The Flowless Empress
I) Rebirth
In the year of Tai Xi, on the day of Lidong, just after four months of Empress's crowning ceremony, Kim Jeon Jungkook, The Empress passed away. Mourning lanterns were hung outside to mourn for the mother of the empire.
Jungook saw how his cold body was lying on the floor and how everybody was mourning for his death. He tried to get inside his body again and again but everytime he passed through it.
He(jk) saw his(jk) Husband, Kim Taehyung, the Emperor sitting beside his(jk) corpse, bowing his(t) head down. He(jk) went towards him(t).
He(jk) knew his relationship with his husband was nothing based on true love or something. So, he didn't except him(t) to cry for his death. But still except him(t) to treat his(jk) children well and not remarry to soon.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"The status of our son Prince Jungguk should remain same. I would watch my son ascend the throne and rule over the country. If you dispose him for the sake of your future heir. I would never forgive you even as a ghost."
Jungkook warned him(t) even if he(jk) knew he(t) would not hear. But the next he(jk) was remained shocked and speechless, when he(jk) saw a tear fall from his husband's left eye, passing through his(t) cheek.
Kim Taehyung
"Koo..." *he murmured softly and buried his head deep in his palms, crying*
Such longing and affectionate voice and that nickname was something he(jk) had never heard from him(t) before.
Since the time Taehyung became the crown prince his goal was fixed to be the Emperor of this Empire. His focus was cleared with grand ambitions and great undertakings. So, Jungkook knew a person like Taehyung can never be someone who believed in love. So, was his crying was a show for other??
After observing his(jk) husband for a moment more. He(jk) went to seek for his children. Six-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, were crying asking for their mother to wake up. He wanted to embrace them, console them but his attempts were in vain.
He circled over and over restlessly.
Time flew swiftly and years passed.
His spirit wandered the imperial city for over 12 tears. He saw the city going through drastic changes by the years passed by. He saw his husband's bone-deep love. How he refused to remarry even after so many proposals and pressure from the ministry to get a new Empress for the sake of Empire.
He saw his husband's demise and his son's ascension and then to usurp of his son's throne and how the new Emperor passed the decree to imprison the whole Jeon family. In that movement Jungkook's soul was torn apart. He cried and cried seeing his both families'' destruction. His cries echoed through the heaven and his eyes closed down.
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao:: "Crown Princess wake up. Are you having a nightmare?" *she pushed the shoulders of Jungkook*
Imperial Maid
*called for another maid* "Come quickly the Crown Princess is crying in his sleep."
Imperial Maid
Ren Dong:: *was tiding the clothes in adjoining room ran over after hearing this*
Both maid shook Jungkook vigorously and called out for him. Finally, Jungkook opened his eyes and looked around his surrounding. His vision was blurry, so it took time to discern his surrounding.
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao:: "Crown Princess did you have a nightmare?" * wiping his teary face*
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"What? Crown Princess?" *He stared at the face of Lian Qiao*
Jungkook remembered when he was worried about his mother's sickness. He asked Lian Qiao to go back to his maiden home and take care of his mother. How come she is here?
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*eyes widen* "What year and month is it now?"
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao:: * taken aback* "Month and year.... It's the third year of Jiangling, May."
Jungkook's mind thundered not only he is alive, but he came back 15 years ago. He was 21 years old and alive. Jungkook almost jumped in excitement.
Imperial Maid
"Crown Princess the precious child Tae-Ara is wake. She wants to meet you. Should I bring her over?" *A maid called out from outside*
Tae- Ara his precious child, his daughter. Jungkook quickly got up from the bed and ran out without caring to put on a coat or comb his hair leaving the maids in sheer shock who ran after him after picking his outer robe. He crossed the hallway and picked up his daughter in his embrace.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*kissing his daughter on allover her face*
Kim Tae- Era
"Mommy too much saliva....ah..." * trying to push him*
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"My daughter, mommy missed you." *hugged her tightly*
After his death Jungkook watched his daughter from turning six to sixteen, getting married and living her blissful life with her husband deeply in love. He watched her but still could not touch her. Seeing her now bought tears in his eyes.
