Beseeching Love; Chapter 7 - Victory
It was really really hard, the journey. It took him more than 3 days to arrive in Anyang, the capital of Joseon. And to be able to do that, Jun Su had to ration his food wisely since he didn't really have a lot of money for this reckless journey. Their family assets has been frozen by the state, his father is on captivity, bound to be killed. Some of the Jamsil officials joked about their condition. They said his father is ‘loyal’ to the king, wanting to follow the king even in the other world. People can be very cruel, that Jun Su learned in just a couple of days.
After his father was imprisoned, they barely had food in their house. The other officials wouldn’t help the so-called betrayer so none of them ever lends a hand. Jun Su had to beg his uncle to give him foods and money for this trip. Thankfully, his uncle still has a bit of sanity left, so he granted him that. Though the money is not too much and he still has to sell his mother’s jewelries to make up for the insufficient amount, Jun Su is still pleased. He swear he can see rays of hope in his uncle’s eyes when he said he’s coming to Joseon to fetch Jaejoong.
Yes, Jaejoong is his only hope now. Jun Su had confessed everything to everyone in Jamsil. About how he saw Jaejoong in Soo Jung’s palanquin and about how he lied to them about Jaejoong being in the Anyang instead of the Forbidden City where he truly was. Since he’s with Soo Jung all this while, he ought to know what happened. And if Ji Hye and their father are innocent, Jaejoong is the only one who can be the witness. His statement ought to be true since he loved Soo Jung so much and there’s nothing in this world that can deviates him from justifying Soo Jung’s death.
Deep down inside, Jun Su’s scared. So damn scared. What if it’s really Ji Hye who killed her? He know his father is innocent for he really treasures his relationship with Soo Jung’s father. But the same cannot be said to Ji Hye. What if she got all competitive and goes on a killing spree. Then again, if she really did kill them, why would she do so to Soo Jung? Ji Ae is understandable since she’s pretty and mean, but Soo Jung? That girl is harmless. There’s no reason at all for Ji Hye to kill her.
“Forecast your future! Just lend me your palm and you’ll know everything you need to know! Forecast your future here! 100% accurate!” he heard the sound of a man yelling.
Turning to his left, he saw a blind man sitting in front of a small desk in that packed market. Next to him is a large white paper written, ‘Fortune teller, best in Anyang for just 5 nyang’.
Woah, something ominous must’ve decided to intervene. At a critical time like this, he met such a man with such abilities. Should he try this? Maybe he’ll get a clue about his future from this. Furrowing his brows, he mentally calculate the money he has with him right now. Well, trying wouldn’t hurt, right? What can he lose anyway. Besides, it’s just 5 nyang. He’ll still have money to rent a room afterwards.
He slowly made his way to the blind man, silently wondering if he really is blind.
“Oh, a customer, please do sit,” the blind man says, face completely still while his eyes are closed. Not even the slightest of movements can be seen on his eye lid. Wow, if he’s an actor, he’s definitely a good one. He is so convincing.
Jun Su sits in front of the old man quietly, still skeptical but equally curious as well. “5 nyang please,” the man requested. Jun Su did as he was told, digging out 5 nyang from his money sack and hands it over to the fortune teller without much words.
“Now give me your hand.”
He comply to that and sees the fortune teller grinning once he felt his palm. “So smooth, you must be really lazy,” the blind man teases.
He’s fortunate that he’s blind. He won’t have to see the raging expression plastered on Jun Su’s face right now. Otherwise, someone would’ve gotten a heart attack, and mind you, that person won’t be Jun Su.
“Just get on with it!” Jun Su snapped, almost changing his mind. The man’s testing his luck. Joseon is very very big and the law is strict, so he can’t really do anything about the man. If they were to be in Jamsil prior to Joseon’s attack, Jun Su would’ve teach him a lesson already.
He saw the blind man frowning as he trace his finger on Jun Su’s palm. “There’s something really really dark coming your way,” the fortune teller initiated, catching Jun Su’s attention right away.
“What? What? How dark? How fast is it approaching me?” Jun Su desperately asked.
“Calm down young man, you ruining my meditation,” the man said, his lips moves vigorously, muttering something inaudible to the naked ears.
