Chapter 35:

"I'll perform at the ritual with a bare face, just us how Eun requested it."

Ha Jin is at a loss on what to do, she lifts her eyes to look at So and silently apologizes but the sympathy in her eyes is more humiliating than the curious stares of his own siblings.

So walks away, disgraced and hurt.


Worried for So, Ha Jin comes after him. Jung steps in her way coolly, blocking her path. Baek-Ah follows after So, stopping beside Hae Soo when he noticed Jung standing by the door. Baek-Ah holds Hae Soo's arm and pulls her behind him, looking squarely at Jung. He side-steps Jung and opens the door to exit.

Jung follows behind and takes a hold of Hae Soo's arm as the two goes down, abruptly hindering the two from taking another step down.

"Hyungnim!" Jung addresses Baek-Ah as he takes back Hae Soo from him.

"Jung-ah…" Baek-Ah breathes. He doesn't have the confidence to tell off Jung. He had seen how earnest and sincere Jung's feeling for Hae Soo is but Jung needs to know when to stop, "… enough. Please."

"It's alright Baek-Ah-ya, please go after So wangjanim," Ha Jin tries to diffuse the tension between Baek-Ah and Jung by releasing Baek-Ah's hold on her arm.

Baek-Ah catches her gaze and Ha Jin nods, assuring him. He looks at Jung warily, the two of them hasn't really talked since Jung came home and the silence between them is now worse than the last time Jung was home. He takes a step down, choosing to come after his 4th brother who had been hurt by their other siblings.

Jung drags Hae Soo into a secluded room, away from the prying ears of others. As soon as the door close behind Jung, he loses composure and shouts at Hae Soo, "Why?!"

Hae Soo doesn't answer, letting Jung sort out his own anger.

"Why my 4th brother?! Did it really have to be him?! Hae Soo-ya…" Jung lowers his voice pleading.

"Jung-ah," Hae Soo drops honorific. In as much as she is sorry for Hae Soo and Jung, she can't keep doing this with him anymore, "Please stop already…"

"I understand that my 4th brother has his own side of vulnerability that appeals to your compassion, like what happened awhile ago." Jung dismisses what Hae Soo had just said, "I know you…"

"...No, it's not just compassion." Ha Jin firmly disagrees,

"...You care about everyone, that's understandable…" Jung refuses to listen

"Yes I care about everyone, what's so wrong about it…" Ha Jin raises her voice.

So does Jung, "Nothing, but you need to be able to differentiate between compassion and love and what you're feeling for my brother right now is sympathy!"

"And I feel guilt for you! …Just guilt" Ha Jin loses it and the confession shuts Jung up. The silence hangs between them painful and crushing, "Mianhaeyo Jung-ah, I don't know how many time do we have to go through this but don't you get tired of it? I will never remember no matter what you say or how hard I try because… because I am not Hae Soo."

Ha Jin lets the truth out just once, "I wear her face. I have her voice. I live her life but I am not her..."

Jung fails to see the truth in Ha Jin's sentence. He thinks Hae Soo is telling him that she's changed, that she's just not the same person he used to know.

"Return my Hae Soo to me then I will stop." Jung walks away, banging the door as he leaves.

Ha Jin is left going weak in her knees, falling upon the floor. In spite of telling the truth, she feels more burdened rather than relief.


Once again, So misses the bathing ritual with his brothers by the end of the week. Eun couldn't come since he's on a strict bed rest. Mu was held-up in his office taking care of the public requests piling against So leading the festival. The bathing ritual that is supposed to cleanse everyone of the negative energy around them became nothing but a simple tea ceremony as the brothers bathe and discuss the worsening rumors going around town.

So comes in late at night, alone, having still required to do the bathing ritual. Ji Mong had arranged with Lady Oh another discreet bathing ritual the way they had last year. All the gungnyeo(s) were dismissed and the apprentices sent home, except Hae Soo who had been waiting for So the whole week. Since no gungnyeo is allowed at the pool area, Hae Soo is given the chore.

With the full moon high above, the whole Damiwon arranged in dim light and the outer pool heated from the hot spring near it, So comes down to the salted water in his thin black cotton paji, his upper garment neatly folded by the side and his mask discarded on top of it. Leaning by the side of the pool, he looks up to the sky, watching the night sky, clear of clouds and full of stars for once.

Ha Jin gracefully and quietly enters the outer garden, bringing in a tray of Panyaro tea (green tea).

"I do not want any people around me. Put down the tea and leave." With his back turned to Hae Soo, So thought Hae Soo was just a mere gungnyeo.

Undeterred, Ha Jin kneels by a mat, a meter from So's back. She folds her legs beneath her and begins the ritual of pouring tea. Silence envelops the two of them, save the careful sound of pouring hot water into a cooling bowl.

So closes his eyes, controlling his anger. He had made it clear with Lady Oh that the bathing ritual will be done in utmost privacy without any gungnyeo (s) around. How dare a servant go against his command and stays. Without his mask and naked chest up, So could not turn to the brazen servant who refuses to leave.

In a measured and dangerous voice, So warns again, "I do not like repeating myself twice…"

"A year... It has been a year since I met you here the first time." Ha Jin calmly speaks of what she remembers of this night.

So freezes upon hearing Hae Soo's voice, ashamed and afraid to be this near her when he's all naked and vulnerable both physically and emotionally. The scars of his past drawn like a map all over his body. He remains quiet, wanting and not wanting her to be here and see him like this.

"A year ago I lost consciousness in this very same water and drowned... While I was unconscious I dreamt of another place… of another time…"

Ha Jin's life in the 21st century sure does feel like a long ago dream to her now.

"I was in a quarry, sitting beside this large pool of water that used to be a mining site, then turned a picnic place for families. I was having a bad day. No, not a bad day but a bad life in general and wanted to have my life ended there. There was this cute little girl playing not far from me. Her mother called her Seol,"

"Seol?" So repeats in a whisper, unconsciously engage in Hae Soo's story.

"Yes Seol, meaning sun like your name." As Ha Jin tells the story she continues with transferring the hot water from the cooling bowl into the teapot. "I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a rest from the unpleasant luck I've been having lately. I heard a splash and opened my eyes. Seol is gone beside me. Apparently the ball she was playing with went into the water and she jumped after it. I looked for anyone to ask for help but no one is around, not even her mother. Without a choice and stupid enough…"

Ha Jin remembers the scene fondly, smiling a little as she narrates the story, "… I jumped. I don't even know how to swim. I only know that I need to save Seol. The next thing I knew, I was drowning and when I woke up, I'm in the middle of this pool with you in it too."

