Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 483

483. Reunion

Grand Admiral Jin-rim’s gaze upon Un-hyun was exceptionally earnest.

He told Un-hyun that Lan-zhou, the capital of Gan-suk Province, might fall into the hands of the Demonic Sect.

Jin-rim’s warning indicated that the situation was more serious than Un-hyun had thought.

Un-hyun asked with a puzzled expression.

“Even if the central government is in chaos, are you saying they are so blind that they don’t even recognize the danger of the Demonic Sect?”

“Except for Eunuch Park, regrettably, yes.”

Stroking his teacup, Jin-rim continued.

“The faction that currently holds the reins of the court is deluded into thinking they have ousted Eunuch Park. They are not only ignoring all the eunuch organizations led by Eunuch Park but also excluding officials from other factions, trying to quell this disturbance on their own.”

Jin-rim sighed.

“But they don’t have the ability to do so. In fact, those who are useful already belong to Eunuch Park. Since they are excluding all of them from the start, how can things go right?”

Until now, Eunuch Park had been the unshakable power of the court and the core of future authority.

Whether by choice or not, there were few high-ranking officials who were not associated with Eunuch Park, and excluding them all was virtually the same as rejecting most of the court officials.

Except for the opportunists who quickly switched sides.

“The perspective on this disturbance also differs greatly.”

Jin-rim said with a stern expression.

“They firmly believe that this disturbance is a rebellion caused by Eunuch Park’s misrule. Reports from Gan-suk were ignored from the start. If it’s the work of the Demonic Sect, they can’t hold Eunuch Park accountable.”

Un-hyun quietly closed his eyes.

He already knew about the behavior of the central court and high-ranking officials.

However, deliberately underestimating the threat of the Demonic Sect for the sake of their faction was unacceptable.

“The court will soon appoint Vice Commander Yu Bung-gul of the Right Army Command as Supreme Commander to order an expedition to Lan-zhou. But the person moving behind the scenes of this expedition is none other than Yu Ho-gi, the Vice Minister of War.”

The Ministry of War oversees everything related to military affairs.

As the Vice Minister, he held a position second only to the Minister, making him a high-ranking official comparable to a Commander.

“Yu Ho-gi has always been arrogant and doesn’t listen to others, and he greatly despises Eunuch Park, calling him a eunuch. He scoffs at the mention of the Demonic Sect’s forces and acts as if he has already suppressed the rebellion. He is still focused on increasing his wealth and influence.”

“How could such a person rise to the position of Vice Minister of War?”

At Un-hyun’s sighing words, Jin-rim gave a bitter smile.

“Because he has a good family, extensive connections, and money. It’s not difficult as long as you please those above you.”

It is not easy to distinguish between capable and incompetent officials.

Moreover, promoting people based on connections and factions instead of ability often happens, even during times of war.

In a situation where peace has continued for so long, distinguishing between the capable and the incompetent becomes even more difficult.

“What kind of person is Vice Commander Yu Bung-gul, who is said to be leading the expedition?”

Jin-rim gave a bitter smile.

“He is second to none in wickedness, comparable to his relative Yu Ho-gi, and he is the best in the world at shifting blame onto his capable subordinates to get them demoted.”

Jin-rim’s assessment of Vice Commander Yu Bung-gul was even more scathing.

As Jin-rim knew the military well, the Commander’s flaws felt even greater.

“Oh dear, I think I’ve said too much. I’m afraid Eunuch Park might resent me for saying unnecessary things to Lord Un.”

Jin-rim waved his hand with an exaggerated gesture.

Un-hyun looked at Jin-rim.

“Is the reason you’re telling me this, Commander, because you want me to do something about it?”

“Yes and no.”

Jin-rim sighed once more.

“As the Grand Admiral who is paid by the country, the situation in the central government is pathetic. Frankly, what does it matter to me if they collapse or not, but wouldn’t the people bear the brunt of the damage?”

Un-hyun agreed with that.

In the end, the damage would fall entirely on the soldiers who went to battle and the people of Lan-zhou.

