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SECRET CHAMBER, MINISTERIAL RESIDENCE —MIDNIGHT
The flickering light of the oil lamp cast long shadows on the silk walls. The room was heavy with incense, but it could not hide the stench of anxiety lingering in the air. Few figures sat in a circle — the high-ranking officials, men who ruled behind curtains, their power Great enough to control the king himself.
"That child..." Minister of rites whispered, his voice like the rustle of silk, "he is not normal."
Minister of justice, seated opposite, narrowed his eyes. "You mean the prince?"
"The First Prince," minister nodded. "Barely a year old, yet already performing rituals like an adult.
The Jongmyo Shrine visit — did you see it?
Us minister's, The king and even his guards grew tired in the process, yet the child stood still, energetic and playful."
A murmur passed through the room.
Minister of taxation scoffed, trying to mark his unease with laughter. "He is a child! Perhaps the king rehearsed him. A well-fed toddler standing upright is hardly divine."
"No." Minister of public works voice was firm.
"Did you not witness the Doljanchi? That cursed first birthday celebration? He chose five items — five — and each one is a symbol of a great ruler."
"And of course," inspector general muttered bitterly, "the king used it immediately. Praised the child's divine judgment. Compared him to the founding king of Joseon."
"And insulted us in front of the nobles and other minister's" added minister of justice
"These incidents will help the king grately" said minister of public works warily
Minister of justice looked around the room, his voice sharper now. "The boy is too inteligent for his age.
The door creaked. A servant entered quietly, bowed, and poured tea before retreating into silence. Once the door closed, the tension returned like a held breath.
A heavy silence followed.
Minister of rites leaned forward, voice low. "We cannot let this continue."
"What are you suggesting?" asked minister of taxation warily.
Inspector generals eyes narrowed. "We can't not harm the child, he has his importance .
But we must control the court. Divide the nobles before the king solidifies his position.
If the boy becomes the symbol of a golden era, we are finished."
"Or worse," muttered Jang, "we'll lose everything — our titles, our families, our lives."
Another gust of wind rattled the windows. Somewhere distant, a dog barked. The palace never truly slept.
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Queen's Quarters, Joseon Royal Palace – Late Night
The oil lamp glowed faintly, casting a golden shimmer on the silk curtains that gently swayed in the winter breeze slipping through the wooden lattice. Outside, the palace was still, save for the muffled steps of the night guards. Inside, the Queen's chambers were wrapped in a rare moment of quiet. The atmosphere was broken only by the soft and gentle breaths of the sleeping prince.
The Queen sat upright, her gaze fixed on the low cradle beside her. The child lay wrapped in fine silk, his tiny hands resting calmly on his chest, his eyes closed in deep slumber.
"He sleeps so peacefully," the Queen whispered, her voice low, almost reverent.
The King, seated across from her, nodded. "He is also very energetic. Even after the long shrine visit, he remained playful, even when grown men were exhausted."
The Queen folded her hands tightly in her lap. "But what troubles me That's He's unlike any child I've seen. He doesn't cry when he fell while playing and his is always running like want to find something"
The King smiled faintly, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes. "You speak as if it's something to fear he only wants to see outside world"
The queen spoke in a sad felling,
"He is lonely" she said, turning toward him. "Even inside the palace he doesn't leave my residence"
The Queen's eyes softened as she looked at the boy. "Are we not placeing too much burden upon him?"
the King replied. "this prince… He gives me ground to stand on. If the court believes he is a destined ruler, then I gain legitimacy — and alliances."
"You speak of him like he's a banner," she said, voice laced with concern.
"He is more than that," the King said firmly. "He is our future. And with him, we secure the future of joseon and it's people.
The Queen's brow furrowed. "But if the court fears him, they will act. They will scheme."
The King's jaw tightened. "Then let them. I will place my loyal guards around him. I'll keep even the ministers at a distance if I must."
"Don't worry my queen, i will move carefully. Use this momentum. Show the court that the royal family is united — and powerful."
A quiet moment passed between them.
The Queen stood slowly and walked to the cradle. She looked down at her son, his face serene and untouched by the weight of their world.
The Queen looked up at her husband, and for a moment, the tension faded.
"He will need strength," she said softly.
"I will make sure of it," the King answered.
Outside, the wind whispered against the walls, brushing past the eaves like a warning, or perhaps a blessing. Inside, a prince slept soundly, unaware that in his small hands, the future of a dynasty had already begun to stir.
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• END Of CHAPTER.
• I am a new writer and this is my very first novel also english is not my native language so please bear with me, i will try better in new chapters. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT