The Second Eunuch Regains His Manhood

Chapter 215: The Great Plan of Juga-yul

After finishing the information report, I patted Neungwolhyang’s head.

I could feel the softness of her hair in my hand.

Receiving my affection, Neungwolhyang, or rather Jeoksawol, smiled. She hugged me tight. Wearing a translucent outfit that revealed half of her skin, her closeness made my youthful body react.

However, with superhuman patience, I suppressed my desires and spoke.

“Gaga. What are your plans moving forward?”

Neungwolhyang beamed.

Still clinging to me, she replied.

Honestly, I couldn’t understand why Jeoksawol was still hiding her identity at this point.

Isn’t it time to reveal it?

“I found a clue to lift the restriction of Sosumahu, so I think I’ll take her to Mosan Sect.”

I spoke while looking at Jeoksawol.

Hearing my words, Neungwolhyang fell into a moment of thought.

Swish.

She poured high-quality tea into the teacup.

Looking down from the top of Gonhwa Pavilion, which had grown as tall as a skyscraper during my nineteen years, I saw the night view.

Although not as dazzling as the bustling capital of Kaifeng, there were still plenty of houses lighting up their lamps at night.

As the Gongdong Sect thrived, so too did the lower village of Hwajeong County reclaim its former glory.

Of course, the Gongdong Sect hadn’t officially opened its doors yet, but with Lee Cheol-soo, a top master of the later phase, and Yujinhwi of the Gongdong Alliance both hailing from it, and having friendly relations with both the Martial Alliance and Hangshan Sect, it was a respected sect, even having a Seomun family lady as its maid.

With a rising status throughout the White Path Martial World, or rather the Martial World in general, it was only natural for wealth and power to accumulate there.

Ding, ding!

‘Perfect. If I crush the Blood Sect and open the doors, becoming the strongest sect in the world will no longer be a dream.’

And it would be even larger and more splendid than it was upon rebuilding in the first narrative.

At first, I disliked being the sect leader, as it felt like a burdensome responsibility.

But after two years of activities as the sect leader, I began to think that perhaps it might actually be the position that suited me best.

A sect leader of the strongest sect that vanquished the Demon would be an incredibly beautiful title that could captivate the hearts of many.

I chuckled to myself while pondering this.

“If I lift the restriction of Sosumahu… will she join our side?”

Jeoksawol looked at me with a face full of worry.

“I think so. I don’t trust her, but I trust her desire for revenge. The Blood Sect is the one that put her in that state, so she will likely cooperate with us out of revenge.”

Recently, Baek Rijiak’s condition had improved considerably due to Sinseung’s treatment, allowing her to be awake for longer periods in a mostly stable condition.

But the restriction wasn’t fully lifted yet, so even in a relatively stable state, she called me “Daddy,” turning her face red from embarrassment like she was under some kind of hypnosis.

So, when I asked if she could stop calling me Daddy, she got angry and said that wasn’t allowed either.

I didn’t understand why.

Thinking back, their first reactions upon meeting Sinseung were quite the spectacle too.

Since Baek Rijiak was older than Sinseung, Sinseung politely addressed her with honorifics, yet Sosumahu would stubbornly refuse it.

I really didn’t get why, given they were only a few years apart.

“Also, there’s something suspicious about Mosan Sect. When I previously inquired, they claimed they had no way to lift the restriction, but now suddenly found a new method…”

With a worried voice, Jeoksawol sweetly whispered to me while clinging on.

Her fragrance tickled my nose.

Upon reflection, Jeoksawol was 65 years old this year.

In modern Korea, she’d be considered an elderly person eligible for free subway rides.

At that age, still not revealing her true self was astounding.

“Girl, I worry that Gaga might face hardships in Mosan Sect.”

Despite Jeoksawol’s actions, her concerns were valid.

In the past two years spent gathering information using the Gongdong Alliance and Hao Mun to lift the restrictions on Baek Rijiak, I had, of course, reached out to Mosan Sect, reputed to be the best in the Martial World.

A sober spellcaster from Mosan Sect had even visited the Gongdong Sect, and after observing Rijiak’s condition, had merely shook his head.

That was already one year and six months ago.

But now, they claimed to have found a solution?

Suspicious.

It was undoubtedly a trap set by the Blood Sect.

