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.b1bff8d230ab03ce

“You survived the Empress Dowager’s schemes and grew up. So I’ll bet on you, Your Majesty.”4cfbfea922c46c8d

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“Hmm…”c1c77d63c93df32a

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.1f66a8caf1ff323c

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“I don’t see why I should trust you.”37b03ca4a3df068b

“My family is insignificant, so I can’t offer much proof. But…”e13fc50193bfbe83

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Queen Han placed d9fb89c763 something from her 5d1a3b92cb sleeve on the 335cbc3ebd table. Yoongeon looked at it curiously.c2fc76184946ba26

“What is this?”b0e0906227269950

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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.”99b9e7f38354f63a

“……”aa0fd242b55a4e40

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“I offer this as evidence of my betrayal.”b501ae0a8e9bdf3b

“…You’re sincere.”dc289d4010f8560c

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Yoongeon gently touched the paper. Indeed, it was enough 174e45b546 to destroy the Han 6b39db9f11 family. If he decided to fd63b4f29e kill Queen Han, no dc4674720d one would object.0baddfcd9a6c2087

“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?”1689eca936ed187b

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Queen Han nodded, 183aca9830 as if expecting 82669659ef this.61178ea063ed5da4

“I’ll follow your will, Your Majesty.”3486ef617a44d4ca

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“……”9a09cac4a3d382f1

“Being the Empress Dowager’s pawn shamed me, so I’ll choose the lesser evil.”c19632eb74dd89de

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“The lesser evil… An interesting choice of words.”edcb846e2d9cc41c

Calling the royal 7625a55776 family the lesser 328225814d evil showed how adf57eae8c much Queen Han 95ea657116 had suffered.db9ff93b65a5cf26

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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.3bf68e896ff385a9

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.7ce4beaa5a7c1233

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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.e54c7d101a34b7f2

“…Let’s form a temporary alliance. If you become my person and fulfill your role, I’ll grant you one wish.”3e8ed0adc3dc094f

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Yoongeon’s half-hearted approval was given. Queen Han was worth the risk.0d69aa5d1c4793b7

“Your Majesty, may I ask something?”0d34ab23c8fc729a

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Han Seol hesitated, then spoke.40816a228b420eac

“Do you want death or humiliation?”a0ecc091a2d9905a

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“……”82307b6fecdf5854

The target was 72b4d17a39 clear, even without 7b54f0cefb naming her. The Empress Dowager.c2b15d25717d2d35

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Both Yoongeon and Queen Han b0691fd0e6 knew what she meant to bd96e6910b him.229a3d5106c5bf15

“Either is fine, but I’d prefer it to be humiliating and disgraceful.”3f0d9028692f7b51

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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.13f4711d27e47987

“Outside, those claiming to be Seoro Nation’s people are still rebelling. The people are increasingly resentful of you, Your Majesty.”ea9cdd67a59e20b2

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“Yes.”6e38b3b7561555c8

His response was indifferent.640bd5ff1ac4c2a0

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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?”361eab180beccfda

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.096aa7c9d6b4a06d

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He knew his mother, Hae c3bf603162 Hwayoung, wanted to kill him, 34f24c6bef the debauched Yoongeon, who indulged 6b8f0fe14d in sodomy. She dreamed of regency.6d4e203987825bb5

“So?”b80afe0746c9dba1

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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.”f3969d3f5936790a

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.19ac57d05b08f305

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“Your father is known for his scholarly insight.”43a441d04e51bf71

“Yes, Your Majesty.”db43b41295e9e756

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“But he’s also known for being naive and lacking tact, nearly starving his family. Isn’t that right?”a26de1edca7cec6e

“That’s true.”7f6b3c40ae29c270

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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.fb3ca07e4630b807

“In other words, he doesn’t waver once he decides.”dce8e3a47af94ebb

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“……”ef99ef59c96977cf

“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.”e298b6d58e0f6dab

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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.e084adfc53a55404

