Chapter 27
27 - captured
Emerald Pavilion
***
"What's happening in the Palace? Does the men came back?" Consort Mia ask her servant.
She sent twenty skilled men to assassinate the Crown Prince, Consort Mia told them to wear something similar to the Yuan army so the Assassination won't look like an inside job but she didn't hear anything with her men.
"There's a rumor that General Han was dead, some guards heard Consort Han cried loudly on her pavilion, about our men Your Grace, someone will report to you." the servant give way to the man standing behind her, face covered with thin cloth.
"How was it?" Consort Mia fiddled in her fingers.
"Your Grace, pardon me for asking but, do you sent men other than my team?" He ask in a stern voice, he is one of the trusted man of Consort Mia.
Consort Mia felt confuse.
"No, I didn't."
"We didn't do our job because when we arrived at the forest, bandits were already waiting there, I told my men to retreat but I remained there." He explained.
"Tell me more!" Consort Mia's interest peak up.
"Then, The troops came with Commander Han Yin, and the three princes, then the bandits attacked them, and there were snipers, Prince Tong and Prince Haii got hit, while Prince Sunwoo was saved by Commander Yin, they are currently in the Royal Infirmary, and no one is allowed to enter the palace, Crown Prince's order. "
"My son is hit?! Why you didn't save him you idiot!" Consort Mia got up and smack his arm.
"Your Grace, I can't show myself to them, they captured one alive and I am sure they interrogate him as of now.. Do you want us to get caught?"
Consort Mia close her eyes and calm herself.
"I'm sure the arrows are poisoned! Who will cure my son? Let's go there!"
The man shook his head.
"Everyone will be drag and kick out if someone will try to get inside, Your Grace.. I can't risk your life, not until they buried the Emperor."
Consort Mia's tears fell down when she remembered that she wanted to kill the Emperor but he was already dead.
"Do they have a lead on who did all this?"
The man nodded.
"Yes, they are on their way to the Silver Pavilion.. To arrest Consort Pleng."
Consort Mia wiped her tears and laugh out loud like a mad person.
"Come to think of it, The Empress is in the dungeon, the second Consort will die soon, and the General who leads the troops are dead! It's time for us to move!" she smiled.
"No, Your Grace.. As of now the Crown Prince is very mad, he will kill anyone without remorse if someone will come in his way.. Let's lie low for a while. At this state, much better that you will show to the People, the officials and the Crown Prince that you are a good Empress Dowager, since the Emperor died and the Empress was dethroned." He suggested.
Consort Mia nodded on that," You're brilliant, Shao, very intelligent! That's right, let's lie low for a while and watch whatever might happen. Go and observe the palace, I will sent letter to Consort Lin to ask Consort Han about the Princes conditions."
"Yes Your Grace." Shao said, he bowed before he left.
Consort Mia hurriedly write a letter and handed it to her servant.
"Give this to Consort Lin, don't get caught!"
"Yes, Your Grace."
***
In the Sapphire Pavilion, the news already reach Consort Lin and just like Consort Mia, he's worried on his husband, Prince Haii.
"Your Grace, please calm down." Yuli said, trying to calm him.
"How can I calm down? Haii is in danger! We need to do something!" He's walking back and forth.
A soft knock filled their chamber.
His servant opened it and they saw the servant of Consort Mia.
"A letter from Her Grace." she handed a folded white paper hidden in her sleeve before she rush out of the courtyard.
Consort Lin opened the letter and he read it.
"Sneak to The Jade Pavilion, ask Consort Han's help, go and see my son.. He's in critical.. I know Consort Han will agree. She will gladly help my prince."
Consort Lin grimaced.
He will ask help on his husband's past lover? No!
But he cannot afford to let Prince Haii's life in danger because of his jealousy.
Consort Lin get ask Yuli to get his robe, they sneak out of their courtyard to the Jade Pavilion but they were sent away by the guards saying that Consort Han already left to the palace.
Consort Lin together with Yuli goes to the palace to see Consort Han, he will beg, if it's not enough, Consort Lin will even kneel, for Haii to be safe.
***
The Shadow guards lead by Siwon, march to the Silver Pavilion. Anyone who's serving the second Imperial Consort who tried to get on their way were beaten to pulp.
Even the wives of Prince Tong was put in investigation.
"What's the meaning of this?! Who are you?!" Consort Pleng reacted.
"You are under arrest upon killing the Emperor and trying to blame the Empress for it. Remove her glamorous clothes and jewelries, Take her to the dungeon."
Siwon ordered.
His men came and drag the Consort away, who's shouting and cursing them all.
As what Consort Han drew back then in the selection, the palace is like a garden.
Atleast, one grass was removed from the palace. There's more to go.