Chapter 58
An Opportunity Not to Be Missed
“Would it be all right if I adorned your hair with this?”
“Yes.”
When Danseol nodded, Eunso took out a pearl hairpin and fixed it neatly beside the bun she had just arranged. After much pleading from Eunso to be kept by her side, Danseol had finally accepted her as a maid.
Danseol gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror.
The pale nape of her neck gleamed white like snow piled upon the ground, framed by her abundant black hair. After Eunso’s delicate touch, her plump lips had been tinted a deep red, shining like ripe fruit that would burst with juice at a bite.
“My Lady, you seem a little feverish.”
At Eunso’s worried tone, Danseol lifted her hand to her forehead. Just as Eunso said, it was slightly warm to the touch.
“If you’re feeling unwell, perhaps I should inform His Majesty and—”
“I’m fine.”
Danseol smiled, reassuring her maid.
That evening, a grand celebratory banquet was to be held in honor of the army’s triumphant return from conquering the Kingdom of Yuldo—and to commemorate His Majesty Gyeom’s accomplishments.
She could easily excuse herself under the pretext of poor health, but she didn’t want to.
‘I can’t let such a golden opportunity slip by.’
For a concubine with no real power, this banquet was a rare chance to solidify her standing in the palace.
The generals who had gone to war knew what she had accomplished—but the civil and military officials who had stayed behind in the capital did not.
“A mere concubine—one who isn’t even a royal physician—achieved such a feat? And she was just a lowborn tribute woman!”
“No doubt, just another tale concocted by those desperate to curry His Majesty’s favor.”
Most of them spoke of her this way. They hadn’t seen her actions with their own eyes, so disbelief came naturally. That was why she had to appear tonight—to prove her worth to them directly.
This was her chance to secure her place in the imperial palace once and for all.
‘To accomplish anything, I can’t remain alone.’
In the few months she had spent in the palace, she had learned one thing: no one could survive here by themselves.
To survive—and to achieve—one needed both information and power.
Tonight, she intended to seize the first step toward that goal.
So no mere fever would keep her from attending.
“The time is near. Finish the preparations.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
As Eunso’s hands moved deftly through her hair, Danseol’s expression grew resolute.
When night cloaked the world in darkness, the imperial palace came alive with light. Lanterns hung in rows, illuminating the courtyards as bright as day, and countless servants bustled about in a flurry of motion.
In the great courtyard, enormous tents had been erected for the banquet. Silken drapes in every color shimmered under the glow of the lamps. Though the feast had yet to begin, the hall was already crowded with nobles and officials, laughter and music filling the air.
Dancers, lavishly adorned, waited to entertain, heightening everyone’s anticipation.
At the head of the grand hall stood a golden throne prepared for the Emperor, Yi Gyeom. Beside it was the seat for the Empress, and surrounding them were places reserved for the royal family, including the Grand Empress Dowager.
“This way, My Lady.”
When Danseol arrived, an eunuch guided her to her designated seat.
She was dressed in a rose-colored gown embroidered with peonies along the sleeves and collar. Though she wore few ornaments, the layers of soft silk lent her a graceful richness.
“You must be tired, yet you came nonetheless. I’m grateful.”
The Grand Empress Dowager was already seated there, regal in deep, stately hues adorned with gold, her presence exuding the weight of imperial authority.
“It’s an important imperial occasion—of course I must attend.”
Pleased by the response, the Grand Empress Dowager nodded approvingly, and Danseol took her place beside her.
Just then, an official’s voice rang out:
“His Majesty the Emperor arrives!”
Everyone rose. Danseol stood as well, bowing with the others as Yi Gyeom entered.
The Emperor’s presence tonight was dazzling.
His neatly tied hair accentuated his handsome, masculine features. Clad in a brilliant dragon robe, he radiated commanding majesty. Beneath his sharp brows, his keen eyes gleamed—cold and severe, yet strangely magnetic.
Danseol found herself, for the first time, realizing just how strikingly beautiful he was.
