The palace

Chapter 14.

Liayong....lord Park's house

He walked into the compound quickly, ignoring the servants welcome. His mind is already far away, his thoughts complicated. His wife lady Park poured tea for him and noticed his hands trembling which only means he's very angry. "Naere(my lord) what troubles you?" She asked cautiously. Lord park took his time to answer "Min Hoo reported to me this morning that the woodalchi reporters told him the person behind the rebellion" he sighed.

"And that's good news. We can quickly apprehend them or even attack them, ridding the emperor of his enemies and clearing woodalchi of the accursed crime of treason. Who is it anyway?" Lady park asked, searching her mind of possible culprits. Lord park opened his mouth to speak but he raised her palm to stop him "someone's listening" she said.

Her ears perked up and her eyes closed, she was trying to concentrate. Slowly, she reached for a hair pin and gently removed it, the threw it at the door. "Arrghh Ommonie(mother) i still can't sneak up on you. You're going to kill me one day " a masculine voice said and the door opened.

An almost male version of nyang walked in, his face a bit tanned and his masculine face carried a smile. Lady park smiled at him too "the pin wasn't meant to hit you, that's why it only grazed your arm instead. Be careful" she warned and after paying his respects, Park min hoo sat down muttering "you're so old already yet your skills don't age"

Lord park chuckled, enjoying she scenario between mother and son. Lady park turned to face her husband " now tell me, who is behind the rebellion but first tell me what their motive is". Lord park shifted uncomfortably before answering "they plan to have a change of emperor, and behind the rebellion is Wang koh....he's the emperor they plan to crown" lady park's countenance paled immediately, all color off her face.

She knew Wang koh, a long time from now. He had always been sweet and gentle. How he could be behind a rebellion baffled her but she asked "does he have a valid hold on the crown?" Lord park shook his head. "He came as a result of a night spent with a giseang(courtsean) he's not a valid candidate to the throne"

"Did you tell nyang about it aboji(father)" Min hoo asked his father with a concerned face. He knew how much his sister and Wang koh were in love. His heart bled when they had to be separated, perhaps Wang koh is bitter at the emperor because of nyang. Lord park shook his head in a negative sign and lady park opened a drawer, pulled out a bandana with a crystal embodiment on it.

"Wat are we waiting for then? Min hoo summon a meeting. We've got to protect the royal family. That's what we do, we protect the people and the monarchy but yet, we're called traitors i guess that's only how fair life can be" she said, handing the bandana to her son.

The capital, the palace, empress dowager chambers

The messenger had just delivered the news which made her excited suddenly. She had been searching for her miniature version among the consorts, also needing one who was a strong back ground, a strong family to support his majesty. Consort park fitted all other qualities but lacked a back ground or rather, a strong family. Now that the emperor had sent this news about the bingung of yuan, she would use her but first, she has to get rid of consort park first. She needs the emperor to forget the empress and live the bingung of yuan. But he also knows that he will never, of consort park remains by his side.

She ran her hand over the rim of the cup. Alone, she looked at her chambers again feeling satisfied at her accomplishment. It hadn't been easy being an empress, surviving 11 other consorts, a very evil empress and a scheming mother in law. How she ddnt it still bagels her at times. She stood up, her long purple skirt behind her and her red top shining. "Let us go to the inner court's hall. Summon every one now." She ordered and the servant nodded and hastened her steps, to fulfill her order.

The hall was a bit noisy,the empress guessed the consorts might be gossiping. She hissed, such insolent fools. "Her majesty, Hwanghumama" the eunuch announced and a sudden silent enveloped the room even before the door opened. She raised her head higher, ignoring the short wave of pain she felt.

"Hwanghumama" they all bowed and she nodded, ignoring them and not saying a word. She looked at them as she walked, her eyes lingering on consorts park. The pitch is staring back at me she thought and took her eyes away. She stood and waited for the empress dowager who seemed to enjoy making people wait.

"Her majesty, Hwangtaehumama (empress dowager)" the announcement came and her majestic figure walked in. Her head high, seemed to be created that way after years of practice. She walked slowly, as though counting her steps. The consorts all bowed and the empress decided to show a bit disrespect by not bowing her head but stood instead and said her greetings.

"Is this the kind of example you set for these consorts? Not to bow to their superior, I'm disappointed" the dowager said, a gleam of mockery flashing i hope her eyes and her voice carried the same tone. Hurt flashed through the empress' eyes and she bowed "miannamidda (I'm sorry) hwangtaehumama" She apologized.

"There has been news from yuan. The crown princess of yuan will be here in three months time, she will be a consort with the rank of bin. This is all for the peace treaty, you must all respect her. I will tolerate no act of distaste against her and the emperor has ordered a total renovation of the women's pavilion, in preparation." The dowager ended and glanced at the empress. She remained calm, her face void of any emotion but her eyes.....in her eyes, a terrible storm raged.

She shrugged and left the room. She had done what she came to do, all that remains now is to figure how to get rid of consort park secretly and neatly. She wouldn't want to kill her, just get her out of goryo but if needs be, she might as well kill her. She smiled and wandered how her heart became this cold that she even deliberated on ending a person's life without battling an eyelid. "Send for lord Zhang" she ordered and entered her chambers.

The empress and the emperor......

They walked silently, each having different thoughts. The empress was eager for the right opportunity so she could carry out the pan she had etched in the back of her mind. The emperor was eager to end te walk so he could go visit his star, lady park.

"I heard the news Hwangjemama" the empress said, her voice calm and on her face, that same fake smile. The emperor chuckled as he looked at her. He too, had gotten used to faking a smile or a laugh depending on which was perfect for the situation. He could smile sincerely, only when he is with consort park. At the thought of her, he grinned like a fool.

"Your majesty, are you listening to me" the empress asked, her eyes darkening. She felt rage surge through her blood but she maintained her looks. He's thinking about that bitch again. I'll get rid of her, no matter what it takes. She thought silently. She smiled again at the thought that one day, consort park would be out of the palace, out of his majesty's grasp.

Another smile spread on her face but stopped midway when she felt a strong pain hit her abdomen. She clutched at her skirt for help and barely uttered " you......your majesty..." then darkness enveloped her.

The emperor......the empress's chambers.

Everywhere was quiet as the physician held her majesty's wrist,feeling her pulse. He held his breathe, careful not to make a mistake because he knew very well tat even a wrong letter could cause you your life. This is the palace, lives come and go like the rains.

He released her wrist and she sat up, looking very pale and sick. "Well, what us wrong with her" the emperor asked, his heart rcling. He still cared for her. The physician wiped his forehead and bowed down on his knees and head. "Hwangjemama" the emperor cursed silently. The physicians would never answer a question directly.

"Spit it out already" he ordered and the physician raised his head, "congratulations your majesty, the empress is carrying the emperial child" he chanted and all other attendants present bowed and chanted "congratulations your majesty". He ordered them to leave, then hugged the empress.

She looked dazed and surprised. "Our child Hyo ri, our child" he whispers in her ears and she wrapped her hands around him too. He smiled,feeling very happy, perhaps thus meant things could change between them, she would return to his Hyo ri, the woman he loved.

Chapter ends.............i hope you enjoyed...please vote, vote please vote.