Chapter 633
Chapter 633
Chapter 633. The Will Passed Down (5)
First, I decided to play innocent.
“Naturally, this matter belongs to His Majesty the Emperor. So how could I reveal my own name?” (MC)
“You bastard, you certainly have a way with words. After saddling Us with notoriety, no less.” (Emperor)
“On that point, I wish to say that it was unavoidable.” (MC)
I quickly wet my lips. Since I was lying flat on the ground, he probably could not see.
“His Majesty the Emperor commanded this humble subject to bring back anything expensive and good before any other bastards could touch it. How could I disobey Your Majesty’s command? But when I looked into the circumstances, those treasures were things an ancestor who had lived in Chungyeong Fortress had left to his descendants.” (MC)
“I know that too.” (Emperor)
I recalled that a bloodstained scroll had been among the treasures placed before the Emperor.
“And so I asked the Magistrate for his wishes, and the Magistrate said he did not need them. He said he did not wish to suffer sorrow or sacrifice because of them again.” (MC)
I continued speaking.
“Would others readily believe that he gave up the treasures for that reason?” (MC)
“They would not.” (Emperor)
“And so I had no choice but to do it that way. Chungyeong Fortress is now Her Highness the Princess’s husband’s family home. But if it were devastated because of an unwanted sword tomb and treasure, I thought Your Majesty would not feel at ease either.” (MC)
“In other words, you saddled me with notoriety out of consideration for me?” (Emperor)
“I am sorry to say it, but yes. Since the exploration of the sword tomb began by Your Majesty’s command, only by saying that the treasures were taken away by Your Majesty’s command would others believe it.” (MC)
“That is true.” (Emperor)
“So please forgive me with your vast generosity.” (MC)
A little while later, the Emperor said.
“Rise.” (Emperor)
“Your imperial grace is boundless.” (MC)
I paid my respects, stood up, and raised my head.
There was a smile at the Emperor’s lips.
“I know why you made that decision. I heard the whole story from Kwon Jik.” (Emperor)
“…….”
No, if you knew everything, why did you frighten me like that?
“To be honest, your name, Sword Immortal Handsome Wolf, is famous as well, but not a trace of your name appeared in this matter, and that displeased me.” (Emperor)
Ah…….
So he is being spiteful because only he ended up shouldering the notoriety?
“Your Majesty. That notoriety is not necessarily bad. Notoriety gives rise to fear, but to rule the Empire, is a certain amount of fear not also necessary?” (MC)
“That is true. There are bastards who do not listen when spoken to nicely.” (Emperor)
“So, if your heart has been displeased because of me, cast me away and complete that notoriety. Then there will be no one who dares defy Your Majesty’s command.” (MC)
At my words, the Emperor snorted.
“Ha, this brat. For whose benefit would I cast you away?” (Emperor)
“……Pardon?” (MC)
“If I cast you away, you would surely be shouting hurrah inside. You are a fellow who is always thinking of escaping from me.” (Emperor)
“…….”
As expected, he is no easy man. Tch.
It was a good opportunity, too.
“Well, as you said, notoriety is not necessarily bad, so let that pass…….” (Emperor)
The Emperor continued.
“If you remember the first command I gave, that means you also remember the second, does it not?” (Emperor)
“Of course. While exploring the sword tomb, uninvited guests would intrude, and among those uninvited guests, there would be a high probability that the mastermind who carried out the scheme to take Chungyeong Fortress would also be present. Therefore, you told me to find out about them.” (MC)
“You remember.” (Emperor)
“And so, as Your Majesty commanded, I found out about the forces behind them.” (MC)
“Who are they?” (Emperor)
“They said they were called the Asura Blood Cult.” (MC)
“The Asura Blood Cult?” (Emperor)
“Yes. Do you perhaps know about the Blood Cult?” (MC)
“I know to some degree. It is said to have been an extremely cruel group. But I remember that it was destroyed in the war against the righteous faction martial world some two hundred years ago.” (Emperor)
The Emperor’s words were correct.
That war from some two hundred years ago was the very war in which the Great Hero Gwak Hun, the Extreme Heaven Sword, who used the Heaven Stream Ice Sword I had learned as his signature technique, had played an active role.
“It is known to the outside world that they were destroyed, but it seems they have barely managed to continue their line. Then, now, it seems they are causing a series of incidents in order to properly raise the Blood Cult again.” (MC)
“If what you say is true, it does not seem to be a matter we can simply watch.” (Emperor)
“I think the same.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Emperor)
The Emperor tapped the armrest with a grave expression.
Now that I had planted worry in his heart, the Emperor would dig deeper into the Asura Blood Cult.
For the Asura Blood Cult, that would be an unwelcome situation.
But for me, it was exactly the situation I longed for.
