Chương 15: Ministers Han and Jang

Within the next few days, whispers of the situation circulated discreetly among the court officials, a secretive topic that sparked an undercurrent of concern and curiosity. Many offered their services quietly, pledging support for the discreet investigation into the criminals.

Despite extensive assistance and efforts in the case, they uncovered nothing substantial. Each time they believed they had a lead, it turned into a dead end. The continuous string of failures infuriated King Seokju, pushing him into a fit of rage. Personally taking charge of the investigation, he resorted to cruel torturing techniques to extract information from anyone he deemed suspicious.

During this period of secrecy, fury, and desperation, the investigation took an unexpected turn. In a twisted twist of events, the apparent success of the covert operation became evident. Prompt punishments were meted out, and those implicated in the crime were swiftly dealt with in the shadows. The atmosphere within the inner palace was one of veiled relief and satisfaction, as it seemed justice had been served promptly and discreetly.

Unbeknownst to most, Prime Minister Han was somewhat unsatisfied with the results.

The elimination of those seemingly involved in the crime left no one to speak of the mastermind. The punishments, dealing, and deaths created an illusion of resolution, and for a moment, it appeared as though the kingdom had successfully purged itself of the criminals. Yet, a lingering doubt persisted – had justice truly been served, or was this just a façade masking a deeper, more elusive truth?

With these lingering uncertainties plaguing his thoughts, Prime Minister Han went to the King's chambers to conclude the case and seek answers.

Prime Minister Han briskly strode through the court corridors, his mind preoccupied. There, he unexpectedly collided with Minister Jang, their bitter rivalry simmering beneath the surface.

"I heard something happened to that cursed thing," Minister Jang remarked casually, a smirk playing on his lips.

Prime Minister Han stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing, and a flicker of anger betrayed his composed demeanour. The mention of Han Aeng always ignited a storm of emotions within him, for a history bound them—a history of love, betrayal, and a haunting tragedy.

The tense and sensitive relationship between Minister Jang and Prime Minister Han was an open secret within the palace walls, concealed from the citizens of Jeontu. A select group of individuals, part of the inner circle, understood Minister Jang's heartlessness, especially towards Han Aeng.

Prime Minister Han couldn't resist a self-satisfied smile at Minister Jang's lack of respect. "I never imagined that being demoted makes you bitter, but consuming bitterness makes you forget the art of courtesy."

Minister Jang felt a rush of blood to his head upon hearing Prime Minister Han's taunt. His grip on the parchment in his hand tightened, and his narrowed eyes shot daggers at Prime Minister Han. "Minister Han, once a peasant, always a peasant. No status or title can ever cover your true nature."

"Minister Jang, it's Prime Minister Han now... And you're right; true colours will never be hidden under a title." With deliberate grace, he adjusted the folds of his robe, the subtle rustling countering the tension in the air. "Even now, your words cut as sharply as ever. Polished rhetoric may veil the truth but can't conceal the venom within. Perhaps that's why His Majesty, the King, withholds any support, even after you fell from power. A venomous snake remains venomous despite the passage of time," Prime Minister Han retorted with a harmless smile, relishing the simmering fury in Minister Jang's eyes.

"You would have remained as a Minister, so don't be so proud; you can fall any second!" Minister Jang gritted, memories of a past he tried hard to forget flooding back, causing his whole body to tremble.

The lingering echo of their roles, now reversed, hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the twists of fate that had once elevated Minister Jang to power and relegated Prime Minister Han to the shadows as a mere minister.

"And you could have remained as a Prime Minister, but your greed escorted you to your downfall," Prime Minister Han countered with unwavering confidence. He took a calculated step forward, relishing the subtle flinch that escaped Minister Jang. "I'm not like you; I don't covet anything that doesn't belong to me-"

"You were greedy for her!" Minister Jang cut in, taking Prime Minister Han by surprise.

"I wasn't," Prime Minister Han dismissed the accusation, his eloquence momentarily faltering. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he managed a composed smile while Minister Jang stared at him, unconvinced by the denial.

After a moment of tense silence, Prime Minister Han gracefully left the courtroom. As he walked away, the weight of the past hung heavily on his shoulders, and the echoes of a tragic love story played in his mind—a story that shaped a lot of destinies.