So remembers their first meeting. Hae Soo wasn't paying attention to him that time. She was wading in the water, looking for something.

"Looking back now, that little girl, Seol. Sun. Little sun… That little sun had led me to an even more dazzling sun… to you… my sun… my So... Will my dazzling sun ever graced me with his light once more?" Ha Jin draws So out of the wall he had built around him, asking him to let her look at him in all his vulnerability.

Afraid, it takes a while before So decides. Ha Jin patiently waits, her smile as promising as a ray of light in a dark tunnel.

So turns ever slowly unable not to follow Hae Soo's wish. Lifting his eyes to meet her stare, Ha Jin welcomes him with a sincere smile that reaches her crinkling eyes. She looks at him with tenderness that instantly warms him to the core.

Tentatively, Ha Jin lifts her hand to reach upon So's hair that has fallen on his cheeks, covering the scared part of his left face. With a trembling hand, So catches Hae Soo's hand, stopping it mid-air.

Ha Jin responses with an assuring gaze, "Do you trust me?"

It took long before So closes his eyes and brings her hand upon the left side of his face, allowing Hae Soo to brush away the hair hiding his scar. Gently, tenderly with the tips of her finger, she traces the line of scar from his forehead down the lower part of his left eye.

"You never have to hide from me again… my radiant sun… my So-ya…"

The promise releases the breath So was holding and out came the burdening tears So had been carrying this whole time. He pulls at her hand, smoothing it to his cheek, her palm caressing him. He softens into it and let all his vulnerabilities lay upon Hae Soo once again.

Ha Jin lets So sob, taking away all his fears, her touch promising acceptance and tenderness.

Soon, So folds his arms on Hae Soo's lap and lay his head upon it, calming down as Hae Soo strokes his long mane of black hair. Gathering it in her hands, she unconsciously ties it into a Sangtu, a knot only worn by married men. So rests, feeling a little sleepy.

"Soo-ya, this little girl, Seol… " So breaks the silence. "Your little sun…"

"Hmmmm?"

"Will I ever meet her?" So asks curiously, lifting his gaze to look at Hae Soo, "I want a little sun too."


Inside the queen's bathing pool, Queen Yoo quietly sits by the side of the pool with Yo drying her hair. A gungnyeo announce Jung's presence by the door and was let in.

"What brings my son to my chamber?" Queen Yoo addresses Jung with a smile.

The usual happy go lucky smile is missing on Jung's face. He looks crestfallen with the pain and yearning noticeable upon his eyes. He approaches his mother and crawls upon her embrace, laying his head on her lap and curling to his side. Missing his mother's security, whom he tried to leave so he could pursue what his heart desires, he pounders upon himself if he was wrong to leave her mother's love, who always gives him anything he wants.

With Jung's deflated appearance, Queen Yoo worriedly strokes his son's hair, "What's wrong with my little son? Did somebody hurt you?"

Jung shivers as he holds himself from crying, frustrated that no matter how much he tried to fight for the person he loves, he feels that the odds are stacked against him, unable to comprehend the difference between the guilty look Hae Soo gives him and what he thinks is a look of sympathy that Hae Soo showers his 4th brother. He fails to see that it is not sympathy that is moving Hae Soo's heart but love.

With no answer, Yo repeats his mother's question this time, anxious, "Jung-ah tell us what's wrong, I'm sure our mother can help."

"Eopseoyo. Swi-go sip-eo-yo. (Its nothing, I just want to rest.)" Jung answers, leaning some more to his mother's touch.

"How about you tell eomeoni, what's bothering you and eomeoni will make them go away." Queen Yoo tries some more, coaxing her youngest son out of his shell.

Though Jung is burning with jealousy towards his 4th brother, he doesn't see So as the problem. His problem lies with how to own Hae Soo's heart and keep her beside him, "Eomonim, if I tell you what I want, will you promise to give it to me no matter what?"

"Eomeoni can't get you want you want if you don't tell me what's causing you all this pain." Queen Yoo continues with stroking Jung's back, talking to him like he's still a kid.

"Yak-sok-hab-ni-da, kkuk, jebal eomonim. (You must promise me, please)" Jung pleads with his mother, admitting defeat to his self. Now he knows, only his mother could intercede for him and asks for Hae Soo's hand in marriage.

"Araseo, Yaksokhabnida." With Jung appealing to his mother's maternal instinct, Queen Yoo couldn't refuse his son's pleading. "What does my son want?"

"Hon-in (Marriage), kyeol-hon-ha-go-sip-eo-seo. (I want to get married.)" Jung voices his wish.

Yo tenses meeting his mother's eyes. What has gotten to his little brother to be this desperate enough to ask their mother for such favor.

"And who is this lucky lady my son covets?" Queen Yoo calmly asks. Caught off guard by her son's favor, she withholds judgment. Hearing all the facts first before deciding.

"Hae Soo of the northern house of Hae." Jung holds at his mother as if his life depends on this favor he is asking. "Na neun Hae Soo-ga kyeol-hon-ha-go sip-eo-yo, eomeonim jebalyo (I want to marry Hae Soo. Please) I will never ask for anything again. I just want her by my side."

"Jung-ah the lady…:

"...Will become a true heir of the Hae Clan soon. Lady Myung Hee will make her one. Isn't it strategic for us to make an alliance with the Haes?" Jung cuts his brother's sentence, banking on his clan's greed for power and missing the fact that Myung Hee is not playing for power. She's not marrying Hae Soo to the 8th prince to consolidate the Hae Clan's power but to stabilize the Hwangbo's hold of the Chancellery seat. She's doing it for her love for Wook and not for her clan.

Queen Yoo doesn't answer, ruminating what her youngest son is proposing. If Hae Soo really turns into an heir for the Haes then it would be in their advantage to marry her into their clan.

"I even met her parents when I went into the north. Lady Se Won, Lady Myung Hee's mother even liked me. Besides, an alliance with our clan will be advantageous with them too instead of the Hwangbos."

It's the first time Queen Yoo and Yo see Jung dip his hands in the politics of the court. He usually doesn't care so it's surprising to both of them that he's going this far just to have the girl.

"Arada. Eomoni will see what she can do."

