Jabbering Deep (2)

As though delivering them was its real intention, all the hints written in the letter from the jabbering concubine became useful. Did Concubine Gi do it on purpose?

Now that he thought about it, Concubine Gi said that she knew the grand concubine and mentioned her actions were pretty much predictable. What did she mean by it? Were they friends before, or acquaintances who have not seen each other for a long time?

In the message, they did seem as if they had known one another. Or was he misinterpreting the real context of the letter? Either way, because of the letter, Sungho was enlightened about his situation.

An intention to kill by using poison. Did that person hate Hyeon Ju that much that she was so eager to get rid of her?

If the grand concubine had succeeded in her plan, what could have happened? Killing her victim while sleeping was what she was expecting; however, what was bound to occur did not happen and now, she was trying to cover up what may seem to be fitted to use for evidence against her.

"Chun, Concubine Gi mentioned she heard from Grand Concubine Jin that I have the flu. What does this sound like to you?"

"I don't understand, Your Highness. Maybe Grand Concubine Jin caught the news from the maidservants, which is why she also thought you were sick?"

"No, wait, I asked the wrong question." Sungho shook his head in disagreement and continued, "Did I look pale or ill when I attended the feast? The grand concubine told Concubine Gi that I appeared ill at that time."

"I believe not, but Her Highness seemed serious and your face looked grim as if you're planning to do something amoral..."

And by this, Sungho fought the urge to lay his palm on his face after hearing her statement. Was she really this clueless?

He did not want to go straight to the point because he presumed it would cause a conflict, which could appear to others as if he was suspecting such a high ranking and associate person. Sungho was trying to let the court lady realize it on her own.

"Don't you find something wrong at the feast?" His tone became impatient as he questioned her once more.

Chun clasped her hands tightly before lowering her gaze on the floor. "... I do since the maidservants oddly replaced the tableware with woodenware instead of using the silver ones. Yet no one seemed to question this suspicious behavior during that time." She momentarily became silent before lifting her head. "This is all my fault, Your Highness! If I'm not lacking as your court lady—"

Sooner than she finished her words, Sungho preceded, "So are you saying they always put silverware on our meals? And the replacement only happened that night at the feast?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Chun bobbed her head in accordance.

"Which caused me to get poisoned, yes?" Sungho tried to be more distinct this time. "And who holds the maidservants again? Who hosted the feast?"

"Grand Concubine Jin—" The court lady's mind went lost from his inquisition. When the thought came into her mind, she mouthed a gasp before bringing her hands on her lips.

"Chun, what could be the reason why they called for a feast? Even shifting the silverware accordingly? And why am I the only one whose meal was poisoned?" He pressed more questions to the astounded court lady.

"Do you realize now, Chun? She hates me and wants me dead."

She remained quiet as everything was becoming clear to her. While she wore a serious expression on her face, Chun commented, "Your Highness, this just came into my mind. Your clothes would always appear torn whenever we prepare you for the seasonal banquet. I'm thinking that it might have a connection as well. And if so, this is partially my fault. I am this dense. I am not fit to be your court lady."