“It’s dark, I bet my whole fortune on it,” the man continued after he finished his meditation. “It has something to do with your mission right now. The thing that has been playing on the forefront of your mind,” the fortune teller added. Jun Su can feel his hair rising, astounded and amazed by how the man managed to pinpoint his current condition.
“H-How did you know about my mission?” Jun Su asked while stuttering, losing the confidence he’s been harbouring the moment he sat on the seat.
“Your inner aura told me so. The vein below your index finger run straight to your aura gland. And the aura gland is somehow intertwined with your future. Had you ever had a premonition before something bad or good happens to you? It has something to do with that. From your aura, I can read your premonition, and from your premonition I can read your future. It’s as simple as that!” the man explained.
Jun Su unable to comprehend that many information at once decided to set it aside and asks the more important things first. “So, what about my future?” Jun Su asked.
The man bite his lower lips thoughtfully before he said, “Right now it’s rather bleak,” Jun Su slump down his shoulder hearing that.
“But-“ the fortune teller continued, giving Jun Su hope once more, “You will cross your path with a phoenix soon. And that phoenix will shine it’s light upon you and help you find your way.”
Jun Su tilt his head in wonder. Phoenix? What is he talking about? The mythical creature? So phoenix really exists?
“You do realize that when I said phoenix I meant a phoenix-like person and not an actual phoenix right?” the blind man says, somehow sensing Jun Su’s thoughts. “O-oh. Of course I know that. I would’ve been stupid if I didn’t,” Jun Su shamelessly lie.
“So, what more?” he inquired, wanting the exact details of the man’s prediction. The blind man grin widely, showing off his pairs of rotting grey teeth. “If you want me to explain more, you need to give me more money,” he gestured money with his hands.
Rolling his eyes in annoyance, Jun Su took out another 5 nyang to be given to the blind man. “For further and more thorough prediction, I need to use more energy and aura. Since I’m old, I’ll get sick easily. I’ll need more money to get a doctor and for this, I’ll have to charge you with 50 nyang,” he shamelessly requests.
Jun Su widen his eyes in shock. “50 nyang? You crazy old man! Do you know what I can do with 50 nyang? How stupid will I be if I give it to you!” Jun Su burst out angrily, attracting attention from people nearby.
“If you wouldn't give me that, you won’t get your explaination,” the fortune teller tries to reason it out.
“Then I guess I’ll just have to live with that! Good day!” Jun Su slammed his hand on the table as he stood up. “50 nyang, my ass!” he cursed as he walk away.
The ‘blind’ fortune teller opens his eyes and peek at him. Once he’s sure Jun Su is gone, he open both of his eyes while sniggering happily. “Idiot!” he taunted. The lady buying chicken in the next stall pointed at him, “That old crackpot is cheating off people again!” she said accusingly.
“What? He’s the stupid one to believe it. Aura gland my ass!” the old man imitates him. Looking at the 5 nyang in his hand, the old man took it to his mouth and kiss it happily. “Another free money from another idiot! It's a pity he isn't stupid enough to give me 50 nyang,” he scrunched his face at the end of his sentence. That ‘there’s something dark coming your way' trick always work! He puts a mental note to himself to use that on his next victim as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jaejoong paces around the room nervously. It was last night did he carried out his plan. And now he’s scared. What if the emperor got sick of him? Looking out to the sky through his window, he can see that the sun already set. The emperor still hadn’t come, will he not come to Jang Mi tonight?
Looking for comfort in spite of the emotional turmoil, he find solace in the rows of books he had scattering on top of the dressing table.
He scanned through the title one by one and settles with, ‘Confucius Law and Principality’ in the end. He had read the book half way in the afternoon, it was really really interesting. So why not read it to the end while waiting for the emperor. At least he’ll not be bored.
He read throughout the pages with utter concentration, barely realizing that the night has been really really old now. By the time he finished reading, it was almost 1 am. The emperor really didn’t come.
How foolish of him. He should’ve waited 2 or 3 weeks before he fully succumb, by then he ought to have a strong presence in the emperor’s life. Unlike now. Goodness, he’ll be just like the concubines Soo Jung mentioned before. He’ll grow old with two bitter maids who couldn’t be anymore unsatisfied for being assigned to him.