Even at the cost of their lives.

“But I know that there’s not much Lord Un can do either. Besides, Yu Ho-gi and Yu Bung-gul are also subjects of the Emperor, so saying these things would just be spitting in my own face.”

Un-hyun paused for a moment.

Then he raised his eyes.

“Thank you for telling me.”

“You’re welcome. I’m the one who should be grateful for you listening to my useless grumbling.”

Un-hyun picked up his teacup.

The warm scent chased away the night’s chill, but Un-hyun’s heart was uneasy.

***

The next morning, in Nam-kyung.

Un-hyun had a meal with the elders, family heads, and supreme masters at their lodging.

These were people whom ordinary folks would have a hard time even seeing once, but the group looked no different from elders on a leisurely trip together.

After the meal, the group shared tea as always.

The scenery was as good as the tea brewed in Nam-kyung for a long time.

Clink.

Putting down his teacup, Un-hyun said to the group.

“I’m going to visit Buk-kyung [present-day Beijing] for a while.”

“Buk-kyung?”

Scholar Sword Je-gal-myung frowned slightly.

Others turned to look at Un-hyun, and Mo-yong-mi asked with a puzzled expression.

“Did something happen?”

“No.”

Un-hyun said with a gentle expression.

“I’m worried about how Eunuch Park is doing, and there are some things I need to find out. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“I see.”

Mo-yong-mi nodded, but she couldn’t hide her disappointment.

She didn’t expect to be separated so suddenly.

“Ah, and Miss Mo-yong.”

Un-hyun suddenly asked Mo-yong-mi.

“Would you be willing to help the Azure Dragon Alliance with their work?”

“Me?”

Un-hyun nodded.

“Yes. I’m sure Miss Mo-yong would be a great help.”

This time, Mo-yong-mi had gained great trust from the elders, family heads, and supreme masters of each sect.

It was clear that she would be of great help to the Azure Dragon Alliance.

The expression of Chief Strategist Young-ho-joon was already brightening, but Mo-yong-mi turned her head to look at her grandfather and family head, Kwan-il Sword Mo-yong Dan-cheon, instead of answering.

Mo-yong Dan-cheon smiled.

“It’s okay if you want to.”

Mo-yong Dan-cheon would never oppose what his granddaughter wanted to do.

He had already handed over the duties of the Outer Hall Leader, which Mo-yong-mi had been in charge of, to her older brother, Clear Breeze Sword Mo-yong-jin, so Mo-yong Dan-cheon readily nodded.

Above all, Un-hyun was someone he respected and trusted as a martial artist.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

Mo-yong-mi expressed her gratitude to Mo-yong Dan-cheon.

And she answered Un-hyun.

“Yes, I will.”

Un-hyun smiled.

“Thank you, Miss Mo-yong. Thank you, Elder Mo-yong.”

“I’m the one who should be entrusting Mia to you.”

Mo-yong Dan-cheon said with a meaningful smile.

Un-hyun gave an awkward smile.

Even though he was the family head of a prestigious family that made a name for itself in the martial arts world, he looked like a playful neighbor grandfather at times like this.

Of course, it wasn’t a side he showed to just anyone.

“Are you leaving for Buk-kyung today?”

At Mo-yong-mi’s question, Un-hyun nodded.

“Yes, I’m leaving right away.”

“I see. Have a safe trip, Scholar Un.”

Mo-yong-mi said with a smile.

Un-hyun also replied with a smile.

“I’ll be back.”

“Have a safe journey, Alliance Leader.”

“Be careful.”

Un-hyun rose from his seat, listening to the greetings of the elders, family heads, and supreme masters.

Thud.

Silent Guest rose as a matter of course, and the two left Nam-kyung for Buk-kyung that day.

***

The rumors of the disturbance in Gan-suk soon spread in all directions.

People were greatly surprised but not afraid.

Gan-suk had always been treated as a very remote place even among the border regions, and the news that the military had moved to suppress the disturbance was also spreading.

