Deokgyeo Gungju left the monastery before sunrise, but before stepping into her carriage, she gave strict instructions that no one was allowed to approach Yeon Joo until the appointed day after tomorrow, when her hair would be shaved and she would officially begin her life inside the monastery.
"She is not permitted to speak with anyone, receive food from anyone except the assigned attendant, or send any message outside this place," Deokgyeo Gungju said firmly. "Until the ceremony, she must remain inside the locked room and reflect on the disorder she has brought upon the royal family."
The senior monk lowered her head.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"If she attempts to escape, place guards outside the room, but do not injure her unless she becomes violent."
Deokgyeo Gungju believed that removing Yeon Joo from Lee Yeong's side would allow the King to recover his judgment, return to his duties and accept the women chosen for the stability of the kingdom.
She did not know that Minister Ryu Seung-ryong had encouraged every fear inside her mind because he needed his daughter's position protected before the Eastern, Southern and Western Clans gained influence through their own daughters.
By the time Deokgyeo Gungju arrived at the palace, Lee Yeong had already spent the entire night questioning attendants, guards, kitchen servants and messengers from the Queen's residence.
Several people had admitted seeing unfamiliar servants carrying religious offerings near the inner palace, but no one could explain where they came from or which gate they had used to leave.
Lee Yeong stood inside the investigation hall while Seon Yeo questioned one of the Queen's guards.
"You said the service gate was opened for a monastery carriage," Seon Yeo said.
"Yes, General."
"Who inspected it?"
The guard lowered his head.
"The carriage carried a royal token belonging to a senior member of the royal family, so no one dared to stop it."
Lee Yeong's expression became colder.
"Which royal member?"
"I did not see the name, Jeonha. I only saw the seal."
Before Lee Yeong could continue, Eunuch Jang entered the hall and bowed.
"Jeonha, Deokgyeo Gungju Mama has arrived at the palace."
Lee Yeong looked toward him sharply.
"Why?"
"She said that she came to restore order inside the royal household."
Lee Yeong did not have time for another lecture about palace traditions, but Deokgyeo Gungju entered the investigation hall before anyone could stop her.
"My grand-nephew has spent enough time creating chaos over one woman," she said.
Lee Yeong turned toward her.
"This is an investigation, Grand-Aunt. You should return to your residence."
"I will return after you listen to me."
"I have nothing to discuss until Yeon Joo is found."
Deokgyeo Gungju looked toward the servants kneeling on the floor.
"You have interrogated half the inner palace and frightened every woman inside the royal household, yet you have found nothing because your mind is no longer clear."
Lee Yeong's eyes narrowed.
"My mind is clear enough to know that someone removed Yeon Joo from the palace."
"And perhaps heaven removed her because she brought disorder into your life."
Lee Yeong stepped toward her.
"Do not speak about her as though she is already gone."
"You have neglected your duties, rejected the Queen and insulted three powerful clans because of Sukbin, so I will not stand aside while you destroy the balance of Joseon."
Deokgyeo Gungju ordered the guards to release the servants still waiting to be questioned and told the palace officials to return to their normal duties.
Lee Yeong immediately blocked her order.
"No one leaves."
"You will not continue this madness."
"This is my palace."
"And I am the eldest woman of the royal family who raised you after your grandmother's death."
Lee Yeong's jaw tightened.
"That does not give you the right to interfere with an investigation."
"It gives me the responsibility to stop you when you have lost control."
She turned toward Eunuch Jang.
"Prepare the royal consummation chamber tonight."
Eunuch Jang looked nervously toward Lee Yeong.
Deokgyeo Gungju continued before anyone could object.
"The King will complete the royal consummation in the correct sequence. The Queen will be first, followed by the daughter of the Eastern Clan, then the Southern Clan, and finally the Western Clan."
Lee Yeong's face became dark.
"I will do no such thing."
"You will complete your responsibility to the royal family."
"My responsibility is to find Yeon Joo."
