Chapter 71: Hometown Part 4

There were rumors that the Heavenly Maiden who received the energy of the Heavenly Dragon could purify any unclean energy off the entire area just by stepping on that land.

The sight of her sitting alone in the deepest part of the sacred Heavenly Dragon Hall, the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, while receiving benevolent energy all day long, was like seeing the daughter of the Emperor of Heaven which made it difficult for all ordinary maids to even approach her.

Recently, there were widespread rumors that due to her increasingly frail condition, she did not leave the Heavenly Dragon Hall, and indeed, she had hardly stepped outside for several years.

It was truly unprecedented for the Heavenly Maiden to step outside personally. It was an event significant enough to be recorded by the scribes.

In front of the grand courtyard leading to the main palace, over thirty maids formed a line solely to assist the passage of one person.

At the forefront and beneath a ceremonial parasol, the woman walking with the protection of the maids was none other than the Heavenly Maiden of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

She was adorned in a light purple silk skirt with sleeves that spread wide down to her knees, and hairpins intricately embroidered with luxurious patterns. Even from a distance, her nobility was clear to see.

From the warriors of the Red Palace who were standing guard to the officials attending to state affairs and the other maids tidying the courtyard, everyone stood frozen in astonishment.

One look at the embroidery on the maids’ clothes following her confirmed that they were indeed from the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

The Heavenly Maiden had personally come out.

The news spread rapidly, and it didn’t take long for the entire Cheongdo Palace to be in an uproar.

– Murmur.

Even the high officials in the audience chamber were equally astonished and at a loss for words.

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun.

It was the first time since she had entered the Heavenly Dragon Hall that she walked to the main palace on her own two feet.

The large paper door opened sideways to reveal Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun who was standing under the protection of numerous maids.

In terms of actual influence and authority within the palace, the Heavenly Maiden was at the very top of the hierarchy in rank and ceremonial order. All the high officials present had to bow their heads in her presence.

During this time, Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun who had her hands clasped inside her long sleeves together bowed her head and greeted the Emperor.

“I apologize for not seeing Your Majesty for such a long time. Although I have been watching over the Heavenly Dragon and benefiting from the grace of Your Majesty’s benevolence, I am ashamed that I have not been able to take care of myself properly.”

Then after lifting her head, she looked at the Emperor and spoke.

“Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun has arrived.”

All the high officials had to swallow dryly at the sight of the Heavenly Maiden walking to the center of the audience chamber.

And indeed, he had to admit it.

Despite everything…. when Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun kept her mouth shut and maintained an air of dignity about her, she looked reasonably holy and noble.

Seol Tae Pyeong also bowed his head at the sight but, when he took a closer look, she did not seem to be in good spirits.

“……”

As he looked more closely, he noticed that the waistline above her stomach was too tight. This made her appear uncomfortable.

It was common for such things to happen when one dressed up after a long time and found that their old clothes no longer fit.

Although there were traces of effort to highlight her body line and appear noble… the sight of her panting from exhaustion was indeed just like Yeon Ri.

I was spending all day long at the Heavenly Jade Pavilion thinking and sipping tea and snacks, so it’s no wonder… This brings tears to my eyes…

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun had to hold back the tears welling up in her heart.

Suddenly, she met eyes with Seol Tae Pyeong who was kneeling beside her. She was struck by the sight of Seol Tae Pyeong whose half-moon eyes were blankly staring at her.

Regardless, Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun composed herself, clasped her hands together again, and reported to the Emperor.

“Today, there have been many important incidents and accidents inside and outside the palace. I have something I must personally convey to Your Majesty, so despite my frail body, I gathered the strength to come.”

Everyone who came to see the Emperor for the first time had to kneel and bow their heads in gratitude for the audience.

However, once a woman became the Heavenly Maiden, she could skip that process and no one could say anything to her.

Seol Tae Pyeong had to remind himself several times to avoid forgetting.

Despite everything, Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun….! She was an extraordinary person….!

She was such a noble figure that no one in Cheongdo Palace dared to speak to her carelessly.

“I heard that the Heavenly Maiden’s health has greatly improved, but I did not expect you to suddenly appear at this meeting.”

Emperor Woon Sung responded from his throne.

“However, this is an important meeting to discuss the future of the empire. While we should commend the Heavenly Maiden’s hard work in looking after the Heavenly Dragon, it is not right to appear suddenly without any prior notice and disrupt the meeting.”

“Yes, it is truly a shame. How can a maiden like me interfere in the important matters decided by the high officials? However, I have come not as the Heavenly Maiden but as someone involved in this matter.”

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun bowed her head again, took a deep breath, and spoke.

“As I mentioned in my report, Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran appeared at the Heavenly Jade Pavilion today, and the situation was very dangerous.”

