The tea was served warm in a teapot on the table. Min Jun, having just taken a warm bath and now dressed in his sleeping robe, calmly poured the tea into his and Myung Yu's cups.
"How can you simply let two strangers stay in your house, orabeonim?" Myung Yu asked. Her voice was calm, but there was a sternness to her tone. It's not in Myung Yu's nature to raise her voice, as she was raised to be polite, serene, and elegant, like a true princess.
Yet, despite her composed exterior, Myung Yu was still human, and being human means experiencing emotions like anger.
"Dan and Soo Young are not strangers. Dan is our cousin, and Soo Young is my new physician. Everyone in my house knows them," Min Jun replied, justifying his decision. He believed Myung Yu was simply concerned for his safety.
"I can understand if it's Dan, orabeonim. But why Soo Young? She's just a physician and should be at the royal hospital, not here. Why are you so quick to trust her? Even though Soo Young is the daughter of General Kim, anything could happen right under your nose, orabeonim..."
"Having a General's daughter around is a good thing, isn't it?" Min Jun interrupted, which only made Myung Yu more upset.
"Orabeonim, have you ever considered how many generals in history have conduct a coup d etat to the royal family? There are plenty! No matter how kind Soo Young seems, you can't ignore the fact that you shouldn't trust her completely!" Myung Yu's voice rose slightly.
But instead of reacting with concern, Min Jun chuckled, leaving Myung Yu puzzled by his reaction. He picked up his cup, still laughing softly, his body shaking a little with tears forming in the corners of his eyes.
"Is this a joke to you, orabeonim?"
Min Jun sighed deeply, feeling a bit tired from holding in his laughter.
"I think you should get to know Soo Young first, Myung Yu-ah..."
"Why should I?!"
Min Jun leaned closer, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Because you're being too skeptical. You judge people before you even know them. Just because something that you learned in history class, it doesn't mean all generals are the same," Min Jun said. "You close yourself off from meeting extraordinary people. What a waste!"
"Are you blaming our ancestors' history? It's a guide for ruling a kingdom, orabeonim!"
Min Jun scoffed, sensing that Myung Yu was getting carried away.
"I never said that. I just want to make you see reason. Don't be so rigid, Myung Yu-ah! Be willing to bend a little. Open your heart, and you won't feel so alone in this world," Min Jun advised gently. "Besides, if Soo Young really wanted me dead, she'd have countless ways to do it. She's a physician with access to poisons, knives, pins... She could have killed me easily!"
"But we should always have some doubt, orabeonim! Don't trust people blindly! Have you forgotten the lesson from your previous bodyguard?"
Min Jun froze. The mention of his past soured his expression.
"That was my mistake. But I've learned from it," Min Jun replied shortly. Myung Yu sighed, lowering her head.
"There's one more thing..." she said, her eyes meeting her brother's. "About you and Uk ssi..."
"What about me and him?" Min Jun remained calm, knowing Myung Yu would bring this up eventually.
"I heard rumors... about your relationship with Uk ssi..."
"So you believe rumors over your own brother?"
"Are you telling me it's not true? You and Uk ssi?" Myung Yu's words played on Min Jun's heart, almost making him dizzy.
"I'd rather not answer that..."
"Orabeonim, let me remind you of something. This isn't a question of choice. No one will accept that, no matter how beautiful the relationship is. It's not the norm. So, please think carefully before making any decisions. Is it just lust, or is it true love?" Myung Yu's words made Min Jun pause. Her calm expression was her strength, and her words carried weight.
"About Soo Young, I'll let it slide. But that doesn't mean I'll forget it. One mistake, and she's done. Don't say I didn't warn you, orabeonim..."
Myung Yu stood up gracefully, leaving the room with a sour expression. As she passed by Soo Young and Dan in the hallway, her frown sent a chill through both of them.
***
Soo Young walked down the hallway, a book in hand, reading up on a medical case. Her attention shifted when she noticed Dan lurking outside the reading room, clearly focused on something inside. Curious, she approached him.
"You know, it's not good to be nosy..." Soo Young whispered, startling Dan. He jumped and then lightly smacked her shoulder, making her grunt in pain.
"Yah, do you want to get hit?" Soo Young grabbed Dan by the collar, pulling him closer.
"Sorry... Blame my reflex for it! Who told you to sneak up on me?"
"Oho, so you're definitely up to something... Guilty as charged..."
"I'm not always sneaky. If it wasn't important, I wouldn't be hanging around here," Dan replied, tilting his head as he looked her over, making Soo Young feel a bit uncomfortable. She let him go and stepped back to put some space between them.
"What are you trying to figure out anyway? It's just a normal meeting between siblings," Soo Young said, trying to dismiss his behavior. Dan shook his head, which only made her more curious.
"It's not normal if gongju herself shows up. She rarely does unless there's something important to discuss with daegum," Dan said, trying to bait Soo Young into the conversation.
"Even if it's important, you shouldn't be spying. Honestly, I've never met a man as nosy as you! You're worse than the gossiping maids at my house!" Soo Young poked Dan's nose, but he just chuckled at her annoyed expression.
"You're cute when you're mad..."
Soo Young's eyes widened in disbelief. She was about to hit Dan with her book when he grabbed her hand, stopping her mid-swing. He grinned, clearly enjoying her frustration.
Pulling her hand away, Soo Young straightened her hanbok. Dan chuckled as he circled around her, clearly up to something.
"Let me tell you something that might change your mind..." Dan whispered, standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. His lips were close to her ear, and Soo Young gave him a side-eye. She didn't say anything, but her silence was enough for Dan to continue.
"They did mentioned you. Just a little bit," Dan murmured, enough for Soo Young to hear. She stayed calm, looking at the reading room door.
"What does that have to do with me?" she finally asked, unable to hide her growing curiosity. Dan smirked, happy that he had finally drawn her in.
"Myung Yu gongju hinted that you might have malice towards the prince. Perhaps to the extend of attempting murder?"
Soo Young chuckled and shot Dan a sharp look. He smiled sheepishly, as if hoping she'd find it funny.
"Want to know something?" she asked.
"Sure," Dan replied, leaning in a bit closer.
"I'd rather get rid of you first. You're the one who keeps bothering me!" Soo Young jabbed his stomach with her elbow, making Dan grunt in pain, though he still managed a laugh.
"Instead of worrying about nonsense like that, you should take care of yourself. Did you take the cold remedy I gave you?" Soo Young crossed her arms.
"I don't need it! My body's strong enough to fight a cold!"
"Oho... Wait until you actually catch one… If you expect me to take care of you, dream on, Dan ssi! I'd rather let you suffer alone in your room!" Soo Young poked his head in frustration.
"What kind of physician are you? How can you let someone suffer like that?" Dan asked, surprised.
"They pay me to take care of daegum, not you! If you want my help, you'll have to pay!"
Dan smirked at her reply. Suddenly, he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer.
"Then... how about I pay with a marriage dowry instead? That way, I can keep you around forever..." Dan's whisper made Soo Young feel a sudden warmth. She tried to break free, but he held her tight.
Left with no choice, she balled her fist and gave him a solid punch to the stomach. Dan nearly doubled over, laughing and groaning at the same time.
"Pabo! You think I'd marry you? Dream on!" Soo Young gave Dan a few more light punches, making him shield his face with his arms. Their playful bickering filled the hallway.
But the sound of a door opening made them stop. They both turned to see Myung Yu storming out of the reading room, looking upset.
"What happened? Why did she glare at me like that?" Soo Young asked, exchanging a confused look with Dan.