It was certain that the culprit who destroyed Snow Wind Palace was the Asura Blood Cult, and if they learned the fact that I was the Young Palace Head of Snow Wind Palace or that there were survivors of Snow Wind Palace, it would become extremely dangerous.
So for my own safety, and for the sake of avenging my master, the Asura Blood Cult needed to disappear as quickly as possible.
“Does Your Majesty perhaps have anything more to ask this humble merchant?” (MC)
“No.” (Emperor)
“Then may this humble merchant ask one thing?” (MC)
“I permit it.” (Emperor)
“The treasures brought from Chungyeong Fortress this time. They clearly belonged to the Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress, but he gave them up. However, as Your Majesty knows, is there anyone in the world who dislikes money?” (MC)
“…….”
“That was simply because he made that choice in order to prevent a tragedy like that time from happening in Chungyeong Fortress ever again. It was because he thought Chungyeong Fortress, and his family, were more important than money.” (MC)
I caught my breath, then continued with a smile.
“So about that…… Your Majesty. Please give the Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress a cut.” (MC)
Silence flowed for a while.
“Hahahaha!” (Emperor)
The Emperor burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahahahaha!” (Emperor)
No, if he laughs that much, I start feeling embarrassed.
“A cut, you say! Even after something like that happened, he did not abandon his loyalty to me, and even sent my daughter to him as his daughter-in-law. Did I look like such a petty fellow that I would not even give him a cut?” (Emperor)
I hurriedly lowered my head.
“That is not it. I merely sought Your Majesty’s mercy.” (MC)
“I like money too. But not to the point of taking away even an inheritance left by an ancestor. Even if you saddled me with notoriety, I am not such a man.” (Emperor)
Your Majesty…… you are as good at holding grudges as I am.
The Emperor looked at the bloodstained scroll placed on his writing desk and spoke with a hardened face.
“That gold and silver will be used for Chungyeong Fortress. If anyone should ask for a cut, it is Us.” (Emperor)
As expected of His Majesty the Emperor.
This is why I like the Emperor.
Aside from the fact that he tries to work me to the bone, and the fact that whenever I face His Majesty the Emperor, it feels as though my lifespan is being shaved away rapidly.
And the look in the Emperor’s eyes as he sees me now.
He is debating whether or not to shove me into the imperial palace.
I have to quickly cut off this flow.
“And I am sorry to say this, Your Majesty.” (MC)
“What is it now?” (Emperor)
“As for the invoice for the supplies used on the journey to explore Chungyeong Fortress this time, to whom should I give it?” (MC)
“Ah…… come to think of it, there was that.” (Emperor)
“I say this out of needless concern, but I trust that it will not be taken from the Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress’s share.” (MC)
“……Get out.” (Emperor)
“Then this humble merchant will take his leave.” (MC)
When the Emperor tells me to go, I have to leave quickly. Otherwise, something will happen that makes me break into a cold sweat all over again.
When I left the Emperor’s office, Great Hero Jin Young was waiting.
“Have you come out?” (Jin Young)
“Yes.” (MC)
“I will escort you to the front of the imperial palace.” (Jin Young)
“Thank you.” (MC)
The fact that, unlike usual, he was personally escorting me like this meant he had something he wanted to say.
After we walked together for a while, Great Hero Jin Young was the first to speak.
“I heard from Member Kwon Jik. They say you made Member Jang and Member Song pull carts on the way to and from Yunnan this time?” (Jin Young)
I did not bother hiding either that fact or the reason for it.
It was the same reason I had already told Great Hero Kwon Jik anyway.
“Yes. I did. They came to me and mocked me, you see. They denounced me as a lowly merchant blinded by money. If that had been all, I would not have done it. But they also made lewd remarks about Deputy Officer Gwak, who was beside me and who will become my wife. And so I could not endure it and did that to the Great Heroes of the Royal Guards, so please punish me.” (MC)
I clasped my fist and lowered my head politely.
“No.” (Jin Young)
Great Hero Jin Young raised his hand and stopped me.
“Those men should be grateful that their heads are still attached.” (Jin Young)
As expected of Great Hero Jin Young.
He knows me well.
“Of course, pulling those heavy carts all the way to Yunnan and back must have been truly enormous hardship…….” (Jin Young)
And so they gave my eyes something to enjoy the entire round trip.
“But even that is not enough. I will apologize in their stead.” (Jin Young)
Great Hero Kwon Jik did the same, and I do not know why they are apologizing in their stead.
“It was not your fault, Great Hero, so why apologize in their stead? My betrothed and I have both calmed our hearts, so that is enough.” (MC)
“Is that so?” (Jin Young)
“Yes.” (MC)
“Then that is fortunate.” (Jin Young)
Great Hero Jang Gal and Great Hero Song Cheong still had not apologized to me, but it did not particularly matter.
I have no need for a meaningless apology that has no sincerity in it.
Because I am not some magnanimous great man who forgives generously after receiving an apology.
