Page 12 : The War Preparations

Queen Heo reached out to catch a leaf that had just fallen off its branch. The woman wearing a crimson royal gown was enjoying the morning air in the palace's lotus pond. Every now and then her head, decorated with three flower hairpins, would look up to pay attention to the falling leaves.

Joseon has entered the autumn. The leaves of the trees in all corners of the palace are now yellow. Besides spring, Queen Heo really likes autumn. According to her, autumn is a sign that nature is trying to cleanse itself. Nature is willing to let go of some of them so that when winter approaches, nature will have completely cleansed her sins.

Queen Heo shut her eyes.The woman tried to ease the inner struggle that was going on in her heart. Queen Heo did not expect that her decision to take a step forward with her power would backfire on her. Indeed, King Uiyang kept his promise by not continuing his feud with a relative of Queen Heo within the government. However, Queen Heo did not expect that now there would be such a wide gap between her and King Uiyang. After witnessing how gentle and caring King Uiyang was for Hong So Ui, Queen Heo lost confidence.

"Your Majesty, it is time for you to greet the Royal Dowager and Queen Dowager. I have received a message that the two of them are waiting for you at the Royal Queen Dowager's residence."

Palace Lady Choi's voice succeeded in making Queen Heo open her eyes, which had been closed while enjoying the atmosphere of the lotus pond in the morning. Queen Heo heard a long sigh after Palace Lady Choi reminded her about her duties every morning.

"Okay. Let's go to Daebijeon, Palace Lady Choi," Queen Heo replied as she stepped away from the lotus pond bridge where the woman was enjoying her alone time.

...

"How is the health of your womb, So Ui?" I hope Wonja—the King's first son—in your womb is fine."

Madam Hong So Ui, who has just arrived to join in the morning greetings, is greeted by Royal Queen Dowager Park. A thin smile appeared on Kyu Bok's face upon hearing Royal Queen Dowager Park, who was so happy with the news of her pregnancy, even though her womb was still so young. However, the joy that was shown on the faces of Royal Queen Dowager Park and Hong So Ui was far different from the expressions on the faces of Queen Dowager Min and Queen Heo.

Queen Dowager Min didn't even try to hide her anger when she heard that Royal Queen Dowager Park had dared to call the baby in Kyu Bok's womb the first prince. Queen Dowager Min's face was now turning red from holding back her anger.

"Royal Queen Dowager, you are being excessive and too quick to decide if So Ui is carrying is a prince. After all, the baby who deserves the title of first prince is the baby boy of the queen," scolded Queen Dowager Min in a gentle tone even though her words were filled with sarcasm.

"I know it's too soon to conclude that So Ui is carrying is a son. However, this elderly lady is impatient. I'm old enough to wait for the birth of a prince from the queen. After all, the title of first prince can also be obtained from a son by a concubine if the son is born as the first son of a king, isn't that right?"

A smile spread across Royal Queen Dowager Park's face. The old lady was clearly waving a war flag at Queen Dowager Min. Royal Queen Dowager Park even enjoyed Queen Dowager Min's dark face, which then turned to Queen Heo, who was busy looking at her reflection in her cup of tea.

"But I don't think it's right if you make such a hasty decision that the baby in So Ui's womb is a prince. Isn't there a saying that if we hope too high, we will get hurt if reality doesn't match expectations? I just want to remind Royal Queen Dowager so you don't experience something like that," said Queen Dowager Min as she lifted her teacup.

"I must thank Queen Dowager Min for caring for an old lady like me. I heard a few days ago that the Queen had spent the night with His Majesty. Is what I heard true?"

Queen Heo raised her head, which had been bowed since she was so engrossed in watching her reflection on the surface of her tea. Her black eyes were now looking right at the two brown beads belonging to the Royal Dowager Princess Park. Despite the smile on Royal Queen Dowager Park's face, Queen Heo could find a look full of ridicule in Royal Queen Dowager Park's brown beaded. Queen Heo could feel that the old woman was laughing at herself deep down.

"It's true, Your Highness."

Royal Queen Dowager Park nodded and poured herself a cup of tea."Then when will I hear the news of your pregnancy, My Queen? Can I get the news in the next few months? Because I am sure Queen Dowager Min must be working hard to help you conceive an heir to the throne. "Isn't that right, Queen Dowager Min?"

Queen Dowager Min smiled faintly in response to what Royal Queen Dowager Park said to her. One of Queen Dowager Min's hands that was hidden under the center table gripped the daran chima she was wearing tightly. Queen Dowager Min's heart boils at hearing Royal Queen Dowager Park, who continues to corner Queen Heo for her inability to conceive an heir to the throne.

"I'm sure you will soon hear the good news from me. Please don't worry. I am able to conceive and give birth to an heir to the throne," said Queen Heo with a smile.

"All right. I'll be waiting for news from you. Of course, you must look after Madam Hong as best you can while you wait for an heir to the throne. Think of this as training to become a mother in the future."

"I will remember it in my heart, Royal Queen Dowager Park."

"Of course, you have to practice. After all, if So Ui gives birth to a son, of course that son will be your son too, My Queen. Isn't that right, Royal Queen Dowager Park?"

Queen Dowager Min's words inevitably made Royal Queen Dowager Park's face turn pale. The old lady directed a sharp glare at Queen Dowager Min, who was calmly sipping her tea after speaking like that. Those words made Royal Queen Dowager Park realize that Queen Dowager Min would not stay silent if something happened to Queen Heo.

With a slight tremor, Royal Dowager Princess Park grabbed the cup of tea and took a slow sip. Royal Queen Dowager Park attempted to calm the rage in her heart. It seemed like the power struggle between these two palace elders was just about to begin.