Empress Handbook

Chapter Three| Tiger on The Prowl

"Hello, Song Yeoreum-ssi. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Yunhee's stern voice emerges through the pearl curtains around the daybed. Her monotony makes her sound like she doesn't mean a word she said.

The hard timber floor beneath Yeoreum's knees pierces a blunt pain through her bones. With her head bowed in silence, she is bewildered over how different Yunhee seems in real life.

The gold phoenix hairpin on the side of Yunhee's braided bun shines a ravishing dazzle over her mirthless smile. "Well, I will not mince my words with you, Empress. You come from a lower-middle-class family that is struggling financially. I would like you to leave everything behind from that life to represent the Imperial Family."

A sticky feeling slithers over Yeoreum's neck like a noose. She never saw herself as a headstrong person, but the scarce place her family possesses in her heart is something she will throw her life away to protect. Without even realising it, she has already risen from the ground.

"I am sorry, Your Highness. My family is not the richest, but we are polite with each other," Yeoreum snaps. The smooth rouge Kashan Persian rug beneath her knees rubs against her rose-pink hanbok, producing a quiet crinkle. "I do not believe measuring one's behaviour with one's social-economic background or financial situation is fair. Yes, my family has debts, but I did not cause them—my father did. And he is now trying his best to redeem himself. If I remember correctly, one of the Imperial Family's core values is compassion. I do not believe that the statement you made reflects any compassion, Your Highness."

"No, I am not expecting you to behave politely. I am expecting you to behave like a true imperiality, Empress." Yunhee prims her lips. "I believe my statement was as compassionate as it could be judging from the level of disrespect you just displayed by talking back at me."

The formidable authority in Yunhee's voice threatens Yeoreum to calm down. She steels herself.

"I apologise if I offended you, Your Highness," Yeoreum utters. "However, it is only natural for one to respond to another person's words. It cannot be that you expect me to listen to degrading comments on my family without a word, Your Highness?"

"Again, you prove my point on why you should leave your old life behind, Empress. I wholeheartedly welcome you to this family as long as you do not diminish the status of the Imperial House, Empress Consort of the Empire of Korea," Yunhee says, stressing her words to remind Yeoreum of her new status. Yunhee's tone is slightly gentler than before, but her chilling connotation does not change. "It is okay, though, Empress. You will improve because Emperor and I will assist you to the best of our abilities."

Yeoreum purses her lips in thought. "Yes, I understand, Your Highness."

Yunhee smiles and gestures for Yeoreum to come forward. "Okay, would you like to come and look at the flower I have selected for your emblem?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Yeoreum says as she walks to the daybed on a raised platform.

Assistant Byun brings a silver prototype to Yeoreum on a wooden platter. "Please have a look, Miss Song."

"This is made of silver because it is just a sample. The actual emblem badge would be made of white gold. I chose Shasta daisies to be your personal emblem because I think it suits you well." Yunhee narrows her eyes. "Do you like it?"

Yeoreum hesitantly curls her fingers. She knows nothing about the emblems and flowers, but something at the back of her mind tells her to be cautious with responding.

The door flushes open with a clank. Taehyung marches to the main palace with anger ironing his features.

"Good afternoon, Mother." Taehyung bows before he looks to Yeoreum. "Hello, Yeoreum-ssi."