🎭 In the Ashes of the Loyal
Seo Ju glared at Cheng Yi, his fury barely contained. The nerve of this man to drag his grandmother into court was unforgivable. She had already chosen to remain in the temple, burdened by the guilt of her time in the Joseon Palace. Forcing her to return would only deepen the suffering she had already endured.
"Minister of Rites, you tread on rude grounds," Lee Jae interjected, his voice cutting through the tense silence. His words were sharp, and his gaze turned cold as he addressed Cheng Yi. "To ask that a deposed queen return to Joseon is akin to asking a traitor to set foot upon our land again."
Cheng Yi smiled, cold and unmoved. His bow was respectful, yet there was something about his eyes that spoke volumes—an underlying challenge.
"Yet, it was she who crowned you king after the late king's passing..." Cheng Yi remarked smoothly, a veiled implication hanging in the air. His words hit their mark—Lee Jae swallowed his anger, eyes narrowing at Cheng Yi's unnerving calm.
Seo Ju could no longer contain his rising frustration. He rose from his seat, every step deliberate as his eyes locked onto Cheng Yi with an intensity that could burn.
"If we are to drag the Empress Dowager from her sanctuary, what would you do then?" Seo Ju's voice was cold, his words weighed with quiet authority. "To force one who has refused to leave her safe haven would be an act of indecency."
Cheng Yi's voice remained smooth, his calm unshaken. "Your Highness, Crown Prince, you misunderstand my intentions," he said, almost too calmly. "I seek only a retrial to uncover the truth."
Seo Ju exhaled sharply, his frustration shifting into steely resolve. He leaned forward, his voice hardening as his eyes gleamed with unyielding determination. "Very well. Then leave my royal grandmother out of this, for she has not spoken to anyone since."
Cheng Yi remained unfazed, his confidence unwavering in his pursuit to summon Seo Ju's grandmother. Yet, a small smile tugged at his lips as he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Placing filial piety above affairs of the state... Your conviction is admirable," Cheng Yi remarked, his tone smooth, touched with reluctant respect. Seo Ju exhaled softly, a quiet sigh of relief escaping him as he sensed Cheng Yi's withdrawal. Lee Jae cleared his throat, his voice steady as he addressed the room.
"You have traveled far, Minister Lui. Rest for today. We shall resume this matter tomorrow," Lee Jae said, his tone firm yet courteous. Cheng Yi turned to Lee Jae and offered a respectful bow.
"As His Majesty commands," he replied. Behind him, the Ming envoys exchanged displeased glances and departed in haste, clearly unsettled by Cheng Yi's dominance in the exchange. Seo Ju watched Cheng Yi's retreating figure, suspicion clouding his gaze.
"He speaks as though he has dwelled in Joseon far longer than a mere envoy ought," Seo Ju murmured. Jinji stepped forward and bowed low as Seo Ju paused near the stairs.
"His Majesty summons Your Highness," he said hushedly. Seo Ju exhaled in quiet exasperation, then gave Jinji a nod.
"Very well. Let us go," he replied. Seo Ju walked to the study room. The king entered, taking his seat with a contemplative air.
"What purpose do you think brings them here?" Lee Jae asked, his gaze steady. Seo Ju exhaled a weary sigh.
"They spoke of the Royal Grandmother… and matters long buried," he said, his voice deepening with unease. "It appears they possess—or presume to possess—knowledge that may grant them leverage during this visit."
"Sharp of you to notice," Lee Jae replied with measured calm. "Very well. Once the audience with the Ming envoys concludes, you may take your rest. I shall manage the remainder. You ought to visit the late Crown Princess. Her birth anniversary draws near."
At that, Seo Ju's jaw clenched tight, fury simmering beneath his composed exterior.
"After this… I shall take the entire week," Seo Ju said, his voice strained. Lee Jae studied him, noting the flicker of disdain that surfaced at the mention of the late Crown Princess. Seo Ju bowed stiffly. "If there is nothing further, I shall take my leave."
"Seo Ju…" Lee Jae called, his tone solemn and urgent. "Do you… blame me?"
Seo Ju held his tongue a moment too long.
"What fault is there in the actions of a sovereign? You have merely done what was required to safeguard the throne," he replied coolly, almost too coolly. Lee Jae let out a quiet sigh, the weight of unspoken regrets hanging heavy in the chamber.
