The Plum Highness (JIKOOK AU)

CH 23 - Decreed to be married

A week later.

Jimin is studying when his servants inform him that the Royal Decree has been sent and Jimin has to bow to receive it at the front hall of his mansion. Jimin’s face paled and his body perspired with cold sweat. He frowned before he walked to the front hall.

When he arrived at the front hall, Jimin saw his father already kneeling along with his siblings and his father’s concubines in front of the delegate. They are all waiting for Jimin to receive the decree. Jimin has no choice other than bowing and kneeling too.

“Park Jimin is a virtuous, intelligent and astounding young man. This King admires his talent and personality that matched with this King’s son. Therefore, this King hereby, Park Jimin is to be married to the Third Prince, Jeon Jeongguk at the end of the spring. He will enter his mansion on the 1st day of the month. End of decree.” The delegate read the decree loud and clear.

The Emperor’s decree had been read. His wedding will be next month. He has only less than 3 weeks left being single. Jimin is devastated yet he can’t even decline it. He had planned to tell Jeongoo his feelings tonight but the decree arrived at the wrong time. He feels like he is going to cry.

He feels so miserable and his heart is burning with sadness. A day after the Lantern Festival, Jeongoo came to see him and he coaxed him with gentleness. He makes him happy again and Jimin almost confesses his love to the man.

Once he receives the decree, he needs to preserve his reputation and cannot cheat on his future husband. That means, he has to keep his feelings only to himself. Jeongoo cannot know his feelings for him. Jimin has to be loyal and he has to forget his love towards anybody else.

“Eldest Young Master Park Jimin, please accept the royal decree!” The Eunuch, who is the Head of the Emperor’s delegate, spoke up when Jimin was being quiet.

Jimin glances at his father with desperate eyes. The Prime Minister saw his son’s sad eyes but he also didn’t dare to oppose the decree or all of his family members would be annihilated. He feels guilty and sad too yet he taps Jimin’s hand to assure him.

Jimin closed his eyes, take a deep breath before receiving the decree with trembling hands. Of course he knows not to disobey the Emperor. He accepted his fate with a heavy heart. He knows this day will come. He just didn’t expect it would be this soon.

“This subject thanks to Your Majesty for the grace!” Jimin uttered even though he was very reluctant.

When the delegates leave Park’s Mansion, Jimin cries and Park Sungjae’s heart feels like it is ripping out from his body. He hugged his son, stroking his back lovingly to wheedle him.

“Father is sorry! Father is so useless that he can’t do anything to stop the decree. Father promises to protect you. Once the Third Highness hurts you, father will drop everything and save you. Father will never leave you alone. Please, don’t cry! It breaks this father’s heart!” Prime Minister Park kisses his son’s forehead, soothing him.

Jimin’s sobs slowed down when he heard his father’s words. He hugged him tight and tried to stop his cries. He didn’t want his father to be sad. Jimin nodded small as no words came out from his mouth. He can’t speak, his throat clogged and his chest burning.

“This son will calm down, father! It’s okay, I’ll be fine!” Jimin said after 10 minutes. His father nodded understandingly.

Jimin then went back to his room, skipping his lunch and coping his frustration by making more medicinal elixir. He’s drowning with his hobby that he loses his appetite to eat.
When the servants told Prime Minister Park about it, he just nodded and banned them from forcing him to eat.