FIB Ch 5 part 2

PR by neji

“Is the duke on his way?”

Consort Yu anxiously chewed on her nails. Seeing her so nervous, the court ladies all looked anxiously at the closed door as well. However, despite their wishes, they saw no sign of the door opening anytime soon.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Why hasn’t Court Lady Yeo come back yet?! She only went out to see what was going on.”

“That is… Because there hasn’t been any news from the court ladies we sent out…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Even after everything has turned out like this, you are still going to tell me to wait?!”

The mood in the room grew even more tense as Consort Yu began to express her rage. However, Consort Yu could not calm down. Recently, the southwest had suffered a great flood. As soon as this disaster occurred, the Emperor issued an imperial order to send out the necessary resources from his personal treasury in order to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Either way, it wasn’t very difficult to siphon out some of that money, and it happened regularly, so she didn’t think much of it.

“Who messed with it?! Who?!”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

By the time the goods had arrived to the waiting citizens, less than half was left. Either way, the citizens always took what they were given, so they didn’t expect them to mind. However, the problem arose when the enraged citizens killed the government official who had brought the goods to them, and the news of the embezzlement had reached the Emperor’s ears.

“Your Highness! Court Lady Yeo has arrived.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Hurry up and bring her in!”

The furious emperor commanded Prime Minister Lee Moon to capture all those who were related to this incident.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Despite Consort Yu’s attempts to diffuse the situation, she ended up running away with her tail between her legs. Because of this, about thirty percent of her supporters ended up being stripped of their positions and were sent back to their hometowns.

She was already so busy dealing with the attacks coming from Lee Moon, but this time, things were looking very bleak.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Your Highness Consort.”

“So? Who replaced them?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Consort Yu asked frantically as she watched Court Lady Yeo lower her head.

“That is…”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Hurry up and tell me! Are they Lee Moon’s people? Or has the Deputy Secretary General made a comeback?”

Court Lady Yeo’s head sank even deeper.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Although she had lived at the Palace for many years now, Court Lady Yeo didn’t know how to explain this situation.

Although she tried to find out how this person became involved, no matter where she looked, she couldn’t find anyone who seemed to have a clear understanding.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Almost all of the ones who have taken the vacant seats were rec-recommended by the Chief Commander.”

“What?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Consort Yu’s eyes widened like that of a rabbit’s. After taking a look at Consort Yu’s expression, Court Lady Yeo quickly closed her eyes.

“Additionally, the father of the Chief Commander’s wife, the head of the Ju family, has been reinstated.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Crash!

The teacup was thrown to the floor. Consort Yu’s fists were trembling.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Your Highness Consort!”

“Don’t come near me!”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Consort Yu let out a sharp cry as the court ladies rushed towards her. The surprised court ladies returned to their original spots as Consort Yu tried with much difficulty to put a smile on her face. 

When she heard that the spots had been filled with Heon’s people, she first thought it would be better than it being Lee Moon’s people. However, that feeling didn’t last very long.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Was it truly for the best? If Heon was the one who had led the charge in this incident, then…

“Heon… Did that child make an alliance with Lee Moon?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But she quickly shook her head. Lee Moon hated Consort Yu with a passion. He hated her so much that he even wanted her dead, so there was no way he would look favorably upon Heon, her only son. There was no way that man reached out his hand to Heon.

“If he was only interested in protecting the things his father left behind, why did he go and make a move like that?!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Even though Heon had feelings of hostility towards Consort Yu, he was never interested in power or authority. He took after his father so much in that respect. She believed his main goal in life was to protect the territory left behind by his father.

There was no way the Heon she knew would make a move like this.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Could it be…?”

As she pondered this, a light suddenly flashed in her eyes.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“That child was acting like he didn’t care, but could it be that it isn’t the case?!”

“Your Highness Consort.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Didn’t you tell me that he acted indifferent towards her at the banquet? Didn’t you tell me that he pushed her away even when she clung onto him?! Did you lie to me?!”

“Not at all, Your Highness Consort. How could this servant lie to you?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The court lady’s answer made Consort Yu’s eyes tremble.

