Chapter 7…
Suspicion
Since her body had not yet fully recovered, Wolryeong invited Jin Inang to Cheonyeongeo through Shim Seoui, who was acting as a messenger on behalf of her mother.
If So Myeongseol was like a dazzling and intense rose, then Jin Inang was like a noble orchid under moonlight—elegant and gentle. As someone from the southern regions, she had a petite figure, dewy skin, and clear, translucent eyes that were especially captivating. Wearing a soft smile and dressed in deep yellow, she carried an aura that naturally drew people in.
“I wanted to come see you as soon as I heard you had awakened, but I feared disturbing your rest, so I held back. I’m truly relieved to see your complexion has improved. Please, I hope you recover fully soon.”
Jin Inang clasped her hands together, looking as though she were sincerely praying. Watching her performative concern, Wolryeong inwardly admired her skill.
“Thank you for your concern. I’ve improved quite a bit thanks to it. If Seoui has time, I would appreciate it if she could occasionally visit my residence so we can talk.”
A glint flashed in Jin Inang’s eyes. No matter how useless Wolryeong might seem, she was still the legitimate eldest daughter of the family—and the future consort of Prince Chungshin.
It would be advantageous to maintain a good relationship. Relying on her husband, Shim Onseo, was impossible, and So Myeongseol was both ruthless and cunning.
If she wished to secure the future of Shim Seoui and Shim Bungjeon, then even if timid Shim Wolryeong was not to her liking, the value of her legitimate status could not be ignored.
Yet something about Wolryeong’s changed demeanor stirred her thoughts. Jin Inang instinctively felt that now was the perfect time to build a connection.
“Our Seoui is very fond of you, Young Lady. I hope you will continue to take good care of her.”
With a bright smile, Jin Inang cast a subtle glance at the maids, including Byeokra, then fell silent. Wolryeong caught her meaning and dismissed them.
“Byeokra, stand guard at the door. Don’t let anyone in.”
Though slightly startled, Byeokra obediently nodded.
“Yes, Young Lady.”
Once everyone had left, Wolryeong turned to Jin Inang.
“It seems you have something to say. You may speak now.”
Seeing Wolryeong’s calm expression, Jin Inang felt a flicker of unease instead.
Was this girl always like this?
Still, as a seasoned concubine who had secured Shim Onseo’s favor and borne him two children under So Myeongseol’s shadow, she quickly softened the atmosphere with a graceful smile and spoke carefully.
“There is something I wish to tell you, but as I do not yet have definitive proof, I hesitate to speak recklessly. However, remaining silent has weighed heavily on my mind, so I came to see you in the end.”
Just as expected. Wolryeong smiled faintly.
“You’re referring to the matter of my illness, aren’t you?”
Jin Inang was inwardly startled by how directly Wolryeong hit the mark, though she maintained a composed smile.
“As expected of your insight. Yes, this illness of yours was clearly someone’s doing. I’ve secured a few pieces of evidence. Would you like to see them?”
Only the two of them remained in the quiet room. Wolryeong studied Jin Inang’s expression and the confidence in her smile.
So she plans to negotiate with this?
It was a trap—one so shallow it was almost laughable. The moment she showed interest, the initiative would shift to Jin Inang.
But Wolryeong had no intention of playing along. In any negotiation, the most important thing was to keep one’s true thoughts unreadable.
“Jin Inang, I believe you misunderstand. That evidence is not particularly important. Whatever it may be, it won’t be enough to threaten the position of the First Madam.”
Jin Inang’s expression subtly shifted. She tensed.
Wolryeong was right. If the evidence were truly enough to bring down So Myeongseol, she would have already presented it to Shim Onseo.
But Jin Inang knew its power was limited—that was why she had held onto it until now. Hoping for a chance, she had tried to use it to negotiate with Wolryeong, only to have her intentions exposed instead.
She studied Wolryeong again. If not for her familiar face, she might have believed she was a completely different person.
Was Shim Wolryeong always this sharp?
