Chapter 06
“Suddenly, what are you talking about? A private armed unit that follows only us…?”
“You know it as well, brother. Most of the martial forces in the main house are currently under Uncle’s influence. They pretend to stay neutral, but in reality they’ve all aligned themselves with him.”
That was the truth.
Until not long ago, most people had expected Namgung Jangcheon to become the next head of the Namgung Family.
That was because Namgung Cheon had fallen ill and had been unable to remain active for a long time. As a result, everyone had tried to curry favor with the next head of the family.
“The forces supporting you, brother, are frankly weak. At best, only a few senior members who strictly follow principles, or those still deeply loyal to Father. If we compete against Uncle’s faction in this state, we will be utterly defeated.”
“Hmm…”
“Therefore, we must build our own force. A group that will support you and me under any circumstances. The martial unit will be the first step.”
“But how do we form such a unit? It will be difficult to win over those already aligned with Uncle.”
“Of course. But it’s different for those who are neglected, isn’t it?”
“Neglected ones?”
Namgung Hyuk nodded.
“Yes. Uncle currently holds the largest power within the Namgung Family, but he doesn’t take care of everyone. He focuses only on those useful to him.”
“So you’re saying we target those outside his attention.”
“Yes. And we must also target those still loyal to Father. They will become your greatest strength. If those two groups are combined, we can form a fairly solid force.”
“How do you plan to gather them? I will help however I can.”
“First, brother, please give me a list of those who are either on bad terms with Uncle or favor you. I will handle forming the martial unit myself.”
“Understood. I will do that.”
“And one more thing—quietly spread the rumor that you were almost poisoned. Their anger will be directed toward Uncle.”
“Hmm… if we’re going that far, wouldn’t it be better to make it public?”
“No. There is no clear evidence that Uncle was behind the poisoning attempt. If we rush it, it may backfire. We must use it only in the shadows until solid evidence appears.”
Namgung Cheon nodded with a hardened expression.
Namgung Hyuk finished his tea and stood up.
“Then please take care of your health. So Geomrip, take care of my brother.”
“Yes, my lord.”
So Geomrip nodded.
Namgung Hyuk finally left the room satisfied.
* * *
After meeting Namgung Cheon, Namgung Hyuk immediately headed to the Elder Council.
“Third Young Master?”
The guards at the gate looked slightly surprised.
His appearance was unexpected for them.
“What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to see the Council Leader. Could you inform him?”
“Yes. I will go at once.”
One of the guards entered, and shortly after returned.
He bowed respectfully and guided Namgung Hyuk inside.
“Please follow me.”
The interior of the Elder Council was quiet.
Since it was a place where retired masters who had once been respected in the martial world gathered, it looked like nothing more than an ordinary gathering place for old men playing Go.
But Namgung Hyuk knew the truth.
This place was no different from a den of demons.
The Elder Council was filled with cunning veterans who had lived through countless trials.
Even if they appeared detached from family politics, their influence was never weak.
“This way.”
Following the guard, Namgung Hyuk entered and greeted him.
“I greet the Council Leader.”
“Welcome, Third Young Master. Have you come all this way to keep this old man company?”
“Something like that. I believe you’ll find this interesting as well.”
The Council Leader looked intrigued and nodded.
“Speak.”
“Please help me form a martial unit.”
“Oh?”
At the direct request, the Council Leader narrowed his eyes slightly.
“A martial unit? Why would you ask for such a thing?”
“You already know the reason, don’t you?”
“Heh heh. I can guess, of course. I just didn’t expect your concern for your brother to be so deep.”
“I only wish for the family laws to be properly upheld. Don’t you feel the same?”
“Of course. But powerless laws are always pushed aside in favor of practicality.”
“That is precisely why I am asking you for help. Even from your perspective, it would be better for my brother to become the head of the family rather than Uncle.”
The reason Namgung Hyuk had come here was exactly that.
The Elder Council was one of the groups most marginalized by Namgung Jangcheon.
Though they held political power, they were being kept in check because Jangcheon feared their influence.
Thus, Namgung Hyuk intended to ally with them first.
If he secured their backing, Namgung Cheon would have enough strength to contend with his uncle.
“I won’t deny that. But we cannot take reckless risks. Are you confident you can make the eldest son the head of the family?”
“Of course. If I wasn’t confident, I wouldn’t be making this request.”
At his confident answer, the Council Leader laughed heartily.
“Ha ha. Third Young Master, you’ve truly changed compared to ten years ago. It’s like you’re a different person.”
“I had no choice but to change to survive the battlefield. So, will you accept?”
“Yes.”
The answer came without much hesitation.
