The Red Dragon Martial Emperor - Chapter 69

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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 69

Chapter 69—Those Who Hunt the Imperial Clan

Mun Chi-yong, the strategist serving Yi Tae-ji, furrowed his brow as he read the letter in his hands.
It was from Peng Wu-wei.
‘Why did he kill the Monthly Official of Biweol without even investigating first?’
The letter detailed how Gomi had been slain by unidentified ruffians, and included a question as to whether Yi Tae-ji had sent the attackers, along with a careful description of the dead men’s clothing and appearance.
They were unmistakably Mun Chi-yong’s own subordinates.
The problem was that they had killed Gomi outright without even beginning their primary task of investigation. What troubled him more was that they had been slain by Yi Hwan’s bodyguards—and only one had managed to escape alive.
‘I selected and refined those men myself. How could they fall to the bodyguards of a mere prince?’
Just then—
“It is time for you to pay your respects.”
“Understood.”
Mun Chi-yong tucked the letter into his robe and stepped outside.
Soon after entering Yi Tae-ji’s chambers, he reported directly.
“As you commanded, we have eliminated the Monthly Official of Biweol.”
“You are certain?”
“Yes. General Peng himself sent word by letter.”
“Swift work. Well done.”
“Thank you.”
Mun Chi-yong did not mention that his men had been killed. There was no hidden meaning to his silence—he simply did not wish to trouble the sensitive Yi Tae-ji with unnecessary worry.
Yi Tae-ji asked,
“How do matters stand with the capital I invested in the Yellow Dragon Guild?”
“We are doing our utmost, but I fear it will take considerable time. The Guild Master kept the important ledgers under his personal control, and since he is now imprisoned, it has become difficult to proceed. However, I will find a way somehow.”
“Why not visit him directly and confirm it yourself?”
“Until the final verdict is rendered, the Premier’s Office has forbidden all visits. However, I will do whatever I can to find a solution.”
“Make haste. If we cannot resolve this, years of effort will come to nothing.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“And I notice the conflict between the Cho and Jin factions continues to expand. It seems both sides are drawing in Martial World sects and clans. As such, investigate whether there are any schools or families beyond the Habuk Peng Clan we might recruit. Ultimately, the victor in this game will be determined by Martial World forces, so it would be wise to make preparations in advance.”
“I am already in contact with several groups. I will report immediately once we have results.”
“You may go.”
“Yes. Then I shall take my leave.”
As Mun Chi-yong departed Yi Tae-ji’s quarters, his mood was heavy. More than the orders Yi Tae-ji had issued, what gnawed at him was the lingering question of why his men in the Southern Command had acted with such haste.
‘If the Vice-Commander had still been alive, he would have looked into it of his own accord.’
Mun Chi-yong deeply regretted the absence of the Golden Guard’s Vice-Commander, who had died in the Southern Command. The man had possessed a keen aptitude for observing all circumstances, which was why he had been posted there—yet he was now dead.
And the man who took his place as Vice-Commander had sent no word whatsoever.
‘When the time comes, I will have to go and investigate myself.’
Mun Chi-yong pushed aside his ruminations and was about to release a quiet sigh when he stopped short.
Coming toward him from ahead were Crown Prince Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek.
‘Of late, he ventures out from the Eastern Palace with increasing frequency. Has he resolved to involve himself in state affairs in earnest?’
Masking his true thoughts, Mun Chi-yong bowed respectfully to Yi So.
“I pay my respects to Your Highness.”
“It has been a while. How fares my second brother?”
“Thank you for your concern. He is well and untroubled, thanks to your kindness.”
“The Yellow Dragon Guild’s downfall must have strained your finances considerably. I find it most regrettable.”
It was mockery, pure and simple. Mun Chi-yong knew it well. But he could not reveal his true feelings before the Crown Prince, so he merely bowed.
“Your solicitude is more than this humble servant deserves, Your Highness.”
“Quite so.”
Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek passed by Mun Chi-yong and proceeded toward the main hall. Mun Chi-yong slowly raised his bowed head and watched Yi So’s retreating figure.
Crack.
‘I will concede defeat in the Yellow Dragon Guild matter gracefully. But I shall not fall twice.’