“In truth, the reason I brought up that story is because I am thinking of formally adding that to the Royal Guards’ training process this time.” (Jin Young)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“Member Kwon Jik said so. When he asked you about this, you said you did it because if you left alone fellows who had idle thoughts during their personal maintenance time, it seemed they would bring shame upon the Royal Guards.” (Jin Young)
“…….”
“He also said it had sufficient meaning as personal training. He reported that, as if the effect had been quite significant just as you said, those men’s attitudes changed, and their skills improved as well.” (Jin Young)
“I see.” (MC)
And yet the reason they have not apologized to me is, did they not come? Or could they not come?
“For members whose loyalty has slackened, I am thinking of having them pull carts loaded with iron ingots weighing, lightly, around eight hundred thirty geun, or half a ton, to one thousand six hundred geun, around one ton, and go as close as Kaifeng, or as far as Guangxi.” (Jin Young)
“Great Hero, please tell me honestly. Is that really training? Is it not punishment disguised as training?” (MC)
“Hahaha. So you noticed after all! Is it because you are the founder of this method?” (Jin Young)
Excuse me, that was not my intention…….
I gave a bitter smile and said.
“I have a request.” (MC)
“What is it?” (Jin Young)
“Please keep it secret that the training came about because of me.” (MC)
If it becomes known that I was the origin of that training, there will be more than one or two people who try to kill me.
Of course, the beginning of this matter was not me but Great Hero Jang Gal and Great Hero Song Cheong.
Because if they had not picked a fight with me, none of this would have happened.
Good.
If something like that happens, I will have to shift the blame onto those two Great Heroes.
.
.
.
The next day.
I received a visit from an unexpected person.
“This humble merchant greets the Imperial Son-in-Law.” (MC)
At my polite greeting, Young Master Yeon Yu-mun flusteredly waved his hands.
“I have not yet formally held the wedding ceremony.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“You have already shared the bridal chamber, so would it not be safe to think you have held the wedding ceremony?” (MC)
“Well, that is true, but…….” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“But what brings you all the way here?” (MC)
At my words, Young Master Yeon Yu-mun, no, Imperial Son-in-Law Yeon Yu-mun, rose from his seat and clasped his fist toward me, lowering his head.
“Thank you.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“Ah, no! Why are you doing this? I am afraid someone might see!” (MC)
“I heard that you offered counsel to His Majesty the Emperor for the sake of our Chungyeong Fortress. If I cannot even express this much gratitude to such a person, how could I be called human?” (Yeon Yu-mun)
Ah…….
He heard about yesterday.
“I understand your feelings, so please sit down now.” (MC)
At my words, he expressed his gratitude to me once more and sat down.
“His Majesty the Emperor said that he would return the wealth brought from Chungyeong Fortress this time.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“Is that so?” (MC)
“However, if he sends it back as it is, some outrageous bastard will certainly covet it, so he said he would store it in the imperial palace and create suitable pretexts to return it little by little.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“That is good.” (MC)
Since the Emperor had said that to me yesterday, I thought he would keep his word, but I did not think he would call Imperial Son-in-Law Yeon Yu-mun and handle it this quickly.
But did he come to thank me merely because of that?
It is true that, from his perspective, it is something to be grateful for, but…….
“And His Majesty the Emperor told me to deliver this to you.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
He took an envelope from his robes and held it out.
“What is this?” (MC)
“Please open it.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
I opened the envelope and saw the money draft inside.
“Is this not a money draft?” (MC)
“He said it was the payment for the supplies used on this journey.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
Ah, he has already settled the accounts.
I compared the money draft with the amount on the invoice I had submitted this time.
It was perfectly accurate.
“I receive it with gratitude.” (MC)
“And may I visit this place from time to time in the future?” (Yeon Yu-mun)
“Why do you ask that?” (MC)
“Because I think I will need somewhere to pour out my complaints. His Majesty the Emperor gave me one month. He told me to go have all the fun I want during that time.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
I think I know what that is.
“He said that in fifteen days, after holding the official wedding ceremony and spending about fifteen days with Her Highness the Princess…… he would begin practical training in earnest.” (Yeon Yu-mun)
And he looked into the air with watery eyes.
I reached out and placed my hand on his shoulder. If someone saw, they would raise a fuss about how I dared place a hand on the Imperial Son-in-Law’s shoulder, but what could I do?
They say misery loves company, so I should at least comfort him.
“Endure it for just three years. And people do not die that easily.” (MC)
“…….”
“Come whenever you wish.” (MC)
There was a reason I spoke so comfortably.
Not only would I not be staying at the Beijing branch all year round, but Imperial Son-in-Law Yeon Yu-mun would barely be able to find the spare time to visit this place.
After he returned, a letter arrived from the main headquarters in Hubei Province.
I read that letter and smiled broadly.
Soon, Brother Jeong-ho will arrive.