Book 11: Chapter 15: Checkmate

"Certainly…"

The one who spoke was Kang Ho.

"Grand Madame Ouyang, after the Grand Patriarch collapsed."

The expression on his face as he uttered the name of Grand Madame Ouyang, the mother of the Second Young Master, was not good.

Among those living in Luoyang, how many would welcome her name?

"According to the materials I confirmed, it appears she has embezzled an enormous amount of money from the Main Family every year."

Yeon So-hyeon had obtained cooperation from the director of the Sword Family Bank found the corruption of the Yeon blood relatives, and at the same time, also captured the massive flow of funds moved by Grand Madame Ouyang.

In Kang Ho's head, all those materials were present.

Down to the smallest single digit.

"And it is speculated that she has been laundering those funds through the Great Immortal Merchant Group."

The Second Young Master's side dominated the underworld of Luoyang and thanks to that the Great Immortal Merchant Group, legally from art auctions to illegal gambling dens and the black market, possessed all means for money laundering.

"…Although decisive evidence is still lacking."

Kang Ho bit his lip.

The mere fact that money had left the Sword Family Bank was insufficient to be called decisive evidence.

"For the Eldest Young Master's strategy—that is, to make Evil Tyrant Heaven trade for Grand Madame Ouyang's life."

There was a prerequisite that had to be met.

"The evidence that Grand Madame Ouyang is guilty must be certain."

Kang Ho narrowed his eyes.

"Therefore, this raid on the Great Immortal Merchant Group by the Inner Courtyard and the Central Inspection Department is important."

"Certainly, that is so."

The Lord of the Crescent Moon Pavilion, Se-ah, smiled.

"However, it seems Young Master Kang does not need to worry about that part."

"…Why is that?"

The smile on the face of the Lord of the Crescent Moon Pavilion, Se-ah, deepened further.

"The very way Grand Madame Ouyang responds to the problem that occurred in the Great Immortal Merchant Group—that is, the investigation that has begun—proves it."

Right now, in this place she was the one who was more knowledgeable about the Great Immortal Merchant Group than anyone else, excluding Yeon So-hyeon.

Because until just a short while ago, she was the one who was waging an intelligence war like a life-and-death struggle against the Great Immortal Merchant Group.

"Are you speaking of the way of responding…?"

The one who answered that was the Fourth Young Master.

"If it is simple, it is a simple story."

Because the Fourth Young Master was still excited by Yeon So-hyeon's massive picture his face remained flushed, but his expression when speaking about the Second Young Master's side was cold.

"The Inner Courtyard and the Central Inspection Department. They are organizations powerful enough to be counted on fingers even within the Sword Family. To think they would resist that with force."

The Fourth Young Master Yeon Bi shrugged.

"Is that not a case of a cornered rat springing at a cat?"

"Ah…!"

Kang Ho clapped his palms.

"What can be known from such a way of responding is that it means there are definitely undeniable evidences in the Great Immortal Merchant Group!"

"It would be. If it were not…"

The Fourth Young Master ground his teeth.

"If it were 'that woman,' she would have calmly pinned the guilt on her subordinates and already washed her hands of it."

When he said 'that woman,' the Fourth Young Master's eyes flashed deep green and the surroundings gave off a pungent odor.

"In the end, according to Big Brother's big picture."

That was, without a doubt, the killing intent of a poison human.

"Even if that woman is excluded from the investigation and can be saved, until then, she will be properly battered by the waves of the world."

Aside from the abnormal hatred that Grand Madame Ouyang and the Second Young Master harbored toward Yeon So-hyeon and Yeon Bi she was certainly one of the greatest culprits who was causing the Luoyang Sword Family to rot.

"…B-But, that alone is still insufficient."

Even while turning pale at that killing intent, Kang Ho firmly continued what he had to say.

"Will Evil Tyrant Heaven obediently agree to exchange Grand Madame Ouyang's life for the permission of the Yangtze River lower reaches refinement project?"

South of the Yangtze River.

The place commonly called Jiangnan was, along with Luoyang, one of the cores of the State of Zhongyuan's foreign trade.

The Yangtze River waterway expansion and refinement project.

The result of that project would enable giant trade ships to pass Jiangnan and sail up even to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

"There is no way Evil Tyrant Heaven, which has been monopolizing foreign trade in Jiangnan and thoroughly enjoying the benefits, would obediently allow such a thing."

"…That is why the Eldest Young Master," this reply came from Gong Dam-ung, who opened his mouth with difficulty.

"is trying to exchange it for saving the life of Grand Madame Ouyang, the daughter of the Alliance Leader of Evil Tyrant Heaven, is he not?"

No matter how massive the interests monopolized in Jiangnan were she was still his precious daughter, after all.

"With that much, it would have enough exchange value—" the one who denied those words was the Lord of the Crescent Moon Pavilion, Se-ah.

"No."

