Chapter 42:
The palace is in uproar after the Haes were dragged away. The soldiers hurriedly herded out the town people. The hubaekje prisoners were sent back to their cells.
Lady Oh instructs her gungnyeo(s) to go back to their chores. Soon Deok refuses to leave without talking to her father but Gen. Park motions for her not to approach him, commanding as a military head and not as a father. The royal family piles inside the throne room, regrouping to discuss what had just transpired.
Woo Hee remained frozen at the courtyard long after it is empty, looking at the aisle where her people were kneeling only a while ago. Soon Deok watches her, observing the anger in her stiffed balled hands on both of her sides. A coiling suspicion nags at the back of Soon Deok's head. It's insistent voice becoming louder with every smooth consistent answer that Woo Hee gives.
Inside the Hoegyong Hall, King Taejo observes his children in front of him. Jung is panic-stricken and angry, lacking the composure of Mu, So, Yo, Wook and Won. His youth, too pronounced on the way he handles his emotions. Baek-Ah and Eun looked lost and worried. Yeonhwa is as emotionless as her brothers, a statue standing beside Wook. The two queens beside him are trying to look bored yet their smug attitude couldn't help but peek through their façade.
"Pyeha, it isn't the Haes!" Jung takes to the aisle as soon as everyone settles, impatient to get his opinion across. "I can assure you of it."
Yo wishes his 14th brother would just keep his mouth shut. While he's working to get their clan the throne, Jung keeps undermining him, all for the love of the girl whose heart belongs to someone else. He wonders if they have spoilt his youngest brother too much.
"Weren't you and Gen. Park the one who brought us those prisoners? Are you saying they are lying or are you saying you've apprehended the wrong people." Queen Shimyeong asks, musing if they could somehow tie the 14th prince with the on-going trial then it would be one less son, one less power for the first queen.
"If I may speak pyeha," Gen. Park comes to Jung's defense, "We are definitely sure that we got the right people…"
At a second thought, he side glances at So. Lady Shinjuwon is not above giving out wrong information if it would serve her purpose. He now suspects if the lady consort tricked them or are there other power being played. He recalls Lady Shinjuwon's adamant request of having those people killed on the spot rather than withstanding trial. Were they wrong not to follow her advice? Gen. Park tenses, he shouldn't be speaking without communing with their group first.
"The 14th prince only wants to say that they may be lying." Mu joins Gen. Park and Jung at the aisle, "It's just doesn't make sense that the Haes are behind these unrest. Like what Hae Hyeonhui said a while ago, they have been here at the capital even before the unrest happened. The north is too far away for them to pull such scheme."
"Far away maybe… but not impossible, isn't it?" Wook would know, they have been doing it for the last half year, "The Haes have a lot in their treasury, they can easily dispatch people who could be bought at the right price."
"Spoken as if you've done a great deal of thinking about it." So observes, "And why would the Haes scheme such plans? As you said they already have the treasury. They even have a chancellery seat that they haven't occupied for the past years."
"The Haes are not interested with the royal court, Pyeha." Jung repeats, he then turns to Queen Yoo wanting for her to attest to the Haes' disinterest of politics, of their plan of giving away their chancellery seat to them after they marry their daughter to him but saying it out loud would reveal their once hidden arrangement with the Haes, which his 4th brother and everyone else is unaware of.
"I think they are being framed." Mu voices out what everyone is careful of talking about.
"If they are, the court would need proof." King Taejo warns.
Since the confession was made in front of everyone, the case against the Haes has becomes a public trial. With all the scandals going on with the seja first and now the Haes, the people's trust on the royal family is starting to waiver. The people need to see a royalty or a powerful aristocratic family be punished for them to believe once again in the power of the throne. King Taejo suspects the Haes are also being framed yet someone has to take the fall and the Haes happened to be the weakest aristocratic family because they refuse to master their chancellery seat and engage in the play of politics at the court. They are all aware, his royal court is not for the weak.
"Until then, their family will be on hold, their lands confiscated, their treasury frozen."
"Kuende Pyeha, what about their daughter?" Jung pleads, "Even if the Haes are guilty, should we also punish their daughter?"
With Hae Soo's name being brought-up, So deliberates if it's the right time to argue her case without looking as if he's partial because of his relationship to her. He needs to be smart about how he argues her case or he might end up loosing her too.
"Jung is only saying, the sins of the father should only remain with them and shouldn't be passed down to their children." Mu argues for So and Jung, understanding the hesitation on So's part.
"For all the unworldliness on Lady Hae Soo, we shouldn't be so callous as to judge her innocent apart from her parents. She's of age and is about to graduate from her apprenticeship, she couldn't be deemed ignorant of her parents actions." Yo rebuts. They should have told his 14th brother about the Haes breaking their daughter's engagement with him. Maybe he would have taken their side if he knew that.
"But Lady Hae Soo doesn't even live in their own household for the past years. She doesn't even remember them as her parents." The anxiety finally getting into Ji Mong, breaking his composure. He argues back unwelcomingly. He wants to save the Haes, his sister. If it comes down to only one, he needs to prioritize Hae Soo but is now confused. He's priorities suddenly changed by the appearance of his sister.
"The Lady never recovered from her accident. Pyeha, you could ask Oh Sanggun, she could attest to you, the lady doesn't recognize her own parents at all." Jung argues. He was there when Hae Soo first met the Haes. She isn't faking it. There was really no spark of recognition in her eyes.
"Still, the lady is their known daughter. She is guilty by association." Queen Simyeong firmly retorts.
"Pyeha!" Ji Mong exclaims.