Queen Yoo commands a gungnyeo to summon Myung Hee in the palace the next day, getting to the bottom of Hae Soo's true legal lineage. She also sends a messenger to her uncle, Wang Ryeon Shik, up north to have a talk with Hae Hyeonhui. If Hae Soo turns out to be an heir then she could be Jung's first wife. If not, then she could be a second wife. Either way, Queen Yoo is going to grant her son's wish, regardless of what Hae Soo's lineage is.


Wook comes home to his household frustrated and angry. He had just came back from the Damiwon to fetch Hae Soo and just like the last few weeks, he wasn't able to take her home because either she went home on her own already, which he doesn't believe, or because Hae Soo can't come home since his 4th brother had come-up with another chore to keep her beside him.

Tonight, when he came to the Damiwon he finds his path block by Lady Oh once again, telling him that Hae Soo had been tasked to attend to the 4th prince private bathing ritual. Though there is only a small gap from the sliding door going to the outer pool, he can clearly see his 4th brother resting his head upon Hae Soo's lap as Hae Soo carefully traces what appear to be a few scars on his brother's back. Hae Soo doesn't seem afraid or forced. If anything she looks as contented as his 4th brother is, quietly enjoying their time together.

That's when Wook realized what he's been overlooking all this time. Hae Soo is not looking at his 4th brother with that affection she has for everyone nor does she looks at him like a charity to sympathize with. She looks at So with that tender gaze Wook had longed to be at the receiving end.

Wook turns his back automatically. The pain robs him of air in his lungs, feeling as if a knife had gutted him at the stomach. He momentarily closes his eyes, holding his self together. He says a polite goodbye to Lady Oh and leaves.

By the time he reaches his quarters, he staggers at the door, holding upon the walls. As he falls to his knee, Myung Hee sees him and rushes by his side,

"Wangjanim, are you alright? What happened?" Myung Hee holds Wook by the shoulders, kneeling beside him, "Shall I call the royal physician?"

Wook does not have the patience to be nice with Myung Hee at the moment, "Jebal nal chom nae-beo-ryeo dwo. (Please leave me alone.)

"Wangjanim?" Myung Hee refuses to leave.

"Kagura! Ka!" Wook pushes Myung Hee away and struggles to get to his room but Myung Hee holds him, keeping him still.

"Wangjanim, please tell me what's wrong?" Myung Hee tries once again.

Wook doesn't deserve Myung Hee's embrace but he falls into it nonetheless, admitting weakness. He lets his tears escape holding to Myung Hee like a lifeline.

Myung Hee holds him close to her chest, stroking his back and assuring him she's going to stay.

"Mianhae Myung Hee-ya, mianhae…" Wook repeatedly say sorry, apologizing for making Myung Hee miserable but he can no longer stay inside the walls he built to reign his feelings for Hae Soo. He's going to cross the line and he's asking permission from Myung Hee.

Though it pains Myung Hee to share Wook, she'll uphold her other end of the bargain and make Hae Soo an heir. "Please go ahead and let the queen ask the king for Hae Soo's hand in marriage. I'll take care of the rest. I will set for the north as soon as possible to correct Hae Soo's registry."

"Myung Hee-ya," In spite of Wook's conscience nagging at him, he chooses to listen to his heart and be selfish for once. He apologizes once more and thanks her after, assuring that he would never neglect her even if he takes Hae Soo as a second wife, the only promise he could give Myung Hee.

Myung Hee settles for it no matter how painful the whole situation felt. He had been fighting with Wook about it for several months now and when Wook finally admits that he wanted it, Myung Hee thought she would feel relieved. However the respite didn't come, only hurt, only jealousy, only resentment. And it came crushing her.


The next day, Wook escorts Myung Hee to the palace, answering the summon of Queen Yoo. Wook is worried as to what the queen wants from his wife so he tags along but he wasn't permitted to come inside with her. He waits on his mother's quarters instead, informing his own mother that he's agreeing to marry Hae Soo.

Inside Queen Yoo's quarter, Yo and Jung kneel beside Queen Yoo while Myung Hee kneels on a mat in front of them.

"How are you Myung Hee-ya? It's been a while since I saw you. It's nice to see the colors in your cheeks are back. I hope your health have greatly improved." Queen Yoo lets a gungnyeo pours a tea for Myung Hee, exhibiting the sweetest smile she can display.

"Ah yie kamsahabnida mama(1)," Myung Hee answers politely.

With only a month before the festival, the plan to ask for Hae Soo's hand in marriage at the night of the feast must be put into motion, "May I ask about your cousin, I heard she's apprenticing under Lady Oh."

"Hae Soo? Yie mama, she's half way through her apprenticeship." Myung Hee becomes attentive, wondering where this conversation is leading.

"Is't also true that she is only adopted to your family? Is she legally your sister?" Queen Yoo goes straight to the point.

"Sungohabnida mama, our Hae Soo is not legally under our registry yet but I promised her that I would put her under my own once she finishes her apprenticeship." Myung Hee confirms what everyone is aware of already

Queen Yoo maintains her sweet smile, "I hope you don't mind, I have sent a messenger to my uncle up north to have a visit with your household and have a talk with your parents. You see, my son here…"

Queen Yoo turns to Jung, who respectfully bows to Myung Hee, "…. Have made a confession to me last night. He and your cousin had been seeing each other for the past year. As his mother, let me apologize for my son's brazen action of coveting an innocent lady without her guardian's knowledge."

Using the apology as an excuse, Queen Yoo forces Myung Hee into a situation where she will be obliged to grant the queen her request.

"Anibnida mama, I should be the one apologizing for not disciplining my cousin well. Sungohabnida, I will have Hae Soo…"

"Gwaenchanhseubnikka Myung Hee-ya, you don't need to apologize. You know how youths can be." Queen Yoo cuts in on Myung Hee's sentence, insisting there is nothing to be sorry about.

Though Hae Soo had denied it, Jung had told his mother otherwise. Now Myung Hee is worried, anxious that the queen might see Hae Soo's action as insolent.

"I would like to rectify the situation." Queen Yoo makes Myung Hee nervous, "It is wrong of my son to be seeing the lady secretly. What would people say of her if word gets out?"

"Anibnida mama, please let me discipline my cousin well." Mistaking the queen's intention, Myung Hee pleads for Hae Soo not to be punished. "I will make sure that she would never see the 14th prince again."

