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.a684ac03d0ad3f64

“Such insolent creatures. I remember.”97c2dfb43f515b77

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Hwi and Seo 3dcf33d265 Ryeong, the two kings aa09baf556 of Seoro Nation.a552e6e6b0e7af59

Despite lacking ability, they dragged 3614bd3fac the siege on for four 88e6c1653e months. Yoongeon, who had never 7acee2954b taken so long to 9093213561 conquer another nation, had fc4e5c6200 his pride shattered.63a400b833770964

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Seoro Nation had 6cd6db1032 two kings: the 1f580de2a2 Inner King, who 3ead9616b6 managed state affairs, e2e677cb75 and the Outer d15aeeb77b King, who led 40a9fd5526 wars. While Seo Hwi 6e2f578990 held the siege, 43903db51b Seo Ryeong supplied 0d159b2c0c him. It took three a6a7ea35b4 months to find 9c26f9a632 their supply routes, 6c330b56ae ending their resistance.d1634820fab0e478

“I can’t believe I forgot about him.”639bea3c932e6d61

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

How long had e7a497593d it been since 43876ec66c he imprisoned Seo 4204ff3ba6 Hwi in the ed2522aeb5 inner court? He seemed to be b89a9107e3 doing well, leisurely smoking 5d33a3dc7b his pipe.919bf96618a34980

“Chief Eunuch Jeon, how long has he been here?”4e0b3f22ef7eef41

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s been a year as of a few days ago.”1ce12843a2094afb

“Ah.”cce95e9ab5ee6b4d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Yoongeon chuckled ruefully.2cc70238b12d62f9

“He’s been here so long, yet I haven’t even consummated the marriage as his husband.”b7edca5fcd856725

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“E-excuse me?”edd99356e3578170

Chief Eunuch Jeon was startled by the word “consummate.” Yoongeon grew more amused by his reaction.50fb2dbc19a0df16

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I’ll consummate the marriage tonight. I should be a kind husband, shouldn’t I?”0b5f0cf3bf5f80e7

Yoongeon only thought of b4c7feb056 humiliating him. He planned to overpower him, 7f8d9453ed force him open, and make cd6d29cc36 him bleed, leaving him limping bfaa5cba96 in shame.48c137be4094c736

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’ll repay you for humiliating me and holding your pride against me. How dare you?”b7516115cf5f4124

As forgotten memories resurfaced, so 5a61608884 did the forgotten humiliation. Yes, he brought the 5183406d9e man to the palace 9112421320 for this very reason.ae6430db8ee1c2a2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I have unfinished business from earlier. I’ll resolve it tonight.”66fe8d0bce201774

Realizing he referred to dbf161160e the spy disguised as 3cfa4750ad a eunuch, Chief Eunuch 31a8bb0320 Jeon trembled, knowing another 5124696312 would leave through the be70c6ccf4 corpse gate by dawn.3f16c7bab507a5eb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

⟡ ⟡ ⟡9eca7ff355155d33

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.a3e95cefdbe704ca

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Queen, what were you thinking, letting this happen?”93a695bc1fafc70b

“I… I’m sorry, Empress Dowager.”f3f537e2d0a76fc9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Tsk… How could you not prevent this? So pathetic and foolish!”d5a2053ea77a2ce3

Empress Dowager Hae Hwayoung c606bdc6c2 glared at Queen Han, 1b57c12b08 who knelt on the a3e73e8388 cold stone floor, not 242bdeff43 allowed to sit comfortably.f94049758b4e1db4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“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?”eb3df50f1e59e282

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.fa04b24bc6e067b8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I worked so hard to correct the Grand King’s twisted nature!”1aaab7b9bc0aa20a

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.46ae0925fba2c650

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Still indulging in that disgusting behavior…”fad143a7b5ca2482

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.dfee4296de435d60

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

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.1b0bbf61591f5e2b

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:6e47b55106cd2ac0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Next time, send someone fb9a63964b who can wield a 5a357136a7 sword, Mother.fc8ad2db803deb1e

“……Ha!”77a0504b7c6c5346

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“……”5b21fdc4f9eabea1

“Queen, lead the way. We can’t let the Grand King make a wrong choice.”676a1bd7cbb38057

