SNF | Chapter 3.2

Tracing his fingers lightly over the paper, Yeon-oh reached for his brush. For a brief moment, he pushed aside the thought that Hanam had turned its back on the Crown Prince and chosen the prince.

He disregarded the fact that Yeshin, the one who sent this letter, was part of Uigwi, a division directly under the Crown Prince’s Office. His gaze drifted toward the camellia flowers drying by the window. Only after taking in their sight did he finally move his hand.

Ink filled the blank paper in slow, deliberate strokes.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The lacquered cabinet had filled up about halfway with the letters exchanged between Yeon-oh and Yeshin.

Because Yeshin had never revealed his family background, his letters were being delivered to Lee Shinwoo in Seocheon. As a result, all of Yeon-oh and Yeshin’s correspondence had been disguised as an exchange between Yeon-oh and Lee Shinwoo. The only time Yeon-oh had ever met Lee Shinwoo in person was that one encounter on the main road. Yet, despite this, no one—not even the Prime Minister—found it strange that they were corresponding under the pretense of being cousins.

“There’s no harm in blood relatives getting closer,” the Prime Minister had once casually remarked during a meal, as if it were of no great consequence. This had been shortly after the letters had begun. The fact that word of his private affairs had reached the Prime Minister within just a few days did not escape Yeon-oh’s notice, but he maintained his usual composure and finished his meal without revealing his thoughts.

Whatever interest the Prime Minister had in the letters exchanged under Lee Shinwoo’s name, he never brought up his past conversation with Yeon-oh. It seemed that unless Yeon-oh mentioned it first, the Prime Minister had no intention of doing so either.

Whatever the Prime Minister’s reasons were for waiting, Yeon-oh had yet to sort out his own thoughts. He understood the weight of the family he had been born into and the duty to follow its will. But on an emotional level, he could not bring himself to accept it.

Changing the nation’s heir.

If they succeeded, their names would be recorded in history as meritorious subjects. But when stripped down to its essence, it was still treason.

If the Crown Prince were truly unfit to rule, then perhaps it could be justified under the guise of ensuring Anra’s stability. But from what Yeon-oh had heard over the past few days, the Crown Prince was simply the late Empress’s son and the Emperor’s legitimate heir. No matter how carefully he listened, there was not a single rumor slandering the Crown Prince.

In that case, the idea of replacing him with another prince was nothing more than the family’s own ambition. And Yeon-oh could not accept that.

The Hye family had already amassed wealth beyond measure over the centuries since Anra’s founding, along with corresponding prestige. No family—not even one of equal noble standing—could easily shake them. The saying went that no flower bloomed red for ten days, but the Hye family was one that could.

So why would they tarnish themselves with filth just to satisfy their greed?

“You’ll get wrinkles between your brows.”

“…Seok Kyung.”

Yeon-oh lifted his head at the sudden voice. Jo Myeonghwan had entered the room.

“I don’t recall inviting you in.”

“The boy outside called for you several times. You didn’t respond, so I was worried something might have happened and came in.”

“He called for me several times?”

“How deep in thought must you have been not to hear him? That’s not like you, Young Master.”

Only then did Yeon-oh school his expression.

“What did I do?”

“You don’t look well. Have you been having trouble sleeping?”

“Ack… No, it’s nothing. I just have a lot on my mind lately. It’s definitely different from when I was peacefully recuperating in Hanam. There’s more to think about, more to worry over.”

Yeon-oh rubbed his fingers under his eyes, feigning nonchalance.

“If you dwell on things too much, that too becomes an illness. You’re more prone to heart-related ailments than others, Young Master. If you’re not careful, you might end up with an actual heart condition, so don’t burden yourself with too many worries.”

“I was wondering when you’d start nagging me. Anyway, why are you here? I don’t recall complaining about my health recently.”

Jo Myeonghwan, who knew Yeon-oh’s physical condition better than anyone, frowned before launching into a long-winded lecture. Before it could drag on, Yeon-oh swiftly cut him off.

“The nanny asked me to deliver this to you. She happened to see me passing by and stopped me. She also told me to check your pulse while I was at it.”

Only then did Yeon-oh notice what Jo Myeonghwan was holding. An envelope with no name written on it. A letter from Yeshin.

As Yeon-oh reached out his hand, Jo Myeonghwan, instead of handing it over right away, took his wrist and checked his pulse first. Yeon-oh parted his lips as if to protest but soon gave up and waited patiently for him to finish.

“You’re completely at her mercy.”

“She was the only one who showed kindness to a child who lost his mother at a young age.”

“…Hmm, your pulse is a bit unsteady, but it’s nothing concerning. As always, just be mindful of your health and take your morning and evening tonics properly. I’ll add some herbs to help with sleep as well.”

Jo Myeonghwan checked the pulse and, judging that there were no major issues, let a faint smile linger on his face. This meant that Yeon-oh was maintaining a rather decent condition. As Yeon-oh’s attending physician, Jo Myeonghwan seemed satisfied as long as his condition remained stable. With a calm expression, he handed over a letter.

Yeon-oh, trying hard to suppress his impatience, snatched the letter and opened the envelope.

Yeshin’s letters always began with the same words. This time was no different. And just like always, they ended in the same way—wishing for Yeon-oh’s well-being. The only thing that changed was the content in between.

