Born As The Daughter Of A Lowly Concubine [EN]: Chapter 268

Born as the daughter of a low-ranking concubine [a secondary wife or consort], Vice Commandant Seong, who had been grumbling about not wanting to visit the Crown Prince, completed his obligatory greetings at the Ongju’s [a princess’s] residence. He ate and drank everything offered but showed no sign of leaving.

“You should be going now.”

“I don’t want to leave…….”

“Stop acting up. Your brother doesn’t bite.”

“Well, he wouldn’t towards Ongju.”

“Hmm. That’s true.”

Seong Vice Commandant felt somewhat relieved that Princess Su-yeong’s expression, as she indulged him with an absurd look before nodding in agreement, seemed unchanged since he had last seen her.

‘I was worried because of the rumors, but I’m glad she seems truly unharmed.’

Other than growing a bit taller while he was away, nothing had changed; she didn’t even have a scratch.

She didn’t seem uncomfortable or lacking energy either.

‘Even if I hadn’t checked, the Crown Prince and the palace maids of Ongju would have taken good care of her.’

Still, he couldn’t relax until he saw it with his own eyes.

He had heard that a tiger had invaded the palace, and initially, all sorts of ominous rumors had spread throughout the capital.

That the current Crown Prince, acting as regent, was incompetent, so a tiger had entered the palace.

That the Crown Prince had been attacked by the tiger and was in critical condition.

Therefore, a new Crown Prince might have to be appointed soon.

‘There were even rumors that the deceased Crown Prince Seong-won had cursed the current Crown Prince…….’

It was Royal Prince Gyeong-eon, who died after being poisoned, who cursed Crown Prince Seong-won, but Seong Vice Commandant didn’t understand why Crown Prince Seong-won would curse the current Crown Prince. However, some commoners, lacking accurate information, believed it.

But those rumors didn’t last long.

Soon, even more shocking rumors emerged.

‘That Ongju shot and killed the tiger with an arrow…….’

The royal family was already small, and Princess Su-yeong was a well-known figure for various reasons.

Among older people, many still remembered the tragic loss of her birth mother and her near-fatal poisoning, fostering a strong sense of sympathy. Younger people generally viewed her favorably because of her contributions, such as the Siyoung Garden and Siyoung Park.

When rumors spread that Doctor Se-hwa had cured the princess’s growth-stunting illness, some commoners were so overjoyed they shed tears.

And that Princess Su-yeong shot a tiger with an arrow?

It was a ridiculous story, but its exciting nature caused the rumor to spread rapidly.

Soon after, the newspaper published the actual details.

She didn’t kill the tiger with an arrow, but she did shoot an arrow at the tiger attacking someone and hit it.

‘Even the people at Siyoung Garden, who knew better than anyone that they had never published false articles, were dubious.’

When the rumor first spread that Princess Su-yeong had caught the tiger, factions debated [If it’s Ongju, she could do it] versus [Even if it’s Ongju, that’s impossible]. But when the article confirmed [Ongju shot an arrow and hit the tiger], the atmosphere became generally accepting.

In conclusion, Princess Ongju, already famous, became a bigger topic than the tiger entering the palace and causing chaos.

Even more so than the people who actually caught the tiger.

‘The people who worked hard to catch the tiger may be upset, but it’s not a bad thing for the Crown Prince.’

The somewhat disturbing rumors circulating earlier lacked both topicality and credibility compared to the stories surrounding the princess.

Seong Vice Commandant remembered laughing absurdly while overhearing such conversations before entering the palace.

‘Hey, did you know? A tiger entered the palace this time. The current Crown Prince is lacking, so the dead Crown Prince…….’

‘Ah, I heard too. They say the princess shot and killed the tiger?’

‘You’re kidding me. Does that make sense?’

‘Hey, the dead Crown Prince cursed…….’

‘Princess Su-yeong took poison and didn’t grow! What arrow is she shooting!’

‘She fixed that? She grew up? Don’t you read the newspaper? You stupid bastard.’

‘Wow. This bastard is showing off how stupid he is? How can a woman kill a tiger with an arrow!’

‘Why can’t she kill it? Do you want to try dying? You can’t even shoot an arrow better than me.’

‘Why can’t I shoot better than you? Do you want to try?’

‘Yeah~ I don’t shoot arrows with guys who are way lower than me at the arcade. Practice a little and talk. Even younger kids than you are higher ranked than you, aren’t you ashamed? If I were you, I’d jump off a cliff already~’

‘Aaaaargh!!!’

‘……Listen to me too. You bastards…….’

He wondered if Princess Ongju would find it interesting if he recounted the conversation he’d heard, but he worried it might encourage her to try shooting and catching another tiger, so Seong Vice Commandant decided to keep it to himself.

