Chapter 23
Thanks to Zhang Rang’s influence, Dongbaek’s already eye-catching appearance—the kind that made people turn their heads when passing by—had been polished to shine even brighter. Dongbaek lifted her head proudly to meet Emperor Ling’s eyes.
“Hooh.”
Emperor Ling’s eyes widened. While there were many beautiful youths in the palace, something exotic about this boy made him stand out. The pale eyelashes framing light-colored eyes, and particularly the three tear-shaped moles arranged neatly by his left eye, caught Emperor Ling’s attention.
“What is your name?”
“I am called So Dongbaek.”
“Ah, what a pretty name that suits you well. Tell me, how old are you?”
The emperor continued asking trivial questions about Dongbaek’s personal details. He didn’t bother inquiring about Dongbaek’s education or martial skills—things that might have been more relevant. After all, Zhang Rang’s recommendation alone was enough for him to trust the boy. Besides, such matters didn’t particularly interest him.
Luckily, Dongbaek was well-prepared by Zhang Rang, who warned him of the emperor’s fondness for sharp, attractive faces. As a result, Dongbaek remained composed and handled the emperor’s inquiries with ease.
Thoroughly pleased with Dongbaek, Emperor Ling immediately assigned them as both guard and companion to Prince Bian.
Prince Bian was a mere four-year-old child. Unlike what one might expect of a royal child, he had yet to learn proper manners. When he first saw Dongbaek, he hid behind his mother, Empress He. Seeing this, Dongbaek clicked his tongue internally.
‘Tsk, I was nervous about this official position… but it turns out to be just babysitting.’
Of course, even babysitting wasn’t a simple task. After all, this wasn’t just any ordinary child, but the sole prince of a nation.
Prince Bian’s mother, Empress He, came from a humble background as a palace maid whose father was a butcher. Despite giving birth to the only heir of the imperial family, she had remained in the lower rank of “consort” for a long time. However, after the previous empress passed away last year, she was elevated to empress in the spring of this year.
The death of the former empress was riddled with suspicious circumstances, and there were whispers that Empress He might have been involved in an assassination. Newly crowned, she exuded more of a seductive and fearsome allure than the dignity expected of an empress. One wrong move, and heads could roll. Dongbaek concealed her unease behind a confident smile.
Fortunately, Empress He was quite fond of Zhang Rang. It was Zhang Rang who had played the most significant role in elevating her, a former maidservant, to the position of empress. Smiling, she addressed Zhang Rang.
“What an intelligent-looking young beauty. Dongbaek, you said? I entrust Prince Bian to your care.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will serve him with utmost sincerity and dedication.”
At Empress He’s words, Dongbaek pushed aside her earlier thoughts and flashed a confident smile. It was a bold youth’s smile, both refreshing and spirited. Empress He seemed pleased with Dongbaek, seductively pulling up the corners of her mouth.
Though Dongbaek pretended not to notice her blatant intentions, she was internally sweating. Despite appearing mature, Dongbaek was still young. What was she thinking, flirting with such a young child?
If Dongbaek could notice Empress He’s attitude, there was no way Zhang Rang, that seasoned old fox, couldn’t. However, Zhang Rang just smirked and said nothing.
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“What is Empress He thinking? Flirting with someone barely older than her own child.”
“Well, you do look about fourteen or fifteen. That puts you well within her range.”
“Is that really okay?”
“Of course not. But there are always those who insist on doing things they shouldn’t.”
On horseback returning home, Dongbaek kept grumbling to Zhang Rang. It wasn’t particularly pleasant to receive such obvious flirtatious advances from an adult woman.
Zhang Rang just laughed heartily at Dongbaek’s complaints disparaging Empress Ha. These were words that could cost them their lives if they reached her ears, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“I had guessed it would be babysitting, but the future looks bleak.”
Dongbaek clicked her tongue, remembering the ‘imperial family’ she had seen earlier. The emperor, empress, and prince—they were all problematic. Just looking at the imperial family, one could tell that the Han dynasty was thoroughly doomed. The thought of having to associate with them in the days ahead made everything seem dark.
