IV) Weakness
After careful examination, Liu Yipan found no signs of physical weakness, only that the Crown Princess was overly delicate. It wasn't an illness, so after prescribing a tonic, he recommended he practice the Five-Animal Frolics and the Eight Pieces of Brocade exercises.
Imperial Physician
Liu Yipan:: "Before joining the Imperial Medical Bureau, I often treated illnesses in prestigious families. Young ladies and gers who seldom step outside tend to be somewhat frail. You need not worry."
Was he being overly anxious, seeing problems where there were none? But Liu Yipan was a renowned healer, unlikely to make a mistake. Jungkook decided to relax and focus on his exercises.
Kim Taehyung
At this point, Taehyung asked, "Is his constitution strong enough to bear a child?"
Jungkook was startled and looked towards Taehyung. He didn't recall ever hearing him(tae) speak in such terms.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//Did he want us to have another child?//
But he wouldn't be able to conceive for some time, not until two years later, and that pregnancy ended mysteriously in a miscarriage. The physicians couldn't explain why. He remembered at that time Taehyung had dismissed the head of the Royal Horse Administration over it, which is why he had called for Liu Yipan.
Imperial Physician
Liu Yipan:: There's no harm, just take special care of the Crown Princess at that time.
Kim Taehyung grunted in acknowledgment and waved him off. The two began their meal. After pondering for a while, Jungkook suddenly asked.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Do you know how to perform the Five-Animal Frolics, Your Highness?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"What about the Eight Pieces of Brocade?"
Kim Taehyung
"No, I only know horseback riding and archery," Kim Taehyung sensed his intention, "These aren't suitable for you."
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Jungkook hadn't expected him(t) to refuse. He had shown such promise in handling the Zhou family matter; why would he pass up this opportunity now? Didn't he like him(JK) ? Shouldn't he(t) seize the chance to teach him? Insisting on what's appropriate or not... No wonder he never realized his(t) feelings for him(JK) until his death.
Some things, he had attributed to his(t) good character, like not taking concubines. Only after his(JK) death did he learn he(t) never remarried, and as for appointing a queen and a crown prince, according to tradition, the new emperor could hold his coronation twenty-seven days after the former emperor's passing. But he(t) held his coronation ceremony right after the Spring Festival, and then established Jungguk as the crown prince.
In his (JK) memory, he(t) waited for him(jk) in the Taihe Hall, his(t) expression as stern and composed as ever, not even a smile. Anyone unaware would think he(t) was reluctant to appoint him(jk) as queen.
He(t) really was...
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//Well, it is unlikely he will change anytime soon.//
That night, Jungkook didn't cuddle up to him as a form of punishment. However, Taehyung was not particularly desirous of physical intimacy. He was more comfortable with Jungkook's previous, more restrained behavior, as he himself was a person of restraint. For example, in marital relations, he would only partake once every five to seven days, never more frequently. So, Jungkook's 'punishment' had no effect on him.
A couple of days later, hearing that his mother was feeling better and willing to see people, Kim Taehyung took some time to visit her in the Kunning Palace. Seeing her pale, bloodless face, Taehyung asked with concern.
Kim Taehyung
"Mother, what do the imperial physicians say? Is it really so hard to treat?"
The Empress
"It's a condition I was born with. I'm just getting by as long as it doesn't worsen," Empress Dowager Jiang gestured for him to sit beside her. "Taehyung, don't worry about me. Just focus on being a good heir."
Kim Taehyung
"It's my duty as your son, rest assured." His demeanor was calm, as if the matter was a trivial one.
The Empress
Empress Jiang's voice trembled slightly, "It's all my fault, I've been a burden, unable to assist you and even..."
Kim Taehyung
"Don't say that. Without you, there would be no me. Let's leave it at that."
He cut off the rest of her words.
