“Is Jong pretty famous?”

Gyeongwan answered Tasean’s question with what he knew.

“He’s the most famous within this area.”

“Well, that’s a give since he is here. Other than that?”

“As compared to the other households they lack behind. After all, they had gone bankrupt once before.”

“Well, they’re commendable for making a comeback.”

Taesan was genuinely impressed by this.

He had intentionally crushed them so had not expected to bounce back so easily.

At that time when he disbanded the Jong family’s forces half of his intentions had arised to vent out his frustration against them.

“The Jong’s went through quite the hardship. They were fortunate their main forces were on an external mission when Cheonma went to crush them or they would never have been able to make a comeback.”

“Ha. So there were some who were spared. Now I understand.”

For them to have had that many focus back at their residence despite the main ones missing displayed how strong they must have been before.

Honestly, he hadn’t thought much of them then.

“Even so they’re nothing like Nam or Jegal right?”

Gyeongwan shook his head as though what he heard was courageous.

“They are not comparable. You need to have ten of Jong to make one Nam.”

“Is the difference really that much?”

To be honest he had felt the Jong family’s presence indirectly on his way here.

The Dongho district was deeply covered in the Jong family’s influence.

Also, he had inferred their level from the warriors they had brought to the Yeon residence.

Through these observations the Jong residence were impressive.

But to think that ten of Jong were needed to make up for one Nam, then just how strong were they?”

Of course, as compared to the Cheonma disciplines they were like little children.

‘And they were the ones I had never been bothered by before.’

When Cheonma attacked Ho Cheon, Nam and Jegal were with him.

‘Their fighting spirit was top notch.’

They fought till the end like evil spirits without a care for their own lives.

So these guys never left any grudge.

That’s why they had chased down the Jong clan for cowardly running away.

Perhaps it was coincidence or fate they had gotten involved with them again.

“The Jong household went to any measures to rebuild their household. Which still applies.”

“It seemed so. Not very much of a political party.”

“They state to be a political party, but in reality, they are more involved in political affairs.”

“So they are like bats, a devil’s advocate.”

“But it seems recently they’ve been paying more attention to their reputation. After all, they can’t continue living with a bad rep.”

Taesan smirked.

“They were always famous for being underhanded. Human nature is hard to change don’t you think?”

Gyeongwan smiled bitterly.

What Taesan just said was exactly what those in the political parties were saying about the Jongs.

“To go to the Jong’s residence it is this way.”

Taesan changed the subject of their conversation.

“They’re not good people. Right?”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“So I bet there are plenty of people who harbor ill feelings against them?”

Gyeongwan’s face hardened.

“Are you planning to use that against them? It’s useless.”

“What do you mean against them. All of them are the same.”

“Then…”

“Just answer the question. Who do you think is against them?”

“The Black thieves.”

Taesan nodded while smiling widely.

“Guess you aren’t slow after all. Lead the way.”

“What?”

“Let’s meet the black thieves who are taking care of the Jong’s before we leave.”

“My Prince, the thieves are just thieves. They will disperse effortlessly when confronted with propositions or fears.”

“That’s why we should provide them with a proposition and eliminate the fear.”

“Well in this area…the blood pack clan is the largest. The rest we would need to find out from them.

“Let’s go first. It’s been some time since I’ve had some fun.”

Gyeongwan sighed and shook his head.

***

One of the newbies sent to the Yeon residence by the Jong’s was one of their elders named Jong Ri Sungrak.

He was also accompanied by the household’s right-hand man Won Moon Kwang.

The two brought over ten strongest warriors from the household as if it was planned.

The original warriors that were crushed by Gyeongwan and Yoo had returned to the Jong household, and they probably would not have been welcomed.

Moonkwang and Ri Sungrak greeted the head of the Yeon household before returning to their quarters.

“Phew. The head of the Yeon house is too meticulous.”

Risungrak nodded in agreement, and Moonkwang smiled bitterly.

“He has to be I guess. Since they caused a scene….”

Risungrak frowned.

“So is it really true? No matter how I think about it there is no way our Woong…would commit such a shameful act….”

He had known and seen Woong and this was not the impression he had of him.

To soil himself during a meal.

It was already a widely known rumor.

On the way here from Jong’s household he had heard the rumor numerous times.

Someone even said that the stench was so bad they nearly barfed.

The rumors were becoming more ridiculous and spreading widely, soon Woong may be referred to as the poopy pants.

“Our boys were there when it happened. None of the rumors are false.”

Moonkwang sighed after admitting it to be true.

To be known as a warrior who cut off the horse’s head was one thing, but to be called poopy pants was a disgrace.

The more provoking the news the faster it was bound to spread. People were more drawn to provocative things.

“And in that situation what was the topic we had suggested. It was marriage. I am sure the head of the Yeong house is suppressing his rage.”

“Hmmm. Well, that did seem true. It felt as though he would draw his sword if we continued talking just now so I suggested we leave.”

“Good going.”

From the Yeong household head’s point of view, it was impossible to view the Jong in a decent manner.

Not only had they caused a scene, now they had sent professionals to investigate.

“What are you going to do? Should we meet Taesan first? Or…?”

“I think we should meet the doctor first.”

“If we can get him to join us he will be a huge ally in the future. The doctor’s students are also known to be of great talent.”

“Then what about Woong….”

Ri sungrak squinted his eyes.

“I don’t even want to see the sight of him. Let’s leave him be. I hear he is quiet these days anyways.”

