Rebirth of the Emperor's Betrayed Concubine
thorns
As the days passed in the palace, the web of intrigue grew ever more tangled. Tae had learned quickly that there was no room for complacency in the harem.
Each consort, each servant, and even the Emperor’s closest advisors had their own secret agendas.
It was a constant dance, where every word, every glance, could be a weapon.
Yet, Tae had become adept at moving with grace through this treacherous landscape, hiding her true ambitions behind the veil of sweetness and docility.
One evening, as she walked through the palace garden with **Jimin**, Tae's mind was still focused on the ever-present threat of the **Empress Dowager**.
The older woman’s calculating gaze had followed Tae for weeks now, a silent observer with a sharp intuition.
Tae could almost feel the weight of the Empress Dowager’s suspicion, the way her presence seemed to linger just behind every conversation.
Yet, Tae refused to make any direct moves yet. She knew better than to show her hand too soon.
jimin ( tae maid)
You’ve been so quiet lately,
Jimin remarked, her voice soft as they strolled along the garden path.
jimin ( tae maid)
Is everything well, Master ?
Tae turned her gaze to Jimin, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
jeon taehyung (tae)
I’ve just been thinking, Jimin. There is so much to consider in this place.
Her words were deliberately vague, giving nothing away.
jeon taehyung (tae)
But, I am well. How are you?
Jimin hesitated, then smiled, her eyes bright with affection.
jimin ( tae maid)
I am always well as long as you are.
Tae's heart clenched with emotion, the fierce loyalty of her maid a reminder of what she must protect at all costs.
It was because of Jimin that Tae had to be cautious, subtle, and strategic.
She could not afford to repeat the mistakes of her past life.
She could not afford to let anyone close enough to betray her, least of all Jimin.
As they rounded a corner, the sound of soft footsteps broke the silence.
Tae turned, her eyes locking with the figure approaching them. It was **Jin**, the most senior consort of the Emperor.
The elegant woman’s poised demeanor was like a mask, and beneath it, Tae could sense something calculating—perhaps even wary of Tae’s growing presence in the palace.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
Lady Tae,
Jin greeted her with a polite bow, her voice smooth and composed.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
I trust you are enjoying the evening.
Tae nodded, returning the bow with a grace that mirrored the older woman's own.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Indeed, Lady Jin. The garden is as beautiful as always.
She gestured to the blossoms around them.
jeon taehyung (tae)
I often find peace here.
Jin's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a glimmer of something in her gaze.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
The peace of the garden can be deceiving, my lady.
The court, much like the flowers here, has a way of hiding thorns beneath the surface.
Tae’s smile deepened, but her mind sharpened.
The insinuation was not lost on her. Jin was testing her, perhaps gauging how much she had learned about the true nature of palace life. She had to tread carefully.
jeon taehyung (tae)
You are wise, Lady Jin,
Tae replied, her voice sweet yet calculated.
jeon taehyung (tae)
But I have always believed that it is best to embrace the beauty first, before we look for the thorns.
Jin's lips twitched upward, her eyes studying Tae carefully.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
Indeed. But sometimes, the thorns are the ones that choose you, not the other way around.
Before Tae could respond,
A rustling sound came from behind them. **Hyunsoo**, with her usual air of false sweetness, appeared from the shadows of the garden, her eyes glinting with a barely concealed rivalry.
Sui Hyunsoo( concubines)
Ah, how lovely,
Hyunsoo remarked, her tone dripping with a sweetness that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Sui Hyunsoo( concubines)
Lady Tae, Lady Jin, enjoying the evening together? I do hope I’m not interrupting anything.
Jin raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
Not at all, Lady Hyunsoo. We were simply discussing the delicate nature of the court.
Hyunsoo stepped closer, her gaze lingering on Tae for a moment longer than was comfortable.
Sui Hyunsoo( concubines)
Ah, yes. It can be quite delicate, can’t it? One wrong move and you could prick yourself on those very thorns Lady Jin spoke of.
Tae felt her heart race slightly, but she kept her smile in place.
Hyunsoo was being far too direct, and it was clear she was trying to provoke a response.
Tae knew it was better to remain composed.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Indeed,
jeon taehyung (tae)
But I find that it’s better to navigate carefully, step by step, rather than rush headlong into danger.
jeon taehyung (tae)
A slow and steady pace often avoids the worst of the thorns.
Hyunsoo’s lips curled into a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Sui Hyunsoo( concubines)
How very wise, Lady Tae.
Her tone was sharp, but she hid it well behind a veneer of politeness.
Sui Hyunsoo( concubines)
We must all tread carefully, especially with such... delicate matters.
With that, Hyunsoo turned and walked away, her footsteps light but full of intent. Tae couldn’t help but feel a slight unease.
Hyunsoo was always the one to make subtle jabs, to sow seeds of doubt among the others.
But Tae knew better than to allow herself to be drawn into such petty games. She had a bigger plan.
Once Hyunsoo was out of earshot, Jin gave Tae a small, knowing look.
Kim jin ( Imperial Consort.)
You handled her well. But be careful, Lady Tae. She is not one to be underestimated.
Tae nodded, her mind already working on the next move.
jeon taehyung (tae)
I will keep that in mind, Lady Jin. Thank you for your advice.
As Jin left them to continue her walk, Tae turned to Jimin, who was still quietly observing the exchange.
jeon taehyung (tae)
We must be cautious, Jimin.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Everyone in this palace is watching, waiting for a chance to strike.
jeon taehyung (tae)
But we must remain patient. The right moment will come.
Jimin nodded, though her eyes betrayed a hint of worry.
jimin ( tae maid)
I just want to protect you, my master . I don’t trust any of them.
Tae’s gaze softened as she placed a hand gently on Jimin’s.
jeon taehyung (tae)
I know, Jimin. And I will protect you, too.
jeon taehyung (tae)
Together, we will navigate this palace and keep each other safe.
jeon taehyung (tae)
No matter what.
As the night air cooled around them, Tae’s mind returned to her ultimate goal—gaining the Emperor’s favor, without falling into the traps that had claimed her in her past life.
But now, with her new understanding of the court’s dangers and alliances, she was ready to play the game.
Slowly. Patiently. And with a determination that would ensure her rise to power was anything but inevitable.
The harem’s thorns were many, but Tae would make sure that when the time came, they would not be her downfall.
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Comments
i am lalalalalalalalala
not not no (in tae's voice)
2024-12-02
1
Rojitha Rajan
its good.. waiting for how tae going to destroy them
2024-11-22
1
Prava😺😺
vad me jaa tu 😒😒😒
2025-03-07
1