Now that he’s on her shoes, he finally understand her fears. Why she was reluctant to enter the palace that day. Why she begged him to accompany her. She knew it’d be lonely. She knew she’d be all alone from then on. The only thing she wanted from him was his company and that was exactly what had gotten her killed.
Remembering Soo jung broke his already broken heart. He dwells himself in the memories of them both when she was still alive. Despite the uneventful circumstances all the time, they find it really really hard to do something without the presence of the other. It was as if he completed her and she completed him.
Dwelled deeply in his reminiscence, Jaejoong barely hears the sound of his door being opened with a young eunuch, whom he had always seen following Hong Chul around, kneeling on the floor. Soo Kyung who was right next to him curtseyed. “Pardon us for entering without permission, Your Highness, we thought you’d be alseep by now,” Soo Kyung pleaded.
“What is it?” Jaejoong asked frustratedly, annoyed for being bothered during his muse. “The emperor had seek for your attendance. Please follow me,” the eunuch said.
Jaejoong cringed inwardly, remembering what happened the last time he followed the guard out of the dungeon. “Why?” he asked demandingly, not sure whether he can believe the man or not.
“Pardon me for my audacity your Highness, this is of matter I didn’t know of. I am only following the order of the great eunuch,” he said respectfully.
The great eunuch as in Hong Chul?
Jaejoong contemplates his choices for a while, weighing the good and the down side. This is the palace, he really needs to think if he wants to survive. Everyone has something up their sleeve and he doesn’t want to learn that the hard way.
This eunuch could be sent by Lady Ara, who might have known about him, to trap him. What if they want to kill him? What about Soo Jung and Ji Hye? But then again, this eunuch is no regular eunuch. He’s the follower of Hong Chul, the emperor’s trusted man. There’s no way he’d waver even if Lady Ara offered him 1000 bags of gold.
Trap or not, Jaejoong knew he had to take the chance. It is too much of a risk if he decided to not to go. What if it’s really the emperor? Wouldn’t he be done by then? Not wanting to take a risk, he nodded softly.
He followed the eunuch to the lawn of Jang Mi with Soo Kyung obediently following him. In the garden, there is this one golden palanquin with a rose embroided on the entrance, that is if he sees right amidst the darkness. It's big, nowhere as grand as the emperor’s but still very grand if he actually compare it to that of the other concubines'.
“His Royal Highness ordered us to prepare this for you, Your Highness. This will be your palanquin from now on,” the eunuch explains un-prompted. He nodded absent-mindedly, keeping his stoic mask on.
“Forgive us for our lackness, Your Highness. You didn’t appear to be fond of this. Should we exchange this for something you would like more?” the eunuch bows, mistaking his stoic expression as unsatisfaction. “No. It’s okay,” Jaejoong answered short as he enters the palanquin.
It's really comfortable. With red velvety seating, red pillows and a pot of hot tea, the palanquin couldn’t be anymore comfy.
He felt it being carried up and before time, the palanquin moves to it’s directed destination.
The journey wasn’t long, it only took about 15 minutes before he felt the palanquin being placed down with the eunuch announcing their arrival. The silk at the entrance was opened and he can see Soo Kyung peeking in, calling for him.
He got down immediately and finds himself in front of a very large building. It doesn’t require an scholar to know that this building is worth a lot. There are traces of gold anywhere, in the wall, in the pole, some even on the door. The curtains are made of the finest quality of silk. They looked so soft and inviting, Jaejoong couldn’t help but to have the urge to touch it.
“Your highness, we’ve arrived in the emperor’s residence. Please follow me,” the eunuch bows before he walks in, prompting Jaejoong and Soo Kyung to follow his steps.
So, this is really on the emperor’s order? Lucky him. He was seriously having the worst time of his life, trying to decipher all possible tricks that might have been pulled out on him while they were on their way to this place. Now that they’re in the emperor’s residency, he can’t help but to heave a sigh of relief.
Walking behind the eunuch, Jaejoong barely has the time to admire all the lavish decorations. If he were worrying about Lady Ara earlier, he’s worrying about the emperor’s intention now. Why would the emperor call for him here? Why didn’t he come to Jang Mi like the usual? Is he planning to do something to him?