"But Myung Hee-ya, you are misunderstanding me. I am proposing that my son marries Lady Hae Soo. I know its unheard off but wouldn't it be nice to have a marriage built out of love instead of the usual formal alliance that happens between two clans when people get married?" Queen Yoo hides her intention well, appealing to Myung Hee's emotional side, unaware that Myung Hee's heart lies with Wook and not with her clan.

Shocked, Myung Hee doesn't know what to say, "Cheomama u-ri Hae Soo (Our Hae Soo)…"

"Joesonghabnida Myung Hee Ssi, Please let me take care of Hae Soo from now on." Jung bows his head on the floor, formally asking for Hae Soo's hand. "I'll set for the north to have a talk with your parents as soon as I am free from my palace responsibilities."

Myung Hee wouldn't be able to say anything. It's another pressure adding upon her shoulder to seal the alliance between the Haes and the Hwangbos.


The moment Myung Hee steps out of the queen's quarters, she sees Wook waiting for her outside. Wook quickly comes to her side and ask what the queen wants. Myung Hee walks farther from the queen's quarter before telling Wook what the queen had proposed.

It's the first time Wook heard about Hae Soo and Jung's relationship, suddenly remembering the letter Hae Soo had shown her. Only then did he realize that the handwriting is familiar because it was his 14th brother's. Wook's face darkens, the simmering jealousy a stark contrast from the bright sky above him.

"I didn't know Hae Soo and Jung is seeing each other? Does Jung really claim it." Wook asked feeling betrayed by his own brothers. The alliance between them and the Chungju Yu clan had only been formed a few weeks ago but it seemed his 3rd and 4th brothers are double crossing him already. Wook we'll remember to be wary of his own brothers from now on.

"Hae Soo had always maintained that she and Jung wangjanim are only friends but the 14th prince looks earnest and sincere with his proposal. What shall we do?"

It feels absurd for the two of them to be talking so calmly and logical about how the marriage proposal looming about Hae Soo's head is getting complicated with each additional prince entering into the fold.

"I've already had a talked with my mother, we'll make sure to get the king's approval by the coming feast." Wook stops walking and looks at Myung Hee, "Mianhada Myung Hee-ya but you will have to talk to your parents before my 14th brother gets to them."

"Araseo. Shall I ride up north by tomorrow?" Myung Hee is lost. She just wants to get this over fast before another problem comes up.

"I would have gone with you but all the princes and princesses are required to be here for the preparation of the festival, will you be alright? I'll send several of my guards to escort you home." Wook knows he's asking his wife for too much but he had already decided to cross the line. He will see the end of it no matter what.

He takes Myung Hee's hand and kisses it tenderly, apologizing over and over once more.


Sleeping soundly in his bed, Soon Deok comes in quietly at Eun's room, holding her gift for the 10th prince, a bear fur she had hunted herself. It took months to treat it and turn it to a whole coat as if a person is really wearing a bear skin. It's her most prized possession and she saved it for Eun.

She puts it over Eun, using it as a blanket. It's head, resting on Eun's chest, looking upon his face. Soon Deok sits beside him, gazing serenely at the 10th prince. She puts her head by the bedside and falls asleep a little later.

Soon, Eun wakes-up finding his self face to face with the bear.

"AAAHHHHHHH!" Eun screams, mistaking the bear alive and about to eat him.

Soon Deok wakes up upon hearing Eun's screams. She automatically stands on her feet, looking for danger but only sees Eun, pushing the bear coat away.

Eun scrambles out of his bed, his ribs a little painful from his sudden movement.

"Gweanchanhayo wangjanim, gwaenchanhayo. Shhhh… It's just a coat." Soon Deok takes the bear coat away.

"Yaishhhh! Who put that on me?" Eun holds at his ribs, the fear still on his eyes.

"I… I… did… waeyo?" Soon Deok asks, hurt.

"Ya! Are you trying to kill me by heart attack?!" Eun screams, "Get that away from me."

"I thought you were going to like it," Soon Deok pulls at the coat, "I'll take it back then."

"How can I like it? It's scary?!" Eun looks disgusted.

"Araseo!" Soon Deok leaves with a heavy heart.


"Unnie!" Ha Jin throws open Myung Hee's doors the way she used to do before. She skips happily to her cousin's side and gives her a hug. With all the arguments between the two of them lately, Ha Jin misses her cousin terribly and just wants to hang around her. She follows Chae Ryung's advice to let go of her pride and come to Myung Hee first.

"Do you want to walk with me in the market? or the port? I've never been in the port and we haven't hang out together for a long time."

With Hae Soo's arms around her, Myung Hee also realizes that she too, misses her cousin as well. She touches Hae Soo's head and pats it, "Mianhaeyo Hae Soo-ya, I don't know why we keep arguing lately."

"Kueronikka, i-je-bu-teo ssa-um eul meom-chu-ja (Let's stop fighting from now on.) Unnie, jinjja pogo sip-eoss-eo (I really missed you)." Ha Jin tightens her arms around Myung Hee.

"Na do, neo-neun pogo sip-eoss-eo (I missed you too.)" Myung Hee is supposed to talk about the queens' proposal and have it clear with Hae Soo what her relationship is with the 14th prince but decides to drop the matter for now, choosing to be happy with Hae Soo for today, "Hae Soo-ya, I will be leaving for the north tomorrow and be gone for a few weeks but I will try to come back before the Lantern Festival."

Ha Jin releases Myung Hee and asks, "Waeyo?"

"I have to talk to our parents regarding putting you legally under our registry. I'm sorry it took so long for us to do it. I, too, didn't know that your name isn't in our registry." Myung Hee sincerely apologizes for having overlooked this part of their family.

"Gwaenchanhayo unnie, it doesn't matter to me anyway. I am very thankful that you and your family had taken me in after my parents died. I will always be grateful for it. Please don't be burdened about my legal registry. You've already done enough for me." Ha Jin genuinely doesn't care if she is not legally under any family registry, not understanding how precarious her standing in the society at the moment.

"While I'm away..."

"Unnie, must you leave?" Ha Jin cuts Myung Hee's sentence, not wanting for her cousin to go.

"I have to, your apprenticeship will end by next Spring, we must have your legal registry ready by then." Myung Hee explains, skirting over the issue of Hae Soo's marriage to Wook by that time. "So while I'm away, please promise me that you will stay out of trouble and don't cause too much headache for the 8th prince. He's busy enough with all the responsibilities from the court. If I still have the time, I would have embroidered a pillow for him to remind him to rest."

