A small, knowing smile played on Chunho's lips. "Allow me to remind you, Your Majesty. We agreed that my actions wouldn't be questioned, but I must state my reasons. I would be allowed to do whatever I want in exchange for protecting this kingdom." His voice lowered, but carried clearly across the silent court. "The only reason the other three nations haven't attacked us in three years is because of me. You are not that old I believe you still remember"
The Emperor's face paled, the fight visibly draining from him as he slowly sank back onto his throne. The courtiers watched in stunned silence, glancing between their ruler and the unshakeable Kang Chunho.
"You... you can't possibly expect this agreement to cover such a flagrant violation of our laws," the Emperor said, but his voice lacked conviction.
Chunho's smile widened slightly. "The agreement was clear, Your Majesty. 'Whatever I want' were your exact words, if I recall correctly. My personal affairs, including my relationship with Jeoyoon, fall well within those parameters."
The Emperor's shoulders sagged in defeat. He looked around the court, seeing the mixture of shock, fear, and grudging respect on the faces of his courtiers. Finally, he turned back to Chunho.
"Very well, Lord Chunho," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Your... actions... will not be questioned. But be warned, the consequences of your choices may reach further than you anticipate."
Chunho bowed slightly, his eyes never leaving the Emperor's. "I understand, Your Majesty. I am prepared for any consequences. As always, I will continue to serve and protect this kingdom... in my own way."
With that, Chunho turned and strode out of the court, leaving behind a stunned silence and a visibly shaken Emperor. The balance of power had shifted, and everyone present knew it. The kingdom's fate now rested in the hands of a man who played by his own rules, for better or for worse.
"Oh and your majesty?" Chunho smiled as he turned back "Tell Qin Injo not to show his face in my presence otherwise I will kill him.."
"You imp! You can do whatever you want but you cannot touch Injo!"
Chunho didn't give the emperor a reply and walked out of the palace.
"Should we head back to Hwang sir?"
Chunho nodded and his got into the carriage.
"Let's stop by the market first.."
Chunho moved through the market, his guards creating a path through the bustling crowd. He approached a popular food stall, the aroma of freshly steamed buns filling the air.
"A dozen red bean buns," he ordered, watching as the vendor carefully packed the warm, fragrant buns into a bamboo container.
Next, he stopped at a rice cake shop. "Two dozen rice balls, please. A variety of flavors," Chunho instructed, not knowing which flavor Jeoyoon's favorite.
At a fruit vendor's stall, he selected an assortment of candied fruits - tangerines, cherries, slices of watermelon. The vendor wrapped them carefully in waxed paper, hands trembling slightly under Chunho's watchful gaze.
As he walked, Chunho's eyes were drawn to a clothing merchant's shop. The colorful silks and intricate embroideries reminded him of Jeoyoon's elegant taste. On impulse, he entered the shop.
"Your finest robes," he demanded, examining the offerings with a critical eye. He selected several - a deep blue one with silver cranes, a forest green with golden leaves, and a soft lavender with delicate cherry blossoms. Each one, he thought, would complement Jeoyoon's fair bronze skin and his gentle demeanor.
Chunho's shopping didn't stop there. He found himself picking up items he thought Jeoyoon might enjoy - a beautifully crafted wooden comb, a set of scented oils, a delicate porcelain tea set painted with plum blossoms.
As his guards struggled to carry all the purchases, Chunho allowed himself a small smile. He could already picture Jeoyoon's surprised and delighted expression.
As he continued to browse, Chunho couldn't help but overhear the whispers around him.
News of his confrontation with the Emperor had spread quickly, and the market buzzed with speculation and gossip.
"Did you hear? Lord Chunho defied the Emperor himself!"
"They say he's taken a man as his wife!..."
"Hush! Do you want to anger him?"
Chunho ignored the chatter, focusing instead on selecting gifts that would bring a smile to Jeoyoon's face. As he made his final purchases, a small commotion caught his attention. A group of young nobles were harassing a merchant, demanding discounts and special treatment.
For a moment, Chunho considered to ignore it. Then he paused, remembering Jeoyoon's gentle nature and how he would handle such a situation. With a slight shake of his head, Chunho approached the group.
"Gentlemen," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of authority. "Is there a problem here?"
The young nobles turned, their faces paling as they recognized Chunho. "L-Lord Chunho! We were just... we were..."
"I suggest you pay the merchant fairly and be on your way," Chunho said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The nobles quickly complied, practically throwing their money at the grateful merchant before scurrying away. Chunho nodded to the merchant and turned back to his guards.
"We're done here. Let's return to Hwang. My Jeoyoon is waiting."
As they made their way back to the carriage, Chunho's thoughts turned to Jeoyoon.
"I believe we have everything," he said to his guards. "Let's return to Hwang."
************************
"Master Jeoyoon you want to go out for a walk?"
Ahn asked again to make sure he was hearing Jeoyoon clearly.
"Yes…Chunho will be back together, I want to get him a welcome gift.."
Ahn sighed, he guessed if they bring enough guards then it would not be a bad idea.
"Alright, let me get some guards."
Jeoyoon nodded and touched his chest, his wound had almost healed but it still hurt like it was fresh.
"It's quite sunny, use this parasol master Jeoyoon.."
Ahn handed him the parasol as Jeoyoon looked up, it wasn't that sunny and a little sun never hurt anyone.
"I'm not that delicate…"