Hello everyone! I hope the New Year has been treating you well. I apologize for such a long wait on this chapter, especially with the major cliffhanger I left you all with last time. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you will continue to remain patient with future updates. I am back at school again and that will occupy most of my time for now. I will try to update as often as possible (every two weeks?), but no promises. Please enjoy this chapter, and I shall see you in the next one!

 

As always, please comment and subscribe if you haven’t already :)

 

Also a note: the first line of Jung’s message, I got it from 300 Translated Tang poems, which is where So’s poem to Soo in the drama came from. This particular poem was called “On the Festival of the Moon to Sub-official Zhang” by Han Yu.

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The man who Yo pointed his sword to turned around, revealing himself.

"I have no throne to surrender, hyungnim. But if you surrender now, then I will talk to Paeha about sparing your life."

At the sound of So's voice, the rest of the doors opened and royal troops filled up Damiwon, all of them pointing their swords at Yo and his rebel troops. So also revealed the sword he had been holding and held it up.

Yo seemed startled, but he quickly masked it and narrowed his eyes.

"I did not come here to surrender. Either I will get the throne, or I will die trying to. Attack!"

With a yell, he charged forward to meet the royal troops head on. Someone grasped Soo's arm from behind and she gasped, whipping her head around, only to see it was Soon Deok.

"Let us leave, your highness! It will be safer for you elsewhere."
"But what about So?!"

She looked over at her husband and he turned from where he was still holding his sword, smiling reassuringly.

"I will be fine, Soo ya. Go with Soon Deok and I will follow you soon."

With that, he charged into the fight. Soo let out a breath before she turned and ran with Soon Deok out of the room. Her sister-in-law led her out of Damiwon and towards the King's quarters. When Soo arrived, she saw him pacing back and forth. Both ladies bowed and once the King saw, he approached them.

"Hae Soo, are you all right?"
"Yes, Paeha. They took the bait and went to Damiwon instead of here. So and the royal army are taking care of the troops and Yo as we speak."

 

He looked over at Soon Deok.

 

“Soon Deok, how are things on your end?”

“My father is with the troops at Damiwon. I was told to stay here along with the rest of the guards to protect you and Lady Hae Soo.”

“I am glad things went according to plan. It would have been difficult if he had chosen to attack here first.”

 

Soo and Deok stood there as the King continued to pace around his room. As she watched him pace, she began to think back to the scene at Damiwon. How was So doing now? Was he still fighting? Was he fighting with Yo? She knew how distressed he was the day he came back from chasing his older brother, and was filled with grief and guilt that he had played a role in Yo’s death. However, all that proved to be false, since Yo survived and had gone into hiding this past year.

 

She knew this time around that So would be the same; he would not want to kill Yo, but only disarm him. She didn’t know what the King would do, but she had a feeling that So would plead for Yo’s life, even when he knew the brother was undeserving.

 

Soo thought back to the night when they found out about Yo’s plot.

 

Soo and So were quietly enjoying their dinner when the eunuch made a sudden announcement.

 

“The 14^th prince has arrived, your highnesses.”

 

The two looked at each other curiously before returning their attention to the door.

 

“Let him in,” So replied as he set down his utensils.

 

When Jung walked in, they already knew something was wrong. His face was grim, and his hair windswept, as if he had ridden as fast as he could to the palace. He gave a bow to greet them.

 

“Hyungim, Hyungsoonim.”

“Jung ah, what has brought you here? It is unusual for you to be visiting at this time,” So said.

“Please send your servants away momentarily. This is of the utmost importance and secrecy is vital,” Jung said in a low voice.

 

So nodded and he stood up to exit the room so he could dismiss their servants. Soo indicated to the extra seat at the table.

 

“Please sit, Jung ah. We have only started eating. You can join us as you relay your news.”

 

Jung gave a small smile as he accepted the offer. However, neither one picked up their utensils before So came back.

 

“Jung ah. What is the news you have to tell us?”

 

They saw the youngest prince take a deep breath before he looked at the both of them.

 

“Yo hyungnim…is alive.”

 

Soo and So looked at each other quickly before turning their attention back to Jung. The 3^rd prince was alive? But how was that possible?”

 

“He is alive? But how? We both saw him fall over the edge of the cliff!”

“I know, but did you ever wonder how strange it was that we could not find his body?”

 

So nodded, furrowing his eyebrows in deep thought.

 

“But how do you know this, Jung ah? Surely he did not seek you out?”

 

Jung shook his head.

 

“No, I found out on my own. I was visiting Eomoni at the temple where she was grieving for Yo, and found out he had been meeting her there secretly. I do not know for how long, but it must have been for a while.”

 

Soo could see So clench his fists under the table and she reached over to place her hand on his, trying to calm him down.

 

“What is he planning? Did he tell you?” So asked in a tight voice.

“Eomoni told me it was the heaven’s will that Yo survived, that he was to become the next King…”

 

Soo could see thoughts going a mile a minute in So’s head as he processed this information.

