episode_0510

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“Admiral.”

Sima Jinghui sighed at Sima Shangxue’s words.

“How many times have I told you what I meant, and are you going to make me say it again?”

Sima Jinghui attempted to resign from his official position by resigning from his position as admiral of Dongchang, but Emperor You Jing did not allow this. Therefore, Sima Jinghui was still the admiral of Dongchang, and Yu Jing persistently gave orders for his return.

Therefore, Sima Jinghui looked at Sima Shangxue, who called himself an admiral, and concluded that Yu Jing had given the order to return, but Sima Shangxue’s business was somewhat different.

“Admiral’s power is required.”

Sima Shangxue saw Sima Jinghui’s eyes deepen and quickly continued speaking.

“You are familiar with the Twelfth Comrades’ Association, right? There was a conflict with them. As a result, the members of the Comrades Association, including the current Prime Minister Jae Sang-hae, Admiral Cho Gap-deok of the Jinui, Hwanggun Bridge Commander Jo Ga-ju, and Red Armed General Kang Chu-Moru, are openly putting pressure on Du Ga.”

Sima Qinghui’s eyebrows twitched.

“So you need my power?”

“Yes. Officially, if Dong-chang moves, it will be like uprooting the pillars of the empire with Dong-chang’s hands, and if this incident is overlooked, Dong-chang will die. It is difficult for me or Du Yu-cheon to solve it with our own strength.”

Sima Jinghui understood the intention of Sima Xiangxue.

If it could not be resolved officially, an agreement had to be reached behind the scenes.

However, proper negotiation, or rather negotiation itself, was impossible with Sima Xiangxue or Du Yuqian’s authority or name value. This does not mean that Sima Xiangxue or Du Yutian were lacking, but the Comrades’ Association was too flashy in the first place.

Prime Minister. Dodog. Good fortune. General.

What more needs to be said?

Those four words alone take my breath away, but in addition, there are other members of the Comrades Association who can exert influence on the Empire in various ways.

Is there anyone who can lead behind-the-scenes negotiations with such a comrade-in-arms association?

“Did you come here because you thought it was possible for me?”

Sima Shangxue nodded without saying a word. Because the only person in the world who was qualified to negotiate on equal terms with the members of the Comrades Association was Sima Jinghui.

This was because only Sima Gyeong-hwi, who ascended to the governor of Dongchang around the same time as Yu Jing’s accession to the throne and has maintained the position to this day, had authority surpassing those of the Jeon Woo Association.

“I am well aware of the elder’s meaning. However, if this matter is not completely resolved, there is no telling what will happen to the empire. So, can you help me just this once?”

Sima Qinghui, who was looking at Sima Shangxue making a request in an earnest tone, slowly shook his head.

“Elderly!”

“Sangseol-ah. Don’t you feel something about their actions, including re-injury?”

“…Yes?”

“His Majesty has dismissed the claims of his subjects who oppose the policy of suppressing the martial arts.”

The world is in turmoil, so this is a matter to be discussed after the world is brought to peace. Yu-gyeong used those words to suppress the opposition of his subjects. The world was already in turmoil, and if it caused chaos inside, the empire could really collapse, so the subjects suppressed their dissatisfaction.

“It was like taking the empire hostage. However, even as the threat of blood religion disappeared, His Majesty did not even say anything about the policy of suppressing the martial arts, so he is forcing an answer.”

When there was an external enemy, they tolerated it up to this point under the excuse that the empire would fall.

But I can’t stand it anymore. If you don’t answer, I will crush either Dongchang or the Empire.

Sima Gyeong-hwi felt the same way about the Comrades’ Association’s actions.

“I don’t know whose intention it was, but you were a reader. I thought there was no one among them who could go against His Majesty’s will.”

Who made the decision to change the emperor’s intentions? Could it be Jo Ga-ju, who was suffering from the conflict with the martial arts group? Or is it a resurgence that has taken a toll on the country’s livelihood? Could it be the anvil that extinguished the urgent fire of the empire? Or is it corn that was used to gauge local public sentiment?

Or is he one of the trainees who did not hold a government position?

I don’t know whose idea it was, but Sima Qinghui felt that time had passed by the resolute will felt in the current situation. Now, the trainees of the Twelfth Division that he knew have become different people.

Sima Shangxue looked at Sima Jinghui lamenting and made a request once again.

“Elderly! Then even more so…!”

“That’s why I won’t step forward.”

“Elderly!”

“I threw down my official position and hoped that His Majesty would stop. I should have tried to stop His Majesty more actively, but that was the best I could do.”

Sima Shangxue was at a loss for words as the words were full of regret.

“What I’ve been putting off…Someone says he’ll do it, so how can I interfere with him?”

