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"Prime Minister Heo, what are you doing here at the court meeting?" A minister from the Noron faction asked. "Have you forgotten that you're still being suspended from your duties?"

The King looked at their exchange from his throne.

"I am here to discuss the issue of Lady Jang Ok Jung." Prime Minister Heo replied, before turning to face the King. "As I said before, she is like a daughter to me. Hence, I would like to discuss with all the ministers here and come up with the best solution that can help settle her in." The Prime Minister gave the King a smile.

"There's nothing to discuss it." The King said sternly. "Please leave this place now. You are still being suspended from duties."

The King swore he will never forgive Prime Minister Heo easily. Because of that few words from the Prime Minister's mouth, the relationship between Joy and him had turned sour. Not to forget, Prime Minister Heo is also the one who caused his mother's death.



"Your Majesty, have you forgotten that the child that she is carrying belongs to you?" Prime Minister Heo asked the King a rhetorical question.

"Fear not, my ministers." Prime Minister Heo continued, turning to address all the other ministers. "As the Prime Minister of Joseon, I have come up with a solution."

"What solution do you have in mind?" A minister from the Soron faction asked, clearly showing that he will still support the Prime Minister's idea even if it's absurd. Prime Minister smiled and faced the King once again. "Please let Lady Jang Ok Jung enter the palace. Let her become a concubine."

"What? This cannot be allowed!" A minister from Noron faction yelled.

"Why not? May I remind all ministers that Lady Jang Ok Jung now carries the child of the King." Minister Kim stepped up to say. "What's more is that this child is currently the only heir to the throne."

That minister quickly backed down upon hearing the last few words. After all, having an heir to the throne is very important, and is a grave matter.

The Prime Minister looked at the King, who has not spoken anything. He raised his head and looked at the King in the eye. Silence means consent. Prime Minister Heo thought.

"I guess it's settled then," He said, accepting the King's silence. "I believe, the next time we meet, it will be the announcement of Lady Jang Ok Jung's concubine status."

"Since I am still being suspended from duties," Prime Minister Heo said while looking at a particular minister from the Noron faction. That minister's eyes darted around, realizing that he had offended the Prime Minister by questioning his presence. "I shall take my leave now."

Once he finished his sentence, he proceeded to walk out.

The King watched the Prime Minister leave the grand hall. Once he disappeared, the King's eyes shifted and his focus was placed on Minister Min. Though Minister Min had said nothing to him since this news came about, the King knew that Minister Min is very disappointed in him. Minister Min caught the King looking at him, but he remained expressionless and said nothing.

**********

In 1686, Lady Jang Ok Jung became King Sukjong's concubine with the title of Suk-won

(숙원, 淑媛)

"Hey, have you heard?"

"What?"

"The new concubine."

"Oh, you mean Lady Jang?" The eunuch asked, to which the other eunuch nodded. "I heard about her? Why?"

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