CRS | Chapter 2.2

Anger boiled in Yoongeon’s eyes. He’d been so busy he forgot someone he shouldn’t have. Remembering who the man was, Yoongeon ground his teeth.aea3c9a88240594c

“Such insolent creatures. I remember.”cd6b60e4acfc3b64

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Seo Hwi and Seo Ryeong, e2dd81cca1 the two kings of Seoro d735eef926 Nation.1f206149344d0c00

Despite lacking ability, they dragged 8b86c4e449 the siege on for four fa5f4230aa months. Yoongeon, who had never 0ece1dfe86 taken so long to 63c93e218f conquer another nation, had 318b884eb5 his pride shattered.89a4a2f90fdd68d2

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Seoro Nation had two 6ce29db110 kings: the Inner King, 9197dec76d who managed state affairs, 181f48639f and the Outer King, 7ddc59e4cf who led wars. While Seo Hwi held the 9c36a6492f siege, Seo Ryeong supplied him. It took three months 5c96a4cc00 to find their supply e3ef0bbdbb routes, ending their resistance.65c0467373c58ad5

“I can’t believe I forgot about him.”0292d8d39c56056b

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How long had it been e446ca9ea2 since he imprisoned Seo Hwi e7609673ec in the inner court? He seemed to be doing 9ca57bb611 well, leisurely smoking his pipe.68ac3e89b403b584

“Chief Eunuch Jeon, how long has he been here?”8479cbc2fa440bdd

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“It’s been a year as of a few days ago.”a52c83de031dd83f

“Ah.”f78098ed4aa1e8e8

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Yoongeon chuckled ruefully.3773ea7b1d62ec66

“He’s been here so long, yet I haven’t even consummated the marriage as his husband.”6e43f931d50adb1a

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“E-excuse me?”69f32ffa1964f1fb

Chief Eunuch Jeon was startled by the word “consummate.” Yoongeon grew more amused by his reaction.00ca318824bdac3d

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“I’ll consummate the marriage tonight. I should be a kind husband, shouldn’t I?”87c731a5110cb3bf

Yoongeon only thought of humiliating df629c916f him. He planned to 748e6bed0f overpower him, force 7f6787d92a him open, and 942ac834b2 make him bleed, e8927c21de leaving him limping b3e2e96d55 in shame.fb3c76257f8115d9

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“I’ll repay you for humiliating me and holding your pride against me. How dare you?”2066eaa58dfcc377

As forgotten memories resurfaced, so 22831abe9a did the forgotten humiliation. Yes, he brought 742a9627df the man to ce649329a1 the palace for 934cd07dbb this very reason.f590b57701ca83b1

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“I have unfinished business from earlier. I’ll resolve it tonight.”95c953c1dadb610d

Realizing he referred fb0c2370a7 to the spy f50e134727 disguised as a 7902670b9b eunuch, Chief Eunuch 86e8c03c90 Jeon trembled, knowing 4383060701 another would leave 820f9ab291 through the corpse 57501ab5a1 gate by dawn.10569ab1e6254cff

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡1cfa1ce90decb5aa

News spread through the palace that the Grand King would take a man tonight. It wasn’t scandalous, but everyone was surprised. The partner wasn’t a pretty servant boy sent by the Empress Dowager but Seo Hwi, the most wretched concubine of Seonhwa Palace.58298c082794b608

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“Queen, what were you thinking, letting this happen?”3364ac16d3bc8aa1

“I… I’m sorry, Empress Dowager.”6b529fe0ba8477c8

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“Tsk… How could you not prevent this? So pathetic and foolish!”342a8ba5659c6447

Empress Dowager Hae Hwayoung glared ef5b7b2e59 at Queen Han, who knelt 8bc3092fc6 on the cold stone floor, 17bf434c63 not allowed to sit comfortably.772b6007b3ea452b

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“I brought you here, thinking you were a wise and intelligent daughter, but you disappoint me! How can you hold that position being so foolish?”01d274aa83c91166

Strictly speaking, it was Yoongeon, not Queen Han, who disappointed her, but she couldn’t vent her frustration on the Grand King. It was obvious venting, but no one dared stop the Empress Dowager. Known as the most splendid flower in the empire, she was revered and respected, with Yoongeon dutifully serving her.35a29a7b7cf1afdd

