The Most Troublesome Son

Spring Into Bloom

Epilogue

Queen Im anticipated the inevitable moment when her sons would embark on their independent journeys, believing it to be a distant future. However, the swiftness of time became evident when Muan Daegun, one of her sons, impregnated someone and chose to depart the palace with his new family. Despite this, she cheered herself, at least Yi Kang, Yi Hwan, and Yi Hyul were still staying beside her. However, her heart sank when Hwan-a sought permission to leave the palace.

Yi Hwan, unlike his siblings, perceived the palace as a confining prison where breathing was a challenge. His determination to break free from the palace was unwavering, and Queen Im sensed uncertainty about his return. Acknowledging her role as a mother, she understood that providing the best for Yi Hwan meant granting him the freedom to pursue his own happiness and lifestyle.

In preparation for Hwan's departure, Queen Im gathered all her sons for a final dinner together. It served as a poignant reminder that, whether they formed their own families or ventured far from home, she would always be a steadfast presence for them. Regardless of their journeys, she vowed to remain in her place, patiently waiting for their return whenever they felt lost.

Queen Im arranged food on the table as her sons seated around the table and joking around. They were talking about whether Yi Kang's future child would be a girl or a boy.

"A daughter is the best. No doubt about it," asserted Muan Daegun. Queen Im suppressed a chuckle at the sight of her still-immature son. However, after Muan Daegun embraced fatherhood, he began shouldering his responsibilities, frequently seeking guidance from the concubines and earnestly planning for his daughter's future. Queen Im, witnessing this newfound maturity in her second son, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Gyeseong Daegun interjected, "Hyungnim is the crown prince; he requires a male successor."

Adding to the conversation, Ilyeong Daegun remarked, "Moreover, our sister-in-law is desiring a son."

Curious, Yi Kang questioned his younger brother, "Did my wife tell you that?"

Ilyeong Daegun responded, "Yes, she observed Hodong-gun and me flying a kite yesterday. She expressed a desire to fly a kite with her son in the future. Eoma-mama, please don't put too much rice in my bowl," he added, shaking his head at Queen Im's generous portion.

Queen Im, noticing her son's weight loss, commented, "You've been losing weight lately," as she placed a reasonable amount of rice in front of him.

"These are all Hwan's favorite dishes," Muan Daegun pointed out, "Why aren't my favorite dishes on the table?" he pouted.

Queen Im shook her head. "Hwan-a will be leaving tomorrow, and I'm unsure when I'll have the chance to cook for him again. You visit the palace every day. I can cook your favorites occasionally," Queen Im explained, eliciting a wide smile from Muan Daegun.

"Why? Don't you like the food at your mansion?" Queen Im prodded.

"It's just different," Muan Daegun mumbled, eliciting snickers from his brothers.

"I thought you were content living outside the palace; you were the one who urged Sismso-gun to marry as soon as possible," Queen Im observed.

"I am enjoying my life, Eoma-mama. I just sometimes miss being scolded by you."

"Don't worry; I'll scold you next time. I heard you visited the flower house three days ago," Queen Im stated with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, causing Muan Daegun to pale and vigorously shake his head. "Eoma-mama, I just went there to drink. I swear, nothing happened," he pleaded.

Queen Im rolled her eyes and quipped, "You're fortunate that tonight is your younger brother's farewell party. If it weren't, I'd have already told you to roll up your pants, and I guarantee you'd have trouble walking."