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Chapter 4
“Who would dare say such a thing to you? No… never mind. You don’t need to answer.”
The warmth in Hwaran’s eyes disappeared, replaced by anger.
Sohwa also folded her arms with a displeased expression.
As an unspoken understanding passed between the two princesses—
the Queen arrived.
Taking her seat, she began offering her words of blessing for the new season, and everyone’s attention turned toward her.
But Hwaran’s gaze kept drifting back to Gyesan.
Her flawless posture.
So perfect it seemed unnatural for someone her age.
Hwaran simply couldn’t look away.
“What a blessing. His Majesty personally fastened it on you.”
Lady Hae smiled as gently as the spring breeze while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
As her slender fingers brushed her earlobe, the lotus-shaped gold earring hanging there chimed softly.
The other consorts gasped in admiration.
“How beautiful.”
“His Majesty really does send all the finest treasures to Yeonhwa Palace.”
Pleased with their reactions, Lady Hae smiled broadly.
While the Queen and the royal children enjoyed the Spring Flower Banquet at Nakhwa Pavilion, the other principal and lesser consorts gathered at a nearby pavilion to chat among themselves.
Lady Hae, who had no children, was attending the gathering for the first time.
Even so, she naturally became the center of attention.
After all, whenever the King appeared…
…he always came to her.
One of the lesser consorts set down her teacup.
“By the way, have you heard the rumors about the ghost in Jeongwol Palace?”
“Surely it’s only gossip?”
Lady Hae questioned it, but the conversation immediately shifted to the supposed ghost.
“A palace maid came back as white as a sheet.”
“She claimed she saw a woman dressed entirely in white standing in Jeongwol Palace’s courtyard with her hair hanging loose.”
“They even heard someone weeping.”
“My goodness.”
“Lady Kim did die such an unjust death.”
“They never even found the culprit.”
“She had only just regained His Majesty’s favor before that happened.”
“No wonder her spirit couldn’t rest.”
“Poisoning…”
“How horrifying.”
Each of the women added a comment while secretly glancing toward Lady Hae.
Jeongwol Palace housed the King’s lower-ranking consorts.
For the past ten years, Lady Hae had monopolized the King’s affection.
But a king’s heart was as fickle as reeds in the wind.
Last autumn, his attention had shifted to Lady Kim of Jeongwol Palace.
People had begun whispering that Lady Hae’s era was over.
Then, one day…
Lady Kim died suddenly.
Poison.
The King’s favor returned to Lady Hae.
And naturally, people suspected that she had been the one who poisoned Lady Kim.
“It truly was something that never should have happened.”
Lady Hae lowered her eyes with an expression of sorrow.
Just then, a small commotion arose nearby.
One of the palace maids announced,
“The banquet has concluded.”
The ladies exchanged polite farewells before leaving the pavilion.
Lady Hae straightened her robes and stepped outside as well.
Finding Gyesan wasn’t difficult.
She was the shortest among all the royal children, and her graceful walk naturally drew attention.
Lady Hae had no idea when Gyesan had improved so much.
Still…
It reflected well on her as the one responsible for the princess’s upbringing.
The other consorts noticed as well.
“The youngest princess has become so composed.”
“My, she’s changed so much in only six months.”
“How remarkable.”
The Gyesan who had attended with her mother the previous year had been a lively, carefree child.
Now she moved with flawless etiquette.
She almost seemed like a completely different person.
Listening to everyone’s praise, Lady Hae’s pride swelled.
“I’m simply glad our education has produced results.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be going.”
Gyesan also bowed elegantly before taking her place beside Lady Hae.
Maintaining impeccable posture as they walked, Gyesan glanced behind her.
Both Sohwa and Hwaran were speaking with their mothers.
I didn’t make any mistakes… did I?
Reviewing her performance in her mind, she continued walking.
After parting ways with Lady Hae and entering Mokseo Palace, Samcheon hurried over.
The two exchanged a glance before heading into the inner chambers.
The moment the door closed—
Gyesan burst into laughter.
“Everyone’s eyes practically popped out!”
“I guess they couldn’t believe I actually knew proper etiquette.”
“You’ve changed so much in such a short time.”
“I already knew all the etiquette.”
