When The Cherry Blossom Fades

Let her go

"Aeng?"

King Suk Seokju's brows knitted together as he waved off the servants.

The news that Chancellor Yi proposed Han Aeng as the bride caught the King off guard. Of all the things he had expected, this was not one of them - rather, this was never an option. Prime Minister Han's conflicting emotions in the past few days now made sense.

When Chancellor Yi suggested Han Aeng, Prime Minister Han's immediate response was logical worries about the court to stir Chancellor Yi's attention elsewhere. Now that reality prove it to be of no avail, he was more worried about Han Aeng leaving his side.

Prime Minister Han had mentally prepared himself for her marriage, only under the condition that the groom would be from nearby. The idea of marrying her off to another country was unthinkable.

Prime Minister Han avoided the King's gaze, speaking sincerely, "Yes, Your Majesty, but this Minister must express my opposition to this idea. This Minister humbly wishes for Her Highness to proceed as the bride for this alliance; Han Aeng is not a suitable candidate for such a heavy task."

The King's eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions. For the first time in a long while, the sure and confident Prime Minister Han seemed stressed and anxious as he silently stared at his clasped hands.

"Sunmi wasn't big on this marriage, and she made a fuss about it. While I was not expecting Aeng to be the next candidate, as the King, I have no objection to complying with the proposed candidate." The King replied solemnly.

"Sunmi was not in favor of this marriage and made her objections known. Although I did not expect Aeng to be the next candidate, as the King, I have no objections to complying with the proposed candidate," the King replied solemnly. He was well aware of the implications of sending Han Aeng as the bride to Shangwei. It could potentially give Minister Jang an opportunity to disrupt the balance that he and Prime Minister Han had worked so hard to achieve in the court. However, the personal benefits might outweigh the risks.

King Suk Seokju observed Prime Minister Han's face contorting between anger and agony before sighing with a mix of emotions. The way Prime Minister Han's expression fell indicated his unhappiness with the progression of the alliance. Just a few days ago, the only unresolved matters were the number of troops to send to Shangwei along with the bride. Now, there was a debate about who the bride should be, when it was never supposed to be up for negotiation.

"Your Majesty, this Minister knows not what Chancellor Yi is planning but humbly objects to the idea. This Minister does not wish to pose as treason waiting to happen and give reasons for Minister Jang and others to pick fault with me."

"You and I both know that sending away Aeng is the best way to show your loyalty to me."

The King didn't believe Prime Minister Han's words. Their relationship went beyond the realm of king and minister, and the King could sense that Prime Minister Han was facing a dilemma for more than one reason.

"The problem doesn't lie with you as my minister; the problem lies with you as her father." King Seokju's eyes unexpectedly softened. Obviously, Prime Minister Han didn't care if Minister Jang found fault with him or besmirched his name; his concern was Han Aeng leaving his side. "Seungkyu-ah, stop speaking like a minister and talk to me as a brother and as Aeng's father. Do you want to give her away?"

King Seokju and Prime Minister Han were childhood friends. Growing up, they relied on each other; they shared their happiness and sadness. Under different circumstances, they would have been brothers-in-law. Their familiarity with each other meant King Seokju would call for Prime Minister Han without a second thought if he was troubled, and the same applied for Prime Minister Han - although he hadn't done so in years.