The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 47

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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 47

Chapter 47 — The Road to My Sister’s Home (2)

The Song Clan boasted a long and storied history.
Since the founding of the Yeon Dynasty, they had been a noble family and great merchant house, descended from ancestors who served as trusted aides to Yeon Tae-jo and helped govern the realm—a lineage that had produced countless officials ever since.
In years past, they had even raised a prime minister to power, but at some point they had abandoned political ambition and devoted themselves entirely to their merchant enterprise; there had been a time when they controlled half of all tea distributed across the realm, their prosperity immense.
Yet by now, the Song Clan walked the path of decline.
If one traced the exact moment the decline began, it was after Princess Yi Young married into the Song family. While rumors swirled as to the cause, most pointed to their inability to withstand the expansion of rival merchant groups backed by the Empress and the Crown Prince—a force they simply could not match.
The one who surpassed the Song Clan and rose to become the greatest merchant group was the Hwang Yong Merchant Group.
Under the protection of the Empress—who now wielded tremendous power in the stead of an Emperor increasingly absent from affairs of state—they had expanded with terrifying momentum, and by this point had seized control of nearly all the Song Clan’s distribution networks and trade partnerships.
To call it seizure was merely a courtesy; in truth, they had taken it by force, or so the world believed.
The Song Clan had struggled desperately to hold their ground, but the backing of the Empress and the Crown Prince proved an insurmountable barrier.

* * *

“The situation appears worse than the rumors suggested. They’re barely maintaining operations—their only recent acquisition was taking over two inns.”
Yi Hwan’s eyes grew distant as he listened to Go Mi’s report.
Go Mi continued.
“I’ve confirmed that portions of the Hwang Yong Merchant Group’s profits are flowing toward the Crown Prince. The exact scale of the funds remains unclear, but further investigation should yield answers.”
“So the Hwang Yong Merchant Group serves as his financial pipeline?”
“That would appear to be the case.”
Yi Hwan sank deeper into his chair, clasping his hands together.
“Do you happen to know how the Crown Prince’s own residence funds itself?”
“I apologize. That remains beyond my knowledge.”
“Would it matter if you did know? There’d be no reason to keep it secret from me, would there?”
“No, there wouldn’t.”
Go Mi bowed his head.
“You’ve done well. Go rest now.”
“Will you be departing immediately?”
“I can’t visit openly. Even if we’ve disguised ourselves, if someone recognizes us and word reaches them, it could prove troublesome.”
“Then how will you…?”
“I have a plan. For now, eat something and rest.”
“Understood.”
Once Go Mi had withdrawn, Yi Hwan furrowed his brow, his thoughts turning to Crown Prince Yi Tae-ji.
‘Rotten from the start, that one.’
Yi Hwan opened the window.
Just one more day of travel and he would see his sister. But before that, there was something he needed to attend to first.
Whissssh!

* * *

There were eyes watching Yi Hwan.
They belonged to the Wanderer, who had been tracking him since the Southern Army Corps. He gazed at Yi Hwan through a window cracked open in the inn across the way.
‘If he’s moving in disguise, he’s plotting something. But that’s not what troubles me.’
From all his observation of Yi Hwan, the Wanderer had gleaned nothing beyond the facts that he was a prince and dae-gun.
At most, he’d learned that he bore little resemblance to the shabby rumors that circulated about him.
The Wanderer’s gaze shifted to the adjacent room—the one where Cheol Mu-ok lodged.
‘That one prevents any careless approach.’
There had been countless opportunities to get close to Yi Hwan. But Cheol Mu-ok, who never strayed from his side, left no opening. The man’s presence radiated the aura of a master whose victory in combat could not be guaranteed—and the Wanderer saw no reason to court unnecessary danger. He turned his attention back to Yi Hwan.
‘What are you, really? What brings you in search of me?’
Whissssh!
Wind swept across the Wanderer’s face.
That was when it happened.
Yi Hwan glanced in his direction. The Wanderer instinctively pressed himself against the wall.
‘Surely he hasn’t detected my presence?’