"If we are arresting by association then shall we arrest my 8th brother here and my sister Yeonhwa?" So joins Jung and Gen. Park by the aisle, returning the malice to the second queen "Don't they both live at Lady Myung Hee's household? My 8th brother is even married to a Hae before and you my queen have been managing their chancellery seat until recently, weren't you trying to marry her off to your son?"
Yeonhwa and Wook glance together at So, nervous that he is right.
"Nonsense!" Queen Simyeong cracks, masking her anxiety with anger, "How dare you associate my children and I with those traitors!"
"My queen, my brother is only illustrating your point." Mu defends So.
The discussion turned heated by the mention of Hae Soo's name and it didn't escape the king. More than the Haes, several of his sons, his general and even his own adviser are coming to the defense of the girl again. He had seen it happened before. Today is no different. It seemed whenever the girl is involved his whole court is turned upside down. It was good that the girl kept his sons bonded together but she had become a point of argument among his sons many times. He's not ignorant that Hae Soo managed to capture not just the 4th prince eyes but three of his sons too. Whether the girl wanted the attention or not, her presence in his court had become precariously influential on his sons. Maybe it's about time he separates her from them.
"The lady shall remain in the cell with her parents." King Taejo firmly commands, starting to get angry at his sons' insolence.
"She's not even a Hae!" Jung and So begrudgingly say it together and look at each other afterwards. Jung wonders if Hae Soo being a Kang should be kept a secret. Since his 4th brother is not saying anything, he follows So's lead and stop at that sentence. He might feel disgusted towards his 4th brother but as long as he stands beside Hae Soo, Jung could live with agreeing with him.
Everyone is aware Hae Soo is only an adoptive daughter. Though at this point, whose clan Hae Soo is registered with, evades all of them, except King taejo.
"Prove to me that she's not a Hae and I will let the lady go." King Taejo's patience is wearing thin. He doesn't appreciate his sons arguing with him just because of the girl.
Jung watches his 4th brother calmly breathe and say, "Yie pyeha, let me look for her registry and bring it to you."
So asks to be dismissed and turns his back. If he is terrified for the Haes, no one can tell.
The prisoner's quarters where the Haes are being kept are surrounded by too many soldiers as if what they are guarding are the most dangerous criminal in the kingdom.
So's face darkens as he takes in the scene. He walks with Gen. Park beside him and is stopped by the head guard in duty.
"Wangjanim." The head guard remembers to bow down and say his greetings, "My apologies…"
So only walks past him. Two other guards, who are shaking on their knees, block his path next. He looks at the two new guards and recognizes them from his platoon.
"Wangjanim, please." The head guard says once more, "We are instructed not to let anyone…"
Gen. Park purses his lips as it twitch on the left side.
The three soldiers had no choice but to let them in, afraid of the 4th prince's wrath, "Maybe a few minutes wouldn't hurt."
They watch as So enters the prison and Gen. Park was left to talk to them.
Inside, there are three rooms on both side, all of them empty except the last one on the left, which the Haes occupy. The three of them huddles in the corner with Lady Sewon resting her head at Hae Hyeonhui's shoulder while Ha Jin holds hers mother's hand tight. When So walks by the cell, Ha Jin and Lady Sewon quickly get up and walk to the wooden prison plank separating them from him.
"So wangjanim!" Ha Jin's hands curls at the rough wooden bar, dread spread all over her face, mirroring Lady Sewon's expression beside her.
Observing them together, Hae Soo resembles her adoptive mother too much that it's hard to believe that Hae Soo is the daughter of Hae Hyeonhu's brother and not their own.
"Aigoo!" Hae Hyeonhu takes his time to stand-up, "Just the mere shadow of our wangja is enough to take away the two precious ladies in my life. Should I be jealous?"
Keeping-up a cool pretense, Hae Hyeonhu plays a joke so as not to frieghten his wife and daughter. In truth, like So, he is terrified for his family knowing it would be hard to prove their innocence since there are five witnesses who point at them. He bets the whole scheme is done thoroughly so their family takes the fall.
"We don't know those people and my parents certainly did not plan any rebellion." Ha Jin pleads, "Why would we? It doesn't make sense."
"Arayo." So reaches out to the wooden plank Hae Soo is holding, resting it below her fingers. He'd like to reach out to her pale cheek and put the few tendrils that had escaped her otherwise neatly tied bun, behind her ears, "I promise to get you out of here."
The words So used did not go unnoticed by the Haes.
Hae Hyeonhu walks over to where his wife and takes her into his arms, silently keeping himself and Lady Sewon composed, their fears tacked at his touch so Hae Soo wouldn't see "Wangjanim, please have your father know that we will cooperate in whatever way they need."
He wishes to speak alone with the 4th prince but that will not be possible so he squares his shoulder and speaks his mind hoping his wife and daughter would understand, "If you could spare my daughter and my wife."
"Abeonim!"
"Hae Gyu Ui Ssi!"
Ha Jin and Lady Sewon exclaims together.
Hae Hyeonhu tightens his hold on his wife's shoulder and repeats, "If you could spare my daughter and wife, I'd gladly take the fall on my own. Please save them together."
"Anibnida!" Lady Sewon steps away from Hae Hyeonhu's grasp, "We are innocent. They should let us go."
Yet all of them, except Hae Soo, knew how the politics in the palace work. They are scapegoats unless they gather enough evidence to shift the blame to someone else and at this point, no clan will be foolish enough to stand with them. Having So save Hae Soo is far reaching already. To ask for Lady Sewon to be saved means twice the miracle the 4th prince can't afford them.
So could only meet Hae Hyeonhu's eyes, unable to promise beyond Hae Soo. Technically, it was him, Jung, Gen. Park and Mu who had apprehended the group of men in question. He feels responsible for having put the Haes in prison.