"Ay kuereomyo, do I look like I'm a walking trouble for you? Unnie gocheong haji maseyo, I've learned a lot from Lady Oh this past months, I'll keep my head low kuende, can I not come with you?" Ha Jin suddenly wants to meet their parents, not wanting to part from Myung Hee.

Myung Hee mules over Hae Soo's question for a minute, "I supposed you can't? I don't think Lady Oh will permit you to leave the Damiwon with such short notice and the festival is only a month from now."

"Ah keureyo?" The disappointment in Hae Soo's voice is too noticeable.

"How about after your apprenticeship you take a few weeks rest up north?" Myung Hee suggests, not wanting to disappoint Hae Soo.

"Jinjja? I'll be looking forward to it then. Yaksokhae?! (Promise?!)" Ha Jin takes Myung Hee hands and intertwined their little fingers together.

"Araseo, yaksokhaeyo." Myung Hee promises, patting Hae Soo's head fondly.


By nightfall, So visits Gen. Park's household having been informed that the general had arrived home yesterday. He was received by a servant and was directed to the Daechung to have dinner with Gen. Park and his daughter, Soon Deok.

"So Wangjanim!" Soon Deok greets So the moment she sees him stepping at the foyer.

Out of habit, Gen. Park examines So's demeanor as he comes by the door, observing that he looks somewhat different. So walks coolly, his steps a little lighter and his face has less scowl.

So bows to Soon Deok and the general, taking a seat in front of the two. A servant comes in and serves another bowl of rice and batch of side dishes in front of So.

"How was our garrison in the north?" So opens a conversation with the general.

"Well manned of course. The Khitans had lay low after the peace talks I had with them when you left." General Park answers, taking his own bowl of rice to eat. "A certain daughter of the ambassador of the Khitans is looking for you?"

"Mwo?!" So and Soon Deok ask together.

"Wah, you have another woman other than Hae Soo?" Soon Deok addresses So. "Ya! So wangjanim! Shall I let Hae Soo know?"

"Anibnida!" So looks lost. He certainly has no knowledge of this lady the general is talking about.

The general laughs heartily, fooling the two. "I was only joking,"

The two looks at the general disgusted.

"Kuende So wangjanim? I trust that you've already put a stop into your woman's betrothal to your brother? You seem contented?" Gen. Park avoids the adjective 'happy' since the word feels foreign and strange when used for the 4th prince.

"Betrothal? Does everyone know Hae Soo is betrothed to the 8th prince except Eun wangjanim and I?" Soon Deok asks confused. "Abeoji! How can you keep this from me?"

"Aigoo! Do you have to know everything? Eoh?! Eat your dinner quietly and let the men talk." Gen. Park admonishes his daughter fondly. He doesn't admit it but he misses her daughter's whining. "Joesonghabnida wangjanim."

So doesn't answer. He eats his dinner silently and lets the father and daughter sort their trouble out.

"How is your friend? What is his name again? The 10th prince? Is he treating you well? I heard from the servants that he's been hanging out here in our household every weekend, doesn't he have friends other than you? You need to be careful with making friends with young men these days you are at the prime age of marriage. I might have a hard time betrothing you if you keep up with that tactless attitude of yours." Gen. Park continues with his reprimands, pretending to be annoyed with his daughter.

"Ne! Ne!" Soon Deok answers her father begrudgingly, "He can't hang out with me lately anyway. He fell out of his horse and had his rib fractured."

So stills, it's only been days since the incident with Eun happened. Though Eun had hurt So with his favor the other day, with the help of Hae Soo's soft touches and warm acceptance, So forgive his 10 brother's transgression, putting his anger aside. He worries that he will have to bare his face to the people at the festival but as long as Hae Soo is beside him, he promises not to listen to what other people say about him.

"What kind of a man is he if he can't ride his horse well?!" Gen. Park insults the 10th prince and Soon Deok defends Eun blindly,

"It doesn't matter I can ride the horse well, I'll take him as a passenger."

"Then how is he going to protect his wife and children?"

"I can protect us."

With every argument Gen. Park throws, Soon Deok always comes back with answer.

"Aigoo, I supposed you won't changed your mind, will you?" Gen. Park gives up insulting the 10th prince, seeing as his daughter will not change her mind.

"I only agreed to become an apprentice to Lady Oh because you said, it's the only way for me to marry the 10th prince?!" Soon Deok's childhood crush for the 10th prince was an open secret at the general's camp. Even So had been aware of it since they were kids. She only agreed to get out of her father's military camp and enter Lady Oh's apprenticeship because a noble lady cannot marry a prince without completing the training under Lady Oh and Gen. Park had promised to find a way for her to marry the 10th prince if she agrees to become a proper lady. So now, she's demanding her father to give her what they had agreed upon.

"Araseo, araseo! I'll see what I can do." Gen. Park thought he could trick her daughter into becoming a lady without upholding his other end of the bargain but his daughter is hopelessly in love with the 10th prince and wouldn't let him be.

"Do you badly want to marry my 10th brother?" So asks breaking his silence for once.

"Ne! Abeoji promised me." Soon Deok answers a definite yes.

"Keureom, I will ask the king to grant your father a permission at the feast." So solves the problem for the general and his daughter, hitting two birds with one stone.

"The king will only grant one marriage proposal for that night. If we can get him to agree before my 8th brother raises his own proposal, then his betrothal to my Hae Soo will not push through." So is unaware of another proposal on Hae Soo's hand courtesy of his 14th brother.

"Eh? Are you sure? Why don't you just use your favor to ask the king for Lady Hae Soo's hand instead? It's your chance to marry her." Gen. Park is wondering if the 4th prince had just missed that fact that's why he's granting a different favor but So didn't missed it.

So can't ask for Hae Soo's hand at the moment because he hasn't fulfilled his other end of the bargain with Lady Shinjuwon. Geun Sun had already caught him freeing Chae Ryung. If his adoptive mother catches up that he's working against her, whether the king allows him to marry Hae Soo will be beside the point. Lady Shinjuwon will find a way to take Hae Soo from him and it's going to be nightmarish for both of them.

"Gwaenchanhseubnida, you and your daughter have done a lot for me already. It's about time I repay you." So feigns a small smile, hiding the dangerous deal with his mother.

"Kamsahabnida wangjanim! I will never forget this. I knew I was right to trust you from the beginning." Soon Deok looked like Christmas came early for her.

