YCHW Ch 73

He wanted to hear the answer directly from Hwi’s lips, but that was not all. When he realized he was feeling like he wanted to act childish, his face grew hot.

Yoonso, though he knew it was not proper, stirred his porridge with his spoon. Hwi, with a faint smile, set down his chopsticks.

“No. Do I believe you, do I not believe you. You should not ask that way.”

“…”

“Will I tolerate whatever you do. That is how you should ask.”

Did he mean he would forgive him even if he cursed him, or even if he poisoned him? Not only would he not do such things, he did not want him to. Yoonso’s face grew sullen, and he glared at Hwi with impertinent eyes.

“So you are saying you do not believe me?”

Hwi’s smile deepened. His gaze lingered on Yoonso’s mouth before rising.

“Would I believe something that even a passing dog would laugh at?”

Upon hearing the direct confirmation, the tension in his shoulders melted away. Yoonso bit his lip, nodded, and only then took a spoonful of porridge. The savory-smelling porridge was delicious and whetted an appetite that had not been there.

While Yoonso filled his stomach, Hwi said nothing. It seemed to be his consideration, so Yoonso chewed what was in his mouth thoroughly, finished the bowl, and then brought up the matter.

“For such a thing to happen in the Jiseogung is all my fault. I am sorry for causing trouble for Your Majesty.”

“Even the gods cannot completely control the human heart. This palace is full of those with wicked intentions, so it is best to consider this as having encountered a natural disaster.”

“Yes, but it is clear that there is a mastermind behind that court lady, so it is a man-made disaster. Except for the ringleader with a clear purpose, was not everyone swept up in it?”

One of Hwi’s eyebrows rose slowly. He sensed that Hwi did not seem pleased, which made him hesitant to continue, but Yoonso finally reached the core of the matter.

“That court lady is an innocent child, and she must have been threatened using her family as leverage. So please, take that into consideration and…”

“An innocent child does not try to push someone into a fiery pit. Framing the empress is high treason and an evil act that shakes the foundation of the nation. Do not use your compassion carelessly.”

“I can persuade her. She is not a bad child by nature, so to have her reveal the truth…”

“You cannot forgive the one who harmed you either.”

The tone was quite gentle, but the voice was chilling. Hwi’s cold gaze overwhelmed Yoonso’s spirit. As Yoonso’s lips merely trembled, unable to continue, Hwi averted his gaze.

“If they deserve to be killed, then killing them is the law and truth of this palace, so you should not mention it again.”

The weight of the word ‘kill’ coming from Hwi finally made him realize Wan’s future. The image of that young child, who used to smile and chatter before him, dying and disappearing from this world, made his vision go white.

Of course, it was not that he did not resent the girl. He would probably feel the sense of betrayal the most. She could not go unpunished after committing such a great crime. However, if the end was death…

As Yoonso suddenly shot up from his seat, Hwi’s attention returned to him. As he panted and knelt, Hwi’s brow slowly furrowed, and the atmosphere surrounding the two instantly froze.

“Please spare her life. I believe you can do so.”

In the black eyes, like a calm sky before a storm, nothing stirred. Hwi simply looked down at Yoonso silently, then reached out, grasped both his arms, and pulled him to his feet.

Hwi sat Yoonso down on the chair and, in turn, knelt on one knee on the floor himself. He took Yoonso’s hand, which was resting on his thigh, and slowly fiddled with his fingertips.

“Never again kneel for another.”

“…”

“Because I might want to wring that little thing’s neck.”

Hwi whispered in a monotone voice devoid of any emotion. However, knowing that he truly possessed the strength to break a person’s neck with his bare hands in an instant, his fingers went rigid. Hwi rubbed Yoonso’s fingertips in a circular motion, then stood up, turned, and showed his back.

“To forgive a thief who stole all your possessions, and a traitor who threatens your position, my dear husband is truly merciful.”

The low mumble sounded like a reproach directed at him, for forgiving them while not being able to fully open his heart to Hwi. Yoonso looked at Hwi’s back with sorrowful eyes as if he would cry at any moment, then shook his head.

“It is because I do not think I can bear such a death.”