Kim Tae- Era
*Feeling anxious seeing her mommy cry* "Mommy don't cry. I missed you too." *kissed his cheek*
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*His heart melts* "Okay. Mommy would not cry." *kissed her forehead* "Where is Jungguk?"
Kim Tae- Era
"Brother loves to sleep."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*chuckle because of her answer* "Let's go wake up your brother." *left while holding her*
Tae-Era was only three years old. She wasn't supposed to be heavy but still after only a while Jungkook's forehead was covered with sweat beads. Qi Niang who was her nanny asked Jungkook to hold her seeing his condition.
Jungkook reluctantly gave her. No wonder he later succumbed a minor cold which lead him to his death. His body wasn't that strong. He struggled to even carry his own daughter. Of course later....hah he remembered before catching that cold he had a miscarriage. Now he got it, it was because of his weakness. He had always been fragile.
Imperial Maid
Ren Dong:: * caught up to him and wrap the overcoat on his shoulders*
Jungkook was too eager to meet his son to bother with it. As expected his son was sound asleep. He kissed his forehead waking him with affection. Slowly jungguk opened his eyes.
Kim Jungguk
"Mom..." *mouth open in surprise* "What's wrong with you?" * bewildered seeing his mother's condition*
Even Mrs Zhou, Jungguk's nanny and the other maids in side hall was stunned seeing Jungkook like this. As the crown princess which belonged to a distinguished family, he was always graceful and dignified. He has never behaved so unreservedly.
Imperial Maid
Ren Dong:: "Crown Princess you have to pay respect to the Empress later. Shouldn't you start getting ready?"
After seeing both his children Jungkook gradually calm down. Reborn he decided to protect them and deal with their enemy gradually without any rush or fear. He decided to plan things later.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*smiled at his children* "Eat well." *both children nodded obediently*
Jungkook went back to his chamber, got ready, had his breakfast and started his journey to Kun Ning Palace. Being reborn he was back 15 years ago. So, his memories were hazy he couldn't remember something specific happening today. Although he remembered visiting Kun Ning Palace from time to time because of his mother-in-law's poor health, which was caused by the Emperor.
The Emperor had taken 6 concubines and after his ascension he added 20 more to it. Compared to other Emperors it was not much but still it was disservice to his mother-in-law who was deeply in love with the Emperor. Jungkook tasted his favorite dishes in breakfast and now was enjoying the beautiful scenery on his way.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*A sweet smile curved his face* //Being alive felt wonderful//
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Where is crown prince?" *asked while looking outside the carriage window*
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao:: "He is of course at the Chunhui Pavillion. Isn't the Crown prince always there taking his lectures until the Emperor calls for him?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Hmm..." *nods*
Upon reaching a maid informed that the Empress is suffering from her chronic illness and there was no need for the formal visits for the time being. As expected, Jungkook expressed his concern and then headed towards the Chunhui Pavillion. His visits to Chunhui Pavillion was rare. So, the caretakers were surprised to see her.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Don't disturb the crown prince. I will go there myself." * told the guard outside the Pavillion*
Jungkook went inside the Pavillion, walked to the door and bend down to look inside. He saw his husband, sitting on the floor and reading some scrolls. At this time, the crown prince was also very young, with distinct features, everything about him was just right except for the annoyingly serious demeanor.
Seeing him Jungkook remembered how he never remained and how the position of Empress remained vacant. Moreover, he deeply missed her, often whispering his name, calling him koo in the silence of dark nights.
As the saying goes <Love as deep as that does not lead to longevity> and he didn't live to a ripe old age. Remembering all this Jungkook could not help but knock on the door gaining his attention. Taehyung slightly turned his head and upon seeing the person, he smiled, his demeanor turning somewhat soft.
II) Another Child
Although Taehyung was smiling but he rather felt puzzled. Could something have happened for him(JK) to come here and seek for him(t)? He(t) asked the lecturer to pause and got up to step outside. He(t) stood in front of him(jk).
His eyes were clear like the light of moon without any hint of surprise or warmth upon seeing him(jk). Before whenever Jungkook saw him(t), he(jk) used to think, he(tae) was unflappable like a calm lake without any breeze. Upon seeing his(t) another side which was soft and vulnerable Jungkook realized he(t) was just deeply reserved.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*seeing him, he felt a novel sensation and smiled* "I just wanted to see you, Your highness."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"I just wanted to see you." *he reiterated*
Jungkook looked up at him(t), his(jk) eyes clear, his(jk) fair skin radiating a youthful charm. Taehyung look at him(jk) with lips tightly pressed, his(t) expressions unchanging. Their eyes met in a movement silent stillness.
