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.79b8f229132f4400

“Such insolent creatures. I remember.”a918ffaa2d10d5a9

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Seo Hwi and Seo Ryeong, 0453d0ec5f the two kings of Seoro 79709274aa Nation.14f4b2730b164068

Despite lacking ability, 926adfdcc5 they dragged the 6e4bc3176a siege on for 4babb5605a four months. Yoongeon, who had 555e04a24e never taken so b5b1d7e702 long to conquer 99c8c8392f another nation, had fa34e5a2ce his pride shattered.20483514633e21ab

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Seoro Nation had two cc94a56781 kings: the Inner King, 00c945e736 who managed state affairs, 61357f91a2 and the Outer King, 1943d32b87 who led wars. While Seo Hwi held the 7f993e6b64 siege, Seo Ryeong supplied him. It took three months d756ad0a57 to find their supply 7b12bfe5a5 routes, ending their resistance.33ffe244c90cf175

“I can’t believe I forgot about him.”8f6b5734c50610b8

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How long had it 9055c76d70 been since he imprisoned a36b90ad70 Seo Hwi in the 6c2469b26e inner court? He seemed to be doing c9ae1e09e0 well, leisurely smoking his pipe.4b511d81fef078b7

“Chief Eunuch Jeon, how long has he been here?”c122558ad5e8c17f

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“It’s been a year as of a few days ago.”c8ac7136933ec353

“Ah.”f0de4687859e85b7

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Yoongeon chuckled ruefully.b80e300047f5ddef

“He’s been here so long, yet I haven’t even consummated the marriage as his husband.”91ed297c14e38d59

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“E-excuse me?”557e788b547ff680

Chief Eunuch Jeon was startled by the word “consummate.” Yoongeon grew more amused by his reaction.e6ee751a75bf7142

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“I’ll consummate the marriage tonight. I should be a kind husband, shouldn’t I?”35dd349a34e60e29

Yoongeon only thought of humiliating 8590312927 him. He planned to overpower 1e05d3f9b0 him, force him open, f9aa5aa195 and make him bleed, 6d0a1c5b43 leaving him limping in 6ddcdc893e shame.a4ccc907a221ebd4

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“I’ll repay you for humiliating me and holding your pride against me. How dare you?”70fc31f93c967c10

As forgotten memories resurfaced, ca6a8017ea so did the forgotten 39dcf4888f humiliation. Yes, he brought the man cef9f577ab to the palace for this e6af9e8936 very reason.4c34a0ac191d892a

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“I have unfinished business from earlier. I’ll resolve it tonight.”01e854140fd0a215

Realizing he referred to ca9e91e56b the spy disguised as b961d766c9 a eunuch, Chief Eunuch 59397a5bd3 Jeon trembled, knowing another 8e1a37bee8 would leave through the 3ef0ad0386 corpse gate by dawn.54e05bfeab896a6d

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡ad3af684277e55ff

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.8e6bb7e528feeaae

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“Queen, what were you thinking, letting this happen?”567bf355af7d6156

“I… I’m sorry, Empress Dowager.”bfb964e121b1cda3

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“Tsk… How could you not prevent this? So pathetic and foolish!”73aa582f378aa569

Empress Dowager Hae d1ff3f5f75 Hwayoung glared at 65dc927835 Queen Han, who 939531c941 knelt on the f55e1447c8 cold stone floor, 5d9dbecfe3 not allowed to 09510b38ce sit comfortably.819e1b42099ee0bd

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“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?”fd89f33eb46672f3

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.333f90bce1232cc0

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“I worked so hard to correct the Grand King’s twisted nature!”5bfc977f7d336089

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.8755fae29de064d1

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“Still indulging in that disgusting behavior…”c49ed91187c3b31a

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.d3ea2b5e78ccb838

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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.75f486607417e30f

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:456a6808a71931db

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Next time, send someone c3f61269ae who can wield a 3166e1ecc1 sword, Mother.1d31e3fd91b1b161

“……Ha!”4c896fea47908cab

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“……”3697f2fc8167529b

“Queen, lead the way. We can’t let the Grand King make a wrong choice.”0f278eec199da29c