* * *

Gwan Ji-baek spoke.
“I did not expect Yi Tae-ji to move so quickly. For him to target the Monthly Official—we nearly lost a valuable talent.”
“Thanks to my youngest brother, we saved the Monthly Official, and so I have incurred another debt. But tell me—why does owing a debt feel so good?”
“Ha ha.”
Gwan Ji-baek laughed and continued.
“Truly impressive, is it not? How did you think of such a thing? And with time running so short, no less.”
He was speaking of Yi Hwan’s response.
A smile bloomed across Yi So’s lips.
‘The time grows near. Wait a little longer, and I shall summon you to the Imperial Palace and place you in a position of trust.’
Yi So quickened his pace.
He intended to stop by the Premier’s Office to discuss a new Monthly Official to replace Gomi.

To keep the blade of Yi Tae-ji’s faction from pointing toward Biweol, it would be best to simply appoint an ordinary person as Monthly Official.

The memory of Yi Hwan’s letter brought a smile back to Yi So’s face.
‘Yes. I shall do as you suggest.’
Yi So looked up at the sky.
The heavens seemed uncommonly blue and vast that day, the sunlight bright enough to sting his eyes.
How far had he walked?
Clang! Clang!
Warriors came galloping in formation from one direction. The commander leading them spotted Yi So and rendered a military salute.
“Your Highness!”
“What has happened?”
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but a rogue presumed to be a martial artist has run amok in the Imperial Capital, leaving many dead and wounded. We are headed to the scene now!”
“What? Has the rogue been subdued?”
“He escaped, sire.”
Go at once. See that the people are not alarmed, and handle it discreetly.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Yi So and Gwan Ji-baek watched the departing warriors in silence, their expressions hardening.
“Another incident in the Imperial Capital. What in heaven’s name is the Imperial Guard doing?”
“This is the third time this year. We must take decisive measures against the martial artists moving in and out of the Imperial Capital.”
“What good are measures when the commander of the Imperial Guard has rotted away in politics? Removing him would be the finest measure of all.”
…….
Yi So’s eyes filled with firm resolve.
“Someday, it shall all be overturned.”
“The Premier awaits, Your Highness. Shall we depart?”
Yet Yi So could not take a single step—a warrior had come rushing like the wind and now knelt before him.
“Your Highness, a grave matter!”
“What is it?”
“Your uncle has been attacked by a rogue, and he has…….”
……!

* * *

Yi So turned from the path toward the Premier’s Office and headed instead to the Eastern Palace.
Moments later, he and Tae Gam, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace, sat facing one another. Tae Gam explained in a somber tone.
“According to witnesses, the attacker targeted your uncle from the start. Most of the casualties were among your uncle’s guards, and the attacker left this at the scene before disappearing.”
Yi So unfolded the cloth that Tae Gam handed him.
……!

In Heaven’s stead, I mete out divine retribution upon the imperial bloodline, who feast on the people’s lifeblood. This judgment shall not cease until the last of them has fallen from this earth.

Tremble…….
Yi So’s eyes trembled.
Intentional murder of the imperial family? This was a crime bordering on high treason.
“If it was deliberately targeted, there must be either a hidden backer or an organized force, would there not?”
Yi So’s trembling gaze grew heavy and dark. Tae Gam nodded and replied.
“Indeed, Your Highness. We have therefore activated an emergency protocol throughout the palace and begun a comprehensive search, while also requesting support from the Golden Guard.”
“This is a heinous crime that shakes the very foundations of the realm. By any means necessary, we must find the culprits.”
“Yes, Your Highness. And there is one more thing I must report.”
“Speak.”
Tae Gam continued.
“All members of the imperial household, as well as all members of the royal family outside the palace, should have their protection elevated to wartime levels.”
“Understood. I shall proceed to the Premier’s Office to discuss this matter.”
Yi So left the Eastern Palace and made his way back to the Premier’s Office, where he immediately summoned Gwan Ji-baek.
“Send word to my sister. Tell her a grave incident has occurred and that she must take precautions.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”

