Chapter 4: A Dangerous Proposal

“His Majesty thought highly of the Wei family’s achievements and granted a union with the imperial clan, so I can only be deeply grateful for the imperial grace.”

Shiyoung disclosed circumstances that had not even been asked of him.

It was a subtle plea to show that he had not married Prince Wu by his own will.

Of course, he knew full well that Prince Jin was not someone to take such things into consideration.

Was he not the very man who claimed to ‘loathe those who bring up personal ties to concoct an excuse’?

Even so, that was the only thing Wei Shiyoung could cling to.

“Your Highness, do you remember the battle at Wunan Fortress?”

“I remember.”

“There was even a time when you saved me as I nearly fell from a cliff.”

“Did not Your Highness also save my life?”

“I have not forgotten that grace for a single day.”

In truth, he had forgotten all about it until having that prophetic dream.

Had he overcome crises on the battlefield only once or twice?

Even so, Wei Shiyoung wanted to remind him of their past ties.

“Since we each saved the other’s life once, it seems there is no debt between us.”

“Pardon? Ah, but…”

It was just as Wei Shiyoung was flustering over this unexpected reply.

A woman suddenly emerged from the bushes.

“Gasp!”

“Your Highness, were you here?”

Paying no mind to the startled Wei Shiyoung, she approached Prince Jin.

“What is it, Hyoeun?”

“Since the guest of honor at the celebratory banquet has slipped away, of course I had to come looking for you.”

“Besides, I have something to tell you.”

“By the way, this person is…”

Perhaps wary of discussing important matters in front of an outsider, the woman glanced at Wei Shiyoung.

“…Are you an imperial guard following your master?”

“I am not!”

Wei Shiyoung shouted in sudden indignation.

Just because his appearance was somewhat rugged, why did everyone he met ask if he was a guard?

What frustrated him most was that having once been a warrior, it was not entirely untrue.

The woman called Hyoeun looked Wei Shiyoung up and down and asked.

“Then are you a servant?”

“I am the consort of His Highness Prince Wu.”

“Aha…”

Hyoeun’s gaze turned sharp.

At the single word ‘Prince Wu,’ a distinct shift in her demeanor could be felt.

As expected, those on Prince Jin’s side were wary of Prince Wu.

Since Prince Wu’s side was the exact same, it came as no surprise.

Wei Shiyoung was curious about the conversation Prince Jin and Hyoeun were about to have.

However, they would never discuss critical information in the presence of Prince Wu’s consort.

Even if he lingered pretending to be oblivious, there was nothing to be gained.

Having finished his quick calculation, Wei Shiyoung offered a polite bow.

“I shall take my leave now.”

“You may go.”

“Ah, Your Highness.”

Before leaving, Shiyoung did not forget to make an effort to win Prince Jin’s favor.

“Congratulations on your string of victories.”

“I merely did what was expected.”

Yet Prince Jin remained entirely indifferent.

‘What a fellow, as if not a single drop of blood would spill even if pricked by a needle.’

‘Then again, what fault does the needle have?’

‘Pricking him would only snap the innocent needle in two.’

Wei Shiyoung grumbled internally as he withdrew.

Lanterns of various colors shone brightly.

Prince Wu’s consorts also appeared excited by the lavishly prepared celebration banquet.

As the women entered with graceful, butterfly-like steps, murmurs rippled through the banquet hall.

“Is that person not Hwawol?”

“They said she was the most beautiful courtesan in the capital, and it seems those words were true.”

“And what of Princess Consort Wu?”

“From her appearance and poise to her elegance, does she lack in anything?”

“His Highness is truly a remarkable man.”

“How could he have obtained five beauties who would be hard to find even if one searched the whole world?”

At the flattery of the guests, Prince Wu smiled with satisfaction.

That he had taken four concubines in addition to his two consorts was partly for this very reason.

Though some occasionally gossiped about him having six wives and concubines, Prince Wu did not care.

After all, was that not merely the jealousy of lesser men?

Prince Wu’s personal philosophy was that a true hero ought to keep multiple consorts to absorb his masculine vigor.

“By the way, who is that man?”

“Is he His Highness’s guard?”

“His attire seems rather lavish for an imperial guard, does it not?”

“You fools, lower your voices at once!”

“Is that not His Highness’s consort as well!”

Prince Wu’s smile faltered, his mouth twitching with annoyance.

Because of Wei Shiyoung, that male Yin whom he was ashamed to show anywhere, he was disgraced once again today.

If it were up to his temper, he would have cast him out long ago, but he could not do so because the marriage had been decreed by the Emperor.

Why did he have to be the child of a meritorious subject, of all things?

Noticing Prince Wu’s piercing glare, Wei Shiyoung grumbled internally.

‘Nothing but a traitor, yet his temper is foul as ever…’

Wei Shiyoung had never cared much for Prince Wu’s mistreatment in the first place.

Even more so now that he knew the future, such glares were merely laughable.

Shiyoung snapped his head away.

The very next instant, Wei Shiyoung regretted it.

For of all places, his gaze landed directly upon Prince Jin.

He was merely sitting still in an upright posture.