There was silence between the two for a long time.

Sima Shangxue realized that he could not change Sima Jinghui’s will and let out a long sigh.

“I understand what you mean.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No. It was me who asked for an unreasonable request. However, I will also try my best.”

“…Okay.”

Sima Jinghui looked at Sima Xiangxue with complex emotions. How can he feel at ease when he, the head of his class and the adult of his family, is becoming a burden rather than a help?

“We should release the man named Ho Cheon-an and try to negotiate.”

Sima Qinghui’s eyes widened.

“What…?”

“Yes?”

“What did you just say? Did you say Hocheonan?”

“Ah, yes. Do you know someone? I heard that he was an instructor of the 12th squadron, but he attended this comrade meeting and is currently being arrested by his classmates.”

“Why are you saying that now!!”

Sima Qinghui got up from his seat.

“Guide to that person immediately!”

Sima Gyeong-hwi.

He broke the long silence and began to move.

*** ***

Sima Jinghui recalled what happened at Cheonsangru.

Even though not only dozens of gamblers but also the entire Giru rushed in to catch just one Hocheonan, he crushed the entire Giru without even raising an eyebrow. The way he calmly tricked the emperor and princess, gathered them together, and received support while joking with them.

Why didn’t I realize it sooner?

He forces an easy choice on the emperor and his classmate. How many people in the world would have the courage to come up with such a plan, regardless of whether it was implemented or not?

“It’s been a while. Admiral.”

Is there really anyone else in the world who could welcome Dongchang’s admiral as if he had been waiting for them while trapped in Dongchang’s prison?

It will only be this one.

“Yes. It’s been a while. It’s truly been a long time.”

Sima Qinghui flopped down on the floor and faced Hu Tianan.

“Okay, what is up with you this time? Why did you call me here?”

“I wish to change His Majesty’s will.”

Change your mind.

“I know that you have been secretly helping the empire.”

Sima Qinghui recalled the past years. During those long years, the only threat to the empire was blood religion. There were major events that could have shaken the foundations of the empire, but those major events collapsed before they could truly set the empire on fire.

As if someone had put out the light.

However, even though he did such a big thing, the person who was involved in it clearly disappeared without leaving a single trace, so Sima Qinghui was convinced that the person who did such a thing was Ho Tianan.

A reason to help the Empire. And the ability to help the Empire. Lastly, even though he did such a thing, the only person who had to hide his identity was Ho Cheon-an.

“But why did you suddenly make this decision?”

Hu Tianan looked at Sima Jinghui and thought. reason. It’s a reason. Was it because he saw Hyeok Kirin’s face smiling with the middle-aged Ho Cheon-an? Is it because of the Seogong and the spirits he met after that? Is it because in the process, he defeated Hyeok-gyo and met Seo Yi-ryeong and Jo Yong-sang? Is it because of Navin and his classmates whom he met in a certain village? Or is it because of Podalap Palace, which was damaged by the imperial turmoil? Or is it because of Sabokseol’s words telling Navin to think about the martial arts world he will live in?

“Well, ”

If not, is it for the sake of Emperor Yu-gyeong, who has not changed at all since sending Hyeok-ki-rin away?

“Just. I wanted to do that.”

Ho Cheon-an expressed his honest feelings.

I don’t know the exact reason, but I just did it because my heart told me to.

“…I see.”

Ho Cheon-an eventually defeated Jeong-cheol.

However, the process was stained with blood. I lost all of my colleagues, and Sichuan Province, which could be called my home, fell into the hands of the Sadōryun, and the Ronin Gaekjan and the Sichuan Ronin disappeared without a trace.

After that, Hu Tianan’s whereabouts were unknown, but Sima Qinghui took this for granted.

Because Ho Cheon-an was a person who lost everything.

Therefore, it is also natural for things to collapse.

I thought he had become like a ghost who appeared for a moment during the crisis of the empire, cleared his heart of debt, and then disappeared.

But what about the Hocheonan in front of you now?

His heart, seen through Hocheonan’s eyes, was still gray, but a burning will could be felt at the center of it.

‘You succeeded in making a comeback.’

Despite losing everything, Ho Cheon-an stood up again.

If this is a good plan, perhaps it can change Yu-kyung.

Therefore, Sima Jinghui decided to help Hu Tianan.

“What can I do for you?”

Ho Cheon-an smiled and answered Sima Jing-hui’s question.

“I would like to meet the Crown Prince.”

*** ***

In Prince Yu-chan’s memories, the time he spent with Hyuk Kirin, or rather, Princess Yuya, was not very long.

However, even though a long time had passed since then, the impression of Princess Yuya in Yu-chan’s memory remained very vivid.

How can I forget those gentle yet strong eyes?

