Even If Flowers Bloom on a Broken Branch - Chapter 31

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Royal Palace had been in an uproar since dawn.
Even though the Bell Pavilion had not yet tolled, court ladies, eunuchs, and soldiers were already bustling about in all directions. Their faces were entirely flushed with a mixture of tension and excitement.
Today was the day of the Queen Gantaek Celebration Banquet, the day the Queen would officially step before All Officials.
“Then that young lady is coming today as well, right?”
“I suppose so. I heard His Majesty strictly decreed that she must accompany him.”
“Since she received a Royal Decree, she cannot possibly refuse. If she defied it, not even the Grand Prince himself would be able to shield her from the royal wrath.”
“They say she was originally considered the foremost candidate for Queen in the first place.”
Yet, whenever they had a spare moment, they gathered together and whispered. There was one person who unfailingly appeared in their conversations.
Lee Yeon—it was a name that was on people’s lips even more often than that of the Queen.
“It will not be easy for her to appear as a Concubine.”
“Tell me about it. How heavy her steps must be as she enters the palace.”
“But they say she is an absolute beauty. Apparently, she is so beautiful that even the Grand Prince fell hopelessly for her.”
The court servants gossiped.
“I heard he completely dotes on her, keeping her right by his side. He hasn’t even gone to his Private Residence and has instead set up house at his wife’s family home.”
“At his wife’s family home? Hah, that is hard to believe.”
Word by word, the rumors spread from mouth to mouth, catching like wildfire.
‘The Seo Family’s Lee Yeon, and the Grand Prince.’
Though the proper order of things seemed reversed, that was how everyone spoke of them. The story never ceased in every nook and cranny of the Royal Palace.
Not a soul was curious about what kind of Ceremonial Robe the Queen would wear or what ornaments she would don.
“The Queen will be furious if she hears this.”
“But what can be done? Everyone is talking about nothing else.”
Just as those words drifted out, Chae Eun-oh happened to be passing through that very corridor.
At the rustling murmurs coming from the doorway, Chae Eun-oh stopped in her tracks.
The people in the corridor, who had been straining their ears to catch the conversation beyond the door, widened their eyes at the sight of the long royal procession and simultaneously held their breath.
‘Stay still.’
Chae Eun-oh signaled them with her eyes to remain quiet, and without saying a word, she listened to the conversation filtering through from the other side of the door.
“She was once on the verge of becoming the Grand Princess Consort, so I wonder with what face she will appear. If it were me, I wouldn’t even be able to lift my head. I am terribly curious to see how she shows up.”
“Furthermore, did you hear that rumor? About how the Queen summoned all the silk and artisans into the palace.”
“…….”
Chae Eun-oh glanced back at the court ladies lined up in two rows behind her.
Their faces had turned completely pale. Court Lady Shin glared at them fiercely.
Thinking that she must strictly instruct Court Lady Shin to keep the court ladies’ mouths shut, Chae Eun-oh listened closely.
“She surely did that with that woman in mind.”
“They say they have known each other since a very long time ago. Meeting in the palace like this as Queen and Concubine must bring back quite a flood of memories.”
Chae Eun-oh’s lips pressed into a tight line.
The tips of her fingers trembled minutely. The veins stood out on her wrist as she tightly gripped her fan.
‘I am the Queen of this nation.’
Yet, the center of every conversation was still Lee Yeon. There was no difference whether inside the palace or outside.
However, Chae Eun-oh soon exhaled a small breath.
‘That ends today as well.’
Moreover, though their words were unpleasant to hear, nothing they said was wrong.
Neither the fact that she had known Lee Yeon for a long time, nor the fact that Lee Yeon would not be able to lift her head.
As Chae Eun-oh tightened her grip on her fan, Court Lady Shin spoke cautiously.
“Your Highness, they are merely speaking nonsense. There is no need to pay them any mind, but…… if it displeases you, shall I call them out and punish them?”
Chae Eun-oh’s eyes sank coldly.
If she followed her heart, she wanted to do exactly that. She wanted to command that those tongues, which had displeased her on such a joyous day, be seared with fire or severed with a blade.
However, today was the first day of her official procession. It would be troublesome for screams to echo on such a day.
Chae Eun-oh spoke curtly.
“Just identify who they are. The punishment will be dealt later.”
Court Lady Shin hesitated for a moment before bowing her head politely.
“Yes, I shall do so. Then, let us proceed quickly.”
“Very well.”
Only then did Chae Eun-oh resume her steps, with Court Lady Shin continuing to speak by her side.
“The Ceremonial Robe has been moved ahead of time. I thought it would be more convenient for you to go to the Grand Hall where the banquet will be held and change there.”
“You did well.”
Chae Eun-oh moved along under the watchful eyes of the eunuchs and court ladies.
Her procession drew everyone’s attention. With every step she took, her hem embroidered with gold thread brushed the floor, and her splendid hairpin glittered.
Though there were those who irreverently stared blankly at her, she neither rebuked nor punished them.
And the name of Lee Yeon did not surface any longer.
* * *
“Hurry and prepare, there is not much time.”
As Chae Eun-oh sat down, Court Lady Shin commanded sharply. At that, the waiting court ladies approached all at once and moved busily.
Arranged neatly upon the dressing table were perfume pouches, hairpins, and cosmetics. The court ladies adorned Chae Eun-oh with swift hand movements.
“I shall comb your hair.”
“Please spread your arms to both sides, Your Highness.”
Standing amidst those who moved in a bustling yet prompt manner, Chae Eun-oh looked into the Mirror.
The woman inside was fairer than anyone else and flawless to perfection.
“You are truly beautiful, Your Highness.”
“You are glowing. You truly look like the main protagonist of today.”
Though it was mere flattery, it was not unpleasant to hear.
Chae Eun-oh tilted the corners of her lips upward. Her lips, painted with red rouge, curved softly.
“Indeed.”
Any woman would be rendered powerless before her.
‘Because I am the King’s woman, the one who wears the Queen’s robes and places the crown upon her head—the most noble woman in the world.’
As Chae Eun-oh turned her body, the sunlight broke against the pearl-colored silk.
The royal emblem woven with gold and silver threads gleamed subtly.
Chae Eun-oh walked in front of the Mirror and turned around slowly once.
“This is truly the clothing of a Queen.”
Her voice was just as grand as her attire.
At this very moment, Chae Eun-oh was truly happy.
‘Today, tens of thousands shall look upon me.’
And Lee Yeon would never dare, not even once, to meet her gaze.
Just the thought of it made her overwhelmingly joyful.
‘I won.’
Once the Norigae was attached to her waistline, her preparations were now completely finished.
Taking a step back after watching the entire process, Court Lady Shin spoke cautiously.
“Your Highness, I am told that all preparations for the banquet are complete. It will begin shortly.”
“Very well.”
Chae Eun-oh exhaled as she toyed with the rings on both of her hands.
Even so, her overflowing and trembling heart would not calm down.
“Let us go.”
As Chae Eun-oh took a step, the court ladies behind her carefully held up the trailing hem of her Ceremonial Robe.
When the doors opened, the bright sunlight seeped over the silk. The gazes of the people locked onto her all at once. They were gazes filled with envy, respect, and awe.
Court Lady Shin raised her voice.
“Show your respect, the Queen is proceeding!”
At Court Lady Shin’s shout, the palace servants in the corridor prostrated themselves all at once. Chae Eun-oh walked gracefully right through the center.
With every step she took, the backs of the people drew even closer to the floor. She found that immensely gratifying.
And when she reached the Grand Hall, the loud, thumping sound of beating drums resonated.
It was the signal announcing the start of the banquet meant to please the Queen.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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