The emperor did looked cunningly wise to him. And that scares him more. God, this is so nerve wrecking. Living in the palace is a curse indeed. Even calm people like Jaejoong can get flustered everytime something out of the ordinary happens.
The eunuch stop in front of a door. “Your highness, you may enter now. Miss Soo Kyung, please stay here with me,” the eunuch bows respectfully.
“Sire, the occupant of Jang Mi has arrived,” the eunuch announces.
“Let him in,” the sound of Hong Chul answering from inside greeted them.
The eunuch opens the door for him and Jaejoong gracefully walk through the door. He didn’t bother to look up, opting to immediately bow as soon as he entered.
“At ease,” a familiar baritone commanded. He did as he was told to and stand up awkwardly.
“Look at me, Jaejoong,” the emperor added, his tone suggestive when he pronounced his name.
Jaejoong looked up hesitantly and saw the emperor sitting on his throne, in his hand is a brush marked black and on the table in front of him are multiple books and papers, presumably the country’s report. Hong Chul is standing right next to him.
“Did you wait long?” he asked, sending Jaejoong waves of shock. He knew Jaejoong would stay up all night waiting for him?
Can this be even more embarrassing. First, he cried when the male took him by force, and then just a few hours ago, there he was, waiting for the man’s arrival in his room. If that didn’t make him look cheap, he don’t know what will.
“I didn’t wait,” Jaejoong lied, as a mean to save him from eternal embarrassment. His body however betrayed him when his cheeks turn pink. Eyes getting wider upon seeing Jaejoong blushing, the emperor form a thin line of smile on his lips.
“So beautiful,” he complimented. He’s not trying to lift Jaejoong up or anything, the beauty is indeed mesmerizing.
Jaejoong bite his tongue again upon hearing those condemned sentence, the words he hated the most. “It somehow register me that you didn’t like being called beautiful very much,” the emperor added in amusement, catching the controlled strain on Jaejoong’s face as soon as he heard those words. Jaejoong only look down, not having even the slightest urge to answer, what was he suppose to say? Yes?
“Jaejoong, look at me,” the emperor repeated his order. When Jaejoong comply timidly, he shook his head, “You really are a mystery, my beauty.”
Jaejoong didn’t know whether to take that as a compliment or not, but he chose to think positively. “Come, sit next to me,” the emperor called before he resumed to his writing. “There are so many things that needed my attention right now, that’s why I can’t go to your place. But I suddenly missed you, so I asked people to fetch you. You don’t mind that, do you?” the emperor explained (?) while writing. When he senses that Jaejoong hadn’t move as he was requested to, he looked up only to see hesitance on Jaejoong’s usually blank face.
“Sit where?” Jaejoong asked, his husky voice sounding really feeble right now. He sounded so vulnerable and weak, people just can’t help but to have the urge to do everything in their power to shield him from all bad things in the world. The emperor fought the urge to smile at the adorable antics. “Here,” he patted the space next to him in the throne. Seeing how the hesitance turn into a frown in Jaejoong’s delicate feature, he added, “No one’s going to kill you for sitting in the same space as me, my love.”
Jaejoong sigh in defeat before he softly nods and make his way to the throne.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The sounds of birds chirping woke him up from the sweetest slumber. Peeking his right eye open, his eyes fell on the ceiling of a really unfamiliar place. Snapping both of his eyes open in shock, he shot up and found himself in an equally unfamiliar room.
Where is he? He looked around him timidly. Enveloping him to protect him from the cold are blankets made of golden thread. Golden thread? This is definitely not his!
“Your highness, you’re awoken,” he heard Soo Kyung said. He turns to the source of the voice and found Soo Kyung sitting right next to his bed, black circles adorning her eyes. “Soo Kyung? Where am I?” he asked the question he’s been asking a lot these past few days.
“Your highness, you’re in the emperor’s bedroom, according to Sir Eun Chan that is. You fell asleep in the emperor’s study last night, so he ordered his people to take you here,” Soo Kyung explains.
Nodding understandingly, Jaejoong gulped when he noticed the hesitant look on Soo Kyung’s face.
“What is it?” he asked.
Soo Kyung bow before she answer, “Your Highness, forgive me if I offended you. I just find this rather fascinating. As far as I know, not even Lady Ara had gotten the privilege to see the emperor’s bedroom. This is the first time he ever let someone step on it, let alone sleep on it,” Soo Kyung expresses her amazement.