It was nothing more than light stories about the world’s affairs and the rumors floating around the capital. From the very first letter until now, Yeshin had never once spoken deeply about himself. And Yeon-oh had no intention of prying. His position and the name that came with it—that was enough.

If Yeon-oh were to learn of Yeshin’s true status, he would likely try to observe the proper etiquette. And if that happened, these letters—free of purpose or intent—would no longer reach him as they did now. Besides, once Yeshin officially took his place in the world, everything would come to light eventually. There was no need to rush.

…And yet, why did a mere purposeless letter affect him so much? Why did the person writing it linger in his mind?

Clicking his tongue at his own thoughts, Yeon-oh shook his head.

They had only met twice, and both times had been brief. Their first encounter hadn’t even been pleasant. And yet, somehow, these few exchanged letters had left a deeper impression than he expected.

“……”

But Yeshin was someone whose relationship with him would change depending on how Yeon-oh’s feelings settled. He couldn’t afford to hold him too close.

Usually, Yeon-oh would write a reply immediately upon receiving a letter. But this time, instead of picking up his brush, he found himself lost in thought.

Would it be best to settle things with the Prime Minister first?

Yeon-oh wanted to know more. What was it that made the Prime Minister so certain? Was it truly a sturdy rope to grasp—or merely a rotting one disguised as something strong?

“When will Father be finishing court today?”

“He has been returning late these days, so I assume it will be the same today. It is almost the Spring Festival, after all.”

Yeon-oh nodded in understanding. In just a few days, the Spring Festival would arrive—a day the imperial family regarded as highly as the Double Ninth Festival. The Prime Minister must have had many things to take care of.

“Ranyoung.”

As he tucked the letter away in his writing desk, Yeon-oh called for Ranyoung, who was standing guard outside the door. She entered promptly at his summons.

“Inform the outer hall that I will be requesting tea with His Excellency.”

“His Excellency has not yet returned from court.”

“I know. Just tell them to pass along the message once he does.”

“As you wish.”

Without further question, Ranyoung withdrew.

Only after she left did Yeon-oh recall the letter he had stored away. He unfolded a fresh piece of paper. As he picked up his brush, Jo Myeonghwan stepped back far enough that he could no longer see the contents.

As always, the letter began with the same formal greeting before moving on to other matters. Though written at length, the core of the message was simple—he wished to meet soon.

After reviewing the letter once more to ensure nothing inappropriate was written, Yeon-oh sealed it and called for Seok Kyung.

“Seok Kyung.”

“You seem to be quite close with the young master of Seocheon.”

Closing the distance, Seok Kyung accepted the sealed letter while making a comment that Yeon-oh found unnecessary. Without bothering to respond, Yeon-oh merely watched as Seok Kyung took the letter in hand.

This letter would be sent to Lee Shinwoo of Seocheon. And from there, it would make its way to Yeshin.

That night, their relationship would be redefined.

With a sigh, Yeon-oh pressed his fingers against his temples and gestured for Seok Kyung to leave. Only after hearing the quiet sound of the door closing did he finally relax his posture, leaning back slightly.

A familiar silence floated around him, settling like dust in the air.

The Prime Minister’s response, as well as Yeshin’s, arrived just as dusk began to fall.

Yeshin had readily agreed to the meeting and proposed they meet tonight at the hour of sul¹. The Prime Minister had also sent a reply through a servant as soon as he returned from court.

“His Excellency has accepted your request for tea.”

After dismissing the servant with a simple acknowledgment, Yeon-oh stared at Yeshin’s letter in slight disbelief.

With Lee Shinwoo acting as the intermediary, he had expected the letter to take at least a day to arrive. That had always been the case. Never before had he received a response on the same day the letter was sent.

Tonight at the hour of sul.

Yeon-oh took in those words once more before tucking the letter away in his writing desk, as he always did. For now, he had to meet with the Prime Minister, and there was no need to send a reply right away.

Before stepping out, he checked his appearance. The jade-colored silk robe, tailored exclusively for him, fit as if it had been made with him in mind. After adjusting the long, flowing sleeves once, he finally moved forward.

The outer hall where his father resided remained unchanged. Though it had been days since his last visit, nothing was different. The delicate scent of plum blossoms, defying the passage of seasons, was as thick as ever, and the vivid red blossoms still felt oddly out of place.

“Yeon-oh.”

The Prime Minister was impeccably composed, not a single hair out of place. He did not appear as someone who had just returned from court. Unlike his more relaxed appearance at home, he now wore his formal gold crown, welcoming Yeon-oh with a pleased expression.

After offering a proper bow, Yeon-oh finally took a seat across from him as invited.

“I’ve been so busy with affairs outside that I haven’t had much time to spend with you lately. So when I heard you had requested tea first, I was quite pleased. It’s as if all my weariness has melted away.”

The Prime Minister smiled as he removed his outer robe, allowing a servant to assist him with his attire.

“But what brings you here? Is something the matter?”

Though he likely had some idea as to why Yeon-oh had requested this meeting, the Prime Minister feigned ignorance, acting as though he were merely making idle conversation. It was the kind of calculated pretense befitting a seasoned statesman.

“A father and son do not need a reason to meet, do they? I simply wished to offer you tea and have an open hearted conversation, as we have not had the chance to do so in some time.”

Since the Prime Minister was pretending not to know, Yeon-oh decided to do the same.

Seeing his son skillfully deflect, the Prime Minister’s eyes curved in amusement.

“Is that so? Tea with my son is always a welcome occasion.”