The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 17 Attending Class In The Imperial Palace

"Now that miss is awake, quickly fetch the water," Song Sena instructed Song Min, "so the mistress can take her bath."

Once the bathhouse was prepared, Song Jae stepped inside and settled into the tub. The warm water enveloped her, refreshing her entire being. As she soaked, all fatigue and weariness melted away.

After her bath, Song Jae emerged and stood behind the screen, where her maids helped her dress.

Song Mi Cha and Song Sook swiftly brought in the breakfast and efficiently arranged it on the table.

Song Jae took her seat and hastily devoured her meal in large bites, eager to depart for the palace. Today was her first day, and she couldn't afford to be late.

Just as Song Jae finished eating, she asked unexpectedly:

"Is Madam Jung still in residence?" Song Jae asked.

"Yes, mistress," her maid replied. "She hasn't left yet."

"Let's pay her a visit," Song Jae decided. "I forgot to inform her that I won't be attending classes daily."

With her maid in tow, Song Jae walked outside and made her way to snow country yard.

Although primarily a learning institution, Madam Jung had chosen to reside there, valuing the expansive grounds and numerous rooms.

As a woman, she was mindful of potential gossip, especially with Prime Minister Song also living on the premises, after all he was a man.

Upon arrival, Song Jae spotted Madam Jung's maid outside and instructed her, "please inform Madam Jung of my visit."

The maid swiftly walked inside to inform madam jung, and a few minutes later, she invited Song Jae in.

Madam Jung smiled warmly. "To what do I owe this pleasant visit from my esteemed student, especially so early in the morning?"

Song Jae greeted her teacher with a respectful bow before proceeding directly to the matter at hand.

"Teacher, I have urgent news. Yesterday, at the banquet, I was assigned as princess Chul Yun Hee's study partner."

"I regret that this will affect my attendance. I won't be able to come to class every day.

However, I promise to discuss my schedule with the princess today and arrange suitable days for my palace visits, ensuring minimal disruption to my studies here."

"And I'll utilize my remaining days to study at home. Don't worry, I understand this wasn't your intention, but being the princess's study partner comes with its challenges.

Remember, the palace demands constant vigilance – keep your wits about you."

Madam Jung's genuine concern touched Song Jae's heart. She walked over to her teacher and embraced her warmly, feeling a pang of guilt.

She recalled how Song Nabi's mocking attitude had driven her to excel in front of the Empress Dowager, securing her position as the princess's study partner.

That's why she, who had preferred to blend in at the banquet, put forth her best effort and danced impressively.

She felt fortunate that she and her maids had been secretly practicing in her yard; otherwise, she would have been utterly humiliated.

However, she knew gaining the empress Dowager's and the Empress's full approval would be challenging, considering the unfavorable first impression she had made.

The Empress Dowager's decision to appoint her as princess Chul Yun Hee's study partner surpassed her expectations.

She had been content with merely becoming one of the princess's attendants, never imagining the queen mother would select her for such a prestigious role.

After all, it was well-known throughout the kingdom that the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Crown Prince held princess Chul Yun Hee in the highest esteem, cherishing and admiring her dearly. However, there was one concern:

If she became princess Chul Yun Hee's study partner, Song Jae knew she would inevitably cross paths with crown prince Chul. She couldn't help but wish he would soon depart for the border.

She felt that the potential risks outweighed any benefits, and if the novel's account was true - that prince Chul Kwan was indeed responsible for Song Jae's demise - then she must exert every effort to avoid this ruthless prince.

After conversing with Madam Jung for a while, Song Jae stood up, realizing it was time to head to the palace.

As she exited, she encountered Song Nabi in the main courtyard, where their father was instructing her on palace etiquette.

Upon spotting Song Jae, already prepared for her palace departure, Song Myun approached her. He gently placed his hands on her cheeks, his eyes serious. "Listen to me, okay?"

"Yes, dad, just be yourself at the palace, okay?" Song Myun advised. "If you encounter any trouble, don't worry, your brother and I will be there to support you."

Her father wrapped his arms around her, his eyes brimming with pride. "My daughter has truly grown up."

Their father's smile returned, bringing joy to Song Jae's heart.

She didn't realize when it started, but she had begun to view Prime Minister Song like a father figure, perhaps due to her awareness of his sacrifices for the real Song Jae, or maybe something deeper.

Song Nabi seethed with envy and jealousy, her gaze piercing as she glared at Song Jae. "Father, don't worry, I'll ensure I stay out of trouble," Song Jae quickly promised. "My Song Jae is so clever."

Observing Song Nabi's attire, Song Jae couldn't help but notice that her sister looked more suited for a festive gathering than a scholarly pursuit.

Didn't she fear incurring Imperial concubine Hwa's and princess Chul Bong Cha's wrath? Song Jae shrugged off her concerns and walked towards her brother, laughing at her own foolishness. "Brother, you're here too?"

"Where else would I be?" Song Ji replied with a grin, poking his sister's forehead. He then wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug.

"When you return from the palace today, we'll sneak out and have some fun," he whispered in her ear.

Releasing her, Song Ji stood up and gently pushed Song Jae towards the carriage. "You need to go now; you've already wasted too much time. Don't keep them waiting."

Song Nabi stepped into the carriage alongside Song Jae, and the coachman promptly set off towards the palace.

As they rode, Song Nabi began to mockingly praise her sister. "Sister, I must say I underestimated you. Becoming the study partner of the kingdom's beloved youngest princess? Impressive.

I guess I was truly fortunate to have such a talented elder sister." However, Song Jae's indifference to her jabs sparked Song Nabi's irritation, and she fell silent.

Upon arriving at the palace, Song Nabi swiftly exited the carriage, eager to escape the confined space after all she felt irritated just looking at Song Jae.

Observing Song Nabi's excitement, Song Jae smiled inwardly, attributing it to her sister's youthful energy; after all, Song Nabi was just twelve years old.

As they stepped out of the carriage, they were greeted by four eunuchs, four maids, and Duke Lee's daughter, lee cha. Lee Cha approached Song Jae with a warm smile.

"What a coincidence! I saw your carriage arriving and thought it would be pleasant to walk in together."

"Thank you," Song Jae replied.

Lee Cha effortlessly steered the conversation, and they chatted amiably as they strolled into the palace.

Soon, they arrived at princess chul Yun- Hee's snowy palace. The servants stationed outside announced their arrival in unison.