* * *

Yi Hwan gazed absently across the street at the inn. Through a window left slightly ajar, cloth fluttered in the wind.
‘Is he following me?’
Yi Hwan was certain the Wanderer he sought had come to the Southern Army Corps. If he’d been watching him there, he would surely have pursued him this far.
He was eager to confirm whether the man was the Sword King’s heir, but felt no urge to rush. Move too hastily in uncertain circumstances, and everything could fall apart.
If by some chance the man departed, no one could say how much time would be wasted.
‘If he learned from Dong Chang that I was searching for him and approached me for that reason, there’d be no reason for him to leave now. Perhaps he’s watching me even now, somewhere in the dark.’
Yi Hwan steadied his breath and surveyed the city as darkness deepened over it. Yet nowhere could he detect anything amiss.
‘When the time comes, we’ll meet. Please let him be the heir…….’
Yi Hwan closed the window, summoning the Sword King’s handsome face in his mind.
Snap!

* * *

The moment the light in Yi Hwan’s room went out, the Wanderer poked his head out the window once more.
It happened then.
Creak!
This time, the window of Cheol Mu-ok’s room opened.
“……!”
The Wanderer quickly withdrew behind the window frame.

* * *

The Song Family Manor.
Though declining now, the main house retained the dignity of its ancient lineage; the bearing of the warriors guarding the front gate was equally unremarkable in its excellence.
Clatter, clatter.
A carriage approached the gates.
Shortly after, a woman descended from the carriage at the entrance. Her skin was as white and fine as ivory, her frame delicate, yet she carried not frailty but the nobility only women of prestigious families could possess.
“Welcome, my lady.”
The warriors bowed their heads to her.
“Has any visitor arrived?”
“Wang Dae-in came just a moment ago.”
“Did he come alone?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Well done.”
The woman entered the manor and made straight for the annex, but after only a few steps she stopped and looked back to the left.
“You’ve come early today, madam.”
Song Cheon-ho approached with a smile.
“I heard Wang Dae-in had arrived. Is it on account of that matter?”
“If not for that, why would he come? Father will handle it properly, so do go inside and rest.”
The woman was Yi Young, Yi Hwan’s sister.
For a moment, her gaze upon the main house grew heavy and somber.
Song Cheon-ho placed a hand on her shoulder.
“The wind grows cold. Let us go inside.”
“Yes.”
Moments later, the two sat facing each other in the annex. Song Cheon-ho poured hot water into a tea cup and asked, “How are the inns faring?”
“How are the inns faring?”
“There’s talk of a large inn opening nearby. It’s surely the Hwang Yong Merchant Group.”
“Wretched people.”
Anger flashed across Song Cheon-ho’s face.
Yi Young spoke gently.
“I shall manage the inns myself, so please don’t worry overmuch.”
“In other circumstances, perhaps—but if the Hwang Yong Merchant Group means to interfere, how can I not be concerned? The heavens themselves are indifferent. Alas…….”
“Your brother left funds with me, and they remain ample. With them, I can hire better managers and navigate this well enough.”
Clatter.
Yi Young brought the tea cup to her lips.
Song Cheon-ho gazed at her face obscured by the white steam, his expression tinged with melancholy.
Then it came.
“I beg your pardon, Master Guild-Leader.”
A thick voice drifted in from outside.
“What is it?”
“The youngest prince has arrived.”
“Cheon-mu?”
Song Cheon-ho and Yi Young exchanged glances, their eyes widening in surprise.
Song Cheon-ho sprang to his feet, opened the door, and Yi Young followed close behind.
Song Cheon-mu stood outside, with Baek Po-in positioned respectfully behind him—the same man who had traveled to the Southern Army Corps.
Song Cheon-mu flashed a broad smile at the two of them and bowed his head.
“I’m back! Ha!”
“How long has it been since you left, and now you return? Has something happened?”
Worry etched deeper into Song Cheon-ho and Yi Young’s faces than joy, for Song Cheon-mu’s departure had been so recent that his return made little sense.
“Let me explain inside.”