"You know that is not what I meant… not in regard to—"
"I shall take my leave. There is something… of importance I must attend to," Seo Ju interjected, his words clipped as he turned and strode out of the hall. Lee Jae stood in silence, his brow furrowed.
"If I cannot speak to you now… then when will you open your heart?" he murmured. "You wear that mask like armor, yet it looks ready to shatter."
Outside the palace, Seo Ju mounted his horse and rode to Gaeseong. As he approached the inn, he saw someone stepping through the doors before him. Inside, Qian'ai and Yun Yuhua greeted the guest with warm smiles—smiles they had never shown to Seo Ju.
"Years gone by, and now you show face. What brings you back?" Qian'ai asked with a grin.
"His Majesty sent me as an envoy," said the man, "to settle matters with Joseon and ensure your safety."
Yun Yuhua beamed. "It is good to see you well, Cheng Yi."
Cheng Yi felt the familiar warmth from their welcome, the same as when they first embraced him in Ming.
"Would it trouble you if I visited occasionally?" he asked, unsure. He feared his presence might stir memories best left buried.
Qian'ai patted his shoulder. "You will always be family to us, no matter what happens."
Cheng Yi smiled. From behind, Tian Ke appeared, offering a rare smile.
"Always family," Tian Ke added. Yun Yuhua lightly touched Cheng Yi's hand.
"You have never been monstrous to us. Let not your doubts drive you away," she said gently. Cheng Yi looked at her, not just comforted, but moved.
"I'm glad," he said softly. Qian'ai and Tian Ke laughed.
"I'll prepare something you'll enjoy," Tian Ke offered.
"I'll help!" Qian'ai chimed in. Yun Yuhua lingered with Cheng Yi, but when she turned, she caught sight of Seo Ju in the market—watching her. Her smile faded, but she turned back to Cheng Yi with warmth.
"How has life treated you?" she asked. Cheng Yi chuckled, a bit awkward.
"Well… I've achieved a few things. Despite the shadow of my father, His Majesty is trying to restore my standing."
Yun Yuhua nodded. "Through marriage proposals?"
Cheng Yi nodded, somewhat disheartened by the mention.
"I'm not ready," he admitted. "I don't wish to taint another family's name with my own."
Yun Yuhua gave a small smile. "If there's a woman who loves you despite that, then you should try. Happiness may follow where courage leads."
Cheng Yi looked at her with gratitude. Just then, Seo Ju stormed in, clearly irritated, and sat beside Cheng Yi.
"And what pleasant topic have I walked in on?" he asked with a forced smile. Yun Yuhua sighed, already annoyed.
Cheng Yi glanced at him, not recognizing him. "And you are…?"
Seo Ju's smirk deepened as realization dawned. Slowly, he reached up and lowered his gat, letting the light catch his features.
"Her fiancé. And you?" he said coolly.
"What?" Yun Yuhua snapped. "You've no place here!"
Seo Ju laughed, unbothered.
"But I've just returned. Were you not waiting for me?"
Yun Yuhua turned red, lips pursed.
"Who would wait for someone who flirts with every woman he sees?!"
Seo Ju leaned forward, eyes on hers.
"I only flirt with you. Because you're the only one worth the trouble."
Yun Yuhua turned bright red, words caught in her throat. Cheng Yi noticed the way she reacted to Seo Ju—it was different. And it made him feel something sharp and unwelcome.
"If she doesn't like you being around, then what brings you here?" he asked coolly.
Seo Ju smirked. "Why not? She needs to take responsibility for asking me to strip—"
"Stop!" Yun Yuhua cut in, her face burning. "You're going to make people think indecently."
Seo Ju let out a soft chuckle. Cheng Yi faltered, catching the implication in Seo Ju's unfinished remark. His expression briefly stiffened—had he meant fully disrobed?
Yun Yuhua turned to Cheng Yi, clearly mortified. "Pay him no mind. He is… peculiar in ways only he understands."
Cheng Yi inclined his head slowly, though his gaze lingered with unease. Seo Ju's grin deepened, the amusement evident in his voice.
"And yet, you did not withdraw."
At that, Yun Yuhua sprang to her feet and seized Seo Ju by the arm. "Leave. Now!"
