Chapter 285: The Prestige of the Courtesan (2)

"A courtesan?"

The shouting from outside left Prince Jin baffled.

How could a mere courtesan, who should be at a banquet, possibly break through the elite imperial soldiers?

"What nonsense is this?!"

Unable to believe it, Prince Jin finally stepped out of the tent to see it with his own eyes.

The generals and officials followed behind to guard him.

'!?'

Upon stepping outside, Prince Jin was left speechless at the scene before him.

A woman clad in a flowing green outfit was dashing forward, knocking aside the soldiers trying to stop her as if they were nothing.

"Ugh!"

The soldiers were flung away by a simple wave of her delicate hand, fainting instantly.

It was like watching an adult fight children.

"That woman… is she really a courtesan?"

Prince Jin couldn't take his eyes off her.

One of the generals beside him clicked his tongue and said,

"She doesn't seem like an ordinary courtesan."

"Then what is she?"

"It's impossible to handle trained soldiers like that without martial arts."

"Then are you saying she's from the martial world?"

"It seems so. I never imagined King Gyeong had a woman with such skill under him."

At that, Prince Jin asked with curiosity,

"How skilled is she, then?"

Prince Jin also had martial artists at his side.

About half of the generals here knew martial arts, and the eunuch in the blue robe next to him, Cheop-hyung of the Dongchang, was considered the most skilled aside from the admiral himself.

One of the youngest generals, confident in his own strength, spoke up boldly,

"For a woman, she's quite something. She appears to be at least first-class. If Your Highness permits, I will subdue her at once."

"Hohohoho."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a feminine laugh rang out.

The young general frowned and turned to look.

"Cheop-hyung?"

The laugh came from Cheop-hyung of Dongchang.

Covering his mouth with his hand, he said,

"General Jang's words make sense, but in my opinion, that woman easily surpasses the level of a first-class warrior."

"What?"

The young general couldn't hide his surprise.

"Cheop-hyung, I too believe that…"

"Yes, a first-class expert could handle dozens of trained soldiers. But not as effortlessly as she just did."

The confident young general bit his lip.

Prince Jin showed interest at Cheop-hyung's words.

"Then you're saying that woman is at the peak master level?"

"It seems so, Your Highness."

"Interesting. Even among the few women in the palace's elite guards, none are at that level. And yet, such a woman is under King Gyeong..."

Just moments ago, Prince Jin was about to order her death.

But now, the thought that such a powerful woman—one he had dismissed as just a courtesan—was under King Gyeong gave him complicated feelings.

Still staring at her, Prince Jin ordered:

"Capture that woman and bring her before me."

Cheop-hyung smirked inwardly at those words.

'There it is again.'

Prince Jin could never stand it when another prince had something desirable. He always had to take it.

That greedy glint in his eyes said it all.

It was understandable, though.

Any man would want to keep such a beautiful and powerful woman by his side.

With a flick of his hand, Cheop-hyung signaled three of his elite Dangdu (personal agents).

"Hohoho. You heard His Highness."

"Yes."

The three replied in unison.

They were among the top five out of over fifty Dangdu under Cheop-hyung—undeniably top-tier masters.

Surely they could subdue a single courtesan.

An older general murmured,

"It's been a while since we saw the skills of Dongchang's Dangdu."

"Since you say that, General Moon, we shall show His Highness our might once again."

Such chances didn't come often.

The Dangdu also understood Cheop-hyung's message—it was a golden opportunity to earn merit.

-Swish swish swish!

The three raced toward the woman in the green robe.

As if competing over who would subdue her, they unleashed their best martial arts techniques learned from the imperial palace.

But then, something unbelievable happened.

The courtesan in green kneed the first Dangdu in the chin, then swiftly grabbed the wrist of another mid-technique using a forbidden grappling move and slammed him to the ground.

"Urk!"

The second Dangdu fainted instantly after being slammed down.

Two were down in mere seconds without even a proper exchange of techniques.

The last remaining one couldn't hide his shock.

'Was she hiding her strength?'

Her presence clearly emanated the aura of a peak master.

But she had taken down two warriors, each almost as strong as him, like they were children.

Such a feat was impossible unless she was someone like Cheop-hyung.

'A girl barely in her twenties, a transcendental master? Absurd.'

He was now in a terrible bind.

Regardless of martial rank, it was impossible for him to defeat her.

But if he were to fall just like the others, in front of Prince Jin, the humiliation would be...

-Swish!

Before he could finish his thoughts—

The courtesan was already right in front of him.

Panicked, he tried to leap back—

-Thwack!

But her kick struck his neck. He collapsed without even a scream.

"No way!"

"They couldn't even touch her..."

The generals who practiced martial arts were speechless.

No one expected that those three, known as top talents among Dongchang's Dangdu, would fall so easily.

'No…'

But the most flustered of all was Cheop-hyung, who had confidently sent them.

He had judged her to be a peak master.

But she overpowered his agents so utterly that Dongchang's reputation was in tatters.