“You may sit.”
When Gyeom took his seat, the Grand Empress Dowager gave a small signal, and Danseol realized with a start that she had been staring at him. She quickly lowered herself into her chair.
“Are you truly well?”
“Yes, Your Majesty need not worry.”
The Grand Empress Dowager leaned toward her, voice low.
“Your face looks flushed.”
“I’m truly fine.”
Danseol smiled faintly before turning her gaze forward again.
Her cheeks burned as cool air brushed them, and her heart thudded rapidly in her chest. Whether from illness—or some other cause—she could not tell.
“Thank you all for attending despite your busy duties.”
The Emperor’s deep, calm voice filled the hall, clear and resonant. The ministers bowed, expressing their gratitude and respect.
The hall buzzed with sound until Gyeom raised his hand, silencing them once more.
“Before the feast begins, I shall first bestow rewards upon those who distinguished themselves during the campaign.”
A murmur rippled through the audience.
Though the Emperor was known for fairness in granting rewards and punishments, no one had expected him to announce commendations so suddenly, right here at the banquet.
“General Jang Wang and General Yang Gil, step forward.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The two generals strode proudly to the front and knelt before him.
“You both fought valiantly for Hwangseon no matter the danger or the hour.”
He commended them and rewarded each with riches and new ranks befitting their merits.
Starting with the highest achievements, Gyeom continued to bestow fitting honors to each deserving officer.
“Physician Tae Seorang of the Imperial Medical Bureau, step forward.”
Once the generals and officers had been recognized, he turned to those who had supported the campaign behind the lines.
It was such fairness—his recognition of even the lowliest rank if merit was shown—that made him known as a just ruler.
“Physician Tae Seorang saved countless soldiers through his exceptional medical skill and devotion. Henceforth, he shall be promoted to Chief Imperial Physician.”
Tae Seorang had worked tirelessly alongside Danseol and Han Judan, tending to the sick and wounded from dawn until deep into the night. Though he had claimed his aid was merely for his own goals, Danseol had seen through him—he truly cared for saving lives, just like his father and grandfather before him.
Thus, none in the medical bureau begrudged his promotion.
“I am eternally grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Danseol smiled with quiet pride as she watched Seorang kneel and receive his reward.
After him, the other physicians who had accompanied the army were likewise honored.
At last, it seemed that everyone who had earned distinction had been properly rewarded.
At least—that’s what everyone thought.
Until Gyeom spoke again.
“Lady Danseol.”
At the sound of her name, murmurs spread through the hall. Danseol blinked in disbelief, staring at Gyeom as though she’d misheard.
“Lady Danseol, step forward.”
When he called again, she finally rose and approached him. Heat surrounded her body; the surreal moment felt almost like a dream.
But the deep, resonant voice that followed reminded her that this was all too real.
“Lady Danseol uncovered the cause of the epidemic that spread among Hwangseon’s soldiers, achieving extraordinary merit.”
The hall fell utterly silent.
“In recognition of this, I hereby elevate Lady Danseol to the rank of Bin.”
A rank—Bin, the second-highest among imperial consorts.
The words were so sudden, so shocking, that Danseol lifted her head in disbelief.
She wasn’t the only one stunned.
“Your Majesty, to promote her so abruptly—it is too hasty!”
“Indeed! To raise a concubine of common birth, a mere tribute woman, to Bin will cause great unrest!”
Officials who had stayed silent during all the previous commendations now stood up in protest.
“Do you mean to defy the Emperor’s decree?”
“It is not defiance, but loyal counsel!”
In an instant, factions clashed—those loyal to Gyeom against those siding with the Empress Dowager Yi-hwa.
Generals who had fought beside Danseol rose to her defense, but they were outnumbered.
“To think that those who stayed silent through everything else would now raise their voices only because a powerless woman is being promoted.”
The sharp, cold tone cut through the argument like a blade. All fell silent, turning their eyes toward the source.
It was Gyeom himself.
