Chaotic Nights — Chapter 174. Valuable Bait

Translator: Atlas

Weekly Chapter 1/4

“You said they would not sell us opium.”

His resonant voice swiftly hushed the commotion. Despite the lingering noise, Jihak’s voice was the only one Youngheung could hear.

“There seem to be many uncertainties. They prefer to hold off on making any agreement until they have met with the Great Prince to confirm its authenticity.”

“Are there account books?”

“Absolutely. If we obtain their double account book, we’ll have the proof the Great Prince seeks.”

Jihak, who had merged with the crowd, came to a halt.

Even Harye had come back to life.

“What makes you want to assist me? Be honest!”

Youngheung didn’t miss the opportunity, so he replied with a more serious tone than ever,

“In the future, I hope to have your support. I want to occupy a high position so that my father and brothers will not bully me. Please, Great Prince, lend me your power.”

Jihak laughed at Choi Youngheung’s ambition.

“Good night. I will. I must not show my strength until then.”

Choi Youngheung looked at Jihak’s face in bewilderment.

Seo Jihak appeared to be on the brink of madness, as perilous as a tightly stretched rope. However, just as winter transitions to spring, something within Jihak had also transformed.

Youngheung was intrigued but hesitated to ask, worried it might offend him.

“I will arrange a banquet for them. They will be able to see it with their own eyes.”

“I believe they differ from those who sought out the Great Prince driven by a lust for power. They are no better than robbers dressed in silk.”

“What do you mean!”

“I’m worried that they might offend the Great Prince…”

Jihak paused in front of a fabric store, or more precisely, a street stall situated in front of it. His eyes roamed over the assortment of accessories displayed at the stall.

“This would be the last banquet in Harye. And also the last day my hands can be stained with blood. So I will accept your arrogance.”

Youngheung realized that the smile on Jihak’s face was not a lie. The man who spoke of blood had a serene expression. He had a fierce fighting spirit.

He chose not to explore the issue further, suppressing his curiosity. Having already stated his intention, he now had to wait for the Great Prince to become his ally.

“I will meet with them again.”

Youngheung bowed, then mingled with the crowd.

Yuljae approached Jihak.

Jihak, who pointed to the gardenia-colored bag, asked the owner.

“What is this?”

The owner, who recognized Jihak’s distinguished appearance, hesitantly picked up the gardenia-colored bag. He held out the bag.

“It’s a sachet. This is something women use to fragrance themselves. This year the product is good.”

“I’ll buy one.”

Jihak gave the owner money without inquiring about the price and then took the sachet. The owner’s eyes grew large when he received the money. Jihak turned away unconcerned.

The owner, who made a windfall, repeatedly bowed.

“The answer has come. The King has asked you to uproot the rebellious roots. The people’s anxiety must be calmed.”

The smile disappeared from Jihak’s face as he looked at the sachet in his hand. Then he nodded. The justification was the people’s anxiety.

“I suppose we should move Eunha to a safe place.”

“I’ll find a trustworthy place,”

Jihak turned his head towards the direction of the wind.

This plan had been in the works for a long time. That person wouldn’t abandon it overnight. Eunha was clearly a valuable bait. Moreover, if it became known that she carried his child, the enemies wouldn’t hesitate to take her life.

Was it karma?

His hand, clutching the sachet, began to shake.