The Last Imoogi

The Two Ming Princes

At Kwon Jiyong's estate within the Imperial City, Emperor Zhu's eunuch arrived with another invitation. Kwon Jiyong sat majestically on the seat of honor at the main receiving hall. Not even minding to accept the scroll, Kwon Jiyong waited until Sandara finally arrived and sat beside him.

"What is it this time?" She asked Kwon Jiyong in a hushed voice, side eyeing the eunuch with remorse.

"The emperor is asking for me." Kwon Jiyong answered in a big voice, loud enough for the eunuch and the imperial guards to hear. "Should I go?"

Sandara smirked. Whatever it is that's going on inside Kwon Jiyong's head, she had no idea about. However, she wanted to give the emperor a piece of her mind. Linking her arm around his husband's, Sandara leaned on Kwon Jiyong's shoulder.

"Since the emperor has called for you, then you must go, right? But... Are you fine now? Weren't you so disappointed with how the palace handled the event? What I experienced was such a disgrace and insult to Joseon! You even left the party because you were so enraged because of what they did to me! Oh, I didn't know both Emperor Zhu and Princess Yunhe were poor hosts."

Kwon Jiyong gawked at Sandara after hearing her speak! She had the gall to say those things in front of all Ming people inside the estate! He was only asking her to let everyone know he greatly favors her so that no one would dare harm her but look at this woman! The moment she opened her mouth, she immediately launched fireballs at the enemies! With an amused smile, Kwon Jiyong dotingly patted her head before facing the eunuch.

"You've heard this Lord's wife. We were greatly disappointed by yesterday's chaotic event. However, since Emperor Zhu and I had been friends for so long, I shall let this matter pass and accept his invitation, on the condition that my wife has to come with me. Should there be an issue with that, let me know immediately so we can avoid wasting each other's time and head back to Joseon as soon as possible."

Again, everyone fell silent at Kwom Jiyong's words and the eunuch could only bow and receive his response. Meanwhile, all the servants and guards who overheard the conversation couldn't help but wonder why Kwon Jiyong's words had more weight and felt even more frightening than the emperor's when he was just a mere grand internal prince of a smaller Kingdom. When everyone was gone, Kwon Jiyong turned to Sandara with a scrutinizing gaze.

"This is got to be one of the most dangerous weapons I've ever possessed." Kwon Jiyong caressed her lips with the pad of his thumb before bending down to kiss her. "You are always one step ahead. How come?"

Sandara grinned smugly. "I used to take huge steps just to get close to you and now I'm a step ahead? I should congratulate myself then! I've worked hard!"

"Silly!" Kwon Jiyong pinched her cheeks before standing up, taking her hand in his as he led her down to the main gates.

"Where are we going?"

"Downtown. I'm sure you'll like it."

"Just the two of us? How about Moo Yeon and Hong?"

"I am with you. Do you still need anyone else?"

Sandara rolled her eyes at her husband upon seeing his dark expression. Despite being an imoogi, he could really be petty at times.

The market in Hanyang cannot compare to that in the Imperial City. Her feet were already in pain and yet, they haven't completed going around just yet. When they stopped by a famous tea shop to rest and have some refreshments, Sandara noticed something before they entered the private room Kwon Jiyong reserved.

"Your Highness, aren't those Jurchens?" Sandara whispered and pointed at a group of people down the dining hall. Kwon Jiyong only nodded and pulled her into the room.