“Indeed. I was concerned as well. If the Heavenly Maiden watching over the Heavenly Dragon were harmed, it would be a great disaster for Cheongdo.”

“Fortunately… Inner Swords Commander Seol Tae Pyeong who is present here responded swiftly and managed to save lives.”

At these words, the high officials had to swallow dryly once more.

Commander Seol Tae Pyeong had killed the Moon Demonic Spirit.

Some already knew this fact from the previous report, while others were still unaware.

He captured Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong, uncovered the truth of the whole incident, and eventually rescued the Heavenly Maiden.

By this point, it was an achievement worthy of a promotion by three ranks.

And if an Upper Fifth Rank Inner Swords Commander were to be promoted by three ranks… he would reach the position of a Lower Third Rank Lieutenant which was just below the rank of a general.

At this level, it would be a position worthy of being called a high official. This would essentially mark the emergence of a new power among the military officials.

This was precisely what Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun had aimed for from the beginning.

“However, I am not here today to discuss the merits of Commander Seol Tae Pyeong,”

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun said, lifted her head, straightened her back, and spoke gracefully.

“He reported to me in advance about the corruption of Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon.”

At these words, the high officials in the audience chamber froze.

Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon who had been kneeling with his head bowed also froze.

When he suddenly looked up at Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun, she was wearing a cold smile behind her sleeves.

“Commander Seol Tae Pyeong was someone I had employed to monitor the situation.”

Although Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon could not have imagined it…

It was indeed the Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun who stood at the pinnacle of Cheongdo Palace who was behind Seol Tae Pyeong.

“In this place called Cheongdo Palace, whom to trust and whom not to trust is everyone’s personal choice. However, to accuse a high official like Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon with only the status of an Inner Swords Commander would be to bear an enormous political burden.”

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun announced this to everyone in the audience chamber in her softly penetrating voice.

“That is why Commander Seol Tae Pyeong reported it to me in advance.”

“Why would he report such a thing to the Heavenly Maiden?”

“It would have been difficult to judge whom among the officials of this palace to trust, given the complex and intertwined relationships between everyone. Among them, Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon stands at the top.”

It also made no sense for him to report directly to the Emperor, as most reports reaching the latter would have to pass through the Under Councilor who handled the Imperial decrees.

For a mere Fifth Rank Commander to accuse such a high-ranking official, he would need reliable backing.

“After searching for someone who had little to do with the politics of the main palace and who could raise his voice, he finally came to me. Since he also has the job of an inspector who oversees the morals of the Inner Palace, it was not difficult for him to send me a letter.”

“…Commander, answer. Is what the Heavenly Maiden says true?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Shim Sang Gon’s vision seemed to turn dark.

The story of Seol Tae Pyeong reporting all matters in advance to Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun…. this turned the premise of everything that had happened so far upside down.

“Commander Seol Tae Pyeong was acting under my orders and he deliberately got himself kidnapped by the Black Moon Unit to grasp the situation. He became my eyes and ears.”

The rumor that Commander Seol Tae Pyeong had been kidnapped by the Black Moon Unit had already spread within the palace.

Everyone knew that rumor was true.

Some military officials once wondered how such a skilled person could be so easily kidnapped, and their curiosity was now satisfied.

“Additionally, I contacted the Under Councilor to find out if he was using the Black Moon Leader. Indeed, the Under Councilor tried to manipulate the Black Moon Leader and used the chaos caused by the Moon Demonic Spirit as an excuse. He had known in advance that the Moon Demonic Spirit would appear at Cheongdo Palace. The signs were already clear.”

“That is…!”

Shim Sang Gon abruptly raised his head and spoke, but his breath caught all of a sudden.

The opponent was Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun.

To voice a rebuttal now, he would need to be fully prepared for the consequences.

Shim Sang Gon quickly thought through his options and decided on his stance.

“That is… Heavenly Maiden, you are mistaken…! That treacherous Commander deceived you! To say I tried to use the Moon Demonic Spirit in advance! I had no idea such a Moon Demonic Spirit would appear in the first place!”

Shim Sang Gon shouted in a desperate voice. In reality, he had never imagined that the Moon Demonic Spirit would appear at Cheongdo Palace.

The only ones who knew about it were Seol Tae Pyeong and Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun.

However, that did not matter.

Whip

Seol Tae Pyeong pulled out a silk scroll from his clothes.

He rolled it across the floor of the audience chamber, and it unfurled to reveal its contents.

“……!”

The scroll was an authorization letter from Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon that authorized for Seol Tae Pyeong to acquire personnel from the Red Palace to help him subdue the chaos caused by the Moon Demonic Spirit.

It was an agreement Seol Tae Pyeong had received in exchange for keeping silent about the Black Moon Unit.

“Your Majesty. Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon already knew that the Moon Demonic Spirit would appear at Cheongdo Palace. This is the proof.”

