Chapter 50 Joseon Succession

--- Prince Uihwa's POV ---

--- Baltso Palace Main Hall ---

--- 14th of March 1897 ----

"You should take your seat, Royal Consort Jang of the Deoksu Jang Clan. You are already disrespecting our esteemed guest because of your unsightly outburst," Royal Noble Consort Sunheon calmly stated, not even acknowledging my mother (어머니 - eomeoni), who was slowly turning red.

Silence engulfed the entire hall after Royal Noble Consort Sunheon finished speaking. None of the people present in the hall dared to make a sound, not even the concubines of my father (아버지 - abeoji) and us three children dared to voice our own opinions.

Dowager Duchess Jayanti's words might have been offensive and could have warranted death back in Joseon for speaking against a concubine of my father (아버지 - abeoji), but this is Butuan, and their laws and customs are much different than ours. Besides, we are foreigners seeking refuge in this nation. It would be much ruder to antagonize her, especially when she herself is a member of the imperial family of Butuan and the grandmother of the Crown Prince.

Realizing that no one had spoken up to support her, especially not from Park Mi-suk, Royal Consort Gwi-in of the Hong Clan, my mother took her seat once more, with an unhappy expression on her face while glaring at the grinning Dowager Duchess Jayanti.

Even our father, King Gojong of Joseon, remained silent after Royal Noble Consort Sunheon reprimanded my mother. This might have been a blow to my mother's pride, as she was the 5th highest-ranking concubine of my father.

As much as I wanted to protect my mother from the Dowager herself, it would be better for me to remain silent. Even my older sister (누나 - Nuna), Princess Uisuk, restrained our mother earlier but stopped as things became more heated.

Despite my older sister (누나 - Nuna), Princess Uisuk, being 22 years old, she remained unmarried not because of our mother's status as a concubine, but because she still couldn't find the right person to marry. Our father (아버지 - abeoji), King Gojong of Joseon, allowed my sister to choose whom she wanted to marry, a rare move for our father to make.

Dowager Duchess Jayanti's inquiry into the commencement of martial arts training for my younger brother, Prince Yeong, the son of Royal Noble Consort Sunheon, with the purpose of preparing him for his future role as the monarch of the Kingdom of Joseon, essentially suggests that my younger brother may be the heir to the throne.

Dowager Duchess Jayanti's words place pressure on my father to make a final decision regarding the succession of the Joseon throne. Since our departure from Joseon, the question of who will succeed our father, once he removes our older brother, Prince Sunjong, now King Sunjong, from the line of succession, remains uncertain.

Furthermore, there has been limited time to select the next crown prince due to my father and his exiled government being preoccupied with consolidating foreign support and maintaining the support of the Joseon people through the struggling Southern Faction.

However, indications have already emerged that my younger brother, Prince Yeong, may be chosen as the next crown prince. Privately, nobles and government officials in Butuan have begun referring to Prince Yeong as the Crown Prince of Joseon. Even the treatment my father has shown towards my youngest brother has significantly improved. I am confident that I am not the only one who has noticed these changes.

Unlike the Butuan Empire, which has followed the primogeniture law of succession for its nobility and monarch since the 17th Century, thus eliminating the process of selecting a crown prince, our Kingdom, the Kingdom of Joseon, still adheres to the traditional methods of crown prince selection. This process includes a series of examinations, competitions, and more, although it typically favors the eldest.

This is why my mother is so upset and frustrated. She still holds out hope that I will have a chance to inherit the throne of Joseon after we successfully regain our nation from the traitors, which is a pleasant thought. I, too, once dreamt of ruling the kingdom after my father's passing.

After all, who hasn't dreamed of ruling an entire kingdom? The idea of having unchecked control over all aspects of a nation, wielding unlimited power to silence one's enemies, and, not least of all, the prospect of having numerous spouses is certainly appealing.

As I grow older and receive an education from the royal tutor of Joseon, I have already accepted my fate, and I have no interest in ascending to the throne after my father's passing. My recent title as a prince, along with my siblings (except for Yeong), underscores the reality of our family's hierarchy.

It pains me to acknowledge this, but I lack the power and support from the military and government to effect change in this matter.

