When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 23: "Whispers of the Cherry Blossom"

The palace's stone walls bore silent witness to another clandestine meeting. Within the quiet confines of a private study, Minister Kim and Seo-Jin sat ensconced in hushed conversation.

"Do you remember," Seo-Jin asked, the day So-ra's mother died? You mentioned that the queen brought something back for Ji-Yeon."

Minister Kim nodded, his gaze far-off as he recalled the day. "Ah, yes," he murmured, his fingers trailing over an ancient scroll on his desk.

"Queen Hye-jin had indeed brought something from her travels. A certain... powder."

Seo-Jin's mind flashed back to the disturbing incident when Ayodele was accused of poisoning So-Ra's drink. "A powder?" He echoed, his voice thin. "Was it... Could it be...?"

Minister Kim nodded once again, his eyes meeting Seo-Jin's with a grim understanding. "Yes, the same one," he affirmed, the gravity of the revelation heavy in the air.

"So... this entire time," he began, his voice choking on the words, "The queen had the poison. And Ji-Yun... she used it to set up Ayodele?"

Minister Kim simply nodded, his aged face filled with regret. His eyes spoke volumes about the depth of palace intrigues, the webs of deceit spun behind the majestic essence of screens and beneath the glittering artistry.

"The palace is a battlefield, Seo-Jin," he said quietly, his voice barely more than a sigh. "The weapons may be different, but the war is very much a reality here."

"And Ayodele..." Seo-jin finally managed to utter her name, the pain evident in his voice. "She was accused unjustly."

"Yes," the Minister agreed solemnly. "The Crown Princess was simply caught in the crossfire."

" How come you haven't told the king that it was the queen's poison?"

"We can only observe sometimes, Seo-Jin." Minister Kim interrupted gently. "The truth is a dangerous weapon here. After all my job is to protect Ayodele, and that was done."

The tension in the room amplified as Minister Kim turned his gaze towards Seo-Jin. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

"Seo-Jin," he began, his voice carrying a stern note. "There's something else we need to discuss."

Seo-Jin looked up, his face reflecting his apprehension. He had a feeling he knew what was coming. He nodded in consent, steeling himself for the confrontation.

"I've noticed your affection for the Crown Princess," Minister Kim continued, his tone devoid of judgement. His words, however, hit Seo-Jin with slight discomfort.

Seo-Jin's face flushed. He remained silent, unsure of how to respond. It was one thing to harbour these feelings, but hearing them acknowledged by his father felt invasive.

"You must understand the situation, Seo-Jin," Minister Kim said, more softly now. "She is the Crown Princess. She is married to the Crown Prince. This path you're treading, it's dangerous."

"I am aware, abeoji," he finally said, his voice steady, reflecting his resolve.

Minister Kim studied his son's face. The stubborn set of his jaw, as he attempted to control his responses. Minister Kim sighed, knowing full well that his warning may have fallen on deaf ears.