For several days, Yeocheong had tried his best to learn about the situation in the Song Empire, but he had gained no useful information. Of course, he couldn’t ask anyone close to him who might know about the state of the Song Empire.

He couldn’t tell Sowol that he knew anything, and he didn’t want to ask Jihyuk about it either.

‘Is there anything more foolish than asking the person who most desires the downfall of the Song Empire about its status?’

Yeocheong smiled bitterly before sinking into thought. If not these two, there was only one person he could ask about the Song Empire.

But this person wasn’t someone who could be easily approached. After a moment’s hesitation, Yeocheong rose from his seat.

“Are you going for a walk, Your Highness?”

“Shall I prepare an umbrella?”

“No. That’s unnecessary. Why indulge in such luxury for such a trivial matter?”

“What do you mean, Your Highness? That’s what we’re here for.”

Seon replied, trying to keep the tone light.

Although Yeocheong wanted to move quietly, it wasn’t easy with his position as Crown Consort. Especially after it became known that he had earned the Crown Prince’s favour, things had only become more complicated.

People eager to serve him, even without being asked, flocked to fulfil his every wish. To avoid the pressure, Yeocheong only kept Seon and Sowol close, but that was just an excuse for when they were in the room together.

“I just want to go quietly.”

Even the attempt at silence meant that at least five or more guards would have to accompany him. Yeocheong looked at Sowol and then spoke.

“Sowol, organise the rest of the things. Seon, go to the library and bring this book. I’ll write down the name of the new book and show it to the librarian – he’ll be able to find it quickly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, are you planning to leave without us?” .

Seon looked a little disappointed and spoke quietly. While there was no reason not to take her with him, Yeocheong felt that hearing this might cause Seon unnecessary worry.

“Yes, I’ll just go for a short while. You two stay here and concentrate on your tasks.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Yeocheong called for the quietest guard from Yeon’s department to follow him. With that, Yeocheong’s destination was set – Jangnakwon.

‘I can’t be certain it’s there, but… at this point, the only person who knows anything about the Song Empire’s situation and can share it with me is General Jeong Han.’

With that thought, Yeocheong stepped into Jangnakwon. The small pavilion with a pond greeted him warmly.

“Jangnakwon is one of the most tranquil places in the palace garden. When the late King ascended the throne, His Highness the Crown Prince and his siblings often spent time here.”

The attendant said, as if sharing a cherished memory.

Na Gyeong, sensing that Yeocheong was listening, took the opportunity to continue, trying to gauge his reaction.

‘Every time, those brought from the Song Empire are the most trusted. This is my chance. I must show that I can be useful. It’s only natural that they trust the Song Empire attendants, but now that you’re the consort here, you need someone from Yeon’s country, right?’

Although Na Gyeong was not very old, she had joined the palace as soon as she was old enough and had spent almost twenty years here. She knew every detail about the palace, even the smallest stories.

Na Gyeong continued to talk about Jangnakwon, hoping to make herself more noticeable.

“Princess Yeocheong’s descendant, General Seok, and Miss Yeonghwa used to spend a lot of time here when they were young.”

“Your late king must have really cared for the royal children.”

“Indeed. The prince and princesses cherished this place filled with memories of the late king. Even after the king’s death, they often came here before leaving the palace.”

Na Gyeong added, her voice softening with memories of the past.

“Have all the Crown Prince’s siblings left the palace?”

Yeocheong asked, continuing the conversation.

“Yes. Except for the second prince, who tragically died in an accident, they have all left the palace. Now the only ones who visit Jangnakwon are the Crown Prince and… General Seok.”

Na Gyeong replied.

If that’s the case, is Jeong Han looking for memories of his childhood here? Yeocheong imagined the children playing in this very place as he walked through Jangnakwon.

“Your Highness, I greet you.”

After a while, the man Yeocheong had been waiting for appeared in front of him. It seemed more like he had heard that Yeocheong was at Jangnakwon and had come looking for him than a mere coincidence.

“It looks like the general is out for a walk as well.”

But Yeocheong smiled and pretended not to notice, as if amused by the coincidence. The guards who had followed him didn’t seem suspicious either, just bowing their heads in silence without question.

