Surviving in a Romance Fantasy Novel - Chapter 144

“So, that was the reason you wanted to speak with me privately.”

“I’m planning to turn the Jeongseon clan into my enemy.”

Seol Tae Pyeong had openly declared, in the presence of his subordinates, that he intended to strike the Jeongseon clan.

Though his declaration was made in a low voice within the secluded inner chambers of the mansion in the Hwasanbang District, everyone gathered there understood the magnitude of its implications.

After spending some time discussing their next course of action, Seol Tae Pyeong eventually brought In Ha Yeon out to the veranda porch for a private conversation.

The chill of the winter night seeped into In Ha Yeon’s skin, but instead of discomfort, she found it helped her regain composure.

Just a moment ago, it was hard to calm down because the blood was pounding in her head and she couldn’t think clearly.

However, now that she took a step back and calmly assessed the situation, it became easier to understand Seol Tae Pyeong’s intentions.

“Your influence over the Inbong clan is immense, Vice General.”

“.…..”

“From what I understand, you’re essentially planning to swallow up the two greatest powers in Cheongdo.”

Having said this, In Ha Yeon turned her gaze briefly over her shoulder.

In the distance, she could see Seol Tae Pyeong’s inner chambers where his subordinates were gathered. Since he had brought her out for a private conversation, there was no risk of their discussion leaking back to them.

However, while the subordinates were one thing, Yeon Ri who had followed them out stood quietly behind with her head slightly bowed.

No matter how trusted Seol Tae Pyeong’s maid might be, what she was about to say required the utmost discretion.

“It’s fine. Maid Yeon Ri is allowed to hear everything.”

“.……”

It was as if Seol Tae Pyeong already knew what In Ha Yeon was about to say.

And yet, the fact that he did not send Yeon Ri away meant that she was far more than just an ordinary maid.

In Ha Yeon slowly closed her eyes before opening them again. She nodded as she spoke.

“If you absorb both the Jeongseon clan and the Inbong clan, build even more military achievements, and rise to the rank of Grand General… there would be nowhere else left to ascend in Cheongdo.”

“……”

“Even without pushing yourself so hard, Vice General, you would still achieve all the power every warrior dreams of holding before you even reach thirty. So, why are you in such a hurry to attack the Jeongseon clan?”

In Ha Yeon, the noble daughter of the Jeongseon clan.

And yet, she no longer harbored the same loyalty to the Jeongseon clan that she once had.

For that reason, her eyes did not reflect hostility but rather concern.

“If it is out of resentment for the death of Seol Lee Moon, the head of the Hwayong Seol clan, now is not the time.”

“I told you last time that I wasn’t motivated by such a grudge.”

“Then… to me, it sounds like there must be another reason.”

In Ha Yeon swallowed hard and spoke.

The bright, full moon hanging high in the sky illuminated her tense expression with a soft glow.

“Are you aiming for a rank above Grand General, or perhaps one of the three highest official positions in the court?”

“…….”

“Above that… there is only one thing left.”

The reason In Ha Yeon had tried to send Yeon Ri away.

If these words reached the ears of others, Seol Tae Pyeong’s head could roll at any moment without warning.

There were almost no listeners here, and even then, the only one present besides In Ha Yeon was Yeon Ri, someone Seol Tae Pyeong trusted to his very core.

Yet, In Ha Yeon could only swallow nervously and approach the topic indirectly.

“The throne of Cheongdo Empire is a heavy burden.”

“If necessary, I will become emperor.”

Unlike In Ha Yeon, who spoke in the ambiguous and roundabout manner typical of the palace, Seol Tae Pyeong addressed the matter head-on.

If necessary, he was truly someone who could even become emperor.

However… if necessary.

The inclusion of such a vague condition gnawed at her.

“If necessary… you say?”

“My actions are not driven by some petty hunger for power or a desire for revenge.”

Seol Tae Pyeong sighed and spoke with difficulty.

“What I’m about to tell you is something I’ve never even spoken of to Ran-noonim. The only people who know of this are Maid Yeon Ri and myself.”

“…What are you trying to say…?”

“And now, you’ll be the third.”