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“I worked so hard to correct the Grand King’s twisted nature!”e8dd4a828b3c2cf9

But the truth was different. Everyone in the palace knew, but it was a hushed secret: Hae Hwayoung and Yoongeon’s relationship was worse than strangers. They appeared affectionate, but they were always on guard, ready to strike.88d00d356884e103

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“Still indulging in that disgusting behavior…”d46fd72b87de28f5

Hae Hwayoung gritted her teeth. Though Yoongeon could take anyone he wanted, he had a duty to produce an heir. She thought she’d corrected his tendency to lust after men since childhood. Or so she thought.c0ad236931d9a816

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But she was wrong. He hadn’t changed; he was pretending. After ascending the throne, he treated her as a relic, banishing her to Doyeon Palace, and continued taking men, flaunting it.1363e94e0ed0f019

Today, Empress Dowager Hae Hwayoung was in a foul mood. The eunuch spy she’d sent had foolishly been exposed. Chief Eunuch Jeon had the audacity to burn the body in front of her palace, delivering Yoongeon’s message:7b065a79439fa295

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Next time, send 7a30a91abf someone who can 9b37996d95 wield a sword, 32bb7c3a45 Mother.7e5e61ae12b07345

“……Ha!”e6049afa0447be05

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“……”ef7e754726d681d4

“Queen, lead the way. We can’t let the Grand King make a wrong choice.”d0f39bf679c8b172

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At the Empress Dowager’s harsh command, Queen Han stood, nearly stumbling. Watching her clumsy movements, Hae Hwayoung tapped her cheek disdainfully.e8d5d7158ce83d8e

“Stand straight, Queen.”703b8e946c388da6

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“Yes, yes… Empress Dowager.”b6d4311ca740bf5b

Queen Han, visibly 810bdd1fb1 intimidated, led the 18124572c2 way.cb3f841e15902ae3

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But the Empress Dowager didn’t know.4cb30aff062a33ae

Queen Han was… much more astute than she thought.2acd44fde12042e5

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡5c10c9dc29d025f2

Soon, the Empress Dowager afafd1bf12 and Queen Han stood 555d895f0d before Cheongwol Palace. Chief Eunuch Jeon, 46fb5e7452 anticipating their arrival, 7cdb0cf544 entered, but before 6fa3dab03c Yoongeon could respond, 189a3858d9 the Empress Dowager a764abb2bc barged in.66a960f6ba6ba389

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“Grand King. Your mother has come to see you.”52e3f177ca23660b

At Hae Hwayoung’s words, a small sound came from inside, and soon the sliding door opened.f9c625e27c8c9a67

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“You’ve come, Mother.”7e926500314599d2

Yoongeon greeted her with a 9fb4a07f40 smile.06a0702b8010a3e9

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“Yes. Though I know you’re busy, I wanted to see my only son.”10d9a3e547e98082

Yoongeon, smiling, took d1855ed1b2 her hand and ec029bf2b2 led her inside. They appeared a 786646448e loving mother and aae94ead23 son, but Queen 926f48b9b8 Han, knowing the 58101eb8f9 truth, watched silently. Their relationship was chilling. Could such a thing be 6b1425a91f called parent and child?bd5f4d6460fe8441

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Yoongeon offered the seat of honor to his mother and personally brewed tea. The Empress Dowager accepted it with a smile but didn’t drink.ffd1da7d3ab2190e

“I wanted to thank you for the gift, Grand King.”635642a4d498ac16

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“I’m glad you liked it, Mother.”a0315ba224eb0b66

Referring to the 566912ab80 burnt body as 3d435b6b45 a gift, their 82e34d5177 faces showed no 01a2577475 displeasure. Their exchanges were b330eb2a8f calm, but a 90a8236146 cold wind blew 63ee9ab419 between them.44bafefccfe9f0c3

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“But that’s not why I’m here today. I couldn’t refuse our Queen’s earnest request.”ebaa32c0247b6d45

