49 Times Left, Master! (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 13
He mumbled so faintly it was almost inaudible—but I heard every word. Was he revealing his true colors out of anger because I wouldn’t dance to his tune?
The moment he saw his disciple flustered, his wildly moving mouth, which had been chattering excitedly, fell silent.
Pretending I hadn’t heard a thing, I poured myself some water and drank, then aimlessly gazed at a modest flowering shrub and muttered to myself,
“The flowers are lovely.”
[This is the timeline separator]“Yo Hwa.”
The moment I stepped through the door, Mother, who had been pacing anxiously in the courtyard, rushed over like an arrow shot from a bow. Her face was filled with worry.
“Mother? What’s wrong?”
Surprised by her unusual demeanor, I asked—but instead, she scrutinized me from head to toe and questioned,
“I heard you made a strange request to Lin Hwa? Is something going on between you and His Highness?”
I’d already returned utterly drained from dealing with the Thirteenth Prince. To be interrogated like this the moment I walked in made my head spin. Had Lin Hwa tattled everything?
“Huh? What did Lin Hwa say?”
I tried to stay calm and ask, but Mother answered in a somber voice, as if I’d come home beaten black and blue.
“She said you asked her to pass a message to Seon An if you still hadn’t returned by morning.”
“Lin Hwa… that loose-lipped little—!”
I cursed under my breath.
I’d assumed Lin Hwa hated me enough not to bother telling our parents such things. I never expected she’d go and tattle everything!
The instant I cursed Lin Hwa, Mother clamped her hand firmly over my lips.
“Calling your own sister that! Why would Lin Hwa be ‘that’ to you?”
“She’s just tattling!”
“Lin Hwa did it because she was worried about you.”
“She just did something she knew I’d hate!”
Even before my regression, Lin Hwa and I had a strained relationship. It wasn’t that we were enemies for life—our bond did improve at a certain point. But until then, we were sisters who simply didn’t get along.
Not to the point of poisoning or assassinating each other, but certainly enough to go out of our way to make the other’s life difficult.
Yet Mother strained every nerve to pretend she didn’t notice how much we disliked each other.
To her, I was her pitiful daughter forced to live disguised as a man with no choice, while Lin Hwa was her miracle—the youngest daughter who’d arrived so late. Both were precious to her, so she did her best.
“In any case… there’s truly nothing going on between you and His Highness, is there?”
Seeing me grumble, Mother clapped her hands sharply to get my attention and asked,
“Didn’t you say something odd before going to see His Highness? That you wished he’d be enchanted by you?”
“Oh, Mother—that was just a figure of speech.”
No matter what else I said, Mother didn’t seem ready to drop her suspicious gaze. In the end, I gave up on this fruitless argument and turned away.
From behind a building, Lin Hwa, who’d been peeking out with a sly grin, bolted like lightning the moment our eyes met.
“That little brat!”
Grinding my teeth, I headed back to my quarters.
[This is the timeline separator]Eight days passed swiftly.
Surprisingly, during those eight days, my disciple showed no unusual behavior. Acting as if last night’s conversation had never happened, he attended my lessons as usual, maintained a proper distance, and observed decorum.
He didn’t say anything provocative either. Still, I couldn’t help but be bothered by his final muttered words: “So that’s how you’ll play it?”
Was it just an angry outburst? Said without thinking?
But given how meticulous and calculating I’d seen him act before my regression, it was hard to just brush it off so easily…
Yet even as I watched him closely, I myself made no noticeable changes in my words or actions.
Though I’d said it might be fine to feign affection for the Thirteenth Prince, the vivid memory of him trying to kill me made it impossible to flirt with him lightly, as I might with other women.
If an opportunity arose, I’d gather all my wits and pretend to be drawn to him.
But until then, I had no choice. I’d just have to live as I did before my regression.
[This is the timeline separator]After days of peaceful routine, the day I received an invitation from the Sixth Prince arrived—and my whole body twisted with reluctance.
In my previous life, tensions among the Thirteenth, Sixth, and Second Princes would have already begun brewing by now. Yet in this life, none of that existed—and I had to deal with the Sixth Prince myself.
Though his feelings toward me were gratitude rather than resentment, we’d never been close even before my regression, so this remained just as awkward and uncomfortable.
Still, hiding my true feelings, I ended my lesson slightly earlier than usual and rose from my seat.
Whether or not my disciple remembered I was heading to Seonghwan Palace today, he silently saw me off without a word.
“I shall see you again the day after tomorrow, Your Highness.”
For some reason, my disciple had followed me all the way to the gate. I bowed deeply to him, then walked down the long, narrow path connecting Wolmu Palace.
Stopping briefly in an empty spot to adjust my attire, I continued on toward the Sixth Prince’s Seonghwan Palace.
As I approached Seonghwan Palace, unlike the Thirteenth Prince’s Wolmu Palace, four burly eunuchs stood guard at the gate.
