DN23

Chapter 23

This Wasn’t What I Wanted

“Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?”

Taeyeom studied Gyeom’s face closely as the emperor pressed a hand to his temple. The gaze was so full of worry that Gyeom lowered his hand at once.

“It’s just a slight headache. Don’t concern yourself.”

“But how could I not? As Your Majesty’s servant, it is my duty to worry. I will immediately summon a physician from the Royal Medical Bureau.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Gyeom gestured impatiently at Taeyeom’s fussing. Headaches had been his constant companion ever since he ascended the throne.

Though he was emperor, being so young and forced to face seasoned, weathered politicians—men who had spent their lives scheming—was a crushing burden. Outwardly he stood at the pinnacle of power, yet never once had he been able to speak or act freely.

The weakened imperial authority forced even the emperor himself to tread cautiously. And Gyeom, the son of a lowly palace maid, was particularly vulnerable.

The smallest mistake could bring ruin. There were too many waiting to strike. Perhaps his headaches had begun the moment he realized he could no longer trust anyone.

“Then, at the very least, allow me to bring you a medicinal tea for the pain.”

Gyeom merely nodded. If he refused again, Taeyeom would only come up with another excuse, another method. One cup of tea was easier than endless insistence.

Just as Taeyeom was about to order the tea prepared, a eunuch entered.

“Your Majesty, Physician Seo-rang from the Medical Bureau requests an audience.”
“Let him in.”

At that, Gyeom closed the book he had been reading. If Seo-rang had come, it meant there was news about Danseol.

“May the radiant sun of Hwangseong, His Imperial Majesty, live ten thousand years.”

“You’ve just finished examining Lady Dan, I see.”

Gyeom’s eyes flicked to the small physician’s bag in Seo-rang’s hand.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have come to report on Lady Dan and the imperial heir’s condition.”

As he spoke, Seo-rang’s gaze darted toward the chamber servants lined against the wall.

“Leave us. I wish to speak privately with the physician.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The servants filed out one by one. Only Taeyeom remained, his hands politely clasped, unwilling to move.

“Is there further command for me, Your Majesty?”

“Did you not hear me?”

“Of course I did. But when you said to withdraw, I thought—”

“You are included.”

“….”

“Leave.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Taeyeom departed in quick, reluctant steps. His slumped shoulders revealed his disappointment—after all, he had been by Gyeom’s side constantly for fourteen years. But not even Taeyeom could be allowed to hear about Danseol. It was too great a risk.

“Now that we are alone, speak.”

Instead of answering, Seo-rang presented something in his hand.

“Lady Dan gave me this today.”
“…Kumquat peel?”

It was an ordinary piece of peel.

“Look closely at the surface.”

Gyeom examined it. On the skin were faint, pressed markings—letters deliberately carved.

“What is this supposed to mean?”
“It is the name of an herb.”

“…An herb?”

“Yes. It seems Her Majesty the Empress placed one of her personal maids, named Gyeonji, in Lady Dan’s service.”

That much, Gyeom already knew. He had considered removing the maid but left her be.

Wasn’t that the very reason I brought Danseol into the harem?

To draw away the Empress Chun -Ihwa’s attention. To divert General Chun Taesu’s vigilance as well. That was the purpose of elevating Danseol in the first place—no reason for guilt.

“Lady Dan appears to be using this herb to deceive both the maid and the Empress’s eyes.”

“Is this herb truly capable of fooling even the Empress?”

“Not particularly rare, but if taken steadily in sufficient doses, it halts the monthly flow. Though few know of this effect.”

“…Ha.”

Gyeom let out a low, bitter laugh. When the false pregnancy had first been contrived, he had already devised how to sustain the lie.

Did she think I had not considered this?

Yet Danseol had not trusted him—she had chosen to act on her own. It both stung his pride and ignited his curiosity. Just how far would that woman go to deceive the Empress?

“…Your Majesty?”

“How do you intend to deliver this herb to Lady Dan?”

“By order of the Grand Empress Dowager, a medicinal tea is sent each night. I plan to mix it into that tea. That way, it will escape suspicion from the maid.”

“Good.”

“Then I shall begin tonight—”

“No. I will go myself.”

“…What?”

Seo-rang’s jaw dropped, quickly snapping shut when he remembered where he stood.

“To Chuwol Pavilion. I shall deliver it personally.”

“Your Majesty need not go to such lengths…”

“If a physician suddenly delivers the tea himself, suspicion will immediately arise.”

The Empress would surely be informed, and she would test the tea endlessly. Danseol’s scheme would collapse.

“But Your Majesty—would it not raise even greater suspicion for you to deliver it?”

“No. I am her husband.”

A husband visiting his beloved consort—what explanation could be needed? In truth, it would also further provoke the Empress. Two birds with one stone.

“See that the tea is prepared without error. I will take it to Chuwol Pavilion myself.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Danseol fidgeted restlessly after Seo-rang’s visit.

Did he understand my meaning? What if he threw away the kumquat peel? What if he didn’t recognize the code?

Without the herb, everything would unravel. She needed to begin that very day, to continue for at least a week. In ten days, her monthly bleeding would come.

“Are you unwell, my lady?”

“No… I am simply tired. I’ll lie down for a while.”

Feigning fatigue, she lay down, but her anxious thoughts kept her wide awake. At last, exhaustion pulled her under. When she woke, night had already fallen.

“Did anyone come while I slept?”

“No, my lady.”

Danseol sighed in disappointment.

“Shall I order supper brought?”
“No, thank you.”

What appetite could she have? In ten days she might be executed for insulting the imperial bloodline. The lavish meals, the constant watch of Gyeonji—everything tasted like ashes.

“At least a small snack then—”
“I said it’s fine.”

Her voice was sharper now. She wished the maid would leave her alone, even for a single hour. With the Empress’s spy at her side all day, her very soul felt worn out.

If only someone would drive her away for me…

Of course, no such rescue would come. Still, she let herself daydream—until a sudden cry shattered her thoughts.