SCT-Novel Chapter 94: His Death Will Become Part of History
Chapter 94: His Death Will Become Part of History
Chapter 94: His Death Will Become Part of History
His Death Will Become Part of History
When did you notice?
From the very beginning, of course.
Beneath the striking appearance distinct from his fathers, the young mans fair skin stood out against his deep blue robe. All of these combined with his noble aura and his complex gaze made it hard to believe that they shared the same blood.
He wore an inscrutable look, making it impossible to discern his true intentions.
So he had grown up like this.
Jeong Mong-ju lamented.
He had thought the young man had matured brilliantly during the military retreat at Wihwado and had let his guard down when Lee Seong-Gye was brought back from Byeokran Island.
Considering him to be a remarkably astute and active strategist for his twenty-six years, Jeong Mong-ju had been on high alert and even took personal charge of this operation.
But now, he realized that he hadnt been vigilant enough.
How did you know? Did you have a spy?
No. I simply grew up learning and thinking like you, Master. I just had to thinkwhat would you have done in this situation? And the answer was clear.
Lee Bang-won spoke casually, sipping his cold tea. The garden was quiet, and only the intermittent groans of the kneeling assassins broke the silence in the otherwise tranquil evening.
It was an oddly peaceful evening, almost surreal given the circumstances.
Father doesnt know yet.
At that, Jeong Mong-jus eyebrows shot up.
He wondered if Lee Seong-Gye had finally made up his mind, but it was apparently Bang-wons unilateral and reckless decision.
Why?
Didnt I tell you? I covet what Master has.
Their eyes met, and Bang-wons gaze penetrated deeply, unsettling not just Jeong Mong-ju, but also Yoon Hansung.
Being an actor, Yoon often found himself lost in his roles. However, his true self would assert itself in critical moments, especially when he was confronted with such in-depth performances which always stimulated his own acting.
Controlling his reaction, he asked again.
So, you set a trap on purpose?
Just say that youll join hands with me right now. All of this can be kept a secret, and Ill let everyone go.
I refuse.
Jeong Mong-ju answered immediately and without a hint of hesitation.
Clench
Bang-won gritted his teethit was another rejection.
With a suppressed sigh of anger, he gave an order.
Cut them down.
Swish
At his order, four heads seemed to fly.
It was just for show since the special effects werent edited in yet, but it looked as if the heads and bodies were actually severed for both Hansung and Yoomyeong. They were that immersed in the scene.
Four bodies lay scattered in the garden, their blood turning the light green lawn a deep red.
Then, Bang-won asked again, his gaze intense yet calm.
Have you changed your mind?
Despite witnessing this, Jeong Mong-ju, who had already made his decision, remained unfazed.
It wont change.
You once said that the time when the kings power is weakest is the best moment to shift to a minister-centered government.
I did say that.
Essentially, you meant that you dont really care about the ancestral shrines and royal rites, right?
If it makes no difference either way, theres no need for change.
Why? Youve always used any means for your goals. Why not use the next dynasty and me as your tools?
Bang-won.
Jeong Mong-jus soft voice as he called his name softly made Bang-won flinch. It was the voice his Master hadnt used for a long time.
Yes, Master.
I will give you my final lesson.
With a calm gaze, Jeong Mong-ju calmly spoke of the final lesson.
Bang-won felt a jolt in his heart as he intently watched his Masters lips move, as if he was suddenly back to being the 12-year-old Bang-won.
Everyone has their own goals and standards. Everyone has a different idea of how far theyre willing to go to achieve their goals, and mine is quite flexible. And I suppose you are the same.
Yes, Master.
But
That one day, occupying about a third of the movie, held a significant part of the films weight. And then there was Jeong Mong-jus death.
Hansung mounted his horse.
Anticipating what was to come, he spurred his horse forward without hesitation. With evidence of Lee Seong-Gyes assassination attempt in Bang-wons hands, there was no other way.
If he was to be eliminated anyway and if the Goryeo dynasty were to fall, then he would walk his last path with integrity.
It was a resolve that touched the hearts of the viewers.
Thus, the star of an era fell.
*
The last scene Yoomyeong filmed was in the first year of King Taejongs reign.
Dressed in middle-aged makeup and royal robes, Taejong visited his family home and walked through the garden.
The garden looked pristine and lush with greenery, as if nothing had ever happened there.
There, Taejong reminisced about a certain person.
History will remember me as the victor, but in reality, its no different from losing. Now that Ive finally ascended to this position its a shame that your wisdom and your resourcefulness are not by my side.
And then, the screen blacks out.
The following text was to be inserted on the black screen:
[In the first year of his reign, King Taejong Lee Bang-won posthumously appointed Jeong Mong-ju as Prime Minister and granted him the title of Prince of the Court. This act is sometimes interpreted as a means to glorify the ideology of loyalty and stabilize the current royal authority.
However, the truth of history is something no one can know. Was it Taejongs personal longing, or his desire to fulfill his wish of making him his first prime minister in this way?
We still dont know the answer to that.]
Weve finished filming.
Wow!
After the final take, the director announced the end of the shooting. The staff erupted in cheers, and Hansung, whose filming had already finished but had stayed on set, approached Yoomyeong and offered a handshake.
For the first time, Hansung and Yoomyeong, who was dressed as the middle-aged King Taejong, looked like friends. They shook hands and patted each other on the back.
Indeed, this project held great significance for both actors.
*
Great work.
Thank you.
The next day, Yoomyeong headed to the company.
Despite having been told by Yu-seok to take a break for a few days and then drop by the office, Yoomyeong couldnt shake off his excitement and felt the need to go somewhere.
It had been that intense for him.
Having lived every day as Lee Bang-won especially in the last month, he felt like Bang-wons momentum had not yet completely disappeared even though he was quite skilled in immersing and detaching from his roles.
How was it? Ho-chul wouldnt stop praising you, so I became curious.
You shouldve visited the set.
I hate getting spoiled when watching movies.
Yu-seok was a huge movie buff, and he was eagerly anticipating the performance of the actor from his hobby,, especially after having seen Director Sons script in advance. Spoiling such a film was out of the question.
You have to rest this time. No exceptions!
Well I was also thinking of taking a break Im still feeling the aftereffects of the role.
Thats a good idea. How long do you want to rest? Three months? Six? Youll need to do some dubbing or additional shooting and participate in promotional activities for the film, but you can take as much time as you need apart from that.
Uh I think two weeks should be enough
What?
Yu-seok asked, incredulous.
Then, three weeks? A month is too long.
Yoomyeongs eagerness for new projects hadnt lessened, although it wasnt as frantic as before. Miho might have said Lets wait and see, but he still felt that his expiration date as an actor was thirty, and he wanted to do at least one more project before then.
But this time, Yu-seok was firm.
Thats not enough. If youre really bored, then theres something Id like you to do.
What is it?
A fan signing event.
Just then, Yu-seok made an unexpected suggestion.
FOOTNOTES
* Poems:
What if by Lee Bang-won ()
Faithful Heart by Jeong Mong-ju ()
You can rate this serieshere.
Join our discord for updates