 

“He probably was hiding this entire time trying to build an army. It has been nearly a year since his death was declared, which means it will not be long until he launches his attack.”

“They did not tell me anything further. I made an excuse about being needed at the border and left as quickly as I could.”

“Do you think he is behind the poisoning?”

 

So and Jung looked at her with widened eyes.

 

“Why do you think that, Soo ya?” So asked.

 

She shrugged as she picked at the rice in her bowl. Soo didn’t know where that thought came from, but when she thought about it more, it made sense.

 

“Well, Won and Yo always seemed to stick together, even when I was still at Wook’s home. They always came or left with each other. It would not be strange for Won to know about Yo’s existence, and to serve as his ears and eyes here at the palace. For all we know, Yo could be the one behind the poisoning.”

“Or more like our mother,” Jung said bitterly, “this would not be the first time she’s tried to poison Paeha.”

 

So sighed and shook his head.

 

“Whoever is behind the poisoning, we need to tell Paeha right away. We have to plan for an attack that could happen any day now.”

 

When they had found out about Yo’s impending attack, it had only been a few days after Soo had seen Chae Ryung poison the herbal pouches. It was during a late and secret night meeting with only the King, Ji Mong, Jung, So, and Soo, that they planned to fake the King’s illness.

 

Soo would wake up early every morning and discreetly make her way to the King’s quarters to prepare his make-up. Gradually, they would make it seem as if his symptoms were worsening, and he took some “days off” once in a while to test the loyalty of his ministers. So was always present in court, and would report the day’s happenings to the King when dark had fallen, in the privacy of his eldest brother’s quarters.

 

They kept this up for months, until one early morning when Jung sent a message to Soo and So.

 

The air of the lake is putrid, breathing its evil odors.

I will arrive when the sun is highest in the sky.

 

It was a simple message, but they both knew what that meant immediately. The sun had yet to rise, but Soo and So got ready as fast as possible before making their way to the King’s quarters, under the shadows of the dark sky. It was there where Soo helped the King prepare for the day, and left as So donned the King’s robes to set their plan into action.

 

As the morning progressed and the rest of the palace awoke, Soo went about Damiwon trying to keep herself calm. If any of her ladies noticed her nervousness, they did not mention anything. When the time had come for the King’s bath, Soo already knew it was So who would enter the room, and they both could only hope that Yo took Jung’s bait, leading them on a false trail to Damiwon instead of the King’s quarters at Cheondeokjeon.

 

Luckily everything had worked out, and now all they had to do now was wait for So to arrive. It took a few hours as everyone waited on pins and needles before the eunuch announced the 4^th prince’s arrival. When So appeared through the doors, Soo kept herself from rushing to him, knowing that it was proper he greet the King first.

 

“The 4^th prince greets you, Paeha.”

“So, what has happened? Did you capture him?”

“Yes, Paeha. He is alive and has been locked up in the palace prisons. Shall I initiate an investigation?”

 

The King shook his head.

 

“You have done enough for now, and I thank you for that. I will call for a meeting within a few hours time to decide everything. Until then, you may return to your quarters to wash up. We will decide everything with the entire court present.”

“As you wish, Paeha.”

“Hae Soo, you may leave with your husband. You have suffered greatly today, and I thank you as well.”

“Thank you, Paeha.”

 

The couple bowed and left Cheondeokjeon, heading towards Damiwon so So could wash up. As they entered the Damiwon foyer, Soo immediately called for a bath to be prepared for her husband, ushered him in before closing the door, and leaving to prepare a poultice and bandages. When she arrived back in her private room at Damiwon, she saw So was already there waiting for her. As she entered and closed the door, So eyes caught hers and he smiled.

 

“Where have you been, Soo ya?”

 

She walked over to the bed and set down the tray she was carrying.

 

“I was preparing bandages and a poultice for you, of course.”

“Must you have so little confidence in me?”

 

She frowned, giving a slight glare, and picked up a cloth soaked in warm water before reaching out to wipe away at the shallow wounds on his arms.

 

“It’s not because I have little confidence in you that I prepared these. It’s because I know that fighting comes with its consequences, and sometimes things happen that you don’t prepare for. Besides, why else would you have your robe off if you didn’t know I was going to treat your cuts?”

 

She set down the cloth and picked up the bowl of poultice before gently applying them to the places she had cleaned just previously. As she was doing so, their eyes met again, and she kept So’s gaze briefly before looking down at his arm to finish her application.

 

“Why are you looking at me that way, So ya?”

“Because you’re pretty.”

 

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but she allowed a small smile to appear. It was nice to be able to do that, now that everything had settled down and So was safe and sound in front of her.

 

“I meant besides that reason.”

“No reason. I guess I’m just thankful that I have such an attentive wife.”

 

He leaned in for a quick peck before pulling back, and she smiled at his display of affection.

 

“You better be,” she said jokingly before reaching for the bandages and carefully wrapping them over the poultice she had applied. When she had finished, she helped So into his robe.