Before all the incidents occurred, Seol Tae Pyeong had received this authorization letter. It was clearly stated there.

It was a document requested by Seol Tae Pyeong to suppress the chaos caused by the Moon Demonic Spirit at Cheongdo Palace.

In reality, Seol Tae Pyeong didn’t really need any help so he could subjugate Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran. He just wanted to keep the authorization letter as evidence.

It was clear evidence that Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon had known in advance that the Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran would appear at Cheongdo Palace.

This bastard…!

The Under Councilor finally realized.

Before the assassination event took place, Seol Tae Pyeong had obtained this document to ensure that the Under Councilor would have no escape if he tried to deny that he knew.

This document should have been Seol Tae Pyeong’s weakness, not the Under Councilor’s weakness.

On the surface, it seemed like he had met Seol Tae Pyeong’s demands, but in reality, the document served as a leash to bind him.

This document which proved that there was a secret connection between Councilor Shim Sang Gon and Seol Tae Pyeong also indicated that Seol Tae Pyeong was not a clean figure.

To control someone at will, it’s best to stain them with some dirt.

If there was evidence of a secret deal between Shim Sang Gon and Seol Tae Pyeong, it would keep him from betraying Shim Sang Gon recklessly.

However, there was a premise that rendered this intention meaningless. Shim Sang Gon had missed the most crucial part.

“It was under my orders. I had to find out if Councilor Shim Sang Gon knew about the Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran.”

It was the presence of Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun.

The justification was that he acted under the command of a figure with higher authority than Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon.

With that justification, the leash Shim Sang Gon had put on Seol Tae Pyeong would become meaningless.

“The statement by Councilor Shim Sang Gon that he did not know about the Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran is a lie.”

The atmosphere in the audience chamber grew heavier. Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon’s body trembled and his vision seemed to darken.

Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong had confessed that his employer was Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon.

Additionally, he proved his innocence by not killing Crown Prince Hyeon Won at a critical moment.

The claim that the Under Councilor Didn’t know of the Moon Demonic Spirit Yoran also turned out to be a lie.

“Black Moon Leader Cheong Jin Myeong, raise your head.”

Moreover, circumstantial evidence continued to emerge like potato roots.

At Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun’s words, Cheong Jin Myeong raised his head and opened his eyes directly.

“You said you infiltrated as a carving craftsman at the Hall of Scholarship to monitor the situation within the palace.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“In that case… if we call the head of the Hall of Scholarship and ask who recommended the craftsman for that position, I believe he would give us an answer.”

It was Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon.

Of course, he could claim that Cheong Jin Myeong used a trick to deceive him.

However, the circumstantial evidence that was gradually accumulating one by one has already grown too much.

“Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon, raise your head.”

“Y-Your Majesty…”

Suddenly, when he looked up, Emperor Woon Sung’s gaze turned cold.

“This… this is a mistake! Please, please clear your suspicions of me! All of this is the doing of that wicked Inner Swords Commander trying to push me out…!”

“You, you keep repeating that it’s not true without refuting anything.”

At Emperor Woon Sung’s words, Shim Sang Gon’s breath caught in his throat.

It felt as if layers of nets were tightening around his body.

Despite the numerous layers of circumstantial evidence stacked against him, the reason he could still deny everything was the authority he held as the Under Councilor.

No matter how many layers of suspicion accumulated, as long as he had the position of an official who served the Emperor for forty years, it wouldn’t be easy to accuse him of any crime.

However…

“Your Majesty, Under Councilor Shim Sang Gon is a traitor who attempted to raise a sword against the Crown Prince.”

Even the shield of authority that he had relied on was rendered useless by the Heavenly Maiden’s intervention.

Shim Sang Gon’s fate was sealed.

Eventually, after a long moment of silent contemplation, Emperor Woon Sung lifted his head and spoke.

“Take the Under Councilor to the prison. If he cannot provide a proper explanation, he will not escape the death penalty.”

“Your Majesty…! How…! How could you do this to me…! Your Majesty!”

“I do not want to hear it.”

The audience chamber seemed to freeze entirely under Emperor Woon Sung’s cold gaze.

The warriors of the Red Palace entered through the crowd and tried to drag the Under Councilor out, but he struggled and shouted at them.

“You! How dare you try to take me away! I have dedicated forty years of my life to this Cheongdo Palace! This cannot… this cannot be happening…!”

He struggled and tried to shake off the arms of the military officers, but he could only be dragged out of the audience chamber in disgrace.

As they watched the Under Councilor being taken away screaming like that… the high officials inside the audience chamber broke into a cold sweat.

Shim Sang Gon, one of the three highest officials of Cheongdo Palace, was disappearing into the annals of history.

And while he was being dragged away by the soldiers, Shim Sang Gon looked at Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun. He still couldn’t believe what was happening.

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun who was watching the situation behind the sleeves of her court robe raised the corners of her mouth.

