章 36: Who's his father in law

Note: three speak marks -'''- indicates a different language being spoken than the one everyone is using i.e Jeontu's official language, Gughwa.

After the unsettling encounter with Xiao Fubai, Han Aeng returned to her chambers, shrouded in a heavy silence.

Reaching the gates of the courtyard, her carefree smile reemerged, illuminating her face. "You've finally graced me with your presence!"

As if she were a young girl again, she hurried toward him, her vibrant robes swirled around her.

Prime Minister Han stood serene, but as his eyes fell upon his daughter, a warmth spread across his face, softening his features with an affectionate gaze he reserved for her.

He took deliberate steps toward her, arms open wide, ready to embrace her.

Their hug enveloped them in a sense of familial love – a feeling of safety and belonging that words could not fully express. All the worries and troubles of the world vanished at that moment.

"I can't believe you're here!"Han Aeng's voice caught, a surprised gasp escaping her lips before a joyous laughter bubbled forth, as if a hidden spring of happiness had been released.

"Where else would I be when my heart is here?" Prime Minister Han replied, his voice a tender whisper, his hand gently stroking her back.

Han Aeng playfully nudged her father, a grin dancing on her lips. "And you wonder where I get my sweet talk from."

As they pulled away, Prime Minister Han looked at his daughter with pride, love and gratitude.

For the first time since the topic of her marriage, he felt a profound contentment, knowing that his daughter would grow old amidst such beauty and grace.

Above all, he was simply relieved to see her safe.

Standing beside Prime Minister Han, Chancellor Yi couldn't help but interrupt their moment with a teasing remark, "Seems Young Han is still attached to her father even after marriage."

Han Aeng clung to her father's arm, turning her attention to Chancellor Yi with a guileless smile and a mock exasperated sigh, "Why, it's been a while. How have you been, Chancellor Yi?"

"Better now that you acknowledge my presence." The corners of his eyes crinkled, the sound of his hearty laughter joining the chorus of happiness.

Meanwhile, Long Dahai, who had been waiting for them inside, stepped out upon noticing the delay. "Prime Minister Han, it's a pleasure to see you again."

The exchange of formalities filled the air with a sense of tradition and respect.

Prime Minister Han gracefully bowed with equal respect. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness."

"We met the last time I visited as an envoy. Little did I know then that we would meet again under such circumstances." Prime Minister Han's smile held a touch of mystery, hinting at the twists of fate that brought them together once more. "I am honoured."

"You can thank me for finding you such a match; I was the matchmaker, after all." Chancellor Yi playfully patted Prime Minister Han's shoulder.

Long Dahai studied Han Aeng's features and how she glowed in her father's presence before turning to his father-in-law with a polite smile. "Prime Minister Han is accomplished; it's Benwang who is honoured through this marriage."

He admired the man, which reminded him of his own maternal uncle. Both were men of war, but Prime Minister Han carried a gentle air around him, perhaps softened by his love for his daughter. It was a beautiful reminder that love could touch even the most valiant of hearts.

"If I may suggest, Your Highness, you could address Prime Minister Han without his formal title," Chancellor Yi's confident smile hinted at his innocent motive. Both father and son-in-law stood on ceremony so they wouldn't test the limits without someone helping them.

Long Dahai's eyes met Prime Minister Han. "Apologies, it is only fitting to address you as my father-in-law." His words were respectful and composed, effectively hiding the faint red tint that took over his ears.

A subtle tenseness ran through Han Aeng's fingers as they intertwined with her father's arm, her smile stretching a tad too wide, a veil of bright cheer concealing the delicate threads of jealousy that tightened within her.

She wanted to monopolize this precious moment with her father, to bask in his love and undivided attention. So she spoke in their native language, Gughwa kicking Chancellor Yi and Long Dahai out of their circle.

Leaning closer to her father, she created an intimate space between them. "'Who is his father-in-law? You're only allowed to be mine."'

Prime Minister Han chuckled, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes. "'Ah, my dear, don't say with such menacing words in such a sweet voice."'

Han Aeng giggled, her laughter carrying a melody of joy and love. "'Aren't you doing the same thing, Abeoji?"'

He joined in the playful banter with a hearty chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a familiar way that mirrored his daughter's laughter. "'I suppose I can't blame you for learning from the best."'

Chancellor Yi may not understand their conversation, but he could feel their love and camaraderie that transcends language barriers. The love and trust forged over the years were evident, and it was a heartwarming sight to witness.

His lips formed a soft, sage-like smile, a silent reflection of wisdom and experience. Yet, a flicker in his eyes hinted at a hidden sorrow, a depth that his smile couldn't fully mask.

"Perhaps, continuing our conversation indoors over a meal would be more comfortable." Long Dahai's invitation came with an underlying intention, layers that formed a protective cocoon around Han Aeng.

Prime Minister Han nodded appreciatively, and the four headed to their living quarters.