Although Princess Yuya was similar in height to Yu-chan at the time, Yu-chan felt like Princess Yuya was a giant.

That’s right, Yu-chan was also just a boy who admired the martial arts world, and he was someone who proudly showed off his appearance as a princess by making a name for himself as Hyuk Kirin in the vast martial arts world.

That’s why the prince always took the time to run to Princess Yuya, and Hyeok Kirin would greet Yu Chan with a gentle smile as always and energetically recite the story of the martial arts.

And in such stories of martial arts, the name Hocheonan was often mentioned.

When Yoo-chan mentioned the name Hocheon-an, he remembered Hyeok-ki-rin’s eyes shining especially vividly. When Princess Yuya talked about Hocheonan’s activities, she was really excited like a child, so she often felt like she was her younger sister, so that memory remained particularly vivid.

Princess Yuya’s lively eyes and rising voice. As a boy, Yu-chan thought that what was contained in those gestures and voices was respect and admiration, but now that he thinks about it, what was underlying it was clear affection.

Therefore, when he heard the news of the death of Princess Yuya, who had left for Wulin, a corner of Yu-chan’s heart was confident that he would accept the death of Hyuk Kirin.

Princess Yuya was a member of the royal family, but at the same time, she was both a Hyukkirin and a martial artist, and she was in love with Hocheonan, which allowed her to face two sides that could never coexist.

Leaving aside the sadness and grief, he accepted in his heart that he had passed away next to Ho Cheon-an and in the arms of Murim.

“I meet the Crown Prince.”

Prince Yuchan remembered Princess Yuya so much when he actually saw Hocheonan, whom he had only heard about.

“Nice to meet you. I should say that, but to be honest, I don’t know what to say.”

Hearing Yu Chan’s words, Ho Cheon An bowed his head.

In response to that, Yu-chan smiled bitterly and stroked his face. I thought I had completely buried my aunt in my heart, but it seemed like a thorn of resentment remained somewhere in the back of my heart.

Yu-chan took a deep breath to calm his agitated mind and asked.

“How was your aunt’s end?”

Ho Cheon-an recalled that day. Even though decades had passed, it was still a vivid memory.

“You were worried.”

It was a meaningless word, but Yu Chan understood what Ho Cheon An said.

I worried about those who would be left behind until the last moment.

That’s how Ho Cheon-an’s words sounded to Yu-chan.

“You were especially worried about His Majesty.”

“…I guess so.”

“That’s why I came here to Luoyang, albeit belatedly.”

You mean now?

Such a thought passed through Yu-chan’s mind for a moment, but he quickly shook his head. Because deep regret and despair left empty marks in Ho Cheon-an’s eyes.

Just like Yu-kyung, this person also struggled with the pain of losing Princess Yuya.

“What do you plan to do with Your Majesty?”

“I want to change that mind. I don’t dare say that I understand all of Princess Yuya’s wishes, but… the current state of the empire is definitely not what Princess Yuya would want. Also…I’m sure His Majesty the Emperor doesn’t want this either.”

Yu Chan sympathized with Ho Cheon An’s words. If Princess Yuya found out about the current situation of the Empire and Wulin, she would definitely cry or get angry.

“Can you do it?”

However, Yu Chan was skeptical about the idea of changing Emperor Yu Gyeong’s heart. Yu Chan looked at Sima Qinghui who was sitting next to Hu Tianan and opened his mouth.

“I also hope that His Majesty will shake off his heartache and abandon his anger. However, even though Sima Jinghui, Your Majesty’s close friend and most trusted subject, and your son, I have tried so far, I have not been able to change Your Majesty’s mind. But do you really think you, who suddenly appeared, can change His Majesty’s heart?”

“There is nothing I can guarantee either. I just try my best.”

“Huh.”

“But I promise you one thing.”

Ho Cheon-an said while reminiscing about Hyuk Kirin.

“I will not give up.”

As Yu-chan looked into Ho Cheon-an’s eyes, which revealed steel-like will, the amazing stories of Ho Cheon-an that Hyuk Kirin had told him about ran through his mind. Yu-gyeong, who disguised herself as an eunuch and giggled and used the name Du-jak, told Ho Cheon-an a story about how she had a hole in her soul.

Wouldn’t this person be able to break Yu-kyung’s will in a terrible way?

Such anticipation arose in Yu-chan’s head.

“The fact that you came to me means that there is something you want. okay. What can I do for you?”

“First of all, I would like to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.”

Yuchan nodded. Because in order to change the emperor’s will, it was necessary to meet him face to face.

“And if….”

however.

At Ho Tian-an’s words that followed, not only Sima Gyeong-hwi but also Yu Chan could not help but gape.