Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 482

482. Jinrim’s Warning

The Cheonhajaeilru [a renowned and luxurious establishment] was even more impressive than the rumors suggested.

The view of Nanjing from the top floor was truly spectacular, enough to evoke a sense of delight just by looking at it.

The melodies and dances of the entertainers pleased even the most discerning Clan Leaders, and the calligraphy, paintings, and poems containing the philosophies of Taoism and Buddhism impressed the Elders and Cheonsu Shinni [Celestial Master, a high-ranking Taoist priest].

Yunhyun was also amazed.

In fact, it was Yunhyun’s first time seeing the artistry of the entertainers here, and the Cheonsu Shinni and Taoist Elders were also deeply knowledgeable about poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

“Ascetics do not only delve into scriptures, Chief,” Cheonsu Shinni said, savoring the tea’s aroma.

“Rather, scriptures contain many poetic expressions and beautiful metaphors. Naturally, one becomes familiar with poetry, calligraphy, and painting, wouldn’t you agree?”

“The martial world is similar, though slightly different,” said Cheolgeom Namgungbyeok [Iron Sword Namgungbyeok, likely a title or epithet].

Before him was a fragrant wine.

“Having basic knowledge is essential, and there is much to learn to lead a clan. So, one cannot only focus on martial arts training, can one? I wish I could only train in martial arts, but the duties of a Clan Leader do not allow it.”

Bigeom Gongsonwol [Flying Sword Gongsonwol] and Gunja Geom Jegalmyeong [Gentleman Sword Jegalmyeong] also nodded.

Considering that the Jegal Clan was also famous for its mechanical contraptions, there must be much to learn besides martial arts.

“Speaking of learning, isn’t the Chief also deeply knowledgeable?”

Suddenly, Gunja Geom Jegalmyeong spoke.

He stroked his beard and smiled at Yunhyun.

“He passed the imperial examination with the highest score, after all.”

“Oh.”

Cheonsu Shinni and the Elders murmured in admiration, looking at Yunhyun.

“That’s right. Come to think of it, our Chief passed the imperial examination with the highest score, didn’t he?”

“Pilgrims wish only to pass, but to achieve the highest score is truly remarkable.”

Yunhyun was at a loss for words at the sudden praise.

It was embarrassing to hear such things about something that had happened so long ago.

At that moment, Gwanilgeom Moryongdancheon [Piercing Sun Sword Moryongdancheon] spoke.

“Thanks to the Chief, we have relieved our fatigue and enjoyed the arts. So, it seems like the right time has come.”

He looked at Yunhyun and continued.

“Isn’t there something you wish to say?”

The surroundings became quiet at once.

The Clan Leaders, Elders, and Supreme Masters looked at Yunhyun with serious eyes.

They had already sensed Yunhyun’s mood.

Yunhyun gave a bitter smile.

“Yes. There is something I need to tell you.”

Rustle.

The entertainers quietly stood up, bowed respectfully, and left the room.

The surroundings became quiet, and Yunhyun quietly continued.

“The Demonic Sect has started a rebellion in Gansu.”

Everyone’s expression hardened at once.

Cheonsu Shinni quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer.

Old Madam Neungseyeong’s expression was particularly grave.

“What is the situation?”

“According to the information from Bukhaeilmun [North Sea Gate, likely a sect or organization], the Demonic Sect’s forces are threatening Lanzhou. I believe the imperial court will soon mobilize its army.”

“Hmm.”

Cheongsong Jin-in [Blue Pine True Man] and Tae-eul Jin-in [Grand Ultimate True Man] sighed and chanted Taoist prayers.

“To threaten Lanzhou, how did the Demonic Sect amass such power…?”

“Did they divert our attention to the Blood Sect and gather strength in the meantime?”

Gunja Geom Jegalmyeong asked Yeonghojun.

“Chief Strategist, has there been any movement of the Demonic Sect here while we were away?”

Yeonghojun nodded.

“Yes. There have been attempts by the Demonic Sect to infiltrate several clans and sects. However, we have successfully identified and prevented them all.”

The Clan Leaders breathed a sigh of relief.

Yeonghojun bowed respectfully and continued.

“The Elders of Wudang, Huashan, Shaolin, and Emei have worked hard. We would have faced great difficulties without them. I sincerely thank them.”

“Not at all. We have only done what we ought to do.”

Cheonsu Shinni chanted a Buddhist prayer and said.