Lady Sewon steps near the wooden flat bar of the prison cell and reaches to So's other hand, carefully holding it and assuring him they understand. She smiles warmly even under duress, "U-ri a-deul. (Our son.) Can I call you that? U-ri a-deul."
So loved that but he hesitates to answer, ashamed that he couldn't promise anything beyond Hae Soo.
"Don't worry about us. It wasn't your fault. You were only doing your job. I only wish we could find a way to prove our innocence. If not, then you do as you promised us." Lady Sewon seeks So's eyes imploring him silently to protect Hae Soo no matter what. "You owe us this."
So wants to apologize but having it said would only mean he really couldn't do anything for them hence he returns the gentle squeeze at Lady Sewon's hand, "I will need to leave for a few days. For the meantime, the seja and the general will take care of you."
"Oe-di-ka-yo? (Where are you going?)" Ha Jin asks, feeling the tiny splinter of rough plank sinking upon her hands.
"Neol sal-ryeo jul-ke-yo. (I'm saving you.)" More than Hae Soo, So promises it to the Haes, "Please wait for me until then."
So's fingers climbs an inch higher to Hae Soo's hand, holding it innocently in front of the Haes.
Ha Jin abandons the wood she's gripping and lets her fingers intertwine with So, bravely nodding in spite of the uneasiness creeping slowly upon her chest.
Yo sits, relaxed behind Wook's table inside Wook's study chambers, smirking to himself and drumming his fingers.
"Hae Soo being sent to prison isn't part of our plan." Wook stands by the window, his back to Yo. His position, hiding the immense anxiety he's going through.
"And?" Yo observes Wook, intending for Wook to use his favor from the king so he wouldn't have any card left in his sleeves, "If you really want the girl, you can always save only her by using your favor from the king. You would be hitting two, no three birds with one stone. One, we eliminate the Haes as a powerful clan. Two, you rid yourself of a nuisance in-laws. Third, Hae Soo would feel indebted to you. You only have to be smart on how you device your favor in a way that you would look the hero in the eyes of your beloved lady."
Wook doesn't answer.
"Those hubaekje prisoners know nothing about us, do they?" Yo reclines his back to the chair, easily comfortable.
"They once saw us." Wook returns looking at the garden outside. The darkness of night swallowing the courtyard.
"Shall we get rid of them just in case they change their mind and talk?" Yo casually suggests.
"Maybe?" Wook couldn't care less, his mind considering Yo's suggestions.
From the door, quietly listening and holding a tray of tea to serve is Yeonhwa. She knocks loudly, letting them know of her presence. She pushes pass the door and enters unfazed by Wook and Yo's talk. Reaching the table at the center of the library where Hae Soo and Wook use to hold their lessons, Yeonhwa puts down the tray and pours for the two.
As Yo enjoys his warm tea, a knock on the door is heard.
"Joesonghaeyo wangjanim, there is a lady here who seeks your audience." Says a servant from the outside.
"At this hour? Who could be this insolent stranger?" Yeonhwa puts her cup delicately at its saucer.
"Dul-a-u-se-yo. (Come in.)" Wook commands, his back still turned from his siblngs.
The lady covered in black suegaechima (a type of overcoat) enters with her eyes lowered to the ground. She takes of her suegaechima and reveals her round face that is familiar with Yo's advances.
"How dare a mere gisaeng seek a prince' audience at this time of the night?" Yo looks amused rather than insulted.
"Shall I seek you then under the light of day when everyone can recognize me?" Woo Hee's words effectively wipes off the smug look on Yo's face.
"Ya, inom! (You, wench!)" Yeonhwa shouts.
"What can I help you with, Woo Hee Ssi?" Wook maintains the diplomacy among the four of them, the shouting is only making his head ache.
"You promised no harm will come to my people. How can you let them be tortured?" Woo Hee shakes with anger.
"We warned them not to get caught." Yo dismisses it, "It's their fault for not being careful."
Woo Hee would like nothing but to pour the tea that Yo is drinking in him. She deeply breathes and comes down to her knees, begging, "Sal-ryeo ju-se-yo, jebalyo. (Please, save them.)"
"Maybe, if you remain loyal to us?" Yo inclines his head, pretending to be reconsidering his options.
Dipping her head low, Woo Hee curls her fist into a ball as it supports her weight. "What else do you want from us? Haven't I served you enough? Why do my people's lives need to be put in jeopardy for your political war? We're not even your people."
"Well, there are collateral damages and spoils in every war, isn't it?" Yeonhwa takes a sip from her cup, "Shouldn't you be honored? If we ever take the throne, you and your people will be rewarded immensely."
"If you ever take the throne." Woo Hee repeats it under her breath. "Will it ever be yours?"
"What did you say?" Yeonhwa asks, her left eyebrow getting dangerously high.
"I guess it's to remind you where your loyalty should be." Coldly and quietly, Wook voices his warning not just to Woo Hee but to his 3rd brother, too. "I don't take kindly to betrayals."
Wook glances to Yo, their eyes meeting for a few seconds before Wook returns his gaze to the dark garden outside.
Under the light of the moonlight at the middle of the night, Woo Hee quietly walks towards a secluded quarters that detains the group of Hubaekje prisoners. She waits for the guards to change before crossing the deserted courtyard, running to the backside of the quarters.
As she walks beside the wooden walls, staying well hidden by the shadows, she reaches the curve going to the other side and a blade thrust upon her neck suddenly welcomes her.
Woo Hee automatically freezes, feeling the blade from her neck travel into her pale cheek, opening her suegaechima.
"Woo Hee-ya?" The stranger holding the dagger comes out of the corner, revealing a lady in military black clothes.
