𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚'𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗙𝗘 (CURRENTLY EDITING)

10장: The Favored Concubine (Edited)

"Your Ladyship, are you all right? Is the food not to your liking?" Court Lady Jang's voice was gentle, laced with concern.

But Min Yewon remained silent.

She sat motionless, her posture upright yet lifeless, her eyes distant and hollow as she stared out the open window. Morning sunlight filtered in, warm and golden, but she felt none of its warmth. Not even the fragrance of blooming plum blossoms drifting into the room could stir her.

Court Lady Jang glanced at the untouched tray of food and stepped closer, her worry growing. "Your Ladyship...?"

"Who brought me here last night?"

The sudden coldness in Yewon's voice made the court lady jolt in surprise, the tray slipping from her hands. Teacups clattered to the floor, spilling dark liquid across the polished wood. Servants immediately knelt down to clean the mess in silence, sensing the tension thickening in the air.

Once the room was cleared, Yewon repeated her question with sharper clarity.

"Answer me. Who brought me here last night?"

Court Lady Jang lowered her gaze. "I-It was the Crown Prince, Your Ladyship. He personally carried you back to your chambers."

Yewon's jaw tensed. "Does anyone else know what happened?"

"N-No, Your Ladyship. Only this humble servant... and His Highness."

A pause.

"Good," Yewon said coolly. "Have the attendants prepare. I want to walk in the garden."

Court Lady Jang bowed and quietly exited to carry out her mistress's command.

The palace garden that morning was bathed in sunlight, a serene contrast to the storm within Yewon's heart.

Petals danced gently in the breeze, and the koi pond glistened under the early light. Servants followed a few steps behind her, maintaining a respectful distance as she strolled along the stone path.

Yewon closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling the scent of spring blossoms. For a brief second, it felt like the world was at peace-but it was quickly shattered.

"Consort Hong," Court Lady Jang said, bowing reluctantly. "What brings you here?"

Yewon's eyes snapped open. There she was.

Consort Hong stood not far off, smiling sweetly-too sweetly-as she approached, her robe immaculate and her hair adorned with jewels. She gave a mocking bow.

"I was simply enjoying a walk, Your Highness. This garden is my favorite place in the palace, after all. His Highness often brings me here for our private picnics. Am I... intruding?"

Her voice was soft, but the smirk beneath it was venomous.

Yewon's face remained unreadable, her expression like ice. "All of you," she said calmly to the servants, "step back. Fifty steps."

The maids hesitated for a moment before obeying, leaving the two women alone among the cherry blossoms.

Consort Hong's smile faltered as unease crept into her features. Something about Yewon had changed. Her softness had vanished. The sadness in her eyes had hardened into something far more dangerous.

"You've changed," Jinhee-now known as Consort Hong-murmured.

Yewon stepped forward, her voice quiet but sharp.

"Living within the palace, flaunting His Highness's favor... has made you arrogant, Consort Hong," she said. "We've known each other since we were ten. Six years of sisterhood-I truly believed I understood who you were."