Seol Tae Pyeong had never seen someone faint while standing.
When the Azure Princess appeared at the council meeting and wielded the power of the Heavenly Dragon, not only the high officials of the council but also the civil officials and even White Taoist An Cheon who had joined as an advisor, were left with their mouths agape.
Because they did not understand the situation unfolding before their eyes, they were momentarily at a loss for how to react. It was so absurd that it was akin to fainting in disbelief.
What was the aura of the Heavenly Dragon after all?
It was a mystical power that the Heavenly Maiden, imbued with the pure energy from the Heavenly Dragon Hall and the Heavenly Jade Pavilion, could only begin to control after days of meditation and communion with the heavens, if she was deemed worthy.
To manifest that power, the maids of the Heavenly Dragon Hall would assist the Heavenly Maiden day and night, and to properly control and develop this energy, the Heavenly Dragon Hall was established at the center of the Inner Palace, which was saturated with yin energy.
The manifestation of that power, which overturned all the previous prerequisites, sent shockwaves through the council meeting, which had effectively marked the Black Princess as the next Heavenly Maiden.
“We knew that the Azure Princess was adept in Taoist arts and sensitive to the heavenly energies, but we never imagined she had grown this exceptional.”
“Certainly… it only makes sense for the person who can best handle the Heavenly Dragon’s aura to sit in the position of the Heavenly Maiden.”
“However…”
Seol Tae Pyeong, who was seated in the Vice General’s chair and listened to the council meeting, was also dumbfounded and just watched the situation unfold.
He wanted to run straight to the Hwalseong District and ask Yeon Ri, who was likely scrubbing the floors.
If this manifestation of the Heavenly Dragon’s power was also part of the predicted future.
If so, why hadn’t she mentioned it earlier? And if not, what were they supposed to do now?
“……”
“……”
An awkward silence filled the meeting room among the high officials.
Everyone harbored similar thoughts, but no one dared to voice them.
For a long time, the Black Princess had been implicitly designated as the next Heavenly Maiden, and the high officials, both inside and outside the palace, had reorganized themselves around her.
Sending jewelry and gifts to the Black Tortoise Palace, securing promises for various positions, maintaining the status quo, and currying favor with her…
If the power structure, which had been centered around the Black Tortoise Palace, were to be completely overturned at this final stage, everything would have to be reorganized around the Azure Princess.
This meant that the political landscape of Cheongdo Palace would once again enter unknown territory.
The intense behind-the-scenes battle that raged over the past two months would have to be fought all over again, and for some of the high officials who had finally reached the position of victor, the current situation was anything but welcome.
But… who in the world could have predicted this?
To manifest the Heavenly Dragon’s power, alone in a corner of the Azure Dragon Palace without anyone’s help…
At this point, it was almost as if a final wedge had been driven in, so the high officials had to act swiftly.
It was clear that many of them wanted nothing more than to bolt from the meeting room as soon as it ended.
In politics, battles often came down to speed.
The one who first won over the favor of the Azure Princess was likely to become the real power holder with connections to the Heavenly Dragon Hall, at least for a while.
***
After the council meeting ended, many wished to visit the Azure Dragon Palace, but the first to step through its gate was Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong.
“Have you been well, Azure Princess?”
“Yes, yes, come in. Let’s talk inside first.”
The Azure Dragon Palace, with its blue-tinged tiles neatly laid, looked mysterious just by its appearance.
There was a time when the White Immortal Palace, where White Immortal Lee Cheol Woon resided, was considered the most mystical place in the palace. But after his passing, it seemed that the Azure Dragon Palace had become the most mysterious.
Among the eunuchs of the outer palace and even the maids who worked directly in the inner palace, the Azure Dragon Palace was often seen as a place where a mysterious Taoist priest lived.
Perhaps it was due to the rising mastery of the Azure Princess Jin’s Taoist arts.
Regardless, the mistress of the Azure Dragon Palace exuded a half-immortal aura despite her young age and was revered by officials both inside and outside the palace.
Her innate talent for Taoist arts certainly played a part, but it was also because wherever she went, she maintained a modest and reserved demeanor. While always hiding her face with her sleeves in an old-fashioned way.
In any formal setting, she spoke no more than was necessary; her words were softly delivered in concise phrases, yet her piercing eloquence always cut to the heart of the matter.
Reserved.
That reserved and weighty temperament of hers only amplified her mysterious aura.
