Folding a paper into an airplane, Soo put it on the table in front of her.
Eun picked it up and began to rotate it. With eyes full of surprise he asked, "I have never seen anything like this. What is this thing called?"
Soo squinted her eyes slightly, "Umm airplane."
"Airplane?" Eun titled his head quizzically.
"This is also a type of vehicle. Like boat sails on water, airplanes fly in the sky." Soo explained to him.
"No way!"
"Haesoo, I have travelled all over Goryeo but I have never came across such an unbelievable thing like this before nor have I ever heard about this." Baek Ah said.
"Even a joke should have some realism in it." Jung agreed with Baek Ah.
"This might not be possible now but mark my words thousands years later such a thing will definitely exist." Soo looked at Eun and asked with a bright smile, "Eun-nim, shall I make you some more toys like this?"
"Please, I'd like that." Eun answered with sparkling eyes.
Soo took another paper in her hand to make Eun a paper orb.
Jung looked at Soo, "Do you know Eun hyungnim's dream is to open the largest novelty shop in Songak?"
"Really? Then why haven't you opened it yet?"
With a downcast gaze Eun said, "How can a prince involve himself with some petty business like this? It will only taint our father and our family's reputation. I cannot follow my dream even if I want to."
Soo understood that even a man whose rank is as high as a prince can have some restrictions too. She looked up to the sky, "I believe someday, a time will come when you can do whatever you want, go wherever you want, love whoever you want and live however you want. A time when nobody is above you or beneath you. Nobody will tell you what you can do and what you should do. A time and a world where freedom and choices are not considered luxury."
She felt a tinge of sadness in her heart. She reminisced about the life she once had in Seoul. Her eyes fell on the piece which was in her hand. Suddenly she questioned herself, what the hell was she actually doing here? She was a graduate of Korea University, held a post in a famous company but now she had to depend on others even for basic necessities. She crumpled the paper in her hand in irritation.
"I pray that time comes sooner." Baek Ah mused nonchalantly.
"Seeing how things are now, it would probably take a 1000 years." Annoyance was still in Soo's mind but not enough for anyone to notice.
Eun sighed, "Aigoo I guess my wandering ghost will have more liberty than me."
The other three broke into laughter. Leave it to Eun to lighten up anyone's mood.
"But Haesoo, that paper..." Eun pointed at the crumbled paper in Soo's hand.
"I am sorry. Let me make a new one for you." Soo playfully smiled, "For the time being, why don't you play with the paper planes?" She threw a paper plane in the air. Eun gasped in surprise and ran after it to catch it.
Jung put a pouch in front of Soo. "There are some herbs in here. The shopkeeper said that it would help in brightening skin. I don't have much knowledge about herbs so I trusted him and bought it. You can use it to make soaps or on yourself too."
Soo gratefully accepted the pouch. "I guess I will never stop being the one receiving in this life", she mumbled.
Jung leaned towards her, "Did you say something?"
Soo shook her head and forced a smile. "I was just saying that perhaps you should join your older brother unless you want us to have a trauma of your name."
"Yes please go. The way Eun Hyungnim has been shouting your name ever since he left, I think my ears will burst if I hear it a little longer." Baek Ah irritably told Jung.
Although Jung wasn't at all interested in his Eun's childish games he still left the table reluctantly
Baek Ah turned towards Soo, "I forgot to ask you about your meeting with Consort Myungsun. How did it go?"
Soo shrugged, "Honestly I don't know. She is no doubt a wonderful woman. But it felt like she was testing me."
"How?" Beak Ah asked with interest.
"She asked me whether I like rose or peony more or if I believe in classes. She also told me to visit her again."
"Again!" Baek Ah scratched his head. At first he thought the consort wanted to meet Soo out of curiosity. But even if she was curious she was definitely not someone who would waste her time meeting someone just to appease her curiosity. She was too indifferent for that. "Are you sure that's all you talked about? You are not leaving anything out, are you?"
"Well, we talked about a lot of things. She..." Soo suddenly remembered, Wait, when I had said I don't like red bean paste she had said that I am similar to someone. Though she didn't tell me with whom."
Realization finally dawned to him and a melancholy smile formed around his mouth. "Consort Myungsun had a daughter."
"A daughter?"
"A low-ranked concubine had died just after giving birth to a girl. Consort Myungsun then adopted the baby as her daughter. People say she did that out of pity but I know the real reason. She couldn't bear to leave the child who she herself delivered. The midwives were late so Consort Myungsun had to help in the delivery of the child."
Soo absorbed the information in silence.
Baek Ah continued. "Consort Myungsun had named her Ra-on. She was overly spoilt by the consort. Because of Consort Myungsun indulgence, Ra-on was stubborn, self-centered and arrogant. We often avoided playing with her, not that I am proud to admit it. But she used to make a huge fuss over a small scratch. Even Consort Myungsun used to scold us for not taking better care of her. She never understood that it's normal for children to get hurt while playing."