Looking solely at the outcome, no matter how much she deserved to die for her crime, if Wan were executed, he felt he would not be able to endure it. The things he was holding onto now, the things he had to overcome, were already overwhelming and frightening, and if he had to bear her death as well…

He knew well that making such a request to Hwi was also a burden. He knew well that this too was selfish, but still, in moments like these, he had no one else to rely on.

“On the contrary, this is a good thing.”

Hwi walked past Yoonso toward the doorway.

“The empress does not need to be flawless. Everyone will come to know that your very existence is your innocence.”

His silent footsteps headed outside. Hwi left without giving an answer, and Yoonso stared blankly at the empty doorway where Hwi’s presence had disappeared.

Lifting his eyelids, Yoonso blinked blankly, staring into the darkness-shrouded space, then glanced to the side. He had clearly felt someone stroking his head, but Hwi’s hand was nowhere near. Was it a mistake? Was it a dream?

He had expected that he would not be able to sleep tonight, but it seemed he had dozed off without realizing it. Yoonso turned his head and looked at Hwi lying next to him.

When did he come in again? It was quite a skill to come after he had fallen asleep.

As his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, Hwi’s form came into view. He was lying on his side, turned toward Yoonso, and was gazing at him.

On a night where not even a dim light entered, the surroundings were unrealistically quiet. With nothing else to see or catch his attention, he could only take in Hwi with his eyes. In this moment, no distracting thoughts intruded. Only a pure gaze existed between the two, and it was a night where that was permitted.

Did he watch him like this every night? If he could take away his insomnia, he would have done so in a heartbeat.

He wished this time would not flow but pool. He wished someone would spin and spin and spin the thread that makes up this night.

But contrary to Yoonso’s wish, a faint light soon seeped into the room. Just as Hwi’s face, showing no trace of sleepiness, became clearer, he reached out and covered Yoonso’s eyes with his palm.

His fingers gently patted Yoonso’s face. The familiar touch was no different from a lullaby, and Yoonso, feeling regretful for the sleep he would have to fall into alone, let out a soft sigh.

𓇢𓆸

“Nothing has been said at the royal court?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty.”

Yoonso stared at the eunuch with skeptical eyes. It had been almost three days since the incident, and it was suspicious that the high and low officials had not made any statement about it.

A childhood name was a name one leaves behind anyway, and Court Lady Jo had asserted that the matter would not escalate because wise and reasonable ministers would know that the empress had nothing to gain by framing the emperor. But Yoonso was doubtful whether that would really be the case.

Despite the major incident, the Jiseogung was peaceful. The suspicion arose that Hwi might be blocking any news from coming in. To conduct himself with prudence until the case was closed, he was not meeting with the concubines either, so it was as if his ears were blocked.

He even had the idea of calling for Yi Sowon instead. That man, who had no filter, would probably reveal without concealment what rumors were circulating in the palace and what public opinion was like.

“They say no news is good news. Please do not worry too much.”

“…There is no news from the prison either, right?”

“Ye-es… I think so.”

It would be good to secure Wan’s family soon, but with no progress in any matter, he became frustrated and anxious. Just as he was rising from his seat, thinking of getting some fresh air, a voice came.

“Your Majesty. Seongbin has requested an audience.”

“Seongbin…?”

He was bewildered that of all people, Seongbin had come to see him first. On the other hand, given the timing, he also became slightly anxious, wondering what her business could be.

“Let her in.”

At Yoonso’s command, Seongbin entered. As always, she approached with her eyes lowered and paid her respects politely.

“I greet Your Majesty the Empress. May the Dragon’s protection be with you.”

“Rise. Um, I was just about to take a walk in the rear garden. Would you like to join me?”

“I would be nothing but delighted to be with Your Majesty.”

He thought that walking in an open space would lessen the awkwardness more than sitting still and facing each other in a closed room. Yoonso headed to the rear garden, motioning for the court ladies to stay far behind. There must be a reason why Seongbin had come like this, so it was his intention to make her feel a little more at ease.

“The day is quite clear. Seongbin, do you like flowers?”

“I just enjoy them as much as others do.”

“The hydrangeas will be blooming soon. It would be nice to see them together.”

“If you call for me, I will gladly come anytime.”

Yoonso glanced at Seongbin from the side and paused for a moment. She did not seem to be well-informed about rumors either, but thinking she would be better than him, he finally asked.

“By any chance, regarding the recent incident… does Seongbin know what kind of rumors are circulating?”