Chapter 107: Battle to Seize the Vice General Part 5

The Military Affairs Council was a meeting separate from the State Affairs Council, which decided on major national matters. It was a gathering where high-ranking military officials, mostly generals, discussed the management of the military camps.

Though it wasn’t held frequently, when it did take place, the renowned generals of Cheongdo Empire would gather in one place, leaving all the attending officials on edge.

The generals under Grand General Seong Sa Wook were each born with an extraordinary spirit…. If any mistakes were made in arranging the meeting, there was no telling what might happen.

Especially this time, the newly appointed Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong was expected to speak for the first time at the council.

Among those gathered under the Grand General, some viewed him unfavorably, while others held him in high regard.

With diverse opinions swirling, it was an opportunity to evaluate this young man who had suddenly been seated in the third highest military position in the Cheongdo Empire.

“Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong has encountered some circumstances and will not be able to attend.”

However, his subordinate Ha Si Hwa came to the council meeting herself, bowed her head, and delivered this news.

Of all things, this was a meeting personally convened by Grand General Seong Sa Wook and one where Seol Tae Pyeong was supposed to make his first appearance. Yet he was absent.

Starting off like this for a first impression? Was that even acceptable?

Grand General Seong Sa Wook, who was seated in the most prominent position, narrowed his deeply wrinkled brow as he spoke to Ha Si Hwa.

“Absent? Aside from those currently on expeditions, even the other generals have all carved out time to gather here… Does that sound reasonable to you?”

“My apologies.”

“If there is no valid reason, this will be grounds for serious reprimand. What is the reason for his absence?”

“Well… the Crown Prince summoned him.”

At those words, the Military Affairs Council fell into silence.

This was the first time Crown Prince Hyeon Won, who had been living as if he were dead, had directly summoned someone with real authority.

***

Crown Prince Hyeon Won had little interest in the power dynamics within the palace.

Though he was someone who, by status, was destined to one day become the emperor of the Cheongdo Empire, he merely drifted along while being swept up in the politics played by the high-ranking officials.

Since he was cooped up in the crown prince’s palace, no one knew what he was doing, and without the emperor’s favor, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had faded into the background of history at any moment.

However, the position of Crown Prince was not one to be taken lightly.

If he put his mind to it, he could exert influence within the palace in various ways.

But to do so, he would need to seize control of influential figures like Strategist Hwa An and Chief Councilor In Seon Rok.

These were not people who could be easily swayed; in fact, with the wrong approach, they could easily turn the tables and overpower him.

Nevertheless, the Crown Prince could not remain forever confined to the comfortable cradle of his palace.

One day, he would have to confront real politics and display the dignity befitting his position.

Knowing this well, even the high officials did not dare to treat Crown Prince Hyeon Won carelessly.

“The headmaid of the Crown Prince Place seemed to have many concerns about you. I called you here to ask if there’s anything I should take care of on my end.”

I had seen Crown Prince Hyeon Won once when I was the Inner Swords Commander and once when I was the Bright Moon General.

Back then, he still felt very much like an inexperienced boy, but when I became a Vice General and visited the Crown Prince’s palace again, the impression I got was completely different.

He seemed much more astute than before, and he extended a glass of wine to me.

“It relieves me to hear you’ve been in good health. However, I am merely a lowly military officer; what could I possibly seek from Your Highness? I only hope that you remain well, dedicate yourself to your studies, and guide Cheongdo’s future with care.”

“I’ve heard that you are not someone who simply utters model answers. Do you think I called the Vice General to the Crown Prince’s palace just to hear what pleases me?”

Is that so?

In the Heavenly Dragon Love Story, Crown Prince Hyeon Won was a character who gradually regains the light in his eyes after he gets influenced by maid Seol Ran.

She must have been the one who made him truly feel how beautiful the Cheongdo Palace is, how worthwhile the world is to live in, and how noble our lives truly are.

Under her influence, he slowly regains his clarity and the closer Seol Ran comes to becoming the Heavenly Maiden, the more he becomes the material of a virtuous ruler for this country.

Is that why Seol Ran has been kept in the Crown Prince’s palace for so long?

