this matter this once. But should anything similar occur again, it will be Left General who bears responsibility.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I shall manage affairs more carefully to ensure such a thing never happens again.”
“And let me warn you—never again speak of the Empress or Crown Prince before me. Do you understand?”
“…I shall remember this always.”
“You may go.”

* * *

Song Hui laughed.
“He moved about like a raw recruit, all military bearing and discipline restored. Watching him, I felt the commandant’s chest must be thoroughly clear.”
“The effect of having summoned Left General repeatedly all this time—that’s what showed itself. In truth, repeated reprimands break a person’s spirit far more than a single harsh rebuke, though the subject rarely realizes it. In a word, it’s a matter of breaking him in.”
“I had no idea you possessed such intention. But why did the Keumui Guard send men here? This is hardly a place where they belong, is it?”
“If we’re being that particular, the same goes for Biyeol. Well, since the other side sent the Keumui Guard, the Crown Prince would naturally dispatch Biyeol in turn. In any case, see that you manage Biyeol well, Captain.”
“Understood.”
“How is your inner power coming along?”
“My body has grown considerably lighter, and I can feel the strength and speed behind my blade have advanced to a remarkable degree. I am grateful, Your Highness.”
“Don’t celebrate yet. Don’t neglect the Heart Method until it becomes entirely your own.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Just then Song Cheonmu entered through the door.
“Your Highness, a deputy commander of the Keumui Guard requests an audience.”
“Tell him to come back tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
As Song Cheonmu withdrew, Song Hui asked,
“Will you break him in as well?”
“I’m still considering it. But isn’t it about time we headed to the training ground?”
“Ah, yes. I shall see to it at once.”
After Song Hui withdrew, Yi Hwan rose from his seat and moved to the window. Through it, he could see Mo Jaewhang of the Keumui Guard returning to the Peng Clan’s barracks.
‘Without question, he came bearing orders to report everything that transpires here to Crown Prince. If that’s the case, I must deal with him before Peng Wuwei.’
Yi Hwan’s thoughts turned to Crown Prince Yi Taeji.
‘As long as I remain here, nothing shall proceed according to your designs, Yi Taeji.’

* * *

Mo Jaewhang of the Keumui Guard came seeking Yi Hwan again the next day. But Yi Hwan, through Song Cheonmu, sent word for him to return tomorrow and did not even open the door.
Like Peng Wuwei before him, his breaking in had begun.

* * *

The sudden death of the Commanding General.
All were plunged into grief, yet one man—the Blood Ghost Leader—harbored thoughts far removed from sorrow.
‘The Commanding General’s death even halted the war itself. If that’s so, Yeon Kingdom must be no different. Why didn’t this thought occur to me sooner?’
The Commanding General’s death had inspired him. And inspiration led to assassination.
The Blood Ghost Leader began to consider whom he should kill. His already sinister eyes grew darker still, sinking deeper into shadow.
‘If I assassinate Hwang Ho, Yeon Kingdom will suffer a blow equal to our own. Then we could control what comes after.’
Those darkened eyes suddenly gleamed with light. He had decided—Hwang Ho would be his target.
In truth, Yi Hwan had been on the list as well. But though he bore the title of prince and royal commander, his standing within the Yeon army seemed insignificant, and so he had been removed from consideration early on.
Next came Jeong Cheon.
But even he did not rank as high as Hwang Ho.
‘On the day the Commanding General’s funeral ends, I kill Hwang Ho.’

* * *

Whoosh!
Dark clouds trapped in the high mountains began to pour rain. As a fierce wind joined, the rain transformed into a downpour.
Go Mi stood at the window, gazing out as lost in thought.

-Since recovering from the Life-Death Realm, he has changed into an entirely different person. It seems he had been concealing his strength all along. At times he is deeply arrogant and merciless. Commanding General Hwang Ho and General Jeong Cheon have begun to trust him greatly.

