"History has not changed."
While still massaging her tingling calves, Hyang gazed outside the Donggung Palace.
In her eyes, there was a hint of regret that did not match her age.
The decision of the crown prince could be summarized by Yangnyeong's defense and Chungnyeong's offense, and according to the flow of history, Chungnyeong emerged victorious.
Yangnyeong was not an incompetent person.
Although it was not recorded, he had ambitions, as shown during the first birthday celebration.
However, as noted in the historical records, he preferred to roam the mountains and fields, enjoying hunting rather than studying.
He was someone with a 'free spirit' who loved pleasures and indulgences.
Because of this nature, he could not withstand the immense stress that arose during the competition.
Ultimately, he fell into hunting and indulgence to relieve that stress, leading to extreme actions that broke the taboo of illicit relationships.
In the end, Yangnyeong's defeat in the crown prince selection was not only due to Chungnyeong's outstanding qualities but also because he could not overcome his own stress and sank into despair.
Although Chungnyeong became the victor in the crown prince selection, he too suffered great wounds.
His in-laws faced a tragic downfall.
As Chungnyeong was appointed as the crown prince, Sim On rose to become a significant power player.
Taeyong would not let Sim On's rise go unchecked.
On the day Chungnyeong entered the palace and first met Taeyong, Hyang recalled memories of her past life.
In her previous life, Jin-ho, when he was a high school student, had a history teacher nicknamed 'Samcheongpo'—a name given because he often strayed from the lesson.
The teacher evaluated Taeyong as follows:
"If Catholic priests advocating the divine right of kings had come to Joseon during Taeyong's time, he would have likely made Catholicism the state religion. Of course, afterward, he would have executed all but a few obedient ones."
Samcheongpo's words were hypothetical.
However, when Hyang first saw Taeyong after entering the palace with Chungnyeong, she acknowledged the teacher's words.
"That gentleman was right!"
Taeyong's face, now aging, was filled with fatigue, yet his gaze was intimidating.
"Come here."
Taeyong spoke with an unexpectedly gentle voice as he received the bow from the newly appointed crown prince and his wife.
"A lot has happened, but from now on, you are the crown prince. Prepare thoroughly to govern this country and deepen your friendship with your brothers."
"I will engrave your words, like a golden rule, into my heart."
As Chungnyeong finished his reply, Queen Min, who sat beside Taeyong, spoke up.
"Crown Princess, you must govern the inner court from now on. You must ensure that no disturbances arise."
"I will engrave your words into my heart, Your Majesty."
The gaze of Taeyong and Queen Min turned to Hyang, who sat beside them.
"The child looks truly intelligent."
At Taeyong's words, Chungnyeong smiled and responded, "He is already learning the Confucian classics."
"Already? That child is only four years old, isn't he?"
"He will turn four this October."
"Truly fast!"
"He shows even greater talents than I."
Taeyong appeared pleased with Chungnyeong's response.
"It is a blessing for our Joseon and the royal family!"
As Hyang observed Taeyong and Queen Min, their attention turned to her, and she quickly straightened her posture.
Seeing the satisfaction on Taeyong and the queen's faces at Chungnyeong's praise, Hyang muttered inwardly,
"How much effort have I put in!"
As the competition between Yangnyeong and Chungnyeong intensified, Hyang pondered what would be best for herself.
"Why is he suddenly unable to eat like this? Nurse, call the physician."
"Yes, my lady."
As Hyang's mother, Lady Sim, was worried enough to call for a physician, she made a resolution.
"I will sharpen myself! Even in the worst case, I must at least have a minimal intellectual and physical foundation! No, even if a physical foundation is impossible due to time constraints, I must at least have a minimal intellectual foundation!"
Resolute, Hyang began learning the Thousand Character Classic as soon as she could speak after turning two.
"This child seems to be a prodigy!"
"Indeed!"
Hyang recited the Thousand Character Classic with a lisp, and Chungnyeong and his wife were pleased.
Whether they knew it or not, Hyang diligently learned the classic.
"Fortunately, my hardware is good! Is it because I am Munjong's reincarnation?"
Thanks to the excellent memory and understanding skills of her past life, Hyang quickly moved on from the Thousand Character Classic to the Essentials of the Comprehensive Mirror.
By the time Chungnyeong was confirmed as the crown prince, she had already progressed to the Confucian classics.
"Your eyes are so bright; it is truly a joy to see!"
As Taeyong praised her, Hyang bowed her head while observing the atmosphere of the royal couple.
"The atmosphere is indeed a bit delicate."
There is a saying: 'The enemy of the past becomes the couple of the present.' Looking at Taeyong and Queen Min, that saying seemed to hold true.
Perhaps a couple filled with love and hate?
As Hyang recalled Samcheongpo's story, she returned to reality when Taeyong spoke to her mother.
"I have heard that the National Uncle is quite busy with public and private matters."
"I do not know well since I have been in my room."
"Is that so?"
Taeyong's smile faded as he briefly asked again.
"Please tell him that, given his age, he should take it easy. If one loses their health during good times, it is all in vain, is it not?"
With Taeyong's pointed words, the crown princess broke into a cold sweat and bowed her head.
