It was preposterous. No matter if it was decreed by the heavens, even in a kingdom where queens were chosen by heaven's will, it was inconceivable to turn a prince into a consort. While marriages among close relatives were common, even the heavens had their limits, and there was never a precedent for a parent and child to wed.
Yeonghyeon raced from the royal palace to the Cheonggeum Palace at breakneck speed. The usually tranquil streets of the capital blurred past, unnoticed by him. People stumbled out of the way of his charging horse, some even falling and grumbling, yet Yeonghyeon heard none of it.
His mind was consumed by a storm, swirling so violently that it made his head spin. How tightly had he been gripping the reins? When he finally released them, his palms and knuckles were white with strain. Removing his trembling hands, red marks from the pressure of his grip remained imprinted on his skin. Yeonghyeon took a deep breath, gazing up at the sky.
The sky was a vivid, relentless blue, as if dyed with indigo. It was too intense to look at for long, eyes stinging from the glare. Exhaling into his palms, he felt the warmth of his breath against his skin, a sensation that bordered on discomfort. Yeonghyeon looked at the ornate gate of Cheonggeum palace, adorned with clouds, phoenixes, pine trees, and wolves, before dismounting his horse. He led the horse by the reins, walking towards the gate.
The guards, stationed at the gate of the palace, bowed deeply upon seeing Yeonghyeon. "Open the gates. His Highness has come—"
Before the guard could finish his sentence, another interrupted. "He has come to fulfill the will of the heavens. Open the gates!"
Their demeanor towards Yeonghyeon had subtly changed, perhaps indicating they, too, had heard the divine will. They avoided eye contact, refrained from touching him. It made Yeonghyeon dizzy to be faced with this behavior, which he was accustomed to see them employing with his mother or other consorts, not to him. Meeting the gaze of the guards, Yeonghyeon's trembling eyes were met with avoidance. Waiting until the gates slowly creaked open, Yeonghyeon pursed his lips. His voice, when it finally emerged, was barely audible. Realizing his words hadn't reached them, he raised his head and spoke firmly.
"Is it true... about this decree?"
While he himself remained the same, everything around him had changed into a single reality—that he had become a consort. Perhaps his mother was aware of this fact as well. If she was, would she have been pleased or saddened? Being a delicate and fragile person, she likely would have been sorrowful.
Then, what kind of reaction would his father have displayed? Even though he pondered up to that point, there was no answer. With his eyes half-closed, Yeonghyeon recalled the Emperor.
"Kang-ah."
It had been eight years since he became King Yeonghyeon, yet the Emperor had always addressed him by his name. The Emperor's appearance alone could weaken one's knees, his physique matched his regal demeanor flawlessly, and his mellifluous voice added to his charm. He was the supreme ruler of the nation, and being cherished by his father was not unwelcome. No, it was gratifying. Knowing that his father genuinely loved him was a source of joy as a son.
"Come here, my baby. Won't you come and embrace your father? Won't you bring joy to your father?"
When he was young, the Emperor used to call him "baby" while enfolding him in his arms. Approaching him as if mesmerized by his sweet smile, when embraced, the Emperor would hold him tenderly and whisper softly.
"My baby. You are beautiful today."
However, now that he had been informed that he had become a consort, there seemed to be no cause for celebration. Gripping his fist tightly at the vertiginous feeling of climbing a cloud-shrouded mountain, he was reminded of the peril.
"Your Highness, please come inside."
Yeonghyeon, who had been gazing at the dirt-free stone path, snapped his head up at the sound of someone calling him "Your Highness." As the astonished guards observed him, his breaths were heavy and audible. The guards waited for him to regain his composure. Fortunately, after a brief moment, he steadied himself and began to move his feet.
