In the first part of this chapter, you've got to know why there was no revolt involving So and Wook -it was the delicate matter Soo wanted to talk with Jung a few chapters ago.
Part XXIX
-Six years ago-
After solving the hundredth problems of the day concerning the new fortress' construction, Wang So dragged his heavy body and weary mind toward his quarters in search of a good night rest.
However two men cloaked in full black decided otherwise, after jumping on So in a surprise attack and pressed an acupuncture point about his neck, the 4th Prince watched as his vision turned black.
When So regained consciousness, he realized that he was held in some unknown safe-house. His sword was still hanging about his waist as well as the hidden dagger which was safely resting in his boot. Whether his abductors were stupid or arrogant, So couldn't tell but they will regret it dearly for sure.
His train of thoughts was cut off when a familiar voice boomed through the recently open doors, "It's up to you Hyung-nim, whether you want this meeting to turn ugly or not. Hwan was merciful enough to let your weapons in place so try your luck." Wang Jung stepped a foot inside the room, accompanied by Hwan whose silence and agile moves got So on edge already. The 4th Prince still remembered their first and unique confrontation years ago, and obviously Soo's Royal guard seemed as sharp as ever.
"Why the Hell did you have to knock me out, Jung-ah?" So gritted his teeth, still embarrassed by the lack of fight before the so-called abduction.
"Hwanghu sent me." Jung declared, certain that he got So's full attention now, "This is an unofficial visit... for the King has yet to be informed of this delicate matter."
So got a grip of himself at the mention of Hae Soo, "Is she alright? Does she-"
"Her Highness' life is in no danger -unlike yours." Hwan snapped.
Wang So's brows furrowed but Jung couldn't take it any longer, "Soo-nui is aware of your planning revolt as well as the fact that you and Wook Hyung-nim are holding hands in this."
"But... I..." the 4th Prince stammered. Here we thought we were extra cautious.
Jung's dark eyes rested upon his older brother, sternly, "I am here to remind you of the favor you once owed to Soo-nui. Do not be greedy for the Throne, Hyung-nim. Please. Goryeo is governed wisely nowadays... do not shed unnecessary blood for a losing war."
"If it is as you say a losing war why are you both here?" So countered as stubbornness was family trait after all.
"Her Highness wants to give you a fair warning before there were rolling heads." Hwan specified bluntly and instantly noticed that the 14th Prince was scowling at him for the implied threat.
"If you go against his Majesty now that he does nothing to warrant a revolt then brace yourself to be executed for treason." Jung insisted, "You, the 8th Prince and all your followers."
So seemed to ponder over Jung's words so his younger brother added, "You do realize that Yeon Hwa-nui won't be able to be crowned Queen no matter what. The large scar on her neck left by his Majesty is enough reminder of Hwanghu's mercy. Do not force Soo-nui to take side, you owe her that much, Hyung-nim."
"I know better than anyone else what Soo did for me," the 4th Prince confessed, "and so repaying my debt has always been my intention... but..."
"Do you really think your private army could take on Emperor Shizong's soldiers? The man could get all your household annihilated without blinking once, are you prepared for that? Shall I remind you about the fate of that Jeongju Ryu clan's girl who insulted Soo-nui before the harem's selection? As we speak, Soo-nui still thinks the girl was exiled but truth is her decapitated head was sent to her family just a few days ago. No doubt Emperor Shizong is behind this so I'm asking you once again: is the Throne worth your life?"
So sighed eventually, "I will talk to Yeon Hwa."
Jung finally smiled, "I'm glad we've agreed on this, Hyung-nim. Since my mission is over, I will now take my leave." Before the younger Prince could walk through the door, So's questions halted his steps, "Is Soo happy? Does his Majesty treat her well?"
"She will be the most happy to hear that a bloody fight between siblings has been prevented. And rest assured, His Majesty would never harm Soo-nui -odd as it may seem to us."
The discreet talk with the 8th Prince has proven to be quite different altogether. Indeed, after minutes of nice persuasion Wook stayed true to his belief and was reluctant to let go as the Throne seemed to be his only chance to appease the so-called injustices he'd suffered.
"So you're saying you will go through with your initial plan?" Jung made sure for a third time in case his brain was malfunctioning though he highly doubted it.
"I will." Wook smirked, "Soo won't stop me just by sending you, Jung-ah. I know you won't be able to kill me."
In a blink of an eye, Hwan, bare hands came behind Wook, roughly punched his ribs where old wound -courtesy of Wang Yo- still hurt from time to time, making the man slide down in agony. Swiftly then Soo's Royal guard got a grab of the 8th Prince's head, ready to twist it but refrain to as he murmured frostily, "That's Hwanghu for you, do not use her given name!"
"As you can see, I am just here for the talking." Jung exhaled, "Hwan on the other hand will have no qualms getting rid of you since you're threatening his mistress' life."
"When did I ever?" Wook succeeded in groaning though his neck was in danger to be snapped in half.