Yet Wei Shiyoung’s palms broke into a sweat simply from having Prince Jin nearby.

This was the man destined to execute him in the future.

He could not help but fear him instinctively.

Just then, ethereal women resembling celestial maidens filed in.

They were dancers summoned by Prince Wu.

With the arrival of women dressed in garments as light and fine as dragonfly wings, the atmosphere grew sultry and warm.

Striving to shake off his fear, Wei Shiyoung also watched the dancers.

“It is a splendid evening filled with glory, Your Highness.”

“It is an honor that you have summoned such humble maidens to this esteemed gathering.”

The dancers bowed gracefully.

Prince Wu spoke with an air of utter arrogance.

“Rise.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Prince Jin is my younger brother and a general who has achieved illustrious military feats.”

“There must not be any lack in showcasing your talents.”

“How could there be any shortcoming?”

The dancer, bearing a faint smile, turned to bow before Prince Jin this time.

“Your Highness Prince Jin, congratulations on your triumphant victory.”

“We pray that you look kindly upon the dance we present.”

Prince Jin gave no response, but the dancer stood up without taking it to heart.

The musicians began to play.

It was the melody most popular in the capital these days.

In time with the music, the dancers displayed their enchanting movements.

Their gossamer garments fluttered, tracing lines like floating clouds.

It was a spectacle that looked as though celestial nymphs had descended from the heavens.

The festive mood of the banquet gradually mounted.

It was a banquet overflowing with everything—dance, song, and exquisite delicacies.

Even those on Prince Jin’s side, who had been stiff at first, began to laugh and chat.

Only one person, Wei Shiyoung, could not enjoy the festivities.

Normally, he would have been occupied savoring the sumptuous feast, but today he felt stifled, as though suffering from indigestion despite having eaten nothing.

‘I waited three days for today, yet is there really nothing to gain?’

Shiyoung stole glances at Prince Jin.

He felt somewhat proud of himself for sneaking peeks at him even while his heart was in his throat.

Yet there was no meaningful harvest.

All he managed to learn from observing Prince Jin was how remarkably he had grown over the past four years.

By nature, a commander’s prowess showed through posture alone, and Prince Jin gave off a subtle menace even when merely holding chopsticks.

Having once been a warrior himself, Wei Shiyoung could distinctly sense just how formidable he was.

When Prince Jin reached out to pick up a teacup, his well-muscled forearm was slightly revealed.

Shiyoung looked down at his own arm.

It was an arm weakened by spending three quiet years secluded in the inner palace.

At this rate, he doubted he could withstand even a single clash if they crossed blades.

“…”

The dizzying memory of the sword cutting down at him flashed through his mind once more.

Wei Shiyoung gulped down liquor in large drafts.

Better to get slightly drunk than to tremble with fear in complete sobriety.

Just then, Prince Wu slammed his wine cup down with a sharp clatter.

“Ah, that is right; I almost forgot.”

“Prince Jin, I have prepared a gift for you.”

His tone was unnatural to the extreme.

Right on cue, the music came to a sudden halt.

Amid the concentrated gaze of everyone present, Prince Jin spoke.

“What is it?”

“It is a gift that suits you quite well.”

“…”

“I will give you one of my concubines.”

“What do you think?”

Wei Shiyoung was so startled that he nearly spat out his wine.

This was a completely unexpected situation.

Shiyoung was not the only one shocked.

As though no one had been given prior notice, even Prince Wu’s closest aides widened their eyes in disbelief.

Naturally, those most stunned were Prince Wu’s concubines.

Cheon Yeorang trembled visibly as she asked.

“L-Lady Zhang, what is the meaning of this?”

“Did I not say something amusing would take place?”

Zhang Meiang remained entirely unperturbed.

She even wore a deep smile, as if this whole series of events brought her great pleasure.

“But, My Lady…!”

“Will you not be quiet!”

“His Highness is speaking.”

Zhang Meiang sent a subtle glance toward Prince Wu.

As if taking it as a signal, Prince Wu spoke.

“Take Hwawol.”

“There is no need.”

It was an instantaneous refusal.

Yet Prince Wu urged him once more.

“Because you roamed the battlefields, you have yet to establish a family.”

“Pitying my younger brother, I bestow this concubine as an elder brother, so there is no reason to decline.”

“I said there is no need.”

“Prince Jin.”

“Are you refusing a gift I bestow upon you?”

At the flat refusal, Prince Wu revealed his displeasure.

Pointing a finger at Hwawol, he said.

“Or are you reluctant because the wench is of courtesan origin?”

“There is no need to hesitate.”

“By nature, is it not enough for a Yin so long as their scent is good?”

“Hwawol possesses both an outstanding scent and beauty, so she will surely entertain you.”

“…”

“Prince Jin, are you acting shy?”

“Why do you offer no reply?”

No one dared open their mouth.

Only the faint chirping of crickets could be heard from afar.

Prince Wu glanced around the hushed banquet hall and asked.

“What do you all think?”

“She was the finest courtesan in the capital; would she not suit Prince Jin quite well?”

Everyone who met Prince Wu’s gaze lowered their heads in embarrassment.

For anyone invited to this banquet knew full well the truth of Prince Jin’s birth.