* * *

Yi Young and Song Cheon-ho had ventured out for leisure—a rare occasion. Since Yi Hwan’s departure, their affairs had begun to flow smoothly, leaving them busier than ever before, yet they had carved out the day for this outing because it was Yi Young’s birthday.
They arrived at the Lake.
The place was a living landscape, its scenery matchless, and it drew crowds even on ordinary days. Today, too, the shores teemed with visitors strolling about.
Yi Young and her husband wandered along the water’s edge, admiring the graceful vistas and watching the passersby. Behind them, three swordsmen of the Dou Wang Lineage maintained a careful distance, keeping vigilant watch over their surroundings.
“It’s wonderful to be out like this after so long.”
“I should like to steal away time more often for moments such as these. We ought to see as many places as we can while we’re still young enough to enjoy them. Ha ha ha.”
Song Cheon-ho laughed heartily.
Yi Young smiled softly in return. It had been so long since they’d had such time together that neither could wipe the joy from their faces.
They had walked for some time when—
One of the swordsmen abruptly moved ahead of the couple. A second shifted to their left.
Song Cheon-ho looked at them in puzzlement.
“What is the matter?”
“There are suspicious figures moving about nearby. I would counsel that we return at once.”
“Are you saying they mean to attack us?”
“I cannot be certain of anything at present.”
Yi Young seized her husband’s arm.
“Let’s go back.”
“As you wish.”
Song Cheon-ho felt a pang of disappointment. It had been so rare to see Yi Young enjoying herself this way.
The couple turned and made for the place where their carriage waited. The swordsmen deliberately led them through the thinner parts of the crowd.
After a moment, the carriage came into view.
It sat at the mouth of the path leading back from the lake, surrounded by the throng of people.
One of the swordsmen let out a whistle.
Whee!
The driver sitting on the carriage bench glanced back toward them and urged the horses forward.
“Wait here a moment.”
Then it came.
Screech!
A whistling sound split the air, and a sinister force hurtled toward Yi Young and her husband. In the same instant, two of the escorting swordsmen drew their blades and raised a Blade Barrier.
Whoosh!
Clatter-clatter-clatter-bang!
Sparks erupted as hidden weapons scattered in all directions. A young woman passing nearby to the side shrieked and collapsed.
“Agh!”
She had been struck by one of the ricocheting projectiles.
Yi Young instinctively moved toward the fallen woman.
“My lady, you cannot!”
A swordsman blocked her path.
At that moment, another swordsman bolted forward like lightning.
“How dare you!”
Clang-clang!
The young man’s blade shifted into a broadsword mid-air, and he brought it down with merciless force upon the head of a spice merchant standing nearby.
Crack!
“Argh!”
“Ugh!”
“Ahhhh!”
The sudden chaos sent the crowds fleeing in panic, scattering in every direction.
Two more figures burst from the throng, rushing at the swordsman who had struck down the merchant.
Clash-clash-clang!
Crash!
Song Cheon-ho cried out urgently.
“Help that man at once!”
But Song Cheon-ho immediately wrapped Yi Young in his arms, his eyes widening. Assailants were closing in from behind and ahead. The swordsman beside them moved to intercept.
Another swordsman kept close to Yi Young and her husband’s side.
Outnumbered, Yi Young and her husband’s faces drained of color.
Then a figure erupted from the void—the carriage driver.
He too was a warrior of the Dou Wang Lineage.
Thwack!
“Aaaagh!”
One ruffian’s head vanished without form. Immediately after, a cry tore from the first warrior who had rushed forward.
“Ghaaaah!”
“Krrgh!”
The warrior who had sent two heads flying dropped down in front of Yi Young and her husband.
“Are you unharmed?”
“We’re fine.”
“Fear not. No one shall reach you.”
The warrior’s words became reality at once.
Soon after, the remaining ruffians could not overcome the might of the Dou Wang Lineage and all fell.
The warriors who had cleared the danger returned.
Yi Young spoke, her voice trembling.
“Is everyone all right?”
“Yes, my lady!”
Yi Young rushed at once toward the fallen woman. The warriors encircled her defense with iron-tight protection.
The woman’s companion burst into tears.
“She’s still alive! Please, save her!”
“Put this woman in the carriage—”
Yi Young could not finish. One of the guarding warriors pulled her back and drove a Single Fist Strike toward the wailing woman.
Thwack!
“Kaaaagh!”
The woman met a gruesome death, half her head flying away. Yi Young cried out.
“What have you done!”
“She was an assassin.”
……!
Then it happened.
The woman who had fallen suddenly thrust both hands toward Yi Young like a bolt of lightning. But her arms were severed cleanly before reaching her, cast flying with a sharp sound.
Slash!
“Aaaah!”
Her severed head followed, dropping to the ground.
Thud!
Thump-thump-thump.
“Quickly, into the carriage, my lady.”
Yi Young and her husband scrambled into the carriage.
“Full speed ahead!”
“Yes!”
Thud-thud-thud!

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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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