His expression turned grim. "She was six when she caught a fever. I never visited her. I didn't think it was necessary." His lips trembled, "How was I supposed to know that she would die over a two days fever? Consort Myungsun's wails still ring in my ears. She became unrecognizable. A mad woman. It took her years to get out of her grief."
Soo's heart broke seeing Baek Ah's pain. She put her hand on his hand to comfort him.
Baek Ah looked up at her and gave her a small smile. I never noticed but you really have some similarities with Ra-on. Like her, you have snow white complexion, big eyes and a small face. She also used to dislike red bean paste. I am not sure why Consort Myungsun took a liking to you. Perhaps you reminded her of her adopted daughter or she felt a connection with you.
Soo nodded, thinking that maybe because one of these reasons the consort was interested in her and treated her nicely. She never had a child of her own?
She was with a child once but she miscarried. Truthfully the child was murdered in the womb. Have you forgotten why the Hwangbo household was exiled too? When Baek Ah saw Soo shaking her head, he informed her, Queen Hwangbo was accused of causing the miscarriage of Consort Myungsun with poison. Although the queen insists to this day that she is innocent.
The more Soo learnt, the more she realized how dangerous and complicated the world she was in. What distressed her most was that she couldn't change anything nor escape from it. The only thing she could do was to make the best of it.
Haesoo, I know you have your doubts about Consort Myungsun but trust me she is not a bad person. Out of my father's 29 wives, I admire chief consort the most except my mother of course. His voice softened, She has been alone for a long time. If she invites you again then accept it. You can take it as my request.
If Soo was being honest then the main reason behind her frequent visits to Consort Myungsun was the sense of normalcy the consort had provided her. Unlike Myung Hee or Prince Wook, Consort Myungsun didn't treat her like a child who doesn't understand anything and needed protection from everyone and everything. Although ambiguously sometimes but Consort Myungsun always answered every question Haesoo had ever asked her. Something Soo could never make Myung Hee do. Myung Hee always considered Soo as fragile as a glass- who would shatter even with the slightest wind. Soo couldn't blame Myung Hee for this as she knew that Myung Hee was doing this out of her concern. While Myung Hee treated her like a little child, Consort Myungsun behaved with her just as any person would behave around a young lady who has lost her memory. She was patient but also encouraging. Because Consort Myungsun treated her normally it was easier for Soo to get comfortable with her.
Just as another day, Haesoo was making tea for Consort Myungsun. She poured her a cup of tea. I have added some new herbs in there. I am hoping it won't taste bitter.
Consort Myungsun picked up the tea cup and blew at the tea leaves floating on the surface before smiling. This tea has a refreshing and sweet fragrant. She then took a sip, Well, you didn't disappoint me. This is fantastic as always.
Soo smiled in relief.
I wonder from where did you learn this art of making tea?
All thanks to my mother who is a tea maniac. Perhaps I was born with this. Soo cheekily answered.
The consort smiled, finding her adorable. I should take you to Damiwon sometime. Perhaps the Head Court Lady can help you to enhance your skills.
I appreciate your offer but I have to decline you, Your Highness, Soo politely refused. She continued, Head Court Lady has the responsibility of managing the entire Damiwon. I cannot trouble a busy person like her with such petty matters.
The consort snickered, Head Court Lady Jo is just a servant with a fancy title whereas you are a lady with noble blood. It should be an honor for her if she could be of any assistance to you.
Beautiful, graceful and knowledgeable. If she was kind on top of that, she would have been perfect. But of course a human being cannot be perfect. Soo thought to herself.
Court Lady Jo belongs to the crown. Since you are married to the crown, it can be said that she belongs to you too. However she has no such obligation towards me so unfortunately serving me can be an honor for her, no doubt, but I do not have the right to order around one of His Majesty's people and risk the displeasure of him.
You are too cautious. Consort Myungsun said disapprovingly.
Isn't that a good thing?
Yes but too much of anything is bad.
Soo sighed, You cannot be reckless. You cannot be too cautious. I wish I could know the moderateness of everything.
Have patience. You will learn with time. The consort patted Soo's hand to reassure her.
I hope I will have enough time before I offend someone with my extremeness.
They both laughed.
Soo put down her teacup and sat in a more respectful posture. I want to thank you for the medicines that you gave me. If it wasn't for them, my cousin might not have been with me today.
Consort Myungsun waved her hand, Don't say that. That's the least I could do for your cousin. And in case you have forgotten you have already thanked me more than hundred times.
Soo smiled, I can never thank you enough. I have heard from Baek Ha-nim that you get these medicines from your sister in law's father. The 13th Prince even said that your relative is a gifted physician. In this land if he cannot cure a disease then nobody else can. I was thinking if he is so competent then why doesn't he work as an imperial physician in the palace?
