Chapter 5: The Fierce World of Flowers and Hongwi (1)

It had been four days since Xiaoming arrived in Joseon. In those four days, Yunseo learned a great deal. The most surprising thing was that each palace and the residences of the concubines were independently structured, with little interaction between them. Each palace or hall had its own eunuchs, palace maids, and servants, and they managed their households separately. Moreover, it was said that the Queen and the King did not receive daily greetings in person but instead sent a palace eunuch named Chaebeon to inquire about their well-being.

Hongwi, who was only three years old, was being cared for in a separate pavilion within the Yanghwadang, the residence of Consort Yang, a concubine of King Sejong, who would later become Consort Hye. Hongwi was under the care of Consort Yang because the Crown Princess had passed away. It was also mentioned that Hongwi's wet nurse, who was currently away from the palace due to a cold, was Lady Yi, the mother of Consort Yang.

'So, that's why Consort Hye and her son, Prince Hannam, and others like Prince Yeongpung, died trying to protect Danjong.'

'The fate of a concubine and the illegitimate children of the king can be decided by who is chosen as the next king, and the lives of the eunuchs, palace maids, and servants are even more precarious.'

Yunseo was not pleased to find herself in a medieval setting where one's fate was so dependent on others, but no matter how much she grumbled and fiddled with the gold ring, she gradually accepted the fact that she could not return.

As soon as she accepted the reality, she entered a mode of strategic planning, using all the knowledge she had learned, seen, heard, and felt to survive.

Since the incident with the poisoned pastry, Palace Maid Park had been glaring fiercely and remained vigilant. However, the future events that would befall Hongwi were not something that could be prevented by a single palace maid's glare.

"Madam, how are the current power dynamics among the palace women? And which faction does Jeon Geun belong to?"

While having dinner, Yunseo asked, and Palace Maid Park put down her chopsticks and scrutinized Yunseo carefully. 'Has the child changed so much? Did the poison bring a spirit into her?' she seemed to be thinking.

"The poison seems to have cleared my mind, and now I can see many things. I have been in the palace for almost ten years, haven't I?"

Park muttered, "Well, you were so foolish before, but if you can understand what you overhear in important places, you could outshine many officials." Then, she drew a map of the palace's power dynamics for Yunseo.

"Jeon Geun, the head of the Office of Palace Attendants, and Palace Maid Jo are on the same side. They are 'sworn siblings' and have been close since they were young, combining their forces. However, they are devoted to serving only His Majesty and have no other intentions."

When Park mentioned 'sworn siblings,' she winked, indicating that their relationship was more than just colleagues.

Well, that was not of Yunseo's concern. Just because someone lacks a male partner doesn't mean they can't have feelings.

More importantly, it was significant that Jeon Geun had allied with Grand Prince Suyang early on and played a crucial role in the sudden death of King Munjong and the beginning of Hongwi's downfall during the Gyeiu Jeongnan.

"Humans' true intentions and character are often unknown even to themselves until they face a test. Jeon Geun's faction is one we must consider as an enemy. Who stands in opposition to them?"

"It's us, of course. We, who serve the most noble person after His Majesty, the Eastern Palace's Lady Eom Jachil, and I."

"Very well. Then, Madam and Lady Eom must soon determine which of the palace maids in the Eastern Palace are truly trustworthy. And, Madam, is there anyone outside the palace who is particularly skilled at amassing wealth and power?"

Park's eyes, hidden behind her wrinkles, sparkled.

"I have a slave named Nosandae who is very clever and capable. After all, a palace maid's salary is not much, but it is thanks to Nosandae that I have amassed such a fortune. His adopted daughter is a courtesan at Daewon Pavilion, and she has a beautiful voice. Thanks to her, we were able to buy land cheaply from men who were obsessed with gambling or women and willing to sell their fields to take a concubine."

Oh, what a good combination!

A courtesan with a beautiful voice would naturally have many connections with the aristocrats who enjoy such entertainment, and the fact that she and her father have been able to amass such wealth suggests that she is not only talented but also ambitious.

"Very well, Madam. Once the busy period of the royal return is over, I would like to meet Nosandae and his adopted daughter, the courtesan."

"Of course. Whoever put poison in your throat, I will catch them and make them beg for mercy. I will also find out what kind of poison it was and put enough in the throats of those foolish ones to ensure they don't die."

This lady really talks like she's going to cause trouble.

****

The next day, Yunseo was particularly careful in dressing Hongwi. It was the day they would pay respects to His Majesty and the Queen, who had returned to the palace late last night.

And that 'His Majesty' was none other than 'King Sejong'!

The most revered ruler in the five-thousand-year history of the Korean people, and the one who created the great Hangeul, freeing us from the suffering of illiteracy.

The thought of even seeing his face from a distance kept Yunseo awake all night.

"Little Master, what kind of person is Grandfather?"

While fastening a golden belt over Hongwi's dark brown danryeong, Yunseo asked in a voice only Hongwi could hear.

Hongwi, with his jet-black eyes sparkling, thought for a moment and then answered in one word.

"Everything."

"Pardon?"

"Everything!" the three-year-old replied matter-of-factly.

It was a response that suggested a palace maid had no right to ask such a question about Grandfather.

His already chubby cheeks puffed up even more as he tried to convey his point.

You little rascal, you're not just cute but also incredibly sharp.

Yunseo couldn't help but kiss Hongwi's cheek, finding him too adorable.

