Chapter 36
A Bold Request
“Chief Physician, is something troubling you?”
Joodan, who had been standing there absentmindedly, cleared his throat and straightened his posture.
“No, nothing.”
“Nothing, you say? Then why heave such a sigh if there’s no trouble?”
“I must have shown you an unsightly side of myself. It’s nothing important—don’t mind it.”
“Is it because of the Yuldo front?”
Joodan, who had tried to act composed as he walked, halted in his steps.
“It must be frustrating that no one has volunteered.”
“I was going to send just anyone, truthfully.”
“Still, you’ll need someone who can do the job properly…”
He was right. The prolonged battle had resulted in over two thousand wounded soldiers requiring medical attention. On top of that, a contagious disease was spreading, meaning the number would only grow by the time reinforcements reached the border.
The more patients there were, the more crucial the leader’s role became. Simply filling the numbers with palace maids for menial work would not suffice.
But Joodan’s concern was not limited to that.
“The one I wish to recommend… is Lady Dan.”
That was his true worry.
‘How on earth am I supposed to send a royal concubine to a battlefield?’
And not just any concubine—the Emperor’s favored one.
“How could I possibly—”
“You must be mistaken. This is not a request, but an order.”
If Lady Dan wasn’t sent to the southern border, it would not be her life on the line—it would be his own. Having become Chief Physician thanks to Empress Dowager Ihwa’s support, he owed her absolute obedience.
So he had no choice. Somehow, some way, he had to send Lady Dan there—without the Emperor’s knowledge.
“There’s still time. We’ll see how it goes.”
“I’m sure a capable volunteer who meets your expectations will appear, Chief Physician.”
“Yes… thank you.”
Joodan gave a complicated smile and walked away.
When he and his assistant physician left, a figure slowly emerged from behind a tree—Danseol. She had come to the Imperial Medical Office to see Taeseorang and had hidden in haste upon noticing the Chief Physician.
‘It’s not good to be seen wandering in and out of the Medical Office for no reason.’
She had hidden only to avoid suspicion, yet ended up overhearing something unexpected.
“No volunteers, huh…?”
She had heard rumors that the southern border was in a dire situation, but she hadn’t known that medical personnel were being dispatched there. Taeseorang hadn’t said a word about it.
‘Well, I suppose it would’ve been stranger if he had told me, a concubine.’
It made sense—such affairs were none of her concern.
‘Yes, it really has nothing to do with me.’
Had she still been a princess of Seolhwa, she would’ve volunteered immediately. But this was Hwangseon, not her homeland. There was no need to risk her life.
Besides, she had far more important things to accomplish within this palace.
‘But I can’t seem to find the right opportunity…’
Since obtaining the poison herb, her plans had completely stalled. She couldn’t risk brewing and concentrating it herself—concubines were forbidden to light fires on their own.
Too conspicuous.
And ever since Gyeom had ordered the maids to attend her faithfully, she was never left alone—at least three of them followed her everywhere.
That made her movements even more restricted. Even now, she had barely managed to slip away by claiming she was going to the Medical Office.
‘There must be some way…’
She thought hard, but no clever idea came to mind.
“A message just arrived from Hwayeong Hall.”
Upon returning to Chiwol Hall, Danseol received a letter from the Grand Empress Dowager.
“It has been some time since we shared tea. I’ll be waiting, so come whenever you please.”
Though the letter said “whenever you please,” Danseol immediately prepared to leave. A mere concubine couldn’t possibly keep the highest elder of the imperial family waiting.
“Your Majesty, Lady Dan has arrived.”
“Good. Bring her in.”
“Your Majesty, I hope you have been in good health…”
Danseol’s greeting faltered mid-sentence as the Grand Empress Dowager personally rose to take her hand.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“Yes, thanks to Your Majesty’s care, I’ve recovered well.”