My elder brother, formerly Prince Sunjong and now King Sunjong, even proposed that I join him and our grandfather in collaborating with the Japanese to remove our father from the throne. I was tempted by their offers, which included a noble title and the formal recognition of my mother's commoner status. However, I declined their proposal after witnessing their mistreatment of the kingdom's peasants.

I also cannot condone their betrayal of our nation by allying with the Japanese. While I don't harbor deep animosity towards the Japanese due to cultural and traditional similarities, the idea of a foreign nation controlling our governance is unforgivable.

I later learned that my sister knew about our mother's actions and concealed them from our father out of fear of involvement. She also informed me that our mother and the entire Deoksu Jang clan conspired with our traitorous brother, making the situation even more complex and chaotic.

"Enough of this," my father, King Gojong, suddenly interjected in a calm and authoritative tone. "I do not appreciate the way you addressed our guest with such disrespect, Consort Jang. Your outburst not only disrespected them but also tarnished the dignity of the Joseon royal house."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Mother replied, lowering her head slightly.

"I do not wish for such incidents to recur. Consort Jang, this is your final warning, and I hope you will remember it well," my father stated matter-of-factly.

"Dowager Duchess Jayanti, you need not be so direct in this matter regarding my family. While I appreciate your assistance, I remind you that the House of Yi is also a royal house on this continent, much like your Imperial lineage. We expect respect and courtesy," my father continued, his attention unwavering from the Dowager Duchess.

Beside her, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu sat in silence, gazing blankly at my father.

It's unbelievable how confidently these two individuals are comporting themselves in front of my father. This is the result of power and authority - the ability to confront foreign monarchs with assurance, unafraid of causing offense or damaging diplomatic relations. After all, those who display such confidence are the ones certain that they won't suffer repercussions from severed relationships.

It is a sad reality, but it is quite true, especially in this day and age. This is especially true for Butuan, a place that has seemingly had it all.

"But you need to put an end to these futile hopes that have been growing among your concubines for the past few months, as you've remained silent regarding the succession of your nation, Your Majesty. I'm not challenging your authority over your nation's succession law, but you really need to take action now to minimize the damage that your silence might cause in your family," Dowager Jayanti said with a grin, her gaze directed toward us, further intensifying the tension in the entire hall.

*Sigh*... "You're right. I'm fully aware of the turmoil within my family due to my silence, Dowager. I believe it's high time to address this with them," Father replied firmly, his back still turned to us.

I could see it in my mother's expression; she was growing increasingly agitated and angry, her gaze fixed on the hall's floor. I already knew what my father was about to announce, as did little Yi Ju-won and his mother. It was evident that he would favor his legitimate son from noble lineage.

My wife and my elder sister, seated on either side of me, remained composed as they observed the unfolding drama. We had already tried to comfort our mother once, demonstrating that we were still her children. However, her ongoing anger was too much for us to bear. Despite being our mother, we were also the children of the King, who had shown us acceptance despite our lower status.

"As the King of Joseon and its people, I have decided to appoint Prince Yeong as my successor for when I pass from this world. From today, he will be known as Crown Prince Uimin. Treat him with the same respect and honor you showed to my traitorous son back when he was still the crown prince," Father declared to the entire family. This announcement had a profound impact on my mother's reaction.

"Any objections?" Father continued, his gaze briefly shifting toward our side.

With a single glance, my mother froze in her place, while my sister, my wife, and I calmly shook our heads in approval. Father responded with a smile and a nod. But my mother remained silent; her anger was palpable. She was slowly sealing her own fate. I'm sorry, Mother, but I can't do anything to help you.

She had hoped for me to succeed my father, which would elevate her status from a mere concubine to a noble consort. However, I had no aspirations for rulership; I preferred to spend my time with the military and my wife. My father's words should have put her in her rightful place.

"I presume this is already enough for my move, Dowager? This will settle your worries for your granddaughter's standing, right?" Father said towards Dowager Duchess Jayanti.

"Hehehehe... I am just making sure that my granddaughter will not be looked down upon by your concubines' children, Your Majesty. With the recent escapades that occurred with the youngest son of the emperor, the entire houses under the imperial house Shaja are quite concerned with how the main branch's children might be treated by foreign royal houses, no offense," Dowager Duchess stated calmly while giggling in amusement as she looked at my mother.