Hongwi, placing his hands on his cheek, opened his eyes wide.

"You're too cute, I'm sorry, Little Master."

As Yunseo whispered, Hongwi suddenly covered his face with his small fingers, blushing.

"Everything, you're a palace maid."

Even as he scolded her for overstepping, the corners of his mouth turned up shyly.

His expression was heart-meltingly cute but also made Yunseo's heart ache.

You must not have received much affection, our Hongwi.

Big sister, no, a very distant descendant, will love you a lot from now on.

While Yunseo was making this heartfelt vow, the door slid open, and a woman in a deep purple silk dangui with gold patterns entered.

She had a gentle appearance, typical of a woman in her late thirties, but her eyes were sharp, as befitting a palace woman.

Everyone except Hongwi bowed to the woman.

"We greet Consort Yang."

She was Consort Yang of Yanghwadang, who would later become Consort Hye. She was the one whom King Sejong favored during a visit to the Eastern Palace to see the ailing Crown Prince, and he bestowed his favor upon her because she was taking care of him.

Though her peak beauty had passed, her charm had matured into a refined elegance.

While Yunseo was recalling historical facts, Consort Yang sat in front of the heir and opened her arms.

"Little Master, come here. We need to get ready to greet Grandfather and Grandmother."

Her voice was filled with affection.

However, Hongwi turned away from Yang and clung to Yunseo.

"I want to go with Naei."

Consort Yang raised an eyebrow at Yunseo.

'Why is the child, who usually follows me, avoiding me?'

Her gaze was questioning.

"Madam, you have been very busy welcoming His Majesty and the Queen back from Onyang. Perhaps he has become unfamiliar with you after a few days without seeing you."

"Ah!"

Consort Yang nodded and made a gesture of bowing to the heir.

"Little Master, I had a lot to do to welcome His Majesty and the Queen. After today's greeting, I will be by your side again."

"I want to go with Naei."

Despite Consort Yang's heartfelt apology, the young child remained stubborn.

"Then, go with Palace Maid Kwon, Little Master."

Consort Yang spoke kindly, nodded at Yunseo, and then walked out, her elaborate skirt swaying.

The residences of King Sejon's concubines, including Consort Yang's, were clustered to the northwest of Gyotaejeon, the residence of Queen Sohyeon.

The largest was Hyeolakdang, the residence of the highest-ranking concubine, Lady Kim, and the second largest was Yanghwadang, the residence of Consort Yang.

"Hold the Little Master well and follow me."

Consort Yang, dressed in a long, deep purple jacket adorned with pearls, rubies, and other jewels, and with three elaborate hairpins in her hair, was a sight to behold.

As they left Yanghwadang, a grand pavilion with a soaring gate came into view. It was Hyeolakdang, the residence of Lady Kim, the most favored concubine of King Sejong.

As they approached Hyeolakdang, the gate opened, and people poured out.

At the front was a woman in a red silk dangui with gold lotus patterns, her head adorned with a profusion of jewelry.

'Lady Kim!'

Yunseo, holding the heir, tensed up.

Lady Kim.

A former palace maid who became the most favored concubine of King Sejong and the mother of six princes, including Prince Gyeongyang, whom the king cherished the most.

All her sons sided with Grand Prince Suyang and played a significant role in the downfall of King Danjong, allowing her to live a long and peaceful life.

A woman of seductive beauty!

'And perhaps the one who ordered the poisoned pastry to be given to me!'

Yunseo quickly scanned the group of palace maids behind Lady Kim, but she could not find the one who had given her the pastry.

However, it wasn't just Yunseo who was glaring.

Consort Yang was also shooting hostile glances at Lady Kim.

Upon seeing the heir's party, Lady Kim bowed politely.

"We greet the heir, Little Master."

As Lady Kim bowed to the heir in Yunseo's arms, Consort Yang lifted her chin haughtily.

Consort Yang's attitude, as if accepting a bow from a subordinate, made the eyes of Lady Kim's attendants turn fierce.

When Lady Kim straightened up, Consort Yang, who was of a lower rank, bowed slightly to her.

"We greet Lady Kim."

"You have done a great job taking care of the heir, Lady Yang."

"Great job? How can one speak of 'great job' when it comes to serving the future of the nation?"

Lady Yang's subtle sarcasm made Lady Kim's beautiful eyebrows tremble.

However, Lady Kim was not one to be easily intimidated.

"I also said 'great job' to Prince Gyeongyang, who accompanied His Majesty and the Queen to Onyang. If serving His Majesty is a 'great job,' why can't serving the heir be a 'great job'?"

My son, Prince Gyeongyang, is deeply favored by His Majesty and accompanied him to Onyang, while

Your son, Prince Hannam, was not favored and had to stay in Hanyang.

It was a veiled insult.

"'Great job' is not a term used for superiors. The correct term is 'great effort.'"

Even if he is your son, you must show respect to the king's son. It seems you, a lowly slave, still haven't mastered the proper etiquette.

Lady Yang's elegant retort made Lady Kim's face turn cold.

In her eyes, now filled with defeat, she saw the heir, who was tightly hugging Palace Maid Kwon.

Ah, there's your weakness.

"Recently, the heir has been unwilling to leave Palace Maid Kwon's arms. Blood is thicker than water, it seems. Kwon is a relative of the late Lady, so the heir feels a special bond with her."

While you boast about raising the heir, he clearly prefers Palace Maid Kwon.

Yunseo was being used by Lady Kim for a second attack.