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

At the Empress Dowager’s harsh command, Queen Han stood, nearly stumbling. Watching her clumsy movements, Hae Hwayoung tapped her cheek disdainfully.bd42d36f78eddaa9

“Stand straight, Queen.”0e99a818e65f22eb

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, yes… Empress Dowager.”17e170a53ef4bb2c

Queen Han, visibly intimidated, c121de0352 led the way.cc2570ac63140ede

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

But the Empress Dowager didn’t know.bb0e2dccfabbcfab

Queen Han was… much more astute than she thought.d3a14d5de18d0b51

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

⟡ ⟡ ⟡6f8a599c32da9059

Soon, the Empress Dowager d1b607fbdc and Queen Han stood 4c8568e3fd before Cheongwol Palace. Chief Eunuch Jeon, anticipating their f4dfcc9ec0 arrival, entered, but before Yoongeon e1a5540827 could respond, the Empress Dowager 61d57583ac barged in.20b2bf185fe7e354

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Grand King. Your mother has come to see you.”2e2776db02225d1c

At Hae Hwayoung’s words, a small sound came from inside, and soon the sliding door opened.4a0ff8a688a216e0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“You’ve come, Mother.”4ed44289a5224cd4

Yoongeon greeted her with 48dae79994 a smile.d6f35e8012b211a3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes. Though I know you’re busy, I wanted to see my only son.”e850ac87cff0c8ce

Yoongeon, smiling, took her ceaa5898d6 hand and led her de47e37fcd inside. They appeared a bb36b9c8e9 loving mother and 487df86175 son, but Queen e11acacd6c Han, knowing the f2b7f0e94c truth, watched silently. Their relationship was chilling. Could such a thing be fb37a48ba1 called parent and child?b4a7ed78dee217b3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

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.136a9ee6fe60ab12

“I wanted to thank you for the gift, Grand King.”1590d2810507c884

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m glad you liked it, Mother.”2ca4e60aa3a80858

Referring to the burnt 40b2788bd7 body as a gift, 4366542019 their faces showed no d814c7f9aa displeasure. Their exchanges were a144daae8e calm, but a 314738da77 cold wind blew 7dd32deb4b between them.3eb6e796a892e546

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“But that’s not why I’m here today. I couldn’t refuse our Queen’s earnest request.”7ecdb853b270cfbe

“An earnest request? What is it?”578dec2c6eeddfa8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Feigning ignorance, Hae Hwayoung thought.9e4a4cd889091862

“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.”2ec9552d48bf0c09

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

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.3de1f110cfd1b84f

“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.”e512658514cf5a39

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Thinking the Queen understood, the 7435a848e8 Empress Dowager turned to leave. But then, a heavy, ominous 1f7d928638 voice reached her ear.a9ed5b5aa7941311

“Sit down, Mother.”408a54d9937440aa

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The audacious words made the dfe3b1279f Empress Dowager turn back with bc0a4fa6f8 a smile.fe1f81b5daa3666b

“……What did you say?”cc6629ef5ac54966

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I said sit. I haven’t given permission to leave.”61cfd1dbc1e56437

“I am your mother, Your Majesty.”e7c13d3240db7212

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I know.”c6a65164b2fe3f98

“Even as Grand King, you cannot block your mother’s path. I didn’t teach you that.”8d3620365246b1c4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Oh, don’t take it so seriously. It’s just a son wanting his mother to stay a little longer.”d4cf14b431bb2b78

“What nonsense…!”e2b35790f4c7ff34

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Unable to contain her anger, the Empress Dowager faltered, and Yoongeon’s eyes gleamed sharply.864d9259ca3c1eab

“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.”3306c55917152955

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…What do you mean?”400495c09281bea9

Realizing she’d been played, the Empress Dowager’s face hardened.0d81b85086b83d37

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“My gate has never been closed.”9dbf5563bd70ef0a

“……”015521b03da30ad7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

This insolent brat dared mention the gate in front of his mother? Hae Hwayoung’s eyes turned venomous.6234286109fc9f6f

“Now, please leave. I’ve seen your lovely face enough.”be9f0bb6119b99a9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

