I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 207

< Side Story 3. >

As soon as Jo Gwang-yun entered the palace early in the morning, he summoned the heads of Dongrim [Eastern Forest, likely a spy agency] and Seoik [Western Wing, likely another spy agency].

“From now on, all members of Dongrim will monitor the path entering Xinjiang [a region in northwestern China] from the north. Send all but the minimum personnel from Seoik to the north as well.”

The two exchanged glances before Do Young-jeon spoke.

“Prime Minister, may I ask why you are issuing such an order?”

“I have received information that a group of foreigners may cross the border.”

The two hurriedly lowered their heads.

They were completely unaware of the information the Prime Minister had obtained. The country’s two major intelligence agencies had missed such a critical issue.

They would have nothing to say even if a severe reprimand were issued.

“We are sorry, Prime Minister. Please punish us for our incompetence.”

“It was obtained through the Murim [martial arts world], so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know. I’m not trying to blame you, so raise your heads. From now on, tighten the surveillance net quickly and thoroughly.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

As the two retreated with a sigh of relief, Minister of the Secretariat Yoon Ju-seong entered.

“Minister of the Secretariat, while I am away from the court and the imperial family, please take good care of His Majesty and ensure that the court functions as usual.”

“Yes, Prime Minister. But may I ask what is so important that you will be away for quite some time?”

Yoon Ju-seong carefully watched Jo Gwang-yun’s expression.

“It’s a matter of national defense. It’s not certain yet, so I can’t go into detail. Please understand.”

A matter of national defense meant war at its worst. This was a suitable reason for the Prime Minister to move. Also, the impending crisis would prevent any other thoughts from the outset.

“Yes.”

“And issue an edict to dispatch five thousand elite cavalry to Banghyun in Hubei [a province in China]. I will personally command them there.”

“Five thousand?”

Five thousand elite soldiers were by no means a small number. Yoon Ju-seong looked worried, wondering if something really big was happening.

“Ask no more and leave.”

“Yes.”

As Yoon Ju-seong stepped back, Jo Gwang-yun immediately summoned Jang Cheong-un.

“I greet the Prime Minister.”

Jang Cheong-un, now full of the dignity of a general, bowed his head.

“Select two hundred outstanding soldiers from the Imperial Guard. They have a place to go.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and prepare yourself too. It will be a very beneficial time. And everyone should remove their armor and wear light clothing.”

“I obey your command.”

Like a soldier, like a warrior, Jang Cheong-un asked no questions.

* * *

As Jo Gwang-yun’s party left the capital, another group followed.

It was the warriors of the Azure Dragon Gate, including Yeom-sin.

Yeom-sin and Jang Cheong-un rode their horses alongside Jo Gwang-yun, who was leading the way.

Having shed their armor, their clothes were light, and Jang Cheong-un’s heart was lighter as they left the capital. With the heart of a sworn brother rather than a subordinate, he cautiously opened his mouth and asked a question.

“Prime Minister, may I ask where we are going?”

“Wudang [referring to the Wudang Mountains, known for Taoist monasteries and martial arts].”

Jang Cheong-un’s eyes widened at Jo Gwang-yun’s short answer. A glimmer of expectation flashed in his widened eyes.

The group with the best martial arts.

The opportunity to gain insight into their martial arts.

However, Jo Gwang-yun’s next words pushed the expectation away with shock.

“The Demonic Cult is coming to that Wudang Mountain. Don’t let your guard down.”

Startled, Jang Cheong-un said.

“Then are you moving on Murim [martial arts world] matters, Prime Minister?”

“Why? Are you a general who eats the country’s salary and doesn’t want to get involved in Murim affairs? If so, you can go back now.”

As Jo Gwang-yun spoke jokingly, Jang Cheong-un hurriedly waved his hand.

“No, it’s just that the Prime Minister is trying to broaden my horizons, and I can’t miss this golden opportunity.”

“There are plenty of people in the world who can broaden your horizons, aren’t there? There’s one right here, did you perhaps not recognize him?”

“I don’t have such terrible eyes. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to see Yeom Dae-hyeop’s [Great Hero, a respectful title] martial arts.”