"Park Soon Deok Ssi?" Woo Hee carefully threads, the cold blade still on her skin.
"What are you doing here?" Soon Deok is inclined to put her dagger down but feels uneasy of Woo Hee's presence. She came here to see the prisoners and maybe learn a few things about them but she didn't expect to see Woo Hee.
"Cheo neun…" Woo Hee contains her panic. A mask of neutral expression envelops her face naturally, "I… came…ca…me to visit… Hae Soo Ssi."
"They're being held on a different quarter, one where the royal families are detained." Soon Deok advances another step, the point starting to dig on Woo Hee's neck, "Who are you really, Woo Hee Ssi?"
"Kuenyang haengsu gisaeng-ib-nida, Soon Deok Ssi. (I am merely a haengsu gisaeng.)" Woo Hee's voice steadies as her lie becomes natural in her tongue.
"Geo-jit-mal… (That's a lie…)" Soon Deok is so still, even her breathing is measured.
Woo Hee knew at this moment, Soon Deok is not her usual cheery friend. She's not one to mess with and yet Woo Hee is also at her wit's end. She couldn't forsake her own people. Threading on a dangerous conversation, Woo Hee gauges what to do with Soon Deok, "Soon Deok Ssi…"
She slowly backs away from the dagger but Soon Deok takes a hold of her arm and stills her. There is no mistaking the dagger will slit her throat if she makes any more move.
"I don't know who you really are but you better start talking or I might forget that we are friends. We are… right... Friends?"
"Soon Deok-ah…" Woo Hee addresses Soon Deok in banmal, emphasizing their close relationship. It's the first time she uses banmal with her and her lies are beginning taste bitter on her mouth. "Mianhaeyo."
She grinds her teeth together, wanting to come clean but the lives of her people are on her hands. Shaking, her eyes wander to the side, seeing two shadows walking towards both of them.
"Ya, nuguseyo? (Whose there?!)" A guard asks, squinting.
Soon Deok freezes for a second and have the dagger from her hand flying the next. It lodges to the suspecting guard and alarms the other.
Clutching Woo Hee's arms, Soon Deok drags her away and they both run to the nearby trees, swallowed by the darkness, lost in the forest.
Coming home to the sky tower, So finds the seja and his 14th brother sitting together at the table, an unlikely pairing in his eyes.
"How are the Haes? Did you see them?" Mu asks, worry creasing his face.
So eyes his 14th brother, who's intent to hold his gaze. As he passes him by their side, Jung stands-up and takes a hold of So's collar. With years of training So's reflex is faster than Jung. He maneuvers them easily, clutching Jung's collar too. His back avoids the wall while Jung is trapped between So's sturdy arm and the wall.
"Are you sure you got the right people?" So knows it wasn't Jung's fault but he's angry nonetheless, needing someone to vent his anger. His clutches begin to tighten at Jung's collar, turning him red.
"Are you sure your mother did not lie?!" Jung asks, matching his brother's rage, remembering the way Lady Shinjuwon touched So in her room. It's an unwelcome memory he could never forget.
"Kumanhara! (Enough!)" Mu comes in between them, trying to separate the two.
"I warned all of you not to trust the lady consort!" So lets go of his brother, pushing Jung away.
Jung clutches So's arm, "Should we had them all killed before bringing them here? Wasn't it your idea to give them a fair trial!"
It wasn't So's idea. It was Mu's. If it was up to So, he would have killed them just because he couldn't trust Lady Shinjuwon at all.
So pulls at his arm and flicks Jung's hand away. Mu holds Jung at an arm's reach and succeeds in separating the two, "Enough! What's done is done."
His conscience eating up his insides, "It was a fault in my part for overlooking the capacity of these people to be manipulated. Mianhaeyo, let us look for ways to get the Haes out of this instead."
So and Jung looks at one another, each misplacing their anger. So turns his back first, "Have you seen the astronomer? Where is he?"
"We've been here all afternoon and we haven't seen him at all." Mu answers.
"Hyungnim…" Jung is back into addressing So in a formal way. He walks after him, his anger being contained. He didn't come here to fight his brother. He came to plead with him. Jung is willing to forgive his brother's deception for as long as he gets Hae Soo out of prison.
"I need to leave for a few days." So cuts Jung off.
"Wait, where are you going?" Mu calls back.
"He needs to prove Hae Soo is no longer a Hae." Jung answers for So, "Can I trust you to do that?"
So steps towards Jung once more, solid and intimidating. He takes a hold of Jung's shoulder and his eyes softens a little, "Take care of Hae Soo and the Haes while I'm gone. I only have you to look after them. Can you promise me that?"
"I care about her more than you do. Make sure you save her, hyungnim." Jung is more desperate rather than careful. At the moment, he doesn't care if his brother learns about his and Hae Soo's affair in the past. All he wants is Hae Soo alive and well.
Jung's words uncomfortably settle on So's mind, reminding him of their talk in the lake. The way Jung says Hae Soo's name so dearly, so possessively. He doesn't want to think about it nor does he want to consider it. His Hae Soo would never betray him to his brother, not to Jung. He needs to believe it or his rage will eat him up. So claps his 14th brother's shoulder and releases him.
"When are you leaving?" Mu asks one question after another, confused. "Can't we send a messenger instead? Where are you going to look for her registration? Even her parents don't know where it is. How long will you be gone?"
"I'm leaving tonight so I could be back by the end of the week." So goes to his room, preparing his things.
"You didn't answer my question." Mu repeats, "Where are you going to find her registry?"
Jung answers for So this time, "He knows where to find it."
The next morning, Mu's group argues with Yo's group as to how to go about the trial for the Haes. The death of a soldier guarding the Hubaekje prisoners gets reported and the security is tightened.
