Chapter 9: The Emperor’s Hidden Shield

And so, while Ihan could not bring himself to allow them to be particularly close, he ensured that Hwaun could see Seocheon on his way to and from Anjeong-jeon. He hoped that by seeing Seocheon healthy, well-treated, and steadily establishing himself in the Imperial Palace with his own eyes, the sorrowful and lonely name of “Haun” might find some small solace. That was the reason.

“…Your Majesty’s grace toward the Jin Consort is as vast as the sea.”

Even in the Emperor’s silence, Eunuch Oh—who had read the underlying intent—spoke with a deep bow, his attitude completely different from a moment ago. It was already an immense act of mercy to keep alive someone who dared to make the Son of Heaven jealous. Yet, the Emperor before him had gone beyond that, suppressing his own emotions entirely for the sake of one person to make such arrangements.

Eunuch Oh could not even begin to guess the depth and breadth of the romantic devotion His Majesty held; he could do nothing but offer his silent awe.

However, there were circumstances that even Eunuch Oh did not fully know. Ihan briefly recalled a day when he had met Seocheon in private, having dismissed everyone, including Eunuch Oh. That day, when that man had the audacity to wag his tongue in front of him, saying he was prepared to give his life for the Yeon-bin Mama.

At that time, Ihan had shared a part of his heart with Seocheon that he had never revealed to anyone—not even to Hwaun himself. Life in the Imperial Palace was such that no matter if one was the Emperor, one never knew when an unexpected storm might strike. Although they were currently in an era of peace where those opposed to the Imperial Family dared not raise their heads, there was no guarantee this peace would last forever.

The memory of the day his own brothers pointed their swords at him remained a long-standing scar on the Emperor that could never be erased. Such events were unpredictable, so one had to prepare during times of peace. Therefore, Ihan wanted Seocheon to possess power within the palace. He needed someone who would prioritize Yeon Hwaun above all others—someone who would not succumb to any threat for Hwaun’s sake.

Ihan could give his own life to protect Hwaun, but he feared the day might come when even giving his life would not be enough to save him. When one desperately wants to protect something, one naturally becomes that much more fearful.

Thus, Ihan intended to grant Seocheon even more power in the future. So that at any time, should the Imperial Palace be engulfed in sudden flames and even if he, the Emperor, were to lose his life, there would be someone who could save Yeon Hwaun above all else. He would ensure Seocheon rose to such a position.

It was the Emperor’s will, known to no one except Seocheon.

Ihan turned his head and gazed silently at the scenery outside the window. Seeing the leaves, dyed in beautiful colors, fluttering in the wind, he suddenly felt a hollow longing wash over him.

He couldn’t stand the wait; he missed Yeon Hwaun.

“Ajin. Did something happen?”

Ajin, who had said he was going to fetch medicine, returned with his face slightly flushed red and a stiff expression. To his own credit, he seemed to be trying not to show it in front of Hwaun, but just as Ajin was sensitive to everything regarding his master, Hwaun was several times more perceptive regarding Ajin; his eyes could not be deceived.

“No, Master. Nothing happened.”

“Are you trying to trick me? What is it? Tell me.”

Ajin tried to brush it off once more, not wanting to cause his master unnecessary worry, but Hwaun clearly had no intention of letting it slide. Finally, Ajin let out a long sigh and spoke. In truth, it was something his master needed to know eventually.

“The truth is… I went to the Imperial Pharmacy to get your prescription, and wouldn’t you know it…! …Imperial Physician Hwang approached me secretly and tried to hand me silver.”

Startled by the unexpected words, Hwaun asked back.

“Silver?”

“Yes, Master! I knew everyone was anxious to get on your good side now that you receive such favor, but how could an Imperial Physician be so reckless?”

Ajin fumed with indignation.

It wasn’t the first time. Since the Emperor did not hide his special affection for his master and displayed it for all the world to see, people were constantly approaching Ajin, trying to use his master as a sturdy rope to tie to their own waists.

