HLCOB C42

Chapter 42

 

The appearance of Cao Cao signified many things.

That the Cao clan, which had remained neutral, was about to emerge as a new power; and that the Emperor, who Cao Cao most dreaded, was now directly intervening.

“Do you trust His Majesty?”

Cao Cao had been the first to realize the Emperor’s intention to purge the Qingliu before Jaheon. Surely the Emperor would not allow anything unapproved.

In other words, behind Cao Cao was the Emperor.

Jaheon gritted his lips.

…Wang Yun alone was evidently not enough to control him.

He could not deny that Cao Cao’s appearance was unexpected. For that reason alone, he ought already to have become Wang Yun’s adopted son. Moreover, Cao Cao was an unsurprisingly formidable figure much like the Emperor.

But…

Jaheon stopped, walking through the palace hallway, and gazed thoughtfully over the endless palace expanse.

He recalled Cao Cao’s dark blue eyes.

…It seemed Cao Cao himself was unaware.

A new saying was born then.

Since Cao Cao’s purpose was him, there was no reason not to use him.

Moreover, the expansion of the Cao clan, which belonged neither to Turbid Stream nor Qingliu, was a good means of dividing the Han loyalists. Some Qingliu would join hands with the Cao clan, others would begin to check it.

Yet it wasn’t enough.

This would not suffice to acquire the power to protect Choseon.

…I must make it collapse more surely.

A flush rose to Jaheon’s lips.

Though he had obtained true power, there were many who sought to attack him. Even as the exalted Son of Heaven had granted him power.

And if even a man of such power was treated like this, what treatment would Choseon expect? He did not need to see to know. The thought of the situation alone twisted his stomach.

Brother.

Jaheon clenched his fists, recalling the fiery day.

If I cannot protect her…

Someone approached Jaheon.

“?”

Light footsteps, not of a palace official. Familiar, yet not of some stranger unknown.

Jaheon lifted his head.

Before him stood a girl.

Only four months had passed, yet the youthful energy had faded quite a bit from Choseon, who looked at Jaheon with her eyes beautifully curved his way.

“Brother.”

Jaheon stood dumbstruck by Choseon’s call.

…Didn’t she say she would arrive tomorrow?

In fact, it surprised him little that she arrived earlier.

Only, Jaheon had not imagined seeing Choseon in the palace. That was what astonished him.

Seeing Jaheon’s foolish face for the first time in a while, Choseon burst into laughter.

“I told them I was Brother’s sister, so they let me in. They said it was fine for me to wait here.”

It was no strange thing.

Jaheon was undoubtedly the Emperor’s sole favorite. Everyone already thought Jaheon would be the next power. So no one would wish to offend Choseon as Jaheon’s sister. If anything, it was strange she had been let in.

“Maybe it’s because I look like Brother.”

But Jaheon had no intention yet of letting Choseon into the palace. He looked around, puzzled how she had gotten in.

“?”

Just then, he spotted O Juk-yeop winking in the distance.

Hah.

It had to be O Juk-yeop who brought Choseon to the palace.

Jaheon’s face twisted grimly.

Does he know where this place is…?

He knew O Juk-yeop’s intent was good. Lately, from Wang Yun to Cao Cao, many pressed Jaheon. O Juk-yeop was surely telling Jaheon to hold on.

Yet Jaheon was angry.

His insides boiled over in fury. How many people were in the palace, and yet Choseon was brought in? What if someone saw her and got strange ideas? Would O Juk-yeop take responsibility? Jaheon wanted to spit out every harsh word.

But those words did not come out.

…

Because Choseon was before him.

“Brother?”

At that call, Jaheon realized.

He had thought it would be fine not to see Choseon. He thought he could endure to wait for her, for her sake.

Yet that was not so.

If he were stronger, from a better family, he might not have to entrust Choseon to Wang Yun. He might not have to do such things. He hated himself for leaving his sister like that.

Therefore, Jaheon approached Choseon in silence.

He had much to say.

…

Fearing she might worry, Jaheon took Choseon’s hand and calmly said,

“It’s getting cold, why are you waiting here?”

He pressed his warmth into Choseon’s cold hand.

As the political climate of Luoyang chilled, so did the weather grow cold—for winter approached. Yet despite the cold, Jaheon remained doting. Choseon, recognizing Jaheon had grown calmer to protect himself from the world’s storms, bit her lip and replied.

“I’m fine. If it’s Brother, I can wait as long as needed.”

Like the day she parted from Jaheon, Choseon smiled and tried to speak. On the way to Luoyang, she had repeatedly promised herself she would not be a burden.

“And… and…”

Yet she was still young.

“?”

Her resolve to become strong enough to follow Jaheon was rendered useless by his gentle hand that always protected her. Trying to hold back tears, Choseon’s eyes became red.

“You and I made a promise.”

Unlike Jaheon, she could not hold back emotions and barely whispered.

“So, I don’t want to be a burden to you…”

Choseon’s words could not end.

“So, so…”

Trying to be mature, she bowed her head deeply. Jaheon comforted her and asked.

“…Why do you say you’re a burden?”

Choseon shook her head, refusing to answer.

“It’s okay, try to tell me.”

She no longer wished to act spoiled with Jaheon. He was busy enough with Luoyang’s affairs as it was. She did not want to become a burden.

“Huh? You won’t even tell your brother?”

Yet she could not help tears.

She wanted to boast she was doing fine without him, to tell him she was well. But before Jaheon, the grown-up young Choseon was a mere thirteen.

Sobbing endlessly but keeping her lips tight, Jaheon at last embraced Choseon. In his arms after so long, she finally broke down in crying.

Jaheon quickly realized.

For Choseon was no fool. She could not be unaware of what Wang Yun meant by arriving early in Luoyang. Filled with a rising sense of self-disgust, Jaheon held Choseon tightly.

“Choseon.”

He tightened his grip around her.

“I’m sorry this foolish brother left you alone.”

At that apology, Choseon shook her head as she wept.

“But Brother, this is not your fault…”

Jaheon closed his eyes tight at her childlike crying. Without power, a world would come where he could not protect her in his arms. Without power, a future awaited where Choseon, who was used and discarded, would die. There was no need to dwell on his unhappy past.

Had there been time to hesitate?

Rather than hesitate, Jaheon needed, regardless of means or methods, to bring down this Han and gain power. Otherwise, he would lose Choseon in his arms.

Jaheon realized.

“Choseon.”

With reddening eyes, he tenderly soothed her.

“This brother will be fine.”

Those who would block his path would keep appearing.

“So it will really be fine.”

Yet even so, Jaheon had no reason to stop.

“So long as you’re here, nothing else matters.”

There was only the reason to move forward.