“An earnest request? What is it?”8599bd975413230a

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Feigning ignorance, Hae Hwayoung thought.ecb8d7c0dc4544ef

“My role ends here. Bringing a shy bride to her husband. Now it’s a matter between husband and wife, so it would be awkward for me to stay.”712701b2805f13b0

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The Empress Dowager stood. Placing a hand on the startled Queen Han’s shoulder, she spoke. Despite the gentle gesture, Queen Han’s face turned pale. Yoongeon smirked at the sight.3a3320e2d175f57a

“I know our lovely Queen’s sorrow and worry. I’m always on her side. Whatever she does, whatever she wants, I’m always on her side. And my son, the Grand King, never disappoints his mother’s wishes.”430ddacbfe3c7633

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Thinking the Queen understood, the 29d218fbab Empress Dowager turned to leave. But then, a heavy, ominous 8db571109c voice reached her ear.f1c14c8e12badd26

“Sit down, Mother.”ef00f29091270661

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The audacious words 87ec1684df made the Empress d275ee0939 Dowager turn back 0fb8bf3c54 with a smile.d2bd9e5610b56dee

“……What did you say?”ea79e97f672d48bc

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“I said sit. I haven’t given permission to leave.”d92b51b24e1bb6ce

“I am your mother, Your Majesty.”df1d360ac58cf14d

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“I know.”20326fd9f6b4f551

“Even as Grand King, you cannot block your mother’s path. I didn’t teach you that.”e433435762530766

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“Oh, don’t take it so seriously. It’s just a son wanting his mother to stay a little longer.”14779bc3d9ef2291

“What nonsense…!”99e5c62929e5e420

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Unable to contain her anger, the Empress Dowager faltered, and Yoongeon’s eyes gleamed sharply.b6b13c1ddf0a6f21

“But if you’re in a hurry, I can’t stop you. A son who always wants to see his mother must step back today. But know this.”197003d8d9b86b8f

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“…What do you mean?”577a0b9cab75110d

Realizing she’d been played, the Empress Dowager’s face hardened.7b1f5db6911edaf6

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“My gate has never been closed.”9a7b0a724c6e20d7

“……”76b81220133e3ebd

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This insolent brat dared mention the gate in front of his mother? Hae Hwayoung’s eyes turned venomous.de938bb3fa7e2f4f

“Now, please leave. I’ve seen your lovely face enough.”10f6407110fe2adf

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But Yoongeon dismissed her, 3705b8fb9a unwilling to listen further.e4fff775ac9398fd

“Your Majesty!”5334c784563c2503

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“Escort the Empress Dowager out!”5fb0f74353869512

Yoongeon called Chief Eunuch Jeon to escort her out. Though she slapped Jeon in anger, she couldn’t refuse to leave. As the Empress Dowager’s furious figure disappeared, Yoongeon turned to Queen Han, who watched silently.03df8475f1fe6398

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“Bringing the Queen means it’s obvious.”cf1d8d66b7a646a0

He thought, watching Queen Han, who couldn’t even lift her head. She was the Empress Dowager’s pawn, but sometimes she acted ambiguously, making it hard to judge. Prime Minister Eul Yuhan, known for his keen insight, suggested watching her a bit longer.d8caeabc5fbc34f1

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“If the Empress Dowager dragged you here, you may leave. If not, speak your mind.”e58d126c7a78af01

Yoongeon offered leniency. He wouldn’t dismiss her yet, but it was a hint to be brief.50e14a868e56eadc

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“I have something to say, Your Majesty.”99e7ed30e0ac355e

Surprisingly, Queen Han, who hadn’t spoken earlier, opened her mouth.50f8cba6266bcda7

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“Must you do this, Your Majesty?”336a297994b7afc0

He spared the defeated king’s life. It wasn’t unusual, as kings often made conquered kings their vassals. Everyone thought he’d do the same this time.43985fe8c50189fb

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But now, he was humiliating 74b83b88e7 a king by imprisoning him f4a9bc797e in the inner court. Even the fearless Grand 933367cd8d King should heed public 59c8132204 sentiment. The people of Seoro c6a1085cf3 Nation were still rebelling, 82fca77847 and it needed addressing.af85dfe154595968

