Chapter 5

After the fierce scolding from his mother, a few uneventful days passed. Yeon Kang, with his small hands holding his study materials, headed to the So-yung-jeon, where he studied with the princes under six years of age alongside Eunuchs. There, he received formal education in calligraphy from the designated eunuch in charge of education. As he held the large brush with his tiny hands and awkwardly wrote characters, the instructor, annoyed, scolded Yeon Kang and nudged him whenever he made a mistake. Yeon Kang, flinching at the scolding, looked around nervously. The other princes, who were also being scolded by the instructor for their misbehavior, momentarily filled the room with crying sounds. The startled instructor, frustrated, asked, "What's there to cry about?" and the crying only grew louder.

"So, mom, my brothers cried so much that eventually the instructor told us to stop studying," Yeon Kang recounted the day's events in front of the stone table where they ate. The meal was humble, but Yeon Kang found it amusing that another prince had lied about crying. Despite the lackluster meal, the fact that another prince had lied about crying made Yeon Kang chuckle continuously. Seeing her son regain his spirits, Lady Borim smiled contentedly.

"What a truly wonderful skill you have. Crying to stop studying. Of course, you shouldn't do that, Yeon Kang. You must never neglect your studies. Study hard and become an excellent scholar. Do you understand?" Lady Borim said as she delicately placed fish slices on her son's rice. Before Yeon Kang began eating, he looked at Lady Borim and smiled brightly.

"Yes, Mother. I will definitely become a great scholar and protect this country. I will make sure you are happy too."

Lady Borim couldn't help but tear up at her son's earnest pledge. She felt a pang in her heart seeing such a cute and lovely child growing up in this shabby palace. Yet, she knew that the child didn't desire love. She simply wished for him to remain buried here and become an adult as soon as possible.

"You don't have to worry about this mother," Yeon Kang said as he innocently ate the food Lady Borim had served him. Seeing her son's natural behavior, Lady Borim smiled softly. As her son blinked his black eyes, he smiled along with his mother.

Each person finished their meal on their designated table. The child, perhaps feeling full, whined about feeling sleepy. Lady Borim held the child in her arms and gently comforted him to sleep. Once the child had fallen asleep, the maid carried him away.

Finally alone, Lady Borim let out a sigh and raised her hand to her head. As usual, she untied her hair, which had been fixed with hairpins, to prepare for bed. However, she suddenly saw a bright fire in the distance. Despite the darkness of the palace, the fire was clearly visible through the windows. Lady Borim abandoned her plans to change into her plain clothes and instead tidied her loose garments before opening the door.

Not only Lady Borim but also the palace maid had prostrated themselves on the floor in solemnity. Lady Borim also found a corner to sit, placing both hands on the floor and resting her forehead between them.

Tonight, it was determined who would share the Emperor's bed.

The Chief Eunuch held a tablet with the name of the woman who would share the Emperor's bed tonight. His sharp eyes scanned the Emperor's flowers, eventually landing on Lady Borim, who was seated in the farthest corner. She did not notice the Chief Eunuch's gaze on her and simply stared blankly at the floor pattern. It was a pattern she had seen many times before, but seeing it during such a solemn moment always felt different. As she counted the lotus patterns on the floor, the Chief Eunuch finally spoke.

"Tonight, His Majesty has chosen Lady Borim."

At the familiar title, Lady Borim raised her head slightly. The Chief Eunuch smiled gently at her immature eyes, unable to hide her astonishment, and continued speaking.

"Please get ready."

It had been four years since she had shared the Emperor's bed, yet she felt no excitement. She remembered her husband, who had embraced her mercilessly.

It was a wedding ceremony. Red silks filled her vision. She had to lie naked in front of many people, spread her legs, and receive her husband's seed, who had become a wolf. It was terrifying. She couldn't forget the moment when the wolf's breath poured over her head. Lady Borim trembled with fear.

However, the Chief Eunuch paid no heed to Lady Borim’s unhappiness. He casually handed the tablet to the soldier standing beside him and said, "Drag her and put her in the sedan."

His Majesty must be getting bored.

With that remark, the Chief Eunuch briskly walked away. Lady Borim was dragged away by her arms. It might seem peculiar to treat the emperor's concubine in such a manner, but no one dared to object. Everyone understood that this was also the emperor's decree.

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