Inside the palace, horseback was strictly prohibited, so whenever a royal relative or a consort of the king (one of the official decrees to the royal family), or a princess who had left the palace returned, they had to ride a sedan chair without fail. It was impossible to travel from the outside to the inside of the palace on foot, so they always had to wait for the door to be opened. Normally, even King Yeonghyeon rode a sedan chair when coming to the palace, but today, he had rushed here on horseback, so he stood in place like a stone statue, waiting for the sedan chair to arrive.
Eight palace officials were coming from afar carrying the sedan chair. There were even soldiers beside them. It was natural for the palace officials to come, but the soldiers were not. Soldiers were supposed to guard the emperor. When the emperor's intentions were felt physically, his chest stung with pain.
The realization that he had truly become the emperor's consort made his heart flutter to his throat when the everyday changes were clearly felt. He stepped back as he saw people bowing to him according to the etiquette. He wanted to run away just like that.
He didn't want to become the emperor's consort. He seriously considered escaping on horseback, away from the palace. But considerations were just considerations, they couldn't be realized.
"His Majesty awaits you at Cheonggeum Palace, Your Highness."
As if urging him to hurry, the demeanor of the officials prompted King Yeonghyeon to move forward. Meeting Taegam's gaze, Yeonghyeon paused and spoke. He wanted confirmation.
"Have I really become His Majesty's consort?"
Taegam put his hands into his loose sleeves and bowed his head.
"Yes, Your Highness. As of today, you have become the consort and have been granted Yewol Palace."
"Yewol Palace...?"
Yeonghyeon shook his head, finding the palace name familiar.
"That place... the empress..."
King Yeonghyeon stuttered like a fool. Memories of the past flashed through his mind. It was when Yeonghyeon was just 16 years old. Yewol Palace was a new palace built after the emperor demolished the palace where Empress Tae-yoo and her two children had died, claiming it was haunted. It had been vacant ever since, as the emperor had not decided on a prince or an empress.
Therefore, the attention of the consorts was focused on the owner of Yewol Palace. As the owner of Yewol Palace was also the empress, the second most important figure in the country and the mother who warmly embraced the people.
As the situation grew increasingly eerie, King Yeonghyeon paused. Even though he wanted to move, his body felt stiff and immobile. Like his mind had turned to stone, he stood frozen in place. Only when the warm breeze stirred by the sunlight blew did Yeonghyeon slowly mount the sedan chair, resembling a tortoise. As soon as he settled onto the chair, King Yeonghyeon, hand on his forehead, released a heavy breath. With furrowed brows, he glanced at Taegam. Taegam, whom he had known since childhood, seemed notably aged. His eyes betrayed no hint of his thoughts.
"Certainly, rituals towards the heavens hold nothing but truth," King Yeonghyeon inquired, to which Taegam responded without turning, the corners of his lips subtly upturned as if in a smile.
"Both rituals towards the heavens and the answers received from them are always truthful."
Taegam slowly turned his head, offering a grin. Indeed, he was right to smile. However, Kang slightly grimaced at the eerie smile resembling a grotesque mask.
"If the rituals towards the heavens were false from the outset, wouldn't it lead to the ruin of the nation? You understand this well, Your Highness," Taegam asserted firmly, prompting King Yeonghyeon to bow his head, emitting a sound akin to a groan. His worn leather shoes, stained with dust and the blood of prey, were in disarray. He hadn't had time to bathe hurriedly before coming to the palace. Before entering the royal palace, he always had to cleanse both his body and mind, but the news he had heard was so shocking that he hadn't even considered washing himself clean. Dust of unhappiness clung in patches to him.
Nevertheless, drained of energy, Yeonghyeon leaned against the sedan chair, remaining still. The pain that had started from his head and chest was intensifying. Enduring it was the most he could do at the moment.
The sedan chair proceeded through Eunwoo Gate and crossed the outer court before entering the inner court via the second gate, Suwon Gate. While the emperor attended to state affairs and the outer court handled administrative matters with court officials, the inner court boasted a different ambiance, adorned with various flowers that diffused a rich, sweet fragrance. Yeonghyeon half-opened his eyes, gazing blankly at the flower garden.
