The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 12 "The Tardy Arrival Of His Imperial Highness, The Crown Prince"

"She wore a stunning white dress with an exquisite design, making the twin sisters feel like butterflies that enhance the beauty of a flower.

In truth, standing beside Song Jae would make them appear dull, like beggars. Her dress featured intricate, lifelike butterflies that seemed to move with her every step.

She had also braided her hair with ribbons, adding to her elegance. Over the past few weeks, her skin had transformed, taking on a pale, milky complexion that would captivate anyone's attention with every step she took."

"As Song Jae walked towards the carriages, she saw her sisters waiting for her. She was supposed to share a carriage with the twins, while the two concubine daughters would ride in another, and her brothers in a separate one.

However, Song Nabi approached the concubine daughters' carriage and suddenly decided to switch.

'We'll ride in this carriage,' she said, 'you follow dister jae in hers.' Without waiting for their agreement, she stepped into the carriage.

Song Nari, noticing her sister's change of heart, joined her in the carriage. The two concubine daughters, now overshadowed, couldn't compare in appearance to madam Jin's twin daughters."

"As the carriage departed, song jae found herself under scrutiny by the two sisters. Meanwhile, she was observing them with equal interest, having learned from her maidservant that they were born to Concubine Kong, daughter of a fourth-grade official.

Concubine Kong had married Song Jae's father due to circumstances - being born to a concubine and schemed against by the first wife.

Although the sisters couldn't match the elegance of madam jin's daughters, they possessed their own unique beauty. One sister, song seo, had a captivating face with large, star-like eyes and inviting red lips that seemed to beckon a kiss."

"While Song Seo had a captivating gaze, her sister, Song Kyong, had a gentle, watery eye that evoked a desire to protect and pamper her. This charm, however, seemed to be specifically reserved for men.

Turning to the twins, Song Jae offered words of encouragement, 'don't be nervous when we arrive at the palace. Just be yourselves. You're still young, and no one will hold you accountable.

If you encounter any issues, find me or your elder sister Song Nabi, and Nari.'

The atmosphere became awkward after her words. Despite their differences, Song Jae treated the twins kindly because they had never bullied her, and they were just innocent nine and seven-year-old girls.

Upon arriving at the palace, Song Jae descended from the carriage first and assisted the twins.

She then joined Song Nari and Song Nabi, and together they entered the palace.""As Song Jae approached Song Seo and Song Kyong, they knew they couldn't ignore her, especially not in the palace where many watchful eyes were upon them.

Rumors of the prime minister's family discord could spread quickly. 'Sisters, let's go in,' Song Nari prompted. The procession is divided into two lines, one for women and girls, and another for men and boys.

They wouldn't reunite until the Empress Dowager's birthday celebrations began.

First, the women would admire the flowers, while the men conferred with the emperor. Upon entering the moon flower palace, where the Empress Dowager resided, Song Jae observed clusters of girls engaged in hushed conversations about fashion and poetry.

In the presence of the king's mother, they strove to make a good impression, mindful of the scrutiny." "After taking her seat, Song Jae's gaze lingered on the pastries on the table, as she didn't know any of the ladies present.

Her elder sister's longing glance at the appetizing treats prompted Song Seo to exchange a look with Song Kyong, and they subtly sought a way to sample the delicacies.

Just then, the door opened, and a woman in her late fifties, accompanied by a woman in her early thirties, with maids behind them approached the chair reserved for the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

"As the maids within the palace room bowed before them", "the other young ladies also bowed and greeted the Empress Dowager and the Empress." "Ten thousand years to the Empress Dowager! Ten thousand years to the empress!

"The Empress Dowager ascended to her throne, followed by the Empress, who took her seat."

"The officials' wives who had been waiting in an adjacent room, entered and took their seats after the Empress Dowager and Empress arrived and greeted them." after they finished admiring the flowers,"

"The young girls were given the opportunity to showcase their talents, and each began to perform with enthusiasm, hoping to catch the Empress's eye.

When it was Song Nabi's turn, she skillfully painted a flower known for its difficulty, symbolizing long life. Song Jae followed, creating a poignant scene of a tall castle with a girl trapped inside, longing to escape.

However, before the Empress Dowager could even comment, the second princess consort (who, though not yet married to the second prince, preferred the title) hastily began scolding Song Jae."

"How dare you paint such a thing on the Empress Dowager's birthday? What did you mean by that? Do you mean she won't enjoy a long and free life?" Song Jae apologized, "I didn't mean that, I...I was trying to convey a different message."

Tae Yong pressed for an explanation, and Song Jae hesitated, "I've recently started drawing, and this piece is still incomplete.

I intended to depict a girl trapped by society, but who ultimately breaks free and rises like a phoenix." The Empress intervened, calming the situation, "What's your name, dear?"

"Song Jae, daughter of the right prime minister," she replied. The Empress smiled, "Song Jae, when you visit the palace again, you can show us the completed drawing." Song Jae bowed, grateful for the Empress's kindness.

She felt she had narrowly escaped a terrible fate, knowing how notorious Tae Yong's temper was.

As the main banquet was about to commence, everyone stood up and began walking towards the grand hall where the birthday celebration was being held. Upon arriving, they took their seats, and the party officially began.

Glancing towards the royal family, she spotted the second and third princes, accompanied by the three princesses. The Emperor had three sons and three daughters.

Notably absent was the person she had been dreading to see, and she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

However, when it was time to present gifts to the Empress Dowager, the individual she wanted to avoid most made a late entrance. Chul Kwan's tardiness caught everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to see who had the audacity to arrive so late.

To their surprise, it was the Crown Prince himself who appeared, earlier than expected. "His scheduled return with the military contingent was delayed due to personal matters requiring his attention, necessitating the troupe's independent return."

"With a deep bow, Chul Kwan paid his respects to the royal family," 'May the Emperor reign for ten thousand years, may the Empress Dowager live for ten thousand years, and may the empress enjoy ten thousand years of prosperity.'"

As he approached the Empress Dowager, her face was overcome with emotion, and she tearfully grasped her grandson's hands.

I hope I'm not too late I came as soon as i can, so I won't miss your birthday? You can right on time my boy, overjoyed to be reunited after five long years, she beamed with happiness.

"Song Jae was the only one aware that this guy had been back for two weeks, "Nevertheless, he felt compelled to deceive everyone, stating that he had returned promptly due to his grandmother's birthday celebration." Such a liar!

After presenting his gift to the Empress Dowager, Chul Kwan returned to his seat. Next, it was the royal grandchildren's turn to offer their gifts.

Chul Kwan had given her a precious buddha prayer bead obtained from a renowned temple, while the second prince presented the esteemed edward painting.

As the dancers and singers began entertaining the guests, Song Jae slipped out for some fresh air.

Unbeknownst to her, Chul Kwan also rose from his seat and followed her outside. Song Jae strolled for a bit, but soon felt disoriented; the music from the hall had grown faint.

Seeking assistance, she searched for a palace maid or eunuch. Suddenly, a hand emerged from the shadows and covered her mouth.