SNF | Chapter 8.5

“If Your Majesty governs with virtue, the controversy over legitimacy will lose its power. Furthermore, if you cherish brotherly love and take care of the remaining family, future generations will praise Your Majesty.”6a270ec92b9f5b6f

Though he spoke indirectly, he was ultimately requesting the posthumous honor of Crown Prince Soseong. Yeon-oh hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to bring up posthumous honor. The Crown Prince surely knew why the Emperor considered him a thorn in his side.96081dc4de645bce

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

If the c21e57e1a9 Crown Prince 85087aa37e lost legitimacy 3478eb390f by posthumously 454f70a8e7 honoring Crown 0d8f3ede6e Prince Soseong, 62af34c1f6 the Emperor 44fe705be8 would see 6ea774e23e him as d7dd1e02d3 even more 73dc53a7e9 of a 8fa43322f4 thorn. Yet, the Crown 793c6d7529 Prince chose to 00b0574278 carry the burden 6a45fd6e9b and jump into 2b4dcb4267 the fire.94cc581d16fc7d02

“…I have heard the Crown Prince’s opinion.”92717851643aa7d3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

After a brief 1323cd571e silence, the Emperor 5671fc7b20 spoke. The Crown Prince maintained 1866b5173e his composed posture and c302d936b6 returned to his place. During this 82585974b4 time, the 78d5af3b43 court, filled 4a6da82f2a with numerous 516d0f96a0 people, was a4effd51fa enveloped in 75029f6893 silence. Not even a 68af6ad52a breath could be 1580c0e2d2 heard.638836fc6b397e24

“As the Crown Prince said, the foundation of the royal family is, indeed, me. I was about to neglect brotherly love, being distracted by immediate concerns.”9adb49eb5fe90aa6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It sounded as if he was praising the Crown Prince, but his expression was indifferent, and his tone was no different. The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince. The gaze with which the Emperor looked at the Crown Prince was familiar, resembling someone else. Someone, as Yeon-oh recalled that someone, he curled one corner of his lips. Yeon-oh followed the Emperor’s gaze to the Crown Prince.0cfcb02a5d98a928

“I will issue an edict. The scribe shall record it.”e902db8d3c3bf648

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Please issue the edict.”519882a91e9b7a2b

It’s remarkable how similar they are, considering they should be standing on opposing sides.1ab90583eac1f5eb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Anra is 777e547358 a nation 1191ca2de6 founded on 2adc3585af filial piety 1e4fbd1382 and brotherly a146a9b522 love. I believe it is 1a625b8720 my duty to set 30edb1146f an example for the 2b6a663d13 people by upholding these 96d877ccb7 values as another cornerstone 9387585295 of Anra. Therefore, I will posthumously 7ba6068bd8 honor Crown Prince Soseong. The Ministry of Rites 6a2893c848 shall select an auspicious e767a95966 day for the ceremony b70d233aab and submit the posthumous 039bbd9605 title and temple name.ef4e778d76ee1fa8

Along with Crown Prince Soseong’s posthumous honor, his son, Crown Prince Yuwon, shall also be posthumously honored as Crown Prince. Additionally, according to proper etiquette, it is not appropriate for the late Emperor’s consort to remain outside the palace. Lady Yoon shall be enshrined as Empress Dowager and brought into the palace—make the necessary preparations in accordance with protocol.”c9250eb2f5e97ef0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

With this, the Emperor lost part of his legitimacy but freed himself from the stigma of being a usurper. However, to regain even a fragment of the lost legitimacy, the Emperor would surely try to depose the Crown Prince, making the Crown Prince’s position more precarious. The Crown Prince lost more in this matter.0609627fdd83de5f

“Furthermore, all matters except for the Empress Dowager’s entry into the palace shall be entrusted to the Crown Prince.”e44313c02d0ff5e2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Crown Prince quickly 4f93510884 rose and pledged to 45201a12b4 follow the imperial command 823d7e7df7 before returning to his d44f1cfc5a seat. As the scribe 66bb9abfe1 who recorded the a0d5325a8d edict withdrew, the 61d7ff6eff Prime Minister stepped a5c64b97f7 forward.43811f1b900cc70a

“Your Majesty’s benevolence is the great fortune of the empire. We will carry out your command.”5fa8e9052418722c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Prime Minister spoke with honeyed words. While listening to the Prime Minister, Yeon-oh kept his gaze on the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince, who had been looking straight ahead, suddenly turned his head and met Yeon-oh’s eyes. The Crown Prince smiled, lifting his lips. For a moment, Yeon-oh’s face overlapped with his.b463ef1b46b9d98a

After blinking and looking again, it seemed like an illusion as Yeon-oh’s face faded away. Only the Crown Prince’s composed face remained in his sight.7356175f9881bfcb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