Information about Yi Hwan filled her mind.
What grated most was the claim that he was arrogant and cruel—a stark contradiction to the Yi Hwan she remembered, endlessly gentle, fragile, and warm.
And one thing more.
‘He’s been concealing his martial prowess.’
That was the part she couldn’t fathom.
Rumors about Yi Hwan had reached her ears often enough. Nearly all of them painted him as incompetent and weak.
‘If he possessed skill, wouldn’t he naturally establish a record of merit to raise his standing? Why hide it?’
Anyone would do the same. That’s what the world demanded.
Yet Yi Hwan possessed real ability and deliberately concealed it, allowing the shadow of incompetence and weakness to follow him through life.
Even an ordinary martial artist would find it incomprehensible—how much more so for Yi Hwan, who stood as both prince and grand general.
That was when it happened.
“Go Mi.”
A voice drifted in from outside. Go Mi shook off her thoughts and composed her expression.
“Come in.”
A female warrior entered.
“I’ve returned.”
“What did you find?”
“Confirmed that men believed to be affiliated with the prince are staying at an inn on Market Street. All of them are martial artists.”
“Why only ‘believed to be’ affiliated with him?”
“The Keumui Guard made contact with them. And I’ve confirmed that one of them is here in our camp.”
“Well done. Go wash up and get something to eat.”
“Yes.”
As the female warrior left, Go Mi gazed toward where the Keumui Guard’s camp lay.
The Peng Clan, the Young Ho Clan, and the Keumui Guard’s encampment were all clustered nearby.
‘To the Keumui Guard, we Biyeol are a thorn in their side. If only we vanished, they could face the Eastern Palace in a one-on-one confrontation and pressure the Crown Prince’s Palace. That must be the Empress and the prince’s intention.’
“Hmph!”
Go Mi suddenly let out a cold snort.
“As if they’ll have things their way.”

* * *

The downpour continued unabated the next morning.
The exceptional rainfall had thrown the military camp into emergency status. Barracks in steep terrain were relocated to level ground due to landslide concerns, which in turn meant the entire defensive formation had to be reconfigured.
In the torrential rain, soldiers were busy moving the encampments, with no attention to spare.
Regardless, Yi Hwan slept in unusually late.
Since childhood, rainy days had always brought the deepest sleep. He’d grown fond of such days for that very reason.
It was one of the few things that aligned with ‘that one.’
Song Hui entered.
“Shall I bring tea for breakfast?”
“Why is it so noisy out there?”
“The exceptional rainfall has everyone occupied relocating barracks from the steep areas. Even the Yongho Army has abandoned drills—all personnel are assigned to the work.”
Whoosh—whoosh!
Yi Hwan watched the heavy rain beating against the window for a moment, then stepped out onto the veranda.
Cheol Muok and Gongsun Tae, who had been in conversation, rose to their feet. Song Cheonmu was absent, having been assigned to the work crews.
Whoosh—whoosh!
Patter-patter-patter!
The driving rain lashed even to the far edge of the veranda. The downpour was so fierce that the Peng Clan’s barracks opposite became a hazy silhouette.
Song Hui spoke with a grave expression.
“This weather is far from ordinary. I’ve never seen rainfall this heavy in all this time.”
“The Zhao Kingdom side must be in chaos as well?”
“Their camp formation is even more vulnerable to heavy rain than ours—by now, I’d wager they’re in complete turmoil.”
“Then we’re fine. Let’s eat.”
“Yes.”
Shortly after, the meal began, and when they’d taken just a few bites, Go Mi entered the courtyard wearing a rain cloak.
She bowed toward Yi Hwan, who sat eating on the veranda.
“I’ve come to report on a matter of some importance.”
“Come in first.”
Go Mi stepped inside.
Though she wore a rain cloak, the driving downpour had drenched her armor beneath, the metal glistening wet.
“May I request a private audience?”
“It’s fine. They’re people you can trust.”
Go Mi continued at once.
“We’ve confirmed that martial artists presumed to have been sent by Yi Hwan are stationed in Market Street in a nearby city. They’ve made contact with one of the Keumui Guard’s officers currently here.”
‘She’s already picked up on something like this.’
Yi Hwan felt a genuine admiration stir within him. And now he finally understood why the Crown Prince’s Palace had sent Biyeol.
“Why report this to me?”
“General Hwang Ho asked us to report to you first, my lord.”
Yi Hwan regarded Go Mi in silence. Under his gaze, she lowered her head slightly.
“If you’ve been moving since early morning, you can’t have eaten breakfast.”
“I don’t usually eat breakfast, so it’s no trouble.”
“Change that habit.”
“My lord?”
“Make it a point to eat breakfast when you can. This is a front where anything can happen at any time and any place—you need to stay ready at all times.”
“Yes. I’ll change it.”
“Come here and eat with me.”
Yi Hwan turned his gaze to Gongsun Tae.
“Bring an extra portion for Go Mi as well.”
“Yes.”
Go Mi took a seat beside Yi Hwan. It just so happened that was the only available spot.
“But first, let me apologize.”
“My lord?”
“To be honest, when Biyeol first arrived, I was skeptical about what help you could actually provide. But after hearing your report just now, I’ve reconsidered.”
“I’m relieved you’ve had a change of heart.”
Go Mi’s expression stiffened slightly. Yi Hwan, who never missed such details, took note.
‘She’s got a temper unlike most.’
He recalled Go Mi’s anger when he’d clashed with the Keumui Guard during his time in the Imperial Capital, and found himself amused at the memory.
‘Not bad at all.’

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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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