Camellia Permeates the Snow

The wind shaking the branches

Episode 8

“He just fell asleep a moment ago.”
At Mu heon voice, Kang-yoon tore his eyes away from the book he was reading and looked ahead.

The Taejanggak, built for the crown prince’s education and state affairs, housed thousands of books.

Therefore, after finishing his work, Kang-yoon often spent his remaining time here whenever he felt uneasy.

However, today, he couldn’t turn the book’s pages at all.

Despite the multiple candles illuminating the Taejanggak, the darkness in Kang-yoon’s eyes remained unrelieved.

Mu-heon faced his master’s cold gaze and calmly reported what he had seen.

After returning to Hee-gyeong Palace, she hadn’t come out again, and the priestesses of Manhae-dang had not mentioned what they had witnessed today, as per Boshan’s orders.

Yeon-hwa had also awakened safely, taken the medicine prepared by Tae-ui, and was resting again.

Everything had gone as desired, yet Kang-yoon’s expression showed no signs of improvement.

“Good. You’ve worked hard.”
Kang-yoon briefly commended Mu-heon for his efforts and then closed the book that he had been unable to read.

Even if he kept it open, he doubted the words would register in his mind.

Mu-heon was the crown prince’s shadow, his eyes and ears. Yet, it felt strangely unsatisfactory that he had gone to check on Yeon-hwa’s safety in Kang-yoon’s stead.

It was as if he had received food after days of hunger only to have it taken away before he could eat.
“Taken away? Who dares to take anything from me?”
With this futile thought, Kang-yoon scoffed.

Yet he knew the truth.

The suffocating feeling he was experiencing could not be resolved by anyone else.

It would only be alleviated once he saw Yeon-hwa’s condition with his own eyes.

Was she truly okay?

Was she anxious?

Was she in pain?

Did the food Tae-ui had left for her suit her taste?

Could she drink the bitter herbal medicine?

Had she encountered that mysterious figure, Nahan, again?

He wanted to ask all these questions in detail and hear the answers directly from her voice.

Kang-yoon closed his eyes tightly, as if suppressing the rising impulse.

He had never cared deeply for anyone before.

The elders of the royal family were always served with utmost devotion, and he considered the troubles of his subordinates to help them perform their duties appropriately.

But this was merely fulfilling his obligations as the crown prince.

He had never taken a personal interest in them as “Kang-yoon.” Yet, things were different with Yeon-hwa.

She was neither someone to serve nor someone whose abilities he needed to consider, yet she continuously occupied his thoughts.

He was curious and wanted to know more.

He wanted to quietly observe her in his presence.

Like a child who has received a favorite toy, was he simply intrigued by something he had never seen before?

Would he lose interest after examining it closely?

He didn’t know. All he knew was that even at this moment, his heart was drawing him toward Manhae-dang.

If he stayed like this, the suffocating feeling would crush his chest until dawn. Just for a moment, just for a brief moment. He wanted to check if he could still hear her cries or her moans.
“I’m merely checking on the safety of my offering.”
His tightly shut eyelids opened again, revealing his dark pupils. At last, he felt his heart lighten as if he had received the answers he sought. Just then, as he was about to rise from his seat.
“Your Highness, the Empress has arrived.”
At Yang Taegam’s announcement, Kang-yoon’s brows furrowed. It seemed that the events from Manhae-dang had flowed into the internal palace, Yeonghui-gung.
“Let her in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Kang-yoon quickly wiped his expression clean and hurried to prepare to receive the Empress.

Though it was a bit sudden, it wasn’t particularly unusual. Empress Hwanjeong cherished her son, the crown prince, and whenever there was something to discuss, she would come to him without hesitation.

Although discussions typically consisted of her expressing her wishes, it was not uncommon. Before long, Empress Hwanjeong entered with a warm smile.
“Crown Prince.”
“I greet Your Majesty.”
Whether in formal or private settings, Kang-yoon always treated the Empress with the utmost respect.

Deep down, he wished she would call him “dear mother” like in his childhood, but she always pretended not to notice.