……
“It has been a while now that I think about it. The last time we met alone like this was after the chaos caused by the Sun Demonic Spirit when you came by and brought me some drinks… After that, it’s our first time seeing each other like this. Well, you must have been busy with your work as a third rank officer, but now that you’ve been promoted to Vice General, you’ll be even busier. I understand if we can’t see each other often. Go ahead and take a seat over there. Hui Yin-ah! Bring out the Frost Moon Tea that came from the Inseong region. I hope it suits your taste. Even the Vermilion Princess was impressed by this tea, and since the Vice General himself has come to the Azure Dragon Palace, I should at least show this level of courtesy. So, judging by appearances, things have been chaotic lately both inside and outside, and I’ve heard rumors that I might enter the Heavenly Dragon Hall… You must be busy too, so I appreciate you taking the time to visit me.”
“…Well, from what I’ve heard…”
“Yes, I hear the news has spread that I manifested the power of the Heavenly Dragon. It must have been quite shocking for you, and I was just as surprised myself. I had no particular purpose; I was merely devoting myself to my usual Taoist training, and yet this power descended upon me… Perhaps I am a truly fortunate person. I was just practicing Taoist arts without any other intention, really… I truly had no other purpose… it was just that…”
“It’s been a long time since I last saw you, Azure Princess …”
“Even after all this time, I haven’t changed much, have I? And seeing you, I feel the same way. Though you’re now dressed in a more splendid military uniform as Vice General, whenever I see you, you still seem much the same as when you were just an apprentice warrior. I suppose not that much time has passed after all. Though it feels like an eternity, rising from apprentice warrior to Vice General, you climbed up so quickly… I always knew your potential was great, but I never imagined you’d rise this fast. Now you’re even assisting the Heavenly Maiden, and at this rate, if you keep growing old, it wouldn’t be surprising if you eventually set your sights on the position of Grand General. Congratulations on your path forward. Now, try a sip of the Frost Moon Tea. Don’t feel pressured even if you’re unfamiliar with tea ceremonies. I’m not the kind to fuss over such things with men of military rank. I’ll have the best refreshments brought out, so just take a sip, and if you like it, I’ll have some prepared for you to take back to the Hwalseong District. How does it taste? If it seems too bitter, I can bring out the Red Snow Tea. Or there are other teas, too; maybe we can try something new together, and we can share our thoughts… So, how is it? Does it suit your taste?”
“I haven’t… tried it yet…”
“Oh… I see. I must have been too hasty.”
The sight of the Azure Princess, with her face partially hidden by her sleeve watching Seol Tae Pyeong with an almost piercing gaze, made quite an impression.
Had she possessed ears and a tail, they would surely have been flailing non-stop, but fortunately, human ears do not flail, and she did not have a tail.
It was obvious she was excited, as it had been quite a long time since Seol Tae Pyeong had visited the Azure Dragon Palace in person, and she was even chattier than usual. This was likely because he had risen to the rank of Vice General.
When Seol Tae Pyeong was just an apprentice warrior, even speaking carelessly to her would have been considered disrespectful.
During his time as the Inner Swords Commander and the Bright Moon General, he was also working as an inner palace inspector, so she could not be friends with him privately.
However, now that he had risen to the high rank of Vice General and would even be assisting the future Heavenly Maiden, his status had finally aligned appropriately.
Though the Azure Princess still held a much higher rank in the palace hierarchy, at least they were now in a position where some private conversation was allowed.
For the Azure Princess, it was an opportunity to finally unload the stories she had been holding back.
Even the wisest young immortal in the world cannot escape the blinders of infatuation.
She wasn’t even aware of how much more talkative she had become compared to the reserved image she usually maintained.
Though she was far from someone who lacked basic self-awareness, the rare opportunity to have a private talk with Seol Tae Pyeong, which might come only once a season, left her unable to contain her excitement.
How does the tea taste? How does the tea taste? How does the tea taste? How does the tea taste?
Tell me quickly. Tell me quickly. Tell me quickly. Tell me quickly.
The Azure Princess was practically wagging her imaginary tail with eyes shooting stars. She was urging him to respond quickly as his answer would determine the next tea to be served.
“…….”
From Seol Tae Pyeong’s perspective, this was enough to make him swallow dryly.
While he was drinking the tea that definitely boasted a high-quality taste, Seol Tae Pyeong’s mind was racing.
