– Seol Tae Pyeong’s rebellion is a fake. His Majesty is already aware of this rebellion that he started. It is all a planned disturbance, so do not panic and remain in your position.
The neatly written characters gradually faded, sinking into the scroll, and disappeared.
Before long, only a graceful and beautiful illustration of flowers remained on the surface of the scroll.
“If you use spiritual power, the writing will reappear.”
“Thank you.”
White Immortal An Cheon whom I hadn’t seen in a long time was smiling slyly.
He had, before I knew it, become the palace’s White Immortal and was managing the Taoist talismans within the palace.
Considering he had already mastered the art of Taoist magic, it wasn’t particularly surprising.
He scratched his shaggy, unkempt hair, yawned, and then gave a faint smile as he spoke.
“I never imagined the Vice General would be planning something so grand. And your sister Vermilion Princess Seol … well, it seems bloodline doesn’t lie.”
“Is Ran-noonim planning something…?”
“We had a brief chat about the Ceremony of Peace recently. It seems she’s scheming to do something about the Heavenly Maiden.”
At those words, I couldn’t bring myself to smile.
Maintaining a good relationship with An Cheon who had become the palace’s White Immortal would be wise.
From the beginning, he was one of the many handsome men who fell in love with Seol Ran in the Heavenly Dragon Love Story, so as her younger brother, it would not be difficult to maintain a smooth relationship with him as long as I remained neutral.
We were already somewhat close, which allowed me to make personal requests like this one.
I had asked him to engrave special characters imbued with spiritual power onto these scrolls.
While this level of Taoist magic was something most Taoists could manage, I needed someone trustworthy and discreet.
White Immortal An Cheon spoke with an air of mischief. With one eye playfully open and his arms tucked into his sleeves.
“I can observe a person’s energy and destiny. Both the Vice General and the Vermilion Princess are destined for extraordinary fates. That much I’ve known for a while.”
“…….”
“Still, I didn’t expect you’d go so far as to outright overturn Cheongdo. Your progress has exceeded even what I foresaw through my observations of energy.”
“How much do you know, Taoist An?”
“Well, who’s to say? Honestly, no one can tell how accurate what I know might be.”
An Cheon let out a dry laugh and then unrolled the next scroll. He then started to inscribe the characters.
By the end of the day, he would have to engrave all the writing onto the huge pile of scrolls.
“Judging by the look of them, each of these paintings is worth a fortune. Engraving this kind of writing onto such valuable artwork…. well, the artists would be heartbroken.”
“There’s no other choice.”
“Are these for the rebellion?”
I hesitated for a moment before finally answering.
After engraving numerous spells onto the scrolls piled high here, I intended to distribute them under the guise of gifts to those I trusted the most.
If I started the rebellion during the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony in three days, many of the palace factions that supported me would inevitably fall into chaos.
My plan was to deliver these scrolls to them in advance so that when the palace descended into chaos, the writing on the scrolls could be revealed to swiftly restore control.
“You don’t plan to share the rebellion’s details in advance, do you?”
“The fewer who know the secret, the better. Unless someone is a direct participant or one of my subordinates, there’s no need for them to know.”
“From what you’re saying, I must be one of those participants, then?”
“Aren’t you already involved?”
White Immortal An Cheon paused his writing on the scroll, then suddenly broke into a smile.
“Now that I think about it, you’re right.”
***
“Wow! This is a painting of daffodils from the Anhwa region! I didn’t think Tae Pyeong-ah had an eye for art!”
The silk scroll delivered through a maid was adorned with stunning daffodil paintings, so beautiful that they evoked a deep sense of satisfaction just by looking at them.
It was a silk scroll he had gifted to those he interacted with regularly as a gesture of goodwill.
Seol Ran who was seated in the tea room of the Vermilion Bird Palace wore a pleased smile on her face.
“To think Tae Pyeong who spent his whole life swinging a sword would hand out such gifts. It seems true that one’s position changes a person. This older sister is so touched that she could cry rivers… Hehe….”
“Vermilion Princess, perhaps you should practice laughing more gracefully.”
“…Was my laugh ungraceful just now?”
Seol Ran shook her head firmly and pressed down on the corners of her mouth in an effort to control her expression once more.
As the Vermilion Princess, she was quickly learning the necessary manners and conduct, yet she still struggled to suppress her soft beaming smiles when her guard was down.