As the argument deepens and the shouting starts, King Taejo becomes angry. The arguments were more heated than when they discuss about the policies of the kingdom.
Towards the end of the assembly, Yo's group, who has the vote of both queens and two chancellery seats win over the voting and so the Haes will undergo torture and trial to prove their innocence. Jung couldn't stand it and walks away even before the assembly is dismissed, angering their father more.
By the afternoon, King Taejo stands at one of the corridors over looking his palace, His anger over the assembly is still simmering in the air. Ji Mong, who stands beside him, watches at guard, thinking how much he could say without annoying the king more.
"Where is my 4th son?" King Taejo asks, noticing So's absence at the court.
"You have asked for the registry of the lady yesterday and so he left." Ji Mong doesn't look his neatly, comical self as of late. He is quiet and always in deep thought.
"The girl is starting to become a nuisance at the court. How many of my sons will defy me to save the girl this time?" King Taejo rhetorically ask, voicing what's been troubling him since the arrest of the Haes.
Walking on eggshells, Ji Mong carefully chooses his words. If Hae Soo was his priority before, after meeting his sister, he doesn't want to let them both go. He's determined to save his sister, too.
"You have always been fair, my king. Wouldn't you consider that maybe the Haes are being framed? Even Jung wangjanim, who was the one who captured the prisoners, believes they were lying."
"This is not like you to take sides, Ji Mong-ah." King Taejo doesn't bother to glance at his adviser, "I hear you are also fond of that girl. Is your fondness of her clouding your judgment?"
"Anibnida, pyeha. I am merely considering all the possibilities." Ji Mong purses his lips, looking all worn out and tired.
"I have been quiet all this time but that doesn't mean I do not know what's been going on among my sons. I know four of them wanted to marry her. Shall I wait for these four to tear my kingdom apart? The 10th prince might seem harmless but what about the other three? I see horns starting to grow on my 14th son. I wouldn't be surprise if he ends up like his 4th brother, if only to win the girl. I need to cut the growing rebellion among them. Nipping it at the roots shall do it."
Ji Mong has no answer that wouldn't make him sound like he's taking the side of the Haes. Counting the year on his head, he stares quietly at the courtyard below.
It's the spring of the year 943, my king. Aren't you overstaying your reign?
King Taejo isn't getting frail or senile anytime soon nor is Mu ready to become the next king. With all the problems that Mu's reputation suffered as of late, abdicating the throne to him will only escalate the passing of throne to its third original owner, Yo, and the Chunju Yu clan had only grown powerful once more.
"Harabeoji! (Grandfather!)" Eun strides purposely at his mother's pavilion, looking for his grandfather. His mother's gungnyeo had directed him here, letting him know that Wang Gyu Minister and Lady Sukmok are having their afternoon tea.
Wang Gyu Minister closes his eyes and breathes deeply before putting down his white porcelain cup of tea.
"Why don't you sit down and have a tea with us, my son." Lady Sukmok patiently taps Eun by the arm, amused of her him.
"Andwaeyo! How can you just sit here and sip your tea while the Haes are detained in their prison cell." Eun crosses his arms against his chest, trying to look mature. "Eomeonim! Can't we do something for Hae Soo? The Haes are nice people, they couldn't be guilty of what those liars are accusing them."
"You insolent kid! Sit down!" Wang Gyu Minister commands Eun. He's used to his grandson throwing tantrums whenever he wants.
"Harabeoji!" Eun repeats, flopping down in his chair unceremoniously, "What can we do for the Haes? Tell me, I'll do anything."
"You do not meddle in political affairs. Go and find your 13th brother, he might be able to help you pass your time." Wang Gyu Minister tells off his grandson.
"Silh-eo-hae-yo! Baek-Ah hyungnim disappeared with Jung wangja again. They always do." Eun pours his self a tea, "Even Lady Soon Deok isn't at the Damiwon."
"Maybe, you shouldn't hang around your fiancée for a while." Wang Gyu Minister advises, going into deep thought.
"Waeyo?" Eun is all ears.
Resting his back in the chair, Wang Gyu Minister examines his options, "Let's see where the tide would take this political treason. You might find yourself a freeman once more. You never wanted to marry the general's daughter anyway."
"Aniyo! I like Lady Soon Deok. I think she's a good option for a first wife." Eun's answer surprises both his mother and his grandfather, "Waeyo? I'm allowed to change my mind right? I'll just take another wife when I get bored of her. I'll keep Lady Soon Deok as it is. She's fun to be around."
Lady Sukmok observes his son. It seemed Eun had grown fondly of Soon Deok as of late.
"Even then, you shouldn't be associating yourself with the Haes anymore. You are putting our clan in danger." Wang Gyu Minister tells off Eun.
"But the Haes are innocent!" Eun insists.
"It's not a matter of being innocent or not! They were branded as traitors in front of the whole town. Unless those prisoners recant their words, the Haes will be viewed guilty." Wang Gyu Minister patiently explains the situation to his grandson, "Eun wangja, it is best if you separate yourself from them for a while."
"But they need allies who will vote on their innocence!" Eun disagrees. "Surely, we can do it for them."
"You will not do that! No foolish clan will ever stand with them. The Haes are done and you will let it be or I will exile you to our palace in your mother's hometown. Do you understand?!"
Eun stands-up in protest, walking-away even at his grandfather's insistent calls.
A tall, animated tower of fire raves in the air as the flame dancer spurts gas and ignites it with his flaming rod. A cumulative gasps is heard from the courtyard and everyone claps, enthralled of the spectacle they were seeing. Adjacent to them are drummers thumping their drums in a merry beat, filling the air with dancing and festive mood.