“Rather, Chief Yunhyun and Chief Strategist, who have established meticulous plans, deserve our gratitude.”

It was already expected that the Demonic Sect would target the martial clans and sects.

The fact that the Elder-level Taoists and monks from Shaolin, Emei, Wudang, and Huashan were secretly staying in each sect was Chief Strategist Yeonghojun’s plan.

“Hmm, if the army mobilizes, there will be nothing for us to do for the time being.”

Gunja Geom Jegalmyeong said calmly.

There were cases where the government forced martial clans to cooperate, but that was when the war situation became unfavorable.

Besides, no matter how monstrous the Demonic Sect’s members were, they could not be unharmed by cannons, so there was no reason for Taoism or Buddhism to step in.

Except for some martial artists who saw it as a path to success and threw themselves into the government.

“That’s right. It is unfortunate about the situation in Gansu, but it is fortunate that the damage here is not significant.”

Everyone agreed with Gwanilgeom Moryongdancheon’s words.

Suddenly, Cheolgeom Namgungbyeok asked Yunhyun.

“What will you do about the Inauguration War?”

“There is still time, so let’s watch the situation.”

Thanks to the Blood Sect’s matter being resolved faster than expected, there were still several months left until the Inauguration War.

“What about the movements of the Taepyeong Alliance [Great Peace Alliance]?”

It was Bigeom Gongsonwol’s voice.

As the Gongson Clan had been part of the Taepyeong Alliance until recently, they couldn’t help but be concerned.

Chief Strategist Yeonghojun answered.

“They are still focusing on capturing Gwangxi Province, centered around Guilin, but progress is slow. In fact, the Tang Clan seems to have withdrawn from the Jiangnan offensive, and only the Hyeonryeon Clan [Profound Lotus Clan] and other sects remain in Guilin.”

Bigeom Gongsonwol clicked his tongue.

The Taepyeong Alliance seemed to be still caught up in their own calculations.

Clink.

Yunhyun picked up his teacup.

The splendid scenery of Nanjing, spread out beyond the window, somehow looked precarious.

***

Inspector Jo Gwan returned from the Nanjing Prefecture after sunset.

He brought news that Eunuch Bak had taken responsibility for the recent Gansu rebellion and resigned from his position in the Office of the Inspector General.

The faction that had been checking Eunuch Bak seized this opportunity and succeeded in pushing him out.

Yunhyun, who had expected it to some extent, nodded.

“I see. Is there anything else happening to Eunuch Bak?”

“It doesn’t seem so, but I couldn’t confirm it. My words no longer carry weight in the Nanjing Prefecture.”

Jo Gwan said with a bitter expression.

The Office of the Inspector General, which had been nominal, lost its power again with Eunuch Bak’s resignation.

If it hadn’t been for Ju Deok-il, the Vice Magistrate of Nanjing, with whom he had a brief relationship, he wouldn’t have known that Eunuch Bak had resigned from his position in the Office of the Inspector General.

“Still, they won’t be able to touch Lord Yun. They know that the Crown Prince trusts you.”

Even if Eunuch Bak resigned from his position in the Office of the Inspector General, no one would dare to touch Yunhyun.

Yunhyun gave a bitter smile.

“I have received an order to report to the Office of the Inspector General in Beijing. I am sorry that I cannot serve you until the end.”

“No, you have worked hard.”

At Yunhyun’s gratitude, Jo Gwan bowed respectfully.

“Then, I will be on my way…”

“Lord Jo.”

At Yunhyun’s quiet voice, Jo Gwan raised his head.

Yunhyun said with a serious look.

“Please be patient and wait, even if it is difficult. The current situation will not last long.”

A strange light flashed in Jo Gwan’s eyes.

“I will keep that in mind.”

Jo Gwan said with a faint smile.

His strong eyes were shining with trust towards Yunhyun.

***

Late at night, Yunhyun and Gaekong headed to the outskirts of Nanjing in a carriage.

The place they were heading to was the residence of Naval Commander Jinrim.

The chief, who had already been contacted and was waiting, guided the two to Jinrim’s study.

“Welcome.”

Naval Commander Jinrim greeted the group with a bright smile.

Yunhyun bowed politely.

“I apologize for visiting so late at night.”

“Apologize?”

The plump Jinrim said with a hearty laugh.

“If it’s you two, I would get up even in my sleep. Come, please sit down.”

Jinrim held the teapot himself.

