V) Family Gathering
Emperor Jianxing was a busy man, his days filled with reviewing petitions, negotiating with officials, and his nights with entertaining concubines, leaving little time to bond with his sons. However, craving familial closeness, he held monthly gatherings, inviting his sons and daughters-in-law to the Kunning Palace. Of course, he always sought the approval of his ailing Empress first.
Empress Jiang, truth be told, never wished to see her husband's face again, but for the sake of her children, she always agreed. Receiving the invitation, Jungkook's expression was inscrutable, a chilling mix of a frozen lake's surface - icy and cold on the outside, with turbulent undercurrents beneath. This left Lian Qiao and Ren Dong feeling apprehensively cautious.
As they prepared to leave, Jungkook returned to his usual demeanor, holding his children's hands and teaching them to call out "Imperial Grandfather, Imperial Grandmother."
Kim Jungguk
In the carriage, Gguk asked, "Mother, where's my nurse?" He hadn't seen her for several days.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook pinched his cheek gently, "Do you miss her?"
Kim Jungguk
Gguk pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Hmm."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Gguk, if Mommy were to leave, would you miss me?"
Kim Jungguk
"Of course." Gguk didn't need to think about this question.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook, pleased, rubbed his head, "Your nurse had to attend to matters at home and won't be coming back. Mommy will always be with you, okay?"
Kim Jungguk
"Okay, but..."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"No 'buts'," Jungkook said. "I'll ask your father to find you an interesting attendant who can ride horses, juggle, and even... watch ants with you. How's that?"
Kim Jungguk
Gguk's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Yes, yes!"
The mention of watching ants thrilled him. Jungkook pondered, not understanding the fascination - he never had such interests as a child. Could it be an influence from Taehyung? He decided to inquire about it later. As the carriage approached the Kunning Palace, they coincidentally met Taehyung coming from the Chunhui Pavilion. The siblings ran to him, tugging at his robe and calling "Daddy."
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung bent down, affectionately ruffling both children's heads, "Do you still remember what your grandfather and grandmother look like?"
The siblings hesitated, unsure whether to nod or shake their heads. They seldom saw them, so their memories were vague, but not entirely forgotten.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
Jungkook explained, "They only see the Emperor two or three times a month. The impression isn't strong; they'll remember better when they're older."
Kim Taehyung
"Hmm," Taehyung didn't object.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"I just told Gguk you'd find him an attendant who can ride horses, perform juggling, and even watch ants with him."
Kim Taehyung
Taehyung paused mid-step: "Juggling?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"It's just to amuse the children. Simple tricks like somersaults or catching balls should suffice... Surely there's an attendant capable of that?"
Kim Taehyung
"There should be," Taehyung instructed Dong Ling, "Find one."
Royal Guard/ Eunch
"Yes," Dong Ling quickly left to carry out the task.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
The children were walking slowly, so Jungkook asked Qi Niang to carry Era and then said to Taehyung, "Your Highness, please carry Gguk."
Previously, it was always Madam Zhou who carried him. Taehyung glanced at him. Jungkook could manage it, but in his previous life, he had taken on all responsibilities for the children, leaving Taehyung's bond with them quite superficial. That's why, after his (jk) death, Gguk became more attached to Madam Zhou than to his father, Taehyung.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Gguk looks forward to your return every day. He really likes you."
Really? He(t) was skeptical, but when he looked at his son, the boy was already reaching out his arms. Taehyung bent down. Daddy's tall and strong arms were more comfortable than the nurse's. Gguk, embracing his father's neck, smiled and asked.
Kim Jungguk
"Daddy, can you ride a big horse?"
Kim Jungguk
"When will you teach me?"
Kim Taehyung
"When you're a bit taller."
Kim Jungguk
How much taller?
Kim Taehyung
"... Twice as tall as you are now."
Jungkook, listening from the side, had a slight smile on his lips. As they neared the main hall, he suddenly noticed a young man standing under the eaves. He wore a moon-white robe with silver bamboo embroidery, his features delicate. In a dress, he might even be mistaken for a woman. Jungkook halted, his fingers curling into fists inside his sleeves.