Compared to the past, when he couldn’t find any meaning in life, Crown Prince Hyeon Won now seemed to have gained a sense of composure.

“Your eyes have changed quite a bit for the better, Your Highness.”

I bowed my head and delivered my bold advice.

Back when I was the Inner Swords Commander or the Bright Moon General, I had pitied the emptiness in his eyes.

I even wondered if he was truly a living person; he seemed so devoid of life.

However, after time passed and I met Crown Prince Hyeon Won again, he nodded with a much more resolute expression.

“Thank you for sparing your time for a powerless figure confined to the Crown Prince’s palace, who never even steps outside.”

“How can I put personal matters first when I’m summoned by Your Highness, who is responsible for the foundation of Cheongdo?”

“I told you, I don’t need those empty words. Once officials become high-ranking officials, all they do is spout empty words, and now that you’ve become the Vice General, your words have grown long too. It might be a somewhat unreasonable request, but I prefer it when you speak casually, without embellishment.”

Crown Prince Hyeon Won’s candid words stirred something akin to admiration within me.

So, is that how it is? People do grow.

Even someone who seems to be living out of sheer obligation can learn to speak such lively words if given the right trigger.

Who was it that transformed this puppet-like person so profoundly? It was, without a doubt, Seol Ran.

There must have been many events.

I know at least some of it. Since I saw the stories unfold in the Heavenly Dragon Love Story.

It was she who took the grieving Crown Prince Hyeon Won up to the roof of the palace to show him the blooming scenery of the Cheongdo Palace.

She was the one who demonstrated the profound wisdom contained within the scriptures that he had been memorizing out of duty.

She conveyed the insight that a life bound by rituals and regulations is in some ways an unavoidable aspect of being human.

All of this—these values—were things that Seol Ran who was born with an extraordinary disposition imparted to the Crown Prince.

She was the first person to care for the real Hyeon Won, without any political motives.

“I have spoken with headmaid Seol Ran on many occasions. I will be straightforward with you; she is more valuable than any treasure I have ever brought into the Crown Prince’s palace.”

“…….”

“When Seol Ran begged to protect her younger brother with tears in her eyes, I had no choice but to grant her permission to leave the palace. I heard of the bond between you siblings, but I never imagined she would abandon her position as the headmaid and run out like that.”

Crown Prince Hyeon Won poured a glass of wine from the simply set table and extended it to me.

I bowed my head and reached out my arm to receive it.

“Seol Ran must consider you that precious.”

“I live my life thinking of it as an honor.”

“So… tell me what problem you are facing. If it’s something I can solve, I will.”

“…Huh?”

Solve it? What does that mean?

“It’s not a difficult matter, is it? For me, I want that headmaid back.”

“…….”

“If I used the Crown Prince’s authority, bringing her back would be no trouble at all, but I don’t want to see her forcibly locked up in the Crown Prince’s Palace and struggling with a worried face. From where I stand, the best thing to do would be to solve the root of her worries which is your predicament. “

You’ve become much more direct since we last met.

Of course, I couldn’t say that out loud.

In any case, Crown Prince Hyeon Won… is saying that he wants to ease the worries in Seol Ran’s heart.

Only then will Seol Ran return to the Crown Prince’s palace as promised.

It’s just like Seol Ran.

As the story of the Heavenly Dragon Love Story became increasingly more interesting, I knew in advance that she would end up captivating all sorts of men…

But to think she has made Crown Prince Hyeon Won fall this deeply in less than a year.

The fact that she’s a woman of irresistible charm was no exaggeration.

“Come now; whatever the situation is, I will resolve it for you. Even if it’s just in name, you know better than anyone what it means to have the Crown Prince’s protection.”

To receive the full support and protection of Crown Prince Hyeon Won.

Just by being seated in the position of Vice General, most of the Cheongdo Palace officials were already wary, and having such political backing would undoubtedly create enormous momentum.

Ordinary people would raise both hands in celebration with the thought, “What a stroke of luck!” and shout cheers of triumph.

Having an older sister like mine has really paved my way to success…! It’s something I could genuinely be grateful for.

But…

But…!

