Eps 3 : A New Sun

The courtyard of the palace hall today looked majestic and bustling. Various party ornaments seemed to adorn the palace hall. Not only various ornaments, but officials wearing special ceremonial clothes have also gathered. They seemed to be preparing for a celebration.

When an officer struck the soribuk—a typical Korean war drum—three times, the officials, who had been talking in groups, slowly began to disperse and form a line. They regularly return to their respective ranks according to their positions in the government.

The moment the court officials and musicians were fully prepared, the main gate to the palace hall opened. Soon, the strains of palace ceremonial music were played by the palace music team. With firm steps, Yi Baek walked along the red cloth. He put on his coronation clothes while holding a plaque made of ivory.

His face was expressionless as he walked along the red cloth that was pointing right at the throne table. Behind Yi Baek, Eunuch Jang and another senior eunuch are seen holding a golden umbrella. Not only were there the two Eunuchs who followed Yi Baek, but a line of palace guards and ladies-in-waiting followed behind Yi Baek.

Today, exactly two years after the mourning period of King Seongwoon's death ended, is also Yi Baek's coronation day as the new King of Joseon. Even though he claimed it two years ago, Yi Baek is now fully titled as the new ruler of Joseon.

Finally, Yi Baek arrived right in front of the series of steps leading to the throne seat. The entourage of eunuchs, bodyguards, and palace maids automatically stopped in front of the stairs and allowed Yi Baek to continue on his own towards the throne.

Without anyone noticing, a smirk appeared on the corners of Yi Baek's lips just before he climbed the first step. And, it didn't take long until Yi Baek finally arrived in front of the throne. The man quickly took his seat and couldn't wait to show his fangs.

The moment Yi Baek finally sits on the throne, the palace officials line up on their knees and pay their first three respects to King Yeongan, the new Sun of Joseon. Finished saluting, the officials immediately gave their praise and wishes to King Yeongan. The officials held high the ivory placards they each held while offering praise to King Yeongan.

"Cheonse! Cheonse! Cheonse!"

Yi Baek still doesn't show any expression when he gets his first praise as a king. His obsidian just rolled and scanned, one by one, the officials who returned to salute and praise him. During the coronation procession, the ripples of revenge surged in his chest again, making him impatient to wait for his revenge procession in the future.

...

A cynical laugh rang out from a room in the main palace, the palace that was none other than the official residence of a ruling Joseon King. Yi Baek, or now known as King Yeongan, was enjoying his dinner in one of the private rooms in the main palace.

There are approximately twelve types of side dishes that are prepared for the dinner. However, Yi Baek doesn't touch his food at all, even though a maid has made sure that tonight's food is free from poison. The man was more interested in filling his stomach with a white liquid, which was none other than rice wine.

Eunuch Jang, who had been watching Yi Baek, who never touched his food, looked worried. Eunuch Jang grimaced when he saw Yi Baek gulping down the cup of rice wine again and filling it again. Eunuch Jang's worried expression accidentally caught Yi Baek's sight, causing him to put the cup down for a moment and focus his attention on Eunuch Jang.

"Eunuch Jang, what makes you frown every time I sip rice wine, hm?" Yi Baek asked, with his eyes focused completely on Eunuch Jang, who was so loyal to him.

"Please forgive my impudence, Your Majesty. It's just that I'm worried because you haven't touched your food. I'm afraid you'll get sick because you haven't eaten anything since noon," explained Eunuch Jang, who is now lowering his head.

Yi Baek chuckled at Eunuch Jang's explanation. The man, who tonight was wearing a white silk nightgown, again poured out the rice wine and took it in one gulp. A hideous grin once again graced the young king's face.

"I have no appetite after hearing the wishes of those rotten officials. It's only been a day since I officially wore the king's robes, but they had already applied for me to get married. Hah! Do they think I'm the naive crown prince I used to be?"

Horrible laughter erupted around the room. A gripping aura reigned in the room, as if to emphasize the personality of the owner of the room, which was so dark. His obsidian again gave off a ghastly glow. Meanwhile, Eunuch Jang could only remain silent, not daring to say anything else after feeling the gripping aura.

"Have they forgotten the girl they sent me earlier? Crown Princess Souin of the Shin clan? Should I remind them of the poor woman?"

Laughter fell from Yi Baek's lips as soon as he remembered his poor wife. The young woman who had to spend her time in loneliness even died at the hands of her own husband.