Up in the top steps of the throne hall, a long table is set-up, laden with a feast the town had never seen before. The king threw a banquet for the other prince in honor of friendship between his kingdom and theirs.
Only a month ago, the king had personally visited the other prince to break his niece's engagement to him. To the king's relief the other prince agreed, even promised to come and visits to show his good intentions.
The other prince's party arrived at their steps unannounced yesterday morning, making good of his promise. He brought with him half the soldiers of his kingdom and the king couldn't help but be nervous. In spite of it, he welcomes them with warmth like the last time he was there, serving as a gracious host as always. The king asked if he minds having a simple dinner tonight and tomorrow he promises a banquet he would enjoy. The other prince assures him, he'd be glad with anything. Sheltering them for a night is enough.
With only a day of preparation, the king pulled every resources in his kingdom to make this banquet the biggest they have ever celebrated to not offend the other prince.
The king sits at the center of the table while the other prince sits on his left. The daughter of the moon sits on the king's right, together with her cousins. She looks deathly pale and sick. The other prince couldn't help but ask if she is doing fine. In spite of her dizziness and heaving stomach, the daughter of the moon managed to attend the feast but couldn't touch any dish in front of her. It seems every smell in their table upsets her stomach and invites her to vomit. She courteously answers and stands-up excusing herself, the site of colorful lanterns and tower of fire adding to her lightheadedness.
Shortly, the other prince excuses his self too and discreetly follows the direction where the daughter of the moon left. He catches up with her at a quiet corridor, far from the festivity. She's holding on by a post and is about to fall face first when the other prince' arms come out from behind her and steadies her. He asked again if she's all right and she's about to say that she's fine but her dizziness is overwhelming her and she falls in his arms unconscious. The other prince looks around, when it seemed the corridor is still deserted, he carries the daughter of the moon with him, taking her to the secluded quarters of his.
Ha Jin tethers between waking and sleeping, the uncomfortable cold creeping on her spine once more. She turns in her sleep and a warm hand automatically strokes her hair while another arm, holds her tight. Lady Sewon couldn't help but hold upon her sleeping daughter as they hear Wook's condition for freeing them.
Wook came to visit them and see if they are being treated with utmost care. Underneath the mask of worry and gentleness that they read on the prince's face, they sense wariness around him, especially when he finally offered help to free them.
"I have gained a favor from the king in the past that I can use to free the three of you. One word of it and this door will open and you can walk away from all of these. You can come back to your household in Songak or you can return in the north, whatever you wish. Your lands and wealth will be returned to you but forgive me, I couldn't say the same for your chancellery seat."
"We don't care about the chancellery seat. A life away from the palace is all we wish for." Hae Hyeonhu politely and formally addresses Wook.
"Then you shall have it." Wook calmly grants it.
"And in return?" Lady Sewon holds Hae Soo tightly, thanking the gods that her daughter is asleep and wouldn't be able to hear this conversation.
"Let me marry Hae Soo. She will live with me, here in Songak and will continue the royal line of my blood." Wook firmly lays down his condition, crystal clear. "Please know that I only love your daughter. I only want good things for her and if you let me, I can protect her. I can give her anything she wants. Have I not been a good husband to your Myung Hee?"
"You were a good husband to our Myung Hee, that we can not contest." Hae Hyeonhu admits.
"Then you are assured that no harm will come to your daughter." Playing his cards well, Wook reminds them what he can do for them, "And I can free you, here, anytime. All you need to do is say yes."
It is a good deal, much better than what the 4th prince can offer. Now, the tide has turned and they are at the 8th prince' mercy. "Surely you do not mind if think about it some more, wangjanim?"
"Kueremyo." Wook looks unfazed; "Let me inform you then that the trial will start in a few days. I'd hate to see all of you go through the torture when you have a choice to walk away unscathed. I wouldn't want my wife be marred with that cruel stick."
Lady Sewon draws Hae Soo closer to her, "We will keep it in mind, wangjanim. Thank you for the counsel."
"I shall wait in good grace then."
The night doesn't end with the 8th prince' visit. One more visitor turns up just before the dawn. While the couple is quietly discussing Wook's proposition, Soon Deok arrives with her black coat drawn all over her, covering her. She greets the Haes and Lady Sewon gently awakens Hae Soo.
Soon Deok takes out the bag of fruits that she had brought and passes it to her, "Mianhaeyo, Hae Soo-ya, it wasn't easy to sneak in."
"Gwaenchanhna, Soon-Deok-ah, you shouldn't put yourself into trouble like this." Hae Soo takes the bag and gives it to her mother.
Soon Deok lowers herself to the grounds and levels with the Haes, "You should eat it before the morning comes. The king had put a strict order that no one is allowed near your detention, not even the princes. No one can know someone had visited you."
Lady Sewon and Hae Hyeonhu exchange stares. It doesn't look like the case with the 4th and 8th prince. They both visited this cell without so much as a word from the soldiers guarding them outside.
Soon Deok kneels by the cell, kissing her forehead to the floor. "Please forgive my father, he didn't know that the group they have apprehended would lie. They are trying to clean this mess they have gotten you into. We are doing everything we can to prove your innocence."
"My child, tell your father we are thankful for any help you can give us." Hae Hyeonhu asks for Soon Deok to rise.
Soon Deok rises but bows thrice more, feeling sorry to the Haes.
"Ka. Neon jib-e ka-syeo-ya hab-ni-da. (You should go home). Your father will be worried if he discovers you out of your bed at this time of the night." Lady Sewon sends Soon Deok away, avoiding trouble with Soon Deok's father.
"Kuereom, na-neun i-je kal-ke-yo kuende Hae Soo-ya… (I shall excuse myself then but Hae Soo…)" Soon Deok approaches the cell, taking a hold of Hae Soo's hand. "You can't trust the 8th prince. Whatever they offer you, no matter how good it is, please don't accept it."
