Haesoo just as another normal day was practicing her sageuk speech pacing back and forth when she accidentally bumped right into So. Soo looked up to see So staring at her with an annoyed expression. Worrying that So will scold her, she decided to play the victim card herself.
"Oww ouch", she touched the right side of her head acting like she was hurt.
"You bumped into me", So frowned.
Soo scoffed and strengthened her back. "She is mine?" She repeated his words. "I am a person, not an item or animal. Why would I belong to you or anyone else?"
Finding her amusing, So leaned in until she's having to lean backward to keep some distance between them. "Then… should I call you my person?" He asked with a smirk.
"NO", she almost bawled. "Why would I be your person?"
What's wrong with being my person? So was getting anxious at the moment thinking she also became one of the people who doesn't want to do anything with him because of his scar and reputation.
"Wangjanim, do you even know the concept of calling someone your person? It means you are taking responsibility for that person." She crossed her arms. "So do you want to take responsibility for mine?"
Wang So was flustered by her serious question. At that time he said it to save her from Yeonhwa, he didn't think much of it.
A knowing smile formed around her smile, "I know you don't and I don't want you either. You must have said that to save me although I am pretty sure there were other ways to do it. Anyways thank you. However I would like it if from now on you don't use such burdensome titles you don't even mean."
"Are you not scared of me?" He asked wonderingly. "You talk back to me every single time."
"Well, I know you are not someone I should take lightly but I am not scared of you. You also don't seem like a person who would hurt others for no reason."
His expression softened, "Where did you get the hairpin from?"
"You dropped it in the bath in the palace. This is all because I was keeping quiet about seeing your face..."
So glared at her.
She averted her gaze, "Anyway I kept my promise."
"So if I hadn't intervened then were you planning to let Yeonhwa beat you?"
"Well, a few lashes cannot kill me anyway." She laughed.
He shook her head, "I really don't understand you." He really doesn't understand that someone would be willing to go through pain just to keep a promise to him.
"Wait for me."
Despite Soo's continuous calling for Wook to slow down, he won't. To get him to stop Soo feigned pain in her leg.
"Aigoo! My legs hurt so much that I cannot walk." Seeing that he stopped walking she continued her acting. "I was so busy getting away from those men that I didn't even know I had hurt my leg." Soo was so focused on her acting that she didn't even realize when Wook walked up to her. He grabbed her wrist and forced her to face him. She was startled by the rough side of Wook, a side she has never seen before.
With a trembling voice he said, "I was scared. I thought...I thought I had lost..." He himself didn't know what he was feeling, why the thought of losing her was maddening him. He only knew that whatever he was feeling was wrong and he was unable to stop himself.
Assuming that he was angry at her for going into the jungle alone to save 14th Prince, Soo apologized, "I am sorry for making you worry."
"What was the need for you to go there? Couldn't you wait for me?"
"I wanted to wait for you but those men... They were about to cut 14th Prince's arm then so I couldn't help myself from stepping in."
"And what about you? What if someone had happened to you?" Wook didn't make any effort to hide his anger.
"I was also scared. However I cannot let someone be harmed just because I was scared to help. If I can help someone, why shouldn't I?"
"You might have good intentions but jumping into a situation without any plan is called foolishness. You could have gotten yourself killed."
"My foolishness brought us time otherwise by the time you would've arrived there 14th Prince would have already lost one of his arms. I also value my life. Nobody wants me alive more than myself. However if a situation like this arises again I am afraid I will make the same choice." Although she didn't regret her actions the thought that she was being a nuisance to him yet again didn't evade her. Guilt and gratitude filled her heart once more.
She gestured at her wrist and with a low voice she asked, "Can you please let this go? It's hurting."
Wook didn't realize that he was hurting Soo until she pointed it out. He let go of her regretting his behavior.
Soo silently stood there rubbing her wrist while at the same time reprimanding herself in the heart.
"Agassi! Prince Wook!"