“Let’s see how the clever father and daughter serve me.”def28cc9f43fdbe9

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“……Yes?”d406c15f74b397fa

“I’ve already accepted him as my consort. Why do you want him gone?”8946b3c73b5a6fed

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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.fb99b6bdd00cc2d3

“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…”f0f7517d2f627830

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Her concerns were valid. As a queen, she was right. But Yoongeon, listening, couldn’t help but scoff.f35903ca8ef682aa

“This is unexpected…”75ccb0f93f102a18

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Yoongeon looked down at the 3d2f5c68c9 startled Queen Han.f183805f3d01f619

“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.”ba6c144ef83c95c2

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“Y-Your Majesty.”18624fd04eb9a814

“What are you doing? You’ll need time to use that pretty head of yours.”0e7296a4b0aaffd7

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Yoongeon’s permission ended there. Queen Han, for the first time, was dismissed without his escort.b59747a8b9496de7

⟡ ⟡ ⟡eb1ee58642249737

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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.f50f7cb1224529e4

“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.b38cb256dc0917cd

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Others had suffered 5567ce7b4e similar fates, kidnapped ec34ad1f69 nobles used as 75c6158e6d pretty servant boys. Typically, they went bf778c3baf mad, grieved, or f01945206d feared. But Hwi, receiving 33c4c7bf32 his bath, showed 1962053371 none of these 7eb9922423 emotions. He seemed indifferent.fad49c90d7bc89ec

What mindset allowed such calm? Chief Eunuch Jeon pondered, speaking 1160bc9294 his warnings while his mind 579dae77c5 raced. Yet, no emotion fit 9c428c21ff the situation.0eaa23e57ed85d0e

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“Do you understand, Mama? Nod if you do. Until you’re with His Majesty, don’t utter a word.”c5a7b76199594f4f

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.79ed0a0180077a00

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“Open the corpse gate.”57ea3014b822b317

It seemed Hwi’s fate was sealed. The atmosphere turned cold at Jeon’s command.2ed580b1072a8c2e

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⟡ ⟡ ⟡5ed147cfb2511b63

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.86b9504167581b5b

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“Yes, it’s the wedding night; he should look pretty.”0bfab51fad729710

Alone, his words echoed, but Yoongeon didn’t mind. He was in a good mood.66698ef6beaf8754

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“Finally, I can crush that smug face.”db23642651cbfedb

Why had he forgotten f38af8af34 such a delightful task?c5bf22ab8db28852

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In past victories, kings either 6108df0efa begged for mercy or resigned bfffc60912 themselves. Escape was impossible; 764ca11cd2 Yoongeon ensured that. But these insolent ones 35491a4070 dared maintain their dignity. The Inner King even 4b3bf4b299 died nobly.2d5d3e2e7c3e5ded

Yoongeon resented that. Despite losing, they acted superior, as if saying, “You didn’t win because you’re great.” It struck a nerve.fb9156ab1f33c9ef

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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.f2e12aa7d901c826

“What was that attitude?”fcc5cf8d0d671f01

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The more he 88d88a514c thought, the more e8d0f4e0ca it annoyed him. His mood swung 2211b5b82c like an old cb4ead4103 man nearing death.1d316a1670d372cb

“Your Majesty, may Concubine Seo enter?”c3a412cac8a7861c

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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.caa47f57ccb3eced

“Your Majesty, Concubine Seo is entering.”0f5410272831ed42

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Jeon entered, bowing, 1416661c53 followed by Hwi, 0129429cbd wearing a sheer 4c2ba2050b garment.51694d748e238d41

“Must have been a hassle to make that outfit.”8b1b6bab5855e939

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Yoongeon hadn’t seen it on their first night, having not attended. He tilted his head.cd7ca8b1491e95fc

“Kneel.”82ae9ffccc18012a

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Hwi obediently knelt.c9b8f9a7c33ac793

