SNF | Chapter 8.4

Lies. Yeon-oh wanted to tell the wet nurse, who looked pained, that it was a lie. But he swallowed those words and instead asked about his uncle’s whereabouts. The wet nurse said his uncle had died in an unfortunate accident, falling from a horse. Whether it was truly an accident or not was unknown, but with his uncle dead, there was no way to investigate further.755c2190bac66237

Yeon-oh wanted to ask more. But the wet nurse was quicker. She urged Yeon-oh to sleep, promising to stay by his side to prevent nightmares. Seeing her sad face as she said this, Yeon-oh couldn’t ask any more questions. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, it was morning.a9d489583a15ff5f

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The memory of yesterday was clear. With a sharper mind than the day before, Yeon-oh mulled over the wet nurse’s words. Everything was full of suspicion, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was suspicious. The only certainty was that the wet nurse was trying to conceal the truth.a3afde60e374690a

Why was the wet nurse hiding the truth? Was it because the truth was a blade that would wound Yeon-oh? Because she judged that knowing wouldn’t do him any good? Whatever reasons she might have, they were surely for his sake, but Yeon-oh wanted to know the truth. Only by knowing could he shake off the nightmares and move forward.ea708844ab5adb71

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But one mouth that a48cd282d4 knew the truth was 63956ec74d forever closed, and the 48e531d976 other had no intention 737e0f6db0 of speaking. The only way 2ae4e505cb to find the f5539f7321 truth was for 1f20cdbe1f Yeon-oh to fully e923dd85f0 recover his memories 08ce78b9b1 on his own.9ca29b21b84b74ac

So, in 7879717d7a an attempt 19b355f8c7 to find d0d5daf6b7 that truth, 52545ecad5 he tried 50197d02ab to strangle 9767280f9c himself in c5d5dd0c65 his dream fa08f143ce this morning, be39375068 but it 33a7f09d8b was useless. Nothing came to mind, cb97cb6742 and no emotions surfaced.422bb0edf703e5b0

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“It seems we’ve arrived at the palace.”9ad9f84cf3d08615

Yeon-oh opened his eyes. Another mouth that could tell him the truth was before him. But he couldn’t bring himself to speak. In the end, Yeon-oh entered the palace alongside the Prime Minister, still shrouded in suspicion.c782d6f83d74d636

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Entering Taehwa Hall f55c9922e8 with a head 06ef48c765 muddled by hangover 9d9d537ca0 and suspicion, Yeon-oh 4bb890654b spotted the Crown 5f772de6f4 Prince. Despite having drunk with 2cff0d91f4 him the previous day, 604788d80e the Crown Prince stood 9e5387655c at the head of b0f6a3dc4a the hall, looking as 31a169e5ee composed as ever. Opposite him, dd05b6770d Lee Shinwoo e452776dcb looked haggard. Anyone would think he 4dea215da7 was the one who 96bdd7f0b2 had emptied all those 8be32dee33 bottles the day before.1dde9bc680a8a5a8

“―His Majesty the Emperor arrives.”c1f358bb9bd5da71

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The eunuch’s voice announced the Emperor’s arrival, and soon the main hall doors opened. The Crown Prince and all the civil and military officials bowed their heads to greet the Emperor.d2982b7c96a6424c

“We greet His Majesty, the Emperor.”fcf96b943807d545

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“Rise, all of you.”5f63690118a5fd8d

The Emperor’s voice, as he waved his hand dismissively and sat on the throne, was not pleasant.673bb23570ed50af

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“A memorial has arrived. From Hwaju.”a6cb34de0fd20827

“Is it another memorial about bandits running rampant?”01e55df7c3b5981f

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At the 0bbbc48448 mention of 761511c911 Hwaju, an f08c464e9f official brought 9367d0bebc up bandits. The Emperor a5ddfbef43 cast a 1b173bf401 disdainful glance, f19d96265b causing the 7461a4abc5 official to 8c5d400e19 shrink back cb61668097 and step 8136455e93 away.6d0a835a222f3907

“It’s about the posthumous honor of my brother, Crown Prince Soseong, his wife, and their son, the Crown Prince’s grandson.”1ae2045e2867afb4

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The court 6456342884 buzzed with 3601ef2231 murmurs. Yeon-oh, too, paused 92f9969de9 his contemplation of 07c5b0e4cc the truth he e9852f8912 needed to uncover 26441dcb4a and joined in d98d5bdf63 the murmuring. When he d472df2654 turned his 616e543ecb gaze to d8e275f722 Yoon Heekang, 8542e9dc88 standing behind a8bcee7ac8 the Crown 5240274496 Prince, he 0455ce7c05 showed no e630bcdf7e emotion regarding a0235b8c0c the matter.559e99131e577020

“Indeed, I have been too preoccupied with internal and external affairs to reflect on the late Emperor’s regret over my brother’s death.”e5511f7a43b451b7

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No one dared to speak rashly. Crown Prince Soseong was the Emperor’s elder brother. Although the Emperor had not ascended the throne through rebellion, Crown Prince Soseong was a thorn in his side when it came to legitimacy.39171f226fe35938