Watching Jin Inang’s wavering gaze, Wolryeong let out a calm sigh.
“Inang, I only wish for harmony within the family. But just look at the state I’m in now.”
Hearing this, Jin Inang’s suspicions eased, and she nodded.
“That is because you are too soft-hearted, Young Lady. But it is good that you’ve realized it now. It’s not too late.”
She smiled gently.
“I am merely a lowly concubine, but Second Young Master and Ninth Young Lady are legitimate members of this household. How could I ever become a burden to them?
The First Madam is always wary of me. I fear that her hostility may extend to my children as well. If you would help them, Young Lady, then I would be willing to do anything for you.”
Jin Inang had realized that her so-called “evidence” would not be enough to persuade Wolryeong, and she immediately shifted her strategy. If Wolryeong intended to oppose the First Madam, she would not be able to do so without support.
“Madam, please do not worry. I have always cared for my second brother and ninth sister. Their matters are my matters as well.”
Relief washed over Jin Inang’s face.
“To think they have such a wonderful elder sister—it must be the result of great virtue from a past life.”
Wolryeong smiled faintly, watching her carefully.
“Today, because of the First Madam and Second Young Lady, Prince Chungshin was greatly angered. This may affect the marriage arrangement with his household.”
Jin Inang already knew this. The news had spread through the household almost immediately. She had come precisely to confirm it, but she feigned surprise.
“Please tell me what you wish.”
“Tell Father that I have no desire for this marriage. If Second Young Lady wishes it, I am willing to yield it—for the sake of sisterly affection.”
Jin Inang’s face turned pale.
She had staked everything on Wolryeong’s potential marriage to Prince Chungshin. If that arrangement collapsed, there would be no reason to remain tied to her.
“Young Lady, please reconsider. This is a rare opportunity. You must not refuse it. You may never find a better match.”
Prince Chungshin was a man of immense power—someone even the court dared not oppose lightly.
“If he truly becomes enraged, our entire Shim family could suffer. You must not think this way!”
To cancel such a marriage—something unimaginable.
And not only cancel it, but hand it over to Shim Unggeum? If that happened, her son Shim Bungjeon would lose his place in the family entirely.
Watching Jin Inang’s pale expression, Wolryeong spoke calmly.
“Jin Inang, do as I say. That is the only way this marriage will surely return to me.”
Jin Inang looked at her with suspicion, unable to move. Wolryeong lightly brushed her fingers across the table, then met her gaze.
“A man like Prince Chungshin—dignified and wise—would naturally grow suspicious if his bride were suddenly changed. Anyone would. And after today’s incident, that suspicion will only deepen.
The First Madam and Shim Unggeum will have no room for excuses. If it is revealed they schemed something like this just before the wedding, they will destroy themselves without us lifting a hand.
That is why this matter must be spread outside quickly. Only then will their plan be exposed to the world.”
Jin Inang was quick-witted. She soon understood and nodded with a smile.
“I will do as you say, Young Lady. Your insight is truly remarkable. I am ashamed I failed to see it.”
At the thought of the First Madam and her daughter collapsing on their own, Jin Inang immediately pledged herself.
Wolryeong nodded as if they shared the same goal—but in truth, her real intention was to break off the marriage entirely.
She did not want the marriage, nor did she intend to benefit Shim Unggeum and her mother. In fact, this would only create a powerful enemy.
If Jin Inang learned her true intentions, she would never cooperate. While Wolryeong intended to keep her promise to look after Shim Seoui and Shim Bungjeon, she had no intention of sacrificing her own marriage and happiness.
There were other ways to help them.
After forming their alliance, Jin Inang left, already thinking of how to lure the master to her residence that night so the plan could proceed smoothly.
Wolryeong, having been busy all day, was exhausted.
“I will rest. Do not let anyone disturb me.”
After instructing Byeokra, she lay down on her bed.
Soon, the surroundings fell silent, and taking advantage of the quiet, Wolryeong entered her private space.