'Just what is she?'

The idea that such a powerful woman was just a courtesan made no sense.

If that were true, then King Gyeong had deceived everyone all this time.

Cheop-hyung glanced at Prince Jin.

But instead of anger, Prince Jin's eyes were fixed on the courtesan.

"Ha!"

Watching her kick with her graceful legs, skirt fluttering, he let out a genuine sigh of admiration.

Her fierce eyes, that striking face—she was unlike any woman he'd ever seen.

His standards for women shattered in that moment.

Each of her movements sparkled like a jewel.

'...So that scoundrel was hiding this woman for a reason.'

He wanted her.

A woman like that was too fine for a pleasure-seeking fool like King Gyeong.

"Your Highness?"

Cheop-hyung's voice beside him snapped Prince Jin from his daze.

Bowing his head, Cheop-hyung said:

"Your Highness, I believe I may have misjudged the situation. Allow me to personally bring that woman to you."

There was only one way to salvage this.

He had to personally subdue her and present her to the prince.

But he wasn't the only one volunteering.

"Your Highness. Please grant me the honor. Since this incident stemmed from my error, I shall bring her to you myself."

It was In Ohcheonjang, the captain.

Prince Jin stared at him with narrowed eyes.

He was, after all, Jin's personal bodyguard—the strongest among them.

Though he wasn't thrilled, Prince Jin was eager to speak with the woman as soon as possible.

"Very well. In Ohcheonjang—"

Just then—

"Huh?"

"Your Highness, look over there!"

Following the shouts of several generals, Prince Jin turned his gaze.

There, approaching leisurely on a sedan chair, was none other than...

"...That bastard King Gyeong."

While the courtesan in green wreaked havoc, King Gyeong was calmly entering the camp without even wearing armor.

[As His Majesty the Emperor's age and chronic illness worsened, the battle for the throne has grown increasingly fierce. I myself have faced three assassination attempts in just the past two months.]

[Three times in two months?]

[Yes. And if His Majesty were to collapse now, it's clear people would begin killing each other openly.]

[So you're asking me to shake off Yeonsaeng's identity?]

[I can't stop you from leaving, but what if the real Yeonsaeng remained by my side instead of you?]

Receiving this request, I now shed Yeonsaeng's identity for the final time.

As King Gyeong said, even if I leave, if the real Yeonsaeng stays with him, then Prince Jin and all those in the palace who hear the rumors will begin to view her with heightened caution.

— Seeing how he's using you, this king is no easy person either.

Well, this much I can tolerate.

Since my involvement has already started to influence the current emperor's decisions, I can't confidently say the imperial history won't change as well.

If it can help King Gyeong even a little, I have nothing to lose.

'This should be enough.'

I glanced around.

By the time I reached the center of the garrison, I had already taken down several hundred soldiers.

I could've used the Jingyo Hwanikyeong technique, but I refrained. Since Yeonsaeng's martial reputation should focus solely on Gwongak Art, I used only that.

Still, having defeated most of them with Ilsoo alone, I believe I displayed her martial prowess clearly enough.

The fact that soldiers now hesitate to approach is proof.

When I looked at King Gyeong, he gave a nod — a signal that it was enough.

With that, I rejoined the group of courtesans.

"Sis, you were amazing."

"How can you fight so well?"

The courtesans whispered, admiringly.

They already knew I wasn't the real Yeonsaeng.

Yet, perhaps because they themselves had trained in assassination techniques and martial arts, they were more fascinated by me than frightened.

All of them were now calling me "unnie" (older sister).

I suddenly felt like the leader of the courtesans.

— If your future wife Sama-yeong saw this, I wonder what she'd say.

Sodam Sword chuckled.

It's a relief only you and I can talk like this.

Just then, King Gyeong descended from the Sain-gyo and respectfully clasped his hands together in greeting.

"Gyeong of the royal family greets His Highness."

The one receiving the greeting was none other than Prince Jin.

King Gyeong had guessed he might be here in the garrison of Muhang, near the tomb of Prince Pyeong, and his prediction was correct.

How bold that man is.

To come all the way here himself to aim for King Gyeong's life...

It's clear now the current emperor no longer has the strength to govern the nation.

"Hmph."

King Gyeong snorted as he looked around.

Even though he was another royal prince, no one from Prince Jin's side bowed their heads.

It was a situation that could easily enrage anyone.

But having played the fool for so long, King Gyeong didn't show further emotion.

Then Prince Jin stepped forward with his hands behind his back.

"What brings you here at this hour to cause such disorder, little brother?"

Though they were half-brothers, the tone was clearly hostile.

Prince Jin got straight to the point.

King Gyeong smiled gently and replied:

"I had no idea Your Highness was here in the Muhang garrison, not even ten li away from where I serve as excavation chief at Prince Pyeong's tomb."

"And ignorance relieves you of responsibility?"

Prince Jin's voice hardened.

He raised his hand, and immediately imperial guards surrounded them.

