In the imperial palace of Nangyang,
During a grand assembly of military and civil officials, a report was being read aloud.
“It has become widely known in Ak-yang that there was a scheme to mobilize the imperial army to suppress the merchants. Upon investigation, it was found that Governor Zhuche frequently pressured his subordinates for bribes and provided luxuries to influential persons using those funds…”
As the officials attending the assembly listened to the continuous reading of the report, they rolled their eyes and glanced at the group of inspection agency officials present.
The expression of Inspector Do Eo was like that of a half-empty pot, and the recognition that some of the inspection agency officials positioned behind him were missing made the attending ministers sigh inwardly, realizing today’s assembly wouldn’t be smooth.
“…After completing the investigation, it has been confirmed that Governor Zhuche coerced bribes, and he attempted to conceal his actions by abusing the power of the Golden Guards to avoid scrutiny and so forth. Therefore, we request punishment for Governor Zhuche and the corrupt officials who have fattened their own pockets by following him.”
“Truly outrageous.”
Just as expected, Yu Gyeong spoke as soon as the petition reading ended, causing the officials to bow deeply.
“The inspection agency’s errors will be addressed in my separate position, but do any of you have knowledge about the governor’s conduct this time?”
Even if they knew, it wasn’t a situation where they could speak, so the officials bowed even lower. A singular thought crossed the minds of the seasoned ministers familiar with the assembly.
Here it comes.
Boom!!
As if she had just recalled the thought the ministers were having, Yu Gyeong slammed the armrest of her throne.
“What on earth are you all doing!”
The military and civil officials responded in unison.
“We apologize! Your Majesty!”
“How many among you are regularly requesting long vacations talking about Dongjeong Lake and Ak-yang Tower? Isn’t there anyone here who hasn’t visited Dongjeong Lake? How is it that nobody noticed such events occurring in Ak-yang?”
“We apologize, Your Majesty!”
“Apologize? Apologize? Just how is there even a sound of apology! With Ak-yang embroiled in such corruption and schemes, what have you officials done? Is simply enjoying the scenery of Dongjeong Lake all there is to it? Do you think you can leave behind the responsibilities of being officials like it’s nothing when you visit Ak-yang?”
“We apologize!!”
Bang! Bang!
“From now on, those who write down visiting Dongjeong Lake as an excuse for vacation better be prepared!!!”
Yu Gyeong’s fury continued throughout the assembly, and when the lengthy meeting finally ended, the ministers, maintaining their bent posture, had to leave the palace while rubbing their sore backs.
“Thinking about it more and more, it’s disgusting! Among them, there might be those who have been entertained by Zhuche! Even if they weren’t treated personally, surely one of their subordinates or relatives must have been! And then they act as if they don’t know!”
Despite shouting at the ministers all day, Yu Gyeong seemed to be far from calm, and Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi observed her with a wry smile.
‘It’s like pouring oil on a raging fire.’
To prevent a clash between the Sacheon Martial World and the Yunnan Martial World, Princess Yuya had left the imperial palace. After assisting Ho Cheon-an in eliminating Jeong Cheol, it seemed she would return to the imperial family, but lo and behold? The Blood Sect revolted, and now Yuya was once again with Ho Cheon-an, thwarting the movements of the Blood Sect.
During this process, Yu Gyeong, her younger sister, was truly burning up with jealousy. She had been anxiously awaiting the return of Yuya after hearing news of Jeong Cheol’s removal, yet suddenly, the Blood Sect arose.
Was there even an expert they could face easily? Ho Cheon-an was engaging in an array formation against an entity they couldn’t take lightly.
From Yu Gyeong’s perspective, it was a continuous series of dizzying events.
And then, just as the chaotic happenings concluded, peace had finally come to the Martial World, and Yu Gyeong felt like dancing with joy.
Surely, Yuya would return to the comfortable imperial palace now!
As she eagerly awaited Yuya’s return, a letter arrived, not from Yuya herself but one filled with furious energy.
Upon reading the letter, Yu Gyeong flipped out.
How dare they send her to the regions to govern but not handle the tasks at hand and hinder her sister’s return?
The anticipation and anxiety built from a long wait for Yuya transformed into rage in an instant, and that fury showed no signs of extinguishing even now.
If Yu Gyeong’s anger continued, the military and civil officials she confronted daily would end up permanently hunched over with nodules in their throats. Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi, seeing the bad news ahead, decided it was better to speak up.
“Your Majesty.”
“What? Did you find out about the inspector from the inspection agency who took bribes from Zhuche and his backers?”
“Roughly the outlines have emerged, so there’s no need to worry. More importantly, Princess Yuya has sent word that she will be returning to the palace.”
At the report of Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi, Yu Gyeong’s face brightened in an instant. Finally! Finally, Yuya was coming back!
“Ha ha ha ha! She’s finally returning! Yes! After going through so much in the harsh Martial World, she should rest thoroughly in the palace now!”
With all decorum thrown out the window, Yu Gyeong raised her hand high, filled with excitement, but then suddenly turned her gaze toward Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi.
“By the way, did the letter mention anything special? Gratitude from my hardworking brother? Maybe admiration for quick handling of affairs? You know, those kinds of things!”
With Yu Gyeong’s outburst, Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi sighed. Usually, she seemed so reliable and capable, but when it came to Princess Yuya, it was as if she turned into someone else.
Taking into account the contents of the letter from Hyeok Gi-rin, he was now somewhat relieved. With this news, she would no longer be thinking about ripping the ministers’ postures to bits.
“Your Majesty mentioned that she’ll be entering the palace alongside the Brain Knife Outcast Ho Cheon-an.”
“What?”
Yu Gyeong’s face, which had been expecting compliments for her brother, instantly hardened.
