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"Little Choi, how do people of Joseon survived in this small room all day?" Joy asked in boredom while Little Choi served her tea. 

Tea again...I have been drinking so much tea that it could last me a lifetime.

Little Choi smiled slightly as she poured Joy a cup of flower tea. She knew, and have been prepared for this moment. This small room certainly couldn't contain Joy for long but it sure has taken long enough for Joy to voice out her thoughts. She had expected Joy to complain about being locked up in her quarters all day during her first day as a Queen-- considering the fact that she kept finding ways to escape from being contained inside the small room back in Minister Min's house --but it came to her as a surprise that she didn't. Still, she knew the day when Joy finally announced that she is bored would come, no matter how late it is.

Joy glanced up at Little Choi, having a rough idea on what she must be thinking. "I find it fun being in the palace as a Queen during the first few weeks but soon grew bored of the palace. There's literally nothing much to do at the palace." Joy sighed. 

All they ever did in the palace was either walking around the royal gardens or staying in the Queen's quarter. Occasionally, she would be required to visit the elderly and inspect the different departments but other than that, she spent most of her time in her own quarters. Though she is the Queen, there are still restrictions within the palace. There are still places that she's not allowed in.

No wonder those evil queens in the historical drama like to bully the concubines. It's most likely because they are bored! 

Joy looked at the floating petals in her cup of tea. "Even staying in your Agassi's old house is more fun. At least I got to sneak out and roam around in the nearby market." 

"As if you didn't... Have you forgotten about that little adventure a few weeks ago?" Little Choi teased.

"That's a different story--wait, are you teasing me now? Are you?" Joy stood up, attempting to get closer to Little Choi.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Little Choi laughed. "Please be benevolent and forgive me."

Joy narrowed her eyes. "Alright, only if you passed me that yakgwa."

Just then, someone outside announced Eunuch Kim's arrival. Joy allowed him in, wondering to herself what brought the King's faithful attendant to her quarters.  She watches him greet her with a bow quietly, while remained seated in her Korean futon.

"I have come to relay a message from His Majesty."

Joy looked at Eunuch Kim curiously and granted him permission to speak. She listened carefully as he relayed the message and nodded once he is done. 

"Then we shall expect Your Majesty at the new timing." Eunuch Kim said and excused himself.

**********

"YOU GOT what? Repeat again!" Minister Kim shouted in rage. 

"I got expelled by Queen Dowager. It seems like she knew I'm from the Soron faction." Minkyung reported back.

"That old fox! It was not easy to get the foolish King to promote you the rank of favoured sang-gung, yet all our plans were destroyed because of that old fox!" Minister Kim continued to blabber in frustration. "But then again, that old fox always has a way to stop our plan."