"Waeyo?" Ha Jin asks, feeling the immediacy on Soon Deok's grasp.
"Kue-deul-eul mid-eu-myeon an-dwae-yo! (You can't trust them!) They will not offer help that will not return twice of what they have given." There's fear and anger on Soon Deok's eyes and something Ha Jin couldn't tell, something akin to panic.
"Araseo, Soon Deok-ah. I shall trust only you and So wangjanim." Ha Jin promises Soon Deok.
The Haes watch Soon Deok and Hae Soo exchange promises, weighing the choices laid upon them. Their daughter doesn't need to know the 8th prince visited and offered terms that would save the three of them.
In a few nights, Ji Mong managed to look from worn and tired to a man who had aged a hundred times. He sits inside Lady Oh's office, by the floor, his back to the walls. Though its spring, the fire of the cauldron heating the wooden floor, is alive and dancing, keeping the office a little hot like summer.
Lady Oh enters her office and is surprised to discover her nephew huddled by the wall, "Ji Mong-ah?"
"Soo-Yeon Imo (Aunt Soo yeon)?" Ji Mong raises his head.
Taking a shawl from the back of her seat at the table, Lady Oh puts it over her nephew who hasn't addressed her familiarly since they entered the palace, "Why don't you sit by the chair, you look so defeated. I'm not used to it."
She helps Ji Mong by the chair in front of her table and called for Woo Hee to arrange a tea for him. Woo Hee places it by his side and says her greeting good night. She closes the door behind her and is about to leave when she decided to turn back and listen by the door.
"Shall I ask what's wrong?"
Though, Lady Oh already knows the answer.
Ji Mong holds his cup on both of his palm, sipping the warmth from the cup.
"The case against your precious little queen is solid this time." Lady Oh rests her back on the chair, looking dejected. Its not as if she isn't trying to find a way to save Hae Soo, she just couldn't find something at the moment. "Unless those men take back their lie, I don't know what I can do for her."
"Dae-sin-e cheo yeo-dong-saeng-eul sal-ryeo ju-se-yo. (Then save my sister instead.)" Ji Mong looks as if he had just woken up from disillusionment.
"Mwo?" Lady Oh carefully watches her nephew. What she just heard is utter confusing, "Neon yeo-dong-saeng-eul eop-go (You don't have a sister, Ji Mong-ah.) Mu-seun mal-i-ya? (What are you saying?)
"Hae Sewon ssi-neun yeo-dong-saeng-i-ya! (Lady Sewon is my sister!)" Ji Mong insists, under too much pressure lately, madness cracks around Ji Mong's mind and he couldn't help but see his sister on Lady Sewon. "She died very young, giving birth to my cursed little queen. Can we not save her even only in this lifetime?"
Ji Mong had been thinking about his sister and his little queen, weighing which one should be prioritize. All his lifetime, he had always saved his little queen and her prince. It is his first time to meet his sister.
Can't I be allowed to save her just this once?
"Ji Mong-ah…" In an effort to calm Ji Mong down, Lady Oh reaches to his arm. "Calm down. Tell me what is this all about."
"Can't I choose my sister this time? We have other lifetimes to live but my sister… my sister…" With a blazing insanity in his eyes, Ji Mong speaks out loud the voice in his head. Leaning forward, he whispers "There are many princes on my little queen's side. Among them, I'm sure they could find a way to save my little queen but my sister, she doesn't have anyone but me. Please, let's save my sister."
He grabs at his aunt's arm, his grip tightening with his insistence, "Imo, jebal…"
Lady Oh ponders her nephew's behavior, believing he must be having one of his episodes, lost inside his vision. He softly taps the hand that clutches her, patting to calm Ji Mong down, "Listen to me, Ji Mong-ah, everything is going to be fine."
"No! I can't have my sister die again!" Ji Mong refuses to listen, pleading with his aunt.
"Araseo, araseo." Lady Oh strokes Ji Mong's cheeks, struggling to reach him inside his visions yet Ji Mong isn't having his visions, he's trap inside his memories, desperate to have his sister back, "We'll find a way to save them."
Lady Oh stands from her chair and comes to her nephew's side, "We'll find a way."
She feels that foreboding fear inching on her heart, twisting her insides, her stomach painfully throbbing.
It takes three days to reach their camp at the north. Two days from their camp to Shinju. So reaches their home at Shinju in a record time of three days from the capital. He rode without stopping or resting that when the soldiers finally open the gates of their palace, So fell straight to them. They had to carry the him to the consort's quarter.
When So came to his senses, it's midnight and the nauseating incense and candles were all lighted. For a moment, So was disoriented until he sees his adoptive mother sitting by the window, watching him.
"You seem to be visiting me a lot lately?
So shakes his head, getting rid of his lightheadedness. "Eomeonim, I need Hae Soo's registration to prove to the king that she is of ours and not of the Haes."
"Ours?" Lady Shinjuwon smirks, "I like the sound of it. Makes you more like my own son. Tell me, have you decided you no longer want to come back to your biological family."
"I never wanted to come back to them." So arranges his clothes, eyeing the water at the bedside table.
"I heard differently." Lady Shinjuwon crosses her arms against her chest, "Go on, drink, it's not poisoned."
So takes the glass of water and drinks, the cold water soothes his throats and hurts his empty stomach.
"I had the eunuch prepare food for you at the table."
So walks by the table, taking the slice of pear and biting it, "Eomeonim…"
"If you've listen to me well, you would still be having tea with your beloved lady and her cheerful mother." Lady Shinjuwon says it with playfulness and malice that annoys So very much. He hates it when Lady Shinjuwon is right.