The Empress
Empress Jiang paused, then sighed, "The only thing I did right was not passing my illness to you. Look at you," she pinched his arm and shoulder, "so robust, you'll surely live a long life. Your eyebrows, your nose, you have the face of longevity... Yes, Jungguk too, he's the spitting image of you."
Kim Taehyung
Speaking of Jungguk, Taehyung mentioned, "About gguk, I need to consult you. His wet nurse, Madam Zhou, was chosen by you for Jungkook, wasn't she? I think it's time, gguk no longer requires her care."
The Empress
Empress Jiang was startled, "Isn't gguk still young? Why doesn't he need to care anymore? Is something wrong with Madam Zhou?"
Kim Taehyung
"No, nothing wrong, but gguk is different from Tae-era, being a boy. I want him to become independent earlier, not cling to a wet nurse. It's better for a male servant to look after him."
The Empress
Since Empress Jiang rarely intervened, she agreed upon his insistence, "Just make sure she is treated fairly; she did nurse gguk after all."
Kim Taehyung
"I am aware of it."
After leaving the Kunning Palace, Kim Taehyung ordered his attendant to inform Jungkook of this decision, then he returned to Chunhui Pavilion. Jungkook immediately rewarded Madam Zhou with a hundred teals of silver.
Imperial Maid
Madam Zhou, bewildered, asked, "Why is the Crown Princess rewarding me?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"It's what you deserve. Take it and leave the palace," Jungkook said indifferently, "Our time as mistress and servant has ended. There's no need to worry about gguk."
Imperial Maid
Her face, though beautiful, was as cold as ice and snow, capable of freezing one's blood.
Madam Zhou knelt down and pleaded, "Have I done something wrong? Please tell me, Your Highness, I can change... Little Master Kim is still young, let me take care of him for a few more years?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//Was she truly concerned, or did she have ulterior motives?//
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook looked down at her and said, "If you were truly kind-hearted, how could you forget your own child? Your daughter is also three years old. Shouldn't you be happy to reunite with her now that you have the silver? Why beg me to stay? What mother wouldn't long for her own flesh and blood?!"
Imperial Maid
Madam Zhou trembled, speechless.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Leave now, before I have someone escort you out."
Imperial Maid
Hearing this, Madam Zhou dared not speak again, bowed thrice, picked up the silver, and left unsteadily.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook walked to the side hall and picked up gguk. "gguk, shall we go ride the wooden horse?"
Kim Jungguk
"Yes!" gguk replied. "And when I'm bigger, I'll ride a real horse."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Riding a real horse is for Daddy to teach. Tell him when he comes back."
Jungkook placed him on the wooden horse in the courtyard. Jungguk swayed side to side, giggling happily. Watching from a distance, Qi Niang felt a surge of fear looking at the gentle-faced Crown Princess. She resolved to be cautious in her words and actions, lest she suffer the same fate as Madam Zhou.
After all, the benefits of being a wet nurse in the Eastern Palace far outweighed a mere hundred teals of silver.
Madam Zhou had squandered a promising opportunity. Of course, her concerns weren't solely about the benefits. Being Tae-era's wet nurse was the happiest time in her life, and she didn't want to leave. But how could she avoid dismissal? She racked her brain but couldn't fathom what fault Madam Zhou had committed to anger the Crown Princess so much. Lost in thought, she suddenly saw Jungkook approaching.
Imperial Maid
"Your Highness," Qi Niang quickly greeted with a bow.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Qi Niang, you're doing well. Don't worry unnecessarily."
Imperial Maid
Qi Niang blushed, realizing her concerns were noticed.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Madam Zhou has a daughter and a husband who treats her well. Unlike you, who often suffer abuse from your husband and would be struggling to earn money for him if you returned," Jungkook spoke softly, "You can continue to care for Era "
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//After my death, Qi Niang took good care of Era, without the selfishness Madam Zhou had shown.//
Imperial Maid
Tears streamed down Qi Niang's face: "Thank you, Your Highness."