He had spent his childhood here with his mother, who had been a Lady at the time, sharing the palace with other concubines.
Reflecting on the past, King Yeonghyeon realized that even when his mother transitioned from a Lady to a concubine, he remained the standard. Upon his appointment as King Yeonghyeon, the court had cited a law stating, "As the son becomes precious, so should the mother." However, the emperor had flatly rejected the notion, leaving his mother as a concubine without further elevation. Despite being embraced a few times like other concubines, she never ascended beyond that status. Kang had subtly pleaded, but the emperor had merely smiled, offering no response.
It was truly ironic. While his mother couldn't become a consort, he had been conferred by the will of the heavens and become one.
"Your Highness," Taegam called out to Yeonghyeon. Palace maids, waiting to escort him to Shinwol Hall, approached, extending their hands. Ignoring them, Yeonghyeon strode into the palace.
"We'll escort you to Shinwol Hall."
"No, I won't go."
Yeonghyeon rejected firmly, muttering to the maid.
"I must meet His Majesty."
"I will prepare the ceremonial tablet to present to His Majesty."
The maid bowed and stepped back. Yeonghyeon, who had once toured Cheonggeum Palace with the emperor, entered, recalling memories. The widest space unfolded before him, with the area for consorts on the left and deeper inside, the space where the empress rested. A faint, chilly atmosphere, reminiscent of a scene from a sumi-e painting[1], filled the air. He felt a rush throughout his body, deliberately avoiding Shinwol Hall as he continued further inside.
In the room designated for attending to the consorts, the palace maids had meticulously tidied up, leaving no trace of dust. Sunlight poured in through the open windows, casting its radiance upon the exotic pottery from distant lands. Its hue, unlike the clear blue of the sky, took on a unique shade, almost akin to green when viewed from certain angles. It was truly captivating pottery, tempting Yeonghyeon to reach out and touch it before hesitating.
None of the items here belonged to Kang. The possessions were from the emperor's quarters, not this place. Everything in this room was intended for the empress, and no one was allowed to touch them without permission.
Swallowing his dry throat, Yeonghyeon passed through the door opened by the palace maids and entered another space. There, stood a long chair-shaped bed, designed for the empress to recline. It was only then that Kang let out a slow breath and began to gather his thoughts.
Was this reality, or was it a dream? Or perhaps a dream within a dream? His head spun with the fading sensation. He closed his eyes and sank down, feeling overwhelmed. His head throbbed as if it would split open.
"Your Highness, I have brought the ceremonial tablet," a palace maid dressed in delicate, wing-like garments approached softly and sat down. Looking at Yeonghyeon, who appeared to be groaning and unkempt, with a vacant expression, she blushed at his disheveled appearance and troubled expression.
With his jet-black hair and pale complexion, she couldn't mar King Yeonghyeon's face, which was blessed with the beauty renowned of the emperor’s offspring. His face seemed sculpted with only the best traits inherited from his parents.
Even his physique was impressive, with broad shoulders and fair, delicate hands. Although calluses adorned his hands from his love for hunting, they were not flaws but rather added to his charm. His youthful beauty was almost ethereal, making his calloused hands grounding in contrast. The palace maid, initially lost in thought as she observed King Yeonghyeon's trembling fingertips, snapped to attention when he rose and picked up the ceremonial attire.
King Yeonghyeon picked up the brush. When desiring a personal audience with the emperor, everyone had to dedicate themselves by writing their names on a tablet. Without hesitation, King Yeonghyeon began to write. It wasn't a request for an audience. Clearly written on the tablet was 'King Yeonghyeon'. Upon seeing it, a palace maid spoke up.
"Your Highness, you wrote it incorrectly."
"...Do you want me to write 'consort' with my own hand?"