“This is all because of your looks. Even though positions can be bought and sold with money these days, you’re too eye-catching.”
Zhang Rang clicked his tongue. Being noticeable could be good, but it also meant that any wrongdoing would be easily discovered. Even though Dongbaek was an iron wall who never showed weakness to Zhang Rang, the old snake, as long as so many people were watching Dongbaek, his actions would be completely exposed to others.
Zhang Rang wanted to advance Dongbaek up the official ranks as quickly as possible. Perhaps growing anxious after Cao Teng’s death, he was now making some rather risky moves.
Attaching Dongbaek to Empress He was all part of his plan. By playing a key role in elevating the former concubine to empress, Zhang Rang had earned her favor, and through this connection, he found a way to insert Dongbaek into the palace.
He brought an 11-year-old child into the imperial palace under the pretext of being the prince’s attendant. And not just any prince—this was the only prince, the future emperor. Empress He was also not someone to be taken lightly. If Dongbaek could establish himself properly here, he could live without difficulties for life.
Of course, this depended on how well Dongbaek could manage the prince, empress, and emperor. Even with Zhang Rang’s help, if Dongbaek fell out of favor, it would be over.
“From now on, making a good impression on these high-ranking officials will help you secure a high position quickly. Though you’re too young for an official position now, conduct yourself as if you already hold one. The palace has many eyes. Even small things can become flaws.”
Zhang Rang spoke while tapping the palanquin’s handle rhythmically, as if counting on his fingers. Though he laid out worried precautions out of concern for Dongbaek, Dongbaek just laughed heartily.
“Haha, what could be wrong when you’re watching my back? Don’t worry. If I’ve earned Zhong Changshi Zhang Rang’s approval, what could be difficult?”
“You’re as cocky as ever.”
Zhang Rang replied, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval. But he wasn’t truly bothered by Dongbaek’s words, even though the boy had just placed himself above the imperial family. Leaning back in his seat, Zhang Rang tilted his head and closed his eyes, feigning nonchalance.
This boy could take someone’s life with just three inches of tongue. Even I, find myself swept up by his flattery, Zhang Rang mused. If he can charm me, who else should he fear?
The child was not only clever but could adjust his attitude depending on the person. Yet he never compromised his own words. It meant he had clear convictions and could maintain them consistently—a quality that naturally drew people to him.
The only flaw Dongbaek had was his age.
Zhang Rang had tried countless times to catch him off guard by calling him to serve wine, but Dongbaek had never once slipped up. His brazen attitude made him seem approachable, but he always stayed just within the bounds of propriety, leaving even Zhang Rang convinced that the boy genuinely cared for him.
That’s why, despite his young age, he brought him into the imperial palace. Because he knew he would conduct himself well. Because he believed he wouldn’t betray his expectations.
The slowly setting sun had finally disappeared, its last crimson traces swallowed by the navy blue night sky. How unusual to watch both sunrise and sunset today. Zhang Rang’s eyes continued to follow the sun that had vanished behind the mountain, not even a trace remaining.
Zhang Rang felt an inexplicable anxiety as he identified with the setting sun. While he was still alive, he needed to elevate So Dongbaek as quickly as possible.
Of course, Zhang Rang didn’t intend to invest his entire remaining life in Dongbaek. Nor did he plan to sacrifice himself for Dongbaek’s development.
Zhang Rang paid such attention to Dongbaek simply because Dongbaek’s success, position, and power would all ultimately benefit himself. That was all.
The sunsets, but its significance lies in its return after the night passes. Even after his death, if So Dongbaek did well, he could have one more chance to leave his name in history by riding on his reputation.
His life had already been plenty prosperous. What more could he seek but glory after death? He was a man brimming with self-love, unwilling to let go of himself even in death.
And that, if anything, was to Dongbaek’s advantage. It was not a bad thing to have someone so invested in his success. As long as neither crossed the line, their mutually beneficial relationship would endure.
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Thank you for reading! ♡