Kim Taehyung
*after a moment* "If there is nothing, you should go back." * left after saying that*
Jungkook was neither surprised nor felt sad with his(t) response. He(jk) thought Taehyung must have be shocked to see him(jk) there, also it was his(JK) first time to talk to him(tae) like that. Jungkook remained standing there.
Taehyung saw the crown princess standing there, his(t) mind back to the time of four years ago in Qingzhou, when his(t) father was still a prince. Upon his likeliness to be the next Emperor made his choice of wife a matter of great importance. Then his parents chose Jungkook.
Before marriage, they only met for two times and didn't know each other well, but the matter of marriage was never for youngsters to decide. Not long after he married Jungkook and the Emperor passed away.
When his grandfather diead living no crown prince to take over the throne the ministry decided to make his father the king. When the time to relocate came they found out, jungkook was pregnant.
Feeling the long journey will harm Jungkook and the child, Jungkook decided to stay in Qingzhou, selflessly insisting him(tae) not to stay for his(JK) sake and help his father in his ascension to the throne.
At that moment he truly understood Jungkook. His(jk) insistence was to prevent any complication which would occur in his(t) status as the future crown prince, even if it meant to face the dangers of childbirth alone.
Later he(jk) gave birth to twins in Qingzhou, due to the frail health of the children he(jk) stayed there for 2 more years and later moved to the capital. Although they are married for 4 years but still they actually spent some months together. The lack of time together made them distant and led to estrangement.
Kim Taehyung
//Why was the sudden change in his(JK) behavior today?//
Imperial (Personal) Attendant
Dong Ling:: "Your highness you have not turned the pages of your book in a while."
Kim Taehyung
//Never mind//* turned the pages*
By the time jungkook returned back to his Pavillion. His children had finished their breakfast and was busy in watching Koi fishes in porcelain tank. Their nannies bowed upon seeing her. That's when her eyes fall upon Mrs Zhou who was Jungguk's nanny.
Both nannies had took care of his children very well, and he was very satisfied with that. Only after his death he got to know about Mrs. Zhou's ambitions. His son, in the absence of his mother became to dependent on Mrs Zhou who seized this opportunity to gain his affection.
After again Jungguk's affection and trust, wielding power in the palace, Mrs Zhou appointed her relatives everywhere in the palace, acting like Empress Dowager. Jungkook was frustrated to see all this but could do nothing, he was already dead.
Imperial Maid
Mrs Zhou:: * felt anxious seeing the cold gaze of Jungkook* "Did I do something wrong Crown princess?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*Jungkook ignored her and took the children with him outside to watch the flowers of the pomegranate tree*
Imperial Maid
Mrs Zhou:: *nudged the maid beside her* "What's wrong with the Crown princess today?"
Imperial Maid
Qi Niang:: "Don't know. He is being odd since morning. Don't worry as long as you didn't do anything wrong he wouldn't punish you."
Here Jungkook was already contemplating how to dismiss Mrs Zhou. Of course given his status he can't dismiss the maid appointed by his mother-in-law. When he was in Qingzhou his mother appointed Mrs Zhou to take care of him during pregnancy.
Since then Mrs Zhou had done her work well and took care of his son diligently. So, it would be difficult to dismiss her without fault. Jungkook stared at his son who was observing ants. It was better to part ways sooner.
His son wasn't that attached to Mrs Zhou yet and his memories wasn't strong. So, he wouldn't miss her, even if he would a little comforting or distraction would suffice. He decided to talk to Taehyung tonight about this matter.
Kim Tae- Era
"Are pomegranates tasty?" *looking at pomegranate tree and it's flowers*
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Don't you remember Era? You had some last year. They were sweet" *kissed his daughter's cheek* "as sweet as Era."
Kim Tae- Era
*surprised* I am sweet. *lick her hand* No, not sweet.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*felt amused at her cuteness and chuckled*
This action of her made Jungkook remember how her future son-in-law would also say that she was sweet, but then she would not doubt that and would just blush. However, his son-in-law would only be a child of seven years now, 4 years older than his daughter.
