Decisions

Another World

Goryeo continued to prosper following their empress's passing. Although the court made a case for the emperor to remarry so as to stabilize his power, So refused taking another consort, and even went as far as threatening the court that he would draw blood if they suggested it again. The ministers knew the emperor had long left his "wolf dog" days in the past, but were well aware he would take action if they provoked him any further. The 9th prince himself was sentenced to death by poison last month for attempting to usurp the throne. They did not dare irk the emperor's ire and decided to drop the topic completely from future meetings.

Ju, who had long joined the courtly meetings and had to listen to the same ridiculous requests like his father, continued to be disgusted with the elderly ministers and steeled himself for the future. He himself had wed a lady with a relatively unremarkable and humble background, but they had a good reputation and were loyal to the crown. Ju preferred it this way, as he did not need his wife's family to hold anything over him.

Ju had met Soo Jung while on an outing with his parents awhile back, and they had kept in touch until he revealed his intentions to his parents. After meeting her, they gave their approval, and Ju thus sought permission from her family. Although they were initially adverse to her marrying the crown prince, worried about the power struggles that occurred in the palace, Ju eventually won them over when he continued to show that he would care for and protect their daughter. Soo Jung herself had a strong will to survive in the palace and as the future empress. She was just the type of support that Ju needed, and he was thankful to have met someone like her.

The court had just adjourned and Ju made his way back to his quarters, when another figure approached him. As he turned to see who it was, he realized it was his half-cousin Ji Hye. She was the eldest daughter of his half-aunt Yeon Hwa and he tried to keep a grimace from forming on his face.

Although Yeon Hwa had failed in becoming the empress, she eventually married a nobleman chosen by her clan and gave birth to Ji Hye. Unfortunately, her schemes were still not over, and Ju himself became the target of her plans. Her latest scheme was attempting to convince him to take Ji Hye as his concubine.

Ji Hye came to a stop when she reached him and gave a bow, greeting him with a pretty smile.

"Greetings to the crown prince. I hope you have been doing well. The weather was so nice today, I was hoping to invite you to share a cup of tea with me."

"I am afraid I cannot do that as I have other matters to attend to. I appreciate your offer but will have to decline. To compensate you for your travels, please feel free to visit Damiwon. I am sure they will have the tea that you seek."

Ju made to leave but Ji Hye tried to stop him.

"Your highness, why do you shun me so? You know it would do you well to favor me."

Ju looked at her coldly.

"If your mother has been feeding you falsities, I would highly recommend you think more deeply about this topic. I am clearly not interested in you, and I am already happily married. What makes you think I would agree with that nonsense? Your mother is no different from the ministers who are pushing for my father to be remarried, and at his age at that!"

Ji Hye's face grew dark, and Ju could see her biting her lip in anger.

"Now, if you will excuse me. Have a good day," he said before brushing past her towards his quarters.

When he arrived, he met with Soo Jung who pulled him deeper into their room after the doors closed. He could tell something was wrong when she looked over his shoulder to make sure no one else had entered behind him.

"Soo Jung ah, what is wrong?"

She looked at him apprehensive before speaking in a quiet voice.

"I just came back from visiting Paeha...and he asked me to bring you immediately. No one else is to know of his current condition except for you, the princesses, and the 1st princess's consort."