I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 158

Jo Gwang-yun, dressed in his official robes, entered the palace to inform the Emperor that he would be traveling to Fujian Province to oversee the salt farm development.

“Fujian Province?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor, who had been buried under a mountain of petitions in Uirip Hall, straightened up.

“How long will it take?”

“At least a hundred days, I presume.”

“Hmm… Is there a specific reason you must go in person?”

“Applications for private salt farm development are flooding in from every district. I intend to personally inspect whether the applications match the actual sites.”

“How can you possibly inspect so many applications one by one?”

“I only need to check one or two locations. By standardizing a model based on those, the remaining applications can be processed without on-site inspections.”

“Oh! Is that the way of a merchant?”

“Indeed, it is.”

In any case, he only needed to approve the locations recommended by Gil Baek-mi from the continental battlefield. The on-site inspection of the salt farms was merely an excuse to leave the capital.

“Will your stipend as a court advisor even cover the travel expenses?”

The Emperor asked with a playful smile.

“This is for the sake of the nation and the Imperial family. How could I possibly be stingy with money?”

“I will not personally subsidize your travel expenses, but I will provide the necessary support staff. Take as many military officers or officials as you need.”

“I am grateful, Your Majesty. However, I am taking a few of my brightest subordinates and escorting warriors, so additional personnel will not be necessary.”

He carefully gauged the Emperor’s reaction as he spoke. He suspected that the Emperor might be trying to monitor him under the guise of consideration.

“I see. Taking more would only increase the costs. Very well, do as you wish.”

He wondered if he was being overly suspicious, but he couldn’t help it. He had to be suspicious of everything. Only then could he survive in this Imperial Palace, which felt like walking on a blade.

And his intuition kept warning him.

The Emperor trusted no one. He always looked at everything with wary eyes.

“When do you depart?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Then at least go and see Consort Yang. You have entered the palace several times but left without seeing her. This time, you are embarking on a long journey, so you should at least say goodbye. I understand your caution, Court Advisor Jo, but do not become a heartless brother.”

“Your Majesty is too kind. I shall obey your command.”

He had been planning to request it if the Emperor hadn’t mentioned it first. He had a mountain of things to discuss with Yang Ryeo-cheong.

Jo Gwang-yun respectfully exited Uirip Hall.

The Emperor kept his eyes on Jo Gwang-yun until he was out of sight, then shook his head.

The Chief Eunuch cautiously spoke, seeing the Emperor’s expression.

“You seem displeased, Your Majesty. Could it be that Court Advisor Jo…?”

“No.”

The Emperor replied, unfolding the petitions again.

“He is so flawless that it feels strange. I wonder if a person can be that cautious.”

The Chief Eunuch closed his mouth, which had been about to speak. He realized that defending Jo Gwang-yun might make him a target of the Emperor’s suspicion.

It would be enough to subtly inform the Emperor that he was slightly uncomfortable.

* * *

Jo Gwang-yun was led to Haan Palace by a eunuch.

Everyone came out to greet Jo Gwang-yun with a fuss, and Jo Gwang-yun sat facing Yang Ryeo-cheong, holding a teacup.

“Noble Consort, the weather is perfect for spring. How about taking a walk with me?”

It was better to have secret talks outside rather than indoors. And no matter how close they were as siblings, the longer they spent alone indoors, the more gossip would spread.

Yang Ryeo-cheong smiled brightly at Jo Gwang-yun’s wink.

“Very well. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a walk with my brother.”

It wasn’t ‘been a while,’ it was the first time.

As the two slowly walked out, court ladies and eunuchs followed behind them. At Jo Gwang-yun’s gesture, Yang Ryeo-cheong said,

“Keep your distance so you don’t disturb us.”

As the followers distanced themselves, Jo Gwang-yun quietly opened his mouth.

“Do not stop walking, even if you are surprised by what I am about to say.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong took a deep breath and nodded.

“It seems there will be no child between you and the Emperor.”

Her steps faltered, but she did not stop.

“What do you mean…?”

“That is the conclusion of the royal physicians. The Crown Prince is the only son of the Empress.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong bit her lip.

“Damn it. No wonder there was no news, even after doing it every night.”

“Watch your mouth.”

“It’s alright. They can’t hear us.”

He understood. How could she not curse?

“But the Emperor does not know this fact. That is our last hope.”

“Whether he knows or not, what difference does it make? His seed is infertile anyway.”

“What if that seed isn’t the Emperor’s? It’s enough if the Emperor thinks it’s his child, isn’t it?”

For a moment, Yang Ryeo-cheong staggered. Hong-yeon quickly rushed to her side.

“Your Ladyship, are you alright?”

Her words were directed at Yang Ryeo-cheong, but her eyes were on Jo Gwang-yun.

“Never close the distance. Remember that.”

“Yes, Lord.”

Hong-yeon quickly stepped back, and Yang Ryeo-cheong calmed her surprised heart and continued walking.

“What on earth are you saying? Are you telling me to carry another man’s seed?”

Jo Gwang-yun nodded.

“Listen carefully. You will die the day the Emperor dies. What do you need to worry about when the Empress’s son becomes the Emperor? Do you think she will let you live, who monopolized her husband? You know very well what a woman’s jealousy is like, don’t you?”

“Let’s say I have a child. Let’s say the Emperor thinks it’s his child. Even so, it’s still the child of a concubine. I can’t stop the Empress’s son from becoming the Emperor.”

He did not mention that the Empress’s son was not the Emperor’s biological child. If the words were to leak out, everyone would die for slandering the Empress. The fewer people who know the secret, the better.

