772.
Before leaving, Park Seongjin sought out the Empress Dowager's residence. It was not proper to enter the inner palace, but he had informed the Grand Khan beforehand, saying he was going to settle an old grudge. The Grand Khan had laughed at those words. He doubted whether the grudge could really be settled. He shook his head, smiling, but did not stop him. He already knew enough.
The Empress Dowager's palace had changed. Once, assassins had hidden between the corridors and buildings, but now, spring flowers were in full bloom. Peach and apricot blossoms, along with unnamed flowers, bloomed all at once, as if to cover up the blood that had once soaked the ground. The beauty was so overwhelming that it felt ominous. It seemed as though the grudge had not disappeared but had simply been hidden.
She was waiting under a low pavilion at the end of the garden. Expensive jewelry added luster to the middle-aged woman's sensual beauty. The light was dazzling, but her eyes remained sharp. Park Seongjin did not feel confident he could resolve this with mere conversation. He had recently realized how inadequate his words were.
"Long live the Empress," he said, offering his formal greeting. She lightly lowered her gaze.
"We meet again. I wonder if it was really necessary to see each other once more."
Park Seongjin took a moment to catch his breath and recalled Jang Jicheon's words, the ones urging him to settle the grudge. "Master Jang Jicheon, who advocates for reconciliation, suggested that I be honest, and things may improve."
"The one who has spent all his time on the battlefield tells me to speak frankly and things might improve a little?"
The Empress Dowager's lips twisted slightly.
"Are we on such terms? The grudge has settled into my bones."
"Indeed." Park Seongjin agreed calmly, and for a moment, the conversation ceased. They both knew well enough that words alone wouldn't resolve things.
A breeze swept through the garden. The jewelry lightly clinked, making sound. The Empress Dowager raised her head and looked down at him. Park Seongjin spoke first.
"My father died in battle, and my brother also died in battle."
"That's why you went to the battlefield. It was your duty," the Empress Dowager sneered.
"So, are you expecting me to pity you by recounting old stories?"
"I've lived just fine without your compassion, Your Majesty."
"Then you are only bringing up old stories."
"Not at all. I stand here because I believed I had to defend the country and fought with all my might."
"And in the process, your martial arts improved by chance." He paused for a moment before continuing.
"And then, I was attacked. Not once, but several times."
"I fought without knowing why, and I heard I was part of the elite class, a 'Buwonbae'."
"There were also rumors that Your Majesty was backing me."
The Empress Dowager's eyes narrowed.
"It was an unavoidable battle," he continued.
"It went on endlessly, and in the end, I killed."
"It was possible that I would die," Park Seongjin said.
The Empress Dowager frowned.
"So, you still want to kill me?"
"Do you still think that's necessary?"
Her gaze flashed with sharpness.
"If I do not avenge my late brother's grudge, I will never find peace," she said coldly.
"It was a coup in Goryeo," Park Seongjin said carefully.
"General Gi Cheol was merely on the opposing side."
"Now, that side has disappeared." Her voice lowered.
"The real Empress remains. How can you say it's over?"
The conversation stalled. She wouldn't hear that her brother was at fault, and Park Seongjin, knowing this, shifted his response.
"Your Majesty ascended to the Empress's seat from being a lady-in-waiting."
"An impressive achievement."
"The work you did to secure an heir is no small feat either."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I've heard rumors that you wish for your son to become the Grand Khan."
"Time will tell," she said.
"I've heard you are in a hurry," he replied.
Her eyes turned cold.
"Are you suggesting you will help with that and forget about my brother?"
Park Seongjin shook his head. His voice lowered.
"I can stop it, achieve it, or destroy it all."
"I just won't do it."
"If I choose to, there's nothing I cannot accomplish."
The Empress Dowager looked down at him with arrogant eyes and smiled.
"In that case, why make such a fuss?"
Park Seongjin bowed his head.
"I understand."
"Then do as you see fit."
"I'll take that as your permission."
He took a step back.
"Long live the Empress, I shall take my leave now."
The Empress Dowager sharply asked,
"No. What exactly are you implying?"
"I cannot speak it openly, but don't forget that more than just words is possible."
The Empress Dowager screamed angrily.
"Is this a threat?"
"I only answered your question."
The wind blew through the garden again. A single flower petal fell and landed on the stone floor between them. Beautiful, cold, and fragile, the silence lingered there.