His son-in-law is the son and heir of the Duke Song's household, Fu Yue. Although their first meeting was yet to happen. Jungkook was too eager to meet his son-in-law, but he didn't want to interfere in nature's course, afraid it would change the outcome. So, he could only wait patiently.
In the evening Taehyung returned to the Eastern Palace and the children ran towards him, calling him <Daddy>. Taehyung smiled at them slightly, ruffling their hairs and engaging in small talks without much warmth. His relationship with children's was lukewarm unlike his(JK). Maybe because of not being present during their birth and their early age.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Your highness" *approached Taehyung* "I have something to discuss with you."
Kim Taehyung
"What is it?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"I want to dismiss Jungguk's nanny from the palace."
Kim Taehyung
*surprised* "Isn't she the one you bought from Qingzhou. Why dismiss her suddenly?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//I can't reveal the real reason.//
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Jungguk is a boy after all. In a couple of years we would have to dismiss her. Even it's not appropriate for him to always have a nanny by his side."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"I think it's better to encourage his independence early....maybe add more male servants and reduce female attendants."
Taehyung misunderstood Jungkook's intention and thought he(jk) was worried about their son being indulged in female company like his(Jungguk's) grandfather. But wasn't it too early for such precautions? Still Jungkook was the one who was most involved in the matter including children.
Kim Taehyung
"Do as you wish."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"But still I would need mother's approval since she was the one who chose her." *moved closer to him* "Your highness has not forgotten about it, has he?"
Indeed Taehyung had forgotten about it. Taehyung looked at Jungkook who was leaning against his(t) arm. From the thin summer fabric Taehyung can feel the warmth and softness underneath it. Thinking back to their encounter in Chunhui Pavillion, he(t) felt jungkook was somewhat behaving odd today.
Kim Taehyung
//Was it necessary to cling this close just to ask for my help?// *still didn't push him(jk) away*
Kim Taehyung
"I will talk to mother when she feels better."
In his(jk) previous life jungkook would never bother him(t) for such trivial matters. They both had their own responsibilities, never burdening each other. But now seeing him(t) that he(t) didn't mind his(jk) request and was willing to approach his(t) mother made it evident that he(t) care about him(jk). He(jk) was just blinded by his(t) stern exterior, never attempting to explore deeper.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
*shook his arm gently* "Thank you, your highness."
Jungkook's natural body odour and the scent escaping from his(jk) hairs mingled together creating a more sweet and intoxicating fragrance which soon enveloped taehyung in it, along with his(jk) overly sweet voice and coquettish moments, taehyung felt an unexplainable uncomfortable sensation in his(t) stomach.
Kim Taehyung
"Isn't it time for dinner?" * withdraw his arm and walked towards the dinning table*
Normally children would not stay in main hall at this time but since jungkook had not had family meal in a long time so, he(jk) let them stay here. Naturally the dinner was not a quiet affair. Taehyung saw the children talking and jungkook who was now feeding them turn wise one by one.
Kim Taehyung
*unable to resist commenting* "Can't they eat themselves? They can hold chopsticks. Can't they?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"It's a rare occasion. It's fine."
In jungkook's memories it's been years since he(jk) feed his children so he(jk) didn't mind it. However taehyung decided if jungkook would again feed them tomorrow. He(t) wouldn't allow it. After having dinner jungkook took a long bath, enjoying the pleasure of being alive. By the time he(jk) came back to the inner chamber, it was already late.
taehyung had a fixed timetable. Daily at the same time he(t) would go to bed and next wake up at the sane time. So, jungkook found him(t) already nestled in the bed. As he(jk) lay down on his(jk) side of bed, jungkook took the whiff of cool and refreshing scent on his(tae) clothes, recalling the nights he(t) spent tormented by memories, unable to sleep.
Jungkook always wanted to hug him(t), comfort him(t), but always got emptiness in his(jk) arms. But now he(jk) could touch him(tae). Jungkook scouted closer and put his(jk) arms around his(tae) waist. Taehyung's body got tensed under his(jk) touch. Although it was normal for husband and wife but Jungkook had not done it before until he(t) initiated it. Jungkook had always slept quietly, in his(jk) space, maintaining decorum.