“Then I will go find out where the doctor is.”

Ri sungrak looked at him curiously.

“Didn’t they say that the doctor is here?”

“He isn’t called the doctor for nothing. Apparently he is never here. He is busy attending to patients in the area.”

“Ha. If that is the case then the Golden wall’s reputation will increase, won’t that affect our golden wall business?”

“The golden wall clan is the golden wall clan and the doctor is the doctor. I confirmed the process in the golden wall clan there is not much news. Rather…”

“Rather?”

“There seems to be talk of Taesan instead.”

“The prince? The doctor must have decided to wholeheartedly support him.”

“It seems so. I wonder what he’s thinking.”

But the two were unaware that it was the doctor who was spreading talks of Taesan while treating his patients.

The doctor had blown Taesan’s rumors up and spread the news on Woong as well.

There was definitely more talk about Taesan but the things people remembered more vividly was the pooping incident.

“We must practice caution on our attempt to persuade the doctor. This is not an easy opportunity to come by.”

“Just come up with a good strategy. I will help in every way I can. The moment we win the doctor over the good reputation will be on the Jong family.

“You’re right so we need to plan carefully.”

As the two were discussing, the warrior they’d sent to find the doctor’s whereabouts returned.

“I’ve found him.”

“So, where is he today?”

“He has finished his rounds and returned. If you head to his quarters you will be able to meet him now.”

“Really? Then we have no time to lose.”

Moonkwang was about to go over. But the warrior reported something else with an uncomfortable look.

“But there is something else you should know.”

“What? There is more to report?”

“Yes. Taesan has left.”

“What? Left? When?”

“He left this morning.”

“Without the doctor?”

“Yes. Only with Gyeongwan.”

Monkwangs eyes brightened up and he stroked his chin.

“Only with Gyeongwan…..”

This may not be a bad thing.

The doctor was loyal to Taesan. For whatever reason it was unsure but Taesan must have played a big role to do so.

So it would have been harder to accept their proposal in the presence of Taesan.

Ri Sungrak asked Moonkwang who was deep in thought.

“This feels like an opportunity of some sort.”

“Yes. But we should split our forces in tow.”

The purpose of inviting Taesan to the Yeong residence from the start was to sow the seeds of trouble between the Golden wall and the Jong clan.

It was something Woong should have done, but since that was out of the question they needed a new plan.

“Elder Seungrak could you chase after Taesan.”

Seungrak smiled.

“I will reprimand him necessarily. As gently as I can…although it might surprise him and make him soil himself.”

Moonkwang bowed his head slightly and said.

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure the golden wall clan is distracted by the happenings of the Jong clan and that it stays that way. So please do moderate yourself. Even as you pressure him, do not be obvious in hurting his pride.”

Ri Sungrak nodded.

“That’s what I’m best at. Don’t worry and all the best with the Doctor.”

“You can count on me.”

The two looked at each other for a minute before parting ways.

This was the real beginning.

***

“Is this where the blood pack clan is?”

“Yes. You’re right.”

“Woah. They’re bigger than I’d thought.”

“They have this whole area under control. As you can see half the area near Dongho is under the blood pack clan’s territory.”

“While discreetly paying up to the Jong clan?”

“I didn’t look into it but isn’t it obvious?”

If the Jong clan puts their mind to it, wiping out the Blood pack clan was a piece of cake.

Taesan looked at a rather large stamp that indicated it was the Blood pack clan’s territory.

You could sense a strong violent energy transmitting from within.

“Seems like they’re not all that weak? Their battle skills are pretty good.”

“Probably why the Jong clan decided to use them instead of getting rid of them.”

“That is a traditional method.”

“But not the right method. They put up a front of a political party and yet behind the curtains they are leeching off the black thieves.”

Gyeongwan bit his lips and glared at the blood pack clan.

“I don’t care for all that. Why do you think those dirtbags work so hard under the rules of the Jong clan? Even if you don’t know the exact amount the tax rates must be really high. Maybe that’s why they’re acting more savagely.”

“Because they are powerless.”

Somehow Gyeongwan sounded off.

Something must have triggered his bad memories.

Taesant spoke indifferently.

“Not only are they powerless they are not assertive. They know that it’s useless to retaliate. Do you know what happens if they do?”

Gyeongwan looked at Taesan.

At times like this Taesan looked nothing like a young prince. He looked at least a few decades older.

“They lose their vengeance.”

Gyeongwan closed his mouth. That was true. Although not necessarily for everyone.

“I experienced it myself.”

Gyeongwan turned his gaze from Taesan to the Blood pack clan.

“Then what should we do?”

“All they need is to gain enough power to be a threat.”

“Power to be a threat…..!”

“Not a lot. Just enough to bite back once. To cause the Jong clan enough damage. That will do.”

“What will change? It doesn’t change the fact that the Jong clan will wipe them out if they wish.”

“They just get bitten once.”

“Just to be killed after?”

Taesan shook his head.

“No. The storyline is bound to change. Because they have vengeance flowing through them. And have grown fangs with it, do you think they will stop?”

Taesan continued talking as he walked towards the blood pack clan.

“You just need to plant the seed of courage for them?”

“Is that possible.”

Taesan smiled with a hidden meaning on his face.

His smile caused Gyeongwan to be covered in goosebumps.

Gyeongwan stared blankly at Taesan’s back as he walked ahead.