The escapade that happened with the youngest son of the emperor. My family and I have heard about that incident, and it was a devastating one for us all. The mere thought of an imperial prince being maltreated by his courtiers is unacceptable. Those involved truly deserved their death sentences.

Especially when I think about the possibility of my children experiencing the same predicament as Prince Ainesh. Heavens know what I would do just to bring justice to my children.

But despite our concern for the well-being of Imperial Prince Ainesh Philip, my mother seems quite happy about it. It's a very detestable emotion to show. She rejoices in what happened to Prince Ainesh; she enjoys the news, calling it karma for the imperial house Shaja of Butuan. If the people of Butuan saw her celebrating at that time, I am sure that my mother would have been mobbed by an angry crowd.

I am aware that my mother supports the Japanese over the Butuanons, which contradicts my own views and those of the majority of the family. My mother is one of those who supported the reign of my older brother in secret within the family, and I only learned about this a few months ago after I overheard her talking to her courtier badmouthing the imperial house of Butuan and talking about the Japanese Empire conquering the entire Butuan archipelago.

After discovering my mother's support for the traitors, I decided to confront her about this and told her that father would not take this lightly. I even told her that she might lose her life, status, and her entire clan might be eradicated because of what she is doing.

But instead of realizing her mistake and stopping her support for my traitorous brother and grandfather, she stands firm and even tried to convince me to side with her. She told me that my traitorous older brother and grandfather had offered her a higher position in the royal court of Joseon and an increase in her clan's standing in Joseon in exchange of her being their spy to the family. It was an offer she could not decline.

This situation deeply upset me because my father would not take it lightly, especially considering there are traitors within the palace. The idea of informing my father about this crossed my mind, but the thought of my mother facing severe consequences, possibly even death, left me torn.

For the first time, I was afraid of losing my mother due to her actions. Simultaneously, I felt anger at her betrayal to our country and family. It was an agonizing situation, caught between my love for my mother and the duty I owed to my country and family.

Out of frustration, I confronted her in a threatening manner, insisting that she never involve me, my wife, or nuna (sister) in her activities. In return, I promised to keep silent about her association with the traitors. It was a tense moment, and the weight of our exchange hung heavily in the air. I needed to make it clear that I couldn't condone her actions, but I still cared about her well-being.

"I don't think you should be overly concerned about how they will treat my sister when she joins them in Joseon, Lola," Imperial Crown Prince Siagu said, addressing my father. "They are not a foolish or disloyal society. They are much like us and the Siamese; we protect those who are part of us. Am I right, Your Majesty?"

My father nodded in agreement, and even Royal Noble Consort Sunheon was smiling at him.

Imperial Crown Prince Siagu, the future emperor of this nation, had garnered a reputation as an intelligent and brilliant individual despite his young age. This assessment was accurate, judging by how he carried himself since his arrival.

Unlike my younger brother, Yi Ju-won, who had just turned 11, Imperial Crown Prince Siagu presented himself as an adult. Now I understood why they had advised me not to judge him solely based on his appearance; he was much smarter, shrewder, and more calculating than his years suggested.

"Little Siagu is right, Dowager Duchess. Your worries about Princess Matahi's future with our family are unnecessary," my father added.

Upon hearing my father's words, a smile appeared on the Dowager's face as she looked at her grandson, who was nodding and smiling at his grandmother. She then turned her attention to Royal Noble Consort Sunhae.

"Congratulations to Royal Noble Consort Sunhae for being the mother of the future monarch of Joseon. May the heavens bless you and your descendants with prosperity and goodwill," she said, her tone carrying a hint of sincerity as she looked at Royal Noble Consort Sunhae.

"Thank you for your blessing, Dowager Duchess. Crown Prince Uimin would be delighted to hear your well wishes," Royal Noble Consort Sunhae replied with a joyful tone.

The conversation continued throughout the hall as Crown Prince Siagu also extended his blessings for the future rule of my younger brother. Laughter filled the room as mundane topics took over, and the heated argument from earlier was momentarily forgotten.