"Let me have her registration," So pleads.
"If you're going to beg, you could do it all the way." Lady Shinjuwon shrugs and turns to the view outside her window.
"What do you want in return?" So knows this wouldn't be easy. His adoptive mother never made it easy for him.
Lady Shinjuwon turns to the view outside her closed window, "Nothing. It's not as if I will give it to you."
"Eomeonim!"
"Your father knew very well that Lady Hae Soo belongs to our clan. He was the one who signed her registration to me. Why will he ask for the proof?" Calm and collected, Lady Shinjuwon points out what So refuses to acknowledge.
Lady Shinjuwon might twist a few truths but she never lies to So. "Your father let you leave so he could do away with your beloved girl. He knows how much the girl holds over you and your siblings. But unlike the third prince, instead of possessing the innocent girl, your father would much rather remove her than see his sons fight over her and divide his kingdom."
Tensing at his chair, So didn't count for his father to betray him. He had swore loyalty to the throne, even served as a stop-gap so the lady consort wouldn't be able to touch the king yet the king had no qualms manipulating him to serve his purpose.
Like a discarded rag lying upon heaps of trash, So felt betrayed. His father is no different than his mother or to Lady Shinjuwon. The three of them only cared about the throne. Their children were only tools to be used to gain what they want.
He stands-up and feels a little lightheaded, like a few second block-out when you stand so fast that the brain suddenly lacks oxygen. He holds by the back of the chair and steadies himself. When he regains his sight, he walks towards Lady Shinjuwon, grabbing her arm to turn her to him.
Lady Shinjuwon doesn't look alarm at all. She gazes at him, challenging him.
So leans in, bracing his self to the smell of musk that envelops him. He lowers his voice at her ear, "Hand me her registration, eomeonim and I will hand you my loyalty."
Lady Shinjuwon smirks, "Ah, are we done fooling around?"
"Whatever you ask, my lady." So holds the vile in his stomach, feeling it burn his throat as it courses up his mouth, threatening to gag him. He feels the dizziness returning to him and he sways, clutching at Lady Shinjuwon. Something feels off with him.
"Shhh… " Lady Shinjuwon catches him, "Don't worry it isn't poisoned. I'm merely helping you to sleep."
Alarm bell goes off on So's head as his eyes drip to a close. Slowly, he looses consciousness.
The morning light finds Ji Mong at the balcony, still up from last night's discussion with Lady Oh. He stares unseeingly at the luscious garden, swaying under the lazy morning breeze.
Woo Hee comes up with a tray of breakfast, consisting of doenjiang jigae (fermented soy bean stew), salted belt fish, assorted pickled kimchi and a bowl of rice. She puts it one by one in front of Ji Mong who didn't bother with the greetings. As she was leaving, Ji Mong opens his mouth to speak,
"Where is the general's daughter? I don't see her anywhere."
"Soon Deok Ssi?" Woo Hee hugs the tray to her stomach, "She's staying home, sick."
Woo Hee waits for another question to come. When it is clear that the astronomer would say nothing more, she observes him a little bit before turning her back and leave. As she reaches the top of the stairs, she looks back and hesitate, gauging if the astronomer can help her.
Tightening her hands along the tray and squaring her shoulders, she comes back in front of the astronomer and say, "I know someone who can save the Haes."
Ji Mong raises his eyes to Woo Hee, all ears.
Stacks of books and rolls of scrolls litter the study table of Wook. Somewhere underneath an open scroll is his tea gone cold after being ignored for hours. A knock sounds by the door and a servant announces another visitor. Wook absentmindedly allows the visitor to come-in, busy with the papers in front of him.
"Wook wangjanim…"
Wook raises his eyes to look at his unexpected visitor, "Ah, Ji Mong seonseangnim?
He momentarily puts down his brush and rests his back to the chair, looking all business and interested, "To what do I owe this visit?"
Ji Mong takes a sit in front of Wook, well groomed and attentive, far from how he was yesterday, "I heard you can help me."
Wook takes a few second to speak, "That depends. Can I offer you something to drink?"
"A tea would be great." Ji Mong answers, observing the 8th prince.
Wook calls for a servant to serve tea for Ji Mong and refills his cup with freshly brewed one.
"What can I do for you, seonseangnim?"
"I want the Haes saved." Ji Mong straightforwardly answers, guarded and testing.
"Na, do. (Me, too.)" Wook takes a sip from his warm cup, it's aroma dancing underneath his nostrils. "This tea… Lady Hae Soo used to brew me this lemon balm whenever I get exhausted… I miss her brew. This doesn't have the same flavor as hers nor does it smell like her. Did you know? She smells of citrusy lime and vanilla."
More than the flavor, the scent reminds Ji Mong of his little queen. He knows he's making a mistake but he had already made up his mind.
"What will you give me if I can grant your bidding?" Wook stares at Ji Mong over his cup on his mouth, looking gentle as always and that's what makes Wook dangerous. He doesn't look like a predator. He looks like a meek prince who couldn't hurt a fly.
Against his will, Ji Mong gives his word, "I will pledge my loyalty to you."
"Loyalty…" Wook puts down his cup, "it's a fleeting thing, isn't it?"
He offers his hand for a shake, "Deal?"
The same hand Ji Mong once took that started this whole betrayal and curse.
Let's all be cursed then.
Editor's note:
Hello, It's been awhile. Please forgive my absence. Crazy, crazy, crazy sched.
Wah! I miss writing.
We only have a few chapters left, (probably 7 or 3). I will try to update as much as I can before my sched gets out of hand again.
그럼 새해 복 많이 받으세요! Let's have a great year ahead!