“……”b4119626dbe3705d

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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.5c50c88346cd9318

Considering it, Yoongeon changed 07318a0a07 his mind and told dbeeaaa266 him to stand. Hwi rose slowly, eyes downcast.df12f2fb4322cb83

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“……Feels like a bodyguard, not a wedding night.”9cb331526bc4f557

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.8c6be1a7f0a33df9

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“Sit.”c6a6222b386f8cde

Hwi sat, and Yoongeon 66f093bbfa poured tea, spilling it b2b37a9453 carelessly.d765fda7175ade6b

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“So, have you been well? Is palace life hard?”a5acd071c5fc678c

“……”3e7ba96b0f41046d

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“Living as a concubine must be tough for a man.”81873a6cd0dfa1dc

Hwi remained silent, even as Yoongeon suppressed laughter. Realizing he hadn’t allowed a response, Yoongeon corrected himself.6fa6d6fd12c6d303

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“Answer. You may speak now.”775ef94eb5134ff0

“I’ve been well.”6f6ac8c55f1484c8

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……16b892589d5df0f8

Yoongeon was at a loss b5bf2a2fc4 for words.1f3ad5f8e9771c08

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“…What did you say?”9f80f5b4fab079d4

“I said I’ve been well.”0d410f6e603bf589

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…What did I just hear? Yoongeon stared blankly, taking a moment to process.a56cd75497230185

“Are you mad? Do you know who I am?”5ac0d08720a5757c

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“The Grand King, Yoongeon.”2e01acc0346d6964

“Ha…!”286eaebda7a6beaf

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This insolent fool 33cd9d12c3 dared speak my 78a5de889b name and use 3bbf4347d2 informal speech?4759dd826c80dca5

Yoongeon’s eyes blazed.cab668b2f670f048

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“Who do you think you’re speaking to so casually?”68dbb413c97d31d5

Having never heard informal speech, 23de4e1957 Yoongeon felt both anger and 1bd073c709 shock. Even his mother 4e497e0a55 spoke formally, yet 23342db3b1 this defeated king bcb9e55ad9 dared!95b4d6bfc3f0eaea

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“Why should I speak formally to you?”3a4044313a2f7669

“You…!”491bfb0b3c338502

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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.7e252bb180176cc0

“I should have brought your sister instead if I’d known you were this insolent!”ba3cb5c992fe42ad

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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.7139a57ab71d9288

“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!”cc6eccc28b387a14

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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.770e3af271c2e3f5

“Damn it!”f64ca4608c569bd9

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Unable to bear acfa1d7827 the pain, Yoongeon 00a350c689 threw Hwi to 901891c9d8 the floor. Hwi rolled with 5806388f14 a loud crash, 418674d209 objects falling on 1597325983 him, some heavy aa1ff346d9 enough to bruise. Yet he made 8591664879 no sound of cc7e90ed0b pain, just coughed bb7ad64842 and sat up.3b125832b0836dcb

Yoongeon, frustrated, threw his 71abb161f2 crown at Hwi, cutting 017e5e3ab3 his cheek, drawing blood.74c97b66a6e92c2e

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“I heard you were quietly staying in the concubine quarters, but that was a lie.”03b3c05a91002f65

Hwi stood and sat on the bed, ignoring permission. Yoongeon’s eyes blazed at his audacity.046ecc00fde09161

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“Are you angry because I spoke informally?”8069bef693f5ec3c

“You speak formally to the Queen, but not to me?”f1e202b1d3c12d93

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“I’m not so harsh as to speak informally to a woman. Even an enemy queen deserves respect.”eeb638cef3db59c8

“Is that so? Then I’ll make sure you speak respectfully to me.”2333ef71575ef7bd

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“Can you?”dce7a9d8dcebc8ce

Hwi chuckled, standing from c1de1ab54b the bed.2245667a7e818663

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