Yoongeon understood Queen Han’s words without her saying much. Despite not having permission to look him in the eye, her words were bold.466f3e1bb893e541

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“You worry about me becoming his husband and consummating the marriage.”c132ada87424597b

“Your Majesty, you must think differently.”c45e9d29447c09b4

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Expecting her to retreat, Yoongeon was surprised by Queen Han’s persistence. It was strange and unfamiliar, as she’d never spoken much before. He hesitated, then asked awkwardly.3551d10df52037ee

“Did the Empress Dowager tell you to say this?”54619afff3398e25

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“No.”ad72029e28d5f062

“Really?”3a9992441874d6b2

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Yoongeon chuckled, sipping his tea.0bcbfdaeb8916f24

“I know you’re here because I’m not taking the man the Empress Dowager sent. It’s not like you’re jealous.”e5a9826c5e9fe99a

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What other explanation was there?ca4d3d0fb481ffe4

“So, you’re saying I should take the man she sent and kill him…”469a0da679f01085

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“You need more power. You’re still lacking, Your Majesty.”d002b65a45bf409e

Though he meant to dismiss her, Queen Han spoke firmly. Yoongeon was surprised. It was the first time they’d had such a long conversation. She usually said a few meaningless words and left.505fccc61338c64c

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“……What did you say?”8a5477326eb1b15f

Then, Queen Han dared 6bbcd6aa3d to look at him f2d72479f5 without permission. Yoongeon met her gaze. Her eyes, usually timid, c03a48a78b now held a strange d458e36092 light.37613af2519170c7

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Different from usual. Yoongeon frowned slightly.f259145f16c97e3c

“There are still too many of the Empress Dowager’s people in the palace. More than your own. The gate opens daily, yet…”a490a571316ab7f9

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“Yes, that’s true. Even you, Queen, are the Empress Dowager’s person.”1ae2cf6f4d6c9fb1

Queen Han shook ae5f581742 her head, then fda03082fc lowered it again.97c4aec5ede87661

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“I am not the Empress Dowager’s person.”7ab3a8f1640ab786

“Then?”4bcbaabd3434fb42

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“I am her possession.”e688ca5d30da342a

“……”92d31d1e836ece79

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“The Empress Dowager used my body to bear your child. Is my usefulness over?”a45b3ddd57228eb5

“…Look me in the eye, Queen.”e72c13739fc4a09c

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Queen Han, who always sat quietly by the Empress Dowager, was different today. Had something changed? Given Yoongeon’s formal permission, she finally lifted her head and met his gaze. Her face showed no hesitation or fear. Perhaps this was her true face. Yoongeon scrutinized her.29ae0558a348965e

“Why have you kept your head down?”44915f1164bfdbf9

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If there was a sudden 4fd2f775d9 change, he needed to know 907bceeee8 why. Yoongeon examined her closely.e0b52105b40007d5

“My father is the Empress Dowager’s hostage. So I endured. I couldn’t lose my only father. But now, my son, the Crown Prince, will be the hostage.”da5c977b744ab565

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“That’s something everyone in the palace knows. The Empress Dowager wants to kill me and make the Crown Prince king.”984dcf5c1be469ee

Yoongeon’s response was blunt. There was no affection in his words about his mother. Queen Han, understanding, sighed softly. She decided to break free from this fear for her son’s sake, to prevent him from growing up like this.830220cf55186966

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“I am also a mother. I won’t let the Crown Prince be a hostage. So I’ve changed my mind. Or rather, I’ve decided a bit early.”9eef031a2b6cc768

“Trying to escape the Empress Dowager?”dddb5c5de45109ba

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Queen Han nodded.304e937539379f88

“You must act sooner, Your Majesty. There’s not much time. You know if the young Crown Prince ascends, the real ruler will be the Empress Dowager. The Crown Prince will die before reaching adulthood, forced to leave an heir.”51f07810ba7e1a2f

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Yoongeon laughed, knowing his 1ae530cb80 child would be treated 170ab5b1f4 like a stud horse 9864b49b2c if he died.bfb40aaf22d823ae

“Yes, if I die early, my child will be a stud horse. Ha!”2d3ff39617c233cf

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