Yeom-sin shook his head at his gaze.

“The name of the Imperial Guard Captain is famous even in Gangho [another term for the martial arts world]. I’m not capable of stepping up. Haha.”

He was being humble, but Yeom-sin’s eyes also sparkled.

The praise that he was the strongest warrior in the country was widespread throughout the Central Plains [historical region of China]. His eyes were full of curiosity about how the general’s martial arts would be different.

Also, it was a look of confidence that he would never lose.

“Let’s do that viewing when we return. Well… If you see the martial arts of Wudang or the Demonic Cult, it will be meaningless.”

The two knew Wudang’s martial arts well, but not the Demonic Cult’s.

What would they feel after seeing their martial arts?

It would be fortunate if they didn’t feel self-reproach.

Jang Cheong-un and Yeom-sin gripped their reins tightly and closed their mouths.

* * *

The five thousand cavalrymen who had been waiting for Jo Gwang-yun greeted him with a frosty aura as he arrived.

“We greet the Prime Minister!”

As the white-haired general leading the cavalry shouted while prostrating himself, Jo Gwang-yun got off his horse and raised him up.

“Weren’t you bored waiting? I tried to hurry, but I was late. I hope you understand.”

“No, Prime Minister. We haven’t been waiting that long, and thanks to the measures you took in advance, the five thousand soldiers have eaten their fill and even rested well. I am truly grateful.”

“I’m glad that the Jo family’s preparations were not inadequate.”

Before departing, he had sent a messenger hawk to the Jo family estates throughout Hubei.

He had ordered them to prepare enough food and alcohol for the five thousand cavalrymen gathered in Banghyun to eat and drink to their fill, so he could well imagine how busy they must have been.

Currently, the military’s support for Jo Gwang-yun was absolute.

The late Emperor and previous emperors had regarded the military as merely a tool.

The court’s civil officials were ultimately in charge of directing them, and no matter how talented a general was, they were not allowed to participate in policy discussions regarding the military.

However, Jo Gwang-yun clearly distinguished between civil and military affairs and entrusted the military to the warriors.

By dividing roles, the generals rose to the same position as the court officials, so they had no choice but to follow Jo Gwang-yun.

Jo Gwang-yun entered the barracks and had a private conversation with the white-haired general over tea.

“This is a matter of the Gangho Murim [martial arts world], but it is also related to foreigners.”

“Are you talking about the barbarians from the border?”

“That’s a bit ambiguous. It’s hard to call them complete barbarians, and it’s also hard to say they have Central Plains [historical region of China] blood. But their numbers may reach one hundred thousand, so I called you urgently.”

The general’s eyes widened at the mention of one hundred thousand. Wasn’t that an enormous number?

“One hundred thousand? Where on earth did one hundred thousand soldiers…?”

“Ah… I don’t mean an army of one hundred thousand. We will soon find out how many of them are warriors who can wield a sword. However…”

“Yes.”

“You just need to show off your might. To prevent them from crossing the border recklessly.”

As Jo Gwang-yun explained in detail the reason why the absolute masters of the Demonic Cult were visiting Wudang and their movements, the worry disappeared from the general’s face.

“Prime Minister, if they all enter the Central Plains, what is your plan?”

“We have to accept them. Isn’t that obvious?”

“What? Even though they are clearly foreigners?”

The general cautiously showed a wary attitude towards Jo Gwang-yun, who answered so easily.

“If they are outside the border, they are one hundred thousand barbarians, but if they come inside the border, they are just one hundred thousand civilians and a few thousand Gangho people. No matter how strong the Demonic Cult’s martial arts are, the only people who should be afraid are the Gangho people of the Central Plains. We just need to govern them according to the national laws.”

“Ah…!”

Barbarians if they are outside, civilians if they are brought inside.

It was a simple but enormous change.

“If the population increases, the country’s production will increase. Our empire is wide enough to accept about one hundred thousand people.”

“You truly have deep insight.”

The general bowed his head as if he was sincerely impressed.

“You just need to show them the majesty of this country. So that the moment they cross the border and set foot in this country, they will turn into docile people.”