She reminds So of his 10th brother's innocence of people's intention. He wishes them well and hopes that Soon Deok and the general would be enough to protect his 10th brother when the king dies and the succession for the throne gets bloody.


After Wook, Myung Hee and Hae Soo had a peaceful dinner for the first time in a few months, Wook walks with Myung Hee and asks her to come to his quarters for a moment.

Myung Hee hesitates by the door with Wook behind her. Even with four years of marriage with Wook, Myung Hee rarely sets foot inside Wook's quarters. It was always Wook who visits her room and spends the night in it.

Standing in front of the door, Wook goes around Myung Hee to open it and let her in. Myung Hee steps inside keeping her eyes on the floor, trying not to look around. Wook's quarters is simple, with a few tapestry of calligraphy decorating the walls. Books piled neatly over his table and a lone one on his bed.

Wook goes to his vanity table and takes a small silk box on top of it. He comes back to Myung Hee and opens the box in front of her, "Seon-mul. (A gift.) I know I haven't been a good husband lately and I'd like to make-up for it."

Myung Hee looks at the gift, a pearl earring, happy to receive it, "You didn't have to get me anything wangjanim, I'm happy to be able to stay by your side."

"May I?" Wook takes out Myung Hee's earrings carefully and replaced it with his gift one by one.

Standing so close, Myung Hee's heart rate surges naturally, bringing a blush upon her cheeks down her neck. The pearl glistens starkly upon her pinkish skin,

"Kamsa…habnida wangjanim."

Myung Hee's voice catches in her throat when Wook's fingers starts tracing her clavicle going to the back of her neck and settling there. The air around them becomes heavy as Wook leans in to plant a kiss beside her ear, moving to play with the soft skin of her lobule, down her neck. Myung Hee stills. Wook inclines her head the other way baring her neck to him. His other hand wanders down her back, untying her sash to loosen her jeogori. He comes up to her lips, taking off her upper garments without breaking their kiss. He pulls at her waist, loosening the ribbon of her chima and letting it fall.

With only her thin sokgot, Wook backs Myung Hee to his bed, discarding the book by the floor and lying her down.

Myung Hee spends the night inside Wook's room, waking-up alone in his bed by the morning, with only the blanket covering her nakedness. Wook enters by the door, bringing her breakfast. She sits up, holding the blanket by her chest, embarrassed to still be in his bed. Wook takes a robe by the chair and puts it on her shoulder, greeting her good morning.

Today, Myung Hee leaves for the north and Wook makes sure she is well taken care off by his 2 servants and 2 guards.

Ha Jin, Baek-Ah and Yeonhwa wait separately by the main gate, greeting Myung Hee and wishing her a safe journey to the north.

With only a small party of five and Myung Hee riding her horse on her own, Wook estimates it would take a week for Myung Hee to reach their family's household. He expressly commanded for the servants and the guards to not push Myung Hee too much and keep to the main road all through out the journey. Before night falls, they should be settled in an inn already and must make sure Myung Hee is well rested every night. Shortly, the five departs for the north, waving goodbye to all of them.

Three weeks after and a week before the festival itself, Wook still hasn't heard anything from Myung Hee. He's beginning to get worried and has sent a messenger to the Hae household to see how Myung Hee is doing.


Fetching Hae Soo from the Damiwon, So and Hae Soo are headed to Soon Deok's house to have dinner, having been invited by the general to his home.

So walks with his bangs covering his mask. Banking from darkness that the night offers, So avoids the people in the street as much as he can. Though he walks coolly and unafraid, Ha Jin knows the unrest and animosity around town is starting to get to So and she worries that it's hurting him. She ponders everyday on how can she help him, racking her brains to reconcile what she read in history, what she had seen on her flashes of memory and So's state right now. He definitely has no scar on both accounts. She wonders if there is anything she can do to erase the scar. Recalling the feel of it in her fingers, the scar is flat, just a thin reddish brown line that starts in his forehead going below his left eye. The scar isn't even ugly. It's cut clean.

"You're quiet, may I ask why?" So breaks the heavy silence.

"Kuenyang, saeng-gak-hab-ni-da, (Just thinking,)" Ha Jin takes the site around them, having seen a few of those little moon lanterns being on sale these days. "What are you doing after the Spiritual Cleansing Ritual?"

So thinks about it for a second, "Probably sit down for a feast with my family."

"I see," Ha Jin is waiting for So to ask her to come to the Lantern Festival with him but it seems So would be busy that night. She sighs, stopping in front of a stall that's selling those moon lanterns. "I hope unnie comes home already so we could go together to the Lantern Festival."

Ever dense, So misses the cue Hae Soo is giving him, "Aren't you required to be in the palace that night?"

The two of them were greeted by the merchant selling the moon lanterns. Ha Jin smiles at him, touching one of the lanterns, giving away another cue, "I am required but after the main ritual, the apprentices are free to go."

Nothing.

So still doesn't get it. He's mind is busy going over the plan he and the general have. The merchant starts explaining the significance of the different colors and Ha Jin takes an orange lantern in hand, turning to So brazenly expecting.

Nothing.

"I hope you enjoy the night with Soon Deok and Woo Hee. I hear the plaza looks amazing during the festival." So stupidly makes a mistake of wishing Hae Soo a good time with her friends when Ha Jin is sending him all the clues to ask her out.

Ha Jin puts downs the lantern begrudgingly and walks away, simmering in annoyance.

By the time they reached Soon Deok's household, Ha Jin is in a foul mood. She politely greets everyone, Baek-Ah, Mu, Ji Mong and Gen. Park whose crowding over the table. She takes a glass of water and drinks, excusing herself to look for Soon Deok.

Baek-Ah approaches his 4th brother and asks in a low voice, "What's wrong with Hae Soo?"

"Mol-la. (I don't know.)" So innocently tells what happened in the market while they were walking. For every sentence he says, the faces of everyone in the table get frustrated. Ji Mong bangs his forehead on top of the table, Mu massages the pressure points beside his eyes. Gen Park's mouth twitches and Baek-Ah touches the back of his neck. They all understood the cue, only So didn't get it.

"Aigoo, for all the military strategies you've learned, you certainly know nothing about women." Gen. Park comments.

"What did I do wrong this time?" So asks annoyed.

