CRS | Chapter 2.3

The Empress Dowager was ruthless enough to personally ensure the stud horse spread its seed. The Crown Prince wouldn’t be spared. If Yoongeon lost to her, the Crown Prince and Cheongwolmok’s fate were uncertain.0895c816cdc48b6e

“You survived the Empress Dowager’s schemes and grew up. So I’ll bet on you, Your Majesty.”d05b90e062e5ca9e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Hmm…”5ba9ab8d5d4074a0

Yoongeon didn’t know how much to trust Queen Han. It could be another of the Empress Dowager’s schemes. Gaining Yoongeon’s trust would benefit her.411db8c230bf286b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I don’t see why I should trust you.”cd2d988dde5643a1

“My family is insignificant, so I can’t offer much proof. But…”10ac915ace38326e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Queen Han placed something from 9e048c9dc5 her sleeve on the table. Yoongeon looked at it curiously.22bf0c36acabce83

“What is this?”6e176f6567b695dd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“A document with the Empress Dowager’s seal. It states she’ll make me queen in exchange for being her pawn.”06ef687c9afa6cd6

“……”32040831770ba19f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I offer this as evidence of my betrayal.”917888c2e14825e3

“…You’re sincere.”39e84e3d0f226965

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Yoongeon gently touched the paper. Indeed, it was enough fc041dffc0 to destroy the Han 5be6504d93 family. If he decided to kill c27cc1c34b Queen Han, no one would f48dc4c1af object.40a8ce3a9a8791a1

“This is enough to show sincerity. But don’t you think I’ll use this to destroy your family once you’re no longer useful?”1d2c979f7a30c11b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Queen Han nodded, as if cab1a02517 expecting this.650fc27072327213

“I’ll follow your will, Your Majesty.”8ee553f8075a7af8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“……”3f010696f576b3cd

“Being the Empress Dowager’s pawn shamed me, so I’ll choose the lesser evil.”f274cc98604bcbb7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“The lesser evil… An interesting choice of words.”6366e5dcc5287ab9

Calling the royal family the bd20494f90 lesser evil showed how much ab0069efe3 Queen Han had suffered.db3ac4b906a01066

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Yoongeon pondered. He’d struggled to recruit the Empress Dowager’s people. Having spent so much time on the battlefield, the palace was filled with her people.62d84bf41aa2bd28

For the past year, Yoongeon had been weeding them out. For every one of his people, three of hers died. Yet her numbers didn’t dwindle. Killing a few didn’t change the situation.7f7d765bbb12734d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Recently, he felt he’d reached the snake’s body. But now, Queen Han, near the snake’s neck, approached him. If she wasn’t foolish, he should accept. Yet Yoongeon remained cautious. The Empress Dowager was cunning.30d24b6c18b31a0a

“…Let’s form a temporary alliance. If you become my person and fulfill your role, I’ll grant you one wish.”907993f72a93bedd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Yoongeon’s half-hearted approval was given. Queen Han was worth the risk.5ea491ef6020a166

“Your Majesty, may I ask something?”fcfe0f99fd91db5f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Han Seol hesitated, then spoke.a220efbdd7b77554

“Do you want death or humiliation?”a297a80d2d9bbe31

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“……”50b0d4c4c0ff01a9

The target was clear, even 4aad16d83e without naming her. The Empress Dowager.0678a301f8d2c270

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Both Yoongeon and Queen Han 57914b6d2b knew what she meant to f11647f605 him.3d33a12b59c579a6

“Either is fine, but I’d prefer it to be humiliating and disgraceful.”422fbeed105fe0d9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Yoongeon’s face held a smile. There was no affection for his mother, only coldness. Queen Han nodded after a moment of silence.d027814255a275f5

“Outside, those claiming to be Seoro Nation’s people are still rebelling. The people are increasingly resentful of you, Your Majesty.”2a4af4d17a629865

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes.”b30b6a475a4ac9f5

His response was indifferent.58fee3a6afb5fc38

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“The Crown Prince is just over ten years old. If he ascends, he’ll be the real ‘Grand King’ at an appropriate age. Not too young, not too old, perfect for regency. But isn’t that the perfect time for the Empress Dowager to seize all power?”206ffbf72cea0a5c

