A/N: I am so happy to see many of you guessed the plot.

Thank you bloomnskyrules, silkyjacob, Samiha, towersita, and Emily for your reviews.

Happy reading.

-AG

Chapter 9: Caught red-handed

Lady Myung Hee

The news about the royal marriage decree reached the 8th Prince household. A few days back, she wouldn't be affected by this news as she counted her days. Now, she was regaining her health. She knew Princess Yeon Hwa would make sure her brother married someone else either from Hae Clan or some other powerful clan. She wasn't worried about her loveless marriage to Prince Wook. She was concerned about her sister. That little girl brightened up Myung Hee's world when Myung Hee's health was terrible. She would protect Hae Soo as long as she lives and has power. Now, she questions her health and power. She knew Hae Clan would discard her and Hae Soo when they find alternate to strengthen their royalties.

She asked her servant to invite the 4th Prince for the tea. She needs to confirm what she saw last night.

Wang So

He was shocked to receive an invitation from Lady Hae Myung Hee. They never exchanged more than 10 words usually greeted each other in passing. He was about to reject the invite, but he was curious to find out the invitation. He accepted the invite.

Lady Mung Hee

She was expecting a rejection at the same time hoping that he would accept the invitation. Now they both sitting in front of each other awkwardly drinking the tea.

She started, "Your highness, I am sorry for inviting you on short notice. I guess you know about King's new marriage decree".

She continued, "I am not worried about my marriage to the 8th prince. I don't mind my husband taking a second wife, but I don't want him to divorce him." She saw him getting more uncomfortable hearing her personal problem. "I know that you aren't interested in my marriage. I want to discuss a few things about King's new marriage decree with you," he stiffened on hearing those words.

"Last night, I saw Hae Soo was leaving your chambers at an ungodly hour," she saw him getting stiffer.

Wang So

He was shocked to be confronted about their previous night activities this calmly. He lamented himself for believing that Hae Soo will be discreet. He forgot about her clumsy and nosy attitudes.

"I want to know what's going on between you," Lady Hae asked him.

"I want to know so I could help you get married to King's new decree," Wang So ears perked up. He spent almost an entire day to find a way to Hae Soo. He met with dead-end every time he thought he had a chance. Now, Lady Hae is suggesting some kind of plan.

"But no two princes can marry into the same clan," he stated, shocking everyone in the room. Lady smiled at his statement. She was happy to see the 4th Prince liked her sister.

"Well, you will come to understand special cause because you already have two clans who support marrying another clan isn't fair. You can request King's permission to marry Hae Soo. Hae Clan gave their court's seat and support to 8th Prince".

Wang So wanted to smack him if he can. He forgot about the Kang's. If he proceeds with her idea. They can marry each other. For the first time since he was adopted, he was fortunate to be part of Kang Clan.

"I just want to you promise me that you love and protect her at all times," Lady Hae requested him.

"I promise," he said confidently.

Myung Hee

Lady Myung Hee was happy that her sister's married life and future will be better than hers. Initially, she had doubts about 4th Prince, but she can see that he genuinely loves her.

Now, she has to pen down a letter to her clan leader about her willingness to divorce 8th Prince in return. The custodianship of Hae Soo comes to her.

That way, even if the King rejects the marriage proposal, she can protect Hae Soo until Myung Hee's death.

Wang So

Next-Day he requested an audience with his father to discuss his marriage, and he was surprised to find Crown Prince, Prince Baek Ah, and Ji Mong to be present.

He spoke to his father, "I think I have decided whom I should marry according to Decree."

Everyone was surprised. Wang So continued, "Since I already have two clans, support my birth and adopted clans. It wouldn't be fair if I married into another clan."

Everyone else was getting surprised by his thoughtfulness to protect the throne. Once again, he continued, "To choose from a family from the same political I would like to marry a General's Daughter. There is two general who severed and helped Goryeo along with the King. I regard General Park's daughter as a sister. She also likes someone else. Hence, I would like to marry General Hae's daughter Hae Soo".

Ji Mong interrupted, "Doesn't she belong to Hae Clan? The same clan where Prince Wook has married".

He replied, "Yes, but her parents are dead. She doesn't have any ties with Hae Clan members other than Lady Hae. General Hae was regarded more as General than Hae Clan member."

Crown Prince asked, "What if they plan to marry her to Prince Wook because Lady Hae failed to produce an heir."

He replied, "That's why I am asking for your help, brother. You promised me that you would grant me anything."

Choi Ji Mong

Ji Mong knew that little girl he saw at the night ritual would turn Goryeo's history and 4th Prince's fate. He needs to support their union no matter what.

Ji Mong " Is that why the 4th Prince's star had a pinkish hue?. This means the time is right for his marriage." he spoke loudly in a way only the King could hear his words.

He caught the King's glance and went silent.

Baek Ah

Even though he promised Myung Hee that he would keep quiet of the incident they witnessed together. He was planning to question his 4th brother on what he saw on the night of ritual at 8th Prince's house. All this while, he was muttering his courage to face his brother, who was assumed to be cursed.

He could see that his 4th brother's request was genuine without any maliciousness.

If Hae Soo's feeling is also genuine, he will be happy at the union. He is willing to pray to the heavens hoping that their union could give his brother happiness, which he was depleted in the first place and protect Hae Soo from 'evil' Hae clan, who sold his Myung Hee to 8th Prince.

A/N: Baek Ah is kind of immature still unwilling to accept Myung Hee's love for Prince Wook

I hope you all liked this chapter.

Please let me know what you think

-AG