The gradually rising cold wind heralded the changing seasons. The trees, adorned with vibrant autumn leaves during the fall, had now shed their foliage, welcoming winter. In Nujeong, where the splendid winter atmosphere was being showcased, a banquet celebrating the victory of the Gwangho Army was in full swing.
Ilyul, Hwan, the officials, and Geon, who had returned from the battlefield, gathered around in Nujeong. Ilyul, with a proud expression, looked at Geon and addressed the officials.
“This war was a great achievement for the Gwangho Army. I am very satisfied, so I encourage everyone to fully enjoy the joy of victory.”
“We express our deepest gratitude.”
The officials gathered in Nujeong responded in unison. The banquet officially began with the drinking of court wine, and the sound of musical instruments resonated throughout the hall.
When the atmosphere had warmed up, one of the officials spoke.
“I heard that the soldiers in the Gwangho Army are mostly commoners?”
An uneasy air briefly circulated among the officials. Minsangju, with a smiling countenance, continued to speak.
“To think that you considered mingling with commoners from the beginning. Indeed, Lord Gwangho seems to have exceptional aspirations.”
Considering Geon’s background as the son of a concubine from humble origins, there was room for interpretation that Minsangju’s words could be taken as offensive. However, since the words sounded like praise on the surface, Geon hesitated to respond with a rebuttal to Minsangju’s reaction.
Ryurim, who had been quiet after hearing this, stepped forward.
“Even an insignificant-looking stone can become a gem under a skilled craftsman’s touch. Knowing a person’s true worth and placing them in the right position is the ability of a capable ruler, isn’t it?”
Though it was a fleeting moment, the tense air in Gyeonghoeru softened again due to Ryurim’s words. Other officials added a few words, gradually dispelling the subdued atmosphere.
At that moment, Minsangju spoke up.
“I heard that the majority of the soldiers in the Gwangho Army are commoners, aren’t they?”
An instant of uncomfortable silence swept among the officials. Minsangju, wearing a smiling face, continued speaking.
“To think that you considered mingling with commoners from birth. Indeed, it seems that Lord Gwangho has exceptional aspirations.”
Considering Geon’s status as a son of a concubine from a humble background, there was potential for the interpretation of Minsangju’s words as offensive. However, since the words seemed like praise on the surface, Geon hesitated to respond with a rebuttal to Minsangju’s reaction.
Ryurim, who had been silent until then, stepped forward.
“Even an insignificant-looking stone can become a gem under a skilled craftsman’s touch. Knowing a person’s true worth and placing them in the right position is the ability of a capable ruler, isn’t it?”
Though it was a fleeting moment, the tense air in Gyeonghoeru softened again due to Ryurim’s words. Other officials added a few words, gradually dispelling the subdued atmosphere.
“Your words are correct. I didn’t know you possessed the vision to recognize talent from an early age, in addition to showing aptitude in martial arts.”
“So, you must have achieved great success in this recent conflict.”
In the milder atmosphere, Ilyul smiled pleasantly.
“Gwangho Army has never been prouder. It is truly a beautiful and joyous day. What about the thoughts of the Crown Prince?”
In response to Ilyul’s question, Hwan, who had been maintaining silence, flinched.
However, quickly putting on a gentle smile, he responded to his father’s words.
“I also share Mother’s thoughts.”
Hwan’s gaze, still maintaining a pleasant demeanor, slowly shifted towards Geon.
Then, he fabricated insincere words.
“Hyungnim must be truly proud.”
“It’s excessive praise.”
Hwan’s expressed sincerity was nothing but a façade, and the reciprocating reply was a soulless courtesy.
The gap between the two brothers didn’t seem to narrow.
The vacant space was filled only with the sound of musical instruments.
―Crash!
“Argh! Damn it!”
In Donggungjeon, the sound of Hwan’s curses and the breaking of objects echoed.
With a bang, the pieces of shattered pottery embedded themselves in Hwan’s fist, which had struck down the table.
“Mama!”
“Is Mama okay?!”
“Fetch a doctor!”
Officials and palace maidens hurriedly rushed to find a doctor.
Despite smashing more than half of the furnishings in his chamber, Hwan’s breath remained fierce, as if not bothered by the destruction.
“Pride? Proud?”
Hwan’s voice, filled with resentment, echoed.
The warm gaze of Ilyul, who had been looking at Geon, lingered in his mind.
“I have never once seen such a face from you!”
If Hwan had paid a little more attention to the words of the Minister of Personnel and Ryurim, the situation could have been prevented earlier.
Male lead reborn without memories — but he still falls for her.
The person he finds displeasing in this life turns out to be his cherished wife-master in previous life…
Xie Zhi and Fang Xianxing who had known each other for less than three days through a blind date sat in the same car in front of the civil affairs bureau. They had a disagreement and failed to get married.
Xie Zhi immediately took out his phone, slid through his contacts, and randomly selected the next marriage candidate.
The woman snatched his phone and hung up. Looking at his phone wallpaper, she awkwardly changed the subject: “An ancient painting, eh? It looks pretty good, it’s just that the person in the painting looks a bit like me.”
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