"Your responsibility is to produce heirs and maintain the loyalty of the clans."
Lee Yeong turned away from her and looked toward Seon Yeo.
"Continue the questioning."
Deokgyeo Gungju struck her walking stick against the floor.
"I order this interrogation to stop."
The room became silent.
Even Seon Yeo hesitated, because openly disobeying the most senior royal woman could create another political conflict.
Lee Yeong looked back at his grand-aunt.
"You are protecting someone."
"I am protecting you."
"Then allow me to find the woman who disappeared from my palace."
"You will forget this obsession after you return to the Queen's chamber."
Lee Yeong laughed without humour.
"You truly believe forcing me into another woman's bed will make me forget Yeon Joo?"
Deokgyeo Gungju refused to answer and left the investigation hall, while Lee Yeong remained standing in the middle of the room with anger burning behind his eyes.
Inside the Queen's residence, the attendants had already begun preparing her for the consummation ceremony.
Warm water, scented oils, silk robes and ceremonial ornaments filled the chamber, while the Queen sat silently in front of the mirror.
One of her trusted court ladies closed the doors before speaking in a low voice.
"Your Majesty, there may be a problem."
The Queen looked at her reflection.
"I know."
The royal chamber maids were expected to inspect the bedding after the consummation and report that the Queen had entered the marriage bed properly.
However, the Queen was no longer untouched after her secret night with Mae Da Young.
"If the chamber maids discover there is no blood, rumours may begin," the attendant said.
The Queen turned toward her.
"Then make sure there is blood."
The court lady hesitated before removing a small pouch hidden inside her sleeve.
"I prepared what you requested."
Inside was a piece of clean cloth stained with animal blood that could be hidden beneath the bedding before the King entered.
The Queen looked toward the senior royal chamber maid waiting outside.
"How much does she want?"
"Enough silver to support her family for several years."
"Give it to her."
"And if she speaks later?"
The Queen's expression became cold.
"She will not."
The royal chamber maid entered, accepted the hidden pouch of silver and promised to prepare the bedding exactly as instructed, while the Queen allowed the attendants to continue dressing her in the ceremonial red robe.
Meanwhile, Deokgyeo Gungju entered the palace pharmacy and supervised the preparation of two cups of aphrodisiac tonic, believing that the King and Queen would never consummate willingly without assistance.
She carried the King's tonic herself and returned to the investigation hall, where Lee Yeong had ignored her order and continued questioning the guards.
"Drink this," she said, placing the cup in front of him.
Lee Yeong did not touch it.
"What is it?"
"A tonic to settle your mind before tonight's ceremony."
"I do not need it."
"You have not slept or eaten properly."
"I said I do not need it."
Deokgyeo Gungju pushed the cup closer.
"You will drink it and return to your chamber to prepare."
Lee Yeong brushed the cup aside, causing the dark liquid to spill across the table.
"Do not bring anything near me again."
The Grand-Aunt stared at the spilled tonic.
"You dare reject me in front of your officials?"
"I will reject anyone who interferes with finding Yeon Joo."
Deokgyeo Gungju turned toward the guards.
"Remove the prisoners and close this hall. By my authority, the interrogation is finished."
The guards hesitated, but several senior officials supported her command because they feared that the King's anger had already gone too far.
Lee Yeong watched as the servants were released before he could finish questioning them.
The last guard was led from the room while Seon Yeo stood beside the King, unable to act without causing a direct confrontation inside the royal family.
Deokgyeo Gungju looked at Lee Yeong with satisfaction.
"You will return to the Queen tonight."
Lee Yeong slowly turned toward her, and the fury in his eyes made even Eunuch Jang take one step backward.
"You have stopped my men, released my witnesses and attempted to force medicine into my body while Yeon Joo remains missing."
"I have stopped you from destroying your own kingdom."
"No, Grand-Aunt."
Lee Yeong stepped closer until only the overturned cup remained between them.
"You have only made me certain that someone inside this royal family knows exactly where she is."