Seol Tae Pyeong had originally come with the lighthearted thought of paying his respects to the Azure Princess before returning to the Hwalseong District.
Just as he had paid his respects to the Black Princess earlier, it was only proper etiquette to greet someone who had a chance of becoming the future Heavenly Maiden.
At the same time, he intended to check on the Azure Princess’s condition.
However, he didn’t expect to be received with such overwhelming hospitality. This left him utterly flustered.
If the Azure Princess were to become the Heavenly Maiden, would she always exude this level of energy?
Before even considering matters of life and death, could he handle this?
It felt as if he were a frail girl being overwhelmed by a large, energetic dog.
In reality, Seol Tae Pyeong was the strong man, and the Azure Princess was the innocent young girl…. but their social statuses were the exact opposite.
And within Cheongdo Palace, power was mostly determined by social rank.
The Azure Princess’s sparkling gaze seemed to say to Seol Tae Pyeong:
Drink the tea, eat the snacks, chat a bit, share updates, take a stroll in the garden, have lunch, watch the maids work, tour the Azure Dragon Palace, and as long as you leave before sunset, there’s no problem, right?
If I decide to feed you and keep you here, what could you possibly do about it?
Seol Tae Pyeong could do nothing. Absolutely nothing.
This was the same legendary Sword Master who had slain thousands of demonic spirits in a single night and decapitated the fearsome Sun Demonic Spirit in a single stroke.
Yet here he was, utterly defeated by a girl who weighed barely half as much as him.
“Azure Princess.”
However, even when the sky falls, there is always a way out.
Just as Seol Tae Pyeong was drenched in cold sweat, Headmaid Hui Yin slid open the paper door and entered to report.
“The Chief Councilor has just arrived at the Azure Dragon Palace. He wishes to have a brief conversation with you.”
Chief Councilor In Seon Rok!
Seol Tae Pyeong’s ears perked up immediately.
He was the head of the Jeongseon clan and, in reality, he stood at the top of the high officials of Cheongdo Palace. He was the highest-ranking high official.
Indeed, in this current time when the power of the Azure Princess was being revealed, it was that very Chief Councilor who had moved the quickest.
His political instincts were as sharp as ever. He was using his high status to align himself early with the Azure Princess, who was showing signs of becoming the future Heavenly Maiden.
Only someone of the caliber of the three great officials could enter the Azure Dragon Palace this easily, without any prior procedures.
Even the Ministers of various departments, who held second-rank positions, would rush out with their slippers on and bow deeply the moment they heard that the Chief Councilor had arrived.
No matter how powerful the Azure Princess was as the mistress of the Azure Dragon Palace and a prominent candidate for the future Heavenly Maiden, she couldn’t turn away the Chief Councilor at the gate…!
“Th-The Chief Councilor himself? Th-This is a big deal…”
Seol Tae Pyeong quickly seized the opportunity. This was a chance.
Behind the paper door that Headmaid Hui Yin had opened and entered through, several servants could be seen.
There were even a few carts loaded with what seemed like various treasures, and at the forefront stood the Chief Councilor who was solemnly stroking his beard.
“I-I can’t just leave the Chief Councilor standing outside, so I’ll get up immediately and—”
“Tell him to wait.”
Seol Tae Pyeong couldn’t believe his ears.
He wondered if he had truly heard that correctly.
“…What?”
Headmaids are generally not permitted to question their master’s orders.
However, Headmaid Hui Yin forgot even this basic rule and couldn’t help but ask again.
“There’s already a guest here. Tell him to wait until we’re done with the current matter.”
“B-But…. Azure Princess. Th-The Chief Councilor is here.”
Leaving the Chief Councilor of the country waiting outside.
There was only one person in Cheongdo Palace who would actually do such a thing.
The Emperor of Cheongdo, Woon Sung.
“Surely, you know that the Heavenly Dragon Hall and the Four Great Palaces operate under a different order than the civil officials of the main palace. I haven’t finished my business with the guest yet, so I don’t easily allow others to enter. At least within Azure Dragon Palace, the will of its master must be followed.”
“Th-That’s…”
While the Chief Councilor’s status might be similar or slightly higher in the palace hierarchy, this was the Azure Dragon Palace.
According to the rules of the “proper ritual etiquette” one must respect the wishes of the master of the place.