Though it seemed unrelated, it hit the core. If Yoongeon couldn’t manage public sentiment, he’d give the Empress Dowager another reason to kill him.944b151f4ae14bd4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

He knew his mother, ba60c24bc7 Hae Hwayoung, wanted to 64880faa1b kill him, the debauched 7ea51848e3 Yoongeon, who indulged in 1a444ab813 sodomy. She dreamed of regency.c48b8edd12baa2c9

“So?”af0370035a9b7212

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Stabilize Seoro Nation quickly and open the trade ports. The profits from trade are significant. Doing so will remove the rebels’ justification. And the people will welcome it. Resolving Seoro Nation’s issue means properly addressing Seo Hwi’s situation. You know they fear your bold nature.”78f4df5ef6c1f60f

It was a well-considered suggestion. Queen Han, with limited information, had reached this conclusion. Her father’s strengths seemed to have passed to her.eb9679e84e712664

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Your father is known for his scholarly insight.”6f3f34f8c7e59264

“Yes, Your Majesty.”df601cbf32469b45

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But he’s also known for being naive and lacking tact, nearly starving his family. Isn’t that right?”9c44dfb60f680408

“That’s true.”352fcafdff21ee99

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Queen Han didn’t flinch at the criticism of her father. Yoongeon’s points were valid. Her father, lacking tact and being overly rigid, nearly starved his family and sold his daughter to the Empress Dowager, unaware of her unhappiness.1f90cf84d06e793c

“In other words, he doesn’t waver once he decides.”99e99108fedbe955

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“……”c09b339fa221a2da

“If your father becomes my person, I’ll ensure your family retains its position. I’ll also grant you a separate palace for private discussions.”766101b70a02c7bb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The deal was sealed. Queen Han’s eyes gleamed. But Yoongeon’s expression was peculiar. As she looked at him, a twisted smile appeared on his face.1171285ff7a6c768

“Let’s see how the clever father and daughter serve me.”e429067154ceccc5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“……Yes?”159b29d52c332194

“I’ve already accepted him as my consort. Why do you want him gone?”fc9b4cc46b238339

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He referred to Seo Hwi. Queen Han almost laughed in disbelief. She thought she’d convinced him, but Yoongeon’s stubbornness was formidable. Suspecting ulterior motives, she reconsidered. His demeanor wasn’t that of someone embracing a loved one. Calming herself, she spoke, her voice trembling slightly.085b7389eef4c845

“Your Majesty… He can’t be your consort. He’s a man, a king who roamed battlefields… He’s dangerous. If you don’t appease him, he could become a threat. The thought terrifies me…”6e43625daf43f042

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Her concerns were valid. As a queen, she was right. But Yoongeon, listening, couldn’t help but scoff.4a69a659ba4b93f4

“This is unexpected…”ad62656da3bfd4fd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Yoongeon looked down at the 1df45c407b startled Queen Han.6d39ff5e43ab51a5

“I didn’t know my Queen’s delicate heart was so fragile. Worrying so much for a husband without affection. Queen, just handle what I do.”80f397519381b771

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Y-Your Majesty.”d6cd8880d5736e21

“What are you doing? You’ll need time to use that pretty head of yours.”b33c9b64c96c42d1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Yoongeon’s permission ended there. Queen Han, for the first time, was dismissed without his escort.ccb7ae321fdaf6ad

⟡ ⟡ ⟡e9072472232e59d7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Hwi relaxed in a fragrant bath, filled with dried flower petals, smoking his pipe. Four attendants assisted him, preparing him for the Grand King’s embrace.a5444085d99d9570

“When you’re with His Majesty, don’t show pain…” Chief Eunuch Jeon advised, his face a mix of confusion and fear. It seemed madness to be summoned after a year in Seonhwa Palace, where only concubines resided.3be246d336811684