“I will keep that in mind. But how many Demonic Cult members are visiting the Wudang sect? A hundred? A thousand…?”

“No. They say there are thirteen.”

“…?”

The general thought he had missed the numbers a hundred or a thousand in front. To call five thousand elite soldiers to pressure just thirteen people? He refused to believe it.

“Why are you so surprised? It’s thirteen.”

“Ah, no… Prime Minister. Just thirteen…”

Jo Gwang-yun raised his hand and blocked the general’s mouth.

“My martial arts teacher has confirmed their martial arts. I was thinking of deploying ten thousand soldiers, but it seemed like too much, so I reduced it. I just hope you won’t be overwhelmed by their aura.”

The general, who still couldn’t believe it, was dissatisfied that Jo Gwang-yun was from Gangho and overestimated the Murim people too much.

* * *

The beautiful mountain range, worthy of the reputation of being the best mountain in the Central Plains. Jo Gwang-yun’s party slowly ascended the mountain, admiring the scenery, and arrived at the famous legendary place.

Even an emperor cannot visit Wudang with a sword. All weapons must be laid down at this very spot.

This was Haegeomji (解劍池) [Sword-Releasing Pond], the Sword-Releasing Pond.

A place where Wudang’s pride and self-esteem were intertwined.

The Wudang disciple guarding Haegeomji discovered Jo Gwang-yun and bowed his head respectfully.

“Greetings, Prime Minister.”

Jo Gwang-yun nodded lightly and got off his horse.

“It is proper etiquette to Wudang to lay down one’s sword, but I must prepare for the imminent danger, so I will go with my sword. Instead, I am thinking of getting off my horse and walking up. What do you think? Will you forgive me for not releasing my sword (解劍) [Haegeom]?”

The Wudang disciple was beyond surprised by Jo Gwang-yun’s attitude; he was moved. The fact that the leader of a country valued the place where he belonged so highly made him unable to contain the overwhelming emotion.

“It is already an honor that the Prime Minister has come here in person, so how can I insist on Wudang’s rules? That heart alone is enough. Put away the formalities and get on your horse. The road ahead is rough.”

“No. I have the strength to walk up a mountain path. Just lead the way.”

“I will.”

The Wudang disciple quietly walked ahead.

Everyone was leading their horses, so the pace was slow, but as Jo Gwang-yun walked with a satisfied smile, everyone closed their mouths and walked, admiring the scenery of the mountains.

As they approached the main base of Wudang, numerous groups appeared.

They were the people of the Wudang and Mount Hua sects.

As Jo Gwang-yun approached, they all bowed and paid their respects.

“Greetings, Prime Minister!”

Jo Gwang-yun also bowed to them.

“I am Jo Gwang-yun.”

Everyone relaxed and had bright expressions at Jo Gwang-yun’s courteous attitude.

In particular, Yoo Gyu-seong, who greeted Jo Gwang-yun at the very front, could not hide his joy after hearing from the disciple guarding Haegeomji about Jo Gwang-yun’s words and actions at Haegeomji.

“The Prime Minister is worried about the Murim’s troubles and has come all the way here, and he even remembers and follows the rules of the main base, so it is truly an unparalleled honor.”

“This position is not as a prime minister but as a junior in the Murim world. Please don’t mind it.”

Jo Gwang-yun showed the most humble attitude possible. The people gathered in this place were the ones who would have to protect him in an emergency.

The bodyguard’s feelings for the subject are important. The more favorable they are, the easier it is to throw themselves and prevent danger.

Also, if he showed the image of a broad-minded man, he could gain the praise of Wudang. The praise of Wudang was no different from gaining the praise of all the people in the Hubei region.

As the two groups facing each other were paying their respects, someone stepped forward and shouted.

“Younger brother. Have you come?”

Noh Hye-gwang approached without hesitation and put his arm around Jo Gwang-yun’s shoulder.

“Let’s go. You haven’t eaten, have you? It’s tasteless Wudang food, but it’s enough to fill your stomach.”

The oblivious sworn brother had ruined this good picture.

* * *

< Side Story 3. > End