NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53
[Days Later, Imperial Palace.]
“…Your Majesty, please grant us permission.”
“…….”
“Your Majesty!!”
The ministers raised their voices, calling out to the Emperor.
Everyone bowed their heads to the supreme ruler, but there was an intense look in their eyes demanding something from the Emperor.
“The notion of ‘non-interference’ was originally a claim made by the rogues of the martial world. It has been the martial world that has caused chaos in the country over the past fifty years, and it was the martial world that instigated rebellion against the Imperial family!”
“If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late! Please grant us permission to suppress the martial world! What does it matter if these so-called martial rebels from the White Path unite as insurgents?!”
“Proclaim the martial factions in all regions except for the Peng and Mo Yong families as organized criminals to demonstrate the Imperial authority!!”
Why are the ministers so fervently shouting for the ‘destruction of the martial world’?
Although discussions have been held multiple times in the palace, the conclusion reached was that “it’s not impossible” if they set their minds to it.
If only the Mo Yong family didn’t exist.
To be precise, if the Mo Yong family were not enemies of the Imperial family, the martial world would be nothing.
Even if the Mo Yong family remained neutral, the government could still take down the martial world.
If anyone were to ask why they hadn’t spoken up until now, it was because they had remained silent, and as a result, the Imperial army had suffered greatly due to the existence of the Heavenly Demon.
The regular troops were devastated by a single martial master.
Not just hundreds or thousands, but tens of thousands of soldiers perished.
This is something the Imperial family — no, the nation — cannot overlook.
Over the years, the Imperial family has been cultivating strength to control the martial world by force, and that strength has finally matured to a stage where they can really act.
Above all…
“Thanks to Physician Seok Muwol of the Mo Yong family, we are now able to treat the Sickness of Absolute Meridians while numerous factions of the martial world are in disarray! Now is the opportunity!”
Thanks to the chaos triggered by a single physician, those who have studied and understood the structure of the martial factions began to shout “it’s possible!”
“As patients come to the Mo Yong family for treatment of the Sickness of Absolute Meridians, allow us to investigate the crimes committed by the other martial families and factions!”
“Above all, let us collect the taxes they have not paid thus far! Dismiss the local officials who have neglected their duties due to bribes from martial sects and appoint new officials who will demonstrate the Imperial family’s authority!!”
“……That’s enough.”
At the earnest cries of the ministers, the Emperor raised his hand.
“I understand your opinions. You may leave for today.”
“Your Majesty!!”
“I said enough!”
With a loud thud, the Emperor slammed his palm against the armrest of his throne and stood up.
“The chaos in this Imperial Palace brought about by the martial people and the blood that splattered even onto this throne is but a memory! How can you still want to spill more blood? May I ask, which of the children of the ministers here is capable of mastering martial arts and engaging in life-or-death battles with warriors?”
At the Emperor’s outburst, the ministers fell silent.
“My… my children aren’t lacking in will, but rather talent in martial arts…!”
“Even without talent, they can serve as soldiers! If they only think of shouting from the safety of this land instead of sacrificing themselves, then I shall take your words as if I never heard them!”
With a fierce glare, the Emperor left the throne.
“Please kill me.”
While the plea for death left his lips, the Emperor clenched his fist tightly as the gazes of the ministers pierced into his back, but ultimately, he let out a deep sigh and had no choice but to return to his palace.
It was too late to ignore the public sentiment.
The ‘martial collaboration theory’ that spread around Beijing has now expanded into the ‘martial rejection theory,’ and the ones driving this home were the Demon Cult and the Mo Yong family.
At the very least, the Demon Cult must be eradicated by the court to present the nation in the way it should be.
The Sword Saint of the Mo Yong family must become not the ‘strongest in the world’ but the ‘great general of the world,’ wielding his sword for the Imperial family, the nation, and the people.
Such opinions are being seriously exchanged within the court, while some extremists are raising their voices, not just targeting the Demon Cult but the entire martial world.
“Hoo.”
“Your Majesty.”
Just as the Emperor let out a heavy sigh and was about to enter the palace, a eunuch appeared before him.
“…Is it Eunuch Tae Hwan?”
As soon as he saw the white-bearded Eunuch Tae Hwan, the Emperor’s expression brightened.
If there was anyone in this palace with whom he could speak at ease, it would only be Eunuch Tae Hwan.
“Please, let us have a word, even if briefly.”
Eunuch Tae Hwan glanced at those following the Emperor and bowed his head.