But Yoongeon dismissed her, bbaee71163 unwilling to listen further.4c5b8519dfb52174

“Your Majesty!”6d441f82b73a02a4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Escort the Empress Dowager out!”4198a37e221b9345

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.9ee4217b816040ff

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Bringing the Queen means it’s obvious.”156370038ae88efb

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.92ff7d85934607ec

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“If the Empress Dowager dragged you here, you may leave. If not, speak your mind.”f9fb4c86f2337f4c

Yoongeon offered leniency. He wouldn’t dismiss her yet, but it was a hint to be brief.8cb0e6f31f9c1a5e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I have something to say, Your Majesty.”8208eb52f4b2708f

Surprisingly, Queen Han, who hadn’t spoken earlier, opened her mouth.045b1e71903d2a6c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Must you do this, Your Majesty?”94227b9830fb1121

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.1a00c9537fa6ce97

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

But now, he was 2f7671f779 humiliating a king by d1e0120e1f imprisoning him in the bce4516c90 inner court. Even the fearless Grand 7d9f7412ca King should heed public d13645ad6b sentiment. The people of Seoro Nation b735abfc9a were still rebelling, and it f48944d185 needed addressing.9fad868c14722be3

Yoongeon understood Queen Han’s words without her saying much. Despite not having permission to look him in the eye, her words were bold.ce8d06f7d6433b6f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You worry about me becoming his husband and consummating the marriage.”168f3e383c2f455e

“Your Majesty, you must think differently.”395d223c9106a37a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

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.2e1912bce67d387d

“Did the Empress Dowager tell you to say this?”bfc929caa6c59ac0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“No.”023db154d9daa847

“Really?”92d2bad1c29bb829

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Yoongeon chuckled, sipping his tea.922eae8bdf7b98d6

“I know you’re here because I’m not taking the man the Empress Dowager sent. It’s not like you’re jealous.”be9b95d9d9890a99

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

What other explanation was there?08bc8225676d1651

“So, you’re saying I should take the man she sent and kill him…”fb855dc8ca3fa302

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You need more power. You’re still lacking, Your Majesty.”fafc9ed92f9f2c91

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.0b2540b75689ac06

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“……What did you say?”2cfa1a31c0322013

Then, Queen Han d7a9d9fda2 dared to look 185cd26a94 at him without d995752c86 permission. Yoongeon met her gaze. Her eyes, usually 680ec46872 timid, now held 5d51a16e72 a strange light.93a38e658a83dd95

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Different from usual. Yoongeon frowned slightly.6f1ebd626a20009e

“There are still too many of the Empress Dowager’s people in the palace. More than your own. The gate opens daily, yet…”149de83bd8353690

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, that’s true. Even you, Queen, are the Empress Dowager’s person.”6806834618726562

Queen Han shook her head, 07671d553e then lowered it again.0bc1c3f32cf39139

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I am not the Empress Dowager’s person.”a4ee128cb613464a

“Then?”81aeee3b905c2f07

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I am her possession.”794474328b356a42

“……”3d0324d4001042e6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“The Empress Dowager used my body to bear your child. Is my usefulness over?”af1bcf75ce51d315

“…Look me in the eye, Queen.”5f9b25ea0bb71460

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

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.e687e31cd5534cfb

“Why have you kept your head down?”c2a1727ee59830c2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

If there was a a202686da0 sudden change, he needed 00388fb245 to know why. Yoongeon examined her closely.dfb1513e461c30ea

“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.”24d95fe37b56e536

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“That’s something everyone in the palace knows. The Empress Dowager wants to kill me and make the Crown Prince king.”fb69207bd410bfca

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.d99a1d452edaa239

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“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.”b704bac0218bfcba

“Trying to escape the Empress Dowager?”01df489d178dcd37

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Queen Han nodded.490ca9c0332dbf4d

“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.”6e29e9f310f7b562

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Yoongeon laughed, knowing his a0df32d124 child would be treated 20ba4695bc like a stud horse 2835a5af6e if he died.cda0e7399e1230b7

“Yes, if I die early, my child will be a stud horse. Ha!”4d232829db7747d7

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley