Chapter 90

The Emperor, who was moving with long strides, stopped. In response, the guards standing at a certain distance also stopped and paid their respects.

“What?”

Chief Eunuch Wan was extremely apologetic at the Emperor’s angered voice.

“I humbly report, but I am afraid a tree in the Giryung Palace orchard was struck by lightning and caught fire. Fortunately, Consort Gwi-bi discovered the fire quickly, and it did not spread to other areas.”

“Consort Gwi-bi discovered the fire?”

“It seems the Gwi-bi happened to wake up early and was nearby.”

“Any injuries?”

“We are told the Gwi-bi put out the fire personally and was unharmed, but I will confirm again. They say the burned tree will be cut down and removed, and the other tree that was planted as a pair will also be dug up and relocated. Consort Gwi-bi has requested permission to move and plant a dogwood tree from Goksan.”

“Grant it.”

At the Emperor’s words, Chief Eunuch Wan signaled to a eunuch he had prepared in advance. The face of Chief Eunuch Wan, who was following the Emperor, was troubled.

“Your Majesty.”

“What is it?”

Chief Eunuch Wan opened his mouth much more cautiously than before.

“Recently, unfavorable incidents have been occurring consecutively in the Giryung Palace. The fact that the tree was struck by lightning and burned today will soon be known throughout the Imperial Palace. It is only because the Giryung Palace court ladies are so discreet that the incident that occurred at dawn has not yet been widely reported. It is said that the collapse of the wall previously is still unsettling to many.”

The Emperor cast a silent gaze at Chief Eunuch Wan’s words. The look was fiercely menacing.

“…”

Despite the harsh gaze, Chief Eunuch Wan firmly continued his speech.

“The collapse of the palace wall is due to the Giryung Palace being neglected for a long time without an owner, but it is by no means a good omen. The fact that lightning struck a tree cannot be considered good either.”

“So.”

“What do you think of refraining from visiting the Giryung Palace for a while, given the ominous signs?”

The collapse of the palace wall and the tree being struck by lightning and burned were matters that could not be ignored. He knew without looking how much the ministers who would soon enter the Imperial Audience Hall would speak of Consort Gwi-bi’s lack of virtue and seditiousness. Yesterday, they had already raised their voices, saying that Consort Gwi-bi should be warned not to act rashly due to the Emperor’s excessive favor.

“Tell Consort Gwi-bi that I will hear her Geomungo performance another time, as she must have been surprised today.”

“I obey your command. I am sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty, but…”

Chief Eunuch Wan, who was bowing his head, continued to speak.

“And, what now?”

The Emperor replied with clear impatience.

“I humbly apologize. Dam So-ui of the Donhu Palace is said to have refused food for three days. It seemed that Dam So-ui was unwell and unable to eat. The Head Court Lady and court ladies of the Donhu Palace are greatly worried about their master.”

“The Imperial Physician?”

“Dam So-ui is said to have refused, saying she was not ill enough to see the Imperial Physician.”

Seonjae’s face crumpled fiercely upon hearing the eunuch’s words. The man made no attempt to hide his look of annoyance.

Chief Eunuch Wan, who was relaying the news, lowered his head deeply, as this was expected. He only hoped the Emperor would not become too angry.

A consort refusing to eat and having the news relayed was one of the common ways to attract the Emperor’s attention. It was so typical that the current Emperor usually did not even acknowledge it. If it were any other consort, Chief Eunuch Wan would not have reported it.

Recently, the Emperor had become negligent towards Dam So-ui. Outwardly, things were no different than before. Dam So-ui was still the consort the Emperor cherished the most, and when bestowing gifts, the most valuable item, regardless of rank, was his share.

However, the favor had clearly diminished compared to immediately after his entry into the palace. Although he visited Dam So-ui more frequently than other consorts, he often left quickly.

“I will go to the Donhu Palace.”

The Emperor commanded, turning his footsteps.

“I obey your command.”

Chief Eunuch Wan quickly moved to follow the Emperor’s side.

“And the Empress?”

“The Empress’s cough has worsened since yesterday, and she has been spending most of her time alone, except when paying respects to the Empress Dowager.”

“Command Imperial Physician Jin to examine the Empress.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Seonjae gave commands to Chief Eunuch Wan regarding the movements of the consorts and royal relatives until just before entering the Donhu Palace.

At the Emperor’s sudden visit, the court ladies of the Donhu Palace moved quickly. [Read on RanaTranslations🌸] Relief and pride spread across their faces at the Emperor’s arrival, which was much earlier than expected.

Unlike the delighted court ladies, the inner chamber of the Yechun Pavilion was quiet.