"Revolting against his Majesty means threatening the Hwanghu as queens rarely survive after a coup d'etat however Hwan won't let any harm comes to Soo-nui, of that I'm sure hence question is, which fate will you choose Hyung-nim?" Jung needed to enlighten his older brother, "oh and before you give your answer, I have to inform you that your private army was decimated not too long ago, Khitan soldiers did the job overnight without as much noise as the wind. You're alone in this."
Wook was struggling for air by now, "Why Khitan-"
"Emperor Shizong won't let danger befall on Soo-nui either, it would've been foolish to think otherwise." The 14th Prince sneered. "Heed my advice, Hyung-nim, choose the right path and spend the rest of your live quietly." After that, Jung let his older brother in the hands of Hwan, hoping that Wook would understand Soo's good sentiment because even right this instant, his sister-in-law was playing fair and it was what he most liked about her. His secret mission finished, it was high time Jung returned to Songak with, on the top of that, the satisfaction that he may have prevented a bloodbath.
-Present days-
"Did you hear the latest rumor, Jung-ah?" whispered Wang Eun to his younger brother. The Grand Princes were soaking in the Damiwon bath. At the mention, Baek Ah who were resting on the other side of the pool, opened his eyes.
Jung grimaced, "Which one? There are so many rumors running wild around the Palace presently."
"The one about the harem!" Eun rolled his eyes upward, as if there could be another rumor more interesting than that.
"What is the problem, Hyung-nim?" asked the 13th Prince while drawing close to his brothers.
Eun leaned in, "Since you just came back from abroad, you may be unaware of this matter, Baek Ah, but rumors has it that His Majesty's harem is cursed."
"That's just crap." Jung declared.
The 10th Prince interjected wryly, "How can you explain the concubines' sudden disappearance then?"
"They disappeared?" Baek Ah chuckled, incredulous. "All of them!"
"Every time the Inner Palace chooses a candidate, she never lasts long in the harem, eventually the concubine just evaporates. That's the reason why the Palace workers call it cursed harem." Eun ended it in a soft whisper.
The 14th Prince scoffed, "The women could've just ran away because they couldn't endure the harem's life."
"Or someone could get rid of them." Eun suggested.
Baek Ah squinted his eyes, "Hyung-nim, don't tell me you're thinking Soo is behind all of this?"
"Nonsense!" Jung protested, "Soo-nui would never do that."
"It's no secret that she hates the multiple wives tradition." Eun reminded them, "A woman's heart is unfathomable... even after many years together, I still don't understand Soon Deok-ie, Soo is no different."
"Hwanghu is different." the King's gruffy voice could be heard across the bath-chamber as three heads swiftly turned toward the entrance, "Do not compare my wife to other women, Wang Eun."
While the younger men rose from the water so that they could properly bow the monarch, the latter, clad in black satin under-clothes strolled further inside the room.
Wang Ji, dressed as lightly as his father, was walking beside his notorious sire, a scowl on his face, "Eomeoni doesn't need to resort to unhanded actions, Uncle Eun."
"Of course not, Crown Prince," Eun mumbled, cheeks flushing red, "Your mother is the fairest person in the world. Like Jung-ie said: she would never do that."
Yo did his best to hide his grin when he entered into the hot pool, his son was as much protective as himself whenever Soo was concerned. Good boy.
"We will take our leave, your Majesty." Baek Ah announced, getting ready to leave the pool.
"No need, I will just soak in for a little while." Yo replied, "I'm spending time with the Crown Prince before his yearly visit to Khitan."
The men nodded in understanding -though Yo was cold and arrogant to others- he was learning to be a caring father, all that thanks to Hwanghu.
"Will you be the one escorting me this year again, Uncle Jung?" Ji inquired right away after entering into the hot water.
"As usual on post." Jung grinned.
Baek Ah shifted his head toward his nephew, "When will you depart, Crown Prince?"
"Right after the end of the Summit, I will make the journey back with Uncle Ruan."
Eun's eyes grew round, taken aback, "Emperor Shizong is personally coming to Goryeo?! He never did so in the past."
Ji blinked as innocence was still part of him, "Well, I heard he has a private matter to handle with Eomeoni."
"Ah, I see." the 10th Prince observed, "I should've guessed it has something to do with Hwanghu."
Though Yo had his eyes closed, one could feel his sudden dark aura rising, "Why else would that man come for?" he spat. Even after all these years, Soo's exclusive bond with Ruan was still a sensitive subject to Yo and his younger brothers knew better than to rub salt on old wounds however that didn't mean Eun, Baek Ah and Jung couldn't inwardly enjoy seeing their older brother slowly be eaten by petty jealousy.
A fortnight later, the Summit took place as new and ancient rulers of different kingdoms met in Songak for the first time. They'd talked, drank, congratulated themselves and finally signed exchange accords during those three days time.
