The Plum Highness (JIKOOK AU)

CH 18 - Advice

An hour before noon.

When Jeongguk arrived at his chamber, his Fourth Brother was already waiting for him while sipping a cup of tea. Jeongguk rolled his eyes annoyingly. The Fourth Prince sitting on the chair elegantly and nonchalant.

“What on earth made you come here, Fourth Brother?” Jeongguk asked, taking a seat beside the Fourth Prince.

“Why? Can’t Jiwoo come here to pay respect to the Third Brother?” His Highness Jeon Jiwoo smirks.

“You are so annoying!” Jeongguk grunts.

It’s not that he hates his brother, he is just lazy to deal with him. Jeon Jiwoo is mischievous and has a brilliant mind.

On the outside, people see the Fourth Prince as calm, gracious and kind-hearted. But, Jeongguk knows more than ever that he is such a two-faced man.

However, Jeon Jiwoo is actually very fond of his Third Brother and always listens to him. While he often teases Jeongguk, he also looks up at him a lot. Jiwoo knows well where Jeongguk’s soft spots are.

“Third Brother, where did you go last night?” Jiwoo smiles.

“None of your business!” Jeongguk replies.

Jiwoo laughs out loud.

“I know where you are. You met with your future husband, right?” The Fourth Prince intentionally provokes his brother.

“If you know, why bother asking me?” Jeongguk picked up his fox and put it on his lap.

“Just love seeing your reaction. Look, your face is getting red! Not even on par with your ‘bloodthirsty image’ at all!” Jiwoo chuckles.

“Screw you! Enough teasing me! What’s the matter? I know you will not be here if not because of something concerning.” Jeongguk asked.

Jeon Jiwoo's eyebrows furrowed. His bright face fell. As expected, his Third Brother is always fast enough reading his action.

“I really can’t chat casually with my Third Brother. You always straight up talk about business. Hm.” The Fourth Prince pouts a little bit, diminishing his elegant demeanor completely.

Jeongguk scoffed. He knows that Jiwoo sometimes wants to be affectionate with him and tighten their bond. But, Jeongguk didn’t like to dwell too much on their siblings' bond. While he treats him good, Jeongguk still guards up his wall to any of the Royal family.

He is reluctant to trust them fully. It is not as easy as it can be. He needs to be careful even when he likes Jiwoo more than any of his other siblings. Who can be responsible to him if he gets betrayed by them?

Jiwoo was also aware of his Third Brother’s attitude so he didn’t mind much about his cold treatment towards him. He is already glad that Jeongguk is willing to talk and chat with him sometimes. He sighed.

“My informer said, the Crown Prince is trying to convince the General to support his side. If the General agreed to be in his faction, his power on the court would be tremendous. I’m afraid that no one can put down his ego after this.” His Highness Fourth Prince uttered.

“The General? Heh, do you think that man will follow that idiot?” Jeongguk chuckles.

“It seems like the General wants to join his faction based on movement in his mansion these few nights. Also, at the morning court just now, there are few times that the General praised the Crown Prince.” Jiwoo exclaims.

Jeongguk’s face turns sour. He squinted his eyes while caressing his fox gently. How can the General suddenly be on the Crown Prince’s side? There must be something that does not add up.

The General holds the Tiger seal, which is meant for Military Power. One who gets to be on his side, will no doubt have a great power to rule the court so the General will not choose any side for balance unless unforeseeable troubles happen. This is indeed a suspicious matter.

“Fourth Brother, you don’t need to worry too much! Don’t lose your facade and attitude immediately. Focus on cultivating your power and training at your side. Remember, the one who has an absolute decision right now, is still Father Emperor. He saw and watched every one of our movements. So, do what you usually do. After all, you are more clever than me!” Jeongguk said.

The Fourth Prince nodded, understanding his brother’s meaning. He knows exactly what he should do even though Jeongguk didn’t expose much of what to do. Jeongguk didn’t speak much but he remembers what he said before.

“A ruler is a leader not an oppressor. You are scheming but you have to know where or when to execute it. Perfect timing is the most important. Patience is not just a virtue but a powerful weapon against temper.”

A wise advice from his cold Royal Brother. Too bad, Jeongguk was never interested in ascending the throne. If not, he will be the greatest Emperor in their era. Jiwoo is sure of that. His cruel and ruthless attitude are only his own shield from people to rip him over. Only Jimin can wash off his temper clearly.

“Yes, Third Brother! Jiwoo understood! Alright, it’s almost lunch time, I have to get back to eat with my Yoonji or she will be sulking all day. Have a nice day, Royal Brother!” Jiwoo winked his eyes while chuckling.

“Hm, good!” Jeongguk replied short but with a little smile on his face.

Now, when Jiwoo utters about his Main Consort, Yoonji, Jeongguk is reminded of Jimin. He already longs for him although they had just met last night. When Jimin becomes his consort, Jeongguk will pamper him and spoil him with everything.

A/n : Yoonji is sister to Min Yoongi if anyone forget about it hehehe