Chapter 18….
“Then, how about a game of tuho?”
Prince Suchun cautiously suggested. But Honga shook her head firmly.
“I don’t want to.”
“Why? Are you still upset?”
“No. I’m going to the Eastern Palace. I’ve been told I can return now.”
Four days ago, Hongyeon’s cold had gotten worse, and so Honga was once again entrusted to Consort Yang’s quarters. Consort Yang was a kind woman, and with Prince Suchun around, it had been enjoyable enough.
But no matter how many times she stayed at Consort Yang’s quarters, she never felt truly at home, and it always left her uncomfortable.
Honga was rather sensitive. That tendency had only sharpened as she grew up. Unless she was in the Eastern Palace—specifically her own residence, Yeonggyeong Hall—she could hardly fall asleep.
Just as her exhaustion had been building up, news came from Jasun Hall that Hongyeon’s fever had subsided, and she was told she could return. Honga was thrilled at the thought of going home after so long.
“You’re leaving already?”
Prince Suchun couldn’t hide his disappointment. In those four days, Honga had corrected several of the schemes he devised. Of course, from her perspective, they were plots meant to harass the princes who would later participate in the Gyeyujeongnan (the coup against King Danjong), so she had only cooperated out of necessity.
“Anyway, let me repeat myself: don’t bully the palace maids, uncles. Let’s conduct ourselves like proper gentlemen.”
Honga stood and brushed off her wrinkled skirt.
Ignoring the disappointed gazes of Prince Ikhyeon and Prince Suchun, she walked out of Consort Yang’s quarters without hesitation. In truth, she had already said her farewells to Consort Yang, but her uncles had shown up and delayed her departure.
She was truly relieved that Hongyeon’s fever had gone down. Hongyeon often fell ill. He was still so young and frail that she felt almost a sense of duty to protect him.
Since she was stronger and cleverer, it was only natural that she should guard him. Perhaps she felt an even deeper attachment because Hongyeon’s face resembled their late mother’s so much.
“Young Lady, you have returned!”
As Honga stepped into the Eastern Palace with her attendants, the head court lady of the Eastern Palace greeted her warmly. Honga gave a slight nod and spoke gently:
“Father, it’s me, Honga.”
“Come in.”
The door opened immediately. Her mother was already inside. Honga walked gracefully, bowed, and sat in the prepared seat.
Her etiquette and bearing were hardly different from those of an adult now. The Crown Prince watched her bow and smiled broadly.
“Did you stay well at Consort Yang’s quarters?”
“I was very comfortable there.”
At her reply, the Crown Prince smiled. Since Hongyeon often fell sick, Honga was usually the one sent to others’ quarters to avoid illness. No parent could easily feel at peace, sending their child away again and again.
“How is Hongyeon?”
Looking around, she noticed Hongyeon wasn’t there. Her mother, the Crown Princess, answered.
“His fever’s gone, and the coughing has mostly stopped. He’s resting back in his quarters now.”
“You’re even worrying about your little brother—our Honga has truly grown up.”
“I still have much to learn at Father’s side.”
“When did my little girl grow so big?”
At her mature reply, the Crown Prince laughed heartily. Yet both he and the Crown Princess felt a pang of regret that their daughter had grown up so quickly.
“That reminds me, Honga.”
“Yes, Father?”
“I’m sorry that we let your birthday pass unmarked this year.”
“Please don’t trouble yourself with needless guilt. Birthdays come every year, don’t they?”
Though her answer was firm, her parents couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
This birthday was special—her seventh. In the royal family, the seventh birthday was when titles were usually conferred. Honga had been preparing to receive her first title at this celebration.
But with Hongyeon’s illness, the banquet had been canceled, and the conferment postponed.
Honga had been eagerly anticipating her title. She often said she wanted to become a gunju (princess of a county) as soon as possible. Having it delayed only made the Crown Prince and Crown Princess more anxious.
“Your seventh birthday won’t come again. We may have missed celebrating it properly, but how could we not mark the occasion somehow?”
“I truly don’t mind.”
“But we do. His Majesty has already chosen your gift, but your mother and I have not yet decided. Is there anything you’d like?”
“Yes, Honga. Tell us anything you want.”
The Crown Princess’s gentle addition was befitting of her position.