Among the maids, there were some who thought that such a humane side was actually good, but as the crown princess consort of a country, it was a behavior she needed to correct.
“The Vice General has advised you to keep this scroll with you for the time being.”
“Hmm… Looks like Tae Pyeong is stirring up something again. Am I the only one who received this painting, or are there others?”
“Yes. It seems he sent flower paintings mostly to individuals with connections to the Hwalseong District.”
On the surface, it appeared to be the typical behavior of a leader managing people in his own faction.
However, as his sister, Seol Ran felt a subtle unease in his actions. She knew Seol Tae Pyeong was not one to care much for such superficial gestures.
“I just hope he isn’t getting caught up in something unnecessary….”
***
Ssshk!
Whoosh!
With each swing of the blade slicing through the wind and rain, a spray of blood followed.
The Heaven and Earth Blade was the weapon that Seol Lee Moon, the head of the Huayongseol clan, wielded as though it were an extension of his own body.
The blade’s curved edge which was perfect for cleanly severing a person’s neck was never seen without blood on it.
At first, it was the blood of demonic spirits. Then, it became human blood. And before long, he found himself, almost without realizing it, cutting down high officials and generals.
As he walked alone across the rain-soaked battlefield of the Truth Insight Terrace with his back to the scene, five corpses of general-level officers lay scattered behind him.
Each of them had been a pillar of Cheongdo, indispensable to the country’s strength. Watching them fall like common rabble, one couldn’t help but feel that no one in the world could stop the monster in front of them.
Seol Lee Moon who was drenched in blood and exuding a terrifying killing intent plunged the palace into a state of utter panic and fear.
After trudging forward step by step, he finally arrived right in front of Chief Councilor In Seon Rok.
The eerie gaze of that mad Sword Master bore down on In Seon Rok.
There was no doubt about it. A single swing of that blade would sever his neck.
At that moment when Chief Councilor In Seon Rok who was a man remembered by all the high officials of Cheongdo for his calm demeanor…. When that man felt the sharp edge of the monster’s terrifying gaze closing in—
Clang!
“Hah… hah…”
It was late at night.
The setting was the inner chamber of the main mansion of the Jeongseon clan.
Chief Councilor In Seon Rok, who had been sleeping under his blanket, broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly lit the oil lamp.
When the soft glow gradually filled the room, he noticed a servant sitting calmly near the bookshelf on the opposite side.
“Did I disturb your rest?”
“No, it’s nothing. I was having a nightmare.”
Chief Councilor In Seon Rok panted as he struggled to catch his breath. He then rubbed his neck several times before finally exhaling and speaking.
“Do you have anything to report? I had instructed you to closely monitor every move of Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong.”
“My apologies. The man is remarkably sharp, and that maid who is constantly by his side has a keener eye than expected. It has proven exceedingly difficult to approach him.”
The servant who was sitting in the shadows cleared his throat and spoke with difficulty.
“However, I did confirm that the Vice General appears to be solidifying his own power within the palace.”
“It’s about that time. As one’s position rises, so does their ambition. I had long anticipated that he would eventually reveal his desire for a better position.”
Chief Councilor In Seon Rok wiped the sweat from his brow, then lit a pipe and took a long draw before continuing.
“As the head of the Jeongseon clan and the Chief Councilor of this country, it is only fitting to cut away unnecessary branches to protect one’s place.”
“……”
“So, have you found out what tricks he is using specifically?”
“Currently, he seems to be gathering intelligence through people within the palace who are connected to the Jeongseon clan.”
“Information obtained too late has no value. Like I’ve said repeatedly, make inquiries as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, but…”
The servant hidden in the shadows hesitated before speaking.
“Recently, it seems the Vice General has been distributing silk scrolls centered around the Hwalseong District faction. However, their contents are said to be nothing more than pretty flower paintings.”
“Is that a problem?”
“As I mentioned earlier, it appears he is using them as a means to solidify his power. Receiving a flower painting from the Vice General could serve as evidence that one has gained his trust.”
“I see.”
Such blatant behavior, as if stamping an approval mark on his faction members, was unsettling.
“Make a detailed list of those who have received scrolls from the Vice General and report back to me.”
“Yes, understood.”
It was no secret that Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong was the most influential among the emerging military officers within the palace.