As the moonlight illuminated Seol Tae Pyeong’s hardened expression, In Ha Yeon instinctively swallowed dryly.

She already knew he was a man who could become serious when the situation demanded.

But the way he now gazed at her, more earnest than ever, made her tense despite herself.

“It’s about the demonic spirit called the Plague Demonic Spirit.”

And so, In Ha Yeon found herself boarding the same ship as Seol Tae Pyeong.

The girl who had been a central figure in Heavenly Dragon Love Story now found herself joining forces with the sword master who worked behind the scenes.

***

The authority of Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong had become a sensitive issue even among the general-level officers.

Starting as an apprentice warrior and progressing through the ranks of Inner Swords Commander, Bright Moon General, and now Vice General, he had achieved results befitting his authority at every stage. No one could openly refute him.

He had saved the lives of numerous key figures in the palace, gone on expeditions to slay countless demonic spirits, and demonstrated strength so undeniable that none could question it.

“However, they say bloodline cannot be deceived.”

In the meeting hall of the Red Palace, generals and high-ranking officers gathered to discuss the matter.

It was an extraordinary sight. People who were almost impossible to gather even when summoned by Grand General Seong Sa Wook himself were now seated together voluntarily.

Blue Pillar General Hwang Soo. Mediating General Seok Wol Ryeong. Fierce Honor General Yoo Gwang Woon. Strategic General Ah Cheon.

Half of the eight general-level officers responsible for managing the various provinces were now present at this secret meeting.

Each and every one of these generals who were sitting secretly in a place no one knew about had an enormous physique and outstanding spirit.

The number of general-level officers was practically a measure of national power, and each of Cheongdo’s generals was considered a top-tier warrior of their era.

Although the rebellion of Seol Lee Moon had reduced their numbers by nearly half, those who survived had grown even fiercer, leaving only the most tenacious behind.

Hwang Soo whose face bore a prominent sword scar across one eye stood at the forefront and he raised his voice.

“If that man is promoted to the position of Commander of the Demonic Spirit Subjugation Unit this time… then no one but His Majesty himself will be able to stand in his way.”

“Was he always such a power-hungry person?”

“He simply hasn’t revealed his true nature yet.”

General Hwang Soo had been the first to stand against Seol Lee Moon when he staged his rebellion.

Despite his valiant efforts, however, he couldn’t kill Seol Lee Moon who had become a mad Swordmaster drunk on blood.

In the end, he lost an eye during the confrontation and lived the rest of his life as a one-eyed warrior. He considered himself lucky to have escaped with his life, as the other generals who resisted to the end all perished at the hands of that monster.

“I am convinced that the fierce nature of the Huayongseol clan’s bloodline still breathes within that man. Those who faced Seol Lee Moon directly understand. The madness of that swordmaster’s blood doesn’t fade easily, not even after generations.”

Hwang Soo spoke with a grim expression.

The large and rugged General Seok Wol Ryeong nodded his head in agreement.

In contrast, General Yoo Gwang Woon who was a man of slight build with good looks, and General Ah Cheon who wore a friendly smile, seemed more skeptical. Both were relatively younger among the generals.

“A warrior is ultimately judged by their skill and accomplishments. I know the Blue Pillar General wouldn’t accuse someone without cause, but do we need to doubt the abilities of the Vice General who has already proven himself?”

“Ah Cheon, the Blue Pillar General isn’t questioning his abilities. In fact, his abilities are beyond dispute. It’s just…”

General Seok Wol Ryeong was another of those who had stepped onto the battlefield to protect His Majesty during Seol Lee Moon’s rebellion.

He turned to address General Ah Cheon directly.

“You wouldn’t truly understand, Ah Cheon, since you haven’t seen Seol Lee Moon with your own eyes. From the head of the Huayongseol clan… I could feel a certain ominous aura, one that seems as if it will never fade even after generations.”

“Is… is that so?”

“That’s why I was so opposed to him being appointed to a general-level officer position.”

Those who had been in general-level positions during the time of Seol Lee Moon’s rebellion all seemed to carry deep scars in their hearts.

What kind of sights had they seen to make them so opposed to him?