Honga paused to think.
There was nothing she wanted materially. What she really needed was information—or people. Perhaps this was a rare opportunity she might never get again. She couldn’t let it slip by.
But she had to judge carefully just how much she could ask for without arousing suspicion. To buy time, she decided to ask a question first.
“What gift did Grandfather prepare for me?”
“He’s decided to grant you a palace residence.”
“A palace residence?”
Another question popped into her head. Young royals weren’t allowed to own private property. Only once they received a title could they have possessions. Wait—ah!
“Does that mean I’m to become a gunju?”
At her sharp question, both her parents’ faces brightened. At times she seemed worryingly precocious, but when she spoke in ways that eased their concerns, she made them proud.
“Yes. Were you disappointed that your title was delayed?”
For Honga, who had been yearning for the title of gunju, this was excellent news. With a title and private property, she would gain more freedom of movement. The Crown Prince continued, perhaps unaware of his daughter’s inner thoughts.
“His Majesty has proposed three possible titles for you: Danyang, Yeongwol, and Jinsan.”
She was to choose among them. The chance to pick one’s own title was a privilege. But Honga’s expression soured.
Yeongwol? That name carried too much misfortune—it was where King Danjong had been exiled.
“Your father favors Danyang. What do you think?”
“I like it.”
She answered quickly.
“I’m glad it pleases you.”
As long as it wasn’t Yeongwol. She had no intention of going near that place until Danjong safely reached adulthood.
“And the palace residence?”
“Ah. There’s a house near Inwang Mountain that once belonged to Lady Uihwa, the Princess of Junsu. It’s small, but the scenery there is beautiful. After she died, it was reclaimed, and now it’s to be yours.”
“Am I allowed to own such a house already?”
“Think of it more as a villa than a true residence. Since it’s small, when you officially take up residence later, you’ll receive a proper palace estate.”
Though the Crown Prince emphasized its modesty, Honga was sure it would still feel overwhelmingly large to her. Just then, the perfect idea for a gift struck her.
Something that could gain her both information and connections—the most fitting choice she could make at her current stage. She decided to take the risk.
“Instead of a gift, may I make a request?”
“Oh? Speak.”
It was rare for their daughter, usually so restrained, to voice a desire of her own. The Crown Princess’s face lit up with anticipation. Urged on by both parents, Honga finished organizing her thoughts and spoke.
“I want to leave the palace.”
“What?”
The Crown Prince’s face darkened. Was it impossible after all? Honga pressed on.
“Since I was born and raised within the palace, I’ve always been curious about the world outside. And since Grandfather has given me a residence, I’d like to see it with my own eyes.”
“Once you marry in a few years, you’ll have no choice but to live outside the palace.”
His reply was more skeptical than she expected. She would have to persuade him.
“I wish to delay marriage for as long as possible.”
That answer seemed to amuse the Crown Prince; his lips twitched with a smile.
“Instead of waiting until I marry someday, I’d rather take just a few days now to see the world outside. And to visit the residence Grandfather gave me.”
In her past life too, the wealthy often owned multiple houses. It was the same here.
Homes were merely symbols of wealth—there was no real need to go visit them. She knew this, but insisted for one reason only: she had no idea when she might get another chance to leave the palace.
“Is this truly what you wish?”
“Yes, Father.”
Her eyes sparkled with earnestness. It was her best effort to win him over.
“Your Highness, how could you consider sending a child out alone?”
But her mother was the unexpected obstacle. With a pale face, the Crown Princess voiced her opposition.
“Our Honga rarely asks for anything so sincerely.”
“Your Highness…”
“The residence is in Junsu, is it not? Junsu should be safe.”
The Crown Prince tried to reassure his wife.
“Prince Anpyeong also resides there. If I ask him to look after Honga during her stay, there should be no concern.”
Prince Anpyeong? Honga’s eyes gleamed. Wasn’t this exactly what people meant by killing two birds with one stone?
“With plenty of attendants accompanying her, there won’t be any danger. It’s time Honga saw the world beyond the palace walls.”
At his steady persuasion, the Crown Princess reluctantly agreed. Honga, who had doubted she could win her mother over, felt an immense relief.
“Thank you so much for granting my request.”
She bowed politely, but a secret smile spread across her face.