The Council Leader seemed to have already anticipated this.
“I will try to build public opinion in favor of forming a martial unit under you. However, I cannot guarantee success.”
“I understand. That much risk is necessary.”
“I trust you can gather the people.”
“Of course. All that remains is waiting.”
At those words, the Council Leader spoke cautiously.
“Perhaps the opportunity will come sooner than expected.”
“Do you know something?”
“Do you remember the last family meeting?”
“Yes.”
“Then you also remember the first agenda item.”
Namgung Hyuk nodded.
“The Gold Crow Trading Company matter, correct? Whether to send support was under review, and I believe the decision was to be made.”
“It seems the decision will be to send support.”
“I see.”
Namgung Hyuk was not surprised.
Even though the Namgung Family was one of the Ten Great Families, the Gold Crow Trading Company was also one of the largest merchant groups in the Central Plains.
There was no harm in forming ties with them.
So regardless of the reason, he expected the support to be approved.
“Volunteer for that mission and achieve results. That will make forming your martial unit much easier.”
“Understood. Then may I ask why the Gold Crow Trading Company requested assistance?”
“It seems to be because of an assassin.”
“An assassin?”
“Yes. The assassin reportedly sent a warning that he will kill the heir of the Gold Crow Trading Company. That’s why they’ve requested escort protection.”
“Hm… I understand.”
Namgung Hyuk’s expression turned odd.
“A warning letter?”
Something about the flow of events felt off.
As if something didn’t quite fit.
But he did not dig further.
For now, this much information was enough.
The rest could be confirmed on site.
“Then I will take my leave, Council Leader.”
“Take care.”
With the Council Leader’s farewell, Namgung Hyuk left the Elder Council.
Upon returning to his quarters, he immediately called Ho Yeong.
“Ho Yeong.”
“Hm? Boss, what is it?”
“Call Jeon Wook and So Yeon, who are waiting outside.”
“Oh? So you need those two now?”
“Yes.”
Ho Yeong grinned.
“Understood. I’ll go get them.”
“Tell the gate guards my name. They won’t stop you from bringing new people in.”
“Everyone in the Namgung Family already knows I’m your aide. What’s there to worry about? I’ll be right back.”
“Go.”
Ho Yeong nodded and quickly left the estate.
He returned the next morning.
* * *
After several discussions, it was decided that the Namgung Family would support the Gold Crow Trading Company.
The family leadership debated who should be sent.
Since the mission involved an important organization, they needed a capable representative.
At that moment, the Council Leader recommended Third Young Master Namgung Hyuk.
The reaction was divided.
“That’s absurd! The Third Young Master is too important for such a mission!”
“What nonsense? He proved himself in the Huainan branch incident. He should be more than capable.”
The first belonged to Namgung Jangcheon’s faction, while the second belonged to the Elder Council’s influence.
The debate continued intensely.
But gradually, the decision leaned toward sending him.
Namgung Family was currently suffering from a severe manpower shortage.
As one of the Ten Great Families, they were involved in many affairs, and recent conflicts had stretched their forces thin.
In other words, there were very few capable spare forces.
In that situation, Namgung Hyuk was a rare asset.
However, Namgung Jangcheon still did not allow him to go alone.
“You will go together with Pyo Ah.”
He assigned his second son, Namgung Pyo, and part of the Heavenly Sky Unit to accompany him.
This was to ensure success—but also to prevent Namgung Hyuk from gaining too much merit again.
“Very well.”
Namgung Hyuk accepted calmly.
It didn’t matter to him who accompanied him.
He prepared to depart for the Gold Crow Trading Company with his newly joined subordinates.
Namgung Pyo frowned.
“Brother Hyuk. Who are these people?”
“My comrades who have fought with me since the battlefield. Do you have a problem?”
“We cannot bring outsiders on a family mission.”
“They are trustworthy. Don’t worry.”
“But…”
“Enough.”
Namgung Hyuk cut him off coldly.
“I said they are trustworthy. Are you questioning the comrades who have shared life and death with me in the northern battlefield?”
“N-no, that’s not it!”
Startled, Namgung Pyo quickly shook his head.
Namgung Hyuk’s voice carried a chilling aura like a northern blizzard.
But backing down here would be humiliating.
So Namgung Pyo spoke carefully.
“I just meant I’m worried something might go wrong…”
“Nothing will go wrong. And even if it does, I will take responsibility.”
“…Understood.”
In the end, Namgung Pyo stepped back.
Namgung Hyuk looked around at everyone.
“Then, let’s depart.”
Their destination was the Gold Crow Trading Company.
Where the mission awaited.