All went well... at least when it came to Goryeo's interests.
The same couldn't be said for Yelü Ruan. Indeed while it was his ardent wish to spend a pleasant, yet last evening in company of his precious sister, the latter was definitively furious about some petty matters hence making the dinner quite boring.
"Orabeoni, don't take me for a fool!" Soo accused, "I know you are behind the concubines' disappearance."
"It pains me you think so," Ruan winced. "but since you're accusing me, do you have evidence or... better, a witness?"
"It would be a miracle if I find someone capable of tattling on the notorious Emperor Shizong."
His chuckle annoyed her immensely, "Then heed my advice, Sister mine... let. it. go."
Soo grumbled, "Are you aware that they all suspect me, hm? Rumor has it that I made Hwan do the dirty job and so every single soul in the Palace is scared of me right now."
"I'd rather had them be frightened of you instead of conniving behind your back."
It seemed like Soo won't be able to make her brother spill the beans as he was unyielding and unrepentant as ever.
"Jeongjong doesn't seem to care about it so why should you take this matter to heart?" Ruan's voice held a note of curiosity.
Guilt never gnawed at him she supposed, "I don't like your methods, Orabeoni."
"And I'm not fond of seeing my sister hurt." He retorted, "See? We all have our principles, Soo-ah."
Hae Soo wanted to howl in frustration. How could she be blood-related to Ruan in the first place? Oh right, she wasn't... she was just adopted and it may be the reason why his ruthlessness never sat well with her. "You should better worry about your pregnant wife."
"My Empress is in good hands." Ruan flexed an eyebrow, "She is with your Mother hence nothing can go wrong."
"Your trust in Eomeoni is heartwarming then how come can't you trust me too?"
"I do trust you, Soo-ah," Emperor Shizong pointed out, "it's your tremendous weak heart I do not."
"How embarrassing to talk about this with my big brother but if you must know I'm not sharing my husband... he's mine and mine only. It was our deal from the start." Soo explained, feeling her face turn crimson at the sight of Ruan's knowing smirk. So that's how it feels to be teased by a mischievous big brother...
He reached out and tenderly rested a warm hand on her temple, a brotherly gesture Soo could never get enough of -to tell the truth- although she won't tell Ruan, "That's my girl. No sharing." His smirk still smug as ever.
She cleared her throat, still embarrassed by the turn of discussion, "Stop meddling with our harem's affairs. Please. I can handle it."
"Very well." Ruan accepted, though he'd not once admitted playing the role of the grim reaper. Soo realized that she could only trust his words and... pray, "And don't worry for Dan, I will keep an eye on her when she'll stay at the temple." he told her.
"Oh I never doubt you would but that's fine, Eomeoni and Zhen Eonni will be with her so Dan-ie will behave." Soo remarked with a smile. "But please tell my nephew dearest to make a quick detour by the temple before he comes to Songak, his unexpected visit will make her very happy."
"You sure are a doting mother!" Ruan bantered playfully.
"I'm also a doting sister," she interjected, "who else could put up with your cunning ways and ruthless behavior if not me, hm?"
"Are you confessing to me right now?"
"Just eat your dinner, your Majesty."
"I love you, little Sister." They intently stared at each other for quite some times -in complete silence.
After the initial shock of such direct confession, Soo shyly whispered, "Love you too, Orabeoni."
"Your nephew is clinging onto you even more than his father." Yo reproached with a scowl, "You're barely present in your quarters lately."
Hae Soo looked up from her letters, surprised to see her royal husband standing there at the entrance of her private study hall. She noticed right away that Yo was looking more peeved than menacing, "Pyeha, you're being irrational once again." here comes his jealousy...
"I'm only stating facts." he rectified matter of factly.
"Shall we actually quarrel every single time Xian stays in Songak?" the young woman tilted her head. "It isn't befitting a wise king."
"This heartless king..." Yo growled, "just wants to spend some time with his wife, is that so wrong?"
Slowly she put her pencil down and went to her feet. Afterward, the Queen gracefully glided toward her husband whose adoring eyes never once left her serene face. She stopped mere inches distant and smirked boldly, "Shall we go on a date then?"
Yo cupped his wife's cheek before crashing his avid mouth on her tender lips. He kissed her long and hard. Their bond was strong as ever, of that he was sure, yet there are times when Yo liked to remind Soo that she was his first and foremost.
Many years ago the King had learned what it meant to go on a date. Indeed on his first date ever, Soo'd taken him on a short trip outside the Palace walls and made him wander around the Dongji Lake, all the while dressed in commoner's clothes. There were just the two of them with the moon as sole witness. No retinues. No bodyguards. Since then they'd visited different places and it became a ritual, at least once in a year and for a couple of hours, they were just Yo and Soo.
"Shall we?" King Jeongjong's lips curled up.
Charlotte: glad that you liked the last chapter. Dan is one troublemaker while Ji is as serious as Yo... Bear hug, dear!