He poured tea for Gaekong and Yunhyun with practiced skill.

Pitter-patter.

Warmth rose with a soft fragrance.

Jinrim sat down and held the teacup with both hands.

“I have already heard about your destruction of the heretical group in Gansu.”

Jinrim said, his eyes shining.

“Lord Yun, you have done a great thing. Hahaha.”

Yunhyun had already warned Naval Commander Jinrim about the Blood Sect and the Demonic Sect.

It was unexpected that he even knew about the Blood Sect’s destruction.

However, considering that he was the Naval Commander, belonging to the highest ranks of the military, and that he was interested in this matter, it was understandable.

“But the problem is that the Demonic Sect still remains.”

Yunhyun said, holding his teacup.

Jinrim nodded.

“Yes. In fact, there was an attempt to contact me as well. Because of the nonsense rumor that I am greedy for money, it seems that this Jinrim looked easy. Hahahaha.”

“Were there any dangerous incidents?”

At Yunhyun’s question, Jinrim shook his head.

“Would there be any dangerous incidents? The Chief even sent me a nun from Emei. She even became very close to my daughter.”

Jinrim was beaming.

It was only natural since Yunhyun had sent him an Elder from the Emei Sect.

Slurp.

Jinrim, who had drunk the tea, said with a smile.

“The reason you came so late at night is to find out about what happened in the central government, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Originally, one should not divulge matters of the court to the outside…”

Jinrim smiled.

“What would I hide from you two? Besides, Lord Yun has already been appointed to an official position, so he cannot be called an outsider.”

Clink.

Jinrim’s expression became serious as he put down his teacup.

“Eunuch Bak has taken responsibility for the rebellion in Gansu and voluntarily resigned from his position in the Office of the Inspector General. He even tried to resign from his position as the Imperial Secretary of the Eastern Depot [a secret intelligence agency], but His Majesty did not allow it. It means that His Majesty’s trust remains unchanged.”

The position in the Office of the Inspector General was a formal government post, but the Eastern Depot was the Emperor’s private organization.

Just as the Forbidden City is divided into the Outer Court, which is the official palace building, and the Inner Court, which is the Imperial Family’s private space, even high-ranking officials could not arbitrarily interfere with matters concerning the Eastern Depot.

“But it is true that Eunuch Bak’s power has waned. Although he has maintained his position as the Imperial Secretary of the Eastern Depot, he is currently suspending all duties and reflecting on his actions. Some even say that Eunuch Bak will fall from grace because of this incident.”

The fact that Eunuch Bak, who seemed untouchable, had resigned from his position in the Office of the Inspector General was significant.

With the suspension of his duties as the Imperial Secretary of the Eastern Depot, the opposing factions became emboldened and were determined to regain control this time.

“What do you think, Commander?”

Yunhyun asked.

Naval Commander Jinrim shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know. No one knows where power will flow.
Even if His Majesty’s trust remains unchanged, it is very difficult to regain lost power. If another faction successfully suppresses this rebellion and seizes the initiative, it will be even more hopeless.”

Yunhyun was lost in thought for a moment.

The plump Jinrim asked, holding his teacup.

“What is Lord Yun’s intention? Do you wish for Eunuch Bak to regain his power?”

Yunhyun shook his head.

“I only wish for Eunuch Bak to be safe. And I want this rebellion in Gansu to end without great damage.”

Jinrim smiled.

“I knew you would say that.”

If Yunhyun had wanted power, he would have already entered the Forbidden City.

However, instead of pursuing power, Yunhyun led the martial artists and destroyed the Blood Sect.

In a situation where there was almost no help from the government.

“There is one thing I need to tell you.”

Jinrim said with a serious expression.

“Those who pushed out Eunuch Bak have been ordered to suppress this rebellion. They see it as an opportunity to be recognized for their competence.”

Jinrim gave a bitter smile.

“But at this rate, they will fail.”

“Why is that?”

Naval Commander Jinrim shrugged his shoulders with an exaggerated gesture.

“Because they have no sense of crisis at all.”

Jinrim’s eyes changed.

He said in a firm voice.

“The military is a highly trained and organized armed group. But no matter how strong an army is, even a handful of enemies will struggle if they are careless. In my opinion, this expedition is very dangerous.”

He did not hesitate at all.

“Perhaps Lanzhou will fall into the hands of the Demonic Sect.”

His gleaming eyes were those of a seasoned Naval Commander, forged in a hundred battles.