After the d991a39033 morning assembly, ece1272282 Yeon-oh followed 103a2c7fb5 the Crown dad013c450 Prince back ab4f9f7b3e to the 41c7f1d8d6 Eastern Palace 6a748977bb to assist 5b1d18714a with his 9f89679e2e official duties. Lee Shinwoo, despite 625947e969 grimacing as if 92b9c62fcf suffering from a 1f31cbb66a headache, continued to 07c9c137f7 unfurl the documents 7eb47c9998 without pause.5c59748cc5be3a37

“Ja-seong, seeing your face makes me feel uneasy. Go out and get some fresh air.”458095f0a37e28eb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…I apologize.”33add2c5eb1fa9f9

Lee Shinwoo, 6d114f93e2 feeling nauseous, e71f4a6dae left without 47fc01b6df refusing twice.886f01483572ac85

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Your Highness.”c11242e02910bc26

Once they 629a8a12a5 were alone, 02c509fe6b Yeon-oh called fc5a346a16 out to 34f1650a8f him. The Crown Prince, who 69e386caaa had been unfurling a 6354678013 scroll to read a 1977c8dfd3 report from a distant 61064e1261 province, looked at Yeon-oh.6d60f8742cb24223

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Why did you do that?”e759299f7cda0fd3

It was a somewhat acc4c19839 impulsive question.e133c64d8d630581

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What do you mean?”f4842f3b68f15e2d

Even though he surely understood the intent of the question, he feigned ignorance. The playful smile on his lips made the composed demeanor he had shown in the main hall earlier seem like a lie. Though Yeon-oh hadn’t seen him many times, the Crown Prince was truly an unpredictable person.b2b77d52475fe085

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That wasn’t what His Majesty wanted to hear.”4e83065c3f066bd2

After a moment 1356c7e6e2 of deliberation, Yeon-oh c9d0d8b454 spoke directly. He had concluded that 69868b98c3 it was better to 4b5db51878 speak plainly since the bed96a8b34 Crown Prince would continue 6516ce8405 to feign ignorance if 2d181c8315 he beat around the c6b8c314c2 bush. As Yeon-oh came out 707476f33c straightforwardly, the Crown Prince 44d4dba325 soon dismissed the surrounding f4bec72725 people.c101b624c7d1d207

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“What does it matter?”6337b2cc317510d6

“Your Highness.”18861ffbcf266dd1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“As you said, it wasn’t what His Majesty wanted. But even if I had said what he wanted, would anything have changed?”7d95cc28b24461d8

The Crown Prince’s tone was as light as a feather, but the meaning behind it was heavy and sharp. Even if the Crown Prince answered a hundred or a thousand times with what the Emperor wanted, it wouldn’t change his mind. Even if the Crown Prince had spoken as the Emperor wished this time, no favor would have been directed towards him.9b7cf5fffaedb056

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“In that case, it’s not bad to follow my own beliefs.”a5cc916941ecb804

Saying this, the Crown Prince turned his attention back to the document. Since the Crown Prince didn’t seem to mind and it was already a concluded matter, Yeon-oh had no reason to dwell on it. With that judgment, Yeon-oh’s thoughts shifted to another matter.50b5eb95cc480460

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

His thoughts were filled with the wet nurse’s lies. The suspicion that would cling to his mind until he learned the truth. Naturally, his expression didn’t improve.8cfddc5182c426a4

“By the way, did you get home alright yesterday? Your face doesn’t look good.”b0d30d72ed83e673

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Not as bad as Left Censor.”c11e25187ded7b46

Pointing out Lee 72f39fed7e Shinwoo, who had dae2944fce left with a 41b9e6f5c2 haggard face, Yeon-oh c4cde6db50 spoke, and the 6b68da3dcf Crown Prince, still 52e4fe34aa not taking his 5d5c92abeb eyes off the 315fe7f8d1 document, burst into 88cc6dced0 laughter and agreed.c28dcd4074f39a2c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“That’s true. Anyone would think Ja-seong drank all the Eastern Palace’s liquor. But it was us who did, wasn’t it? Or was it?”130240df8bec8546

With that, the Crown Prince put down the document and leaned towards Yeon-oh. Feeling burdened by the gaze, Yeon-oh lowered his eyes, casting a shadow. The Crown Prince’s hand reached towards his face.ddb1b01bcd7d078e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“This time, you didn’t avoid it.”cf77c8a69b3b9601

He was referring 339e4606e9 to how Yeon-oh 493d5693cd had avoided his de45b4b0a4 touch the previous 2ecda9d144 day.71344dc30d46d4d8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…I behaved disgracefully yesterday.”4d590365a3384715

“No, but what were you thinking to react so startled and avoid it?”2cf0a09b0915fdba

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That is…”c20fcd3b3c411b01

Yeon-oh trailed off. He didn’t want others to delve deeply into his personal life, so he would have usually made an excuse. However, Yeon-oh hesitated without making an excuse. Because he had this thought:e036bd7956da4dec