This was Lu Jingrui, Taehyung's half-brother from the same father, and the son of Concubine Hui. It was he(jingrui) who later usurped the throne from his (jk) son and imprisoned his(jk) family. In his previous life, he(jk) hadn't suspected him(jingrui), finding this half-brother charming for his smile, unlike Taehyung's constant sternness.
Lu Jingrui
Jingrui affectionately called him "Sister-in-law" with a pleasant voice. He also greeted Taehyung with laughter, calling him "Big brother,"
But Taehyung's demeanor towards him was no different from others. He(jk) had thought their brotherly relationship was just ordinary. However, after Taehyung ascended the throne, he didn't send Lu Jingrui to govern a fief but kept him close, instead sending Lu Jingchen and his wife to Huai Province. Only then did he(jk) realize their relationship was extraordinary, but he didn't dwell on it, until after his death, when he discovered Lu Jingrui's true nature.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//He had abided his time for twelve years, waiting until My Husband's death to make his move against Gguk.//
Anger in Jungkook's heart nearly burst forth like flames.
Lu Jingrui
As they approached, Lu Jingrui greeted them with a smile, "Big brother, sister-in-law, you're early. The second brother and his wife haven't arrived yet," his gaze fell on Gguk in Taehyung's arms, "Gguk long time no see. Do you still recognize your third uncle?"
His hand was even reaching out to pinch the child's cheek. Jungkook stepped forward swiftly, positioning herself between him and his son. Lu Jingrui nearly bumped into his shoulder and quickly withdrew his hand.
Lu Jingrui
"Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
//He even dared to ask me what was wrong. Despicable, shameless, cold-hearted! // Jungkook almost burst into curses, but doing so would only make him seem unhinged.
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Gguk is still young and doesn't know his own strength, I'm afraid he might accidentally scratch you," he made an excuse.
Lu Jingrui
"No matter, how strong could he be at his age..."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Third brother, is our father in the hall?" he quickly changed the subject.
Lu Jingrui
Interrupted twice, Lu Jingrui finally abandoned the idea of pinching the child's face: "He's not here yet, but should be arriving soon."
The Empress
Just then Empress Jiang's voice echoed from inside, "Is that Taehyung and Jungkook?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"Yes, Mother," Jungkook linked his arm with Taehyung's and walked inside with him.
The Empress
Empress Jiang beckoned them over, "Gguk and Era come here, let your grandmother have a look."
Imperial Twins (Gguk and Era)
The two children said in unison, "Greetings to Imperial Grandmother."
The Empress
Empress Jiang beamed, "Such good children... growing up so beautifully." She reached out to touch the grandchildren's faces, "Jungkook, it's all your doing. You've raised them so well in Qingzhou."
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"It's also thanks to the imperial physician you sent to Qingzhou, I dare not take all the credit."
Empress Dowager Jiang felt increasingly proud of her foresight in choosing such a daughter-in-law. Decisive and courageous, prioritizing the greater good, a true helpmate. Unlike herself. As a young woman, she had fallen head over heels for Lu Chang and was determined to marry him. But Lu Chang was fickle, taking concubines just two years after their marriage.
A more capable woman would have simply secured her position as the principal wife, ignoring the concubines, focusing on winning over her husband and raising her children. But she couldn't do that. She fought with Lu Chang, cried, even used her son in an attempt to win back his undivided attention.
It took her years to understand that she couldn't change his nature, and thus, she gave up. Such turmoil only worsened her health. Now, she was grateful just to be alive. The only thing she could do for her son was to live a little longer. At that moment, footsteps approached; Emperor Jianxing and the Lu Jingchen couple had arrived.
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan was still flattering the Emperor, "Father, you truly are a once-in-a-millennium monarch, insisting on holding court early in the morning even in such weather, punishing corrupt officials. You truly love your subjects like your children. Any other emperor would have already retreated to the summer palace by now!"
The Emperor
Emperor Jianxing laughed heartily, "Only you have such sweet words."
Tang Feiyan
"It's the plain truth," Tang Feiyan nudged Lu Jingchen, "Isn't that right, husband?"
Lu Jingchen
Though a bit exaggerated, Lu Jingchen still had to agree, "Father, you must take care of your health. The heat will only intensify, please don't overexert yourself."
