Chapter 30: Heavenly Dragon Festival Part 1

What romance could there be in reciting poetry?

The only time White Princess Ha Wol truly felt alive was when she held power in her hands.

Mastering calligraphy and painting, improving her appearance, stuffing her head with scriptures, learning the Heavenly Dragon Dance, and wearing a benevolent expression to garner people’s praise. These things were all aimed at a single goal.

More power.

Making even one more person kneel before her.

Even Jin Cheong Lang who was said to be a young fairy whose level even the famous Taoist masters couldn’t fathom.

Even Po Hwa Ryeong who possessed insight that even the high officials marveled at

And even In Ha Yeon who was the most famous member of the Jeongseon clan.

All should kneel before her and be looked down upon.

Sitting next to the emperor, she would become someone who could manipulate even the emperor with sweet words and cunning strategies, and hold this empire of Cheongdo in her grip.

The girl was born with ambition.

To her, everything in the world was merely a tool to fulfill that ambition, and she would not hesitate to use any means necessary.

“Has the message reached the retainer of the Inbong clan?”

As she sat elegantly in her inner chamber and embroidering, the White Ha Princess asked her headmaid Ye Rim in a soft voice through the sliding paper doors.

It was late at night. This was a time when even the moon would have fallen asleep.

She had been embroidering late into the night because there was a secret conversation she needed to share with her headmaid.

“Yes, it is said they will arrive in time for the Heavenly Dragon Festival, but it seems they have not been able to secure all the items you had instructed beforehand.”

“… That could be problematic.”

“The issue is, substances like poison are often considered major crimes just for being brought into Cheongdo Palace, and finding someone willing to take the risk and act as a transporter is not easy, as stated in the letter.”

Indeed, it wasn’t something just anyone could be tasked with as a transporter.

If anyone were caught smuggling poison into Cheongdo Palace, efforts would be made to uncover at any cost who stood behind them.

While it might be possible to bring something in with enough time, timing it with the Heavenly Dragon Festival was not going to be easy.

“However, they say it might be possible to smuggle in the dazing moon incense disguised as medicine.”

“Oh…”

White Princess embroidered contentedly and fell into deep thought.

She moved her needle several times and then, after resting her chin in her hand, she sat and quietly watched the moon that had risen near the window sill.

The dazing moon incense was a scented candle made from the fruit of a tree called “Baeki-mok” that grows in the high mountains around the Cheongdo region.

When the scent of hundreds of Baeki-mok fruits is condensed and burned in the form of incense sticks, it clouds the mind and makes it difficult to discern situations rationally.

And when you get up close and personal with the naked face of a member of the opposite sex while completely intoxicated with the dazing moon incense, you will be completely mesmerized as if you have met your destined soulmate.

Because it was difficult to make rational decisions until one was completely sober from its intoxication, it was treated as a forbidden medicine that was used mainly for malicious purposes; initially, it was not only difficult to produce and expensive due to the rarity of the ingredients, but also so costly that criminals hardly knew of its existence.

Upon hearing the news, the White Princess flashed a satisfied smile.

“People are such mysterious creatures. Even if you know them, you don’t truly know them.”

The girl felt as if she held a mighty weapon in her hands.

If wielded correctly, it could swiftly cut down those who claimed to be the mistresses of the Great Four Palaces.

“The people who live more lavishly than anyone else in such a huge palace, the true men they embrace, are nothing more than low-ranking warriors.”

She closed her eyes gently, set down her needle, and stared quietly at the lantern. When she looked at the flame, it seemed really dangerous.

How should she wield this powerful weapon? Merely imagining it brought an indescribable rush of pleasure to her.

Maybe she could subtly hint at this during the tea gatherings. Such a move would certainly make the other consorts swallow their saliva in shock and confusion.

While this would definitely give her a psychological advantage, it lacked any political benefit.

After all, it was merely a matter of the heart and if the others simply denied it, that would be the end of it.

To truly strengthen her authority, she needed concrete evidence in her hands.

This is a great opportunity to deal with that sly fox from Vermilion Bird Palace ahead of time.

Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon, the princess consort from Vermilion Bird Palace and the owner of the golden hairpin, was a great thorn in her side.

To truly dominate this inner palace, she knew she had to eliminate this most authoritative consort.

The Inbong clan to which she belonged was respectable enough, but its power was infinitely weaker compared to the Jeongseon clan.

Though it was a miracle that Ha Wol had been raised to White Princess’s position, it was clear she would forever be overshadowed by the Vermilion Princess’s brilliance if things went on like this. The White Princess could not bear such a situation.

No matter how capable and mentally mature the Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon was at discerning right from wrong, it would be difficult for her to maintain her reason when intoxicated by the dazing moon incense and facing the man she was secretly in love with.

By deposing of her forcibly, the control of this inner palace was likely to shift significantly to the White Princess for a while.

Po Hwa Ryeong who was seated in the position of Black Princess was still ignorant about the palace’s laws and the murky political battles.

Jin Cheong Lang who was seated in the position of Azure Princess was also young and not yet aware of such matters.

Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun of the Cheongdo Palace seldom went outside the Heavenly Dragon Hall from the start.

If only Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon could be removed, the other princess consorts would not have time to consolidate their power before she took control of the inner palace and attracted the Crown Prince’s attention solely to herself.

Then, when Crown Prince Hyeon Won eventually ascended the throne, securing the position of Empress would no longer be a dream.

Looking at him, Crown Prince Hyeon Won seemed to have such a weak spirit that he was almost empty inside. If she could begin to manipulate even the Crown Prince, then the Cheongdo Empire might as well be under her feet.

Is it Seol Tae Pyeong of White Immortal Palace…?

That name, Seol Tae Pyeong.

He could be the blade to sever the neck of Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon.

I must absolutely bring him under my control.

“If the White Princess has noticed everything, there’s a high chance she will approach Tae Pyeong again.”

Scribe Wang Han frequently traveled to various parts of Cheongdo Palace for his duties, so he was quick to receive news and had an outstanding ability to judge people.

Han sat on the floor of the palace and continued his story with a serious expression on his face.

“I’ve said it before, but just claiming that the crown princess consorts harbor feelings for Tae Pyeong isn’t enough to act on. If she wants to use such information as a political weapon, she would need some solid evidence.”

“Then… the White Princess is going to look for that evidence…”

Seol Ran swallowed dryly as she listened to Han’s story, and Yeon Ri who was standing beside her with her arms crossed and a serious expression felt the same.

“It’s possible to find evidence, but it’s also possible to fabricate it.”

“…Really? Can she actually do that…?”

“Court lady Seol might not know about it, but there are countless ways to do so.”

Because Wang Han had a strong desire for success and had many connections, he also understood to some extent the darkness that lay beneath the glamorous facade of Cheongdo Palace.

As romantic as Cheongdo Palace seemed, with its beauty unfolding everywhere you looked, it was inevitably riddled with cunning and scheming because of the power at play.

“I think soon for some reason or another the White Princess will call Tae Pyeong back to the White Tiger Palace.”

“Is that so…”

“Yes. So, if we follow Yeon Ri’s strategy… take advantage of that opportunity …”

Wang Han spoke while shedding a drop of cold sweat and holding my shoulder tightly.

“Use your charming appearance and eloquent speech, your almost divine knack for winning over hearts, to melt the White Princess’s …”

“……”

“……”

After he spoke, Wang Han seemed to realize how ridiculous his words sounded and turned to look at Yeon Ri.

“…Is this really possible, Yeon Ri?”

“What can we possibly do other than that? Listen closely, Tae Pyeong. We have to admit it now that we’ve come this far. Considering you’ve charmed three crown princess consorts in just one year, it’s clear you have some kind of charm that appeals to high-ranking women… whatever that may be, I really can’t tell.”

“Should I really stake my life on such a vague guess…?”

“Your life is on the line anyway, right?”

Upon hearing this, Seol Ran grabbed my arm and spoke with firm conviction.

“Don’t worry, Tae Pyeong. If it really doesn’t work out, we can always flee in the night. Just trust me.”

“…….”

