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.0e8b733fb3b36db7

“You survived the Empress Dowager’s schemes and grew up. So I’ll bet on you, Your Majesty.”50eb38a680b9f883

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“Hmm…”84703f11db705f50

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.262773d022e4f6e1

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“I don’t see why I should trust you.”5f5ff6b763183559

“My family is insignificant, so I can’t offer much proof. But…”2f1f97a06087bf73

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Queen Han placed 04f4c0576f something from her 501588a5d6 sleeve on the 9247afda04 table. Yoongeon looked at it curiously.61225006ef25950e

“What is this?”ca7f37638893aabd

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“A document with the Empress Dowager’s seal. It states she’ll make me queen in exchange for being her pawn.”c2744da071a06737

“……”3df3302da65b81c7

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“I offer this as evidence of my betrayal.”26b874e8005797d3

“…You’re sincere.”f2f508043a7832aa

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Yoongeon gently touched the paper. Indeed, it was c070566ed2 enough to destroy b431321c03 the Han family. If he decided to kill 472b5f26e8 Queen Han, no one would e957dcc2da object.f2ff7a2a34361966

“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?”c4fe17491d658f46

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Queen Han nodded, 3eed9d45d0 as if expecting fa66364615 this.908d8f3c5816e241

“I’ll follow your will, Your Majesty.”71590fddd884a73a

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“……”57e35738b1f8b7bf

“Being the Empress Dowager’s pawn shamed me, so I’ll choose the lesser evil.”18629ef128e35c20

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“The lesser evil… An interesting choice of words.”a040436a0dfda067

Calling the royal family 598f1feb49 the lesser evil showed 14ec34a565 how much Queen Han c1fcd812b9 had suffered.be92bf45acf1ffa4

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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.37a4413db39e7306

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.72ab7d76800f7a02

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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.d06c1fa712f2f306

“…Let’s form a temporary alliance. If you become my person and fulfill your role, I’ll grant you one wish.”3877153ffc948f54

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Yoongeon’s half-hearted approval was given. Queen Han was worth the risk.65cd4272926995d7

“Your Majesty, may I ask something?”dece154e9b6d57af

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Han Seol hesitated, then spoke.dddbf7f43f2bb0bc

“Do you want death or humiliation?”887c108a584eea70

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“……”68626163ba152806

The target was clear, even 195c515bcf without naming her. The Empress Dowager.800a3e39f0cf4274

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Both Yoongeon and Queen Han 84a19431c0 knew what she meant to 54cc9368ad him.66af2f722a2a3c45

“Either is fine, but I’d prefer it to be humiliating and disgraceful.”c7a4606cdee52033

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Yoongeon’s face held a smile. There was no affection for his mother, only coldness. Queen Han nodded after a moment of silence.7321a03df430f4f5

“Outside, those claiming to be Seoro Nation’s people are still rebelling. The people are increasingly resentful of you, Your Majesty.”1ae748a22f561409

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“Yes.”655892613e391bc5

His response was indifferent.0273d0cadb9dc54f

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“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?”1ac3dcd86e1c6325

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.0022cfee97599d13

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He knew his mother, Hae 083ba39025 Hwayoung, wanted to kill him, c327320ee6 the debauched Yoongeon, who indulged a60b9d1654 in sodomy. She dreamed of regency.f05e04f8f6cd6c8e

“So?”6738b0a909489494

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“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.”000dadbc146ac0ee

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.0d99436b0de78e6b

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“Your father is known for his scholarly insight.”be25008665d6bfb0

“Yes, Your Majesty.”960a1200503c8e2d

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“But he’s also known for being naive and lacking tact, nearly starving his family. Isn’t that right?”01cc63e53d2b9171

“That’s true.”8d52d477552e5aba

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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.92af1361671d3627

“In other words, he doesn’t waver once he decides.”0e271d6086ee2321

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“……”bcfc998bec9ae5a5

“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.”1c0c6364f19088ed

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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.5209775935d17731

