[Ju and Seol attempted to form a law of retaliation, where the accused ones had rights to charge or punish the real culprit. Another news, is that Seol was pregnant with Ju’s child, much to his elation. When this news reached to Chi, he was fuelled with anger and envy.]

“Your majesty,” Jung announced to the king, “Prince Hyo-Seong* and Won-Nyeong* has come to see you.”

Seol raised her eyebrows. She had seen them when she was a teenager and the two princes were seen getting along with her father, Gwangjong. Also she heard that they were the ones who supported the execution of ninth prince, Wang Won, Wang Yo’s son Gyeongchunwon and other officials who had offended the former king. Ironically, Wang Im-Ju was married to Wang Yo’s daughter a long time ago. The door was opened and revealed Prince Hyo-Seong, also known as Wang Im-Ju. Beside him was Prince Won-Nyeong who was also known as Wang Jin. When they saw the queen Hunui, they smiled brightly and bowed.

“Greetings to our king and queen.” Im-Ju spoke.

Seol smiled back along with Ju. She suggested them whether they’d like to have teas, but they politely declined the offer for they reminded her the queen cannot do Court ladies’ job. She remembered the time when she was young and they often sent their gifts and spent their time with her at Chungju household. Even they also told her so many great stories about her father Wang So or her mother Hae Soo with utter pride. 

“And what matter you have planned for us to come?” Wang Jin asked.

Ju made a determined expression.

“I have created a new proclamation,” Ju stated, “I am thinking of forming a law of retaliation.”

Two elder princes looked at one another. Even Baek-Ah and Jung looked concerned. Seol saw a rather unreadable expression of another vice king, and head minister Wang Seon*. Ever since Ju’s coronation, he was appointed as new minister to help Ju with politics. She couldn’t help but unable to trust this man, especially when he made a fake smile, or unreadable expression. But as a queen, she needed to be patient and wait.

“I have known so many accused ones who had never done the treason against my father. He might have accused them, but there weren’t enough evidences…so I will now allow people to gain rights for charge against the culprits.” Ju explained with firmness.

“..We will accept your command.” Wang Im-Ju said as he bowed.

As much as both Wang Im-Ju and Wang Jin felt satisfaction for punishing the ones who were responsible for breaking So and Soo’s destined fate—especially Wang Won, Wang Yo’s family, and Hwangju clan—, they couldn’t help but also felt sympathy for the ones Gwangjong, Wang So, had cruelly punished and tortured. 

“Why don’t we stop discussing and enjoy teas and pastries?” Seol, then, summoned her court ladies to come and serve her guests.

Two elder princes looked at her with appreciation. It was like yesterday little Seol had called them uncles and they spoiled her with affection. And now, she had grown up and become a great queen for they were sincerely proud of her.

“Oh, it was like yesterday her majesty used to call us uncles,” Wang Jin smiled, blinking his watery eyes, “and look, she have become a beautiful, graceful queen.”

Wang Im-Ju nodded his head in agreement.

“Ah, yes. Her majesty always bring us nothing but happiness and joy as much as her mother had.”

Ju and Seol only smiled at them. Her king had noticed as he stared at Seol’s untouched dishes, she haven’t ate enough recently and he was concerned. Even now during the supper with Jung, and Baek-Ah, she haven’t eaten her favorite dishes in which made them concerned. So he decided to ask after the supper as they could drink their teas.

“Seol? What’s wrong? You haven’t touched your favorite dishes lately.” Ju asked.

Now everyone’s attention were on the queen. Looking at them, Seol sighed in defeat and decided to speak up.

“Three days ago, royal physician had come to check my condition,” she confessed, “and I still feel something kicking inside my stomach.”

Everyone blinked their eyes at her ambiguous description. When Ju’s eyes grew wide, Seol made a small smile as her had gently rubbed her stomach and waist.

“You—…” Ju glanced at her waist.

Jung and Baek-Ah hung their mouth opened. But the vice king Moon-Won, Wang Jung, blinked back his tears. Ju stood up and embraced his wife, his queen, who has now become a soon-to-be mother. She was carrying his and her child.

“Seol…is it true?”

She nodded her head with wide smile. Ju was unable to contain his happiness, cannot imagine himself as a father. Both Im-Ju and Jin gave the king their blessings as Baek-Ah was busy comforting Jung who was secretly crying, muttering how Seol had grown up so fast.

Back at Hwangju household, Wang Seon in his black robes entered Wang Chi’s study room. It’s been half of year since he was married to princess Moon-Duk and clearly he was upset. When he looked up and saw Seon he folded his book.

“Chi…I’m afraid I have to tell you such news.”

Chi frowned. Gulping, Seon confessed

“Queen Hunui is carrying the king’s child for a month. The physician confirmed it.”

Wang Chi’s eyes grew widened. Gritting his teeth, his nostrils flared, he growled in anger. Ju had become the king, taking Seol as his wife, and is becoming a father. He wouldn’t let their happiness continue for he made a drastic decision.

“Summon all innocents who were released…,” Chi commanded, “they’ve got some ‘huntings’ to do…”

Next morning, Seol, in her white and blue hanbok walked towards Damiwon. She was informed by Baek-Ah that Ju was out to patrol outside Song-Ak for he created another law of contributions, donating tributes, grains, and other food supplies to the people who were suffering from poverty. But the silence of Damiwon greeted her. ‘Odd…’ she thought.

Then, she heard someone called out for her. She turned to see the head minister Wang Seon whose expression was filled with anxiety, fear and caution. Frowning, she demanded what was going on.

“My queen…the lynch! Outside Cheonduk-Jeon! It’s out of control!!!”

With wide eyes, she hurriedly splintered the gate to Cheonduk-Jeon. Wang Seon, with his eyes filled with guilt, followed over. When she stopped, she saw two figures—covered with bloodstained white sheet, hung by the rope that has attached to the palace wall. 

The released nobles were beating them, stabbing them unaware of Queen’s presence. When one noticed he yelled out for the queen’s presence. They all stopped and finding their commitment exploited they all bowed to their knees. Looking at the already-dead bodies, Seol commanded to cut the rope and uncover the sheets. With closed eyes, Wang Seon came up and had two men cut off the rope as Seon pulled off the sheets. Two corpses fell down their face revealed. Seol’s eyes grew widened as the corpses, who were none other than Prince Hyo-Seong —Wang Im-Ju— and Prince Won-Nyeong— Prince Wang Jin—, rolled over. Their eyes were closed as their face and their white robes were covered with their blood. Their fingers, or their foot was chopped away and their face was bruised.

With small tears, Seol rewinded her memories as a child running around as her two uncles were following her with smile. She remembered their happy, proud tears when she was crowned as a queen. With her legs numb, she attempted to stay strong but the sudden pain in her stomach was too unbearable she clutched it tightly and knelt down. Wang Seon yelled out, telling the nobles to go away and told the court ladies to bring the physicians. 

Note:
Prince Hyo-Seong: Real name’s Wang Im-Ju. Son of King Taejo and his 11th wife. He was one of Gwangjong’s supporters. Im-Ju was killed/lynched by the nobles who were once accused of treason during Gwangjong’s reign.

Prince Won-Nyeong: Also known as prince Jin-Ju-Nang. Son of King Taejo and his 10th wife. He was one of Gwangjong’s supporters and was killed/lynched by the nobles who were once accused of treason during Gwangjong’s reign.

Wang Seon*: Ju’s head minister who was permitted to handle the politics. He was known for abusing the politic power and was exiled.