“Your intuition is right. It’s definitely a trap by the Blood Sect. But that’s precisely why we must go.”

The Blood Sect had been quiet for the past two years, almost like they withdrew from the Central Plains altogether.

But I knew. The Demon never gave up. If he wouldn’t surrender, then neither would the Blood Sect.

From my long experience in the Imperial Palace, I understood.

This very peace, seemingly tranquil, was as delicate as thin ice, and the calm before the storm enveloped us.

That’s why I had to go to discern the enemy’s intentions.

“And the information itself can’t be fake. To catch a big fish, one must use an expensive bait.”

Even if it’s a trap, the information about a way to lift the restriction was likely real.

If it were fake, it would have been filtered out before reaching me by Hao Mun and the Gongdong Alliance.

Mixing fake information into bait was something that only amateurs did.

Political experts catch enemies using real information.

With the Blood Sect’s millennia of experience, they wouldn’t play around like a rookie.

Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol nodded.

“That’s true, but… I’m worried about Gaga. It’s definitely a dangerous place. If you could perhaps take Sado Ryeonju with you, things might be safer…”

Jeoksawol fidgeted with her fingers, blushing as she spoke to me.

The words that would follow were obvious.

She would summon Jeoksawol, suggesting I take her to Mosan Sect together.

What was this, a case of identity crisis?

I shook my head.

“No, just having the Geumhu senior is enough. I can’t impose on the Yeomwang senior any further. I’ll call Geumhu instead.”

The fact that Geumhu had reached the realm of Hyun-gyeong was still a well-kept secret externally.

That was to prepare for the coming war with the Blood Sect. If they discovered she had reached Hyun-gyeong, they would surely target her.

Upon hearing my words, Neungwolhyang’s face turned pale.

She spoke, “Th-The Geumhu? Ah, no! B-But it may be dangerous in Mosan Sect, wouldn’t it be better to have Ryeonju along? Just Geumhu might not be enough… So, I-I’m just worried about Gaga…”

Neungwolhyang rambled. It seemed that Jeoksawol didn’t expect me to refuse.

I shook my head again.

“No, even just Geumhu is more than enough. I can’t keep burdening the Yeomwang senior. And my martial arts are now adequate for dealing with enemies, so there’s really no need for you to worry. Or do you not trust me?”

I looked at Jeoksawol, who resembled Neungwolhyang.

Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol’s cheeks trembled.

With a shaking voice, she replied, “N-no… that’s not it. Gaga, how could I not trust you? But… about the senpai…”

“The Yeomwang is of the Demon Sect while I’m the leader of the Gongdong Sect. Moreover, the Yeomwang is hiding something from me. In such circumstances, I am wary of seeking more help from her.”

I spoke while looking at Jeoksawol.

My unspoken meaning was simply this.

It was time to take off the mask and reveal her identity. How long must I continue this charade?

There was a lack of trust.

Upon hearing my words, Neungwolhyang’s expression went somewhat blank.

I patted her head and said, “Of course, I’m not talking about you, our Hyangmae. I’m speaking of the senior. I appreciate the information you provided today. Thank you for always passing on the intel.”

Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol’s face stiffened, but I paid no mind as I decided to leave.

Clang!

I paid her the information fee and rose from my seat.

It was time to seek a party that would boldly plunge into the jaws of the Blood Sect.

*

Beijing, the Forbidden City.

In the grand bedroom of the Hall of Conscience, where the Emperor resided, she was present.

With impressive brown hair, a beautiful lady with delicate features.

The Third Princess, Juga-yul.

Or rather, she had now been appointed Crown Princess and had become the foundation of the Ming Empire, greeting the Emperor Honggwangje with the morning salutations.

“Father, I offer my greetings. Did you sleep well last night?”

Beyond the hanging curtain, Honggwangje’s eyebrows twitched as he lay in bed.

“This, this place… who let you come in? G-get out…”

Honggwangje was gasping for breath. The portly man struggled for air.

Ruling over countless lives, the Emperor of the Ming Empire.

Son of the renowned ruler Shunzhi, he ascended the throne, lacking the talent of his father but capable enough to maintain the empire passed down to him.

His life as Emperor was smooth sailing. The empire, flourishing from Shunzhi’s legacy, reached a peak comparable to the era of the former emperor Yongle, overflowing with riches.

