By the time the three men finished their discussion, a beautiful melody was heard from the courtyard. The King and Prime Minister Han both grinned at the sound of the bipa. They were both too familiar with the musician.
The King himself was uncertain on what made him more satisfied, the return of Prime Minister Han, the alliance, or the little girl's adorable actions. Either way, the King's mood was elevated. "It seems my lucky charm is here.
"Your Majesty is blessed," Prime Minister Han earnestly responded with extended hands and a smile.
The King stood up with Prime Minister Han and Chancellor Yi, following his lead. "Let us head out. She probably has prepared some snacks."
While the king was eager to leave, Prime Minister Han was reluctant to head out. He had just returned, and no one else knew of his arrival. Moreover, with Shangwei's Chancellor here with him, he was naturally troubled about how others would perceive this situation. Despite his worries, he withdrew from raising a word of concern seeing how the King was very comfortable with Chancellor Yi coming with them.
The King, too, was well aware of the situation, only he was more certain Han Aeng had dealt with the inner courtyard. The little girl had been with him long enough to handle matters to suit his taste efficiently.
The three men went out to the inner courtyard, and indeed Han Aeng had beautifully dealt with everything. Only a few trustworthy servants were around, snacks and yuja tea were prepared.
Upon seeing the King, Han Aeng, Princess Sunmi, and the other servants all bowed to show their respect. The King didn't permit them to raise their heads till he was seated.
"I was starting to wonder why the Princess hadn't come to see me," the King lightly commented, "it turns out you were waiting for reinforcements."
"Father, I-I didn't mean to lose my temper," Princess Sunmi whimpered, "I just didn't like the idea of getting married."
While the Princess was trying to make amends with her father, Han Aeng greeted the other two with a welcoming smile, "Greetings to Prime Minister Han and Shangwei's envoy. Please, rest and eat your fill."
The two sat down and engaged greetings and light conversation while Han Aeng served them tea and played her bipa.
After bidding farewell to the King and Princess, Han Aeng escorted Chancellor Yi and Prime Minister Han out to their carriage.
Her eyes trailed down to Prime Minister Han and frowned. "Prime Minister Han, where is your walking stick? The doctor already warned you to not walk around without it. What am I to do if you get injured again?"
"You are treating me as if I am a weak old man. I am a war hero." Prime Minister Han casually replied.
Han Aeng shook her head in disapproval; she was not fond of how careless Prime Minister Han was with his health, "You were a war hero, now you are an old man. If you do not wish to be in trouble, you better not walk around like this again."
He helplessly closed his eyes, nodding in defeat. "Of course."
"Are you even listening to me?"
"My eyes are just closed. I'm listening."
"If you're listening then it's good for you."
Chancellor Yi and Prime Minister Han talked for the rest of the walk while Han Aeng accompanied them in comfortable silence.
She bid her farewell, and watched their carriages depart before dropping her shoulder and letting her hand fall lazily by her side.
Usually, on days like this, where she had a hard day of keeping an uptight facade at the palace, Han Aeng would come to Mr and Mrs Son's restaurant to relax before heading off to her secret place.
But today she was more interested in the new guest and his affair.
Naturally being the nosey person she was, she ran to the back of the maids quarters to meet with her gossip buddy, a servant that served at the King's study.