"The Alliance Leader of Evil Tyrant Heaven is by no means a person who would be swayed by the bonds of blood relatives."

Did he bark up the wrong tree again?

Gong Dam-ung smacked his lips.

"Then why does the Eldest Young Master believe that exchange is possible?" "……."

Se-ah also remained silent at that question.

This time too, indeed, the answer came from the Fourth Young Master Yeon Bi.

"it is not simply because she is his daughter."

"It is because Grand Madame Ouyang is the Grand Madame of the Sword Family."

Just as Gong Dam-ung tilted his head at the words that seemed understandable yet vague, kang Ho, who caught on, shouted.

"I see!"

"It means the existence of Grand Madame Ouyang is the only way to directly exert influence on the Sword Family!"

The Fourth Young Master nodded.

"Because to them, the Second Young Master is like a ball that might bounce anywhere."

The Second Young Master did not go out of his way to cause trouble with Evil Tyrant Heaven until now, but if his mother Grand Madame Ouyang disappeared and his leash was removed, he was a figure whose actions could not be known.

"If so…"

Kang Ho licked his parched lips and continued.

"we will need the final preparation that we must make."

There was a determined corner to his expression.

"A preparation against the final desperate struggle that Grand Madame Ouyang, who is driven into a corner, might make."

"Indeed."

Gong Ryang, who had only been watching the conversation of the young people until then, finally opened his mouth.

"She will mobilize every political means she can."

Everyone swallowed hard at those words.

Looking at them, Gong Ryang showed his teeth and smiled.

"The opponent is the daughter of the Alliance Leader of Evil Tyrant Heaven and the Grand Madame of the Luoyang Sword Family. She is a figure who possesses enormous influence inside and outside Luoyang."

The final desperate struggle of such a figure in its scale and intensity, was beyond imagination.

"…S-Still, though."

Kang Ho spoke, massaging the back of his neck where the hair stood on end from the chilling sensation.

"We can at least narrow down the targets of her attack."

At those words, Se-ah spoke first.

"If so, first of all, it would not be the construction site of the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering stadium."

Kang Ho nodded.

"Although the Eldest Young Master was tasked with the responsibility of managing it, it is virtually a place on which the prestige of the entire Sword Family depends."

If she targeted that place, the Sword Family would not sit still.

"Then…"

Gong Dam-ung squeezed his brain and spoke.

"I wonder how the House of Benevolence and Love would be. Since it is an organization that is as good as the Eldest Young Master's symbol—" se-ah shook her head relentlessly this time as well.

"It will not be the House of Benevolence and Love."

"If the Second Young Master's side touches the House of Benevolence and Love, the poor will not stay quiet."

The Fourth Young Master smiled bitterly.

"Since civil rebellions and uprisings like the ones at the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering stadium construction site would break out all over Luoyang."

"I-Is that so?"

Gong Dam-ung was dejected.

"It also does not seem like it would be the Eldest Young Master's allied families."

Kang Ho said, pushing up his glasses.

"Because even if they devote all their strength to sweeping them away, it will not be a fatal blow to the Eldest Young Master. If so, next is…"

"No, wait."

Se-ah waved her hand.

"There is no end to this method. It would be better to think of the most 'fatal place' on our side from the very beginning."

"Indeed!"

Kang Ho nodded.

"The most fatal place when hit…"

The Fourth Young Master, who muttered so, let out a bitter smile.

"…It is right here."

"Pardon?"

The Fourth Young Master spread his arms, pointing around.

"Here. The Valley of Sin."

"Ah, indeed…"

Se-ah sighed.

"In fact, the core of our side's business right now is without a doubt here."

The success or failure of the Valley of Sin project did not simply end there.

That success was the cornerstone of the 'massive' business that would follow.

"That is why Big Brother has made many 'friends' outside, but…"

The Eldest Young Master had even drawn the two district chiefs, who had the Valley of Sin under their administrative districts, to his side.

He had even put effort into sweeping away the underworld that occupied the upper reaches of the valley by mobilizing catapults.

That was because, that much the Valley of Sin was a vulnerable place.

"…What about the possibility of launching a physical attack?"

Kang Ho shook his head.

"If that happens, does the Second Young Master's side not give too great a justification to everyone? They will be bitten from all sides."

The Fourth Young Master folded his arms.

"If so, is it indeed a political offensive after all…?"

"It must be that side."

Kang Ho affirmed.

"Right now, at this moment, the highest-ranking officials who keep their ears open for news from the Imperial Capital are quiet, but."

Se-ah added words.

"If Grand Madame Ouyang promises a price they cannot refuse, we do not know what they will do."

In the early days of the business to the extent that it was unimaginable until having experienced it, the Fourth Young Master, who had suffered from all kinds of administrative attacks by officials, shuddered.

"…Certainly, that woman could present massive rewards, joining hands with top officials and even the elders of the Main Family."

Kang Ho frowned.

"Was the Valley of Sin project not running independently of the Sword Family's funds now?"

