Chapter 8. Who Said Such a Thing?
The roof of Jagyeongjeon spread wide like a phoenix guarding the palace.
Its sharply raised corners pointed toward the ridge, and the blue tiles cast a cold, authoritative presence.
The red and blue patterns painted beneath the eaves seemed to hold sacred power, as if they could drive away evil spirits and protect the royal family.
This was the residence of the Grand Queen Dowager Jeong—
The most powerful woman in the palace.
She had entered the palace at fifteen as the Crown Princess and had lived long enough to become the Grand Queen Dowager.
Time had passed, and fewer people came to visit her now.
But today, her nephew and his wife had come.
“So, our Yujin is getting married?”
After finishing a rich early meal, she smiled warmly.
“Yes, Aunt. The child who once insisted on living here with you has now grown up and is getting married.”
Her nephew, a high-ranking official, looked proud.
The Grand Queen Dowager chuckled.
“Yes, I remember. She even said she would marry the Crown Prince when she grew up.”
Her nephew’s wife covered her mouth and laughed softly.
“That little troublemaker… when did she grow up so much? Why didn’t she come today?”
“She is busy preparing for the wedding. She still lacks many skills, so she is working hard.”
The Grand Queen Dowager smiled kindly.
“Do not worry. She is both beautiful and talented. If she had been born a boy, she might have become a great general.”
Then—
She opened a small lacquered box and took something out.
“This is a gift for Yujin.”
Inside were two items:
A beautifully crafted dagger and a peacock hairpin.
The couple looked surprised.
“This is too much…”
“This is from me personally,” she said with a smile.
She picked up the dagger.
“Your daughter had to give up the path of martial arts. This is for that regret.”
The dagger was elegant and powerful, like a symbol of strength.
Then she picked up the hairpin.
“And this—made from precious stones given to me by the king.”
It was dazzling, decorated like a peacock with colorful gems.
“Yujin is strong and proud. This suits her well.”
The couple bowed deeply in gratitude.
Then, the Grand Queen Dowager suddenly asked,
“What about the hunting ground the king planned to build outside the capital?”
Her nephew answered,
“It has been canceled. His Majesty said it was wrong to force people from their homes.”
She nodded in satisfaction.
Then—
She thought of Eunhye.
If only she had not fallen ill…
Her bright, clever granddaughter…
Now she avoided people and fainted often.
Even the Grand Queen Dowager could not call her freely anymore.
She could only see her a few times a week.
Today, she missed her especially.
***
She remembered something from the past.
A small voice had once asked her—
“Grandmother… if Father builds a hunting ground, what will happen to the people living there?”
“If a parent drives away their children, wouldn’t it hurt?”
“If it is for your birthday… will the people resent Father or you?”
Those words had come from Eunhye.
Just five years old—
Yet so thoughtful.
Because of that, the plan had changed.
Instead of displacing people, the king held a hunting event to help the people.
The Grand Queen Dowager smiled slightly at the memory.
***
Then—
Her nephew asked carefully,
“Your Majesty… does the Princess still faint often?”
The Grand Queen Dowager slowly raised her head.
“What did you say?”
Her gentle voice turned cold and sharp.
“Our princess does what?”
Her gaze became fierce.
“Who told you such a thing? How dare anyone outside the palace speak of her like that?”
Her anger filled the room like a storm.
Her nephew and his wife immediately fell to the ground in fear.
—