Though Ah Cheon couldn’t fully understand, he decided to keep his mouth shut for the moment.

“At the very least, we generals must remain vigilant about him. Don’t assume that he will always remain loyal to Cheongdo.”

The Blue Pillar General spoke with a serious expression on his face.

“The higher someone stands, the more their true nature reveals itself. If that man seizes power, no one can predict when he might turn his back.”

***

“This time, during His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony, I will stage a rebellion.”

The moment Seol Tae Pyeong returned to his inner chambers and sat down, those were the first words he spoke.

The group gathered there was small.

Maid Yeon Ri. Manager Ha Si Hwa. Manager In Ha Yeon. Adjutant Bi Cheon. Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong.

Their expressions grew tense, and before long, some even began to break into cold sweats.

In the midst of Seol Tae Pyeong’s bombshell declaration, a heavy silence filled the room.

Eventually, the first to muster the courage to speak was Adjutant Bi Cheon.

“Wh-What… what do you mean by that, General Seol?”

“Exactly as I said. For His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony, everyone will gather at Taehwa Pavilion on the White Immortal Mountain. At that moment, I will mobilize my private soldiers and subordinates to seize control of the scene, kidnap His Highness and the three great officials, and imprison them in the Hwalseong District.”

“You’re saying… you’re suddenly going to do something like that?”

“This is a decision I’ve made after much deliberation.”

The story was so sudden and unexpected that the subordinates struggled to follow Seol Tae Pyeong’s words.

“As I said, I plan to strike In Seon Rok, the head of the Jeongseon clan, and interrogate him. Even that act alone is enough to overturn the entire foundation of Cheongdo, so why wouldn’t I take it further and stage a rebellion?”

“Striking the Jeongseon clan and outright leading a rebellion are entirely different matters, aren’t they? Isn’t this a case of misplaced priorities…?”

“In Seon Rok, the head of the Jeongseon clan is a man who harbors dozens of snakes in his belly. If I try to extract his intentions using half-hearted methods, he’ll only turn the tables and read me like an open book.”

In Seon Rok was known for his sharp instincts and cunning nature.

To outmaneuver such a man, half-measures simply wouldn’t suffice.

The plan needed to be bold, designed to make everything appear entirely real. Only by escalating matters to the extreme could they corner him in a way that left him with no escape.

Seol Tae Pyeong seemed truly intent on overturning the foundation of Cheongdo for the sake of his goals.

He had to put everything on the line, to push the situation to the limit, to the point of no return. Only then would he force In Seon Rok into the most dire circumstances imaginable.

“Let’s go all out. I’ll burn down Taehwa Pavilion completely, and if necessary, I’ll subdue more than half of the officials and take them hostage.”

“And… and what could we possibly gain from such actions? Could it be…?”

Bi Cheon asked in a trembling voice.

“Could it be that you… truly intend to ascend the Emperor’s throne?”

At those words, Seol Tae Pyeong gave a faint smile.

“That will never happen.”

But it needed to be drastic enough to make Chief Councilor In Seon Rok realize the gravity of the situation and negotiate with Seol Tae Pyeong with everything he had.

The subordinates agreed with this logic to some extent, but an inevitable question arose.

“Can this… truly be managed?”

It was a question they should never have asked their lord.

Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong realized it was a mistake as soon as he said it. Yet, he simply couldn’t hold back.

“Of course, it can.”

Seol Tae Pyeong grinned. His expression betrayed no hint of doubt or anxiety.

“The Emperor already knows I plan to stage a rebellion. He also understands that this is nothing more than a move to keep the Jeongseon clan in check.”

“What?”

“The Emperor knows better than I do how snake-like In Seon Rok is. So he has no reason to stop me from probing the Chief Councilor with this show of force.”

The weight of the throne.

A man destined to live as the emperor of a country always felt the weight of countless blades at his throat.

Among the many subordinates under his command, who would dare to raise a sword against him? He spent his life running from that fear.

And so, those who walked the path of tyranny always hesitated when it came to choosing their subjects.

Many preferred, if possible, to see their vassals fight and bicker among themselves.

At least during those times, no blade would be aimed directly at them.