However, when it comes to prioritizing between palace hierarchy and the rules of the “proper ritual etiquette”, which should come first?
If the difference in status between two individuals isn’t significant, should the proper ritual etiquette be prioritized?
What if there’s no difference? What if there’s an overwhelming difference? What about the relationship between the mistress of Azure Dragon Palace and the Chief Councilor?
It’s a topic that could easily lead to scholarly debates on etiquette within the palace.
To avoid such a headache, it’s customary for everyone to show mutual respect for each other’s positions… but…
“General Seol arrived first and is in a private meeting with me. Wouldn’t it be against etiquette to turn him away? He is one of the nine pillars supporting the Cheongdo Empire; he is a high-ranking general. Does a country that despises its military have any future?”
“H-However… considering that Chief Councilor himself has made the trip, it must be a matter of significant importance…”
“I will judge that myself. Besides, my private audience with Vice General Seol, who might serve as my aide in the future, is important for my political strategy. Isn’t the Chief Councilor here just to deliver some gifts?”
Interpretation: Why should I squander this rare meeting with Seol Tae Pyeong, which only happens once a season, over some trivial bribes?
“P-Please, Azure Princess. There’s no need to consider my opinion. I-I’m the one feeling awkward here. I’ll just come back when it’s more convenient.”
“…You’ll come back?”
“Yes. I also have work to do at the moment in the Hwalseong District, so let’s leave it at that for today.”
“…When will you come back?”
Seol Tae Pyeong felt his breath catch in his throat.
“On what day and at what time will you be coming? How long do you plan to stay? Make sure to decide before you leave…”
The sight of her looking up at him with tearful eyes made Seol Tae Pyeong feel as if his mind was drifting away.
***
If she manifested the power of the Heavenly Dragon, it was practically a foregone conclusion that the Azure Princess would be the next Heavenly Maiden.
If the Chief Councilor, who possessed a sharper political sense than anyone else had moved swiftly, then it was almost a done deal.
I found myself lost in deep thought as I dragged my exhausted body back to Hwalseong District.
If one of the four were to become the temporary Heavenly Maiden, it might be best if it were the Black Princess.
She was the easiest to predict, and her habit of maintaining an overall balanced approach to human relationships made her the most suitable candidate.
However, can the situation be overturned at this point? Now, it’s more concerning whether Seol Ran can push the Azure Princess aside and rise to the position of Heavenly Maiden.
And if I end up under the rule of the Azure Princess who’s seized the position of Heavenly Maiden…
I, Seol Tae Pyeong, would probably be devoured alive…
“Vice General, you’ve returned.”
When I rode back to the entrance of the Hwalseong District with a few escorts, Adjutant Bi Cheon was there to greet me with a few warriors.
Yes, first things first, it’s best to meet Yeon Ri and have a talk with her about various matters.
That was what I was thinking as I was about to enter Hwalseong District.
“W-Well… Vice General, there’s something to report before you head to the government building.”
“What is it? My head’s a bit of a mess right now, so make it brief.”
“…Well, the thing is…”
Bi Cheon hesitated. He avoided my gaze before finally speaking with difficulty.
“The Vermilion Princess is currently at the Hwalseong District government building.”
“…What?”
“It seems she’s here to discuss something related to the Jeongseon clan, but… judging by the fact that she’s come in person, it doesn’t seem like a simple matter.”
What on earth are you talking about… Yeon, no, Bi Cheon…
“…Do you have any guesses?”
“Guesses… what guesses…”
Before I left the Azure Dragon Palace, the image of the head of the Jeongseon clan In Seon Rok flashed through my mind from behind the paper door.
And now, as soon as I arrive at Hwalseong District, the Vermilion Princess is waiting for me.
The Jeongseon clan must be plotting something.
That was the only conclusion I could reach.
With the position of Heavenly Maiden practically out of reach, they’re shifting their tactics.
“Bi Cheon…”
“Yes, Vice General.”
The situation inside the inner palace feels like it’s spiraling into chaos with every step.
I heard that the mistresses of the four palaces have never been on good terms since the beginning of Cheongdo Palace.
I had brushed off those words lightly, but facing this situation now, my head couldn’t help but spin.
“What… will happen to me…”
“…….”
As I muttered that to myself, I rode into the Hwalseong District with Bi Cheon trailing close behind.
“That is… too difficult a question for me…”
He wasn’t wrong about that.
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