“I greet His Majesty the Emperor. May Your Majesty enjoy great fortune. Your Majesty, why have you honored this humble place with your presence when you are busy with state affairs?”

Dam So-ui greeted the Emperor inside the pavilion at his sudden visit. As the news of him fasting for three days suggested, his gentle face had a darker complexion than usual and lacked strength.

“To call the Donhu Palace humble. I chose and prepared the very best pavilion for you, close to my own chamber and also close to the Empress’s Palace.”

Seonjae personally helped Dam Seo-jun up from his bow.

“I apologize. The Donhu Palace is beautiful, but I worried that this humble person as its master might make even the noble chamber look humble.”

Dam So-ui said with a gloomy expression, guided by the Emperor’s hand. Seonjae seated him next to himself and asked with a friendly face:

“Where are you unwell?”

“There is no particular ailment. [Read on RanaTranslations🌸] For some reason, I feel weak and my energy drains away easily.”

“You look very unwell.”

“No, Your Majesty…”

As if emotion welled up at the Emperor’s concern, Dam So-ui’s voice trembled slightly. The face, tinged with sorrow, shook its head.

“If you are sick, you should see the Imperial Physician.”

“It’s not that serious….”

“Jun-ah, if you are sick and refuse the Imperial Physician, do you not know that word will reach me? If you are sick, why call me? If you are sick, you should call the Imperial Physician and take care of your health.”

The Emperor’s voice was gentle, and his smiling face was as friendly as ever, but his words were cold. Dam So-ui’s face stiffened in confusion at the direct statement pointing out that he had stopped eating to gain the Emperor’s attention.

Dam So-ui, who had been pointedly rebuked, blushed with shame.

“Y-Your, Your Majesty. This Consort… When Consort Gyo was sick, you stayed by her side…!”

“I looked after Consort Gwi-bi because she drank Baekhong and ja-an-hong tea. Eunuchs cannot personally attend to a consort, and court ladies have difficulty caring for a male consort. Also, I told you that Consort Gwi-bi is none of your concern. Have you forgotten?”

“I have not forgotten.”

Dam So-ui’s reddened face blurred with tears.

“If you are sick, why are you not eating? You must eat to recover from illness. You wouldn’t be unaware that a consort refusing to eat makes things difficult for everyone around her?”

The Emperor continued his cold scolding with a benevolent expression and tone. Dam So-ui, who had been stiff with embarrassment, finally burst into tears.

“I am, I am sorry.”

Dam So-ui knelt before the Emperor, sobbing.

“Get up.”

Dam So-ui shook his head at the Emperor’s command, begging for forgiveness. The tears flowing down his sorrowful face would not stop.

“I did not scheme to trouble Your Majesty or worry others. Please believe me. However, I am happy that Your Majesty has visited me. I know I am childish… But, Your Majesty is the only person I can rely on in the Imperial Palace.”

“Get up.”

Seonjae reached out his hand and helped Dam So-ui sit up. Dam So-ui’s face, sitting next to the Emperor, was covered in tears.

“The Empress is often sick, making her difficult to visit, and there are many consorts who have been together for a long time and are closer to her than I am. I am poorly educated, I am a man, and I am still unfamiliar with the customs of the Imperial Palace and the nobility, so I make mistakes often. I have no friends inside the consort palace.”

Dam So-ui said in a sorrowful voice, tears streaming down his face.

“Should I become your friend?”

At the low-pitched question, Dam So-ui blinked his eyes, which were still profusely shedding tears, in surprise. The Emperor looked indifferently at the face, which was clearly bewildered.

“Y-Your, Your Majesty. This humble, humble consort… I apologize, please withdraw those terrifying words.”

“You are the consort I cherish the most.”

The Emperor’s voice was cold and low. No emotion could be felt in the soft, deep tone. Seonjae slightly relaxed his expression, seeing Dam So-ui, who was so shocked and bewildered that he could not even think to beg for forgiveness.

“I am undeserving.”

“Do not worry those around you too much.”

“Yes… Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Do not skip meals, either; your face has become too thin in just a few days.”

“I am sorry.”

Although warmth and friendliness were added to the Emperor’s expression, Dam Seo-jun’s stiff expression would not ease. He could not forget the look of displeasure the Emperor had shown.

The moment he saw that face, he recalled his own posture of kneeling and trembling, bowing his head deeply to pay respect to the royalty, as he did before entering the palace. A feeling of humiliation surged up at his own attitude, which had almost become subservient again.

The Emperor was an exalted being. However, he had not expected the man before him to reveal that aspect and show such intimidation. He had believed the cold and arrogant Emperor was a face reserved for when he protected him from others.

“Your Majesty. I know this is rude, but there is one thing I wish to ask.”

“Speak.”

“Do you still trust this Consort the most?”