“We roamed the outskirts of the capital as beggars at such a young age. What’s stopping us from doing it a second time? This time, we could go all the way to the border region and maybe find work in a kitchen at some inn. You’re stronger than when you were a child, so you’ll manage to scrape a living. Compared to your childhood, the situation might even be better.”

Seol Ran who could have ascended to the most prestigious position in the whole Empire and blazed a brilliant path might end up just a staff member at a random inn. There’s degradation, and then there’s this.

“I’m going to be the world’s greatest inn staff member…!!! That’s right… We should dream big…!!!”

Even in the midst of it all, her burning determination was truly befitting of a heroine.

From a princess of the realm to an inn staff member… That just isn’t right…

It was all because of one wrong choice of her brother…

Damn it… That’s absolutely not happening.

I closed my eyes and opened them tightly, and I said to her while clenching my fists.

“Either way, we’ve got nothing to lose… Let’s give it a shot…”

“Is there a special way to do it?”

“Anyway… we don’t have much time. So I have to make her conscious of me as a man right away…”

I slowly outlined the alternative I had thought about.

It wasn’t a story that needed a long explanation.

However, upon hearing the detailed plan I laid out, Yeon Ri looked like she was about to die.

“…Tae Pyeong-ah, that’s just crazy. It’s really something you would come up with, but I don’t think it’s a good idea…”

“No, Yeon Ri. The opinion of this scribe Wang Han is a bit different… It might seem crazy at first, but think about it; it might not be…”

“What…?”

The next day, a letter arrived from White Tiger Palace regarding matters of the Heavenly Dragon Festival.

After obtaining permission from the old eunuch, I took Yeon Ri with me back to the inner palace. According to the schedule, we were supposed to check the talismans at Vermilion Bird Palace today but since we received the letter, we decided to visit White Tiger Palace first.

“We’ve been expecting you, Warrior Seol.”

Just like the day before, Headmaid Ye Rim from the White Tiger Palace greeted me politely.

As I’ve mentioned before, the headmaid of one of the four palaces is a high-ranking position that all the maids in the inner palace long for. Receiving such respectful treatment started to make me feel uncomfortable so I bowed my head and spoke.

“You don’t need to be so formal.”

“Not at all. If you are a guest of the White Princess, you are my guest as well.”

Ye Rim seemed more relaxed compared to other palace headmaids, perhaps because she carried herself with a liberty that reflected her mistress’s personality. It was also impressive to see her white hair tied up and braided to one side like her mistress.

Led by headmaid Ye Rim, we entered the grand White Tiger Palace again and headed for the tea room we had visited the day before.

It seemed that the White Princess who noticed the affection of the other crown princess consorts was plotting to use me for some scheme. It wasn’t hard to predict.

“Lady White Princess. Seol Tae Pyeong from the White Immortal Palace has arrived.”

“A distinguished guest has come. Let him in.”

Clink

After walking for a while, we entered the tea room where the White Princess was sitting with a soft smile on her face. Her figure was as beautiful as a heavenly maiden.

After we respectfully knelt and greeted her, Yeon Ri and I cautiously took our seats opposite her, at which point the headmaid brought out some luxurious tea.

“I’m sorry for summoning you so often when you must be busy inspecting the palace’s protective charms.”

“Not at all. It is not the way for a crown princess consort of the empire to apologize to a mere warrior.”

“I can lead such a luxurious life precisely because there are humble warriors like you; how could I be stingy with even a small apology?”

Her smile was lively and somehow joyful.

But she maintained an elegant demeanor. She was clearly already accustomed to life at Cheongdo Palace.

“Today, let’s keep it simple. Actually, my Inbong clan is organizing this year’s Heavenly Dragon Festival, and I would like to prepare a stage to set the mood before the lantern release ceremony.”

Her calm voice was soothing.

The White Princess made her suggestion to me in that uniquely comfortable tone.

“I still vividly remember the sword dance performance you had with the Vermilion Princess during the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony. Even the high officials had unanimously praised it.”

“The Vermilion Princess’s swordsmanship was truly admirable.”

“You are right. However, I know this. if it had not been you facing her, could she have displayed such splendid swordsmanship?”