It truly was an era of Great Peace. Under these circumstances, he would have undoubtedly been recorded in history as a wise ruler.

That was until that monstrous aberration, the long-forgotten Third Princess, Juga-yul, annihilated the First and Second Princes and usurped the position of Crown Princess, ultimately seizing power over the Ming Empire.

At this point, his daughter, Juga-yul, had effectively usurped all of his power under the guise of acting as regent.

Now, Honggwangje had entirely lost all authority, imprisoned within the Hall of Conscience, nothing more than a puppet emperor under Juga-yul’s control.

“Father, you appear unwell today. You should heed the doctor’s advice. I’ll prescribe some medicines to replenish your dwindling vitality.”

“Understood, Your Crown Princess.”

Hearing the doctor’s response, Juga-yul gazed at Honggwangje.

Her eyes were as cold as ice.

Despite sharing blood, there was nothing more. She couldn’t even call him “father.”

To reclaim his throne, to restore the power that was once hers, just how much effort had she put in to prove to Noya that she could stand alone, to avoid relying on Noya?

All she received from the Emperor before her was nothing more than the Ming royal bloodline.

There was no further use for this man in front of her. He would never be able to restore his power. The authority in the Ming Empire legally belonged to her, acting as the regent.

“Well then, may you have a peaceful day, Father.”

With that, Juga-yul left the Hall of Conscience, casting one final glance at the emperor.

Her golden garments cascaded elegantly behind her.

Her gaze turned towards the blue skies of Beijing.

‘Noya…’

She silently called upon the name of her true father, the one who had truly raised her instead of the mere blood relative before her.

Lee Cheol-soo.

As soon as she thought of him, Juga-yul’s heart raced. Life sparkled back into her eyes.

‘Finally… Finally, I have regained my rightful power.’

This time was different from before.

This time, she had quickly reclaimed her power without Noya’s help.

Without bothering Noya by reaching out to him.

‘Noya, I have finally become worthy of being your official concubine.’

Juga-yul smiled.

From now on, she was officially qualified to be Noya’s official concubine.

The fleeting images of women who dared to claim the title of official concubine, despite being mere mistresses, danced in her mind.

Yeomwang Jeoksawol, Geomseong Yujinhwi, Geumhu Eun Seol-ran, So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin, Heuksaryong Wi Soryeon, Sosumahu Baek Rijiak, Seoharin, and Geombong Seomun Cheong-ha—all appeared vividly in Juga-yul’s mind.

‘Arrogant old hags. Thinking they could lay claim to the handsome young man Noya without considering their age? And the youngsters, too, who don’t even know the world yet, daring to aim for my position as the official concubine?’

She stood tall and proud.

She possessed both the wisdom of over ninety years and the youthful beauty of her current form.

Whether they were old hags or inexperienced youths with blood on their minds, none of them were worthy competitors.

Juga-yul’s eyes darkened.

‘The official concubine of Noya belongs solely to me.’

The title of official concubine could never encapsulate the bond she had with Noya. Her love for him was far too profound to be described as just “love” or confined to such trivial words.

All her feelings existed solely for Noya. Her very being had come alive in this world only through him.

Noya was her everything.

But if such a title as the official concubine existed, then it was inherently hers. From the very beginning, it was set in stone.

Because Noya was her father, her teacher, her elder brother, and her beloved.

She, in turn, was Noya’s daughter, disciple, sister, and cherished one.

She became aware of it; Noya wished for the Three Storey Tea House’s Wine Pond and Meat Forest, and Juga-yul wanted to fulfill his dream as his official concubine, as a wise and virtuous woman.

The thought of Noya embracing another woman? She could tolerate that, of course.

But another woman climbing to the position of official concubine? Absolutely not.

Those who dared to claim Noya while knowing little more than mere “love” would never be given the chance to flaunt their ignorance before her.

Every ounce of her heart, every fiber of her being, was already Noya’s possession.

If Noya wished for it, she would be ready to offer up the world for him.

As Juga-yul contemplated this, she smiled brightly.

‘First, I’ll have to meet Geomseong Yujinhwi and assess if you truly deserve to be Noya’s mistress. I will personally evaluate your worthiness as the official concubine.’

She gazed at the sky while imagining Geomseong Yujinhwi, whom she had encountered in her last life.

Thus, Juga-yul’s grand plan for Lee Cheol-soo had officially begun.

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