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At the Empress Dowager’s harsh command, Queen Han stood, nearly stumbling. Watching her clumsy movements, Hae Hwayoung tapped her cheek disdainfully.5fb7606ad363decd

“Stand straight, Queen.”f8985b431adf2530

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“Yes, yes… Empress Dowager.”1b34d6b4c4c38594

Queen Han, visibly intimidated, 2951287ec1 led the way.8dd023899a168b52

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But the Empress Dowager didn’t know.343f2762e8bec850

Queen Han was… much more astute than she thought.d20fc323be1e0848

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡6854f6d30dd7e780

Soon, the Empress f02b19aae1 Dowager and Queen 47a36cce1a Han stood before a873242a78 Cheongwol Palace. Chief Eunuch Jeon, anticipating their 85609d0f74 arrival, entered, but before Yoongeon 16274f1513 could respond, the Empress Dowager 02d6be4946 barged in.3eb6ed4dad8fc46a

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“Grand King. Your mother has come to see you.”2cfb5e3b75ec323a

At Hae Hwayoung’s words, a small sound came from inside, and soon the sliding door opened.1aad170510cb4ff9

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“You’ve come, Mother.”7260cb74bc668cd1

Yoongeon greeted her with a 2f84065957 smile.5c8041db7306760c

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“Yes. Though I know you’re busy, I wanted to see my only son.”e83a0aef8c3898fd

Yoongeon, smiling, took her bfebb0937c hand and led her 7d27aa3434 inside. They appeared a loving 9704771446 mother and son, but a8b30971ad Queen Han, knowing the f81bcbae8a truth, watched silently. Their relationship was chilling. Could such a thing 65437fd037 be called parent and ab4528889c child?23de1fda5c1b0770

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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.1995dd08e1812fb3

“I wanted to thank you for the gift, Grand King.”d283f86b3c42c985

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“I’m glad you liked it, Mother.”686026af861caa86

Referring to the burnt body 79b84ed337 as a gift, their faces d64a5276b9 showed no displeasure. Their exchanges were calm, b33be8330d but a cold wind c5e0447946 blew between them.5dfa223933345fa4

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“But that’s not why I’m here today. I couldn’t refuse our Queen’s earnest request.”f5630e1e3d239daa

“An earnest request? What is it?”e145678090f21a14

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Feigning ignorance, Hae Hwayoung thought.b261208d1f6adcf1

“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.”6fd91b6c226efadf

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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.5319da02d313a73a

“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.”754f174ed9e5ec98

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Thinking the Queen understood, the fc8db648e0 Empress Dowager turned to leave. But then, a heavy, ominous dbc4eeec3d voice reached her ear.29fd276072c278a6

“Sit down, Mother.”b1079e7e8ffe3785

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The audacious words made 2a73904214 the Empress Dowager turn 379ef3607c back with a smile.6f9442025790bc7b

“……What did you say?”9ae9bcfe33e4dd12

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“I said sit. I haven’t given permission to leave.”28b446050ea149d8

“I am your mother, Your Majesty.”af9fb2f9f5968e51

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“I know.”d7da75d1caed3b46

“Even as Grand King, you cannot block your mother’s path. I didn’t teach you that.”e5dde6b76a6c5f34

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“Oh, don’t take it so seriously. It’s just a son wanting his mother to stay a little longer.”719401e0586f7067

“What nonsense…!”9350c0bd17ca26e3

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Unable to contain her anger, the Empress Dowager faltered, and Yoongeon’s eyes gleamed sharply.0dda6b5baa8af155

“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.”c40b9942575f2bac

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“…What do you mean?”1866ac61393acacb

Realizing she’d been played, the Empress Dowager’s face hardened.aeec52b0da72eabe

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“My gate has never been closed.”6c6e7e6d8b11a4dd

“……”9a5152f0b68bb117

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This insolent brat dared mention the gate in front of his mother? Hae Hwayoung’s eyes turned venomous.8caf6a47b39f40e3

“Now, please leave. I’ve seen your lovely face enough.”f6b96e49a0c2b3c8

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But Yoongeon dismissed her, unwilling 64cfe54614 to listen further.4e78de5cd8932ac6