Immediately recalling the late Crown Princess Souin, Yi Baek's mind wandered. Memories of his poor wife were running around and replaying in his head.

...

"Right on target!"

An officer raised a red flag shortly after an arrow was shot and ended up on a nearby target board. About ten meters away, a young man in military clothes embroidered with silver dragons lowered his bow. A smile spread across his face when his arrow hit the target he wanted.

"Wow, your archery skills are the best. Your Highness."

A voice of praise from behind made Crown Prince Yeongan turn around and smile at a young man who was two years his senior. The young man was none other than Baek Shi-Min, the top military scholar who had just passed the state examination a few weeks ago.

Crown Prince Yeongan stepped closer to Shi-Min, who was none other than his friend and military trainer since childhood. A smile appeared on Crown Prince Yeongan's face because of Shi-Min's earlier compliment.

"You're exaggerating, brother. No matter how good I am, I can't exceed your abilities, Brother," said Yeongan while chuckling.

Shi-Min, who heard Crown Prince Yeongan compliment him back, couldn't help but laugh. Anyone in the palace knows that Crown Prince Yeongan is close to Baek Shi-Min, who is expected to become the minister of war when Crown Prince Yeongan ascends the throne.

"Let's finish today's practice, Brother. I'm sure Eunuch Jang will definitely prepare fresh snacks and drinks to relieve our tiredness," said Crown Prince Yeongan while taking Shi-Min out of the practice area today.

Shi-Min smiled and nodded curtly in agreement to Crown Prince Yeongan's invitation. The two youths in military clothes had a brief conversation as they walked towards the residence of Crown Prince Yeongan in the eastern palace to rest and enjoy a snack.

As they were about to turn towards the eastern palace area, Crown Prince Yeongan suddenly stopped in his tracks. His conversation with Shi-Min was interrupted by something unexpected. Noticing the strangeness in Crown Prince Yeongan's attitude, Baek Shi-Min lifted his face and was stunned to see someone walking towards them.

Not far from where Shi-Min and Crown Prince Yeongan are currently standing, Crown Princess Shin and her entourage of servants are moving towards them. Until finally, the sweet girl in the maroon-colored dangui—hanbok royal dress—was already standing before Crown Prince Yeongan and Baek Shi-Min. Immediately, Shi-Min bowed to the girl.

Crown Princess Shin smiled and returned Shi-Min's respectful greeting with a brief nod before finally turning her attention to her husband, who looked at her coldly.

"Your Highness, I heard that you and Young Master Baek Shi-Min have just finished practicing archery. To ward off the tiredness of both of you, I have prepared snacks and flower tea in the eastern garden gazebo. Please enjoy it immediately, "said Crown Princess Shin in a voice that was so soft and smiled.

"I am flattered by your concern, Crown Princess. I am so honored to have the opportunity to enjoy your tea, Your Majesty," Shi-Min replied as he lowered his head. As a non-royal young man, Shi-Min clearly can't look directly at Crown Princess Shin's face, who is also his best friend.

"Young master is praising me too much. It has become my duty to pay attention...."

"Eunuch Jang has prepared everything I asked for in my room. "No one asked you to prepare all that," Yi Baek cut in coldly. Yi Baek doesn't care if the choice of words he uses can hurt the sweet girl in front of him.

Shi-Min and Eunuch Jang, who heard Crown Prince Yeongan's direct refusal, could only hold their surprise in their hearts. Neither of them expected that Crown Prince Yeongan would not hesitate to show his dislike for Crown Princess Shin in front of them.

It was common knowledge in the palace that Crown Prince Yeongan hated his wife, Crown Princess Shin, who was none other than Queen Dowager Shin. That's why Crown Prince Yeongan did not hesitate to show his dislike for his wife, even in front of his friends and servants.

After giving his refusal, Crown Prince Yeongan gave Crown Princess Shin a cold stare, who was trying to hold back tears, and walked away. The young man did not care about his actions, which could be considered quite rude to Crown Princess Shin.

Crown Princess Shin turned around and could only stare sadly at her husband's back. A long sigh rang out from Crown Princess Shin. No matter how hard he tried to win Crown Prince Yeongan's heart, in fact, he never once melted with his gentle attitude.

"Your Highness, how long are you going to be cold to me? Don't you know that even a person has a limit to their patience? " Crown Princess Shin, who didn't take her eyes off the back of her husband, who had drifted away from her, muttered.