Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4: The Tower of Glass Flashes and Dazzles

On February 21 of the thirtieth year of Eid winter had yet to recede The streets of Seoul were still glea icicles trailed down froly blue and far away, appearing all the more deserted

Messenger Zhao Pangto Seoul, presenting hijeon Hall1

Zhao Pang was as his nain with, and now his body appeared stocky and solid He had a double chin, s of his reputation as theTaejo had founded Korea, Zhao Pang had gone to the imperial capital every year to pay his respect to the Elazed ware, and sea dogs pelts were exceedingly popular within the i court sent in return, such as silks, redients, tea leaves, books, and instruh demand in Korea

The Geunjeongjeon Hall was theof Korea held court Tall, rugged, dignified, and i, its interior consisted of carved beams and painted rafters It was located in the center of the Gyeongbok Palace Because they were receiving the divine decree from the imperial court today, hundreds of officials were present The princes were sitting in a roards the front, and Princess Yi Ning had been swiftly sujeon Hall

Lotus was still observing her days ofShe wore a white shi+rt and white skirt, and even the lace at the ends of her sleeves hite Only the scarf on her neck was an exceedingly pale green, and her entire being was as if a fresh lotus She wore no powder, but it only served to show that her skin was as creamy as suet, and that she was a beautiful woman When she slowly drifted by, her skirt did not wave, and her scarf re a flowing breeze In that rance of the lotus flower

The officials all looked atfor hiht back frost themselves

Lee Fangyuan looked only at Lotus when she entered the hall, not even blinking in his stare Crown Prince Lee Fangshuo tugged on Lee Fangyuan’s sleeve as a reyuan knew none of this as he continued to focus his gaze upon Lotus Lee Fangshuo elve years older than Lee Fangyuan, and had greatly doted on and protected this little brother He knew that this brother had played with Lotus when they were both young, and that they were closer than ordinary folks Lee Fangyuan’s personality was stubborn and headstrong, causing Lee Fangshuo to sigh lightly in his heart, a bit ill at ease He orried that this precious brother would cause solance at Lee Fangguo beside him

It was deadly silent in the hall, so silent that everyone’s breathing could be heard

Messenger Zhao Pang read out, “By the mandate of heaven, this i of Korea is of two and eight years this year, yet we are seventy years old What irl with such a disparity in ages?” The tone in the i that the princess was only sixteen, yet I’es yet you seek to hter topaused involuntarily, sweat beading his forehead

He continued to read out, “On the basis of Korea nor respectful and cautious, and that the citizens are innocent, Korea should prudently guard its borders in the future, and not delve into cunning schemes In this way the fortune and prosperity of the country shall grow” Zhao Pang paused again and used his sleeve to wipe away the sweat He continued to read, “We have a royal crown prince grandson Yun Wen, who possesses aof Korea is gentle and refined, we bestow upon her the title of gentlewoman of the East Palace3, and command for her presence in the capital”

King Taejo was surprised and overjoyed, leading the officials in a ko to receive the iratitude Only Lee Fangyuan ht for a randson’s age?”

“Born in the tenth year of Hongwu, he is 21 this year”

“Does the royal grandson have a royal consort?”

“The royal grandson hter of the official in charge of keeping the royal kitchens4 The foro, and the tere bestoith the titles of “great grandson” and “royal consort” He has yet to ain to this day, with only the consort Ma in the harem of his East Palace”

“Have youasked

“I didn’t the first two times, but happened to buentle and hunity extraordinary It is said that the prior Crown Prince and the great grandson were all personally taught by the ee is exceedingly high” Zhao Pang snuck a glance at Lee Fangyuan when he was finished Lee Fangyuan’s face was ghastly pale, and he snorted coldly

All of the asse known of this ood news never made it out the door, but bad news traveled five hundred kilometers

King Taejo pretended not to see it, and asked Zhao Pang again “Hoas the attitude from the imperial court this time?”

Zhao Pang responded respectfully, “Congratulations to my master and Majesty, I was personally received by the Minister of Rites Zheng Jin, and the format was quite different from previous times He was very polite and friendly”

“Did you meet anyone else?”

“The son of the King Yan, Zhu Gaochi, was also present”

“Son of King Yan…” King Taejomoved to the side when he waved his hand

King Taejo asked Lotus, “When would my child like to set out for the imperial capital?”

Lotus lowered her head, “Please make the decision, royal father”

Lee Fangyuan looked at Lotus, and then at the king He prepared to get up, but was forcibly held down by Crown Prince Lee Fangshuo and Lee Fangguo next to him

King Taejo calculated in his randson instead of the eentlewoman, this was an official conferment of a noble title from the imperial court this time This was a precedent in Korean history, and they ood foot It would be up to Lotus’ fortune where she could end up in the future – she ht even make it to the rank of Imperial noble Consort5 She was perfectly justifiable entering the i up residence in the East Palace now It would be inadvisable to wait, in case new problems cropped up unexpectedly He indicated the eunuch next to him to fetch the almanac, perused it for a while, and said, “The 29th of next month is an auspicious day Let’s set out on this day!”

Lotus curtseyed, “Yes!”

King Taejo instructed Zhao Pang, “Notify the imperial court with a fast horse”

Lee Fangyuan fell to a sitting position on his seat in the distance, his face downcast

“Princess, Princess!”

Shan Xi was juain Lotus frowned faintly and looked at Shan Xi Hai Shou also see beside her Shan Xi was a servant who had been born in the Cao fa She was 15 now, round and chubby, with an exceedingly lively and restless personality She was an avid talker Lotus always felt that she talked too s up

Shan Xi lowered her voice a little bit, “Princess, are you bring that lared at Hai Shou afterwards with a provocative glare, “Can you protect that many?”