When Soo heard that her brows jumped and turned to the direction from where the sounds were coming. She saw Chaeryung and several other servants looking for them. She waved her hand and called out in a loud voice, "Chaeryung over here!"
Chaeryung was the first one to get to her, "Agassi, are you okay?"
Soo smiled, "Yes, I am completely fine."
"And 14th Prince?"
"He is okay too."
"Soo-ya"
Soo looked at Myung Hee supported by her two attendants and walking weakly towards her. She ran to Myung Hee and wrapped her hands around her arms. "Do you know how scared I was? I thought I was going to die today."
"None of this would have happened if you hadn't ran into the forest." Myung Hee frowned.
"I made you worry again, didn't I?" Soo hung her head.
Myung Hee cupped Soo's face, her anger already melting. "You are fine. That's all that matters."
"But..." Soo's lips pulled up into a mischievous smile, "I must admit it was an exciting day. You should've been there. The way Prince Wook fought with them I felt like I was watching an action movi..." Soo stopped herself before Myung Hee could suspect anything. "I mean he was amazing. But do you know the funniest part? When 4th Prince came those huge bulky men ran away as if they had seen a ghost. He didn't even have to lift his finger." She laughed.
"You just said you thought you were going to die and now you are saying you had an exciting day. What should I do with you?" Myung Hee lightly slapped her.
"You should give me food. I am famished! Give me something to eat. Please! Please!"
Myung Hee couldn't resist her little sister's adorableness and doe like eyes. "Fine, let's go", she smilingly said.
Soo linked arms with her Myung Hee and as she was walking away, she saw Wook walking away from all of them and Princess Yeonhwa calling after him.
After Soo had dinner with Myung Hee and Wook, she headed to the tower of stones. She had been doing it almost everyday. Even though she was happy in Goryeo she still felt sorry towards real Haesoo so she would pray wherever the real Haesoo was, she was well and happy. When she climbed the stairs she saw So messing with the stones. Thinking that he was out to destroy them again she rushed to stop him.
"Are you destroying it again?"
He turned his head to glance at her and then focused on the tower again. "I am not destroying it. I am rebuilding it." He said as he placed a stone over the tower.
"Suddenly? I wonder how the winds changed!" After a pause she excitedly asked, "What did you wish for?"
So frowned, "Do you need to hear other people's wishes now?"
Soo scoffed but didn't press it as he was not wrong. After finishing, So sat on the foyer of the hanok in front of the prayer stones. Soo following him leaned at the foyer.
Soo looked up to the sky and marvelled, "There are so many stars here in Goryeo." There are not many in Seoul and people hardly appreciate natural beauty. There are too many forms of entertainment now.
So just stared at her, finding her wonder endearing. After catching himself, he awkwardly looked away. "I am leaving this house. I am going to live in the palace now."
Soo was surprised and a bit disappointed but tried to act nonchalant, "That's great. I won't have to deliver meals to you anymore."
So huffed, "You didn't do it often."
"I did it everyday. Three times a day to be exact." She used her fingers to empathize the word three.
"When did I have my every meal in this house?"
"Well, that's true." She said in a low voice. "Eat your meals properly. I have noticed that you don't really care about your meals much. Don't you know how important food is for our health? You are always skipping your meals."
So remembered the days when the people of Shinju used to let him starve. His crying and begging never melted Consort Kang's or his men's heart. He might have been a prince but his life was no less than a prisoner and so were his meals.
"Now that I think about it I realize while living here I never once had to worry about my meals. You were always there popping out of nowhere, asking me did I have my meal, when will I have it." He chuckled.
"That's because Unnie gave me the responsibility of your meal", Soo said while playing with her hair. She looked back at him, "That's why I am telling you to take your meals properly in the palace. I won't be there to remind you.
He narrowed his eyes, "I think you used the wrong word. You used to nag me not remind me."
"I never nagged you."
"You did."
"I DIDN'T."
Nobody would dare to talk to a prince, especially him - a wolfdog - like that. "Seems like you are really not afraid of me."
