Eps 9 : Knotting the Fate

The hustle and bustle of activities was felt in the palace even though the sun had not yet greeted us this morning. It doesn't matter if the sky has not shown a change in color, the palace officials are excited to welcome the change of day.

In the midst of the employees who were preparing to wade through the turn of the day, in one of the rooms in the palace, there was a woman waiting anxiously. A woman wearing a dangui—white in color, combined with a contrasting maroon chima seuran, was pacing back and forth in the room.

The rustling sound of the chima sweeping the floor became simple music that colored his restlessness. Her gaze was occasionally fixed on the entrance to his room. So clearly, the woman was waiting for something that must have been very important.

Her restlessness stopped when the voice of the Court Lady guarding the door of her room announced the arrival of several people. Immediately, her anxiety was replaced with a bubbling sense of relief. Not long after, the door to the room opened and revealed some of the people she was waiting for.

"Why are all of you waiting so long to see me?" She asked, with worry still lingering in his voice.

The few people who had just arrived immediately saluted and dared not raise their faces. The eldest of them finally spoke up to apologize for their delay.

"Please forgive our delay, Your Highness. It would certainly be suspicious if we came to see you this early. That's why we needed to camouflage for a moment to avoid suspicion."

"Right. Sorry that I didn't think of such an excuse. Please have a seat."

The Queen Dowager sat first on her throne and signaled for them to follow her. As soon as her guests were seated comfortably, the question that had been in her head for a long time slipped from her lips.

"How? Did you guys find the girl The King wanted?"

The older man smiled meaningfully as he nodded. The romance shows both satisfaction and pride.

"You dont need to worry. We certainly found the girl the King wanted. Your wish has been well fulfilled, Your Highness."

"Really, Father? Then who is that girl? Please tell me more clearly, Father," said Queen Dowager Park enthusiastically. Her eyes sparkled.

Park Yoo-Jin turned his face toward the man who hadn't said a word since. The man seemed to be waiting for the right moment to be introduced to Queen Dowager Park.

Realizing that he was now the center of attention, the man bowed before Queen Dowager Park. A greeting sign and ready to do whatever the palace lady wants

"I give Your Highness my regards."

"The girl that the king wants, we will not be able to find without her help. "She offers loyalty to you, Queen Dowager," explained Park Yoo-Jin.

Laughter erupted from the lips of Queen Dowager Park. Her irises rolled and tried to assess the man her father had brought before her this morning. Queen Dowager Park's eyes tried to figure out the reason behind the man's unexpected favor on her. However, Queen Dowager Park needs to be careful.

"Why did you decide to act like this? I'm sure, there's no coincidence in this. So..." she paused and gave a sharp look with a chuckle. "Will you tell me?"

The man slowly raised his head. He glanced back at Queen Dowager Park before looking back at the wooden floor in front of him.

"Your Majesty's supporting ministers are so arrogant and make Your Majesty's government a little chaotic. That's why I believe that only Queen Dowager can destroy the greed of Royal Queen Dowager and her ministers. Please consider my loyalty by helping you, Your Highness."

Queen Dowager Park was quite surprised to hear the unexpected reason the man gave her. The Head Queen Dowager nodded and confirmed the man's words. Royal Queen Dowager Shin had dominated the palace for too long and had shaken her stepson's throne. The woman was sure she could break the power map of the Royal Queen Dowager Shin one by one. One of them has a queen at her side.

"I am flattered by the strong faith you have placed in me. What, then, should I repay for your extraordinary help? "

The man was silent for a moment before answering the reply he wanted to receive from Queen Dowager Park. Firmly, the wish came from him.

Queen Dowager Park smiled happily at the easy reply he gave for the favor. "You don't have to worry. Your wish is not a difficult thing. You hold on to the promise of a Joseon Queen Dowager."

...

Yi Baek sighed in boredom. His attention shifted to a court lady who was on duty to help him get dressed before turning his attention back to Eunuch Jang.

The King of Joseon's mood looks messy after Eunuch Jang tells him about the important agenda today that will be held at the palace. An important agenda item is that the selection of a new queen candidate will begin this morning.