 

“There you are, all done,” she said as she brushed some lint off the fabric.

 

He pulled her close for a hug and she returned his embrace as they sat there for a few moments in silence.

 

“I’m sorry for worrying you, Soo ya.”

“It’s not your fault. It was our plan from the start. I can’t help but worry for you…but are you okay?”

“I wouldn’t use ‘okay’ to describe how I’m feeling, but I suppose I’m all right.”

 

She leaned back slightly to look at his face.

 

“I know it was hard for you to fight against your brother again, So ya.”

 

Now that she could look closely at him, she could see the anguish that lurked in his eyes. His mouth was in a frown again and she reached up to touch his cheek.

 

“You aren’t all right at all. You don’t have to hide it from me, So ya.”

“What will happen to him, Soo ya? There is no escaping death this time around, and what if Eomoni is punished as well? I would be the sole cause of it all, and I’m not sure if I could live with myself if I had to see my brother die again.”

 

So finally let his tears fall, and Soo held him close as he cried, his face buried in the crook of her neck and shoulder. She could feel his tears wet her robe, and she his hair until he calmed down. When he pulled away, she reached up to wipe away the remainder of his tears.

 

“Everything will be all right, So ya.”

“But how do you know?”

“Because I know the King, and he will be benevolent.”

 

Although it might have been hard to believe that So would still care for Yo, and his mother after everything they’ve done to him, it didn’t surprise Soo that he did. If he hadn’t, that would have been more surprising. She couldn’t believe that a mere vision of him being Gwangjong had ever scared her, especially now that she knew who So really was. He might have done bad things in the past; he might have killed people when he shouldn’t have; he might have treated her wrongly in the beginning, but in the end, So was more than all of that. He was only a person, and that meant learning from his mistakes. That meant he had feelings and cared for others too, even if it wasn’t obvious.

 

A knock sounded through the room, and Soo stood up before So could.

 

“Stay here, I will answer the door,” she said with a reassuring smile.

 

When she arrived at the door, she opened it up slightly to see Ji Mong outside.

 

“Ji Mong, what news do you bring?”

“The King requests the 4^th prince’s presence at the royal court within an hour.”

“All right. I will help him get ready. Thank you, Ji Mong.”

 

He smiled a small smile and bowed before leaving. When she turned around, she saw So had composed himself and was sitting there with his hands on his knees, looking out the window. Walking over to the wardrobe in her room, she pulled out a new set of robes for So and helped him change before his audience with the King and the rest of the ministers. His hair was still damp from his bath, and she gently dried it before pulling it into his sangtu. Finally, she applied concealer to his face, paying special attention to cover the dark circles under his eyes.

 

“There we are. The 4^th prince is ready to attend court.”

“What would I do without you, Soo ya?”

“You don’t have to worry about that, because I’m right here!”

“Thank you,” he said softly before he pulled her in for a kiss.

 

Once they pulled apart, she smiled and reached up to brush back a few stray hairs off his forehead, and then sent him off on his way. He promised he would return later that night as early as possible for dinner, and she nodded, waving him away. After he left, she moved to clean up the room before making her way out and onto her normal duties for the day at Damiwon. Granted, she was not fully focused, as her mind was filled with thoughts and questions about what would happen in court.

 

The King would appear in court looking healthy for the first time in a while. He would reveal his plans and intentions from the past few months, and would decide the punishment for his 3^rd brother today. She knew that today’s court session would not go smoothly, and there would be much uproar when the King had revealed everything. She wished So didn’t have to go through all of it, but he was the King’s right hand man, and there was no one else Paeha trusted more, other than Ji Mong.

 

Soo let out a sigh and shook her head. This was something she wasn’t supposed to worry about, but she couldn’t help it. No matter how much she tried to forget, she was now a part of history, and she had played a role in this game of politics. There was no turning back now, and she couldn’t help but be reminded that she was someone who wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place. Once again, she wished she had paid closer attention in her history classes. If the 3^rd prince was caught twice in his plot for the throne, what would happen to him? Did he still become King, or was he disposed of? If the latter was the case, then who would become the next King? Surely it wouldn’t be…So?

 

Soo’s train of thought was disrupted when she realized she had allowed the ink to bleed through the pages in her record book. Putting down the brush, she quickly blotted the ink, thankful it had been a new one instead of an already filled book. Cleaning up her writing tools, she decided that it would be best if she cleared her mind with a walk in the palace gardens. Perhaps she could bring along Arang and Eun Bi to distract her from her thoughts until So came back later that night.

 

As Soo stood up, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her and she supported herself with one hand on the desk as the other reached up to hold her head. Why was she feeling so faint all of a sudden? Maybe the day’s events had finally caught up with her. She was up rather early today as well. Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to straighten up and take a few more steps toward the door. However, she was unable to make it as an even stronger wave of dizziness hit her, and Soo dropped down to the floor in a dead faint.

 

The last thing she remembered was the throbbing pounding in her head, and the sound of the door opening before she succumbed to the darkness.