I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 169

< Discovering the Emperor's Heart 4 >

How could he even entertain such a crazy idea as to touch the Emperor’s brother? Wi Chung-hyun realized his judgment that Jo Kwang-yun was clever was wrong. Jo Kwang-yun was not someone to be trifled with.

This guy is dangerous enough to kill his own nephew without hesitation if necessary, and even frame the Emperor’s brother.

“Why are you so surprised? Is Prince Pyongwon also one of your men?”

“What men? And… are you out of your mind? You’re going to touch the Imperial family? Don’t you know this could be seen as a challenge to the Emperor?”

“It’s the only way to end it with Ju Sang-bang. Otherwise, you’ll be in danger. Don’t you see?”

Three rabbits were caught in one net.

The Emperor.

Prince Pyongwon.

And Wi Chung-hyun.

What is the Emperor truly thinking?

Is he really targeting Wi Chung-hyun?

What Jo Kwang-yun wanted to know most was what the Emperor thought of Prince Pyongwon.

After all, Wi Chung-hyun would only be caught with one weakness by the Emperor and wouldn’t suffer much damage. Fellow officials occasionally gave him money, and he had to buy drinks at luxurious brothels and give gifts every season to manage the court officials and not lose their favor.

He received money from Ju Sang-bang for those expenses, but he could simply say he didn’t know where the money came from.

It could be a flaw, but not grounds for impeachment.

But what about Prince Pyongwon?

He received money from his father-in-law, but no prince receives money from his subjects.

Would the Emperor use this as an excuse to get rid of his brother?

Isn’t his brother the first candidate for the throne in case of his demise? This also means he could revolt at any time.

“I heard His Majesty cherishes his brother. Then this matter will unconditionally end with the disposal of Ju Sang-bang. It’s just that the father-in-law gave his daughter, and the son-in-law, plenty of dowry.”

“The moment Prince Pyongwon’s name comes out…”

“That’s right. His Majesty will also feel uneasy and quickly order the case to be closed. A member of the Imperial family taking bribes is an act of tarnishing His Majesty’s face.”

Wi Chung-hyun couldn’t help but admire him. That improvisation to come up with a brilliant plan—no, the best plan—was truly outstanding.

But there was still an unresolved issue.

“Will Ju Sang-bang really sell out his son-in-law?”

Jo Kwang-yun clicked his tongue at Wi Chung-hyun’s concern.

“Didn’t you say he was your right-hand man? If your right-hand man would do anything for you, then a son-in-law is nothing… If he can’t, then you’ve considered the wrong person as your right-hand man.”

Those were the words of a guy who said to kill his nephew if he was in the way.

“I’m just suggesting a plan; the choice is yours.”

Jo Kwang-yun quietly lowered his head. It meant he had nothing more to say and was telling him to leave.

Wi Chung-hyun asked one last question.

“You don’t have any other ledgers besides that one, do you?”

Jo Kwang-yun smirked at Wi Chung-hyun, who was glaring at him, and said,

“If I did, I would have thrown them all to the Sinhyungsa [a historical Korean judicial institution]. This was something I started to clear everything out at once. Why would I leave any room for future problems? I don’t do things that will hold me back.”

“Are you sure?”

Wi Chung-hyun stared into Jo Kwang-yun’s eyes as if wanting to get confirmation, but Jo Kwang-yun’s eyes didn’t waver in the slightest.

“Is there any doubt?”

Wi Chung-hyun examined Jo Kwang-yun’s expression for a moment and turned around. Jo Kwang-yun, who had seen him off, sighed.

Why does he ask questions that are obvious?

Could it be that he’s expecting an honest answer? Or is he trying to ease his mind by hearing the answer he wants to hear?

How pathetic.

* * *

“Hey! He’s my friend. Are you going to stop me from seeing my friend’s face?”

Wi Chung-hyun shouted, and Hwang-hyo avoided his eyes.

“The Imperial order is strict…”

“That’s why I’m asking you like this, isn’t it? If it wasn’t an Imperial order, I would have dragged you out a long time ago.”