“The Empress’s son is not yet the Crown Prince. If the Emperor truly cherishes you, who knows what might happen? You’ve seen it in the Imperial Palace, haven’t you? Does the Emperor dote on his current son? A man cherishes and loves the child born to the woman he truly loves. If you only give birth to a son, you and the Empress will be on equal footing.”

“Will he really crown the son of a concubine as the Crown Prince?”

“I will make it happen. That is our only way to survive.”

“The path is arduous.”

“It’s what you prepared for when the Emperor, not his brother, chose you on the day of the first snow.”

“If we are to live, I must have a child, and that child must be a son, not a daughter.”

Yang Ryeo-cheong sighed softly. Despite hearing Jo Gwang-yun’s shocking words, she did not tremble or turn pale. She was not an ordinary woman after all.

Considering the days she had lived through, there was probably nothing to fear.

“Inside the high walls of the Imperial Palace, the only man is the impotent Emperor… and the rest can’t even perform their duties as men. I need a proper man to even think about having a child… How on earth am I going to have a child?”

“If there are no men inside, you have to find one outside.”

“Are you suggesting I bring a perfectly healthy man in, pretending he’s a eunuch?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong scoffed.

The Emperor visits almost every night, and she has to sleep with another man while avoiding the eyes of the court ladies and eunuchs who take care of her in Haan Palace?

That was impossible.

“You have to go out. Leave the Emperor in the palace.”

“So, how am I supposed to go out? I need an excuse to leave.”

“The royal physician will let you out. You just have to listen to the royal physician.”

“The royal physician?”

Jo Gwang-yun slowly walked and told her what she had to do in the future. Of course, only some of it. The whole picture should be revealed slowly and naturally to avoid mistakes.

“And I am leaving far away tomorrow. That is why I am meeting you to say goodbye.”

“When will you return?”

“Very soon. So that I can coordinate this matter with my own hands, wouldn’t you agree?”

Yang Ryeo-cheong was relieved. She could trust the work that Jo Gwang-yun handled himself.

“Do you remember what I said when I first met you?”

“That if I didn’t do it right, you would throw me into a hellish place?”

Jo Gwang-yun nodded.

“It’s different now. If I don’t plan properly, and you make even a small mistake, we will both fall into hell. Hehe.”

He said it to make her feel like they were one, but Yang Ryeo-cheong chuckled.

“I know that my brother is the kind of person who would find a way out of the entrance to hell. You have to take me with you when you escape. Otherwise, I will grab your ankle and jump into hell with you. Hoho.”

Seeing her smiling brightly and saying it so casually, he felt relieved rather than taken aback.

With that much sense, she would be able to follow his plan well enough.

“Then I shall take my leave. Always take care of yourself, Your Ladyship.”

“Have a safe journey, brother.”

To anyone who saw them, they were a loving brother and sister.

* * *

“Gu Seung, you need to go to Fujian Province.”

“Yes, Lord.”

He laughed because he didn’t ask why.

“Aren’t you curious why you’re going?”

“If necessary, you will tell me, Lord.”

“You’re going in my place.”

“Yes?”

“As a court advisor of Geumjo, you need to check the salt farm development applications and inspect the sites.”

“But, Lord. How can I pretend to be an official?”

Gu Seung was startled and waved his hands.

“It’s alright. They’re just village magistrates in a remote seaside area. They’ve never seen my face and will never see it in the future. And they’ll bow their heads just at the sight of the imperial robes. When they give you the documents, just take them all, saying you’ll review them. Take your time. Rest well in scenic spots on your way there and back.”

“No, I’ll be back quickly.”

“It’s not that, I need to be away from the capital for over a hundred days. So, I’m telling you to take your time.”

“Ah… !”

Gu Seung, understanding the meaning, lowered his head.

“Leave tomorrow. Use a carriage and travel with about six children.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare immediately.”

The next day, Jo Gwang-yun, dressed in silk clothes and carrying his official robes, boarded a large carriage. Gu Seung was already waiting inside the carriage.

“Let’s move slowly until we get out of the city. I’ll secretly get off at a suitable place.”

“Yes, Lord.”

Gu Seung took out the light clothes he had prepared.

“Please change quickly.”

After changing his clothes, Jo Gwang-yun quickly got out of the carriage when it passed through a crowded marketplace, hid himself in the crowd, looked around, and then ran to the Club.

He would have to stay at the Club and handle things for the time being.

First, he called the subordinates guarding the Club and gave them some instructions.

Jo Gwang-yun told them the addresses of the two royal physicians and handed them letters.

“Go there tonight and deliver these secretly.”

“Yes, Lord.”

“And find a young, handsome, and sturdy guy. Someone who wouldn’t be a problem if he disappeared.”

“A man… are you saying?”

“Yes. Someone to be used and discarded. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Yes, Lord.”

The subordinates retreated with strange expressions. They probably all had the same thought.

A plaything to be offered to a high-ranking official who enjoys male beauty. Someone who can be killed at any time when they get tired of him, without causing any trouble.

Alone, Jo Gwang-yun finally stretched his body.

After being dropped in this unfamiliar Central Plains [the central region of China, often associated with the Han Chinese heartland], now was the time to start the most reckless and dangerous work.

Dealing with the gangster-like Oryun Clan, fighting a battle with the Namgung Family, and taking care of Hyuk Si-mok, the leader of the Mukdo Society, were nothing more than child’s play compared to what he was about to do.

Wasn’t what he was about to do now taking over the entire country?

Only if he succeeded, though.

End