But as the conversation continued and laughter filled the hall from all of us, one individual remained silent, and that was my mother. Her anger towards my father and the Dowager had reached a boiling point, and she chose to remain quiet to avoid further infuriating my father.

Our father is a loving and understanding man, but he can also be the worst enemy to have if you anger him. He's a strong man, a man of his word, to be precise. For those who wrong him, death seems to be the only means of escape. This is why most of us are afraid of provoking his anger.

As we continued with our conversation in a more casual manner, my father suddenly said something that injected new life into the entire discussion. It was news that my wife, Princess Kim (Lady Kim) of Deokindang Hall, and I found quite envy-inducing.

"Little Siagu, I heard that your mother is currently pregnant with a child. Is this true?" my father calmly inquired of Crown Prince Siagu as he sipped the tea that a court lady had served to all of us.

"Hehehehe. Indeed, it is true, Uncle Gojong. According to the imperial physician, Doctor Rizal, my mother has been pregnant for a few days already," Crown Prince Siagu replied respectfully to my father.

"That is wonderful news to hear. You must be happy to once again have a little sibling or siblings, Little Siagu," my father responded with great delight.

"Hehehe... You must be happy, Your Highness," Royal Noble Consort Sunhae chimed in.

Giggles filled the hall as Crown Prince Siagu smiled toward my father and his second wife. I also noticed the crown prince glancing at us with a smile, which we reciprocated with a nod and a smile.

"I sure am happy to once again have another sibling or siblings," he replied with a smile to my father and his second wife's words. He then leaned closer to his grandmother, who was now smiling gently at him.

"Ah, you must also be delighted that this news has reached your ears, am I right, Dowager Duchess?" my father said with a hint of jealousy.

"I am indeed delighted to hear the news, Your Majesty. To be honest, I only heard of it yesterday while I was at the opera house across the street. Hehehe. The thought of once again having a grandchild or grandchildren never fails to excite me," she replied with delight.

"Sigh. I envy you for having a number of grandchildren, Dowager Duchess," my father suddenly said before casting a glance at me. "How I wish I will also be able to experience the feeling of having a grandchild."

My father's words made me stiffen a bit. Despite my young age and my status as a recently accepted prince of the kingdom, my father had always expressed his desire to have a grandchild. He frequently inquired whether my wife, Princess Kim, was pregnant, and he always received the same reply: no.

His obsession with having a grandson intensified after I received the status of a prince, especially following my older brother's betrayal to the family and the nation. Producing the future heir of the family had become a matter of great filial and national concern.

While I was preoccupied with thoughts about the pressure my father was exerting on me regarding the idea of producing an heir, a sudden and innocent voice, that of Crown Prince Siagu, resonated throughout the entire room.

"But His Majesty is still quite young at his current age. A grandson can surely wait for a few more years, am I right, Prince Uihwa? Hehehe," Crown Prince Siagu stated innocently, casting a full smile in my direction.

Rather than feeling relief from his words, which reminded my father of his youth, I felt an increased weight from the scrutinizing gazes of those in the room. Many of them were of higher social standing, and even my mother, surprisingly calm, fixed her eyes on me.

As I surveyed the room, various looks were directed my way. My father and Royal Noble Consort Sunheon held expectant expressions, my wife and older sister conveyed concern, and the others observed with interest.

"Ah... Uhm... You are correct, Your Highness. Bearing a child is not an easy task; it requires time and careful planning," I awkwardly replied. Realizing the inadequacy of my response, I stood up and addressed the gathering.

"Please excuse me for a moment, everyone. I need to attend to a personal matter," I said before exiting the room, having received a nod of approval from my father.

Upon leaving the hall, I passed by a row of courtiers, guards, and soldiers who were stationed outside, responsible for safeguarding the security of the entire hall. Their opulent attire loudly proclaimed their status as loyal servants to both our family and the imperial family.

Among the guards, one individual especially caught my attention. He was a man of few words, recognized as the voice and shield of the Crown Prince himself. He belonged to the select few of mixed ethnicities who served directly within the imperial household of Butuan.

Radhesh Huang, an impressive man in his early twenties, was a devoted servant to his master, akin to a loyal dog in human form, as some would describe him.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Radhesh Huang greeted me with a slight bow of his head as I passed by.