In any case, he was the highest-ranking official in the court and the Empress’s brother. He couldn’t refuse even a non-coercive request. Besides, he had personally brought a tray with a teapot and cups.

“Just have a cup of tea. That’s all.”

“That’s enough. Thank you.”

Wi Chung-hyun was led into the prison by Hwang-hyo.

Ju Sang-bang was groaning and lying on a straw mat, covered in blood.

“Hey, Minister of Culture!”

“Lord Wi…”

Tears welled up in Ju Sang-bang’s eyes as if he was overcome with sorrow.

Wi Chung-hyun poured some warm tea into his mouth.

“I’m sorry for showing you this side of me…”

“What are you talking about? You need to get out of here as soon as possible.”

“I think I’ll only get out of here when my life is cut short.”

“Stop talking nonsense. I will definitely save you.”

Hope appeared in Ju Sang-bang’s eyes.

“Is there a good way? It seems like His Majesty has made up his mind.”

Wi Chung-hyun carefully opened his mouth, watching Ju Sang-bang’s expression.

“There’s no way for you to keep your position.”

“I don’t expect that much. I just pray that my family is safe.”

“For your family to be safe, someone’s name has to come out of your mouth. The right name. If you rashly say a name, all the families mentioned will not be able to avoid destruction.”

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“I’ve discussed it with several officials, and there’s only one way for everyone to live. You have to beg your son-in-law for your life.”

“Yes? Are you talking about Prince Pyongwon, my son-in-law?”

“A father-in-law to his son-in-law… No. In this case, it would be the daughter. It’s not a big flaw for a father to give his daughter some money, is it?”

“Lord Wi! What are you saying? Are you saying that I’m not enough, and you’re dragging my daughter into this hell? In that case, I’d rather die here alone!”

“You’re not just dying alone. Your family will be ruined!”

Wi Chung-hyun calmed down Ju Sang-bang, who was jumping up and down, and began to persuade him slowly.

He shouldn’t feel threatened or resentful in the slightest. Even if it’s friendship and trust that has been built up over decades, human hearts can be broken and collapse with just one word.

Especially if he feels even a little betrayed, Ju Sang-bang will say his name instead of Prince Pyongwon’s.

Wi Chung-hyun had to be careful with every word and appease Ju Sang-bang until he nodded.

It would take a little longer than the time for a cup of tea.

* * *

Hwang-hyo, who was glaring at Ju Sang-bang, had the face of a victor.

“What… what? Did you just say Prince Pyongwon?”

“Yes. My son-in-law. Why? The father-in-law received a bribe and told him to use it. What’s wrong with that?”

Hwang-hyo was speechless.

The name he got after a harsh interrogation was the Emperor’s brother!

How could he report this fact to the Emperor? If the sparks flew in the wrong direction, he, who moved the sparks first, didn’t know what would happen to him.

“Hey, Hwang-hyo. You’re not suited for using your head. People like me use their heads. Just do what you’re naturally good at. Anyway, it’s enough for you to catch me, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you’re up to, but don’t play shallow tricks. Do you think you’ll be able to avoid your sins by doing that?”

“You’re the one playing tricks.”

“What?”

“Hwang-hyo! Do you think you’re anything special!”

Hwang-hyo’s eyes widened at Ju Sang-bang’s sudden shout.

“All you have to do is record the words that come out of the criminal’s mouth and report them to His Majesty. Don’t even dream of trying to connect me with someone you want. If you do anything foolish, you won’t be safe either.”

“Do you think I’ll even blink an eye at such threats?”

“Does it sound like a threat?”

Ju Sang-bang smirked and suddenly shouted.

“Yes! I gave money to my son-in-law, Prince Pyongwon! Is it something to be criticized for a father-in-law to give his son-in-law some dowry!”

Hwang-hyo realized he had made a mistake.

He didn’t expect Ju Sang-bang to use such tricks. Now that the Sinhyungsa officials had heard everything, he couldn’t hide it.