“I did nothing deserving of thanks…”
The Grand Empress Dowager seemed to still feel guilty over Danseol’s miscarriage. Having witnessed the loss of the long-awaited imperial heir firsthand, her grief must have been indescribable.
Feeling sorry that she had caused unnecessary heartache, Danseol smiled gently.
“Didn’t Your Majesty send me such nourishing food every day?”
When Danseol had been recuperating in Geonil Hall after her miscarriage, the Grand Empress Dowager had sent her delicacies daily, allowing her to live in comfort.
“That was nothing. Come, let’s sit and talk.”
As they sat facing each other, the maids brought out a lavish spread of sweets—Danseol’s favorites among them.
“It eases my heart to see you looking well.”
The Grand Empress Dowager was relieved that Danseol looked healthier than expected.
‘The imperial heir can always be conceived again.’
For that, Danseol needed to be in good health, and thankfully, she was.
“It’s all thanks to His Majesty’s devoted care.”
“Yes, I’ve heard he’s been exceptionally attentive to you.”
The Grand Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, while Danseol forced a faint smile, a bitter taste rising in her mouth.
“If only His Majesty could remain by my side…”
The truth was, Gyeom would soon be leaving—and that was the problem. How could she possibly conceive if he wasn’t even there?
“…What do you mean by that?”
Danseol’s brows furrowed slightly as she set down her teacup.
“Ahem.”
The Grand Empress Dowager cleared her throat and gestured subtly. The eunuch and maids withdrew, leaving the room private. Whatever she was about to say, it was clearly sensitive.
“Has His Majesty not told you?”
“No, not at all.”
Though Danseol had fulfilled her duty as a favored consort, lately Gyeom had been too busy to visit often—and he had spoken of nothing important.
“It seems he kept it secret, even from you. His Majesty is preparing for another campaign.”
“…A campaign?”
Danseol’s brows creased deeper.
“He hasn’t even been back long since the last one. Of course I worry.”
The Grand Empress Dowager seemed to interpret her reaction differently—believing she was simply anxious about her husband’s safety.
But Danseol’s thoughts were far from that.
‘This is bad…’
If Gyeom left the palace for a long campaign, her revenge would be delayed indefinitely. She needed to act soon—but if he was away, her very purpose for becoming a concubine would be lost.
“Is this because of the southern situation?”
“Yes. It seems matters there have grown serious.”
Judging by the secrecy surrounding it, it was clearly a grave issue.
“Even so, does His Majesty truly need to lead the army himself?”
“I told him as much, but he wouldn’t listen…”
She had gone to Geonil Hall herself to dissuade him, but Gyeom’s mind was made up.
“What if you were to speak to him instead?”
“Me?”
“He may not heed my words, but he will surely listen to yours.”
A beloved woman’s plea might just shake his resolve.
After a long moment of hesitation, Danseol finally nodded.
“…Very well. I’ll speak with His Majesty.”
“Good. I’ll count on you.”
Relief softened the Grand Empress Dowager’s expression.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
Normally, she would’ve tried to keep Danseol a while longer out of affection, but today she gladly saw her off—hoping she might succeed in persuading him.
“Your Majesty, Lady Dan requests an audience.”
“…Who did you say?”
Gyeom lowered the scroll he’d been reading, surprise flickering in his eyes.
“Lady Dan has come to see you.”
So it wasn’t a mistake—she had actually come of her own accord.
‘Why would she…?’
It was always he who went to her. Since she’d entered the harem, she had never once sought him out first.
‘How curious… and a little irritating.’
He had only himself to blame, but the thought somehow soured his mood.
“Let her in.”
At his command, the doors opened, and Danseol entered. Dressed in a pale green gown with a white outer robe, she looked fresh and radiant, a vision of summer. The faintly sheer fabric gave her an ethereal grace.
Sensing the atmosphere, Taeyeom quickly ushered the servants out.
“What brings you here?”
At his slightly mocking tone, Danseol bowed deeply and said—
“When Your Majesty departs for war, please… take me with you.”