“Let’s see how the clever father and daughter serve me.”ca39bbd592b43a5d

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“……Yes?”9a2b06b34e53ca10

“I’ve already accepted him as my consort. Why do you want him gone?”a8fe3e04d975ff88

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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.253e280e058fbfde

“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…”6f9e0bc8b7db0e4f

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Her concerns were valid. As a queen, she was right. But Yoongeon, listening, couldn’t help but scoff.bab695bbabec6131

“This is unexpected…”4f46369235e2ef33

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Yoongeon looked down f44160d730 at the startled 04df618d9c Queen Han.00d2b0791581c990

“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.”b699ed13cc5a8f84

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“Y-Your Majesty.”d2a22db3786543ff

“What are you doing? You’ll need time to use that pretty head of yours.”a9e184b477749231

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Yoongeon’s permission ended there. Queen Han, for the first time, was dismissed without his escort.e3ad504189f69615

⟡ ⟡ ⟡03125664f4850f24

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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.21d61298538aabb7

“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.8924b25014593ec6

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Others had suffered edb6860dde similar fates, kidnapped 55cf46bf6e nobles used as 86b8ead464 pretty servant boys. Typically, they went mad, grieved, 99b36f67ac or feared. But Hwi, receiving 2f8fc06407 his bath, showed b6334f6d79 none of these 6d90b67c89 emotions. He seemed indifferent.dd7416c16d5e756b

What mindset allowed such calm? Chief Eunuch Jeon pondered, speaking 048f72c4f1 his warnings while his mind 3aa80ab492 raced. Yet, no emotion fit the a52cbcc3d8 situation.b95fd245fb01118b

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“Do you understand, Mama? Nod if you do. Until you’re with His Majesty, don’t utter a word.”a3475f3bd8dfdae2

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.3497c65703e3a2d5

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“Open the corpse gate.”eeb4539f096c4e87

It seemed Hwi’s fate was sealed. The atmosphere turned cold at Jeon’s command.2ec56d1e23cf6cac

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡0c0264d1bb742585

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.2a435ebe8d3132a7

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“Yes, it’s the wedding night; he should look pretty.”93dd8e713449a8b4

Alone, his words echoed, but Yoongeon didn’t mind. He was in a good mood.991cde8ff8a0464b

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“Finally, I can crush that smug face.”8258e16e0f194d69

Why had he 2433dc850f forgotten such a d7a272acff delightful task?6a0c2580e0a77f2c

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In past victories, 6e29d8c3f5 kings either begged 8080247e7d for mercy or 6f6b5de5aa resigned themselves. Escape was impossible; Yoongeon dc5611657e ensured that. But these insolent 205961e48e ones dared maintain c1b7b99498 their dignity. The Inner King even 550aa0a20d died nobly.d34dd01785e6a397

Yoongeon resented that. Despite losing, they acted superior, as if saying, “You didn’t win because you’re great.” It struck a nerve.d45cdc2901fd031e

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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.2a906ef8697516c1

“What was that attitude?”5ba8fec3a1e3d670

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The more he thought, 5e86644970 the more it annoyed b270bdda6f him. His mood swung like a359a7e2ba an old man nearing 7f9a8a0f96 death.9e4080abb90e4772

“Your Majesty, may Concubine Seo enter?”599f2e49d8be9e83

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Jeon’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Yoongeon allowed it, standing out of habit, then sat back down, realizing there was no need for courtesy.ad991a2f466101cf

“Your Majesty, Concubine Seo is entering.”77d38b730497801c

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Jeon entered, bowing, followed 574977c2a8 by Hwi, wearing a 4574975121 sheer garment.1e458fc236329d51

“Must have been a hassle to make that outfit.”302e76d98971cd13

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Yoongeon hadn’t seen it on their first night, having not attended. He tilted his head.88a6675f97ad4ea5