Today, as always, Emperor Woon Sung sat on the throne, rested his chin on his hand, and was lost in deep contemplation.

The rivalry between his two most worrisome subjects wasn’t necessarily bad news.

If he makes his intentions clear, even Emperor Woon Sung would find it worth considering from his perspective.

“This… are you saying the Emperor permitted such chaos to unfold?”

“……”

“No matter how much trust the Vice General commands, something like this shouldn’t be so easily allowed…”

“I wasn’t the one who received permission.”

“…What?”

Even as the Vice General of the country, such a reckless scheme wouldn’t be easily approved.

Therefore, someone with higher authority, greater favor from the emperor, and a legitimate reason to act on his behalf had to speak up instead.

Someone who could present such an outrageous request directly to the Emperor.

And someone who always harbored suspicion and rivalry with the high-ranking officials within the palace, including the Chief Councilor.

–How can I possibly win over Maid Seol and bring her to the Vermilion Bird Palace?

–It seems you’ve thought of something. If your brilliant idea benefits me, there would be no greater favor to repay.

–You’d owe a debt to the Crown Prince of the country. You know how significant that is, don’t you? So, speak without reservation.

“….…”

It wasn’t as though nothing was offered in return.

The young woman now sitting as the mistress of the Vermilion Bird Palace smiled faintly while covering her lips with her sleeve. Even now, she was likely sitting in her tea room, humming a cheerful tune.

She was pleased to use her newfound authority and power to plan her younger brother’s marriage properly. But to Seol Tae Pyeong, it was nothing more than sacrificing his sister for the sake of his great ambitions.

In return, Seol Tae Pyeong was able to make a request of the Crown Prince of the country and Emperor Woon Sung’s most favored son.

At that moment, the prince too had accumulated considerable distrust and hostility toward the Chief Councilor and the other high-ranking officials. So, rather than showing reluctance, he nodded with a sly smile in response to Seol Tae Pyeong’s request.

Late at night, in the Emperor’s audience chamber.

The man Emperor Woon Sung valued the most, the legitimate heir to the imperial throne Crown Prince Hyeon Won, bowed his head as he spoke before him.

It was about the Chief Councilor In Seon Rok.

He proposed that this was an opportunity to expose the tail the Chief Councilor had hidden from the world, a chance to remove the venomous thorn deeply embedded in the heart of Cheongdo.

Hearing those words, Emperor Woon Sung’s expression grew more serious.

The vitality in the eyes of Crown Prince Hyeon Won who had spent his life confined to the Crown Prince’s Palace in inactivity and helplessness, seemed to hint at something significant.

The one who poses the greatest threat as a military officer, and the one who poses the greatest threat as a civil official.

Seol Tae Pyeong and In Seon Rok.

It was impossible to predict how the power struggle between those two would unfold.

But at the very least, Emperor Woon Sung had nothing to lose.

And that was what mattered most.

“General Seol, even if everything goes as planned, I still question whether this scheme is truly possible.”

Inside the inner chambers, Adjutant Bi Cheon raised his voice cautiously with concern.

“Even if His Majesty is informed of the plan in advance… trying to seize the Taehwa Pavilion and abduct the high officials would likely prompt all the general-level officers present to intervene.”

The general-level officers who had sworn loyalty to Cheongdo were each formidable warriors of their time.

While not all eight generals would need to be confronted, as some were away on campaigns, at least half of them would have to be faced.

“And no matter how we try to manage the situation… in the end, we might have to confront Grand General Seong Sa Wook directly.”

“…….”

“Would… that be possible?”

At those words, Seol Tae Pyeong took a deep breath and calmly replied.

“If it’s necessary, then it must be done.”

If the Emperor had granted his approval, minor misunderstandings could later be resolved through His Majesty’s intervention.

And so, every action needed for the plan would be carried out.

Only by orchestrating matters to this extent could they provoke a genuine sense of crisis in the Chief Councilor who hid under the protection of the Jeongseon clan.

Without driving that old fox so thoroughly into a corner, it would be impossible to capture him.

After all, he was a man who had survived decades in the stormy and turbulent political arena of Cheongdo Palace.