Holding by the back of the chair, Baek-Ah explains, "Hae Soo is waiting for you to ask her out to the Lantern festival. She doesn't want to go out with her cousin or her friends, she wants to go with you and you simply missed it out. You should have bought that lantern she touched."

"Ah jinjjaro? Why didn't she just say so?" So sports that clueless look.

"Because… you're supposed to be the one asking. Neo paboya? (Are you stupid?)" Mu takes a glass of water and drinks too, "Ka! Follow her and ask her already. Ka! Before she gets more annoyed at you. Kagura!"

So turns to the direction where Hae Soo left to, feeling stupid for having missed all the clues. "Is there a book that I can read about this? How come all of you know these things?"

The question is funny to everyone but they all hold their laughter in as a respect to the 4th prince.

"There's no book for this, you learn it along the way." Baek-Ah explains, biting his lips before he loses it and laughs. "But don't worry, ladies find our lack of experience adorable sometimes. Sometimes."

"And this is one of those situation that they don't find it adorable?" So naively asks.

The four nods in unison. So sighs, Hae Soo seems more complicated than the Khitans he had dealt with.


Come the festival itself, the princes wait by the corridor once more, all of them in red robes and holding their red and white mask by one hand and a sword by the other. Eun is not around, having been injured. He sits with Yeonhwa, at the long table by the stairs, over looking the courtyard turned stage for the performance. Later on, when the feast starts, the princes will be joining them.

Mu stands with Baek-Ah separately, "Where is our 4th brother? Have you seen him?"

"So hyungnim? Aniyo, I haven't seen him the whole day. Wasn't Hae Soo sent to the sky tower to accompany him with the preparation?" Baek-Ah answers looking around.

"We're about to start and he's still not here." Mu is now worried.

Over at the other wall, Yo and Jung stand together with Yo smoothing Jung's red robes for him.

"Hyungnim, eomonim will ask for Hae Soo's hand later, no one knows about this just us, right?" Jung goes through their plan once more.

"Kuereomyo, you need not worry about it. Our uncle, Wang Ryeom Shik, had already talked with Lady Myung Hee's parents and they were open to it. Lady Se Won, speaks fondly of you." Yo assures his little brother, leaving out the part that Hae Hyeonhui is still thinking about it since Hae Soo's registry is still problematic.

"Araseo, kamsahabnida hyungnim." Jung looks at his brother with adulation, the same look he used to give So.

Still at another post, Wook and Won leans by the wall, thinking separately. Wook hasn't heard anything from his messenger about Myung Hee, he's starting to become agitated. If his messenger is not back after the festival, he'll come to the north by him self.

Soon the drums were sounded, signaling the start of the performance. So arrives hurrying, just in time to take his place at the edge of the stage. He's in his black robe already and the Fangxiangxi mask is in place, hiding well his face underneath.

Ha Jin too, flurries to the crowd surrounding the whole courtyard. In spite of many people in town saying they would be skipping the ritual, they all came curious to experience the festival inside the walls of the palace. Everyone is talking and waiting for the highlight of the night. The town is well informed that the 4th prince will be baring his face after the performance, so they all look forward to seeing what the 4th prince had hidden behind his mask.

Positioning herself to the crowd by the stairs, Ha Jin's white and blue pastel color silk hanbok blends well with the nobles behind her but So only sees her, his pillar, his home. He looks at her and Hae Soo nods, assuring him that everything is going to be alright.

The gong is sounded thrice, signaling the start of the ritual. The whole place falls into silence save for the drums playing. So takes a step to the stage nervously, walking to the center with pretend confidence in place. Underneath his mask, he breathes carefully, calming his self. Raising his fork sword to turn it in his hands, So starts the ritual and loses his self in the routine. He moves with agility and grace, turning in a pivot and maintaining his balance. He flies, one with the wind. With every thrust of his sword, his movement gains awe from the audience. He captures the crowed in a trance, momentarily making them forget of their mockery. Truly, So in a sword dance is a sight to behold.

Shortly, the Jinja (princes in red robes celebrating the ritual), joins So in the stage. They too mesmerize the audience in a mock battle with the 'monsters' and 'spirits'. Unlike last year, where the ritual was cut short by the assassins, this time the princes are able to finish the performance without a hitch ending with So in front of his brothers, his black robe in sharp contrast with the red. They all kneel in one knee, assuming a pose of soldier about to be knighted. Everyone erupts in applause. King Taejo stands from his throne, followed by his queens on his side. He too claps his hand slowly and resounding, proud of his sons.

Now comes what everyone is waiting for. The princes takes off their mask saved for So who is required to be the last to take it off. He touches the end of the four eyed mask he's wearing and takes it off unceremoniously, revealing his bare face.

Silence.

Everyone stops with whatever they're doing and looks at the 4th prince in surprise. So lifts his head, answering the call of the wind upon his face. The breeze clears the hair covering his left eye and So smiles sweetly upon Hae Soo, catching her smoldering gaze. The scar is gone and his face is smooth, with only beads of sweat sticking upon his hair. So looks dangerously beautiful and regal. He stands up and turns around, taking a bow in front of the spiteful crowd who used to mock him. Now they all watch him mesmerized, captured well by his beauty. Even his brothers couldn't help by stare. The queens hold by the side of their throne, shocked. Their plan to humiliate the 4th prince backfires and now the people only looks at So with reverie.

King Taejo waits for So to turn back to him again before complimenting him in a loud voice that everyone could here, "Chal haess-da! Nae a-deul-eun chal haess-da! (Well done my son, well done!)"


The princes join Yeonha and Eun by the long table commencing the feast. Behind them, a few steps up the stairs is the table for King Taejo and his queens. Ji Mong stands behind as usual, while a separate table in front of the princes is placed for the general and the ministers.

The people still couldn't believe what they're seeing so they continue with gawking and staring at the 4th prince. So nonchalantly bask in their attention with his own eyes focused only at Hae Soo. Hae Soo meets up with Soon Deok and Woo Hee and they hang by the side of the courtyard enjoying the feast with other people.

"Omo, I have never seen our kingdom celebrate a feast this happy." With everyone in a good mood, Queen Shinjeong opens up a topic to raise her favor.

King Taejo nods smiling, "Matda. (That's true.) I have you my queen to thank for it."

"It's nothing pyeha. It is my duty to our people." Queen Shinjeong politely replies.

"Kuereom pyeha, if I may," Mu stands up taking his wine glass with him, "May I raise a toast to my 4th brother for successfully leading the ritual tonight? May the gods bestow him favor and guidance from today and so forth."