"In terms of the financial aspect, it is."

The Fourth Young Master clicked his tongue.

"But what if they claim this project infringes on the interests of the Sword Family?"

It meant that regardless of it being the Eldest Young Master's independent project, the elders could nullify it.

"…That is forced."

"It depends on how much that woman promises to pay and gives. If—" Gong Ryang, who had been listening up to that point, was chuckling.

"Leave it at that."

"Certainly. The Valley of Sin is the most vulnerable, and the rebound when hit is indeed large."

Everyone's gaze turned to Gong Ryang.

"However."

Gong Ryang was wearing a meaningful smile.

"It seems everyone has forgotten the teaching."

At those words, Kang Ho wore a puzzled expression.

"…The teaching, you say?"

Just as Gong Dam-ung also wore a blank expression, the Fourth Young Master hit his forehead.

"A king shapes the future…!"

And it was said to be the perspective and mindset of moving the world.

"Big Brother has already moved the world!"

Sitting quietly until then Yeon So-hyeon, who had kept silent, finally opened his mouth.

"Correct."

* * *

The Imperial Palace.

"…A sacred land?"

At the Emperor's question, Kang Sang affirmed.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. Although it has been quite a long time since the Fairy Cult was recognized as an official religion in the State of Zhongyuan."

Kang Sang continued.

"Do they not still lack a sacred land?"

Beside him, Gongsun Na-gang added words.

"Therefore, Your Imperial Majesty may simply declare the Valley of Sin as the sacred land of the Fairy Cult."

"Since it is a unique authority possessed by His Imperial Majesty, you only need to gather the ministers in the court and declare it."

In the past kang Sang and Gongsun Na-gang, who were no different from bitter enemies, speaking with the same voice was a very bizarre experience for the Emperor.

If so, the answer was only one.

"Is that the Eldest Young Master's request?"

It must surely be the request of the Eldest Young Master, who sent them to the Emperor's side.

"…It is so."

The attitude of Kang Sang, who spoke so, felt somewhat slightly clumsy.

A straight-backed person who would throw off his official robes and walk out of the palace naked at once where would he have ever done something like making a petition?

"Hehe, Your Imperial Majesty."

Seizing that gap, Gongsun Na-gang jumped in.

"In this day and age, the Fairy Cult is a cult so large in scale that the number of those who believe and follow it all over Zhongyuan cannot be counted one by one."

He rubbed his palms incessantly, just like a fly.

"Furthermore, since they take the lead in relieving and caring for the poor, even those without the Fairy faith praise the name of the Fairy Cult."

He was one who had lived his entire life as a eunuch.

There was no one to match him in telling sweet stories that would melt in the Emperor's ears.

"If you grant a sacred land to such people and commend their achievements, all the people under heaven will praise His Imperial Majesty's virtue for it—" the Emperor firmly raised his hand, shutting Gongsun Na-gang's mouth.

"Enough."

"What We need right now is not sweet talk laid out just to sound good, but straight talk stemming from loyalty."

At that attitude, while Gongsun Na-gang winced and Kang Sang grew tense, the Emperor smiled.

"Furthermore…"

"do you intend to make Us an ungrateful person?"

Kang Sang brightened.

"That means…"

The Emperor nodded vigorously.

"As soon as day breaks tomorrow, We will gather the ministers in the court and declare it."

"…Your Imperial Majesty!"

"Your imperial grace is boundless."

"Since We wish to maintain a good relationship with the Eldest Young Master for a long time, this much trouble is nothing."

Waving his hand, the Emperor asked.

"By the way, if it is a sacred land, you must be referring to a place like Mount Song of the Shaolin Temple or Mount Emei of the Emei Sect?"

"That is so."

Kang Sang added an explanation of the sacred land.

"If it becomes a religious sacred land, all administrative rights of the corresponding region are entrusted to that religion."

In other words it meant a sacred land was virtually an area administratively independent from the local government.

"…Excellent. Excellent."

At those words, the Emperor smiled as if he had caught on.

"The Eldest Young Master intended to make that place called the Valley of Sin entirely his own base, so that no one could interfere with it."

The Emperor burst into a pleasant laugh.

"As expected of that Eldest Young Master, every single move transcends common sense!"

* * *

Luoyang.

"…To think it is the sacred land of the Fairy Cult." "……."

While everyone was unable to find words to utter kang Ho let out a dry laugh.

"A truly exquisite move."

A sacred land.

Is it not a method of defense never imagined, and a single move that leaves the enemy's political attack itself neutralized?

"…Come to think of it!"

He said, as if suddenly realizing.

"With this, it is Checkmate."

The pieces Yeon So-hyeon moved finished their preparations for defense and their sharp spearpoints reached right before the throat of the enemy's general, Grand Madame Ouyang.

"Indeed."

The Fourth Young Master nodded, looking out the window.

"…Now, the end of this war is in sight."

The sun was setting.