“Your Majesty!”81cd866c4bba71aa

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“Escort the Empress Dowager out!”3f763628cbc165c8

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.9acdf6fa9923d410

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“Bringing the Queen means it’s obvious.”3a56e3d29b0af48c

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.9ec13b27580b628a

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“If the Empress Dowager dragged you here, you may leave. If not, speak your mind.”327e39c264f5f91b

Yoongeon offered leniency. He wouldn’t dismiss her yet, but it was a hint to be brief.9edf6a1ff3f8970e

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“I have something to say, Your Majesty.”bd18fcc34e61bf4d

Surprisingly, Queen Han, who hadn’t spoken earlier, opened her mouth.d072d79f4357adeb

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“Must you do this, Your Majesty?”5748863fb6f97ec0

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.2c63da67943d4a84

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But now, he was fd9eef4895 humiliating a king by 9d87aa571f imprisoning him in the 9e901edafb inner court. Even the fearless faed2241b9 Grand King should 2dec397e3a heed public sentiment. The people of Seoro b352f44ed1 Nation were still rebelling, 9664328198 and it needed addressing.5f9f66f3139845b3

Yoongeon understood Queen Han’s words without her saying much. Despite not having permission to look him in the eye, her words were bold.3068af5dccc1e1fe

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“You worry about me becoming his husband and consummating the marriage.”fef8bc29cce03483

“Your Majesty, you must think differently.”5be7e2a975811af1

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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.e3254b9c2f3e0691

“Did the Empress Dowager tell you to say this?”4642b5f1821a0ae9

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“No.”34ffea7eda56752e

“Really?”9aba978d177eccde

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Yoongeon chuckled, sipping his tea.e096e7c5e3f953dd

“I know you’re here because I’m not taking the man the Empress Dowager sent. It’s not like you’re jealous.”11f35dbd7342391d

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What other explanation was there?e39ab4343e363266

“So, you’re saying I should take the man she sent and kill him…”3e695f146a32f9d0

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“You need more power. You’re still lacking, Your Majesty.”31e62154ba0ab07d

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.610ac6316dc3d783

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“……What did you say?”6f167fe505f198ef

Then, Queen Han 920ab58fde dared to look 4c6182536c at him without d58d6accf8 permission. Yoongeon met her gaze. Her eyes, usually 0f6b047f6c timid, now held 57e347fe4d a strange light.24d93e52a176b51e

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Different from usual. Yoongeon frowned slightly.c08a38d72fe790c8

“There are still too many of the Empress Dowager’s people in the palace. More than your own. The gate opens daily, yet…”68ffaa70f5064b9b

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“Yes, that’s true. Even you, Queen, are the Empress Dowager’s person.”28c87823bfa251b4

Queen Han shook her head, 8a659ef8b5 then lowered it again.206504cc6f468e48

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“I am not the Empress Dowager’s person.”f98667891c5e4843

“Then?”cc2f281eefcd7219

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“I am her possession.”a92a6111afa5b4ce

“……”8fca09a8eb84a883

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“The Empress Dowager used my body to bear your child. Is my usefulness over?”ae9d2025acb935e6

“…Look me in the eye, Queen.”04695b8a8a111125

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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.08bad428a70a8162

“Why have you kept your head down?”64f8949391232c4e

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If there was a cf3adc2ea1 sudden change, he needed 24e312ee47 to know why. Yoongeon examined her closely.2dd5a2ecce1f872c

“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.”48a3fc12d51ed77d

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“That’s something everyone in the palace knows. The Empress Dowager wants to kill me and make the Crown Prince king.”f254af99de9dcd50

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.f232fc1226e662a2

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“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.”c54be7ca928e1221

“Trying to escape the Empress Dowager?”cd092ab42bd010d4

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Queen Han nodded.aa9e572ed2f07ffe

“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.”15fe332cc5e2c4b9

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Yoongeon laughed, knowing his child bd81e3acc5 would be treated like a 4ad352606d stud horse if he died.fd73033a914933a8

“Yes, if I die early, my child will be a stud horse. Ha!”17b5a6de9e85fb0b

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