I was at a loss for how to respond to that.

The White Princess seemed to have anticipated my hesitation and waited for my reply with a slight smile.

“No, I was merely focused on receiving her sword attacks.”

“Your conduct truly shows a person overflowing with loyalty and fidelity. But do not underestimate my eyes.”

“I had no such intention.”

“… in any case, it seems a waste to keep such impressive swordsmanship confined to the court officials. I sincerely hope that during a grand event like the Heavenly Dragon Festival, the citizens could witness the Vermilion Princess’s beautiful and impressive sword skills.”

The White Princess’s rhetoric carried a subtle power. It sounded benevolent, but at the same time, she was in complete control.

“So, would you be willing to face the Vermilion Princess in a duel again?”

“That would depend more on the Vermilion Princess’s decision than on mine…”

“Well… perhaps convincing you first is the right approach.”

“Huh?”

“I misspoke. It was a meaningless remark; forget I said anything.”

After saying that, she lifted the collar of her court robes and took a sip of tea.

Her elegant smile still exuded dignity.

“In any case, I will ask for the Vermilion Princess’s opinion, but what I am asking now is for yours.”

“That, well…”

Although it was too obvious that it had been emphasized too many times, no third-rate warrior in Cheongdo Palace could ever refuse an invitation from the crown princess consort.

How could a mere warrior who was summoned directly by the crown princess consort refuse one of her requests?

But I shook my head and said.

“…I cannot accept the invitation.”

“……”

At this point, the White Princess could have justifiably shown her anger.

Considering the authority difference between the mistress of White Tiger Palace and a lowly warrior of White Immortal Palace, the mere act of shaking one’s head was in itself a great disloyalty.

“Tell me your reasons.”

However, the White Princess first asked for a reason. She was assuming in a logical way that no warrior would refuse her invitation without a valid reason.

…

I had to take a deep breath here for a moment.

“There are times in this world… when not providing reasons aligns better with loyalty…”

“…I thought you were good at handling matters, but I didn’t know that you would commit such a big act of disrespect towards me.”

The White Princess rebuked me in a low voice at my refusal to disclose any reasons.

“One would think you know the laws of Cheongdo Palace better than that.”

“…I could reveal them if I wished. However…”

“Then speak.”

…

…

…

“A-Are you sure you want me to reveal it…”

“I would prefer not to have to repeat myself…”

“……”

“……”

Perhaps sensing my resolve, the expression of Yeon Ri sitting next to me gradually turned pale.

The time had come.

Yes, I, Seol Tae Pyeong.

I’ve upheld my beliefs in the face of challenges as difficult as Mountain Taesan, and at every crossroad in life, I have always charged forward with steadfast resolve.

I, Seol Tae Pyeong, have lived my life facing all storms and hardships with my head held high.

Now, I cannot harbor any regrets about that life.

To live as I have lived, that is who I am. I have no choice but to move forward, believing that this is the right thing to do, believing in the spirit and nobility at the tips of my hands!

That’s how I have lived!

Thud

I stepped down from the chair, knelt on the floor, placed my hands on it, and bowed my head.

Then I raised my voice and declared.

“I… I have committed a sin worthy of death…!”

When I suddenly spoke with a deep apologetic tone, the White Princess was momentarily taken aback.

“What… what are you suddenly saying…?”

“Just like you said, Warrior Seol has devoted his life to maintaining his loyalty as a warrior of this Cheongdo Palace!”

“Th-That is indeed commendable, but…”

“But!!!”

Yes, life is indeed a series of trials.

Though life may deceive you, do not grieve or become angry.

“Ever since I saw the White Princess perform the Heavenly Dragon Dance at the last birthday ceremony…this lowly man… has harbored disloyalty deep in his heart, which a subject should never harbor…!!”

Endure the sad days, for joyful ones will surely come.

“The appearance of the White Princess I saw at that time literally looked like a fairy had come down to earth. Even when I fall asleep, the image of that time glimmers in my dreams, and even when I close my eyes, the image of that time seems to be engraved on my eyelids… !!!”

The heart looks to the future, for the present is filled with endless sorrow.