King Yeonghyeon chuckled self-deprecatingly, then lowered his head. He rose with determination, towering over the much smaller palace maid, and spoke firmly.
"I intend to confirm it with His Majesty personally, so for now, present the tablet as it is. The responsibility will fall on me."
His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. King Yeonghyeon seemed calmer now, having sorted out his thoughts to some extent since his arrival. While the palace maid hesitated, King Yeonghyeon remained resolute, prompting her to relent and withdraw.
Once the palace maid was gone, King Yeonghyeon stood free. Though there were seats available, he refused to sit. Despite the throbbing pain in his head and the stiffness in his chest, he forced himself to endure. He made a concerted effort to remain composed.
There's no way I can accept this, he whispered to himself. Despite everyone treating him as the emperor's consort and indeed seeing him as such, he couldn't bring himself to accept it until he heard it from the emperor's mouth. However, even if he were confirmed as the consort by the emperor, could he truly accept it? He wondered. If he were to become the consort, would he then have to treat his mother as inferior? How could he refer to his mother as a ‘concubine’? Just as others referred to him as 'Your Highness,' his mother would always be his mother until the end.
"Kang-ah."
It was the day of King Jinyeong's funeral. Holding Kang's hand, still gripped by the sadness of losing a sibling, his mother whispered.
"Kang, you survived. That's enough. If only for that... I wish you could be like Jinyeong... " Jinyeong, his brother who had to die in his place. He was a kind brother who had treated him kindly in this palace. Before going to battle, King Jinyeong's face, smiling fiercely at him, was as vivid as yesterday.
"Kang. I will win in the war and gain recognition from father. When I return, even if I'm not the crown prince, it's fine. I want to be acknowledged as a loyal servant to father..."
King Jinyeong held his hand. His touch still felt vivid on his skin.
"I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. I also want to be a child loved by father like you."
But the outcome was cruel. He died, and Kang survived.
Surviving in such a beautiful palace in the first place was remarkable. Many were dying, and few were surviving. It was an inevitable competition to become the crown prince, but the fights among blood relatives left a deep scar in his heart. Especially if it was someone he loved, and continued to love even after their death.
"Your Highness, His Majesty is coming."
As King Yeonghyeon looked back from reminiscing, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching rapidly from behind. Though the ceremony had ended, the emperor still wore his ceremonial robe, adorned with various jewels and pearls, the sound of which echoed like clear bells.
King Yeonghyeon stepped back to avoid the approaching emperor's gaze. The emperor chuckled as he watched his son scurrying away. King Yeonghyeon's back hit the wall in surprise. He raised his head in astonishment. The emperor's shadow loomed large. Bathed in the sunlight that seemed to be crafted from jewels, the emperor stood tall, looking down at King Yeonghyeon with affectionate eyes. King Yeonghyeon, now composed, quickly prostrated himself on the ground according to protocol before speaking.
"King Yeonghyeon, in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor..."
"Kang."
Before the sentence could finish, the Emperor called out King Yeonghyeon's name with a voice tinged with amusement. King Yeonghyeon's shoulders trembled. The affection in the Emperor's voice, as consistent as it had been in his childhood, was strangely terrifying.
No matter how much he thought about it, the behavior was abnormal coming from a father. That was the root of his fear.
It was a fear he had occasionally felt towards the Emperor since some moment in the past. Back then, he couldn't lift his head due to the faint fear he couldn't identify. King Yeonghyeon knelt on the ground, his forehead pressed against it, trembling. Despite his sturdy build, he felt pitiful in front of the Emperor. The Emperor, observing his trembling shoulders, back, and hands, chuckled.
"Are you scared?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," King Yeonghyeon answered, breathless. The Emperor blinked in apparent confusion, then rested his chin on his hand and murmured.
"I have never scared you once. How odd. What is so frightening? Becoming a consort?"