Jaejoong stay quiet upon hearing her. The emperor has been visiting him every night ever since he was deployed to the Jang Mi palace. And last night, when he couldn’t come to Jang Mi, he even asked his people to fetch Jaejoong. And now this. Apparently, the emperor did have a soft spot for Jaejoong. Good, he definitely can make full use of those affection in the future.
He turned back to Soo Kyung before he let out the question that has been bothering him for a while, “Soo Kyung, be honest with me,” there was this firmness in his voice that warns Soo Kyung to not to mess with him.
“Has the emperor ever bedded someone like me?” he asked, with an underlying meaning.
“Your highness, you mean, a male?” she treaded carefully.
He nodded.
“Your highness, as far as I know, you’re the first male he’s ever been with.”
“What about the previous Jang Mi occupant? Was it a she or a he?” Jaejoong asked again.
“It was a Lady, Your Highness,” she answered.
Asking about the ex Lady Jang Mi pique his interest once again, bombarding him with waves of curiosity. He had long been wondering about her. Though everytime he ask of her, no one will give him definite answer. The belonging she left behind gave him quite the nostalgic feeling. Her writings, her books, her clothes. It was as if she was sad during her life time and that her life were wasted in the Forbidden City.
Seeing how Soo Kyung is being cooperative right now, he decided to take this chance.
“Speaking about her, why was she killed? I saw a lot of her poem and embroidery, and all of it looks sad,” he inquired, forgetting where he actually is at the moment. His curiosity is too great he just had to ask. Soo Kyung remained quiet for a while, wondering whether or not she should spill this.
“Soo Kyung,” he warned, yearning for an answer. They never answer him everytime he asked about the Lady before. But now, he’s not going to back down any longer. He has to know.
“Your highness, the past Lady of Jang Mi was the daughter of the past prime minister. Back then, the prime minister tried to gain power and almost trigger a rebellion. When the current emperor reigned, he tried to recruit more power by sending his daughter to be one of the Imperial Concubines. But then, the current emperor outdo him and executed him and his family and friends for treason. His daughter, who happens to the Lady of Jang Mi was also killed, but not for the same reason. There’s something else. Something only known by the household of Jang Mi at that time. The Lady of Jang Mi or Lady Eun Hye actually had a lover outside the palace. They ended their relationship once she entered the harem. The emperor never really cared about her, his highness never even bedded her because he hated her father so much. But when the emperor found out about her previous relationship, he ordered people to kill her for adultery. The head of servants of Jang Mi at that time, Madam Yoon Ji who knows about their relationship but kept quiet about it was also killed.”
Jaejoong kept quiet throughout the explaination, somehow feeling grateful that the emperor showers him with affection, even if it’s meant to be temporary. Unlike the previous Lady Jang Mi.
“They didn’t even keep their relationship on, but the emperor still killed her,” he muttered softly. “Her ex lover, was he killed too?” he asked in wonder, hoping for a no. Otherwise, their love will prove to be the most dramatic love story of the century.
“No. He was the son of one of the loyal palace officials I think. The emperor even promoted his father to a higher rank, so we think his highness only killed her because of her father, not because of her love affair with the male prior her to entrance on the harem,” she said.
Finally getting a good grasp on the situation, Jaejoong gasp. “I get it now. Since she was already one of the Imperial Concubines the time the emperor killed her family, she had political immunities and couldn't be executed using political reasons. So he used her past to get rid of her,” he exclaimed, a tinge of repulsion made it's way to his expressive eyes
“Your highness-” suddenly, a voice calls for them from the outside, halting their conversation that instant. Fear struck the two as they realized someone of the emperor’s household might had overheard them talking about forbidden affairs.
Soo Kyung cover her mouth with er hand, stumped, hoping that whoever it is outside hadn't heard a thing. God knows what will happen to her. The consort will be fine since the emperor favours him a lot. Her however...
“Yes,” Jaejoong said, equally flustered. “His highness ordered me to take you to the reading room once you’re awoken. Please follow me, your highness,” Eun Chan pleaded from outside. It’s official. He did heard them. How else would he know Jaejoong is up if he didn’t hear his voice.