One might think it wasn’t a bad thing if it meant his master’s position had become that high and secure, but Ajin hated that his Master was misunderstood as someone who would use the Emperor’s affection for money. Furthermore, it was unpleasant that Physician Hwang, who had seen his master’s character more closely than anyone while treating him, had done such a thing.

Hwaun spoke in a soft voice to soothe Ajin’s heart.

“You must have had a hard time refusing him.”

“…I struggled so much to keep myself from throwing the silver at his wrinkled face and asking him what he took our Master for.”

Hwaun burst into laughter at Ajin’s response as he puffed out his white cheeks. He knew it wasn’t a situation to laugh at, but Ajin’s expression and words were so lovely and cute that he had no choice.

Realizing then that he had spoken too candidly in front of his master, Ajin blushed slightly and spoke.

“A-anyway… Master, it would be best to entrust your pulse to someone other than Physician Hwang from now on. He is not someone good to keep close.”

“I suppose so. But before that… I should call him once and warn him.”

“Ah…”

“I don’t need to care if I am misunderstood as long as my conscience is clear, but if he continues to act this way, it might eventually tarnish His Majesty’s reputation…”

At that moment, Ajin looked at the way his master’s eyes had grown calm and steady, and he felt a sudden surge of emotion. The person who had spent every moment curled up and lowering himself since waking up from the pond had now acquired a dignity that suited his position perfectly.

That dignity was not a fierce aura shown to those weaker than him. Rather, he was infinitely benevolent to the weak, only showing such a stiff and strong side to those who went against the Emperor’s will. Feeling suddenly and uncontrollably proud, Ajin crinkled the tip of his nose and said to Hwaun:

“Yes, that is exactly what you should do. Anyway, the medicine should be ready by now, so I will go fetch it.”

“Yes. Be careful.”

“Yes, Master.”

Ajin took a moment to look at his master—who dressed more simply than any other concubine in the palace but was more noble and beautiful than anyone—and then turned to leave the inner chamber. As he stepped outside, a cool autumn breeze seeped through his collar, and Ajin’s expression quickly hardened.

With autumn turning toward winter, it was time to be on high alert. He would absolutely not let his master collapse this winter. Hwaun didn’t know it, but everyone in Jeongan Palace was burning with resolve.

And Hwaun certainly did not know that the one supporting their resolve from behind with all his might was the Emperor himself.

In the quiet dawn when the world was deep in sleep, the Emperor in his bedroom sat on the edge of the bed alone, looking down at a man who had fallen into a deep, exhausted slumber. It was Hwaun, lying there with a blanket draped over his body, which was covered in reddish marks.

A smile lingered on Ihan’s lips. It was a strange thing—how someone simply closing their eyes and breathing in and out could be such a pleasant and joyful sight to behold.

Sometimes, looking at that face, he wondered if he was truly a person of this world; yet seeing him breathe with his chest rising and falling, he found it endlessly interesting that he was no different from an ordinary human.

The Emperor’s fingertips gently rubbed the eyes of the sleeping man. Because he had been held messily while crying under Ihan until a moment ago, his long eyelashes were still wet. For a second, the Emperor felt a powerful urge to press his lips there and lick away all the tears, but he had already troubled him enough tonight; it was not a good choice to exhaust him further.

Besides, there was still work to be done tonight.

Finally managing to pull his gaze away, Ihan stood up in his inner robes and slowly left the bedroom. Outside the open door, Ajin was waiting.

Even though the Emperor appeared suddenly at dawn, Ajin showed no sign of surprise; he bowed habitually and whispered, “I greet Your Imperial Majesty.” The Emperor passed him without stopping and said:

“Follow me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ajin took a quick look toward the bedroom where his master was sleeping and then followed behind the Emperor at a brisk pace.

The two headed toward a side room right next to Hwaun’s bedroom. As Ihan took a seat in a chair with familiar steps, Ajin knelt before him.

“Rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”