Chapter 162

Chapter 162

The battle between Seo Seons remaining soldiers and the secret police was fierce.

The remaining soldiers fought desperately to escape, while the secret police, seeking revenge for past grievances, fought with a do-or-die attitude.

Why are you blocking us?

Didnt I tell you? Debts must be repaid!

Clang! Clash! Crash!

Chase them!

Catch them!

In the back alleys of Unjongga, a battle even more brutal than the one at Gyeongbokgung Palace unfolded.

The martial skills of the soldiers, gathered by Yangnyeong as he roamed the country, were outstanding.

However, the secret polices members were no less formidable. They were either soldiers from powerful families or skilled martial artists who had not passed the military service examination.

Moreover, the secret police had the advantage in numbers and knew how to fight dirty.

Swoosh!

Cough!

Still so tough after Ive already killed three of you

As Ki Nam, who had just slashed open a the secret police members chest, surveyed the area to find a way out, sharp throwing knives flew from behind, piercing his arms and legs.

Ugh!

As a knife struck his leg, Ki Nam staggered with a short cry.

Seizing the moment, a the secret police member plunged a sword into Ki Nams chest.

Clang!

As the sword pierced his chest, Ki Nams sword fell from his hand.

The the secret police member who had stabbed Ki Nam kicked him away.

As the sword was pulled out, Ki Nam reached out his hands. He tried to speak, but with his pierced chest, his breath escaped him.

Eventually, Ki Nam collapsed to the ground with a look of despair.

The battle that ensued lasted for over an hour before it finally ended.

Weve killed them all.

Good work. What about our losses?

Eight in Dadoong, six in Bukchon, and we lost eight.

Tch What a loss!

The head of Unjonggas the secret police clucked his tongue upon receiving the report.

The damage was more severe than anticipated. Adding to the losses suffered in battles against those cursed traitors, they had lost about half of their members.

What about these bodies?

Gather all the weapons and dump the bodies in front of the government office.

Yes, understood.

After issuing orders to his members, the head of Unjonggas the secret police walked over to the other leaders.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Our losses are significant.

Indeed.

The leader from Dadoong agreed briefly, but the leader from Bukchon looked particularly distressed.

At least the dead will be taken care of by our lord, but filling our ranks will be a problem.

The other two leaders nodded gravely at the words of the Bukchon leader.

The leader from Dadoong, pondering the problem of replenishing their numbers, looked at the other leaders.

It seems targeting those who failed the military exams would be our best bet.

With the ongoing reforms of Sejong, the distinction between the literary and military branches became more pronounced. Positions nominally in the military branch, but actually held by literati, had disappeared.

Consequently, the number of applicants for the military exams had significantly increased.

Especially with the impending official confirmation of rumors about the establishment of a military academy, the competition had become even fiercer.

With the increasing competition, the expansion of military recruitment opportunities had not brought much change.

Hence, the leader from Dadoong suggested targeting those who failed the military exams.

At this suggestion, the leader from Bukchon pointed out a problem.

The idea of targeting those who failed the military exams is indeed the best, but the problem is how to handle their stubborn pride, especially since they have attempted the exams. Dont they see us as uncultured swordsmen?

The leaders from Bukchon voiced this concern, and the other two leaders responded simultaneously.

Werent we uncultured rascals until not so long ago?

Thats what Im saying

Your Majesty, did you anticipate that such a treacherous and unfilial event might occur?

To Maeng Sa-seongs question, Sejong responded briefly.

There was intelligence.

Then, wouldnt it have been better to apprehend the traitors beforehand?

Are you suggesting I should have arrested my own brother without solid evidence?

At Sejongs question, Maeng Sa-seong too had to bow his head.

Please forgive my short-sightedness! I was merely concerned for Your Majestys safety!

I understand why you said so, and I will not fault you for it. However, know that I too had much to consider.

I am profoundly grateful.

As the conversation with Maeng Sa-seong concluded, the Minister of Punishments stepped forward.

How shall we deal with the culprits?

The unrest in the south has not yet been quelled. Once that is settled, we will handle the cases together.

I shall obey Your Majestys command.

Not long after Sejong finished speaking, the Chief Eunuch entered to report.

The Training Commander requests an audience, Your Majesty.

Let him in.

Shortly after, the Training Commander entered Geunjeongjeon, paid his respects to Sejong, and then spoke.

I have imprisoned the leaders of the traitors.

Good work.

Also, a message has arrived from the law enforcement office. A group of bodies has been left in front of the office. Judging by their attire, they appear to be traitors involved in the recent uprising.

Is that so?

Seems like the secret police has wrapped things up.

Sejong, having a rough idea of who was behind this, immediately gave an order.

Find out who has done this good deed and report to me.

Yes. Additionally, reports have come from our soldiers sent to Bukchon. They have secured a list of the leaders and accomplices of the traitors.

Those who have received training are at risk of fleeing. Apprehend them immediately and imprison them.

I obey Your Majestys command!

And what about the handling of the traitors family estates?

According to the report brought by the messenger, the suppression has been completed.

Send messengers at dawn to transport them all.

Yes!

And ensure the soldiers are given sufficient rest. They may need to move to the south immediately if required.

Yes!

Having received Sejongs orders, the Training Commander saluted and promptly exited.

The smell of blood is overwhelming

I feel like I might vomit

As the ministers listened to Sejong and the Training Commanders conversation, they were hit by a strong scent of blood, evoking a sense of nausea.

It was a reminder of the gruesome political purges they had experienced during King Taejongs reign, which had left a lasting impression of bloodshed and revulsion in their minds.

* * *

As soon as day broke the next day, a messenger rode swiftly to the Gyeonggi military camp.

Sejong continued to conduct state affairs while still clad in his armor.

Your Majesty, isnt it time to take off the armor now?

Chief State Councilor Lee Jik suggested Sejong should remove his armor, but Sejong decisively refused.

I will not remove it until the unrest in the south has been resolved.

The ministers had no choice but to remain silent in response to Sejongs firm decision.

Reports of the battle between the rebel forces in the south and the Joseon army reached the court on the sixth day after the uprising began.

Your Majesty! A report from the Chungcheong military camp! Its a great victory!

Entering Geunjeongjeon breathlessly, Jo Mal-saeng announced the victory of the Joseon army and handed the report to the Chief Eunuch.

After receiving the report from the Chief Eunuch, Sejong quickly read through it.

Having finished reading the contents of the report, Sejong turned to the ministers.

This is indeed good news. The soldiers of the Chungcheong military camp have annihilated the rebels in Cheonan.

It was the first victory report that the court had been eagerly awaiting.

King Taejo[]