When The Cherry Blossom Fades

And if I insist?

It's been a month since Chancellor Yi was introduced to the court as Shangwei's Envoy and a few days since they held an official meeting to discuss the alliance. That meeting, however, was only a ceremonial convention as the real conversations happened behind closed doors in the King's study - without venomous snakes stirring trouble.

Prime Minister Han and Chancellor Yi had grown quite familiar during this lengthy period: and in exchange for the hospitality Chancellor Yi showed when he was in Shanghai, Prime Minister Han had invited Chancellor Yi to his residence for some wine.

"Chancellor Yi, come. I'll show you my prized possessions. After my daughter, this is the other thing I pride myself in." So speaking, Prime Minister Han stood up and guided Chancellor Yi to his study, making small talk on the way.

"Chancellor Yi has perhaps heard of The Dragon Blade?"

"Of course! The Dragon Blade, late Great Grand Master Tsurugi's final work. I heard that each sword was a deadlier renditioning of the previous and that he created the seven swords as part of his attempt to complete his master's weaponry."

ate Great Grand Master Tsurugi, a famous swordsmith of Noonan descent, had spent his life under the legendary weaponsmith Late Great Grand Master Hak from Jeontu.

Late Great Grand Master Hak was the individual who heightened Jeontu battle equipment. He provided lighter but stronger swords, sabre, staff, and spear, all of his collection of Dokkaebi's weaponry. His disciple, late Great Grand Master Tsurugi, followed his master's footsteps and added to the Dokkaebi's weapons with a lightweight bow and arrows.

He additionally attempted to rectify his master's existing work - which he proved to be successful. However, during his last days, late Great Grand Master Tsurugi became adamant that he would withhold the Dragon Blade, his final work, from the public and endeavoured to erase all his previous attempts. It's assumed that the seventh, the perfect Dragon Blade, is buried with the late Great Grand Master Tsurugi.

"Yes! The first three blades were destroyed by the late Great Grand Master Tsurugi, and the fourth one by his son, Grand Master Tsurugi. Other than the final Dragon Blade that is with late Great Grand Master Tsurugi in his grave, two are still out somewhere in the Clouds of Serenity. And, as luck would have it-" Prime Minister Han paused briefly by his sword stand, and one swift motion pulled out a thin and elegant dark grey sword. "one is here with me."

Chancellor Yi was stunned. Having once set his eyes on the Dragon Blade as a gift for his Emperor, he now realized that the rumors had not done justice to the magnificence of the sword.

Unlike most swords, the Dragon Blade was dark grey, thin, and possessed a unique silhouette. It was the most beautiful sword Chancellor Yi had ever encountered, though he admittedly lacked a deep understanding of the arts of war.

Seeing Chancellor Yi's speechless expression, Prime Minister Han briefly explained his prized possession as he ran his fingers along the length of the sword. "It's the fifth rendition of the Dragon Blade. It's made out of carbon steel, strong and flexible enough to absorb an extensive amount of mass shock at any point of the length of the sword without cracking or breaking. My saving grace during many battles."

"Hahaha, Prime Minister Han, you are a commendable man. Not only humorous but successful as well. Obtaining the Dragon Blade, truly you are worth the name of -" Chancellor Yi's words slowly trailed off as his eyes followed the Dragon Blade's tip to a painting.

"Prime Minister Han, this girl?" Right by the Sword stand was a painting of a young girl that seemed oddly familiar to Chancellor Yi. Bright doe-like eyes, velvety eyelashes, a cute button nose, rosy cheeks and a gorgeous smile—an awfully admirable sight.

"Ah, that child." A complicated look of joy and pain flittered past Prime Minister Han's face.

Over the years, that child became his sole reason for existence, his drive for a living. Her absurd attempts to make him smile, childish promise to marry him when she's older, and concerned scolding whenever he got hurt, everything she did as a child and continues to do now, are all things he treasured. But she was a particularly sensitive topic to Prime Minister Han, indeed a tender subject.

"She's Princess Sunmi's Lady Royal. Her name is Han Aeng, my beloved daughter."

"The girl who was playing the Bipa in the courtyard that day? I saw her a few times afterwards. She is a magnificent young girl. Prime Minister Min, a lucky father you are," Chancellor Yi complemented. Having only male descendants, Chancellor Yi grew quite fond of Han Aeng's bright conduct every time they had met.

Truly, what a charming young girl.

"Lucky? How am I lucky, Chancellor Yi? His Majesty favours her so much that many people consider her a princess rather than a minister's daughter. Still, she's under the eyes of so many who hate me, and she is dragged into the power struggle of Jeontu. At all times, her life is in danger. I would go any length and do everything in my power if I could get her safe and sound away from this mess." Prime Minister Han confessed, revealing his deep concern for his daughter's well-being.

When Prime Minister Han went to the battlefront, he sent Han Aeng out of Jeontu in fear for her life. Those eight years might as well be the only time Han Aeng knew peace. She grew up safely and beautifully, returning as a well-versed, gentle, refined, playful and charming young girl. Unfortunately, with the nature of her identity being problematic, she was immediately thrown into the fiery abyss that was Jeontu's politics.

Sudden realisation hit Prime Minister Han; the wine had led him to run his mouth.

"Chancellor Yi, please forget what I said. It seems like I've had too much to drink. Please head back for today." Prime Minister Han promptly placed back the Dragon Blade and prepared to leave when Chancellor Yi's voice held him back.

"As a father, I understand your worry. As your friend, I see a way to help you. You desire to keep her away from the power struggles, and what better way to ensure her safety than by removing her from the danger itself?" Chancellor Yi had picked up beneficial information from Prime Minister Han's emotional state. He saw the perfect opportunity and wasted no time putting his plan into action. "Let us ask for Han Aeng as a bride."

Give his daughter away? No way!

"Chancellor Yi! While I wish the best for my daughter, I won't give her away and most definitely do not wish to go against the King!" Even in his intoxicated state, Prime Minister Han was well aware of the implication that would follow if Han Aeng were to be married to Shangwei.

He was the one to push the alliance in the name of stabilising the current unrest. If his daughter were to be married off as the bride, wouldn't that mean he's working to create a personal alliance outside the Kingdom? He frankly couldn't bear the weight of such an accusation. With his history as a war hero and head strategist, people may conclude that he plans a rebellion against the crown. Then wouldn't that ruin the whole purpose of trying to marry the princess off? In turn, it would render him powerless and unable to protect Han Aeng?

While Prime Minister Han was worried about how the people, more specifically the court, might react to the idea of Han Aeng being married off to Shangwei, Chancellor Yi was utterly set on Han Aeng.

On the one hand, he was thoroughly satisfied with her character and the way she carried herself. From the King to the ordinary ministers, this girl was praised and adored, and he could see why. He had seen the young girl on many occasions, and it was clear that she was a highly virtuous and cheerful girl - very much suitable for His Highness, the Seventh Prince.

On the other hand, Chancellor Yi had accidentally discovered that Han Aeng had many connections to Jeontu's foundation, as well as being well acquainted with many of Jeontu's major merchants. Most importantly, she had proved her worth by being Jeontu's war hero's heart - a hidden trump card that would lead to much needed military support in the future.

Chancellor Yi walked up to Prime Minister Han and placed his hand on the latter's shoulder. "And what if I insist?"