Wondering whether I should state my name, I walked closer—and fortunately, one of them recognized my face before I could introduce myself and greeted me warmly.
“You must be the foreign tutor to His Highness the Thirteenth Prince. I heard you arranged to meet His Highness the Sixth Prince early this afternoon. Please, come in.”
In my previous life, the Sixth Prince’s eunuchs had never spoken to me so kindly. After the incident with the Thirteenth Prince, the Sixth Prince, furious, had slapped me thirty times across the face—and afterward, we avoided even looking at each other.
Yet now, I was being welcomed so warmly into his residence.
“This way, please.”
Following the eunuch inside, I saw lanterns hung high on ropes strung between the roof and courtyard walls, casting a warm red glow over the entire courtyard—completely unlike the Thirteenth Prince’s overgrown, weed-filled grounds.
Indeed—during their youth, princes and princesses were treated very differently depending on their mothers’ status. The Thirteenth Prince, whose mother died without even becoming a consort, and the Sixth Prince, whose mother was the Empress’s co-consort and principal wife, were as far apart as heaven and earth.
Clicking my tongue as I glanced around, I quickly composed my expression when I noticed the eunuch watching me knowingly.
But the eunuch, already misunderstanding my thoughts, quietly remarked,
“For someone like you—a young mistress of the Yo clan and an early examination graduate of such distinction—to be buried alongside that crumbling Wolmu Palace is simply unthinkable. His Highness the Sixth Prince is magnanimous and values talent greatly. He would surely be delighted to gain someone of your caliber.”
Such words were awkward to agree with or refute, so I merely smiled without replying.
Fortunately, before the eunuch could say more, the door to the large inner building opened, and the Sixth Prince called out cheerfully, “Ah! You’ve arrived!”
“I was beginning to wonder—your time was nearly up, yet you hadn’t come. I feared something had happened.”
I gave the eunuch a grateful nod and quickly walked toward the Sixth Prince.
“The palace is so vast—there was so much to see along the way that I must have been delayed.”
Offering flattery with practiced ease, I followed the Sixth Prince into a large chamber.
I’d worried the atmosphere might be overly casual since he promised good hospitality, but thankfully, it wasn’t. A large table stood in the center, surrounded by three comfortable-looking chairs.
Eunuchs stood nearby ready to serve food, and musicians played instruments in an adjoining room—but it wasn’t quite a banquet setting.
“Thank you for the invitation. It’s embarrassing to be honored for merely doing what was expected.”
“Expected? Both my second elder brother and I are deeply grateful for your help at the hunting tournament. Had you not saved our ninth brother, neither of us would have dared face Her Majesty the Empress.”
So even the powerful Sixth and Second Princes still tread carefully around the Empress.
Afraid my agreement might sound mocking, I simply smiled and took the lowest seat.
“I wonder why my second elder brother hasn’t arrived yet.”
“He’ll be here shortly. But this truly looks delicious—what is it?”
“Fried mandarin oranges. Doesn’t the taste seem unusual?”
While exchanging meaningless pleasantries with the Sixth Prince, I carefully analyzed every word in my mind to avoid even the slightest misstep.
Just then, the Second Prince finally appeared.
“I’m terribly late.”
Since we hadn’t been close in my previous life either, I sprang to my feet and offered an awkward bow.
Yet despite that distance, the Second Prince smiled warmly like a kind elder who’d watched over my childhood and patted my shoulder.
“Minister Yo, how have you been?”
Honestly—just how many years older are you than me to wear that expression?
Inwardly exasperated, I forced my lips into the widest smile I could manage and feigned delight.
“Thank you for the invitation. Thanks to both Your Highnesses, I shall enjoy a splendid feast today.”
“Minister Yo, you’re quite the charmer—nothing like our timid Thirteenth.”
The Second Prince chuckled and gestured for me to sit. When I returned to the lowest seat, he took the place of honor.
“Serve the dishes.”
At the Sixth Prince’s command, the eunuchs lifted the lids from large covered platters. The moment the lids came off, the faint aroma intensified dramatically, and I couldn’t help but swallow.
So the Sixth Prince truly meant to treat me well, as promised. Since I’d already come to this uncomfortable gathering, I might as well eat well.
Thinking of the Thirteenth Prince, who always wandered alone with barely any attendants, made me slightly uneasy—but it’ll be fine. After all, he’ll become emperor later, won’t he?
Quickly shaking off my misplaced sympathy, I picked up my chopsticks.
“Minister Yo, you passed the civil service examination, correct?”
“Yes, Your Highness the Sixth Prince.”
“But this time, your horsemanship proved truly remarkable. Wouldn’t you agree, Elder Brother?”
“I was astonished as well. Everyone praised only your jade-like face and scholarly talent. They clearly didn’t know what they were talking about.”
