(Back in the Office)
Ying watched the door close behind Eun-Ji before turning back to Fong.
Ying: (calmly) She is far too perceptive for her own good, Fong.Fong: (with a cautious smile) But she never openly questions you, young master.Ying: (chuckling softly) That's why she will make a good empress.
He picked up the vial again, holding it against the light, his eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and cruelty.
Ying: (murmuring to himself) Perfection lies in control. And control will always be mine.
Ying's soft laughter filled the office as night fell over the palace, further shrouding the secrets he kept.
(Bridal Chamber – After the Wedding)
Night had wrapped the palace in a shroud of unsettling silence. Mi-Suk's bridal chamber was dimly lit by a few lanterns, casting flickering shadows on the walls adorned with intricate tapestries and fine embroidery. The room, meant to be warm and inviting, felt cold and foreign. Sitting at the edge of the bed, Mi-Suk still wore part of her wedding hanbok, her loose hair cascading over her shoulders.
Mi-Suk: (speaking to herself) How could my uncle agree to this marriage? He knew what happened to the other wives of the Third Prince.
Her voice echoed faintly in the empty chamber. She crossed her arms, feeling a chill that didn't come from the cold but from a growing unease.
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking startled her.
Mi-Suk: (thinking, nervous) Someone's knocking... Who could it be? And what should I do?Gin: (from the other side of the door) Lady Mi-Suk, may I come in?Mi-Suk: (hesitant) Yes, enter.
The door opened slowly, revealing Gin, a young and seemingly harmless maid, carrying a small water pitcher on a tray.
Gin: (with a smile) My lady, I brought some water to help you relax.Mi-Suk: (forcing a smile) Thank you, Gin.
Gin set the pitcher and a cup on the bedside table, moving with delicate precision. The silence that followed was uncomfortable, and Mi-Suk felt Gin's lingering gaze before the girl finally turned to leave.
Gin: Good night, Lady Mi-Suk.Mi-Suk: (as she drinks the water) Good night, Gin.
When Gin left, closing the door behind her, Mi-Suk leaned back on the bed, trying to push away the unsettling thoughts that had haunted her since the wedding. However, as soon as she finished drinking the water, a strange sensation began to spread through her body.
Mi-Suk: (with concern) What… what is this feeling…?
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her stomach. She dropped the cup, the sound of breaking glass echoing through the room.
Mi-Suk: (crying out in pain) What's happening? This… it hurts so much!
She collapsed to her knees, clutching her stomach tightly as her vision darkened. The shadows in the room seemed to grow, dancing mockingly on the walls.
Mi-Suk: (gasping) Someone… help!
Her strength was fading fast, but she managed to cry out one last time before collapsing onto the floor.
The door burst open, and the Third Prince rushed in, his face etched with a mix of worry and fury.
Hyeon: (shouting) Mi-Suk!
He found her collapsed on the floor, her face pale and contorted in pain. Without hesitation, he knelt beside her, pulling her into his arms.
Mi-Suk: (weakly) Your Highness… something's wrong… I feel like I'm… dying.
Hyeon scanned the room, his brows furrowing as he caught a strange scent in the air. He picked up the overturned pitcher, sniffing it cautiously.
Hyeon: (murmuring) Poison…
He lifted her carefully into his arms, his expression hardening as he strode toward the door.
Hyeon: (determinedly) We're taking you to the physician immediately. Mi-Suk, I won't let anything happen to you.(Palace Corridors)
Hyeon rushed through the palace corridors, his black robe billowing as he held Mi-Suk tightly in his arms. The sound of his footsteps echoed, and several servants stopped to stare, shocked by the scene.
Servant Hiyo: (meeting Hyeon) Master Hyeon, what happened?Hyeon: (urgently) She's been poisoned, Hiyo. We must act quickly.
Hiyo's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.
Hiyo: (hesitant) Master Hyeon… you need to speak to the Emperor about the First Prince.
Hyeon halted for a brief moment, his eyes flashing with anger.
Hyeon: (firmly) My father will never believe that Ying is a murderer. Not without solid proof.Hiyo: (indignant) This cannot continue, Third Prince!Hyeon: (in a grim voice) I know, Hiyo. And I will deal with it… but right now, Mi-Suk is the priority.
Hiyo nodded, following Hyeon as he rushed toward the palace physician.
The royal physician was already waiting, having been alerted about the emergency. He hurried to Mi-Suk, quickly assessing her condition while preparing an antidote.
Physician: (hurriedly) The poison is acting fast, but I believe we can neutralize it if we act now.
Hyeon stood by the bedside, watching intently as the physician worked.
Hyeon: (muttering to himself) Whoever did this… will pay dearly.
As the physician administered the antidote, Hyeon clenched his fists. He knew this was no accident. The poison, the timing—everything pointed to a deliberate attempt to harm Mi-Suk and, by extension, him.
Hyeon: (thinking) Ying… this has your fingerprints all over it. But I won't let you win.
He looked down at Mi-Suk, her breaths shallow and strained, and made a silent vow.
Hyeon: (thinking) I will protect you, Mi-Suk. Even if it means facing my own blood.(At the First Prince's Mansion)
The mansion of First Prince Ying, located in a more secluded corner of the imperial palace grounds, was as grand as it was ominous. The halls were decorated with dark tapestries, and the candlelight cast eerie shadows that seemed to dance on the walls. Despite the luxury, the atmosphere was cold, almost suffocating.
In Ying's office—a vast room with towering bookshelves and heavy drapes covering the tall windows—a sinister conversation was unfolding. The prince sat in his leather armchair, his fingers tapping lightly on the ebony desk. Standing beside him was Fong, his loyal and ruthless henchman, wearing a calculated expression of obedience.
Fong: (with a malicious smile) Yes, Your Highness. The Third Prince's young bride is now in mortal danger.
Ying lifted his gaze to Fong, a dangerous glint in his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
Ying: (satisfied) It seems that fate is finally on our side, Fong.Fong: (nodding) Yes, my prince. If she succumbs to the poison, it will cast yet another shadow over the Third Prince.
Ying chuckled softly, his voice dripping with amusement.
Ying: (darkly) Exactly. No father in his right mind would risk marrying his daughter to him—not after so many wives have died under suspicious circumstances.
He rose from his chair, strolling toward the window where the moonlight illuminated his sharp features. Though he seemed to admire the view, his words carried pure venom.
Ying: (murmuring) And when his name becomes synonymous with tragedy… I will be the only rightful heir to the throne.Fong: (with a servile smile) You are a genius, Your Highness.
Ying turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Fong.
Ying: (coldly) Genius? That much is obvious, Fong. But remember— even the most flawless plans can crumble with a single mistake. We must be meticulous.Fong: (bowing slightly) Understood, my prince.