As her father and Chancellor Yi engaged in a brief discussion, Han Aeng found a moment alone with Long Dahai.

She held onto his sleeve, tugging against it hard enough for him to turn around.

Casting a quick glance at her father, she tiptoed to whisper, "Please don't tell my father about the wedding night incident. I don't want him to worry."

"It would be cruel to keep it from him," Long Dahai replied in a hushed tone.

"It would be crueler to inform him of the dangers I would face if I remained here," she countered, her eyes filled with stubbornness. "He believes Shangwei is safe for me. I don't want to shatter that illusion."

Long Dahai's eyes, met hers, holding a promise of safety and understanding that words could never convey. He conceded with a deep sigh. "Very well, Benwang understand."

Just before they entered, Chancellor Yi halted their steps with a warm smile. "Your Highness, the flowers are in full bloom, and it's a beautiful day."

Long Dahai glanced between his father-in-law and his wife, a thought quickly forming in his mind. "Would you care to join me in enjoying the flowers, Chancellor Yi?"

Han Aeng's eyes lit up, and Chancellor Yi chuckled. "Do try to hide your enthusiasm at our departure."

With a light laugh, Han Aeng took a step back from Long Dahai. "Enjoy your stroll."

"Luo Li will be outside." Long Dahai whispered to her before excusing himself. "We'll be back soon."

Han Aeng watched them depart, a playful smile lingered on her lips as she exchanged a knowing glance with Chancellor Yi.

Birds of a feather really do flock together.

She linked her arm with Prime Minister Han's and led him inside, settling down beside him.

"Ruyi, could you-" Before she could finish, Ruyi placed two delicate porcelain cups filled with fragrant herbal tea. Its soothing aroma enveloped the room, providing a warm and comforting embrace. "Thank you."

Ruyi bowed humbly, but Han Aeng caught a glimpse of pride flickering in her eyes.

'"Your new servant?"' Now that they were alone, they switched to their native tongue again.

'"Mm, my mother-in-law has great taste in her court ladies,"' she replied, observing Ruyi as she waited next to Luo Li at a respectful distance. '"Always one step ahead in anticipating and fulfilling my requests before I even realize them."'

After such a prolonged period of not speaking openly, free from the burden of stress or impending separation, the conversation felt incredibly liberating for the two of them.

Han Aeng paused momentarily and then turned her gaze towards her father, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.

She sipped her tea; the herbal infusion's warmth did little to soothe the turmoil in her heart. She couldn't shake off the lingering unease.

'"I heard nanny collapsed on the wedding day. Is she alright?'"

'"She's much better now. It seemed her exhaustion caught with hers momentarily. According to the doctor, she should be able to join you soon.'" He reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder, providing a comforting touch. "'Aeng, it wasn't your fault. Nanny Na insisted on attending the wedding because she loves you and didn't want to worry or disrupt your special day."'

'"I know, but still...'" Han Aeng's voice trailed off, her mind filled with thoughts of what might have happened if Nanny Na had rested before joining the wedding celebrations: if she had been with them during the procession to the bridal chamber.

If she had been here, she would have recognised me. Is it right for me to be worried about that instead of her?

The more she thought, the more complicated her expression grew.

'"I should have noticed something was wrong,"' Han Aeng sank into herself. "'Had I noticed Nanny Na's exhaustion earlier, I could have done something to help her.'"

Han Aeng's hand reached her ear, her fingers brushing against her earring. "'She must have been stressed after the little stunt we pulled."'

'"It was a safety precaution, one executed perfectly.'" He assured. '"Besides, you enjoyed that unconventional escape from the sedan to travel incognito."'

'"It's not every day you get to sneak out a sedan through a hole in the ground."' Han Aeng took a sip of her tea, trying to contain her laughter. '"Any updates on the investigation."'

'"Oh, you know how these things go, my dear,"' Prime Minister Han responded, his gaze momentarily distant as if lost in thought. "'The investigation is being conducted discreetly, so it'll take time."'

'"I know it'll take time for the news to reach old man Jang."' Han Aeng ran her fingers over the brim of the teacup. "'Truthfully, I'm more curious about where he hired such high-grade assassins."'

He had used those assassins thrice; where was he finding the funds for this?

'"You needn't concern yourself with that,"' Prime Minister Han's voice carried a resolute edge, the intensity in his words mirrored by his tightly clenched fists.

'"Your father will go to any lengths to shield you from malevolent intentions."' He paused, his eyes bore into hers, unwavering and fierce. '"Even if it means staining my hands red.'"

Han Aeng helplessly smiled, an expression that laid bare her yearning to place absolute trust in his assurances. Yet, within that fleeting moment, the weight of her comprehension about the grim reality loomed large, resonating within her as familiar teaching: "No one knows you better than the spouse who shares your bed and the friend who shares your bread."

Abeoji, if you knew the truth would you truly not hesitate to stain your hands?