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Crown Prince’s life vaguely resembled Yeon-oh’s, and since Yeon-oh had read a nightmare from him yesterday, perhaps he could be a clue to recovering his lost past—a highly irrational and illogical thought. It was a hypothesis Yeon-oh wouldn’t normally entertain.53e2cab1bbafc3e2

“…I was reminded of a nightmare.”96ed11f4193f1395

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But since he wasn’t his usual self now, Yeon-oh finally spoke after hesitating.010770943b3da324

“A nightmare?”67d772f9a1a41dc5

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“A nightmare I’ve been frequently troubled by lately. In it, my younger self is strangled by an unknown hand.”2e0b2d56ef03f518

“That’s quite an unpleasant dream.”34396acd8c3a0451

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Crown 9b7f2042c4 Prince frowned, c7224b3a18 as if 915edc4e16 the mere eac0990cb3 thought was 9a99e4f7a7 unpleasant.c5be026b74d845c6

“Could it be a part of your past? You might have erased it from your memory because it was traumatic.”0aedffc8fb2dae62

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He was quite c3cf577ac6 close to the c804a996cb truth. Yeon-oh neither confirmed nor f90e95277c denied it hastily.577fca769c1a7534

“If that’s the case, maybe you could recall it by recreating a similar situation?”bd3596726776d311

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”06a08f75c7fb6d05

“For example, if I were to help?”b7d16bc05d3bc8eb

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”df33eb3f3d97b42c

“I’m joking, joking. As if I would do that. So relax.”3eae9f7e3c97cb56

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The Crown Prince waved his hand lightly and laughed. But Yeon-oh couldn’t dismiss his words.8436f2cbabcf908a

He had thought that if he artificially recreated the situation, he might be able to recover his lost memory. But when he tried it himself, it didn’t work. However, if someone else did it, if another person created such a situation, it might be different. When Yeon-oh didn’t react to what was meant as a joke, the Crown Prince called out, “Right Censor?” Yeon-oh looked at the Crown Prince with a determined expression.bb4d560dc9cc2922

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…If it’s a lost memory, I want to recover it.”106e7af6fec694a8

“Right Censor.”28ee3b19d8c9d866

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I know it’s an unreasonable request. But I dare to ask Your Highness for help.”7a79c5f8c043e6ef

The Crown Prince’s face was filled with disbelief. It was understandable. If someone made such a request to Yeon-oh, he would have dismissed it as not worth listening to before even considering whether it was a joke or not. So the Crown Prince’s reaction was rather mild.17a1cf5ede6858cc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“How could I harm you, Right Censor? Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.”dc97a3b647043c87

Refusing was the natural course of action. If Yeon-oh were to let this slip, the Prime Minister would surely stir up the ministers, claiming that the Crown Prince tried to harm the son of a rival family and his own subject. But Yeon-oh couldn’t retract his words. As far as he knew, the Crown Prince was the only person he could make such a request to.da24548369731016

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Your Highness, please…”da7053b9e0a2653d

Yeon-oh was desperate. Perhaps recognizing that 747b914a79 desperation, the Crown 64a327ac1b Prince sighed but dbd408e61f approached Yeon-oh.f33433e31e0b409c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I’m really not keen on this.”409994334a842b69

The Crown Prince reached out his hand. His hand was large enough to grasp Yeon-oh’s neck. The warmth was startling, causing Yeon-oh’s shoulders to tremble. The Crown Prince held Yeon-oh’s neck gently without applying pressure. Yeon-oh blinked, trying to delve into the past through that sensation. Nothing came to mind.795ebf39498952e2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He held Yeon-oh’s neck for a long time. Their eyes were locked for a long time. Up close, there was a strangely exotic feeling. It was a very subtle difference that he wouldn’t have noticed under normal circumstances. How long had they been staring at each other?9443b0f6e2bc66e6

Just as much as Yeon-oh scrutinized the Crown Prince’s face, the Crown Prince also examined Yeon-oh’s face thoroughly. Around the time when enough time had passed for both to have done so, the hand that had been gently holding Yeon-oh’s neck began to apply pressure. As the feeling of being strangled set in, Yeon-oh coughed dryly, his body trembling with psychological rejection, but the Crown Prince’s grip didn’t relent. In the fleeting glimpse of his gaze, there was unyielding hatred and darkness. It wasn’t directed at Yeon-oh.ee7a9f69d43f538f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Whether it was directed a019973df3 at him or not, 54e2ca4a5e facing pure hatred, Yeon-oh f2bcefbd4a finally recalled his powerless 2f9b8fbab2 six-year-old self.8e6ef95a81d4c885

“…Huh!”ed27e57c381a7ceb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With each breath, only coughs escaped. Tears welled up in his eyes. Through the tears that gathered moistly, Yeon-oh could see someone’s face in the Crown Prince, a face obscured by darkness. Seeing that face, he slowly closed his eyes. …The Prime Minister’s face grew distant.f11cac07f357c9ba