Kim Taehyung
//What was going on with him today?//
Then Taehyung remembered how Jungkook came to meet him(t) at Chunhui Pavillion, was being clingy before and now this... Remembering how he(jk) had interacted with the children earlier during dinner. A thought struck in Taehyung's mind.
Kim Taehyung
//Could it be he was eager to have another child? Otherwise, how could his actions be explained?//
That could be the only explanation. Women and gers are shy about such matters. Likely maybe he(jk) was too embarrassed to ask for another child. That's why preferring to hint through actions. After a moment to consideration, Taehyung turned around and wrapped his(t) hand around his(jk) waist and pulled him(jk) closer.
Your Authur
This update is specially for Lovelife 🥰
III) Prince of Jin and his wife
A cool scent quickly enveloped them. Jungkook's ear turned red, aware of what would follow next. For Jungkook it's been years for such an intimacy, making the experience somewhat unfamiliar.
Yet this was their long-awaited reunion. Although he didn't favour his(tae) usually direct, efficient and unromantic approach, he(jk) still wrapped his hand around his(tae) neck.
Fortunately he(jk) knew taehyung was always restrained, always stopping at the right time, never excessive. However this time he(jk) was mistaken.
The next morning when jungkook woke up, he was puzzled, wondering why he(t) had insistent twice. It was uncharacteristic of him(t). He(jk) rubbed his sore waist and looking at the marks on his(jk) legs, he(jk) was perplexed.
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao:: * came inside carrying a dress* "Crown Princess the price of Jin with his wife are here. They are at Kun Ning Palace."
His(JK) father-in-law despite having many consorts had few sons. His(emperor) second son, Lu Jingchen, had already celebrated his coming-of-age and was named the Prince of Jin, living in the external Prince of Jin residence. He(jingchen) was his father's favorite and was not expected to leave for a fief.
The Prince of Jin's wife, Tang Feiyan, was the daughter of the Marquis of Wu'an and had married Lu Jingchen last year.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook was puzzled, "Isn't my mother-in-law unwell? Why is she meeting them?"
Imperial Maid
Ren Dong scoffed, "Probably under the pretext of delivering some special remedy... But you know, it's not really to see the Empress Dowager. It's more about showing filial piety to the Emperor, and then they'll head to the Qianqing Palace."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//I had forgotten about that.//
Tang Feiyan's maternal family had a famous physician ancestor who left many prescriptions, which she often used to curry favor, though Jungkook recalled few that were genuinely effective. But this busy effort of the couple gained them nothing, and Jungkook couldn't be bothered to deal with them.
After breakfast, he went to see his two children. Mrs. Zhou looked anxious and cautious, evidently fearing she had done something wrong, sensing the Crown Princess's hostility.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//She's quite perceptive. No wonder she hid her true nature so well at first. It's a pity she chose to harbor bad intentions; otherwise, if she had remained a sincere nanny, her family's days wouldn't have been so bleak. But now, her departure from the palace was inevitable.//
Jungkook strolled around the courtyard with his children. Given his weak constitution, he needed to be more active to avoid succumbing to illness again. Unexpectedly, a visitor arrived. Tang Feiyan, having visited her mother-in-law, came to see him, bringing gifts of bird's nest and lingzhi mushrooms for nourishment.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook welcomed her with a smile, instructing the maids to serve their finest early spring tea, "There's no need for such expenses. Your visit is enough."
Tang Feiyan
"How could I come empty-handed?" Tang Feiyan remarked as she observed the children, "Ah, Tae-era and Jungguk have grown so much taller since the Dragon Boat Festival."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
He instructed the children to call her "Second Aunt" and commented, "They grow up so fast. You'll understand once you have children of your own."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
// I remember In half a year, Tang Feiyan would conceive and give birth to a healthy baby boy.//
To Tang Feiyan's surprise, she took offense at these words, almost reacting impulsively. Having been married to Lu Jingchen for half a year without any news of pregnancy, she was becoming anxious.
An unintentional remark can often strike a nerve, and she felt Jungkook was deliberately provoking her.