“Yes. Since my office is near Jangnakwon, I often come here to get some fresh air when I feel a bit cramped.”

“I see. It’s a beautiful view here, so it’s only natural that one’s feet are drawn to it.”

Yeocheong replied, continuing the casual exchange.

They exchanged pleasantries for a few moments without any real substance to their conversation. Yeocheong looked at the pavilion and then spoke.

“This is a beautiful pavilion.”

“It was personally commissioned by the late king. From there you can see the whole of Jangnakwon.”

“I see. Now that you mention it, I’m quite curious to see Jangnakwon from that vantage point.”

“Your Highness, that pavilion…”

Bowing slightly, Na Gyeong approached Yeocheong and whispered in a low voice.

“That pavilion is off-limits to anyone who is not of royal blood. If Your Highness were to enter, we would have to wait outside.”

Na Gyeong seemed to be subtly hinting at something, though his real intention seemed to be hoping that Yeocheong wouldn’t enter the pavilion. However, Yeocheong pretended not to notice and replied nonchalantly.

“The pavilion can be seen from everywhere in Jangnakwon, so what is there to worry about? Besides, it’s not just anyone, it’s General Seok.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

Na Gyeong replied and bowed his head without having to repeat himself. The sight of the Crown Consort talking to a man outside her circle might not have been ideal, but it was a public place, so it was hard to assume that anything suspicious was going on.

‘But… this could give someone the chance to cause trouble. Still, there’s no solid reason to stop it… If I interfere, I might just end up making things worse. After all, as Your Highness said, it’s General Seok.’

“Then I will wait here.”

After a moment of hesitation, Yeocheong decided to walk toward the pavilion at the center of Jangnakwon, leaving Na Gyeong and the attendants behind.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to meet you since I came here without any plans, but it seems my luck isn’t that bad.”

Yeocheong said without a hint of hesitation, telling a lie with ease. It was only recently that he had struggled to make even the smallest joke, and now how much had changed that telling a lie felt so effortless.

‘Is it because I have someone who tells lies so easily beside me?’

Yeocheong chuckled bitterly to himself. It wasn’t a lie he actually expected anyone to believe. Jeonghan, who was standing a few steps away from Yeocheong, spoke next.

“It must be the Crown Consort’s luck. But isn’t it a bit early for the trees and plants to be listening in on secret conversations?”

“I am not asking the trees and plants. I’m asking a human.”

“Do you mean me?”

Jeong Han asked, his face showing a slight discomfort. It seemed that the sympathy he had once shown Yeocheong was more of a fleeting decision based on a moment of kindness.

But Yeocheong had no place to hide. He pretended to admire the flowers at Jangnakwon while speaking softly.

“I received a letter from my mother. She said that the situation in the Song Empire is becoming unstable. But there’s no one who knows enough about it, so I thought I might as well take the risk and ask you.”

Yeocheong confessed, his voice steady despite the heavy topic.

“About the Song Empire…”

Jeong Han began and Yeocheong’s eyes snapped to him. The reaction was unexpected. Yeocheong knew that this unguarded moment would help to break Jeong Han’s defences, but more than that, this was an important matter for Yeocheong.

“Do you know something?”

Yeocheong pressed, his curiosity obvious.

“Please calm down, Your Highness. I don’t know much, but… I’ve heard that the tension between Yeon and the Song Empire is growing.”

“…Yeon, you say?”

Yeocheong stammered, surprised by the unexpected mention of a new country. He had never heard of it in his previous life. This development was completely different from the future he had known. He couldn’t understand how things had gone wrong to change the course of history.

“I heard that an official sent to Yeon from the Song Empire was found dead. However, it seems that Yeon didn’t cooperate with the investigation into the death.”

Jeong Han continued, his voice calm but with a hint of concern.

Yeocheong remained silent, processing the information.

“But there’s no cause for undue alarm. I understand your concern for Her Majesty, your mother, but please know that we have already sent reinforcements. Besides…”

Yeocheong’s expression had relaxed a little, and Jeong Han noticed that his gaze had softened, as if he was thinking about something. After a moment’s hesitation, he made up his mind and spoke again.

“I think there’s more going on here, Your Highness, but I’m afraid there are some details I can’t reveal yet. But I promise you, everything will be looked into.”