Even that affectionate title felt like a mere token to him. The more it was cherished, the more it shone in value.
“I hope I haven’t come too late to see you.”
“Do not worry. I happened to find an interesting book and lost track of time while reading.”
Kang-yoon uttered pleasant words, guiding Empress Ahwan jeong to the honored seat before sitting down himself.

Soon, warm tea was poured into their cups. He had ordered the tea that the Empress particularly liked to be brought.

Smelling the familiar fragrance, Empress Ahwan jeong gazed at her son with affectionate eyes.

However, realizing that their gazes were not as gentle as they should be, she opened her mouth first instead of wasting time.
“I am filled with joy that you have already achieved great merit for the empire and have established the altar for your coronation.”
Her opening words were profoundly affectionate.

Empress Ahwan jeong regarded the continuation of the royal lineage through her son, whom she had given birth to at a late age, as her life’s goal and calling.

Naturally, she took great pride in Kang-yoon receiving permission from the Emperor to construct the coronation altar. The problem lay in what followed.
“However, Crown Prince, I have heard many rumors regarding the offering you have brought from this rebellion.”
Offering.

The name that naturally brought Yeon-hwa to mind almost made Kang-yoon reveal the emotions on his face discomfort.

A strange discomfort that he couldn’t even define.

Yet, even in front of the Empress, it wouldn’t be good to show such feelings.

Having already exerted excessive care due to Hee-gyeong Palace, it was difficult to hide his complexion.

Nevertheless, Kang-yoon replied with an unwavering expression, as if wearing a mask.
“The public’s interest in the offering for the coronation has always been the same, Your Majesty.”
He even smiled casually as if it were nothing. It was to conceal Yeon-hwa.
“It was the same when the situation called for the execution of the traitors in the Hanjoo region, and it was the same when the late Emperor executed Consort Yoo.

For them, it is merely a momentary entertainment that repeats with each occasion.

So please do not concern yourself with the rumors circulating.”
Kang-yoon’s response flowed smoothly as if it had been prepared in advance.

At first glance, it seemed reasonable enough that one could easily agree, yet Empress Hwanjeong could not help but narrow her eyes further.

She knew well that the crown prince would never do anything to jeopardize his position.

Kang-yoon had always been clever since childhood, able to see a step ahead of others, and even the most formidable officials in the court would not dare underestimate him.

Compared to previous emperors, Kang-yoon was performing his duties splendidly.

He was handsome, excelling in both civil and military matters, and never deviated from propriety in his words and actions.

He was indeed fit to be the next emperor of Ahwan.

Yet, suddenly, a woman had intruded into his reputation.

This woman, the queen of a fallen nation, had instigated a rebellion in Ahwan and was now drawing attention as the offering for the coronation, causing the Empress, as a mother, to be deeply worried.
“Crown Prince, do not forget that this is the most crucial time.”
“How could I dare to take it lightly?”
“You must not act recklessly. You cannot give them even the slightest opening. Always remember that there are many eyes watching you.”
“I am always cautious, very cautious.”
Kang-yoon nodded as if he fully understood the Empress’s concerns. Still, he pressed down her worries with familiarity.
“However, if one listens too closely to the wind shaking the branches, one may become dizzy without realizing it.

It is essential for Your Majesty to maintain your composure so that they cannot stir up trouble recklessly.”
He knew how to soothe Empress Ahwan jeong’s heart.

Even at his grown age, if he showed that he still needed her help, she would readily nod and act as if she would do anything for him.

She was always like that. Even if it meant getting her hands stained with blood, she would do anything for her child.

Just like “that day.” As his thoughts reached that point, a chronic headache began to creep in like a thick morning fog.

The smell of blood, the dark puddle beneath his feet, the screams, and then silence.

The chaotic and unsettling afterimages began to rise like creeping vines around his ankles.
“I have taken too much of your time, Crown Prince.”
At that moment, Empress Hwanjeong rose from her seat with a gentle smile. It seemed Kang-yoon’s words had reached her.
“Since it’s getting late, you should return to the East Palace. Reading late into the night is not the will of the sage.”
“I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty.”
However, after taking just a few steps, Empress Hwanjeong stopped in her tracks. Her gaze, as she turned, was filled with hesitation, unlike before.
“Crown Prince.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you still not remember anything?”
In an instant, his headache intensified. Kang-yoon felt the chill of the air sweep through his chest and chose to remain silent for a moment.