“Yes,” Jaejoong answered while eyeing the scared Soo Kyung. “Don’t worry, I won’t let them touch you,” he whispered, promising her his protection. It was after all due to his overbearing curiosity that she is in this situation right now. He has to take responsibility.
Feeling a lot better by his promise, Soo Kyung bow, “Thank you, your highness.”
Jaejoong nodded before he straighten himself out and walk towards the door. Once passing the door, his eyes fell on Eun Chan. The young eunuch looked as if he hadn’t heard anything, but Jaejoong is too smart to believe that. He knows, by now, everyone in the city ought to master the art of acting.
Pretending as if nothing’s wrong, he follows Eun Chan to the reading room. The journey wasn’t too long, they only need to walk past a couple of corridors before they arrive to their destination. In front of the reading room, there are 3 ladies-in waiting standing obediently.
“Ah, Lady Ara must be here,” Eun Chan informed him, unaware of how his words affect Jaejoong.
Jaejoong felt his breath hitch, not knowing to do. She saw him before, she knows him. Now is not the time to meet her yet. The pain he felt due to her doings is still raw, he's not sure if he'd be able to tame the raging tempest within him if he happens to see her. And he initially planned to meet her after he entirely took all the emperor’s affection. Now is far from that.
He tried to act normally, but his fear must’ve been evident on his face since Soo Kyung is now eyeing him worriedly. “Your highness, you look a bit pale, are you hungry?” Soo Kyung asked in concern. He barely heard her as he turns to Eun Chan, wanting to speak to him and finds any excuse to leave. But it was a tad too late.
“Your highness, the occupant of Jang Mi is here,” he heard Eun Chan notifying the emperor from outside.
Jaejoong gulp bitterly, his feet suddenly felt glued to the ground. He didn't know what to do, he wants to run, but to where? “Send him in,” a reply came from Hong Chul from inside.
The door opens almost immediately, in a rather ominous way. Jaejoong try to maintain his grace and aloofness before he steps into the reading room quietly. His dark abyss of an eye shone in something akin to confidence, though deep down inside he is far from that.
“Yes. Just kill her if you want. The man had already died anyway, it’d be unfair of she was left alive,” he can hear the emperor saying.
“Thank you for your approval, Sire. I’ll command my people to have the girl killed by today. Let this serve as a warning to all other ladies to not to commit adultery or in this case, to not to help cover an act of adultery,” this time, it came from a lady. Lady Ara.
And Jaejoong knew right away who they are talking about. They're killing Ji Hye!
He tried to compose his face when he saw the emperor averting his eyes from Lady Ara to him. “Ah, you’re here, my beauty. Wait for a while and we’ll eat together,” the emperor says.
Lady Ara, who had been hearing a lot about the occupant, slowly turns around in anticipation, wanting to see if the new consort is really as beautiful as she was rumoured to be.
God, did she almost have a heart attack.
“You!” she exclaimed loudly, her finger pointing to Jaejoong accusingly. Jaejoong felt as though his heart stopped beating when she did that.
"So this is Lady Ara. The rumors are true then, you really have no manners,” Jaejoong claims spontaneously, trying to make it sound as though Lady Ara did that due to his gender.
Her wide eyes rakes in Jaejoong's feature in shock. “Your highness! It's him!” she yelled, still pointing at Jaejoong as her chest heaves up and down from adrenaline rush. “It’s the male who committed adultery with the dead girl!”
Had this been any other day, Lady Ara would've definitely gotten it for raising her voice in front of the emperor, but the situation is so tense that nothing but her accusations stands out.
The emperor looked at her and Jaejoong simultaneously, his face blank, masking his true emotions away.
“You said the male is dead. Why are you pointing at him now?” he asked, his voice void of emotion.
“Sire, I- I- I was lying. He is alive! I told them to toss him anywhere they want and they did. And when you requested for him, and I found out that he’s gone, I got nervous since I knew you hated incompetent people. So I lied... Sire, he’s the male,” she repeated, this time sounding a little less confident than before.
The emperor was quiet for a while, thinking. His wondrous eyes fell on Jaejoong who was quiet, still with his stoic face. Then he turns to the imploring Lady Ara.
“Your jealousy is disgusting, Ara,” he declared coldly.