Soo smiled but it was not a happy smile. "I am most afraid of myself and for myself. Sometimes I feel like I am a thief."
"Did you steal something?"
She sighed, "No but I am using something that doesn't belong to me. I am afraid one day I will be asked to return it and I will refuse. If I return it then I will become lonely but if I don't then that would be morally wrong and I will have to live my whole life with guilt which is definitely not going to make me happy."
So tilted his head, unable to understand what she was saying.
"But the frustrating part is that I cannot take advice from anyone." They will consider me mad if I tell them about this whole time travel mess. She sighed.
Although So couldn't understand a word, he was somehow intrigued. But he couldn't bring himself to ask anything when he saw her dejected face.
Soo soon became distracted by the falling snow. She held out her hand to catch some snowflakes. She smiled innocently and fondly, "Pretty."
So thoughtfully stared at her before breaking into a small smile. "Indeed."
Haesoo travelled to the palace with Wook and Myung Hee to personally give the soaps she had made for the royal ladies of the palace. The moment she set foot on the palace grounds she became fascinated with the glorious and magnificent buildings she had always seen in dramas and movies only that they look more regal and alive now.
Following Wook and Myung Hee from behind, Soo entered a room and the first thing she noticed was three women having tea on a table which is placed in the middle of the room. She recognized one of the women as Queen Sinjeong, mother of Prince Wook.
Soo gently squeezed her sister's arms for the other ladies' identity. "The lady wearing red is Queen Sinmyeongsunseong and the lady wearing golden is Chief Consort Myungsun", Myung Hee whispered to Soo.
Soo observed how the three women were all giving off such different aura from each other. Queen Sinjeong had a friendly smile on her face, Queen Sinmyeongsunseong's arrogance could be felt even from distance and Chief Consort Myungsun's eyes seemed warm but...there was also an air of coldness around her.
"This is my daughter in-law's sixth cousin, Haesoo", Queen Sinjeong introduced Soo to the other ladies.
Soo gracefully bowed to the ladies.
"Ah Haesoo!" The name drew Queen Yoo attention. "Jung told me about you. Aren't you the same girl who hit the 10th Prince? I have heard about your actions. It's your sheer luck that you are standing here unscathed."
"I will try my best to not repeat such mistakes again", Soo bowed.
"Try?" The word displeased Queen Yoo. Usually when she reprimands someone they would always swear on their life that that was the last time and they would never do this again. But this girl was telling her that she would just try as if she was not afraid of her or what she might do to her. "Shouldn't you say you will never repeat such mistakes again?"
Soo gulped in fear. She looked at Myung Hee for help who in turn looked at Wook.
"Why won't you answer?"
Hearing Queen Yoo's voice, Soo quivered. She took a deep breath before answering, "If I had said that I will never repeat such mistakes again that would mean I am confident which I am not and in a way I will be lying to Your Highness. This is why I said I will try my best. There are many things I still don't know of but I know enough that even a smallest action of mine can have me punished so you can guess just how hard I am going to try to not make any mistakes."
"Interesting."
From the corner of her eyes, Soo looked at the person who just commented, Consort Myungsun.
"Hwanghu, it's Soo's first time in the palace so she is nervous. Please be magnanimous." Queen Sinjeong tried to defuse the tension of the room.
Myung Hee also jumped in to save Soo, "Haesoo has prepared a gift for Your Highnesses."
Myung Hee gestured Soo with her eyes. Understanding, Soo put a box of her handcrafted soap before each of them. "If you use it every time after bath, your skin will become soft."
While Queen Sinjeong marvelled at the uniqueness of the item, Consort Myungsun only uttered the 'lovely' and Queen Yoo acted nonchalant.
"You have a very good daughter in-law. Queen Sinjeong. Too bad you do not have a child. There would be no flaws otherwise." Queen Yoo landed a barb on Myung Hee.
Soo sympathetically looked at Myung Hee's face.
"They say big blessings do not come so easily. Thank you for your concern." Wook said politely.