Empress Ahwan jeong had an unusual fixation on the memories her son had lost.

It was natural for her to wish for the crown prince to have no blemishes, and thus she hoped for his memories to be intact.

Yet, sometimes, it was hard to tell whether she wanted him to remember or feared that he would.
“I apologize. Due to my insufficient virtue, I still do not remember anything.”
“I see… It seems Heaven has yet to answer this mother’s prayers.”
A sigh escaped Empress Ahwan jeong’s lips, sounding oddly like a relief.

If that sigh sounded strangely comforting, was it merely due to his hypersensitivity? Kang-yoon smiled as if the loss of his memory was of no consequence.
“Do not worry, Your Majesty. If it is Heaven’s will, it will surely come to pass someday.”
“Indeed. Even without that memory, you already possess everything, Crown Prince.”

Only then did Empress Ahwan jeong show a light of reassurance and turn to leave.

A heavy atmosphere soon enveloped her previously composed face.

Kang-yoon remained in place until she was completely out of sight and only then left the Taejanggak.

However, his destination was not Manhae-dang but the East Palace.
As Kang-yoon entered the East Palace, the court ladies moved in unison to assist him in changing his clothes.

As the layers of white silk gradually peeled away, Kang-yoon’s toned body became more apparent.

His physique, devoid of excess fat, was sculpted with muscles as if carved from stone.

His broad shoulders were imposing, and the muscles on his back responded subtly to even the slightest movement.

His long legs below his slim waist could easily be believed to be the work of a master sculptor.
When the court ladies approached with the ceremonial robe, Kang-yoon stretched out his arms.

His forearms, honed from years of sword training, were sturdier than those of most warriors, with veins branching out across his muscles.
“I will fasten your robe.”
Kang-yoon turned around.

The fierce muscles of his chest and abdomen quickly disappeared into the ceremonial robe.

Something briefly crossed his chest, but it too was quickly concealed within the robe. None of his actions deviated from propriety.

Kang-yoon donned the ceremonial robe and lay down on the bed, adhering to the strict etiquette of the palace.

A flawless son of the emperor.

The crown prince, bestowed by the heavens.

The expectations of the royal family that had followed him since birth shackled his wrists and ankles, forcing him to act according to a predetermined script.
Yet today, Kang-yoon, unusually, chose to head to the rear garden instead of lying down after changing. The court ladies exchanged glances, sensing the unusual behavior.

It was not surprising that rumors circulated about him being enchanted by some strange force after bringing in the queen of a fallen nation as an offering.

Though for now, it was only conveyed through their eyes, who would dare to lay hands on the crown prince? Though it was well past the hour to retire, they silently followed behind him with lanterns.

Mu-heon also blended into the darkness alongside them.
Kang-yoon crossed through the elegantly manicured garden, moving toward the wide open field.

Compared to other areas, there were fewer flowers and trees, making it the best spot to gaze up at the sky.

Stopping in place, Kang-yoon lifted his head to look at the sky.

The crescent moon, still obscured by clouds, was etched into his dark pupils.

Its delicate form inevitably reminded him of Yeon-hwa. No, perhaps he was trying to fully confront Yeon-Hwa, whom he had been avoiding all day, using the crescent moon as an excuse.

The fact that he had tried so hard to avoid her was proof that he had been thinking about her all along.
“If you knew that the moment I saw that woman, something seemed to surface, what would Mother say?”
Would she be pleased?

Would she urge him to keep that woman close to him to recall more memories?

Or would she dismiss her as a presence that disturbed the crown prince? Empress Hwanjeong was terrifyingly devoted to her child.

At the same time, she sometimes crossed the line in her protectiveness.

The fact that he had lost his memory was all due to the horrors of “that day” she had invoked. While she could easily shield him from the gazes of others, the Empress’s attention was something Kang-yoon found hard to suppress.

If that attention was directed at Yeon-hwa, it could indeed be a fierce wind.

The wind that could shake the branches was not merely rumors.