“What they say isn’t wrong.”
“Eunuch Tae Hwan…!”
Just as he was about to demand whether Tae Hwan was planning to echo the ministers’ words, the Emperor suddenly halted, taken aback by Tae Hwan’s posture.
“…If even Eunuch Tae Hwan is saying this, then there must be a good reason.”
Then, as if the man’s thoughts had changed in an instant, he let out a deep sigh and continued speaking.
“With the blood already spilled, must we shed more?”
“I understand your consideration for the people. However, would you hear this old man’s words once?”
Eunuch Tae Hwan pointed towards the inner garden of the palace, and the Emperor, with a solemn face, walked past him towards the front.
Wink.
Eunuch Tae Hwan gave a sly wink towards the eunuchs and maidens standing behind the Emperor.
“Truly Eunuch Tae Hwan…!”
Eunuch Tae Hwan convinced the Emperor.
If the conversation flows this way, the ministers will joyfully send support to Tae Hwan.
In reality, no one knows what they will be discussing.
* * *
Regarding power, I could only indirectly witness instances such as the Demon Cult or the Mo Yong family.
The power the Heavenly Demon holds.
The power held by the head and deputy head of the Mo Yong family.
Having only seen such aspects, I’ve come to think of power through my own limited perspective.
However, today I realized how, when raising it to the level of ‘state power,’ sometimes truth becomes falsehood and falsehood becomes truth.
“I never imagined I would leave the Mo Yong family to go up to Beijing.”
“I never thought I could come out of the Mo Yong family like this.”
The Mo Yongseol sitting next to me looked around the carriage.
This wasn’t the carriage used by the Mo Yong family, but one used by the government.
“This is said to be exclusive for royals, right?”
“That’s what I heard. If a non-royal rides it, they could be executed for disrespect.”
“Is it okay for us to be like this?”
“Well, the family head is currently riding in the carriage ahead, accompanied by palace guards, so there shouldn’t be any problem. This carriage was sent directly by the powerful person managing it.”
We are currently heading from the Liaodong province to Beijing.
No matter how much we might hold a dominant position against the various patients with the Sickness of Absolute Meridians in the martial world, we can’t just command them to come without hesitation, especially if the target is the ‘Imperial family.’
“Do you think other martial factions have noticed we’re heading to the Imperial family?”
“They wouldn’t. That’s the power of authority now.”
Power.
Is it merely impressive to be able to bring a royal carriage to drive us around?
No.
The strength of power lies in mobilizing over a hundred people, including the Imperial carriage, while stealthily taking Mo Yongseol and me to Beijing without leaking any information to anyone.
The ability to ensure that all those escorting us remain silent.
The same goes for the information-gathering beggars or spies from the Haowen sect, making sure no one dares to sense the nation’s affairs.
Even against the ministers within the court, making it so that they do not know we’re heading to Beijing, nor ‘into the Imperial Palace.’
Creak.
“You’ve been waiting for long.”
As the carriage came to a halt, Eunuch Tae Hwan personally opened the carriage door.
“Follow me. No need to be excessively formal, so please relax.”
With a light gesture, Eunuch Tae Hwan proceeded forward, and Mo Yongseol and I held each other’s hands tightly as we followed him.
“Will it be alright?”
“Although it might be seen as disrespectful to say such things in the Imperial Palace, nothing is more tense than standing before the family head.”
Before the Emperor?
I’m the one who spent a night with the daughter of the Sword Saint and then told that Sword Saint, “I’ve taken your daughter’s virginity.”
If there’s anything to fear in the world, it’s Mo Yongseol rejecting or abandoning me, or the Heavenly Demon appearing and controlling my loneliness, forcing me to do things I don’t want to do.
Nothing else will frighten me, not even greeting the Emperor of this nation.
“Your Majesty, I have brought Physician Seok.”
“Mm.”
A darker space than the hidden room of the Mo Yong family.
“Pleasure to meet you, Physician. And the daughter of the Mo Yong family.”
From beyond the expansive stretch of darkness, Deputy Head Mo Yongsan, looking about the same age, greeted us with a low voice.
“I have heard from Eunuch Tae Hwan. So, you say you can treat any ailment?”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
“If you can cure any malady, can you cure mine?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then.”
With a shudder.
As Eunuch Tae Hwan stepped back,
“Transform me.”
The Emperor revealed himself.
“Into a woman.”
“…….”
Fear.
It wasn’t solely due to the fear of death.