Tang Feiyan
"Having children is indeed wonderful, but it's also very tiring," Tang Feiyan sipped her tea, masking her irritation, "As someone who single-handedly raised children for two years in Qingzhou, no one knows better than you. I'd rather wait awhile before having my own."
Jungkook smiled. Back then, the entire Kim family had gone to the capital, leaving him alone in Qingzhou. It might have seemed pitiful, but he did it willingly, urging Kim Taehyung to prioritize the bigger picture. What was a bit of hardship in exchange for the position of the Crown Princess and eventually the Empress?
Besides, it wasn't really hardship; he wasn't the one personally taking care of the children.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook spoke softly, "You're right, it is indeed very tiring. It's kind of you to remember and care. I'll make sure to mention it next time in front of the Emperor and Empress Dowager. It truly is a hard task."
Tang Feiyan almost choked on her tea. She glanced at Jungkook with a bit of resentment. Although they were sisters-in-law, one had only recently arrived from Qingzhou, and the other had only just married Lu Jingchen. They didn't know much about each other, and Tang Feiyan thought to herself that the Crown Princess was quite sharp - tongued.
Tang Feiyan felt she hadn't gained any advantage and was displeased, yet she had nothing to boast about in front of Jungkook.
In terms of family background, Jungkook was not inferior; in beauty, he was unparalleled. Moreover, his husband was the Crown Prince, and he had twins. His life seemed perfect, except for his time in Qingzhou, which seemed like a period of abandonment which Jungkook clearly didn't mind.
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan stood up, "My husband is still with the Emperor. I should see if they've finished talking. I'll visit you again next time, sister-in-law."
She managed to find a parting shot. The Emperor indeed favored Lu Jingchen, but so what? Kim Taehyung was still the Crown Prince, and before the Emperor's demise, he had no intention of replacing him with Lu Jingchen. Thus, Jungkook felt no threat. He politely saw Tang Feiyan off.
Having faced disappointment in the Eastern Palace, Tang Feiyan left feeling aggrieved and nearly broke into tears when she bumped into Lu Jingchen on her way out.
Lu Jingchen
"What's the matter, did your sister-in-law bully you?"
Lu Jingchen asked in surprise.
Tang Feiyan
"Not exactly bullied, but he is quite irritating."
Lu Jingchen
"How exactly did he annoy you?"
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan said, "He mocked me for not having children," repeating Jungkook's words.
Lu Jingchen
Lu Jingchen: "..."
//It must be said, my wife is really a bit naive.//
Lu Jingchen
"If you had been married to me for three or four years without children, perhaps that would be a mockery. But it's only been half a year; who knows, maybe next year you'll have one. How is that mockery?" Lu Jingchen stroked her hair bun, "Don't overthink it, no rush... Remember, he's the crown prince's wife. You went to see him today, not to compete with him. Falling out with him does us no good."
Lu Jingchen was gentle in his methods and did not want to cause any conflict, and Tang Feiyan knew that this way, they would always have a way out.
Tang Feiyan
"It was my fault for not holding back. I'll be more careful next time," Tang Feiyan reflected and then asked about the father and son, "What did the Emperor say to you? Did he ask you to help with state affairs?"
Lu Jingchen
"With my elder brother there, how could he ask me to share the burden? But he did inquire about the situation in the royal mansion."
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan was disappointed: "Is that all he talked about for so long?"
Tang Feiyan
Nothing serious, just trivial matters. Tang Feiyan cursed her father-in-law in her heart: "Did you see the Noble Consort?"
Lu Jingchen
"No, she probably can't serve the Emperor lately."
The Noble Consort was Lu Jingchen's biological mother and had been with him since his father left for his fiefdom. Now aged and faded, she had little role besides helping the frail Empress manage the inner palace. But her father, despite his age, still took new consorts and was active daily.
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan whispered, "Does the Emperor have some secret recipe, or is he secretly consuming some elixir?"
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan asked, "Aren't you curious?"
Lu Jingchen
"Not in the slightest. Who would think that way about their own father?"
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan glanced at him and suddenly said, "I wonder if the Emperor's 'vitality' has been passed on to your elder brother."
Lu Jingchen
"What do you mean by that?"
Tang Feiyan
"If your elder brother inherits the Emperor's ways, he's bound to take concubines. Then, I wonder what my sister-in-law will do."