– The crown princess consorts of the Four Great Palaces are harboring personal desires and trying to claim me.

How could I possibly say this in front of the person involved?

It’s not just about being unlucky or full of myself…

It’s practically suicide…

“I deeply apologize. I cannot speak of it.”

“…….”

I truly felt sorry, but no matter what, I could never reveal this problem of mine, even if my lips were torn apart.

To think I’d dare respond with a “no” to the Crown Prince’s question.

That in itself was an act of great disloyalty, so from this point on, it was all about crafting my words carefully.

“I told you I would resolve anything for you.”

“Indeed, that is true. His Highness the Crown Prince has kindly promised to listen to whatever concerns this unworthy servant has and to resolve them. But can that truly be considered the duty of a servant?”

It seems that when people are pushed to their limits, even their metabolism adjusts.

Suppressing the cold sweat that was threatening to break out, I spoke with as much conviction as I could muster.

“How could I involve Your Highness, who must possess a grand heart for the sake of the nation, in such personal concerns? Your Highness, you must remember the weight of your position.”

“……..”

“I will handle my private matters in my own way. Burdening Your Highness with such trivial concerns would be a grave disloyalty as a subject. Please, do not make me a disloyal servant.”

Ever since I rose to a high-ranking position, it felt like my skill in talking my way through things has only improved.

However… the higher one’s status, the more often they find themselves speechless when a servant like me appeals to their sense of duty.

They instinctively understand how crucial it is to uphold their authority.

“…….”

“Please accept my loyalty, and may Your Highness take good care of your esteemed body and mind for the sake of the Cheongdo Empire.”

“I just… want Seol Ran back.”

Seriously… he’s completely bewitched by Seol Ran…

“……”

Given the current situation, I started to feel that Crown Prince Hyeon Won might actually hold the key to all of this.

As the most important male lead in the Heavenly Dragon Love Story and the Crown Prince of Cheongdo country, he could resolve everything if he set his mind to it.

Of course, if I were to relay my current situation to him without any filter, I’d be executed without mercy… but if I can use him wisely, I might be able to steer the situation in a different direction.

Yes… I must not forget.

The mistresses of the Four Great Palaces… are crown princess consorts…!

They were originally supposed to be the consorts of Crown Prince Hyeon Won…

The entire situation is laughable. These crown princess consorts have inexplicably developed feelings for me over the years.

If Crown Prince Hyeon Won would stop hiding away in the Crown Prince’s Palace and start fulfilling his role as their husband… maybe, just maybe, I could break free from this predicament…!

Once I reached this thought, my mind felt clearer.

Isn’t this man the only way out of this hellish mess with these women?

“Have you met the crown princess consorts of the Four Great Palaces? They have honed themselves meticulously over many years, and each one is not only strikingly beautiful but also exceptionally talented. They are truly models for all the palace maids.”

“…….”

If I could somehow connect Crown Prince Hyeon Won and the crown princess consorts properly, wouldn’t I be able to slip out of this situation?

In truth, that would be the natural order of things.

Not out of personal feelings, but simply as a loyal servant protecting Cheongdo Palace. Though I once harbored private emotions, they should remain nothing more than a fleeting lapse that I can never speak of.

If I just remain as a “passing man” and focus on my duty of capturing those who disrupt the order, then that’s enough!

Occasionally, I’ll toss out a bit of counsel whenever signs of discord appear, and make sure their unity doesn’t fall apart. Yes…! This is the right answer…!

If Crown Prince Hyeon Won would just come to his senses…!

Even this threat to my life would naturally be resolved…!

“What a funny story.”

However, the Crown Prince dismissed my words with an expression colder than ever.

There was an unsettling chill in his tone.

“…If I’ve spoken out of line, I apologize.”

“No, it’s not your fault. But… do you really think those consorts of the Four Great Palaces could ever earn my affection?”

“W-Why…?”

“Do you think I’m supposed to show affection to the partners chosen for me like a puppet by the high officials? I… I can no longer trust those high officials who are only focused on their political games.”

He was a man who had lived his entire life as a puppet, swayed by the politics of the high officials.

The current officials in power are precisely the ones he despises the most.