"Yes, I will certainly convey that, Your Majesty."
It was a warning from Taeyong.
But history flowed on unchanged.
Four months after Chungnyeong ascended to the position of crown prince, on September 9, Taeyong transferred the throne to him.
In the proclamation announcing the transfer of power, Taeyong declared:
"Until the crown prince matures, I will personally oversee military matters, and for matters difficult for the state to decide, I will command the State Council and the Six Ministries to carry out their respective duties, but I will also participate in the discussions."
This was a clear expression of his intent to support his son, who would undoubtedly be overshadowed by cunning ministers, and to solidify the still-unstable foundation of the state.
Not only did he express his intentions, but he also established the Office of Justice to maintain control over military power.
Despite Taeyong's firm declaration of military authority, disturbances arose.
The incident began with Minister of Military Affairs, Gang Sang-in.
Despite Taeyong holding military power, Gang Sang-in reported directly to Sejong.
Furthermore, he illegally appointed his brother, Gang Sang-rye, to the fifth rank military position of Sajeong.
As a result of these actions, Taeyong summoned Gang Sang-in for questioning.
Although there were numerous petitions from the high officials demanding severe punishment for Gang Sang-in, Taeyong considered him a meritorious subject and, taking his past contributions into account, decided to send him back to his hometown and confiscate his titles and privileges.
This was the initial handling of the 'Gang Sang-in Incident' that took place from August to September.
However, this incident led to Sim On's downfall when he left as an envoy to express gratitude for the approval of the throne transfer.
Seeing that many officials and commoners gathered to send off Sim On, who was leaving as an envoy, Taeyong felt a sense of crisis.
"The crown prince's father-in-law and the Prime Minister. His brother, Sim Jeung, holds a key military position in the Uihyeong Three Armies!"
As Taeyong's suspicions deepened, an event occurred that turned suspicion into certainty.
On November 26, military officer Ahn Heon-o reported to Taeyong.
"Gang Sang-in, Sim Jeung, and Park Seup held a private meeting recently."
"And?"
"At that meeting, they said, 'Recently, orders are coming from two places, but it seems only one is being followed.'"
At Ahn Heon-o's report, Taeyong slammed his armrest and shouted angrily.
"What?!"
The 'Gang Sang-in Incident' resurfaced, now more prominently than before.
As the 'Gang Sang-in Incident' reignited, Hyang's maternal family faced a calamity.
Gang Sang-in was sentenced to death by torture, while Park Seup and Sim Jeung were executed.
Sim On, who returned from his mission in Ming, faced severe interrogation and was sentenced to death, with his entire clan reduced to slaves.
While these events unfolded, a storm raged within the palace.
"I cannot bear to see my daughter-in-law's family suffer like this!"
Queen Won-gyeong Min raised her voice, witnessing the tragedy that had befallen her, but Taeyong pushed forward with the purging process.
During this chaotic time, Hyang was deep in thought.
"It is frustrating to be just a child!"
If she were an ordinary four-year-old without the memories and personality of her past life, she might not have grasped the situation properly.
However, with the memories and personality of someone in their mid-thirties, it was truly a difficult time to endure.
"If there were a suitable maternal family, it could serve as a strong barrier. If I could lessen the calamity that has befallen my maternal family, it might greatly help me in the future."
Since entering the palace, Taeyong had shown her great affection, and as she weighed the future, Hyang ultimately chose not to intervene.
"No, it seems better to remain still. History flowed that way as well. I might succeed with a 'tearful performance,' but on the contrary, using a four-year-old child could make things worse. And the most important thing is that my father..."
Even as her maternal family faced destruction, Sejong showed no particular reaction.
No matter how overwhelming Taeyong's authority was, his complete lack of response was beyond reason.
In light of her father's reaction, Hyang made her decision.
"Taeyong and Sejong must have reached an unspoken agreement! Then, remaining still is the best strategy!"
As a result, Hyang had to witness her mother weeping blood for several days and nights.
Although Sejong's maternal family was shattered by the 'Gang Sang-in Incident,' the aftershocks did not settle easily.
"It is inappropriate for the daughter of a traitor to sit on the throne! She must be deposed!"
The officials from the Office of Censors and the Office of State Affairs demanded her deposition, but Sejong vehemently opposed it, even risking his throne.
Ultimately, Taeyong concluded the 'deposition debate' with the following words:
"It is unreasonable to depose someone who has already given birth to three royal heirs and has not engaged in gambling."
Thanks to Sejong's opposition and Taeyong's decision, Queen Sohyeon Sim retained her position.
Watching the conclusion of the 'deposition debate,' Hyang nodded.
"I made the right choice by not intervening."
Praising herself, Hyang looked towards the main hall.
"Indeed, blood cannot be hidden."
Perhaps due to her martial lineage, both Taeyong and Sejong were remarkably cold when it came to making decisions.
"Indeed, the ultimate goal was 'strengthening royal authority.'"
As Hyang observed the unfolding situation in real-time, she shook her head at the objectives of Taeyong and Sejong.
"Being a king is not easy..."
< Chapter 5: Who is My Father? (3) > End