Lu Jingchen
Lu Jingchen held his forehead: "Are you still upset about that remark?"
Tang Feiyan
"You don't know how infuriating he(jk) is, that expression... you wouldn't understand. He simply disregards me. So, why can't I relish the thought of his misfortune? It's not my fault if your brother takes concubines."
Lu Jingchen
Lu Jingchen, pulling her along, said, "Next time, don't visit my sister-in-law alone. Another visit might just infuriate you to death!"
By the time their carriage left the palace gates and headed towards the Prince of Jin's mansion, it was already midday.
At this time, Jungkook received a letter from his family home. He knew what his mother had written in the letter. It was about his brother's affairs. The Jeon family, though an esteemed lineage for centuries, was now in decline, with scant heirs and few talents. Among the few successful ones in the younger generation was his brother. His father, the family pillar, faced his greatest political rival, prompting him four years ago to align with the Prince Cheng's (currently the Emperor) mansion, persuading him to marry Taehyung, which would aid the Prince's ascent to power.
As the sole ger son of the Jeon family, he bore an inescapable responsibility. Fortunately, aside from mismatch in temperament, Kim Taehyung was faultless. He(jk) managed to gain the approval of Prince Cheng (currently the Emperor) and his(emperor) wife and married into the royal household. Later, he(jk) attained everything he wanted: the title of Crown Princess, then Empress, his father's rise, and the Jeon family's wealth.
Sadly, his life was short, and he lost much. Furthermore, he couldn't be with his children, protect his family, or experience conjugal love. He always thought Kim Taehyung didn't like him enough, as theirs was a marriage of convenience and shared goals. He didn't ask for more until after his death when he realized it wasn't so. In this life, he didn't want to have any regrets.
Jungkook opened the letter.
As he remembered, his mother wanted to find a wife for his brother, eyeing the daughter of the Prefect of Shuntian. His brother, at twenty-four, was of age to marry, so his mother, in haste, didn't spend much time considering and inadvertently caused a tragedy, leading to his divorce two years later.
The prefect's daughter was already in love with another, was reluctant to marry his brother, but the prefect, eager to connect with the Jeon family, coerced her by threatening her beloved's safety, forcing her to agree. Reluctantly, the girl couldn't bring herself to love his brother, her thoughts always on her true love, and she fell ill. Upon learning the truth, her brother granted her a divorce to be with her love.
Since then, his brother lost the desire to marry, seemingly hurt by the experience. He remembered that when the Jeon family was imprisoned, his brother was still alone. Jungkook asked Lian Qiao to grind ink as he began to write a reply, advising his mother not to rush, lest she ruin his brother's life, leading to irrevocable regret. He wrote many intimidating words on several sheets of paper.
After finishing, he instructed Lian Qiao to send the letter out of the palace immediately. Afterwards, he felt his wrist aching. Perhaps it was from writing so vigorously. Rubbing his wrist, he was filled with worry. Too weak, his hand ached from just writing a letter, no wonder he died young. This couldn't go on.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Suddenly, Jungkook said, "Lian Qiao, send a servant to fetch Liu Yipan from the Imperial Medical Bureau."
Imperial Maid
Lian Qiao asked anxiously, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook, finding it hard to explain, said, "Just go and do it."
Kim Taehyung
When Kim Taehyung returned to the Eastern Palace for lunch, he was surprised to find Liu Yipan there. "Are you ill?" he asked.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Not exactly, I feel a bit weak."
Kim Taehyung
"Then you should be examined," he agreed, recalling his (JK) faint condition the previous night.
He(JK) was drenched in sweat and gasping for air, yet his (JK) hands never left his (tae) body. Either embracing his waist or clinging to his neck. How to put it? His desire for a child seemed strong, almost urgent...
So, to satisfy him, he(tae) had indeed put in extra effort. But if the imperial physician confirms that he is indeed physically weak, he(JK) might have to pause his(JK) plans.
Here Only the Emperor and Empress and the Princes and Princesses who are born from the Empress had right to use the surname (Kim) of royal clan.
Like only Taehyung can use Kim surname because he is born from the Empress not because he is the Crown Prince.
Other Princes, Princesses, Consort and Concubines use Lu as their surname.
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