The Emperor
Hearing the voices, everyone inside came out to greet them.
Emperor Jianxing glanced at his eldest son and daughter-in-law, "Where are my two adorable grandchildren?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"They're with Mother."
Emperor Jianxing looked forward and caught a glimpse of the Empress's quickly hidden look of disgust. He didn't blame her. As his principal wife, she had the right to be angry, but he wasn't going to change. Life is short. If one can't live the way they desire, what's the point? After all, he was only sleeping with a few women, not committing heinous crimes.
The Emperor
Emperor Jianxing lifted a grandchild in each arm, "Do you know who I am?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
The two children hesitated.
Jungkook said, "Father, they rarely see you, they might not recognize you... Gguk and Era this is your Imperial Grandfather."
Kim Jungguk
"Greetings to Imperial Grandfather," the siblings said in their sweet voices.
The Emperor
Emperor Jianxing kissed each of their cheeks, "Good children. Your grandfather will see more of you! Taehyung, you can bring them to the Qianqing Palace. It's spacious, and they can play as they like."
Kim Taehyung
"... I fear it might disturb Father's work."
The Emperor
"I'm not asking you to bring them every day; just do as you see fit," Emperor Jianxing said as he sat at the table. "Come, everyone, it's getting late. Let's have dinner."
Jungkook went to assist Empress Dowager Jiang. Emperor Jianxing had a good appetite, eating heartily. Jungkook, sitting diagonally across, observed him covertly. He noticed his(emperor) complexion was a bit pale, his eyes somewhat cloudy. Previously unaware of his impending demise, now knowing he had only two years left, he(jk) realized he(emperor) was not in good health. The exterior might still look presentable, but internally things were likely deteriorating.
Tang Feiyan
"Big sister-in-law, why aren't you eating?" Tang Feiyan suddenly asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Kim Jeon Jungkook
"No, I'm just not very hungry, I had some snacks earlier," Jungkook replied casually.
Tang Feiyan thought to herself, perhaps Jungkook was preoccupied with something.Could it be related to Taehyung?Every time she saw this couple, Taehyung was always serious and reserved. That was understandable given his status as the Crown Prince, but his demeanor towards Jungkook was the same, indicating dissatisfaction with his wife. Otherwise, why would he have left his wife and children in Qingzhou for two years? So what confidence did Jungkook have to disregard her? Did he really think his position as the Crown Princess was secure?
Tang Feiyan
Tang Feiyan's eyes shifted, her voice coquettish, "Husband, this meatball is so slippery, I can't pick it up. Can you help me..." Her voice was perfectly pitched, loud enough for Jungkook to hear, yet not reaching Emperor Jianxing's ears.
Lu Jingchen
The subtle manipulations among women, often unnoticed by men. Lu Jingchen, oblivious, picked up a meatball and fed it to her.
Tang Feiyan
After getting the meatball, Tang Feiyan beamed, praising him, "You're so good, husband."
Her behavior was the same as in Jungkook's previous life. Tang Feiyan enjoyed flaunting their affection in front of him, just to spite him. Back then, Jungkook thought Tang Feiyan was rather childish. Her relationship with Taehyung might be lukewarm, but gains and losses were part of life, and he(jk) had much to be thankful for. Why fret over one small imperfection? But now, he knew he needn't have had this imperfection at all.
If only Taehyung had shown his affection for him earlier, they could have been much happier together. Yet, even in this second chance at life, he(t) remained the same. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, who was sitting stiffly beside him(jk), expressionless, and felt a surge of frustration so intense he(jk) almost wanted to hit him(t). But then, thinking of the hardships he(t) endured for eight years, his(jk) heart softened. Torn between these extreme emotions, he(jk) suddenly extended his slender finger and gently pinched his(t) arm.
Kim Taehyung
//What was this about? Was he hinting at wanting another child again? But wasn't he being a bit too impatient at this moment?//
Comments
taekook7
hit him...hittt himmmmm....HIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTT HHHIIIMMMMMM
2025-01-14
1
babykoo
update next part author
2024-10-02
1
softy v
why don't you talk to him about what he wants...rather then assuming 🤦♀️
2024-10-02
5