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Translator: uly
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Negotiations Require a Scapegoat
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Negotiations require a scapegoat.
As wars drag on, conflicts arise among the leadership for various reasons. When that happens frequently, those with similar beliefs band together, eventually forming factions.
The Imperial Army was no different.
Supreme Commander Jang Cheol and First General Gun Cheokjeon differed on many points. In the end, the Imperial Army split into those following Jang Cheol and those following Gun Cheokjeon, each exerting hidden efforts to undermine the other.
Jang Cheol's side had put in the most effort.
"You called for me?"
A sturdy middle-aged man bowed toward Jang Cheol. His strong eyes, prominent nose, and thin lips gave him a stubbornly resolute impression.
This man was the Iron-Blood General Gun Cheokjeon, a core figure in the Imperial Army who commanded universal respect.
Four men followed behind Gun Cheokjeon.
The one with a similar aura but smaller build was Plain Iron General So Daehwa. The one with a gentle, affable face and a handsome spear was Grand Harmony General Ak Gun-eok, a warrior from the Shandong Ak Clan. The one with womanishly long hair was Heavenly Scholar General Adal, whose family was among the most prestigious in Beiping. And finally, the strikingly handsome man who could rival any beauty was Full Flower General Cho Yu.
No matter how one looked at Full Flower General Cho Yu, he seemed utterly out of place in the military. Yet somehow, he blended in without standing out.
"Let's talk on the way."
Jang Cheol stepped out of the tent.
Jang Cheol and the five generals mounted their horses. As they left the camp, several hundred men in black armor escorted them. Riding horses draped in iron barding, armed with spears and swords, wearing iron helmets and demon-face masks over their faces—they were Jang Cheol's personal guard, the Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad. Composed entirely of martial artists, the squad numbered five hundred in total.
—Do you know where we're going?
So Daehwa, behind Gun Cheokjeon, sent via transmission.
—No idea.
Gun Cheokjeon simply shook his head.
"The enemy commander has sent word requesting peace negotiations."
Jang Cheol spoke then.
"Is that true?"
Gun Cheokjeon's eyes widened.
"And not only I, but the Imperial Court also wishes to end the war."
"Has the court issued orders to negotiate?"
"It came as an imperial decree."
"I see. But why me...?"
Gun Cheokjeon looked at Jang Cheol with puzzlement. It might make sense during the day, but this was the dead of night. Holding talks in the small hours was utterly unconventional.
"It's the enemy commander's demand."
"He wants to see me?"
"Not just the Iron-Blood General—you four generals as well, explicitly stated."
"...Where is the enemy commander now?"
"Three hundred chang farther ahead."
"He set up camp behind our lines?"
Gun Cheokjeon asked in surprise.
"Indeed."
"When did word arrive from the enemy commander?"
"Yesterday."
"But..."
"Too soon, you think?"
"That's my view."
"As the saying goes, 'pull the iron horns while it's hot.' Better to settle it before the enemy commander or His Imperial Majesty changes his mind. If they do, we'll rot here for years more. I want to leave this place as soon as possible. I'm sick to death of sand."
"I understand."
Gun Cheokjeon nodded.
Moments later, the group arrived at the tent designated for negotiations. The enemy commander seemed already present, as Blood Wolf Clan warriors surrounded half the tent.
"Go in and announce that Jang Cheol has arrived."
Jang Cheol said quietly.
One enemy entered. Soon, the tent flap opened wide. The Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad swiftly moved to secure half the tent. Under their protection, Jang Cheol entered.
Inside sat thirteen men clad in leather garb.
"I am Great Chieftain Adalta."
The one with a goatee introduced himself first. Goatees usually lent a light air, but Adalta exuded a heavy, intense presence instead.
'Hm?'
Gun Cheokjeon was startled.
The enemy commander he knew was not Adalta, but Ageukta.
'What happened?'
He had found the sudden peace proposal suspicious, but it seemed the Blood Wolf Clan's great chieftain had changed. Meanwhile, Adalta and Jang Cheol conversed via transmission.
—Pleased to meet you, General.
—Congratulations.
—This is all thanks to you, General.
—Let's begin.
—Agreed.
"My demands are twofold."
Adalta spoke first.
"Before that, one thing must be clarified."
"Speak."
Adalta said.
"I want confirmation that you are indeed the Blood Wolf Clan's great chieftain. The one I know is Ageukta."
It was a question mindful of Gun Cheokjeon and his group on the left.
"He has stepped down, and I am now great chieftain. Those behind me are the twelve tribal chieftains of the Blood Wolf Clan."
Jang Cheol's gaze shifted to those standing behind Adalta.
"Adalta is the Great Khan."
"Adalta is the Blood Wolf Clan's great chieftain."
They declared in unison.
"...Very well. I accept that. Now state your demands."
Jang Cheol nodded.
"One hundred thousand gold crowns, one million seok of rice, two hundred virgins, and the Wind Brigade."
"All I can offer is fifty thousand seok of rice."
Jang Cheol stated firmly.
"That's unacceptable."
Adalta shook his head.
"Then war continues."
