章 14: Serenisomia

The air in the room was tense as Royal Doctor Soo diligently attended to Han Aeng, engrossed in his medical duties. Meanwhile, a seasoned caregiver, Nanny Na, stood vigilantly by his side.

Exuded an air of resilience and unwavering loyalty, Nanny Na's aging features on her face told stories of a life brimming with experiences and challenges, revealing the wisdom acquired over the years. Though tinged with worry, her eyes also hold a warmth that speaks of genuine care for those under her charge. Her greying hair, neatly tied back, revealed a few strands that had escaped the constraints of her bun.

As she paced the room, the restless fidgeting of her hands and deep lines of worry etched upon her features betrayed the anxiety within.

"Nanny Na, you should already know she's fine. Why are you so uneasy?"

Nanny Na couldn't conceal her distress despite her efforts to remain composed. While it wasn't the first time she had seen Han Aeng in a near-death state, the sight of her unconscious form always made her heart skip a beat. "There's no poison left in her system, but the Aeng hasn't woken up yet."

"She may still be unconscious because her body, though resilient, is too fragile to recover fully," Royal Doctor Soo remarked, nodding thoughtfully as he stroked his white beard. "The person who poisoned Young Han Miss knew her poison capacity well. The concentration of the poison was abnormally high, and it was inserted directly into her blood. If it were someone else, they might not have survived," he explained in detail.

"But I can't help but worry, doctor."

Lifting his head slowly, Royal Doctor Soo observed Han Aeng's resting form, a hint of pity in his eyes. Like others who knew her secret, Royal Doctor Soo considered Han Aeng a precious gem, fragile and needing protection—a duty owed to her late parents. "It's not like something we're unaware of is playing a significant role in this. If my memory serves me right, this isn't the first time the Young Han Miss hasn't woken up after falling unconscious."

Nanny Na nodded, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and acknowledgment. "I believe this is the fifth time. All the other times we knew—" Her explanation abruptly stopped, leaving the sentence hanging as Princess Sunmi barged in, forgetting all etiquette.

Princess Sunmi, having come to spend time with Han Aeng, overheard the distressing news from the servants and rushed into the room with a look of concern etched across her face.

"Is she alright? What happened to her?" She settled herself next to Han Aeng her voice quivering with worry, as her eyes scanned the room for answers.

Royal Doctor Soo and Nanny Na greeted Princess Sunmi, knowing their conversation would have to wait another time.

"Replying to Princess Sunmi, Young Han Miss has been exposed to a substance known as "Serenisomia poison," specifically designed to induce sleep. Typically, the poison takes effect over the duration of half an incense stick's burning time without adverse effects on the victim's body. However, in this case, the poison was directly introduced into Young Han Miss's bloodstream and made her fall unconscious. Remarkably, Young Han Miss exhibited resilience by forcefully awakening herself. Unfortunately, the exertion required to counteract the effects of the poison had taken a toll on her, rendering her currently in a delicate and feeble condition." Royal Doctor Soo replied in a courteous and unhurried manner.

Princess Sunmi's heart dropped. Tears blurred Princess Sunmi's vision as she caressed Han Aeng's face.

"May—" Royal Doctor Soo stopped speaking. Matters concerning Young Han Miss were always confidential. Some things simply had to be kept hidden, even from someone like the Princess, who was a close friend.

Instinctually, he turned to Nanny Na for guidance, but she ignored his stare, opting to attend to the unconscious Han Aeng. Coming to a tactful understanding, Royal Doctor Soo refrained from speaking, respecting the delicate nature of the situation.

Princess Sunmi's eyes, glistening with unshed tears, shifted between Royal Doctor Soo and Nanny Na, seeking answers that hovered just beyond her grasp.

"We must do whatever we must to punish those imbeciles," Princess Sunmi held Han Aeng's hands tightly a surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. "Send a report to her father at once!"

Royal Doctor Soo quickly accepted the order and requested an audience with King Suk Seokju and Prime Minister Han in the King's Study.

...

Upon entering, Royal Doctor Soo immediately fell to the ground. In an urgent tone, he explained Han Aeng's situation. "May Your Majesty and His Grace forgive my rudeness, but Young Han Miss Aeng has fallen ill after being poisoned."

Prime Minister Han's heart sank like a stone in a bottomless well as Royal Doctor Soo's words echoed in the hallowed silence of the King's Study. The revelation left him staggered and disoriented. "Poisoned!?"

Prime Minister Han's mind was running wild, a torrent of questions flooded his thoughts. How could this happen? Who dared to harm her, and why? The sense of urgency clawed at his composure, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed persona he revealed in the court. Prime Minister Han, who navigated political intrigues with calculated finesse, found himself at the mercy of his emotions.

The event had caught him off guard, and he struggled to find the right words to articulate the mix of shock and concern flooding his thoughts. "What- Where is she? Is she okay?"

"Your Grace, it seems that Young Han Miss had a kidnapping attempt and was poisoned. As of now, she is safely resting in your residence," Royal Doctor Soo further explained.

Prime Minister Han's complexion plummeted, and he stood up in a hurry to leave, but King Suk Seokju held him back. "If you leave the Palace suddenly, people will know something is wrong. And we can't take that risk now when Chancellor Yi is ready to introduce his plan of taking Aeng as the bride to the court."

"This—no. I..." Prime Minister Han stammered. His hands clenched involuntarily, knuckles turning white.

King Suk Seokju's eyebrows scrunched together. He slammed the memorial he was reading onto the table. "Someone come, send out our best men to investigate this matter, delegate someone to find out what Minister Jang has been doing for the past week. Order General Gong to double the protection in case of another attempt on Aeng's life!"

Royal Doctor Soo, respecting the urgency of the situation, lingered in silence until the King's servants left the room after receiving the orders. As the door closed, he slowly stood up again. His gaze lingered on the memorial that King Suk Seokju had set aside before he excused himself with a solemn nod.