* * *

“My brother has come?”
“Yes, my lady. He asks that you forgive him for not visiting at once, due to certain… complications regarding his appearance.”
“He has come….”
Yi Young’s eyes reddened at once.
The last time Yi Hwan had visited the Imperial Capital, she had learned only that he’d left without seeing her—and she’d wept through the entire night.
Song Cheon-ho asked, “What brings the prince here? Is it another matter at the Imperial Palace?”
“He said he would explain the details directly later. For now, I confess I’m quite famished.”
Yi Young wiped away her tears and rose to her feet.
“The meal will be served shortly. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
“Prepare plenty of delicious dishes, if you would!”
“Of course. I’ll ready all his favorites in abundance. Please be patient a moment.”
Song Cheon-mu’s expression was radiant.
“Your face shines so brightly. Surely nothing troubles you?”
“No, brother. Truly, all is well, and I’ve been in good health. My martial arts have improved tremendously. Among the prince’s guards, there is one man of extraordinary strength….”
Song Cheon-mu began to speak with evident pride, and Song Cheon-ho watched with a pleased smile. It had been far too long since he’d seen his younger brother in such high spirits.
The true shock came when Song Cheon-mu recounted what Yi Hwan had accomplished through his negotiations with Zhao State’s commander. Song Cheon-ho’s eyes widened—the natural response to such astonishing news.
“The prince truly did such a thing?”
“Yes. Since that day, every warrior in the Southern Army Corps reveres the prince as if he were a god. But the news hasn’t reached this far yet?”
“There are few martial men in these parts, so word travels slowly. Still, it was a magnificent feat—those vicious Zhao dogs retreating two hundred li at the prince’s mere threat, their tails between their legs.”
“I myself heard of it only secondhand, but they say even Zhao’s commander broke into a cold sweat.”
“Is that so?”
“Rumors, it seems, often mislead. From all I have observed, the prince possesses far greater dignity and strategic brilliance than any general I’ve known. And—he has hidden his martial prowess all this time.”
Now it was Song Cheon-mu’s turn to speak with admiration, and Song Cheon-ho listened with genuine delight and warmth.

Go Mi placed a sheet of paper on the surface between them.
“I’ve written down the list of those we must attend to first.”
The paper was covered in tiny script—names and particulars crammed close together.
Yi Hwan reviewed the contents in silence.
“A man named Wang Dae-in visited today. He’s a loan shark—his business has deteriorated recently, and he came to press for payment of the mounting interest.”
“Do we know how much the interest has accumulated?”
“No. I wasn’t able to discover that much.”
“Never mind. We’ll look into it directly. But you’re certain there’s no connection to Yi Tae-ji?”
“Yes. I investigated that angle most thoroughly and found no connection whatsoever.”
“You’ve done well.”
Yi Hwan tucked the paper into his robes and studied Go Mi carefully.
‘I hadn’t expected him to be this capable.’
Go Mi’s intelligence network surpassed what Yi Hwan had imagined. The speed at which he gathered information was almost unbelievable. Of course, verification of accuracy remained a matter for later, but still.
“Wol-ju.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I’m grateful. With your help, matters will proceed far more smoothly.”
“Not at all. If it serves the Crown Prince, there is nothing I would not undertake. Please, spare me such courtesy.”
“Shall we share a drink?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’d prefer to rest.”
“…….”

* * *

Cheol Mu-ok stepped into Yi Hwan’s chamber.
Yi Hwan withdrew a document.
“We need to deal with this Wang Dae-in first.”
“I can handle it, sir. Would disguising it as an accident suffice?”
A soft chuckle escaped him.
“Killing isn’t the only answer. A man with that much wealth certainly has backing—even if we kill him, we need to do it cleanly, without repercussions.”
“I understand.”
Yi Hwan sank deeper into his chair and continued.
“I’ll handle this myself. Go rest now—starting tomorrow, things will get hectic. Enjoy your drink tonight while you can.”
“As you wish.”
Once Cheol Mu-ok had left, Yi Hwan lifted the tea cup to his lips.
Clink.
‘Things are about to get very busy.’

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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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