The Chief Councilor, the Central Councilor, and the Under Councilor…. they were all just parts of the group constantly scheming to manipulate Crown Prince Hyeon Won as their puppet.

At least for Crown Prince Hyeon Won, he had no intention of giving his affection to the partners chosen by the high officials in their private gatherings.

After all, even the selection process itself was a product of political influence and schemes.

And that cannot be denied either.

The most authoritative of the crown princess consorts, Vermilion Princess, came from the famous and powerful Jeongseon clan, while White Princess was also deeply entrenched in the world of politics and scheming.

They were never chosen with pure intentions.

In the end, they were the result of a tangled web of political backroom deals to keep the current crown prince under their influence.

“Do you really think I’d take as my consort those chosen by the very people I despise? Don’t say such things, even as a joke. They reek of corruption, their minds are completely stained by political games… I can smell the stench unique to those rotten figures.”

“That… that may be… but… the laws of the palace…”

“I’m holding back because of those laws, but at the very least, I want to choose my consort according to my will. What could those empty figures who are selected only after careful consideration of political conditions possibly add to my life? If they choose such people on their own and call them my consorts, how could I feel anything but disgust?”

Crown Prince Hyeon Won lowered his head as if burdened by sorrow.

“All I want is to see Seol Ran, the headmaid of the Crown Prince’s Palace ….”

Ran-noonim.

What on earth did you do… to make a person fall this deeply…

“…….”

I knew she was a “devilish woman” who captivated all the main figures of the Heavenly Dragon Love Story, but still, there had to be a limit.

No matter how much the Crown Prince despised his consorts and refused to even glance their way… what was supposed to happen then…?

My… my only way out…!!!

“Anyway, aside from such grand problems, have you had any other difficulties while serving as a general in the palace? Even if it could be called a vassal’s lack of loyalty, it’s still a ruler’s duty to create an environment where his servants can work properly.”

Crown Prince Hyeon Won’s eyes gleamed…. As if he was urging me to speak of any discomfort I faced.

The crown princess consorts were grinding their teeth and fighting to snatch up a mere military officer.

As for the Crown Prince, this man. He regained the spark in his eyes, all for the sake of winning over a mere palace maid…

Good grief… What a mess…

The more time passed, the more my mind grew muddled.

However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the true ordeal hadn’t even begun yet.

***

The following week, before the final council meeting to select the new Heavenly Maiden was held.

Central Councilor Cho Beom Seok personally sent me a letter.

—————————————

Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong, listen carefully.

I have heard much about the power struggles surrounding you and the consorts.

Fulfilling your duties as Vice General, maintaining relations with the Inbong clan, and assisting the new Heavenly Maiden… all of these seem to be important for you.

However, as you only have one body, it’s clear that you can’t take on all these roles at once. And even if you tried, it’s likely that none of them would be done properly.

There have been many discussions about your position within the Inner Palace, and the mistresses of the four main palaces have also shared various opinions, but it seems unlikely that any resolution will be reached within the current council.

Given the situation, it might be best to simplify things.

The truth is, whatever task you are assigned, your own intentions matter the most.

Every position is directly linked to the security of Cheongdo, so think carefully and submit the role that you believe you can perform best to this court.

Whether you choose to receive support from the Jeongseon clan and focus on developing the Hwalseong District, review your relations with the Inbong clan and work on protecting this palace,

Or whether you want to assist the Heavenly Maiden… whatever it may be, I will make sure that your intentions are well reflected.

It seems the power struggles behind the scenes have unnecessarily complicated things, but in the end, isn’t the most important thing where you truly want to go?

Consider this carefully and report your decision before the council meeting.

—————————————

“…Tae Pyeong-ah. This is…”

Yeon Ri’s stunned expression was something else.

For the Central Councilor to write and send me an official letter directly… it meant that the mistresses of the four main palaces were likely all aware of this decision.

They were probably waiting quietly in their respective palaces to see where I would end up.

In short…

They wanted me to personally choose which crown princess to follow and then announce it publicly to the world.

Ironically, the Black Princess who was the safest choice wasn’t even on the list.

“.……”

Just kill me…

Those words nearly slipped out of my mouth.