Queen Yoo glared at Wook for daring to answer her like that, "Queen Sinjeong, seems like your son-"
"Prince Wook is right. Moreover his wife should focus on her health first. Managing kids is not an easy job after all. Both of them are still young. There's no hurry." Consort Myungsun boringly said while playing with her tea cup.
Queen Yoo did not like being interrupted. She slightly laughed and coldly looked at Consort Yoon, "If you talk like this one will think you really have experience at managing kids."
The air of the room instantly changed.
As Soo watched the scene before her she felt that saeguk dramas are not very different from real life.
Consort Myungsun widely smiled much to Soo's confusion and Queen Yoo's annoyance, "Your third son is scarred and your fourth son is always getting into embarrassing fights on the street. Are you proud to birth them?"
Queen Yoo fumed with anger, "You-"
Soo didn't get to hear Queen Yoo's reply as a more important announcement was made.
"The king will enter."
Soo's eyes widened with shock as she watched King Taejo wearing the finest robes strolled in leisurely followed by the Crown Prince.
Soo stood gaping at the King while he was exchanging some words with Myung Hee which Soo could pay no attention to. King Taejo finally looked at her and recognized her as the girl who had gotten into a fight with Eun.
"They were only playing around." Wook tried to defend her.
But the King wasn't having it. "The Prince ended up with bruises on his hand. The playing went too far."
Out of fear Soo threw herself on ground, "I have a committed a death-worthy sin!"
"Are you afraid of the King?" King Teajo asked.
Calm down. Tyrants feed off fear, but wise kings value virtue.
She lifts her head from the ground. "You're a wise king. I-I'm not afraid."
"Why do you think I am a wise King?"
It was a mistake to accompany Myung Hee Unnie here. Let me just say what I have learned about him from books. If it still doesn't please him then...then... No he not will not ask anymore questions. Remember he already forgave you. A King will not go back on his words right? Right?
"Were you planning on getting away with it by using some flattery?"
"You-you've united the three lands, and founded a new nation. You didn't discriminate against people from fallen lands and gave them high positions. And...Balhae disappeared but you stayed loyal. That makes you a wise king."
There was silence in the room. Every second felt like eternity for Soo. Suddenly sounds of laughter erupted in the room. Soo slowly lifted her head to see the King heartily laughing. Soo released a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
I am never coming to this place again. It makes me feel like I am walking on eggshells.
After her stressful meeting with the Royal Family, Soo began running around for a restroom, the nerves finally getting to her. On the palace courtyard her eyes landed on the King and his entourage. Her legs unconsciously stopped to admire the view in front of her.
Wow! It feels like I am watching a drama. Never in my dream had I imagined that one day I would meet the man who founded Goryeo. Hajin, you surely are lucky.
King Taejo suddenly stopped walking and looked directly at Soo. Seeing that Soo froze and immediately lowered her head. She couldn't decide whether she should quietly stand there, apologize or run away. She saw a man presumably a eunuch walking towards her but she still did not dare to look up.
"Pheya wishes to speak to you."
Only after she heard what was said, did she look up. She slightly nodded and followed the eunuch.
There was clearly at least five to seven metres distance between Soo and King Taejo but when she was towards him she felt the distance was too short. Were they used to punish someone for looking into a Kings eyes? It depends on a King's mood right? It hasn't been a day since you said you were going to try your best to not make your mistake and you already made a mistake. You are truly hopeless aren't you?
After reaching where King Taejo she bowed and tried to be as respectful as possible.
"Why did you fight with the 10th Prince?" King Teajo's question was straightforward and he asked what he was really curious about.
Her face paled at his question. I thought I had averted punishment but it was only delayed.
When he didn't get an answer from her he looked at her and saw her frightened expression. "I am just curious. I have already pardoned you", he assured her.
Hearing that Soo relaxed and said, "He had done something wrong but he already apologized for it and promised that he won't repeat it."
"What was that?" He demanded.