“Yes…! I, Seol Tae Pyeong, merely a third-rate warrior…! Since that day, I have harbored feelings for the White Princess…!!”

Everything inevitably fades away, but what has passed becomes nostalgia.

“Even at this moment, I, the disloyal Seol Tae Pyeong, am fighting against this arrogant heart! If I continue to see the White Princess as we prepare for the Heavenly Dragon Festival, the disloyalty blooming in my heart will surely grow like a snowball! How can one such as I, a warrior who should throw his whole life into loyalty, do such a thing…!!!”

Though life may deceive you,

Never grieve or become angry.

“That is why I, Seol Tae Pyeong, cannot be near the White Princess even under her command…!!!”

The secret technique of the White Immortal—confess and be scolded.

The method of melting a woman’s heart through bewitching speech and cunning words was never an option for someone like Seol Tae Pyeong. In the first place, who could attempt such a thing to a crown princess consort?

Instead, it suits “Seol Tae Pyeong” to proceed in his own way.

The life philosophy of “Seol Tae Pyeong”, a warrior who has walked his life with honesty. This philosophy which could also be described as his unique strategy was in fact remarkably simple.

“…What?”

Perhaps it was the sheer absurdity of the situation that caused the White Princess to fall silent for a moment before she let out an incredulous gasp and asked me.

Well, the momentum was good.

Starting a confession out of the blue usually results in confusion, followed by the dawning realization that for the first time one was seeing the confessor as a person of the opposite sex…

The other party started to wonder what on earth this man had just said, and then part of her blushed and felt shy, and gradually she grew flustered by her own emerging perception of the man who just confessed his love to her as a reliable individual──

“Does that even make sense…?”

──which would only be plausible in a third-rate romantic comedy manga──

“How dare…! A third-rate warrior say such things to a crown princess…!”

White Princess Ha Wol tried to raise her voice again but paused to catch her breath.

Here, erupting in anger was the proper reaction to be expected from a crown princess.

It was that preposterous. Not only was it absurd for someone to harbor a romantic feeling against a crown princess alone, but to suddenly kneel and blurt out a confession was beyond reason.

This was not something to be simply overlooked.

It was a situation where she would get angry and reprimand Seol Tae Pyeong for not taking the court laws seriously, kick him out of the White Tiger Palace, report it to the main palace, have him flogged up to the brink of death, and this all would be followed by further disciplinary action.

And then she would push Seol Tae Pyeong out of the inner palace before telling him that she should never see his face again… Actually, this was the right thing for the crown princess consort to do, but…

– No, Yeon Ri. The opinion of this scribe Wang Han is a bit different… It might seem crazy at first, but think about it; it might not be…

– Once you charge in, the other party will finally recognize you as a member of the opposite sex… That would definitely be a major variable. Basically, in something like this, you have to start by breaking the opponent’s composure and then take the initiative.

– N-No matter how you look at it, this is just crazy! You’ll be dragged off by the guards and beaten to death!

– No, probably even if the White Princess gets angry, she absolutely won’t be able to push Tae Pyeong away.

– What, what…? Why is that…

– Think about it… From the White Princess’s perspective, the current Tae Pyeong… is a treasure sword worth more than gold. Yes, he’s in a life-threatening situation anyway.

A sword that could potentially sever the neck of Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon.

That Vermilion Princess who is so perfect that she reveals no flaws. This was the only weakness she had shown after years of searching.

– Tae Pyeong-ah, remember. Until the White Princess manipulates and secures clear evidence… you have the upper hand here.

That was the warrior Seol Tae Pyeong.

To drive Seol Tae Pyeong away and vow never to deal with this man again.

It would be no different than throwing away the opportunity to grasp the weakness of the Vermilion Princess which she could not find even after years of searching.

“Please…!!! Punish this disloyal subject, Lady White Princess!!! I deserve to die!!!”

Watching Seol Tae Pyeong kneel and shout with great spirits, the White Princess seemed to lose her senses.

The White Princess was a materialist who would even risk her own life for power.

She couldn’t possibly cast Seol Tae Pyeong out.