Before she could push him, Seo Ju caught her hand and, without hesitation, kissed it.
"I shall return to my quarters," Seo Ju said with an air of indifference, turning his back as he strolled away.
Yun Yuhua stood still, her brows drawn tight, lips pressed thin—clearly fuming. Seo Ju smirked as he walked off without a care. Cheng Yi blinked, completely lost for words. Yun Yuhua's hand slowly balled into a fist as she stared daggers into Seo Ju's back.
"That man…" she muttered.
Cheng Yi let out a nervous laugh and gently tugged her down beside him. "It's fine. Like you said, he's peculiar."
Yun Yuhua groaned, then sighed, clearly exasperated. "I… I'm sorry," she mumbled, hiding her face with her hands.
"No need for that," Cheng Yi said, chuckling. "Never seen you this flustered before."
Yun Yuhua wished she could vanish on the spot. Humiliated, she suddenly stood and stormed after Seo Ju. Cheng Yi sat up straighter, watching her.
"Yuhua—"
She didn't stop.
"Ya! Just what are you after?" Yun Yuhua shouted after him.
Seo Ju turned, meeting her fiery gaze with a maddening smile. "Why, what do you mean? Have you decided to follow me to my chambers this time?"
She clenched her jaw, refusing to rise to the bait.
"What is it that you're after?" she demanded. "You flirt like you mean it, but it's all just a front. I know you're hiding something under that cocky grin. It's getting on my nerves. I won't stand for it anymore. My brothers aren't blind either—they can tell you're putting on a show. Enough of it. Speak. What do you really want?"
Seo Ju's smirk curled wider, clearly impressed. He stepped in and grabbed her wrist, pulling her close.
"Very well," Seo Ju said softly, his voice calm yet firm. "Then tell me this… who is Li Zhiyong?"
"What…? How do you know that name?" Yun Yuhua froze. Li Zhiyong. Her father—the man who had given his life to protect them. Her eyes shimmered with tears, but she refused to let them fall. Seo Ju waited, silent, his gaze unwavering as he watched the storm in her eyes.
Suddenly, she shoved him back. "You…"
"Was it the man who visited you not long ago?" Seo Ju asked, voice still poised. "The one you tried to turn away when I came forth to question him?"
Her hand flew across his cheek. The sound of the slap cracked through the air. Seo Ju stood stunned.
"If you do not know who he truly was," she spat, "then you've no right to speak his name. Only fools speak as though they understand what they do not." With that, she turned sharply and stormed out of the inn.
Outside, Qian'ai and Tian Ke saw her leave in a fury. Their eyes immediately turned to Seo Ju. Qian'ai stepped forward, jaw clenched.
"What did you say to my sister that made her cry like that?" he demanded.
He turned toward the door of the inn. But before he could leave, Tian Ke stepped into his path.
"There is but one way to bring my sister to tears like that," Tian Ke said calmly. "You must have struck a nerve. Did you perchance mention aught regarding our father?"
Seo Ju paused. His steps halted, and for a fleeting moment, the mask of detachment cracked. Guilt flickered in his eyes.
"Her father?" he repeated, though his voice had lost its steadiness.
Tian Ke's voice remained low, but it carried the weight of unspoken grief. "Our father was a good man. He raised us when our mother was gone. To my sister, he was not just a parent—but her entire world. He gave his life protecting us. She carries that pain with her still."
Tian Ke's gaze hardened. "If you spoke carelessly of him… then I ask you to walk away. Pursuing us further will earn you nothing but resentment."
Seo Ju had no words in return. The mask of playful indifference he so often wore cracked under the weight of guilt, and for once, he could not recover it.
Cheng Yi, who had remained silent at the edge of the room, now realized just who Seo Ju truly was. His eyes widened—and without a word, he turned and stormed out of the inn, racing to find Yun Yuhua.
She was by the riverside, crouched low as the current whispered past. Hidden by the trees, she let her tears fall freely, unguarded. Memories surged—her father's arms around her on stormy nights, his laughter as he guided her hand with the dagger, the way his bloodied smile was the last thing she saw before he collapsed.
"Bastard…" she whispered bitterly, wiping her cheeks with trembling fingers. Behind her, reeds stirred. A shadow stepped closer, slow and silent. In his hand—a white handkerchief, fluttering gently in the wind.