“B-but Sire-“
“You were blinded by your jealousy. You hated him for taking all my attention so you constructed this lie to get rid of him,” he says, tone still flat.
“Sire, I didn’t-” Lady Ara is now kneeling, hoping he’d trust her over him.
“I expect more from you. After all, you above all others knew how much I hated liars-"
Jaejoong gulp when he hears him saying that.
"And yet you still dare to commit one right before me. I order you to have a house arrest for 100 days as a form of self reflection. All your duties in the harem will be transferred to the other noble consort from today. Now leave,” he ordered firmly.
“Your highness, please,” Lady Ara begged again.
“Would you like the escort of my guard then?”
Lady Ara turns to Jaejoong with fury in her eyes. He looked back at her, a smirk decorating his beautiful face, clearly liking this easy victory. Knowing very well to not to enrage the emperor even more, she bowed respectfully.
“Yes, Sire,” she said in a low tone. Then she stand up and give one last look to Jaejoong, her eyes brimming in angry tears before she finally walks out.
Once she left, Jaejoong turns to the emperor gratefully. The emperor favors him over Lady Ara now, and he wonder if he should test his luck. Ji hye comes first before his pride, and thinking about her, he walked slowly to the emperor, maintaining eye contact with the bewitched male. He very well knows how much the male liked looking at his eyes, that’s why he kept telling Jaejoong to look at him. And taking advantage of that, Jaejoong throw his pride away and settles himself on the emperor's lap, triggering gasp from Hong Chul.
“Your H-“ Hong Chul was about to reprimand him for his rude action, but the emperor raise his hand to quiet him. “What is it?” he ask.
Jaejoong bit his lips, wondering if he should go on with this.
He looked at emperor's eyes pleadingly, “I was wondering if- if I by any chance can have the girl you said you’d be killing,” Jaejoong hesitantly express his wish.
He can feel the emperor tensing upon hearing him. To outline his point, he wrapped his arm around the emperor’s neck pamperedly. “I mean I’m bored being all alone in the palace. I need company. So why not use that girl? I mean, she sounded loyal. Willing to die to cover other people’s affair, so I guess I can really use her company,” he added.
“Why? Aren’t your servants enough of a confidante for you?” the emperor inquires, causing Jaejoong to gulp. “Well, servants are servants, they're not on the same par as me. I needed someone of the same status,” he replied.
It was quiet for a while, it meant good for it means the emperor is actually considering his request.
“Please,” he added, his face nuzzling the emperor’s neck.
“Why? Why her? I can send the other consorts for you if you want,” the emperor asked again. This is bad, the emperor starts to be suspicious of him. Jaejoong rack his brain, trying to give a convincing reason. “But you already banned the other consorts from getting near me. Besides, they scares me. I mean look at Lady Ara. What if they tries to bring me down like she did,” Jaejoong pouted, his face a little strained since he is not accustomed to pouting.
“And what makes you think the girl won’t do the same to you?” the emperor questioned again. Jaejoong stopped breathing. This is it, Jaejoong better just shut up. The emperor sounds more and more suspicious of him with every words he said.
Sulkily pulling away from his lap, Jaejoong avoids eye contact and keeps his gaze to the floor. “It’s okay if you won’t agree. I was just suggesting.” The truth is, no it’s not okay.
He needs another plan to save Ji Hye, he can’t let her die. He has to help her live even if it means he has to die.
“Fine. No need to give me that face. You may take her,” the emperor suddenly consent his request, seeing how upset he is after being denied.
“Really?” he asked, his head snapped upwards happily. “Yes. Now sit, we’ll eat together,” the emperor commanded.
Jaejoong bit his lips again, a habit he didn’t know he had. “Umm, maybe I should fetch her now. I mean before Lady Ara goes for her,” he said, looking at the emperor with his doe eyes again. The emperor shook his head softly, “How can I say no when you’re looking at me like that?”
Jaejoong bowed happily before he walked out in great haste. One pressing thought linger in his brain as he made his way to the palanquin outside. 'The emperor isn’t that bad after all!'
“Sire, Lady Ara she-“ Hong Chul said once Jaejoong left.
“I know,” the emperor said, his eyes still on the door. “Then why?” Hong Chul inquires.
"He looks so beautiful when he's happy, don't you think?"
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