Under the command of Vice Commander Yu Bung-gul, who was appointed as Supreme Commander, the government troops of Gan-suk, as well as the adjacent provinces of Sa-cheon [Sichuan] and Seo-an [Xi’an], were mobilized to suppress the ‘rebellion’ in Gan-suk.

Rumors also circulated that the government troops of Sa-cheon and Seo-an had immediately moved to Lan-zhou in Gan-suk Province under the leadership of their respective provincial commanders, while the government troops of Gan-suk Province were already defending Lan-zhou.

That was probably a rumor deliberately spread to calm the public, but people had no doubt that the disturbance would soon be suppressed.

“Scholar Un!”

Eunuch Park said with surprised eyes.

Un-hyun said with a smile.

“It’s me, Eunuch Park.”

Eunuch Park, who had been sitting on a chair, jumped up.

He hurriedly came out of the door, put his hands together, and bowed.

“T-To come to such a humble place, I am truly sorry.”

Eunuch Park was in his residence inside the Imperial Palace.

It was a very different sight compared to the eunuchs who had gained power and status, building magnificent mansions outside the palace and flaunting their authority.

Of course, it was a proper house rather than a small room like Un-hyun’s in the past, but it was ridiculously small compared to the power Eunuch Park held.

“Sorry? Not at all. Come, get up quickly.”

Un-hyun grabbed Eunuch Park’s shoulder and helped him up.

His shoulder felt somehow frail, and Un-hyun’s heart ached.

“Instead of standing here, let’s go inside quickly.”

At Eunuch Park’s words, Un-hyun nodded.

The two moved into the house.

Before he knew it, a bright smile was blooming on Eunuch Park’s face.

Drip, drip.

The teacup was filled, and a warm scent filled the surroundings.

Eunuch Park, who had filled Un-hyun’s teacup, poured tea into his own teacup and sat down.

“I’m sorry for the humble place. But don’t worry, the tea is good. Hehehe.”

“What worry? Thank you.”

Un-hyun held his teacup and looked around.

The place where Eunuch Park was staying was one of the residences given to the imperial concubines.

Even among the residences of the concubines, there were vast differences, with some being large and luxurious, while others were small and shabby.

Eunuch Park was living in that small and shabby place.

There were no decorations or furniture to speak of, so it felt somehow desolate.

“Eunuch Park doesn’t seem interested in decorating the house.”

“No, I’m not.”

Eunuch Park said with a smile.

“Since I can’t take it with me when I die anyway, what’s the point of decorating it lavishly? It’s enough if the house is just comfortable to stay in.”

In fact, Eunuch Park spent much more time in the building where his office was located than here.

He even didn’t come here for days.

“Besides, what’s really important isn’t the house or the decorations. In the end, isn’t the real important thing money?”

Un-hyun laughed.

He knew that Eunuch Park’s words were a joke.

“Is that so? I happen to have some money, so if you need it…….”

“Oh dear, if you give it to me, I will never refuse.”

Un-hyun laughed, and Eunuch Park also laughed.

However, it was also true that most eunuchs were obsessed with money and power.

For them, who were despised and ignored, it was nothing more than their only shield and refuge.

‘No, it’s not just the eunuchs who are like that.’

Un-hyun, who had been stroking his teacup for a while, raised his eyes.

“Are you okay?”

It was a sudden question, but Eunuch Park understood.

Smiling, Eunuch Park said.

“Yes, I’m fine. This much is nothing. Besides, isn’t it all going according to plan?”

“But it’s not an easy task, is it? The world doesn’t leave those who have lost power alone.”

“Well, that’s always the daily life of vulgar people. Well, I was a little annoyed when those insignificant things strutted in front of me and sneered.”

It was something he had already expected, and it was a response according to plan.

But that doesn’t mean that the difficulties Eunuch Park had to endure disappeared.

The insults he received and the ridicule whispered behind his back were by no means light.

“But it’s okay.”

Eunuch Park said with a smile.

“I’ll pay back exactly what I received.”

His eyes were shining with vitality.

In those eyes, there was no trace of the miserable figure of a loser who had lost power.