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Others had suffered similar fates, 13d9558a32 kidnapped nobles used as pretty 846311b6bf servant boys. Typically, they went mad, bf79ef22d5 grieved, or feared. But Hwi, receiving his df24417b29 bath, showed none of dc6f7d6ad3 these emotions. He seemed indifferent.f927f1b0783e891e

What mindset allowed such calm? Chief Eunuch Jeon pondered, speaking 6f4c42fa1c his warnings while his mind bb37977c31 raced. Yet, no emotion f5bcd8ec74 fit the situation.63ba44d5ed5dd4d0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Do you understand, Mama? Nod if you do. Until you’re with His Majesty, don’t utter a word.”dad6a225f25dbcbe

Hwi neither nodded nor turned. Jeon felt a surge of frustration but calmed himself. It was understandable; being embraced by another man wasn’t easy. He sighed and instructed the guards.54d2a59706597a43

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Open the corpse gate.”03fd3ef4f01756f0

It seemed Hwi’s fate was sealed. The atmosphere turned cold at Jeon’s command.b910cc9df7fd8ba5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

⟡ ⟡ ⟡3804e64e526d7fb5

The Grand King, freshly bathed and dressed, sat in his chamber, chuckling to himself. Seeing Hwi’s face again had initially irked him, but the thought of humiliating him improved his mood. Hwi was being prepared, so it would take time for him to arrive.a0ec0a3eb82ede37

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, it’s the wedding night; he should look pretty.”ea1fb8228013e245

Alone, his words echoed, but Yoongeon didn’t mind. He was in a good mood.710cf6c727c2eed1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Finally, I can crush that smug face.”73410f2245dc1a7c

Why had he forgotten such 58bd51017a a delightful task?e840976501370f0f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

In past victories, kings either 8cfa1d6c9e begged for mercy or resigned e92031502f themselves. Escape was impossible; 477538a5e8 Yoongeon ensured that. But these insolent ones 192f8287aa dared maintain their dignity. The Inner King even died a7ab6d1aa8 nobly.abe18417642efbd8

Yoongeon resented that. Despite losing, they acted superior, as if saying, “You didn’t win because you’re great.” It struck a nerve.f4cb5d6f28ffe302

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He knew it was a form of inferiority complex but refused to acknowledge it. He’d won every war, skilled in strategy and combat. Everyone recognized this, except for Hwi and Ryeong, those wretched siblings.8f7c682198394bb5

“What was that attitude?”131883f8e79d6724

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The more he thought, the 972bda49a2 more it annoyed him. His mood swung like an d915d4fef8 old man nearing death.a2e33e28d9ff61e7

“Your Majesty, may Concubine Seo enter?”c4b5df0e21686493

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jeon’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Yoongeon allowed it, standing out of habit, then sat back down, realizing there was no need for courtesy.1b9540ceafbc0471

“Your Majesty, Concubine Seo is entering.”d679b88df3d5c220

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Jeon entered, bowing, followed by 48bd3bacb2 Hwi, wearing a sheer garment.9d19a349b08f9e5e

“Must have been a hassle to make that outfit.”c91d6e7e26a8e45b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Yoongeon hadn’t seen it on their first night, having not attended. He tilted his head.3d71dc96b10e789b

“Kneel.”d0d6015133a245e8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Hwi obediently knelt.f65ea5b18fba1cad

“……”1fe4a7bfef0126ee

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He knelt so easily? Yoongeon was momentarily speechless. Hwi waited, prostrate, for permission to rise. If Yoongeon didn’t allow it, he’d remain there all night.8bbf1cb660b20225

Considering it, Yoongeon d0e34d6880 changed his mind 14e4fc4c63 and told him f4b64c3264 to stand. Hwi rose slowly, eyes downcast.8f118fa8c447af19

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“……Feels like a bodyguard, not a wedding night.”7c6b75295a93bb10

Though forced, Yoongeon had only been with women in Seonhwa Palace, so this felt awkward. But showing it would hurt his pride. This was to humiliate Hwi, not to be affectionate. Yoongeon suppressed his usual courtesy, grinding his teeth. He didn’t want to appear foolish.799905fafa027296

