CH 13.1

A servant must be loyal to their master. They also had to be willing to give up their life for their master. Even for the emperor, there were times when he had to feign innocence of someone’s injustice for the sake of the reign he led. Everyone would say that was justifiable—that it was rather an honorable chance for those who got sacrificed for this nation.

However, the emperor knew they also had their lives. He knew they had a life to protect, a desired future, and all senses of blood, flesh, joy, and pain.

The people of this nation were in a low position which made them dare not to look at their majestic emperor, but the emperor’s position was a place where he had to pour out everything he had for his people, no matter how high it was. Yihan thought that an emperor should not take their pain for granted even when he had to make a heartless decision.

That was the reason why Yihan was trying to rule over Hwawoon’s heart now. Yihan didn’t want to see more court ladies trembling in fear every time he came to Jeongan Palace. As he brought up the topic again, he gently wrapped Hwawoon’s pouty face with his hands and said,

“That’s why, can’t you also make an effort to treat my people with benevolence?”

Hwawoon still looked dissatisfied with those words, but soon he nodded, slightly leaning his cheek on Yihan’s palm.

“… Okay, Your Majesty. I just need to do that, right? So please stop saying that and only pay attention to me.”

Looking at Hwawoon, who somehow acted obediently, Yihan became more relaxed and quietly hugged Hwawoon who jumped into his arms. Although the vicious acts done by Yeonbin had not only occurred once or twice, Yihan thought it would be okay as long as he changed like this, even if it was only a little at a time. While thinking so, Yihan didn’t push away the warmth that came from Hwawoon.

Then about a week later, the young court lady, which Hwawoon claimed to be the one Yihan stared at, was beaten under the reason of being disrespectful to her master and kicked out to a temple. In the end, there was news that she eventually died because she couldn’t stand it anymore.

It was not the first time for Yihan’s trust in Hwawoon to get broken, nor was it the last time.

***

“I heard that a few days ago in Suhwawon, Yeonbin made you angry again, Your Majesty.”

Yihan’s expression was faintly distorted by Sukbi’s words that were said while she poured a glass of alcohol. However, Sukbi, who did not recognize that, continued to talk with a smile.

“It is said that people grow up after experiencing a near-death situation… I guess even that is not working for Yeonbin.”

In fact, nothing was wrong with Sukbi’s words. Yeonbin’s nature was so incredible for it to change just because of the brink of death. Normally, Yihan would have agreed greatly with Sukbi.

However, Yihan’s head was already a mess because he kept thinking about Yeonbin these days. He really wanted to stop thinking of that pitiful and pale face, that would lead innocent people to reach out and pull him into their arms. Yihan swallowed down the alcohol poured by Sukbi at once and said,

“Let’s stop talking about Yeonbin.”

Hearing that, Sukbi smiled gently and filled the glass again.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have insensitively brought up that name in front of you. I must have been hurting your feelings, right?”

That also wasn’t wrong. Yihan was a person, whose mood immediately turned sour when he thought of Yeonbin anytime, anywhere. Thus, it could be said that Sukbi’s words did not go off mark.

“Your Majesty…”

Sukbi called the emperor while gently overlapping their hands. At that time, the emperor thought for a very short time that he wanted to get rid of Sukbi’s touch and return to Anjeong Palace, but he didn’t know where that feeling came from.

Yihan turned his head and saw the face of Sukbi, Hyeon Biyoung, who was waiting for him.

If the empress had the face of a neat and mature woman just like her character, Sukbi was a beautiful woman with such a gorgeous and good impression that didn’t lack for the one called as the favored concubine. She could not be said to be remarkably intelligent, but she was quick-witted. She knew how to behave in front of the empress, and she rarely made the emperor annoyed.

In addition, the way she said pleasant words without getting discouraged in front of Yeonbin, who was hard to talk to, unwittingly made Yihan feel better. Yihan then slowly took a deep breath and tried to erase the discomfort he felt from Sukbi’s touch earlier.

By now, the news would have been delivered to Jeongan Palace. Yihan took his drink back, thinking vividly as if he had already seen Yeonbin throwing rage and acting viciously.

The emperor awfully wanted to stop thinking about Yeon Hwawoon.

***