More than anything, he had been concerned that Princess Ongju, who was close enough to shoot an arrow at a tiger, might have been very frightened. Seeing her unchanged, Seong Vice Commandant felt relieved.

“Then I will take my leave now.”

“Yes. Report quickly and go rest.”

“I rested a lot here.”

“If you say that, you’ll be dragged back and made to work again.”

“Yes. I will be careful.”

From the perspective of someone who preferred early retirement, that was not a wise thing to say.

As Seong Vice Commandant exited, Song-bi, who came to see him off in place of the princess, smiled and spoke.

“Princess Ongju is fine, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

“I apologize. The rumors were so rampant that I was worried…… But is it really true that Princess Ongju shot the tiger in the eye?”

Seong Vice Commandant, hesitant to ask the princess directly, subtly inquired of Song-bi.

“I didn’t witness it myself, but I heard it’s true.”

“Goodness…….”

Seong Vice Commandant knew Princess Ongju was skilled at archery because he had seen her practice.

‘But bravery is another matter…….’

To have the courage to shoot an arrow without freezing when faced with a tiger large enough to attack a person.

If she had been born a man in a noble family, she would have been praised as a general, which was a shame.

Of course, if she had been a prince instead of an Ongju, he would have been a little wary.

‘Anyway, I really want to retire soon.’

Perhaps because he had enjoyed delicious food and a warm visit at Princess Su-yeong’s residence, his steps towards the Crown Prince felt heavy.

He must have already heard the general situation, so why did he bother summoning him?

He longed to spend his days warming himself in a heated floor room [Ondol system] with his savings, but involvement with the Crown Prince meant inevitable hardship.

The Crown Prince, having heard of Seong Vice Commandant’s arrival, set aside his work and deliberately called him outside.

‘I knew it would be like this.’

How did he develop the habit of talking outdoors instead of staying in a warm room?

Is it because he’s full of youthful energy?

Then he should have descendants soon.

The Crown Prince, unaware of Seong Vice Commandant’s cynical thoughts, greeted him happily.

“Have you come?”

“Your Highness the Crown Prince. Did you call for me?”

Meaning, why did you bother calling me?

The Crown Prince’s aides seemed displeased with Seong Vice Commandant’s attitude, but the Crown Prince didn’t mind.

“I heard you went straight to the princess upon arrival. Were you that worried about Princess Su-yeong?”

“I apologize. The rumors were so rampant that I felt I had to check in person to be at ease.”

“Now that you’re at ease, you can focus on your duties.”

“I have completed the task you entrusted to me, so I will resign now.”

“I will not allow it.”

“…….”

When Seong Vice Commandant shot a rebellious glare as if accusing him of fraud, Eunuch Song glared back, causing Seong Vice Commandant to lower his eyes.

“You were so worried, yet you managed to leave the princess and go all the way to Gangwon-do.”

“Actually, after hearing that a tiger had entered the palace, I regretted it a little.”

If he hadn’t left, Princess Ongju might not have faced such danger.

How many people in this vast palace can truly protect Princess Ongju?

Perhaps she would be safer outside the palace.

“It was a disaster. The tigers who dared to enter the palace and cause havoc have already been reduced to just their skins. It’s not a common occurrence, and we’ve strengthened security in many ways since then, so it won’t happen again. But are you still that worried about the princess?”

“I’m not seeking advancement, so if I consider a job after retirement, shouldn’t I serve Princess Ongju?”

“How about working a little longer instead of thinking about retiring already?”

“I have to go when Princess Ongju takes me in. I’m already getting old…….”

“I’ve already heard from your companions that you did all the work.”

Those unhelpful guys.

“I just have a few tricks up my sleeve, so how can I take credit from my colleagues? I’ll give them the credit, and I want to leave as soon as possible for a job that guarantees my retirement.”

Retirement guarantee! It was truly a beautiful concept.

“No…… I’ll give you a good salary.”

“I want to live peacefully.”

“Do you think I’m going to send you to your death?”

“…….”

It seems like you will.

Seong Vice Commandant couldn’t answer and remained silent.

In fact, the reason they don’t want to let go of a capable spy is probably similar.

Like the task they ordered this time.

When Seong Vice Commandant remained silent, the Crown Prince cleared his throat, perhaps embarrassed, and brought up the main point.

“Ahem. Alright. Now that you’re here, let’s hear the report.”

“I believe you have already heard the report.”

He had yielded the explanation to those seeking advancement, so he didn’t expect to repeat it, but the intentions of those in charge seemed different.

“Yes. But what you noticed may differ from them.”

“I’m afraid I won’t meet your expectations.”

“You must have something to show for going all the way to Gangwon-do in this winter.”

“I apologize.”

No, why are you waiting for me? You must have heard everything.