Kim Tae- Era
Not understanding their conversation, tilted her head and asked, "Why are you crying?"
Imperial Maid
"I'm happy, just happy," Qi Niang managed a smile through her tears.
Kim Tae- Era
"Why cry and smile at the same time?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"You'll understand when you're older," Jungkook gently rubbed her head, life is full of such mixed feelings, "Do you want to ride the wooden horse?"
Jungkook Chuckled. The wooden horse, being hard, was bound to be uncomfortable, but his naive son still loved it.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Let's play hide and seek," Jungkook suggested, "I'll close my eyes, and you go hide. Then I'll come find you."
Kim Tae- Era
"Okay," Era crisply agreed.
Jungkook turned his back and closed his eyes. Gguk and Era wandered around, eventually deciding to hide in the bushes.
Kim Jungguk
Gguk protested, "I can see you."
Reluctantly, she went to find another hiding place. This time, she hid behind a red cylindrical column. Jungkook easily found her and patiently instructed.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"You need to hide where Mommy can't see you, like under the bed or behind the wardrobe, somewhere with something big to cover you."
Kim Jungguk
Seeing this, Jungguk boasted, "Let me try, let me!" abandoning the wooden horse.
Jungkook closed her eyes again. Gguk, taking his sister, hid deeper. This time, Jungkook searched for a long while, working up a sweat on his forehead. He thought to himself, this was almost like practicing the Five-Animal Frolics, plus she got to play with the children, how wonderful! Before they knew it, evening was approaching.
Exhausted from playing, Jungkook sat in a wicker chair, reading a reply from his mother. As expected, his mother was frightened, thinking Jungkook knew the prefect family's secret and was desperately advising against the alliance. She promised not to engage with the prefect's family and awaited Jungkook's suggestions for suitable matches. Jungkook felt relieved. After setting down the letter, he covered his mouth, yawning.
These two little ones were only three years old; how could playing a simple game of hide-and-seek with them be so tiring? But there's a silver lining to being tired; according to Liu Yipan, lack of activity leads to weakness, so it's good to play every day. Jungkook closed his eyes, lulled to sleep by the setting sun's rays. Lian Qiao noticed Taehyung's return and hesitated whether to wake him.
Lian Qiao promptly stepped back. Seeing Jungkook asleep outside for the first time, Taehyung gazed down at his(jk) peaceful face. After childbirth, his(jk) face was fuller than when they first met. Now, it was slightly flushed, like a ripe peach, and his(jk) beautifully shaped lips resembled water chestnuts, while his delicate skin was...
Why are all these comparisons about food?
Surely he(t) wasn't so hungry that he(t) couldn't think of anything else. Taehyung shifted his gaze and, without waking him(jk), he(t) moved on.
Imperial Maid
Only then did Lian Qiao gently nudge Jungkook, "Your Highness, the Prince has returned."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook rubbed his eyes, looking around, "Where is he?"
Imperial Maid
"Over there."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
In that direction he saw a tall figure quickly walking towards the palace.
//So, he had just passed by without stopping? Why would he do that?//
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Did the Crown Prince say anything?"
Imperial Maid
"No, but he stood and watched you for a while."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Curious, Jungkook asked, "How did he look? Can you show me?" pointing to a spot in front of her, "Stand there and imitate him."
Imperial Maid
She didn't understand why the Crown Princess wanted her to imitate the Crown Prince. It felt a bit strange.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Hurry up, what are you waiting for?" Jungkook urged.
He was curious to know if he(t) showed a hint of affection while he(JK) was asleep, if his(t) guard was down just a bit. Lian Qiao reluctantly tried her best to mimic him(t). Standing upright, her expression calm, her eyes void of emotion. Jungkook realized that Taehyung's gaze on him was no different from looking at a tree.
Comments
adreana🖤🖤
🤣🤣🤣😂😂a tree
2024-10-29
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