Seeing that…. Shim Sang Gon felt a chill run through his entire body.

After Shim Sang Gon was taken away, it took a long time to restore order in the palace.

When the internal chaos had somewhat subsided, Emperor Woon Sung summoned Seol Tae Pyeong to the front of the audience chamber.

“Inner Swords Commander Seol Tae Pyeong.”

Seol Tae Pyeong then approached Emperor Woon Sung, knelt down, and bowed his head.

“You have protected Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun from the Moon Demonic Spirit and contributed to exposing the traitor, so your loyalty and achievements are truly commendable.”

Seeing Seol Tae Pyeong bow his head, Emperor Woon Sung quietly praised his merits.

The many high officials gathered in the audience chamber swallowed and watched the situation unfold.

“It would be right to properly praise your merits after I have sorted out the situation, but it doesn’t seem bad to do it now.”

Upper Fifth Rank Commander. For someone who had just become an adult, this was an unbelievably high position to begin with, and he also held the title of a lord who managed a small fief.

He seemed to be someone who was tested to see how far he could rise at such a young age, and those present expected that he would slowly continue his ascent from here.

However, Emperor Woon Sung praised Seol Tae Pyeong’s merits more highly than they anticipated.

“There are many vacant positions among the palace’s military officers, and I hear there’s a shortage of talent. This time, I have confirmed your loyalty to the empire, and I wish to give you an opportunity to gain more experience. I’ve also heard that your martial arts skills are outstanding, so you must not be lacking in ability.”

Emperor Woon Sung swept the hem of his heavenly dragon cloth and spoke in a solemn voice.

“I will appoint you to Lower Third Rank Bright Moon General, so you must refine yourself and train endlessly so that you can become a general who contributes to our country of Cheongdo.”

Lower Third Rank Bright Moon General.

It was a position that symbolized the beginning of a military officer’s rise to becoming a general.

It marked the entry into the ranks of “high officials” where numerous civil servants and merchants would line up to form connections with him.

No matter how capable one was, it was a rank typically achieved only in their later years.

Seol Tae Pyeong’s master, Lee Cheol Woon of the White Immortal Palace, used to hold the position of Upper Third Rank. Considering that his new rank was just below that, it was an unbelievably high position for someone of his age.

“Your Majesty’s grace is immeasurable.”

Seol Tae Pyeong bowed his head and accepted the Emperor’s favor.

He was only nineteen years old.

Yes…!!!

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun who had been watching the situation from behind cheered inwardly.

She had finally elevated Seol Tae Pyeong to just below the rank of general. Everything seemed to be going as smoothly as she had hoped.

Once we develop the Hwalseong District territory and control the Black Moon Unit, there will hardly be anyone in Cheongdo Palace who can treat Tae Pyeong carelessly!

Her plan to establish Seol Tae Pyeong as a ruler was progressing steadily, and he had already achieved the rank of Lower Third Rank Official.

The ultimate goal was to become Upper First Rank Grand General. It was the same position currently held by Seong Sa Wook.

At that level, he would be able to command the entire Cheongdo Palace army when the Plague Demonic Spirit appeared.

She wanted to hug Seol Tae Pyeong and spin him around in joy, but with so many eyes watching them, she restrained herself.

But actually, even if no one was watching, she couldn’t lift Seol Tae Pyeong’s sturdy body… but it was how she felt.

Great… now I just need to finish this job…!

It was at this moment when she clenched her fist tightly and steeled her resolve,

– Pop

“……?”

She heard a strange and brief popping sound.

“……”

Disaster always comes suddenly and without warning like a thunderbolt, so no matter how joyful the moment was, one must never let their guard down.

“………!!!”

The band around her waist that held her skirt in place had burst.

Despite her efforts to maintain her figure with regular exercise and dieting…

Even so, wearing a tight outfit to look stylish against the advice of the maids… That might have been too much.

She managed to handle the situation by pressing her arms tightly, but standing there in such an awkward position made cold sweat trickle down her back.

This was a crisis. A desperate, life-or-death crisis.

I’m doomed…

The color began to drain from Heavenly Maiden’s face.

I’m really going to die…! My… my dignity is going to die…!

Though Heavenly Maiden did not assert her dignity in front of Seol Tae Pyeong…. it was a different story when she stood in front of the numerous high officials.

As the Heavenly Maiden, she could never let her dignity die like this!

Before worrying about losing her authority… she feared losing herself as a woman!

Heavenly Maiden swallowed hard and she struggled to manage her panic-stricken expression.

You’ve really outdone yourself this time, Yeon Ri…

In front of her, Seol Tae Pyeong bowed his head and rubbed his face with dry hands.

With his keen senses, he easily noticed that the Heavenly Maiden was in a desperate situation…

But there was nothing he could do right now …

TN: Lmao!