The Emperor murmured casually, then slowly bent down, placing his hands on King Yeonghyeon's arms. With a firm grip, he lifted King Yeonghyeon effortlessly to his feet. King Yeonghyeon, taken aback, looked up at the Emperor with a trembling posture, oblivious to the beautiful smile on his face.
Oblivious to the fact that the Emperor was about to lean in to kiss him.
"Just because of that, you shouldn't be scared. In the future, you'll have to perform your duties and even bear your father's children."
"Yes...? Um...!"
The Emperor's lips touched his. Softly yet firmly, he sucked on the tender flesh. The wet sound of flesh against flesh began to fill the space. King Yeonghyeon, bewildered, opened his eyes to gaze at the Emperor without comprehending what was happening to him.
As they kissed, the Emperor smiled. His smile was sinister. His tongue ventured into King Yeonghyeon's mouth, caressing his dumbfounded tongue. King Yeonghyeon's eyes became hazy. He felt a strange sensation in his shoulders, and his fingertips trembled slightly. Even as the Emperor pushed his tongue deep into his mouth, he neither resisted nor rejected it. His ignorance was enough to satisfy the Emperor.
The wet lips parted. Their saliva still connected them. The Emperor, using his tongue, severed the connection and tenderly caressed his son's trembling face. His fingertips trembled with affection and tenderness.
"My beloved son. Whenever I see your face, my heart swells with love. I once thought it was parental affection and sent you to do royal duties, but now I realize I only want you by my side."
"Kang."
"Abamama[2]... I, I..."
King Yeonghyeon's face flushed as he realized the reality, then paled. He tried to cover his lips, which had just touched his father's, but the Emperor wouldn't allow it. He lifted King Yeonghyeon to his feet and sat him on the bed. His hand slipped into the sleeve and gently stroked his son's white, elastic skin. Despite being as white as flour dough, the healthy skin was incredibly soft. His hand moved along the addictive skin, wanting to touch it more.
Even in his ignorance, Kang was not oblivious to the intentions behind these touches. Kang, with his pale face, refused the Emperor's hand.
"Abamama! Soja1, soja is your child. How could your son become your consort? There must be something wrong."
Kang collapsed to the ground, screaming. Despite receiving and understanding the imperial decree, and even personally coming to the palace to meet and was kissed by the Emperor, he longed to hear a different answer. The Emperor, appearing somewhat bored by Kang's desperate display on the floor, lifted him up. His hand touched Kang's tear-soaked cheek. Moving from the still-red cheek, his hand descended, brushing the chin and meeting the swollen lower lip, thickened by their previous kiss. With clear intent, his hand lifted Kang's chin, prompting him to look up.
Kang was forcibly made to raise his head to face the Emperor. The Emperor was smiling.
"You misspoke."
The Emperor's tone was gentle, but now he openly brushed Kang's neck. Kang looked at the Emperor with an uneasy gaze, swallowing dryly.
It felt like he was about to be devoured by those lips. Like he would instantly transform into a wolf, feeling like his throat was going to be torn out. It was terrifying. Fear welled up inside him. Kang's breath started to tremble. Unintentionally, he murmured, almost like a whimper, "Please." The Emperor, who quietly trampled over his plea, smiled brightly and commanded.
"Do not refer to yourself as '소자'[3]. From now on, address yourself as '신첩'[4]," the Emperor commanded, regarding his son Yeonghyeon with perfect affection.
My beloved Hee-bi.
"You are the cherished joy of the Emperor," the Emperor spoke as he kissed Kang. Kang’s fingertips trembled, then grasped the Emperor's shoulders.
No, this couldn't be happening. Kang’s futile resistance was swallowed in the Emperor's mouth.
[1] https://www.etsy.com/market/sumi_e_art
[2] Father Emperor
[3] Soja. Usually referring to themselves as ‘your son’.
[4] Shincheop. Refers to an official proclamation or announcement regarding the appointment or recognition of the individual as the queen consort.