Whether Heon made an alliance with Lee Moon or was making some kind of hidden deal with the Emperor was not important right now.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even though she wasn’t sure who made the move, she knew one thing for certain.

“I was only trying to make the Crown Prince waver, but it seems that I made my son waver instead.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The one who moved was not JaeHoon as she had expected. It was Heon.

Was this the price he was making her pay for what she had done at the banquet? However, this was such a large price to pay for a mere trick.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“So you have found something else to protect, is that it?”

“Your Highness, please calm down.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Why does it have to be that wench?! Why?!”

“Your Highness!”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Consort Yu staggered as if she were going to faint. Court Lady Yeo approached her. As she leaned on Court Lady Yeo, Consort Yu’s red lips trembled.

Although she had insisted on leaving just a moment ago, Consort Yu crumbled back into her seat.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

* * *

“We must use this opportunity to drive out the Consort completely.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Even though most of the spots were taken up by the Chief Commander’s people, we must take out the roots before they dig any deeper! I cannot stand idly by and watch as the nation of SeoMoon wavers against the flip of a woman’s skirts!”

The people who had gathered at Lee Moon’s residence for a meeting all cried out their displeasure regarding the Consort.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Even though she was married, she had an affair with the Emperor and entered the Palace. She even dared to assert her authority. Many nobles were uncomfortable and unsatisfied with the Consort.

Because of Consort Yu, the relationship between the Emperor and Prime Minister Lee Moon grew strained. Those that followed Lee Moon absolutely loathed the Consort.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“The Chief Commander is also a problem! Even if we are able to depose the Consort’s authority this time, her son will merely replace her. If the Chief Commander allies himself with the Consort, don’t you think it’ll all remain the same anyway?”

“Even you are aware that His Majesty covets the Chief Commander, aren’t you, Prime Minister? Until now, the Chief Commander hasn’t shown any interest, but in case he changes his mind, we must act!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“We must remove the Chief Commander in order to take down the Consort. If we leave things be, we will be the ones who suffer!”

Lee Moon swept his thumb across his chin as he listened to the nobles talk. Lost in thought, Lee Moon stared at the table. Then he glanced at a closed door.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Do you all think that Chief Commander Lee Heon will form an alliance with Consort Yu?”

The nobles’ confused eyes all turned to Lee Moon. Staring at the closed door, Lee Moon leaned back in his chair. The nobles opened their mouths to say something but were stopped when Lee Moon raised his hand.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Let’s end things here for today.”

“Prime Minister!”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“If we act too hastily, we may catch His Majesty’s eyes. If that happens, then it will be us, not Consort Yu, who will fall first. While we cannot deny that the Chief Commander’s influence has grown, we do not know who intended it. Therefore, it would be best for us not to get ahead of ourselves. As you all know, the Chief Commander has endured the many dangers that have come his way. However, he is not such a great man who is willing to endure it for much longer.”

When they heard that the Chief Commander wasn’t one to endure the dangers any longer, the nobles looked around at each other. Seeing this, Lee Moon narrowed his eyes.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Whether it was in the battlefield or in the capital, or even back in his own territory, Lee Heon was constantly attacked by assassins. It happened so often that it would aggravate anyone in the same situation. However, unexpectedly, he did not make a counterattack. He merely took care of the assassins and never spoke of it publicly. 

The nobles nervously got up from their seats and exited the room. When their presence had completely disappeared, Lee Moon gestured to a servant who was standing quietly next to the closed door. 

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The door opened, and Heon was sitting in the small space behind it.

“Did you enjoy listening?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Heon’s eyes slowly went to Lee Moon.

Just meeting his cold, fierce eyes made Lee Moon catch his breath. The more he saw Heon, the more he reminded him not of Consort Yu but his late father.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The foolish man who fell in love with her at first sight and from then on only continued to live for her. The wife he considered so precious ultimately betrayed him and left him. Rather than growing angry, the stupid man reproached himself and even ended up taking his own life.

“Why did you show this to me?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m not sure. I just wanted to show you.”

“What do you mean?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Those men would never have imagined that the one who led the charge this time was you. Even though you were the one leading the attack, you are still being misunderstood. I was just curious to see if you’d be upset after hearing their words.”