Eunuch Jang couldn't stop himself from pursed his lips as tightly as he could. The man no longer dared to say a word after seeing the expression on King Yeongan's face.

"Jang Eunuch..."

The call from King Yeongan made Eunuch Jang lift his face slightly and lower his body.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Do you have something to say?"

"How many girls have entered the palace today?"

"There are ten girls who will be taking part in today's selection. Considering the age required, not many noble girls are single, Your Majesty."

Yi Baek chuckled at Eunuch Jang's answer. Yi Baek could sense that his loyal servant was trying hard to choose words so as not to sound presumptuous.

"Why do you sound scared, Jang Eunuch? Did you make a mistake? " Yi Baek asked, with an amused expression.

Eunuch Jang was taken aback by King Yeongan's question, which was meant to tease him. Eunuch Jang tried not to laugh and to act normally.

"I didn't mean it like that, Your Majesty. I'm afraid the explanation I gave would make your mood worse.

Yi Baek chuckled and stepped closer to Eunuch Jang. He used one hand to pat the servant's shoulder.

"I'm not in a bad mood because of you, Jang Eunuch. Ah, talking about today's selection, do you know the list of candidates?"

Eunuch Jang nodded firmly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have a copy of the list from the royal secretariat bureau."

"Good. Then, did you find the candidate recommended by the nine-tailed fox? I'm sure that annoying old woman won't stay silent even if all the selection authority is held by the Queen Dowager," Yi Baek muttered as he gently rubbed his chin while his head was deep in thought.

"As you might expect, Your Majesty. The Royal Queen Dowager made a recommendation to one of the candidates. She is the daughter of the Minister of Palace Rituals, Kang Hyuk. "

"I didn't expect the young minister to be so ambitious behind my back. Where will the selection be held?"

Today's selection will be held at Gyeonghaeru Pavilion, Your Majesty."

Yi Baek was silent for a moment after hearing the location of his queen candidate selection today. His head was thinking about something until a smirk adorned his handsome face. Yi Baek then turned around while wiping his lips with his finger and flashed a crooked smile.

"Should we go over there and surprise the palace elders, Jang Eunuch?"

...

A palanquin was waiting to take him to the palace. For a moment, the girl took a deep breath as she looked at her palanquin. Soon, the palanquin will take him to a new stage.

Wearing a plain bright yellow dangui combined with a red chima, Jung Yeon-Hee lifted her skirt a little so she wouldn't have trouble walking. Yeon-Hee approached her stretcher and stood in front of her, waiting for the stretcher door to be opened.

A servant who was sent to accompany Yeon-Hee rushed to open the door of the stretcher and invited Yeon-Hee to come in immediately. However, something in her mind seemed to be preventing Yeon-Hee from continuing her steps into the stretcher.

Yeon-Hee's actions, who looked hesitant to enter the stretcher, attracted the attention of the residents who had been around the Jung family's residence since morning.

The residents were shocked when this morning a palace palanquin was sent to the residence of Noble Jung's family. Everyone knew that only girls with recommendations from the royal family would be picked up directly by the palace palanquin. And they were quite surprised if the daughter of the Jung noble family got a recommendation from the royal family. Even though they know very well that Jung Yeon-Hee's daily behavior is far from elegant like a noble girl.

However, seeing Yeon-Hee's appearance this morning, the citizens were stunned. Yeon-Hee looked amazingly graceful and dignified. The citizens can't believe Jung Yeon-Hee's demeanor today.

"Miss, is there something bothering you? Please enter the palanquin immediately. The palace elders are waiting for you. "

A palace maid who was sent to pick up Yeon-Hee rebuked her for being hesitant. The court lady of the palace was slightly surprised by the attitude of the girl recommended by one of the palace elders.

Yeon-Hee took another breath because something in her mind made her feel suffocated. Once or twice, she inhaled and exhaled. Her head spun with his brother's message last night, which made her feel suffocated.

After the tightness no longer gnawed at his chest, Yeon-Hee lifted her face and steadily stepped into the stretcher.

Once set on something, Jung Yeon-Hee will never regret it. And Jung Yeon-Hee will no longer look back; now she will focus on looking ahead.

"Let's go," Yeon-Hee ordered firmly.