She realized he was not asking her but ordering her to answer. She glanced around, numbers of court ladies and eunuchs were standing surrounding them with their heads down. Keeping her voice low she said, "I am not sure if it is appropriate to discuss an Imperial Prince's wrongdoing in an open area. It is essential to protect the Royal Family's dignity."
"In your opinion, to protect the Royal Family's dignity a Prince's mistake can be hidden right?"
A wave of nervousness formed in her heart. She was unsure whether this was a mere question or a test. This was a question concerning the Royal Family and a Prince a wrong answer can cost her heavily. She tried to compare the situation with modern day politicians and businessmen but out of fear she didn't dare to say anything. In the end she opted to answer what she really thought.
"In my opinion if a disclosure has chances of disrupting peace then it can be concealed. However we should also take into consideration the degree of the crime and its consequences. If it is heinous and unforgivable then I believe justice should be put above dignity and everything else. As for the 10th Prince I would not say what he had done was something trivial but it was also not grave. I do not see any reason to discuss this anymore since he already accepted his mistake and the matter was cleared however If you want me to tell you of course I would obey."
A trace of amazement flashed in King Taejo's eyes. Her nervousness was evident from the way she was fidgeting his fingers but she didn't let it show on her face nor she avoided his question as he had expected her to. He realized that the girl is disarmingly knowledgeable on politics and not only understands the importance of justice but is also insightful. He wanted to compliment Soo but was interrupted by a woman's voice.
"Pheya."
Haesoo felt like she didn't notice or more like appreciate the Chief Consort's elegance before inside the room. The lady was naturally beautiful. The majestic and dignified air around her would make others not dare do anything rash around her. She inwardly thanked the Consort for coming and saving her from the King's difficult questions.
Consort Myungsun slightly bowed and flashing a brilliant smile she asked, Pheya, Are you on your way to meet the governors?
"Oh right. I almost forgot about it. Good that you reminded me." King Taejo turned to one of his eunuchs, "Head Eunuch Song, Reward this girl with a Persian rug."
He is rewarding me which means I haven't made any mistake right? Soo took a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much, Pheya."
Consort Myungsun and Haesoo bowed to King Taejo as he left.
"Haesoo right?" Consort Myungsun asked to confirm her name.
Soo nodded.
"Why are you wandering alone? Where is your sister?"
"I...I...washroom." Soo bit her lower lip out of embarrassment.
Consort Myungsun let out a small laugh and then addressed her court lady, "Gaeul guide Lady Haesoo to the washroom."
Soo quickly said, "No, Your Highness that's not need-"
"Are you sure?" The Consort raised her right eyebrow.
Soo looked around the vast area and similar looking buildings.
"Aniyo", she answered with an embarrassing smile.
Consort Myungsun smiled, "The palace is large. It is easy to get lost in here. Gaeul will be with you until you reach your sister."
Consort Myungsun thoughtfully smiled at Soo who was repeatedly expressing her gratitude to her. When Eun first told Consort Myungsun about his fight with Haesoo, she thought of Haesoo as some unruly and somewhat naive girl. She was further convinced when she heard about the incident involving Jung and saw her youthful and adorable face for the first time. However the more she watched her the more she realized the young girl also has a sense of maturity and sensibility in her which she manifested first in the tea room and now with her conversation with The King. Consort Myungsun had left the tearoom shortly after King Taejo and Queen Yoo left. On her way back to her quarters, she caught sight of King Taejo and Soo talking with each other. Curious, she stood at a distance from where she could hear their conversation.
Such a beautiful, smart and lively girl is like a colorful and scented flower bound to attract butterflies.
Soo noticed the Consort staring at her with a smile which was strangely discomforting her. "What...are you thinking about?"
The Consort smirked, "Just wondering whether I should invite you for tea sometime or not."
Soo was taken aback by her sudden friendliness. She awkwardly smiled, "It would be an honor for me if you do so." She doesn't believe a King's Consort will have time to have tea with a noble but orphaned girl like her.
As Haesoo walked away Consort Myungsun watched with interest in her eyes.