Unlike Lee Moon’s relaxed expression, Heon’s face did not change. Was there anyone who could make this man waver? Lee Moon felt like such a person did not exist.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

His mother’s betrayal, his collapsed clan, his incompetent father who ended up disappearing… All of these shadows ended up making a man like him. 

And because of this exact reason, Prime Minister Lee Moon could not acknowledge Heon just as he couldn’t acknowledge the Consort.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Whether you like it or not, you are Consort Yu’s weakness.”

However, while he hated the Consort to death, he felt that he could stretch out his hand to Heon and form an alliance with him.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“You must block the Consort. That is the only way you can live.”

“Do you think that those men will be able to kill me?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

His voice was monotonous and he betrayed no emotion. Although he took after his father, at times like this, Lee Moon couldn’t see his mother nor his father in him.

“Or are you using the excuse of me blocking her to turn me into a son who killed his mother?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Feeling as if Heon had read his mind, Lee Moon’s brow slightly twitched.

Seeing this, Heon swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. There was no reason for Lee Moon to show such a side of himself to Heon at his own detriment.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Whether it was the Consort who tried to grab ahold of him for her own future or this man who wanted to use Heon in order to get rid of the Consort, they were all the same in his eyes.

“Consort Yu is merely an obstacle in your life.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Then are you saying that you are a help to me, Prime Minister?”

“That will depend on your actions, won’t it?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“In the end, I am merely the Consort’s son. According to these men, am I not going to bring you trouble in the future? I know that you are not a man who lets future troubles be, Prime Minister.”

After a long silence, Heon let out a sigh. No matter what he said, he would always be the Consort’s son. This stigma would follow him around for the rest of his life. 

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“If only you weren’t the Consort’s son, we would have gotten along very well.”

“I do not think so.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

From the start, Heon did take his government post because he wanted the power that came with it. He had merely planned on decreasing the Consort’s authority by recommending his own people into vacant positions, but he never planned on gathering any power.

Because of that stupid banquet, not only had he become a laughingstock, but so had MoonWon. After that day, MoonWon seemed to have quietly let it go, but he still felt like a lump of sand was stuck in his throat.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

If he could not escape the watchful eyes of Lee Moon, if the power-hungry Consort Yu continued to provoke him and MoonWon, Heon would ultimately have to gather more power and authority. In order to do so, he would have to stop rejecting the Emperor’s many imperial orders and accept a few in order to grow closer to him.

“I will take my leave.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Let me ask you one more thing. Did you also move to reinstate your wife’s father?”

Heon frowned at Lee Moon’s question.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Weren’t you the one who reinstated my father-in-law, Prime Minister?”

“So are you telling me that you weren’t the one to do so?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Heon hadn’t even thought about YongUn’s reinstatement. Lee Moon seemed confused and didn’t seem to be lying. Who had done it? One thing was for sure. It wasn’t Consort Yu.

“I’ll take my leave.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Be careful.”

Despite his wishes, Heon let it be clearly known that he planned on participating in the politics he hated so much. Seeing this change in Heon, the Emperor was delighted and did not say another word as he accepted Heon’s recommendations.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Even though it would cut the authority of the consort he loved so much, he did not question it and accepted Heon’s list of people.

From the moment Heon had changed his mind, Lee Moon was there to keep him in check.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Passing by those who lowered their heads to him, Heon exited the residence.

* * *

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s raining a lot.”

A few raindrops had turned into a fierce torrent. MoonWon had been sewing when she looked up at the pattering sound of rain. It had rained sporadically in the afternoon, but it seemed that the heavens were only waiting for nightfall to let it all out. It didn’t look like it was going to stop anytime soon. 

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Has my husband not returned yet?”

“I’m not sure where he went, but he hasn’t come back yet. And he even sent Junghwan-nim out before he left.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

After hearing Yeori’s reply, MoonWon turned her eyes back out the window. The rain was falling so hard that it was hard to see far. MoonWon’s complexion grew dark. When she heard that he hadn’t returned despite the heavy rain, she couldn’t help but worry.

