Kwon Jiyong's name was the talk of the whole nation after the ceremony. Though the general public was aware of how cold-hearted the prince was, his ability and power made them realize that the King made a great decision for the whole Joseon.

The ceremony was brief and precise. A banquet was held after it which was to honor Kwon Jiyong and his official consort, Park Sandara. While the Southern faction seemed satisfied with the results, the Northerners kept silent the whole event. Minister Kim couldn't help but feel indignant towards the King. Just the thought of Yi Sung giving Kwon Jiyong full access to the throne made him grit his teeth.

Kwon Jiyong was reinstated not just a common grand prince but following Yi Sung's edict, he is now carrying the title of Daewongun, which was a title for a King's father who never became a monarch. Being the only elder in the royal family, Yi Sung had always respected him like a son to a father, and thus such rank was given to him. 

The latter had a few reservations though, to show that he was not one bit interested with the throne— one, he wanted his name retained as it is, two, he remained living outside the palace. Yi Sung understood this, knowing the palace walls have so many eyes and ears. His uncle had a lot of personal tasks to finish which were too dangerous for other people to know about.

Yi Sung had also been receiving reports of sightings of beast-like creatures in the rural areas which when described, all pertained to imoogans. Knowing his uncle has the ability to handle the case best, he entrusted it to him, and even officially have him the military right to form his own men to hunt down imoogans.

Having received such edict, Kwon Jiyong found it easier to move around with Choi Seunghyun whom he appointed his general. The grumpy imoogi finally approved of Yi Sung, glad that the human finally made a good decision.

Kwon Jiyong had a long time pondering though if he should assign Moo Yeon to guard Sandara, but finally decided it would be better if he tasks Hong to do the job in the end. After what happened in Hwanghae, he doubted Sandara had forgiven Moo Yeon already. Besides, Moo Yeon is still better in assisting him, so the man retained his chiefdom in Kwon Jiyong's guards.

Meanwhile, Hong felt he was being punished instead. He already witnessed how bad their lady's temper was, what if he displeases her one day? And yet there's the fact that their lord dotes on their lady so much. If something unpleasant happens to her, wouldn't that amount to losing his life as well? Even Moo Yeon, His Highness' most trusted man, suffered twice from punishments he's never experienced before because of this woman! Hong knew his life was now treading the path between life and death. Just a small mistake and he shall meet his end.

Currently, Sandara was at their old house in Yeouju, a district near Hanyang, overseeing the cleaning and repairs needed before her mother and their servants arrive from Gyeongju. Since her father was promoted and would be working at the capital, their family had to move somewhere near. Kwon Jiyong insisted on giving one of his residences in his wide estate for her family to stay at to save them the time of cleaning and restoring the old family house, but her father politely turned the offer down. Sandara disapproved of it as well, not really wanting to depend on her husband's generosity and wealth.

While Hong stood stiffly watching their lady's every movements, Jo Sanggung suddenly arrived with Ryung in tow.

"Little Hong!" The old lady greeted making the nervous lad jump up from his spot.

"Jo Sanggung! Aisht!" The man clutched his chest as he glared at the old woman

"Why? Does hearing your name scare you this much? How could such a valiant guard be so jumpy, aigoo..." The old lady eyed him weirdly before handing him some packed snacks. "Go, eat with your men. I know you've been starving,"

Hong hesitated for a moment. How could he leave his post and eat to his heart's contents? If something suddenly happens to Her Highness while he was he was eating, wouldn't that amount to seeing the grim reaper before the day ends? Hong shook his head and stood up straight puffing his chest mightily. "Not eating,"

"Hyungnim! I'll guard Manim— I mean, Her Highness! So go eat it or else Jo Sanggung wouldn't give you some next time." Ryung butted in making Hong glare at him.

"What do you know about guarding Her Highness, little brat? If you want to eat, then you eat!"

"Alright!" Ryung shrugged his shoulders before taking Jo