Having reached such a position at a young age, it was evident that as he grew older and achieved more accomplishments, he would ascend to a level unreachable by others.
Because of this, nearly all the palace officials wanted to align themselves with the leader of the Hwalseong District faction. Yet, even that was not a privilege granted to just anyone.
Those whom Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong explicitly acknowledged with his trust.
In other words, those who received flower-painted scrolls from him were carefully chosen individuals.
They earned both admiration and envy from those around them. While many felt jealous or resentful, most agreed that the recipients were deserving of such recognition.
“This man is plotting something again…”
Secretary Wang Han who was diligently working in the Ministry of Justice opened one of those scrolls and murmured.
“The palace will be in turmoil again soon…”
White Princess Ha Wol who was sipping tea beneath a barren tree in the courtyard of the White Tiger Palace nodded her head.
“Hmm…”
Jang Rae who was sharpening his sword in the office of the Commander of the Red Palace also wore a meaningful expression on his face.
“I just hope no one gets hurt.”
On the tiled roof of the Black Tortoise Palace, Black Princess Po Hwa Ryeong had been enjoying the breeze but eventually opened the scroll and found herself worrying.
In addition to her, several other officials within the palace who had earned Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong’s recognition also received scrolls, making those flower-painted scrolls feel like a sort of badge of honor within the palace.
Chirp, chirp, chirp.
And so, the day of the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony approached.
Azure Princess Jin Cheong Lang was awakened by the sound of birds singing early in the morning.
When she lifted her weary body, a maid quickly entered to prepare tea for her.
Standing nearby was Headmaid Lee Ryeong, who lowered her head respectfully with a poised demeanor. There was much to be done from the early hours of the day.
It was the day Crown Prince Hyeon Won would officially come of age, and a grand festival-like event was set to take place at Cheongdo Palace.
First, the coming-of-age ceremony would be held at the Taehwa Pavilion on the White Immortal Mountain followed by a banquet.
On such a day, no one could afford to remain idle. Be they a junior maid or a crown princess consort.
As the Heavenly Maiden, Jin Cheong Lang was also tasked with surveying the energy of the White Immortal Mountain and checking for any disturbances caused by malevolent spirits.
If she were to offer prayers to the Heavenly Dragon and purify the energies, she would need to begin her ritual cleansing now.
Today would be hectic from start to finish… the morning was likely to be her only moment of respite.
“I’ll take a short breather and then proceed to wash my face.”
“Yes, Azure Princess.”
Jin Cheong Lang took a cup of tea and sat down at the table by the window while quietly looking out at the Heavenly Dragon Hall garden filled with the morning air.
The courtyard which was usually vibrant with foliage that purified the heart at a glance appeared somewhat bleak, as it was still winter.
Even so, the snowy landscape held its own charm. It brought a sense of calm to her heart.
However…
“…The scrolls.”
There seemed to be no end to the turbulent winds sweeping through the political atmosphere of Cheongdo Palace.
Keeping track of the tumultuous news within the palace could be endless, yet there was one piece of information that Jin Cheong Lang couldn’t stop thinking about.
It was the flower-painted scrolls distributed by Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong to those he trusted the most as he solidified his power.
Each scroll was said to be a romantic and elegant gift, created with painstaking effort by famous artists.
To be honest, the Heavenly Dragon Hall was already overflowing with flower paintings, so much so that one could trip over them on the floor. In reality, there was no need for paintings at all; the Heavenly Dragon Hall was filled with vases brimming with rare and exotic flowers, making it a paradise for collectors.
Despite this, Jin Cheong Lang looked out the window and muttered.
“Why am I the only one who didn’t get one…???”
It seemed that the mistresses of all great palaces had received a scroll.
Confident that she too would eventually receive one, she had sat in the inner chambers of the Heavenly Dragon Hall and waited for him with exaggerated nonchalance.
But shockingly, Seol Tae Pyeong did not give a scroll to Jin Cheong Lang. Not even by the morning of the Crown Prince’s birthday ceremony.
The reason for this was known only to Seol Tae Pyeong himself.
Tears welled up in Jin Cheong Lang’s large eyes as she stared out the window.
“I want one too… Why am I the only one left out…???”
Even so, she wasn’t the type of person, nor did she have the status, to openly complain to Seol Tae Pyeong about this.
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