“It was merely a spur-of-the-moment display due to the urgency of the situation. Your Highnesses’ praise embarrasses me deeply.”
Truthfully, I wasn’t embarrassed at all. Wasn’t it true that I was handsome, scholarly, and an excellent rider? It was just a bit burdensome that they kept talking when I wanted to eat.
Yet surprisingly, the two princes seemed fond of chatter and kept exchanging words.
“Honestly, Minister Yo—I was shocked when Father appointed you as the Thirteenth’s tutor.”
“Technically, it was Her Majesty the Empress who sent you.”
“Of course, Elder Brother. But Father agreed as well—that’s why the appointment was issued.”
“That’s true. Her Majesty must have had deep intentions, but I was still surprised.”
“Everyone assumed someone like you would enter Gwonhwa Academy for further training and eventually join the Crown Prince’s faction. Most top graduates follow that path. Yet before even receiving your official post, you became a foreign tutor—worse, the Thirteenth’s foreign tutor.”
What the Sixth Prince said matched my own thoughts from before my regression almost exactly.
Gwonhwa Academy was an educational institution in the capital; those with outstanding grades or special talents entered to receive advanced instruction.
In return, instead of starting as low-ranking officials, they began their careers in mid-level posts like Satae, Oja, or Yukhwa positions.
Given this, being abruptly made the Thirteenth Prince’s tutor felt unmistakably like a demotion—and I couldn’t possibly feel grateful for it.
The foreign tutor position already held honor without substance—but to be assigned as tutor to the Thirteenth Prince, the most neglected prince, furthest from the throne?
“But what can be done? The Thirteenth didn’t even request you as his tutor.”
“If he cared for you even a little, he should’ve refused outright.”
“How could that child defy Her Majesty’s strict command?”
“That’s true. Yet because of it, only you ended up sinking into this quagmire.”
“It’s regrettable when you consider the future.”
I silently moved my chopsticks over an empty plate.
The atmosphere had already been uncomfortable—but as their conversation turned to openly belittling the Thirteenth Prince, whatever appetite I’d managed to summon from the delicious aromas quickly vanished.
It wasn’t that I wanted to defend him. But the Thirteenth hadn’t done anything yet—and watching these older brothers so openly mock and dismiss their younger, powerless sibling didn’t sit well with me.
Yet when others speak ill of someone, it’s difficult to openly object—even if you don’t agree. Especially when those two were the successful princes born of the Empress and Consort Bin.
But as their disparaging remarks grew harsher with time, I finally couldn’t hold back—feeling I owed it to my role as his tutor—and spoke up.
“It may distance me from power, but I don’t mind being by His Highness the Thirteenth’s side. I’ve never craved great power anyway—so long as I don’t bring shame to my family, that’s enough.”
“You—the heir of the Yo clan?”
The Second Prince laughed as if it were absurd.
Well, by pre-regression standards, it certainly was absurd. But after reaching the peak only to be poisoned to death, one learns to let go of ambition. Isn’t living peacefully and safely far better?
“Yes. I’d rather be by His Highness the Thirteenth’s side than chase power.”
They should’ve taken it as polite deference and moved on—but these two accomplished elder brothers seemed determined to extract some criticism of their younger brother from me. Grinning slyly, they pressed further.
“What about the Thirteenth do you find so appealing?”
“You truly prefer his company over power?”
Given the mood, it was clear they wouldn’t let me off without offering a few compliments about the Thirteenth.
But when one lacks power, even brilliance must be hidden. I couldn’t praise the Thirteenth’s sharp intellect in this situation.
So after a moment’s thought, I offered a universally acknowledged strength of his.
“His Highness the Thirteenth possesses a beauty more exquisite than flowers themselves. I enjoy sitting across from him during lessons.”
But as soon as I spoke, the expressions of the Second and Sixth Princes turned utterly strange. Both gaped at me with mouths agape.
A moment later, they burst into laughter, clutching their stomachs.
“So you truly are Huayeom’s greatest flirt! To appraise another man’s looks so keenly—even as a man yourself!”
“If that’s your standard for happiness, then indeed, no one compares to the Thirteenth.”
“Exactly, exactly.”
Though I seemed to have become their amusement, this was still better than hearing them slander the Thirteenth.
I sighed inwardly in relief—then, sensing a sharp gaze, I looked up. Unexpectedly, one of the eunuchs serving food behind the Sixth Prince was staring intently at me. When our eyes met, he quickly looked down.
‘Why is he acting like that?’
Annoyed at first, I suddenly recalled something astonishing. That eunuch… I’d seen him before my regression!
He’s one of the Thirteenth Prince’s close aides! Damn it!
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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This is truly just very frustrating why is the princess sooo infatuated girl have a back bone don’t ruin yourself for a man
How many chapters are replaced with that one about princess bomoon? Is it 3rd time already? 😭