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Sit.”a97ab972210dc8d1

Hwi sat, and 1aaa0a75be Yoongeon poured tea, 81cfb3242a spilling it carelessly.d3c3ff442bf56225

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“So, have you been well? Is palace life hard?”2306767f3338031b

“……”17cd7cd37310562c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Living as a concubine must be tough for a man.”2f412e45ebcc66b1

Hwi remained silent, even as Yoongeon suppressed laughter. Realizing he hadn’t allowed a response, Yoongeon corrected himself.e15735f5127b27ff

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Answer. You may speak now.”e0b794c3a4a7fac0

“I’ve been well.”77d77459f2787379

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

……ce2d1a3b6f358754

Yoongeon was at a loss c7dd740f67 for words.4a71632e8d2bd027

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…What did you say?”51b89cb1c1b3ef26

“I said I’ve been well.”7b6fef43119e09d4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

…What did I just hear? Yoongeon stared blankly, taking a moment to process.e87ddb7401e84a58

“Are you mad? Do you know who I am?”0559955312fd8159

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“The Grand King, Yoongeon.”68d84c1527be9b03

“Ha…!”2effb9fd26248163

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

This insolent fool dared speak 862186e935 my name and use informal 50fbc121a7 speech?32ad89f37be5f353

Yoongeon’s eyes blazed.cdb0681346ae635f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Who do you think you’re speaking to so casually?”618e8781df47ce16

Having never heard 0f8405b492 informal speech, Yoongeon 3585248885 felt both anger 1cfdf23ee7 and shock. Even his mother b91cffc2cd spoke formally, yet 902cf86c19 this defeated king e2553775d9 dared!b5fc807c442bcdd5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Why should I speak formally to you?”ea5056aec6c548a0

“You…!”8355011408f4017f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Unable to contain his rage, Yoongeon stood and grabbed Hwi’s throat, lifting him effortlessly. Hwi, even while choking, looked at him with emotionless eyes.4cb848cc494d8674

“I should have brought your sister instead if I’d known you were this insolent!”20667852322b2909

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Hwi’s face remained impassive, despite turning red. He didn’t struggle or beg, just gripped Yoongeon’s wrist tightly. Though strong, Yoongeon ignored it, veins bulging with excitement.5978e220af613285

“At least she would have been better than you. I regret not refusing a dying woman’s plea. If I’d known I’d be humiliated, I’d have torn you apart and thrown you to your sister!”9b37a56c9e988eeb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As Yoongeon spewed curses, Hwi’s grip tightened, becoming hard to ignore. If Yoongeon weren’t naturally strong, his wrist might have broken. He frowned deeply.f7b31f64dc138cd0

“Damn it!”0817a8e3a4e0aebc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Unable to bear ee7b4fa2f7 the pain, Yoongeon 86849e4d18 threw Hwi to 32fd4fad7f the floor. Hwi rolled with e216e31164 a loud crash, 6a84be0381 objects falling on 7dec07a052 him, some heavy 4a35927592 enough to bruise. Yet he made no sound 04c7e0e7fb of pain, just coughed and 724987da29 sat up.c5b95c7bff1b0912

Yoongeon, frustrated, threw his 0235082907 crown at Hwi, cutting 16dc15fbb8 his cheek, drawing blood.aaf4121a56e292a4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I heard you were quietly staying in the concubine quarters, but that was a lie.”63c7fe975c775504

Hwi stood and sat on the bed, ignoring permission. Yoongeon’s eyes blazed at his audacity.f80df1dd05d20fcc

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Are you angry because I spoke informally?”9fa8c2eee7c6f3d2

“You speak formally to the Queen, but not to me?”1ac1cb107d5aaef2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’m not so harsh as to speak informally to a woman. Even an enemy queen deserves respect.”29bbb9dab104ff10

“Is that so? Then I’ll make sure you speak respectfully to me.”0ec2f26a8ef20c5f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Can you?”67747f4b3268bb16

Hwi chuckled, standing from d99edf02d9 the bed.584f5862bbf811ec

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com