“You’ve been upset about Master for the past few days, and now you’re even worrying about him?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Because it’s raining so badly, and he still hasn’t come back.”

MoonWon stopped embroidering and clenched the fabric. Just as Yeori said, the events that had occurred did not go away very easily. As she followed behind Heon and watched his back as he ignored her and only focused on his own path, she was filled with a deep sorrow that she couldn’t shake off. She hadn’t been eating her meals properly, and she even had trouble falling asleep.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even though she knew these feelings would never be returned, should she continue to hold onto him? In the past, MoonWon had been the type of person to give up before getting her answer. 

“I’m angry and sad, but… a person’s heart is such a tricky thing.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Even though she knew that it would be easier to just give up, her greed continued to tempt her. Whenever she thought of Heon, her heart would sink and throb. She tried to avoid him because of all the wounds she had incurred, but at some point, she found her eyes being drawn to him every chance she got.

“I wish he’d just show his feelings a bit.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Sorry? What do you mean?”

Although he shunned her and only seemed to be angry with her, whenever she looked into his eyes, they looked at her differently than they had in the past. At first, she didn’t understand why Heon was looking at her like that, but now she felt like she had an inkling of what it was.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I wish he’d just show me a bit of his heart.”

He’d be confused by her behavior, but he would never show her his true thoughts in return. He would brush off her hands as she clung onto him, but after a certain amount of time had passed, he’d give her an opportunity once again.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

However, whenever she approached him first, he would always end up rejecting her.

“Are you talking about me?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“No, you’re doing very well, Yeori.”

When she heard MoonWon’s reply, Yeori’s eyes reddened. Although she didn’t show her inner thoughts very often, MoonWon would occasionally express her thanks to Yeori and the others. When she saw that Yeori was at a loss for words, MoonWon smiled and then looked out the window once again.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was late into the night, and the rain was pouring. The fact that Heon still had not returned bothered her. On top of that, Heon had sent Junghwan to do something and had gone out on his own. Even though he was a soldier, Heon was always careless when it came to his own wellbeing.

“It’s raining too much.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Please don’t worry about Master. He’s always been the type of man to do well on his own.”

“No one does well on their own. One merely gets used to doing things on their own when no one is around to help them.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

After speaking to Yeori, MoonWon felt even worse. Was he coming back in the rain? He was a man that never showed anything, so it would be hard to tell if he’d caught a cold or something worse.

“What if he catches a cold…”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Why don’t you stop for today and rest, Mistress? I’ll come and let you know when the Master has returned, even if it’s late.”

“Still…”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Since it’s raining so much, he’ll probably come back tomorrow morning. He’s always done that. You haven’t been eating or sleeping well these past few days. Why don’t you just go to bed early for today?”

When she saw MoonWon hesitate, Yeori went ahead and prepared the bedding.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

MoonWon laid in the sloppily-made bedding, and Yeori blew out the lanterns. However, a few moments later, the lights turned back on.

MoonWon lit the lanterns and gathered her knees together as she watched the rain.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘It doesn’t matter if you’re doing your best. What can’t be will never be.’

MoonWon’s eyelashes trembled. After that day, she began avoiding Heon because it was difficult to face him. Whether he knew that she was avoiding him or whether he was truly busy, she didn’t know, but Heon was also absent very often.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘If this is what you call ‘doing your best’, then do more.’

“What more do I need to do?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

If he’d just tell her what she needed to do, she felt that it would be a lot easier. Although she knew that relationships were difficult, when she was in a situation, she didn’t seem to know what to do.

As if the rain knew how MoonWon felt, it began to fall even harder as time went by.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Boom!

Just as MoonWon shook the thoughts out of her head and moved to lay back down, a sharp clap of thunder shook the sky. The accompanying flash of lightning lit the room for a moment before disappearing.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

MoonWon tried to calm her wary heart, but she ended up cautiously leaning outside the window. She couldn’t see a trace of Yeori, who had promised to inform her when Heon returned.

“Since she said he could come back tomorrow…”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

But what if he didn’t? What if he was currently being drenched in the rain as he made his way back?

MoonWon glanced at her bedding for a moment before turning to the door.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text