It was clear that people would be whispering about Prince Pyongwon all over the palace before the day was over. He had no choice but to report to the Emperor before this happened.

Looking at Hwang-hyo’s distorted face, Ju Sang-bang said,

“Don’t use your head and report it quickly. You’ll find out later. That this is the best way. Hahaha.”

Hwang-hyo left Ju Sang-bang, who was laughing heartily, and hurried to the Emperor.

* * *

Hwang-hyo swallowed hard and prostrated himself on the floor. He had said Prince Pyongwon’s name, but the Emperor was not showing any reaction.

Since the Emperor did not open his mouth, everyone even held their breath.

Hwang-hyo, unable to bear it, opened his mouth again.

“Your Majesty. What should we do?”

The Emperor finally opened his mouth.

“My brother received black money from Ju Sang-bang?”

“Ju Sang-bang, in order to save his life, disloyally insulted the Imperial family. Therefore, I will interrogate him more harshly…”

“Stop. That’s enough.”

“Yes?”

“Those are the words that came out after a harsh interrogation. Can you take those words back? Even if another name comes out, there is no bigger name than my brother.”

The Emperor sighed once and continued.

“Report the results of the interrogation at the court meeting tomorrow. It will be discussed in the court.”

“I will obey your command.”

Hwang-hyo quietly retreated, relieved that he had finished the report safely without the Emperor’s scolding.

One question that arose was why he was bringing this matter to the court.

Ju Sang-bang had confessed his sins, so only punishment remained. Even if Prince Pyongwon’s name came out of his mouth, it was an Imperial matter, and even if the Emperor secretly called him and scolded him, no official would object.

In some ways, Ju Sang-bang had made a very clever move.

But what was the Emperor’s intention in bringing the Imperial family’s affairs to the court?

* * *

As Hwang-hyo read the interrogation details in a trembling voice, the Uiwha Hall was as silent as if cold water had been poured over it.

Since Prince Pyongwon was mentioned, no one dared to come forward. Only the Emperor could make a decision.

The Emperor asked again.

“Is it true?”

“I am deeply sorry, Your Majesty. Ju Sang-bang confessed the truth.”

The officials who had expected to inflict a great blow on Wi Chung-hyun gritted their teeth.

The arrow missed the target and hit the wrong place.

Now, no one can predict what will happen next.

It was money that had been touched from the salt collected as taxes. It was no different from embezzling the Imperial family’s budget, and that money flowed to the Emperor’s brother.

Yoon Ju-sung began to feel more and more afraid.

Perhaps he had touched the Emperor’s reverse scale [a metaphor for something that provokes the wrath of a superior].

The Emperor rose from the throne and slowly opened his mouth.

“Tell me without reservation how this matter should be handled.”

Even with the Emperor’s order, no official rashly opened his mouth. It was because they did not know the Emperor’s intentions. But those who wanted to get out of this situation quickly were bound to be impatient.

Wi Chung-hyun opened his mouth first.

“It is a great crime for a member of the Imperial family, who should be a role model, to have taken bribes. Punish him severely.”

“Punish him severely?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. However, Prince Pyongwon would not have known that Ju Sang-bang’s money was a bribe, so this should also be taken into consideration.”

“Are you saying to punish him? Or are you saying not to punish him?”

“It would be best to punish Ju Sang-bang severely, but to end with a light reprimand for Prince Pyongwon.”

Yoon Ju-sung was on edge, paying close attention to the conversation between the two.

Now, the Emperor’s next words were the most important.

If he rebuked Hwang-hyo for the poor investigation, it meant that he would continue the interrogation until Wi Chung-hyun’s name came out.

If he accepted Wi Chung-hyun’s words as they were, this matter would end here. But it didn’t seem like it would end like this at all. It felt like something bigger was about to happen.

“Is it something to be taken lightly that a member of the Imperial family received money from a subject?”

Not only Yoon Ju-sung but all the officials realized that the real thing had begun.

< Discovering the Emperor's Heart 4 > End