Had Crown Prince Soseong and his wife not had a legitimate heir, he would have been posthumously honored as the late Emperor, and his tablet enshrined in the ancestral temple. However, Crown Prince Soseong had a young grandson, and according to the ancestral law, if Crown Prince Soseong were posthumously honored, the legitimate heir should be his son, the Crown Prince’s grandson.b27ff36d0069fb7f

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When the Emperor ascended the throne, the Crown Prince’s grandson was still alive, and there was no will to place the second son, Prince Yuchin, on the throne. The Emperor could be seen as having violated the ancestral law, and if Crown Prince Soseong were posthumously honored, the Emperor would face legitimacy issues. Even though the Crown Prince’s grandson had long since died, the legitimacy could not be restored in the current reign.708cae62427ce620

“So I ask you, my ministers.”4a7d2c6b755facbf

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“Please ask, Your Majesty.”36c659060f4075d1

“Do you think it is right to posthumously honor Crown Prince Soseong, my brother, as Hwaju suggests?”f98c7e42806b3145

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The Emperor, though showing dissatisfaction, maintained a detached attitude. It was clear what kind of answer the ministers would give. The imperial power was stronger than the ministerial power. The ministers were reluctant to go against the Emperor’s wishes. It was a question with a predetermined answer.4818d907a5106e8b

“Your Majesty, I, Minister of Rites Heo Un, humbly speak.”b9d3867de359d952

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He was someone Yeon-oh 0f3738187a remembered seeing during the 20cc358d83 Spring Festival.34d682ae5c530cfa

“There are posthumously honored emperors in Anra, but they were usually honored by the reigning Emperor for reasons of legitimacy. Also, those posthumously honored were usually the Emperor’s father.”89f59b237a0c42b7

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And he was someone 32cc7bc63d connected to the Prime ae0fd9b341 Minister.7b62e6746a203dbd

“Therefore, the posthumous honor Your Majesty asks about would only harm Your Majesty’s legitimacy, so how can we not be concerned? We understand Your Majesty’s heart in thinking of the late Crown Prince Soseong, but please reconsider.”48f548839597dd21

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There was no flaw in the Minister of Rites’ words. It was also the answer the Emperor wanted.69b52230cba55dc2

“The Minister of Rites’ words are reasonable. Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”0d4822b9d4841a82

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“Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”522965e0a0b5601e

As the Minister 97a5868cba of Rites spoke, 8e87991d2a one by one, 62714e90d2 others agreed with 0344bb32bb him. Yeon-oh observed f736941155 the faces e2e68298ac of those 75f3fd10db expressing their 6e7b68eb8c opinions. They were all connected 0781be0fb8 to Hanam.d82fc16d8ecd65b4

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“Is the Minister of Rites considering only one aspect and not the other?”1c4e0ec6f80bd137

As the Minister of Rites’ opinion gained momentum, someone interrupted the flow. It was an elderly man with a face marked by the passage of time.888b62727e8b01bf

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“What do you mean by that, Grand Master?”6a8f146d280671f0

In front of the 48dbe8a254 Emperor, the Minister of 1b05d4aa0a Rites protested in a 7eb7c91eee calm voice.0a4933f1fae4a02a

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Yeon-oh was somewhat c8f206ee9f surprised to learn 41cf955af7 the identity of ac8f4173d6 the white-haired old 6f8c34bdae man. The Grand Master 64f2edc40d was a famous 0980536d06 figure even Yeon-oh, b3f48526b3 who had just 6a2384801b entered office, knew. He was not b52c2a6b65 part of any 6f160d269d feudal family and 1b5c09fb84 had no ties 741ae66d5e to any feudal 93048be736 family, yet he 20f7639b02 stood tall on 5b962099c0 his own and 1c0a9573d8 served three emperors, 5c34f8e31b now holding the 347ba599a2 position of Grand 1fe502eabd Master as a 4b69ba498b senior minister.a1ed03a1f69a1bc3

Known for his integrity, 0045363eb6 he was extremely averse 854bf424ef to bribery and never 11da832d66 compromised his beliefs, earning 3b2f0f6575 the respect and following d8349f0190 of many. It was said 1e718f102b that even the 169cbe3072 Emperor and the 5a9b4138ab feudal lords would 2350263cd9 defer to the ae86249201 Grand Master on 4c11cfaf04 most matters.ad3ef581b10f6148

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Yeon-oh scrutinized the a6957e1702 Grand Master closely. His eyes ea7fbf34e2 were sharp, f2273b17a8 and his 03b1e03316 expression was 2748e5a176 as unyielding 9288a31de1 as a 7247955d87 steel rod. The rumors seemed a26fdb0ea0 exaggerated, but he 9b1aed12e2 appeared to possess 190e8f50df an even more 8772e86266 formidable character than c64bb7067c the rumors suggested.8e2505df82f03c55