Everyone raises their glasses and drinks for So, congratulating him.

"Kamsahabnida hyungnim." So respectfully bows to Mu, happy to be celebrating with his family for once.

"Pyeha, since the feast is of a happy one, you promised to grant a favor tonight. Why not bestow a blessing to a marriage union?" Queen Yoo reminds the king what he had promise the royal court before, waiting for her chance to raise her favor too.

"Guerahabnida." King Taejo agrees. Turning to his 4th son, whose the apple of his eyes, he asks, "My favored son of the spirits, with whom would you like to bestow a blessing of union to?"

Wook, Jung, Yo and the two queens tensed. They didn't anticipate that the king will pass to So the favor to grant marriage union tonight.

So stands once again, letting his eyes pass over Wook and the second queen.

"Pyeha, would it be selfish of me if I grant the favor to myself and asked to be married?" So lightly jokes, "A lot of my brothers have been boasting how amazing it is to come home at the end of the day with their wife waiting for them."

"Not…so…amazing…" Coughing the words, Won rides So's joke and brings laughter to everyone. "Nagging…"

"But their arms always promises heaven." Mu jokingly assures So.

"Eiii you don't need to be married to know heaven in a woman's touch." Yo points out, joining in the fray.

"Ah kuereyo? Shall I stay free for a while then?" So playfully asks.

"Kueremyo!" Jung quickly answers, "We wouldn't want to disappoint your newfound ladies who are ogling you at the moment."

Jung directs everyone's attention to the several ladies and servants who are still staring at the 4th prince's beautiful face.

So blushes, a strange feeling he's not used to. He continues with toasting before he gets sidetracked once more, "Kuereom, since my woman is not yet ready to be married anyway…"

So catches his 8th brother's eye, a warning and a claim on his voice.

"Let me bestow the favor of blessed union to another rightful person." So turns to the general, addressing the king, "Pyeha, I hear the general has a beautiful daughter whose apprenticing under Lady Oh."

Except for Mu, So's siblings exchange a surprise look, wondering what crazy plan their 4th brother has for them.

"Yie, I heard about it too." King Taejo waits for So to finish his favor.

"I've also heard that she is quite close to one of my brothers and would make a good wife to him." So explains further.

Jung and Baek-Ah looks at Eun, both of them sure that only Eun is hanging out with Soon Deok lately.

"Kuereom, I shall bestow the blessed union to my 10th brother and Lady Park Soon Deok. Chukahabnida Eun-ah." So greets his 10th brother, raising his glass to him.

Eun's glass falls upon the table, shocked, "Hyungnim?! Cheon hon-in eun silh-eo-hab-ni-da. (I don't want to get married.)"

Everyone at the table freezes. No one's plan is going their way.

"Waeyo? Are you shy my son?" King Taejo asks, still smiling, "I think your brother's favor is a cause to celebrate. You should have in laws and do your obligation as a member of the royal family."

"Silh-eo-hab-ni-da. (I don't want to.)" Eun repeats once more, his head in turmoil. "I am still young. Hyungnim, please don't do this to me. I am sorry for asking you to perform at the ritual with a bare face but it turned out alright anyway. Why are you doing this to me?"

Eun doesn't see it as a caused for joy. He's panicking, suddenly being forced to become adult all very soon. He doesn't understand that as much as So is doing Soon Deok a favor, he's also trying to protect him by getting him an in law who could safeguard him from the politics of court.

Getting out of his chair, Eun kneels in front of the king, unmindful of the pain in his ribs, "Pyeha jebal, please rescind my brother's word. I am too young to get married."

Wang Gyu minister stands from their table and comes in front of Eun, bowing to the king and to So, "Pyeha, wangjanim, let me apologize for my grandson's insolence. He's mind is too young to comprehend the favor you are bestowing him. We accept the union. Kamsahabnida pyeha wangjanim, your benevolence is abundant and overflowing."

Pulling Eun by the arm, Wang Gyu ministers takes his grandson away before he causes more trouble. Unlike Eun, he sees the beauty behind the union the 4th prince had bestowed upon them. Being in laws with the general will be good for their clan. It means having the militia within their reach. He'll remember to pledge his loyalty to the 4th prince from now on.

So only nods, acknowledging Wang Gyu minister's show of respect to him.

After Eun was taken away, everyone goes back to their table and commences with the feast. This time, the celebration more subdued. With the favor of marriage out of the table, the Hwangbos and the Chungju Yu have to change their plans.

So plays with his glass rethinking his favor, wondering if he had done harm to his 10th brother. Mu notices this and whispers to him, "Gwaenchanha, our 10th brother will understand it soon. Don't worry."

He pats So's back, assuring him.

"Don't you have some place to be?" Mu gesture to where Hae Soo is laughing with her friends. "Ka, before she finds someone else to hang that lantern with."

So looks at Hae Soo, remembering that she's still waiting for him to ask her to attend the Lantern Festival in the plaza. He stands up and says his leave, excusing himself.

"Get her an orange one!" Mu calls after him, chuckling.


Footnote:

1 Mama – in the Joseon dynasty is used to respectfully address a royalty but I'm not sure in Goryeo. I've never heard any of them address the king abamama,

*** the hanboks they are wearing in the kdrama is more like a hanfu rather than the popular hanbok during Joseon. So when I describe them, I get frustrated. Will I be naming the parts of hanfu or the parts of hanbok? So far I've been using the names for hanbok but the pieces of Hanfu are different with the Hanbok.


Editor's note:

Slow clap for the ladies! Ha Jin, Myung Hee and Queen Yoo. When the men fall, it's the ladies who carry them and accomplishes the task for them. Heol! even if Queen Yoo is annoying, she gets things done for her sons.

It would be nice to see Seol on So's arms for once but then, seal the DTR first!

I was going to use the adjective "sexy" when So took his mask off then I realized, it's the fan girl in me who views him that way. Lol. So I settled for 'dangerously beautiful' instead

Preview:

Ha Jin and So finds a different spot to hang their own orange lantern. They seal their DTR (Aigoo! This sealing of DTR keeps getting cut for the next chapter. Mianhaeyo. It's going to be the second or third sequence in the next chapter. Promise.) Wook's messenger arrives from the north. Queen Yoo secures Hae Soo's hand from Lady Se Won. And we'll see a funeral, I guess?