Chapter 48
Mak Sohong looked confused.
A benefit? What benefit?
Reading his expression, Song Hak scoffed with an exasperated look.
“Don’t you get it? Pulling back our troops may look like a loss on the surface, but in truth, it means we’re being removed from the power struggle brewing between the martial sects. That includes the thugs in Bongrae and those crooks from the ‘New Samgok’ who pay bribes instead of taxes.”
He set the documents down on the table with a quiet thud.
“Seol Unwi’s fangs are already at their throats. Once we pull our military out, the area will fall squarely under martial world jurisdiction. And if Seol Unwi comes out on top in that fight, then ironically, we’ll have gained an even easier man to deal with.”
“But Lord Seongtaesu...”
“Ten thousand nyang? It’s a lot, sure. But not more than we can spare. The amount of tax siphoned off in Geongon Province over six months is at least that much. Frankly, it sounds like he’s inviting us to make a deal.”
Mak Sohong fell silent.
Song Hak narrowed his eyes slightly.
“So that’s the kind of man Seol Unwi is... calculating doesn’t even begin to describe him.”
He turned and fixed his gaze on Mak Sohong.