The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 15 Becoming The Study Partner Of A Princess

"The second prince, Chul Doh, and the third prince, Chul Haneul, they all shared the surname Chul. The second prince's fascination with Song Jae stemmed from a haunting memory - the concubine slain by Tae Yong.

Although she hadn't yet married into his palace, she had supplanted almost all his existing concubines. Tae Yong had tolerated her due to her powerful family connections, which he might need in the future.

Offending them over a woman was unthinkable. Moreover, the concubine's exceptional dancing skills, reminiscent of Song Jae's, had captivated him."

"Watching Song Jae dance brought immense joy and serenity to his troubled mind. She possessed a unique ability to please him, a quality sorely lacking in the woman he was destined to take as his consort, Tae Yong.

Whenever he encountered Tae Yong, he felt an overwhelming sense of discontent. Her arrogant demeanor and commanding nature grated on him.

If not for his mother's counsel , that Tae Yong's connections were crucial to securing the throne , he would have never tolerated her.

In contrast, the third prince found himself captivated by Song Jae's beauty as she danced. He was enchanted by her elegance and charm."

"As he watched Song Jae dance, the unmarried third prince found himself increasingly intrigued. He decided to observe her for the time being, considering whether she might make an ideal consort.

Her family's influential connections could prove beneficial to his future endeavors.

Each member of the royal family had their own thoughts as they watched her performance, their faces reflecting varied emotions.

When Song Jae finished, thunderous applause erupted from the crowd. The Empress Dowager's face lit up with delight, her earlier displeasure forgotten.

The incident involving the painting at the garden, which had left a poor impression, seemed momentarily overlooked."

"Song Jae never could have imagined that the impromptu dance she performed to avoid her sisters' teasing and the young ladies' mockery at the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration would bring her so much trouble in the future."

"The Empress Dowager beamed with delight, thoroughly enchanted by Song Jae's outstanding performance. "Come here, my child," she said, extending a warm gesture. "Let me take a closer look at you."

Song Jae approached the Empress Dowager, her head bowed respectfully. "Queen mother, I hope I didn't offend you with my imperfect dance steps.

I wanted to create something special for your birthday."

The Empress Dowager's face radiated warmth. "Don't say that, my dear. Your dance was exquisite. I loved it."

Empress Hyo-Sonn, noticing the Empress Dowager's enthusiasm, promptly chimed in. "Yes, absolutely. Your performance was magnificent. We all adored it."

"Even those who had initially thought Song Jae's dance looked cheap were forced to bite their tongues after the Empress Dowager and Empress publicly praised her performance.

Though they outwardly concurred, deep down they all knew the truth: her dance was truly exceptional, and no one could ignite the stage with the same spark that she did."

"I would be honored if you would consider becoming princess chul Yun-Hee's study partner, alongside Duke Lee's daughter," the Empress Dowager said.

"Thank you, Queen Mother. I am deeply grateful," Song Jae replied, her eyes shining with delight.

Song Jae was aware that the Empress Dowager's favor was largely due to her exceptional dance performance, which no one else had dedicated to her.

She knew how to navigate the intricacies of court politics, recognizing that flattery and sweet words could go a long way.

With a radiant, innocent smile that hinted at wisdom, Song Jae curtsied deeply to the Empress Dowager.

She then walked gracefully to her seat, eschewing any airs of arrogance or pride.

"As the Empress Dowager spoke to Song

Jae with uncommon courtesy, even seeking her permission, the young misses seethed with anger and jealousy, their faces burning with resentment."

"Song Jae exuded a unique charm, radiating calmness and composure, unlike Song Nabi, who returned to her seat with an air of arrogance, or Lee Cha, whose smile seemed ready to burst forth.

Minister Song, you must be commended for raising your daughters exceptionally well," grand tutor kim said. "Both have been chosen as the princess's study partners, a privilege our own daughters can only dream of."

The left Prime Minister Seo intervened, "Grand Tutor Kim, no need to be humble. Your son, after all, is the second prince's study partner.

It seems our children are simply blessed to have caught the royal family's attention."

"Duke lee chimed in, "Indeed, we fathers have every reason to be proud."

The three men - Duke Lee, Minister Song, and Grand Tutor Kim - beamed with pride, while the other officials looked on silently.

Later, when Song Nabi returned to her seat, Song Nabi whispered to Song Jae, "sister, I must say, you surprised me with your dance earlier. No wonder you kept it a secret.

"She said sneering, 'you could have been mistaken for a professional performer."'

Where did you learn to dance like that? If I had known you were such a skilled dancer, I would have asked you to teach me."

Song Jae's eyes narrowed, sensing a hint of condescension. "So, are you implying the other young ladies who danced today are also performers?"

While several young ladies danced, none captivated the audience quite like Song Jae."

"By calling her a performer, Song Nabi also indirectly insulted the other young ladies who had danced."

"In the aristocratic circles, being called a performer implied a lack of refinement."

Song Nabi's face flushed. "Song Kae, don't put words in my mouth! I didn't say that. I only meant it as a compliment, specifically for you."

"How would I know that?" Song Jae replied coolly. "Everyone here performed today."

"For the Empress's Dowager birthday celebration, many of us danced. However, Song Nabi soon regretted her words as she noticed the young misses from other families staring at her, awaiting her response.

Mortified, Song Nabi realized she had made a grave mistake. Her thoughtless comment had given Song Jae an opportunity to ridicule her and earned the resentment of many young ladies.

Seeking to salvage the situation, Song Nabi apologized, 'Sister, I'm sorry if my words offended you. I merely thought, since you're skilled in dance, you could teach me.

My dancing skills are laughable, and I wished to learn from you to impress my friends.'

The other girls, recognizing the sibling banter, lost interest and shifted their attention away from the conversation."

"Finally, the banquet came to a close. The Emperor rose from his seat, accompanied by his Imperial concubines, while the empress dowager departed with the assistance of empress Hyo-Sonn."

"Some officials began to take their leave, while others engaged in small talk. Meanwhile, the second and third princes lingered, conversing with several officials."

However, the crown prince excused himself and returned to his palace, leaving his brothers behind.

"Princess Chul Yun-Hee approached Song Jae, having been eager to meet her since her grandmother's announcement that they would be study partners."

'Hello, princess Yun-Hee,' Song Jae said, with a respectful bow. 'Hello, Song Jae. It's lovely to meet you,' the princess replied."