Despite being wary of my presence, they moved in perfect order — a testament to their discipline.

"Quite the welcome."

Even so, King Gyeong stayed composed, confident in my abilities.

Prince Jin, however, was visibly displeased.

Perhaps he was annoyed that the brother who always bowed his head before him was suddenly speaking with such confidence.

"So you're relying on that girl now?"

Prince Jin turned his gaze to me.

At those words, King Gyeong smiled and gestured.

From behind the Sain-gyo, soldiers dragged someone out.

It was the guard who had infiltrated the tomb to assassinate us and had claimed to be acting under Prince Jin's orders.

'!?'

Prince Jin's eyes narrowed sharply.

I expected him to feign ignorance, but he didn't even try to deny it — he must have something to fall back on.

I alternated my gaze between the eunuch in blue robes and the armored general at Prince Jin's side.

"That eunuch over there is one of Dongchang's top lieutenants," one of the courtesans whispered to me.

I'd heard that the Dongchang had a commander, with two lieutenants serving directly under him.

So the pale-faced eunuch must be one of them.

His martial skills were extraordinary.

He was strong enough to be considered a sect elder or even sect leader.

King Gyeong had some martial artists at his side too, but as a legitimate heir born from the empress, Prince Jin had been assigned even Dongchang's elite for protection — likely marking him as the heir apparent.

After forcing the captured soldier to his knees, King Gyeong said:

"This man claimed Your Highness ordered him to kill me. I've come to verify whether that is true."

Prince Jin, who had been watching silently, chuckled.

To bring a witness and confront him like this — yet he remained composed. He clearly still believed the situation was in his favor.

He looked at the captive and said:

"I do not know this man. Surely, you don't believe his words over mine?"

"You truly don't know him?"

"I said I do not."

"I see. Then this man must be lying."

At this interrogation, Prince Jin's face hardened.

"Are you accusing me, your brother?"

No sooner had Prince Jin finished speaking than one of the officers raised his hand.

Archers among the soldiers drew their bows, notched their arrows.

As the threat of a rain of arrows loomed, the courtesans and King Gyeong's soldiers grew tense.

In a low voice, King Gyeong said:

"So denying the charges wasn't enough — now you threaten my life?"

Prince Jin smiled as he replied:

"My little brother commits a grave discourtesy, and even dares suspect me — how could I not discipline you for such insolence?"

"...Discipline? With death?"

To that, Prince Jin curled his lips and replied:

"Would I really kill my own brother over a single misstep?"

"Then lower the archers."

"That depends on you, brother."

"...What do you mean by that?"

Prince Jin pointed at me.

"You have quite an entertaining girl with you."

"She's highly skilled."

At King Gyeong's reply, Prince Jin gestured at me and said:

"Hand her over to me. If you do, I'll overlook today's offenses."

'!?'

King Gyeong was at a loss for words.

So was I.

I had expected him to be wary of me or feel threatened — not to demand I be handed over.

And his gaze... was disturbingly greedy.

— Puhahaha!

Sodam Sword burst out laughing.

Even if they were half-brothers, they shared the same bad taste in women.

"Pft."

King Gyeong's lips twitched.

It seemed he couldn't help but laugh, now that Prince Jin too had mistaken me for a woman.

Seeing that, Prince Jin raised a brow and raised his voice.

"Are you laughing right now?"

Barely stifling his laughter, King Gyeong replied:

"So, Your Highness wishes me to hand this child over?"

Prince Jin snorted.

"She's far too good for you."

Then turning to me, he asked:

"What is your name?"

I clasped my hands in a respectful bow.

"I am Yeonsaeng."

"Yeonsaeng... a lovely name. Come to my side."

He spoke gently, but it made my skin crawl.

Extending a hand, he beckoned me forward.

"I belong to Prince Gyeong, Your Highness."

"Your choice today decides your master's fate. No matter how skilled you are, can you really protect him against thousands of soldiers and my generals?"

With those words, he raised his hand.

Archers tightened their bows.

"If I lower this hand, arrows will fly. If you truly want to save him, stop being stubborn and come here."

"Haa..."

I sighed deeply and turned to look at King Gyeong.

Seeing this, Prince Jin smirked — as if saying, "You have no choice."

He softened his tone and tried to coax me:

"You hesitate because your master's life hangs in the balance. Then let me offer you something."

"An offer?"

"I will make you my consort. A far better position than serving a mere prince as a courtesan."

Prince Jin wore a smug expression, as if expecting me to be moved.

But I smiled gently and replied:

"Your Highness's offer is less appealing than Prince Gyeong's."

"What...?"

— Srrk!

In that instant, I used Ihyeong Hwanwi technique to flash behind Prince Jin.

No one there could follow my movements.

While they were still turning their heads to look for me, I grabbed the back of Prince Jin's neck and forced him to his knees.

"Y-You… how did you..."

Whispering close to his ear, I said:

"You wondered what would happen if you lowered your hand? Why not try it?"

'!?'