Consort Myungsun frowned, He used to. For the Beakji dynasty. After it fell, His Majesty offered him a position but Lord In Gyo Jin refused out of his loyalty for Beakji.
Soo felt respect for Lord In Gyo Jin for staying loyal to a fallen country. But she didn't express her thoughts as she assumed her genuine admiration would not be seen in a good light.
Soo saw a glimmer of hope in Lord In Gyo Jin. Your Grace, If I take Myung Hee unnie to him is there any possibility that she will live longer? Soo expectantly asked.
Soo's hopeful eyes made the consort's heart ache but she had to tell her the truth. He could have done something if she was taken to him earlier but now her illness has progressed to a stage where nothing can be done. In fact Myung Hee would've died long ago if it wasn't for Baek Ha occasionally supplying her medicines.
So there were chances. Soo bitterly thought.
Seeing Soo's dejected face, Consort Myungsun decided to change the subject. What are your plans after your cousin recovers?
Or dies? Consort Myungsun didn't say it but Soo knew that she would've said it if she didn't want to hurt her. Soo might be hopeful but she was not delusional. She knew that her cousin had a higher chance of dying than living. After she's gone she wouldn't have any reason to live in the 8th Prince household. It would not be safe either. Soo was still not that close to Prince Wook to know whether he has ambition for the throne or not. But she knew that it wouldn't matter. In the game of thrones as long as your downfall is beneficial to someone else you are doomed. If something happens to Wook, which Soo absolutely doesn't want, then she will have to face some consequences too if she continues to stay in his household.
Soo had another choice. She could return to Haesoo's uncle whom she's never met before. She was of marriageable age according to this time so she expected herself to be married off. After all in this period the only job of a girl was to marry well. If she was asked about her opinion on marriage a few months back then she would've said that she would rather stay alone all her life than marry someone she didn't love. But now she thought that she would be fortunate enough if she was able to marry someone she knew. She no longer had freedom to marry someone for love and this was one of the many things she had come in terms with. Staying single was not an option as unmarried girls are scorned upon by the society and her family or Haesoo's family to be exact would definitely marry her off anyway. As long as her husband was a good person and treated her well, she's willing to stay faithful to him for a lifetime. She no longer cared about love much. She had tried her luck in love once and it had cost her almost everything. Although there's one thing she still hasn't accepted and she didn't think that she will ever be able to accept as long as she lives. That is polygamy. Polygamy was common in Goryeo. If her husband brings in even 100 wives people would still not say a single thing against him. Instead she will be called jealous if she ever protests. Soo didn't have enough confidence to stop herself from doing something drastic if her husband ever cheats on her.
Soo gently smiled, I am sure my uncles have thought something for me.
As Soo was exiting the palace, she stared at the box she was holding, thinking deeply.. Her eyes fell upon a court lady and she stopped her.
Can you please do me a favor? Soo smilingly asked?
Anything, my lady. The maid politely answered.
Soo-ya!
Soo turned back to see Baek Ha widely smiling and waving at her. Were you here to meet Consort Myungsun?
Soo nodded, Yes, I was on my way out now.
Beak Ha pointed to the box she was holding, What's this?
I had brought some perfume for Her Highness.
Then why are you still carrying this? Didn't she like them?
Soo shook her head, She loved them actually. There are some soaps in here. While creating perfume I realized I gifted soaps to everyone I am acquainted with except Prince So. I was just about to ask this maid to pass these soaps to him.
Baek Ha frowned, You worked so hard on making them. Shouldn't you give them to him in person?
Soo bit her lower lip, Must I? I haven't seen him since he left 8th Prince residence. Won't it be awkward?
Well, you gifted soaps to me, Jung and Eun in person. You didn't feel awkward then. How is my 4th brother any different from us? Baek Ah asked with more of a teasing smile.
You're right, she admitted in a small voice. Where can I find him then?
Soo headed towards where Beak Ha said So was. After searching for a while she finally caught sight of him but just when she was about to approach him she spotted Queen Yoo with him. Out of nervousness she hurriedly pressed her back on a nearby archway to hide herself and waited for Queen Yoo to leave so that she could give her soaps to So. To her shock she listened to Queen Yoo spewing vitriol at her own son.
Realizing that this would not be the best time to approach So, Soo quietly tried to sneak away before anyone would see her. But luck was not kind to her. She stumbled on a stone and fell on the ground with a thud. She looked up to see a mortified So staring at her.
She opened her mouth to say something but she knew in her heart no matter what she said it would be of no use.
So could no longer stand there to hear her. He had enough for one day. He strode away leaving an ashamed and messy Soo on the ground.
A/N: Some of you might have already guessed with all the favorite consort and miscarried child hints. Yes, Chief Consort Myunsun is actually Oh Sanggun. The lady suffered a lot in the drama because of her background so i have changed her background here. Still she is not the Queen :(