Chapter 03

"How are you Bigoong? How does it feel to be back in the Palace?" Halmamama asked Chaegyung.

"I'm doing well Halmu-- ah --Halmamama. I'm happy to be back here with Shin."

"That's good to know. But I do have some bad news for both of you. The pregnancy result is negative."

Chaegyung was surprised at how she felt disappointed and saddened by the news. Although she know that the possibility was very little, there was still a part of her that wanted it to be true.

Shin was also disappointed by the news. Even though he knew the implication of the pregnancy, he still wants to have a child with Chaegyung. He just nodded his head at Halmamama, absorbing the news. Seeing the changed expression of Chaegyung, he held her hand.

"Don't be sad Halmamama, I'm sure there will be another chance to be pregnant, we all just need to be patient." Shin said and sneaked at look at Chaegyung. He smiled secretly when she saw Chaegyung's eyes widen with what she heard from him.

"You two must make it quick, I'm afraid I'm running out of time." Halmamama warned the royal couple. Hwang Hu and Haemyung hid a small smile on Halmamama's statement. Hwang Hu was also a bit disappointed but at the same time relieved at the news. A grandchild would be great, but she felt that the timing might not be right.

"So what are your plans now? Calls for Shin to remain as Crown Prince is getting stronger. The council seems to be looking for ways to get you take back at the throne." Hwang Hu said. She diverted the topic from pregnancy as to not further let Halmamam fret and demand a great-grandchild from the couple.

"Yes Umamama. I'm aware of the situation and the implications of Chaeyung's coming back to the palace. Bigoong and I haven't discussed what we want to do. However I still want to explore the world through my charity work. And Bigoong has expressed her interest in it. Shin said and looked at Chaegyung.

"Yes. I want to support my husband's work. Also so that I could help people." Chaegyung added.

"That's good then." Haemyung commented. "Doing charity work is also a responsibility of a Hwang Ja. Shin, I must admit you are good at it."

Shin smiled shyly at Haemyung's compliment, while Chaegyung smiled proudly at her husband.

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The news of Chaegyung's false pregnancy have not yet reached the royal council. They have planned on telling the royal couple that the council knew about the pregnancy. The council would insist on the strict obedience to the Hwang Sil law. They would execute the said plan upon that afternoon's audience with the royal couple, as part of welcoming the Crown Princess back to the Palace.

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"Hwang Taeja and Hwang Taejabin are here." The sang-gong announced the entrance of the royal couple in the royal council's function hall.

Shin and Chaegyung entered the room. Before taking their seats, they received the bows from the members of the royal council.

"Thank you for giving us time to officially welcome the Crown Princess back to the Palace." The head of the council started.

"You are welcome --"

"Yes. Thank you for welcoming me back to the palace." Chaegyung cut off what Shin was about to say. She was being her usual self again, Shin noticed.

"Having this formal audience with your highness also means that the Crown Princess is now allowed to stay in the country. The exile is no longer in effect." Another member of the council said.

"Your crown status is also not yet removed, until such time that a new heir be chosen --"

"Yes, I understand. But please do keep in mind that a Crown Prince-in-waiting will be coming in the palace. And upon completion of his training, formal bestowing of title should be done immediately." Shin told the Royal council.

"I'm afraid, Taeja Jeonha, that would depend on the approval of the parliament. As well as on the birth of your first child. According to the law the first born son to the Crown will be named as heir-to-the-throne." The head of the council argued.

"What do you mean by that?" Shin asked.

"Now that the Crown Princess is expecting a child, it is only proper to obey what was in the law." Said the head of the council with a hint of a warning to the royal couple. "Taeja Jeonha must know this by heart."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the result of the medical exam is negative. Bigoong is not carrying any child right now." Shin forcefully told the council.

Looking at Chaegyung, he noticed that she was shocked and saddened by the council's decision regarding any future children from them.

"That may be the case for now, Jeonha, but sooner or later --"

"Plans of pregnancy is far from our minds right now. Bigoong must finish her studies first before having a child. And that may take a while. Heirs from us should not be expected by the council." Shin interrupted.

The coundil was taken a back by the brazen remark of Shin. They have not expected such answers from the Crown Prince. The head of the council nodded his head in agreement, but then warned them of the laws, from which they can not escape from.

"If the Crown Princess can not produce an heir, the law also states that the Crown Prince can take a concubine, whom he can have a child with." The elder warned.

Upon hearing this, Chaegyung looked at the council with anger and hate. She turned to look at Shin, who seems to be expressionless at the warning given by the council.

"I know clearly what is stated in the law. However, I have planned to study overseas. That way we are both free of any pressures from the palace."

Shin's statement was more of a shock to Chaegyung than the council's lecture on the royal laws.

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