Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 585

Though the Joseon soldiers were equipped with the best possible armor, not all could survive the intense firefight and the explosions of *Jinchonroe* [a type of Korean bomb] and thrown grenades all around.

“Aaaagh!”

“Medic!”

Screams of soldiers falling to the attacks of the Liaodong soldiers echoed from all directions, and shouts for medics burst out.

Each time, medics with bags full of emergency kits and alcohol rushed forward with stretchers.

The medics who arrived placed the wounded Joseon soldiers on stretchers and ran back.

Just in front of Liaodong Fortress’s moat, a field hospital hastily set up by the Joseon army was located.

“Wounded!”

“Over there!”

In the field hospital, dozens of military doctors and hundreds of medics were busily moving to treat the influx of wounded soldiers.

This was the moment when the military doctors, championed by Hyang from the mid-Gyeongjang period and developed through Sejong’s decree, truly proved their worth.

Having gained experience treating wounded soldiers and civilians with external injuries from minor skirmishes in the border areas, the military doctors skillfully treated the wounded.

* * *

Inside Zhū Qízhèn’s residence in the center of the inner castle.

Bang~ Tatang~ Kwang~

“The sound of gunfire is getting closer.”

Zhū Qízhèn, with a table full of alcohol and snacks in front of him, emptied his glass with a desolate smile.

Seeing Zhū Qízhèn’s appearance, Wang Chong urged him with an urgent voice.

“Your Majesty! The situation is critical! You must evacuate immediately!”

At Wang Chong’s urging, Zhū Qízhèn smiled and asked.

“Evacuate? Where to?”

“You must leave the castle!”

“Even if I leave the castle, is there a way out? Isn’t this a situation of ‘songs on all sides’ [an idiom referring to being completely surrounded by enemies]? Wait, ‘songs on all sides’? That’s truly a fitting phrase for this situation! Hahaha!”

“Your Majesty!”

Wang Chong raised his voice at Zhū Qízhèn’s self-abandoning appearance, but Zhū Qízhèn raised the sword he had placed beside him onto his lap and replied.

“I couldn’t even properly play the role of bait for His Majesty, so would I be safe even if I ran away? I’d rather end it here; it would be more helpful to me.”

“Your Majesty!”

“Take care of my family.”

“Your Majesty!”

“I *butaknae* [Korean for ‘I ask of you’ or ‘I entrust this to you’].”

Realizing that Zhū Qízhèn’s determination was firm, Wang Chong quietly bowed and retreated. A moment later, Zhū Qízhèn’s 正妃 [Empress Consort], Lady Jeong, and other concubines entered.

“I heard what’s happening. You’ve made up your mind?”

At Lady Jeong’s question, Zhū Qízhèn nodded.

“That’s right. The situation is urgent, so leave quickly.”

At Zhū Qízhèn’s words, Lady Jeong looked back at the concubines.

“You all quickly follow Royal Eunuch Wang and evacuate.”

“Mama!”

The concubines exclaimed in surprise at Lady Jeong’s words, but Lady Jeong smiled and continued.

“Since the monarch has made his decision, I, as the 正妃 [Empress Consort], must follow, mustn’t I? But there’s no need for you all to do so. Especially you.”

Lady Jeong pointed to a concubine holding a young baby.

“That child is His Majesty’s only bloodline. Therefore, you must evacuate.”

“Mama….”

The concubine Lady Zhu, holding the baby, trailed off, shedding tears.

“Hurry and go! If you delay any longer, the way out will be blocked! Hey! Escort them out quickly!”

At Lady Jeong’s command, servants entered and took the concubines away.

After sending the concubines out, Lady Jeong took a seat opposite Zhū Qízhèn.

“Pour me a drink.”

“Why didn’t you leave with the others?”

“It is my wish to always be with Your Majesty.”

At Lady Jeong’s answer, Zhū Qízhèn filled a glass with alcohol and offered it to her.

Lady Jeong accepted the glass, carefully emptied it, and then filled Zhū Qízhèn’s glass with alcohol.

“Have a drink.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

Not long after, the final moment approached.

쾅!

탕탕! 탕!

“Uwaaa!”

“Capture the Dongwang [likely refers to Zhū Qízhèn] alive!”

As the Joseon soldiers’ shouts were heard along with the loud explosions, Lady Jeong took out a small porcelain bottle and filled her glass.

“May I go first?”

“Go first.”

Zhū Qízhèn permitted with a voice full of moisture. As soon as Zhū Qízhèn’s permission was given, Lady Jeong emptied her glass.

Shortly after, Lady Jeong’s figure, who had been closing her eyes, collapsed.

“Farewell… I’ll be joining you soon.”

After saying goodbye to the fallen Lady Jeong, Zhū Qízhèn drew the long sword he had placed on his lap.

After gazing at the long sword in his hand for a moment, Zhū Qízhèn brought the blade to his neck.

“Heup!”

With a short shout, Zhū Qízhèn slit his own throat.

Shortly after, the commanders of the Joseon soldiers who entered the inner chamber were dismayed to see the two bodies.

“Damn it!”

“Son of a bitch!”

The commanders, with dismayed expressions, urgently issued orders.

“Set up guards and block anyone’s approach!”

“Yes!”

“Contact the main camp!”

* * *

Some time later, Choi Yun-duk, who received the report through a messenger, smacked his lips.

“Tsk, tsk… We lost the top prize. Tsk.”

After lightly smacking his lips, Choi Yun-duk immediately issued an order.

“If we lost the top prize, we have to take the next best thing! Order the soldiers to capture all of Dongwang’s family!”

“Yes!”