"You truly wish to keep fighting?"
Adalta asked.
"We've warred for twelve years, and you're all that's left in the Border Wastelands."
"You really think we're the only ones left?"
"..."
Jang Cheol couldn't answer readily.
—Do you know something?
Jang Cheol transmitted to Gun Cheokjeon.
—New intelligence says scattered forces are regrouping.
—If they return to the battlefield, we may fight years more.
—Yes.
"I'll give two hundred thousand seok of rice. Demand more, and war resumes. This is my final offer."
Jang Cheol said.
Adalta turned, conferring with his chieftains in their tongue. After heated debate, they reached consensus, and Adalta turned back.
"Agreed. Two hundred thousand seok of rice and the Wind Brigade. My final demand. Refuse, and as you say, General, war continues."
"The rice aside—what's your reason for wanting the Wind Brigade?"
"They're the ones who harmed us Border folk most. Every tribesman and chieftain agrees: no end to war without their elimination."
Jang Cheol looked at Gun Cheokjeon.
—No, General.
Gun Cheokjeon objected vehemently.
The Wind Brigade had fought for the Empire these past ten years. Abandoning them made no sense.
—We can't beg to save the Wind Brigade. Even if we abandon them, the Empire must show we can forge a new one anytime.
"Impossible."
This time, not via transmission—he shouted aloud, betraying his agitation.
"General!"
"I'll report to His Majesty."
Gun Cheokjeon glared at Jang Cheol. Their staredown lasted some time.
"Fine. I'll step out and collect my thoughts."
Jang Cheol rose and left the tent.
The Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad followed. Outside, Jang Cheol stared at the tent.
"Junya."
"Yes."
Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad Leader Junya approached.
"Drive Gun Cheokjeon's group into the desert."
"Eliminate them?"
"No need for us to. Herd them into the desert, and the Blood Wolf Clan will handle the rest."
"How to explain their deaths to the court?"
"The Wind Brigade will do."
"Frame it as their rebellion?"
"Best way to eliminate Gun Cheokjeon's group and the Wind Brigade at once."
"Brilliant stratagem."
"See to it."
"Yes!"
Junya bowed.
As Jang Cheol led on, squad leaders gathered around Junya.
"Fifth Squad takes lead. Others support. Mission: drive Gun Cheokjeon's group into the desert."
"Fights may force unavoidable kills."
The Fifth Squad Leader said.
"Then... kill them."
"Understood."
The leader bowed.
Moments later, Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad members stealthily approached the tent.
Gun Cheokjeon looked at Adalta.
"What of Ageukta?"
He asked in the Border tongue.
"Dead."
"A rebellion?"
"Unlike the Central Plains, where blood, regional ties, and school connections decide success, the Border Wastelands worship strength. The weak are culled."
"Not always so. The Central Plains selects officials via exams."
"You mean the imperial examinations? Even that system's tests lack fairness. Anyway, your superior seems to lack will for further talks. I'm leaving."
Adalta rose with his chieftains and exited. With them gone, only Gun Cheokjeon's group remained.
Silence filled the tent.
"Why hasn't he returned?"
Grand Harmony General Ak Gun-eok asked quietly.
"Go check."
Gun Cheokjeon said.
Cho Yu, nearest the entrance, stepped out—and returned immediately.
"No one's there."
"Gone?"
"Yes. The general's guards and the Blood Wolf Clan—all left. Just us."
"Just us..."
Gun Cheokjeon's face hardened.
They rushed outside.
Scanning about, as Cho Yu said—no enemies, no allies. Nothing.
"Could it be..."
Grand Harmony General Ak Gun-eok looked at Gun Cheokjeon.
"Speak."
"The Supreme Commander finds us a burden?"
"And seeks our removal?"
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Something brushed past.
"The Grand Harmony General is right."
Plain Iron General So Daehwa said grimly.
"Attack!"
A low cry emerged from the darkness.
Iron Armor Demon-Face Squad members charged the five. They had removed their demon masks, now wearing black cloths.
Clang! Clang-clang!
The five drew weapons.
"Chaha!"
"Taha!"
"Haa!"
With shouts, they swung at the onrushing foes.
"Gahk!"
"Ugh!"
"Kuhk!"
Muffled cries escaped the squad members. Astonishingly, the five generals wielded skills rivaling supreme masters.
"Use stealth arts! Archers, fire!"
Finding the five stronger than expected, the squad adapted. Some vanished into hiding, others loosed arrows.
Whoosh! Whoosh-whoosh! Whoosh-whoosh!
Mysterious bow arrows sliced the air.
Gun Cheokjeon's group swung weapons in unison, batting arrows aside. Seizing the moment, the squad leaped forth.
Slash! Slash!
Their blades rent the air.
"Ugh!"
"Kuh!"
Adal and Cho Yu cried out, swinging wildly.
"Gahk!"
"Kruk!"
Thud! Thud!
"Ugh!"
Two foes fell lifeless, two arrows embedding in Adal and Cho Yu.
"Fall back."
Fighting as they retreated, Gun Cheokjeon's group took more arrows. They plunged into the darkness.