“I just never bothered following it.”
Pulling off the light ceremonial robe that fluttered like dragonfly wings, Gyesan changed clothes with Samcheon’s help before collapsing into a chair.
Samcheon removed the belongings from the discarded robes, folded the garments neatly, and placed them into the laundry basket.
“Now…”
“We wait.”
“Do you really think those two ladies will act?”
“The palace is full of people eager to tear each other apart.”
“There’s no way they’ll let this pass quietly.”
“That’s true.”
“Mother always warned me to be careful.”
“She said this was a place where someone could cut off your nose while your eyes were still open.”
“Which is exactly why Your Highness needs an adult you can trust.”
“My maid really is smart.”
Among the belongings on the table, Gyesan picked up the handkerchief.
Inside were the refreshments she had brought back from Nakhwa Pavilion.
“Eat.”
“You should, Your Highness.”
“I’ve already had enough.”
“This one tasted the best.”
She picked up one flower-shaped rice cake and gently pushed it into Samcheon’s mouth.
Chewing happily, Samcheon replied,
“You should have one too.”
“I told you, I’m full.”
“I don’t think I’ll even be hungry if they skip dinner tonight.”
“From now on, please stay inside.”
“Even if you hear a commotion, don’t come out.”
“Why?”
“It’s part of the plan.”
“No matter how noisy it gets…”
“Please stay inside.”
“Okay.”
Once she confirmed Gyesan had obediently remained seated, Samcheon stepped outside and firmly shut the door.
So far…
Everything had gone exactly as planned.
Sitting on the wooden porch, Samcheon took a deep breath.
As she slowly chewed the flower cake while waiting for their guest, something caught her eye.
A weed poking up from the flowerbed.
Walking over, she grabbed it firmly.
With all her strength, she tugged.
It came out roots and all.
The stem had been tough enough to leave her palm aching.
Still…
She’d won.
These cursed weeds always came back no matter how many times she pulled them.
Setting it aside, she searched for another.
Even removing only the weeds growing among the flowers made the garden seem less desolate.
She grabbed another target.
This one felt different.
It slid out far too easily.
Its stem was soft and delicate.
Oh…
That’s not a weed.
“I’m sorry.”
Apologizing to the nameless little plant, Samcheon carefully replanted it.
She covered its roots with soft soil and gently patted it down.
Come to think of it…
She remembered white little flowers blooming around here.
Will they bloom again this year?
Scratching the tip of her nose with her dirt-covered hand, Samcheon stared toward the main gate.
According to her calculations…
Lady Hae should arrive any moment now.
Why isn’t she here yet?
She began to grow nervous.
If someone else arrived first, everything could fall apart.
Perhaps because the tension had gone on too long, her stomach felt unsettled.
She slowly exhaled.
At that moment—
The gates of Mokseo Palace burst open.
Lady Hae stormed inside like an enraged bull.
She’s here.
Her anger already at its peak, Lady Hae walked straight over and struck Samcheon across the face without a word.
Smack!
Samcheon’s head snapped to the side as her body staggered.
Instinctively clutching her cheek, she barely had time to register the burning pain before Lady Hae shouted,
“What nonsense have you been whispering into the princess’s ears?”
“How dare you make Her Highness bring food back for you!”
“I… beg your forgiveness.”
Her shoulders trembling violently, Samcheon collapsed at Lady Hae’s feet.
Blood filled her mouth where she’d bitten the inside of her cheek.
She couldn’t tell whether the tears gathering in her eyes came from the pain…
…or the humiliation.
Pretending to shake in terror so she’d be beaten less severely—
a cold voice descended from above.
“Lift your head.”
Making sure not to bite through her tongue, Samcheon clenched her teeth and looked up.
As if she had been waiting for exactly that—
Lady Hae’s hand lashed out again.
Smack.
The blow landed on the very same cheek.
Samcheon crumpled sideways onto the floor.
No matter how prepared she’d been…
It still hurt.
A painful groan escaped her lips before she could stop it.
“Stop pretending.”
“Lift your head.”
Just as Lady Hae barked the order once more—
The door to the inner chamber flew open.
Gyesan came running out.
“Who do you think you are to hit Samcheon?!”