“Kneel.”1b9316297dd516cf

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Hwi obediently knelt.e2c56e5981c47dc7

“……”602a3f78961e58d8

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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.b2c45f48a36ba2c8

Considering it, Yoongeon 69aa840d17 changed his mind c72f4c9e0f and told him 368598c22c to stand. Hwi rose slowly, eyes downcast.f60d0a731c21a120

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“……Feels like a bodyguard, not a wedding night.”6dd03347bdee794d

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.e1de3ac16efd9772

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“Sit.”9bc3c9b771ce9e4f

Hwi sat, and Yoongeon 2f7d1d07db poured tea, spilling it e85bcabdd4 carelessly.20f6df9afe5490c2

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“So, have you been well? Is palace life hard?”9496bb65201c6f4b

“……”6205f715498a3ddc

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“Living as a concubine must be tough for a man.”e628f048ef2d4b6a

Hwi remained silent, even as Yoongeon suppressed laughter. Realizing he hadn’t allowed a response, Yoongeon corrected himself.56fd0e5d6c097c25

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“Answer. You may speak now.”12134ea41ea81220

“I’ve been well.”e95a9196d355de62

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……15ddb727f4a8883d

Yoongeon was at a 2649cb50fc loss for words.4020a5c616f411ff

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“…What did you say?”6b370461b6f68872

“I said I’ve been well.”744085f8d7694fe2

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…What did I just hear? Yoongeon stared blankly, taking a moment to process.0d771a7a637300d9

“Are you mad? Do you know who I am?”713ba8ac2cf5bdbf

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“The Grand King, Yoongeon.”00bfd6fa58ff3656

“Ha…!”6d412b3f4932539e

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This insolent fool 177e1ab136 dared speak my 109fe913e2 name and use b8baf72e87 informal speech?ad511145f8550eb6

Yoongeon’s eyes blazed.1066c253b5d7769b

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“Who do you think you’re speaking to so casually?”8e42437a3272170c

Having never heard c2aa0c3b5b informal speech, Yoongeon 4e76f4cfef felt both anger 93639c5ef5 and shock. Even his mother cd0b43672c spoke formally, yet c558f90482 this defeated king 66e10d0e3f dared!c38671269a263801

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“Why should I speak formally to you?”a9dee4bdb6db5d0d

“You…!”291bb72ee0669857

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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.b89e67989b09b171

“I should have brought your sister instead if I’d known you were this insolent!”a528e7a443646fcc

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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.f4fade7798b670a5

“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!”3a8fd294712dbcdc

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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.7c8dcfb37c0f9bcc

“Damn it!”53b4d90259071b2a

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Unable to bear 9c7ea7adc4 the pain, Yoongeon cc56cc5f6a threw Hwi to 29c5f8ef3b the floor. Hwi rolled with a62ed5b64d a loud crash, 61e7ae1b24 objects falling on 073ee0655d him, some heavy d0afc11dd1 enough to bruise. Yet he made no sound de836c3d37 of pain, just coughed and 5f7808fd25 sat up.be26e45082d1b3f1

Yoongeon, frustrated, threw his 78a9ceede1 crown at Hwi, cutting c909e4e0e8 his cheek, drawing blood.5e13771a1d09903c

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“I heard you were quietly staying in the concubine quarters, but that was a lie.”2286e44557cf8908

Hwi stood and sat on the bed, ignoring permission. Yoongeon’s eyes blazed at his audacity.c5f0dd0e0e3932fc

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“Are you angry because I spoke informally?”a7aeaf18af3114d1

“You speak formally to the Queen, but not to me?”c31f2c529e7e7b99

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“I’m not so harsh as to speak informally to a woman. Even an enemy queen deserves respect.”ec744364d23ec56a

“Is that so? Then I’ll make sure you speak respectfully to me.”6b08f9fed084d128

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“Can you?”9641f9034544a863

Hwi chuckled, standing from 2212b0e8d2 the bed.6225da727aea6f4f

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