My Ultimate Ambition

Kang Soon, when he gained his solitude was more bewildered than he had ever been before. He could no longer doubt the truth of the assertion made by the two doctors, yet he could not understand how it could be erased from his memory.

Pity, guilt and helplessness drained his soul. He had wondered why she never sought him out nor invited him. The truth laid b.a.r.e in his eyes, she had been pregnant with his child yet bore it all alone and in secret. In fear of what?

"Foolish woman, did you think I would cast you out if I found you bearing my child?...". He sighed in helplessness and looked up to the bright blue sky. The victim is him yet he couldn't bear to hate a woman with his child.

Recalling the eve of the night, his suppressed anger erupted once more. "Imperial mother!", he growled, "How could you do this to me? Not only did you set me up, you also erased my memory!".

Men don't cry they say but a stray tear slipped down his cheek, it's over. It's all over. He is no longer worthy of being with her.

A visage of a pink dressed little girl filled his memories, her smiles, her shining bright eyes and her face. It's time to let go he decided.

"My dearest Yoona, I'm no longer worthy of you... I couldn't prevent my marriage but I had persevered the honor of bearing my child. Our child, I strongly believe would have been an embodiment of our strongest genes and the symbol of our love, but now it's all over. I have nothing left to give you". He smiled a bittersweet smile as he buried his first and only love in his heart.

His thoughts wandered to the poisoning of Eun-hye. Who could be the culprit?

Who dared to hurt her, a girl who he knows is tenderhearted and gentle. A girl who had never in the whole course of her existence hurt the feelings of any human being. A girl whose care was to be kind and considerate... Who dare!

There was no servant of hers who didn't seem to adore her, who was not ready at all times to obey her least wish.

What puzzled him most was what possible motive could anyone have in doing so. She had the crown but not his love, she has less ambition and has never taken what wasn't hers.

Seja had recourse to man's greater consoler... wine. He went into his gloomy study room and drank as he thought; the more he thought the more puzzled he became.

The gleam of light in his eyes died as he drank to stupor. He could not see his way through the mist that surrounded him. If he could discover them! His face darkened, his strong hands clenched. If he could discover them, there would be little mercy shown to them.

He was not destined to be alone. His mother, who couldn't stay quite still in her palace due to his eerie silence came in without any announcement.

She had hastened to find him then resolve her strangling guilt. Her son admonishing or even punishing her is bearable to the present silent one.

"Seja", she called softly as she bent to retrieve the goblet from his hands. His eyes met hers with a feigned surprise.

"Oh ... look who it is... the greatest matchmaker of the century. It is the empress mother!", he mocked nonchalantly as he relaxed himself in a more comfortable position.

"You are drunk", she said.

"Am I now?", impatiently, he answered almost immediately.

She didn't like the tone of his voice or the mocking smile with which he glanced at her. True, she messed up but she didn't feel good either. She handed back the goblet back to him.

Yes let him drink, maybe it will help him deal with the betrayal. She wouldn't beat a child and force him not to cry. Her hand left hanging as he didn't bother to take it back.

"She is already pregnant what else do you want?. Or did you prepare a courtmaid for me?... What is it this time, aphrodisiac, hallucinogen or amnestic?", he questioned with authority and alacrity.

Her lips quivered and pressed into a thin line until the sudden impact of the full accusation hit her.

"What do you mean? I only added aphrodisiac nothing else!", she said in her defense.

"Are you denying it right now? If not you who?".

"I said it's not me", but he didn't believe her. She didn't push the matter again and remained silent.

"I know why you are here but I have nothing to say . In the future, you owe me big time... Whatever request I make you just have to fullfil it". She let out a sigh... she can deal with that.

"I will".

She left abruptly like she never came.

...

Gifts of different varieties arrived at the crown princess palace. Nutritional herbs, pregnancy herbs, morning sickness tonics, jewelleries, cloths, shoes, hair ornaments and what have you.

An official celebration was held to announce the pregnancy to the whole world. Nobles and royals alike attended the ceremony.

Many were astonished at the turn of event. One moment the crown princess was almost gone, the next moment she was pregnant for 3 months. Some felt there is an inside story while some thought it was the crown prince's plan to surprise the court.

The most heartbroken was Eun-hye's mother. As a mother, she couldn't understand why her child kept the pregnancy hidden from her but her joy suppressed the pain of being left out from a huge happy secret.

At the imperial medicine room, Physician Dong personally handed over gifts and rewards bestowed on her by the crown prince and emperor alike.

"Thank you my lord, but this is too much for me".

"Rejecting an imperial gift is deemed disrespectful and is punishable". She accepted this time and gave some to the low ranked palace maid taking care of her needs.

"Kim Myung OK", he suddenly called out.

"Yes,my Lord", she answered as she hastily dropped the gemstone she has taken a liking to. Then signaled the courtmaid to give them privacy.

"Do you want to be my student?... I promise to make you invincible", he asked solemnly.

Myung OK was startled at the question. Never did she think he would ask her such a thing.

True, she took a liking to medicine but not to be proficient in the art, but to make herself known and gain power.

"My lord, is that why you asked me to treat her highness when you could have just taken care of it easily?". He smiled not saying anything.

"I'm not interested", was her short reply.

"I know", he smiled, "But if you are to gain the power you need, you have to know it all. For someone as ambitious as you, staying comfortably in this position won't remain in your capacity".

Myung OK shivered at the prospect of being seen through. Then she smiled, composing herself.

"Is that why you didn't advance to the rank of chief physician with this immense knowledge and skills of yours ?". She smiled at the sudden realization of something. This man is quite dangerous than he care to show. A man with the ability to conceal his true power is just as dangerous as a viper. When they strike, they are swift and sharp, taking you unaware.

"I will think about it", she replied, but he just smiled.

"Child, if you want to advance, you have to conceal somethings from people". He turned to leave but stopped.

"When you make your decision, master should be how you address me if not in my favor then call me Sir". He waved at her before leaving.

She will totally agree he strongly believes. She's very ambitious and won't stay at being a mere physician.