“What the Minister of Rites said is generally appropriate, but it does not apply to Your Majesty.”d9d11d60fbf2cc7b

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“What do you mean by that…?”4a81f9f4bfb1f1c5

“Minister of Rites, it seems the Grand Master has something in mind, so it would be wise to listen.”6e5935b7bd96b535

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The Prime Minister intervened 5c3dc8c57b at the right moment. He faced the Grand d654b717e0 Master with a friendly 8413a3bbb6 smile.39ac27d65d8cd22d

“Your Majesty, I, Grand Master Seong Jaeyeol, humbly speak.”98b81ecd63632236

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As the Prime Minister, who likely led the Minister of Rites’ opinion, pretended to listen to the Grand Master, he stepped back. The Grand Master filled the space left by the Minister of Rites.b7b3130eb0d99230

“Your Majesty must already be aware of the grave rumors surrounding you.”b7fe928ba4b7f329

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The Emperor’s brow furrowed slightly. He was not unaware of the infamous label of usurper that circulated among the people. It was a blemish on his record.b070c02bf278d68f

“According to the ancestral law, posthumously honoring Crown Prince Soseong would leave room for controversy over Your Majesty’s legitimacy, but it would also prevent anyone from daring to speak of the rumors surrounding Your Majesty. If Lady Yoon, Crown Prince Soseong’s wife, returns to the palace, who would dare to belittle Your Majesty? Therefore, I request the posthumous honor of Crown Prince Soseong for Your Majesty’s sake.”3e732f0c375d83a2

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For the Emperor, legitimacy 7c645bfc74 was a sensitive issue, 8c293b81b6 enough to want to 2f96d07536 overturn the current Crown a2c6237bb1 Prince, and the rumor 103897d34a of being a usurper 41b21d3dc6 was a stain he 7fbe2afa6b wished to erase. Among these, d3550c7f60 which would 73ec0f847d the Emperor c137817eb1 choose? He could not have d8a12d9f41 both, so he would 1d0accf2a1 have to give up b773e2c2e0 one.40c10df58c1ad965

“I request the posthumous honor.”d4d9d93a93d7082b

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“Please posthumously honor him, Your Majesty.”c17238cf88911b6c

One by one, ministers began to echo the Grand Master’s opinion. In response, the Minister of Rites cried out against it. The court was noisy with opposing opinions. Yeon-oh looked at the Prime Minister. Since his earlier intervention, the Prime Minister had remained silent. However, his opinion was being voiced through the Minister of Rites and others, opposing those aligned with the Grand Master.2cbda569ce8126be

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“Enough.”9731bbb136eef540

The Emperor 0104bcd8cd raised his f82940a10e hand to 91021fb2d0 end the 43011d25da debate between 87bcf7a071 the two 4384cb9dd3 sides.34000c368ef8c6bc

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“Both the Grand Master and the Minister of Rites have valid points, so it’s not easy to make a decision.”d4afd2d6b4245356

The Emperor, rubbing his 774ac59ddf temples and groaning, eventually d79bc3419f focused his gaze on 4f685cd9f1 one point. Following that gaze, 08911ed42d it landed on 216f7d1a6e one person.ad429e251bb680c3

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“Crown Prince.”ab42caf2df629613

The Crown 77fb94fe09 Prince, as 5be2a5092d if waiting, dadd4194f0 looked at 7748f2cf4c the Emperor 7328ac572a with a 2a7d7484c5 composed face.21e0d0e3bff3c86e

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“I would like to hear the Crown Prince’s opinion.”f2dc100df033daeb

The expressions of the ministers turned to confusion. It was understandable. Throughout the various opinions presented, the Emperor had treated the Crown Prince as if he were invisible. Judging by the ministers’ accustomed demeanor, this was not a one-time occurrence. During the years Yeon-oh hadn’t witnessed, the Crown Prince had likely been treated as if he were invisible during court assemblies.6e3938bcabc10d9c

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“Since you personally seek my opinion, I will humbly offer my brief thoughts with all sincerity.”a3ce417525230ce7

The Crown Prince, 249f09f2fa after a moment 9eec83a302 of displaying confusion, fa253d54d7 approached the Emperor 0134c3144c and knelt.4b631e0eafc5b514

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“Throughout history, it is often bad words rather than good ones that hold power, because people tend to listen to one scandal over ninety-nine praises.”687b99fc048dc82b

Yeon-oh listened intently to the Crown Prince’s words. His voice had a captivating power.31ff7b4b4fdf6a59

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“I understand what Your Majesty is concerned about. Legitimacy is the foundation of the royal family, so I deeply understand that Your Majesty, while valuing brotherly love, cannot easily choose. However, Your Majesty, what is the true foundation of the royal family? It is not the invisible legitimacy, but Your Majesty himself.”7f1714568c9388f9

The image of the Crown Prince from the past, or even just yesterday, seemed like an illusion. The Eastern Palace’s reputation is quite good. A comment Yeon-oh had heard while gathering opinions about the Crown Prince suddenly came to mind.23ec91f8c232e544

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