Episode 5. Amid the Fierceness of the Flowers, Hongwi (1)
It had been three days since Yoonseo arrived in Joseon.
During those three days, she had learned many things.
The most surprising fact was that each palace and each concubine's residence functioned independently, with very little interaction between them.
Each palace hall maintained its own household with separate eunuchs, senior court ladies, maids, male servants, and attendants.
And they did not personally visit the Queen or His Majesty the King every day to pay their respects.
Instead, a palace eunuch called a chabi naegwan was sent in their place to inquire after their well-being.
Hongwi, who was only three years old, had been placed under the care of Lady Yang, one of King Sejong's concubines—later known as Consort Hyebin Yang—because the Crown Princess had passed away.
Hongwi lived in a separate pavilion within Lady Yang's residence, Yanghwadang.
And Hongwi's aji (wet nurse), who had temporarily left the palace due to illness, was actually Lady Lee, the mother of Lady Yang.
So that's why Consort Hyebin Yang and her sons—Hannam-gun and Yeongpung-gun—would later die while trying to protect King Danjong.
The fate of royal concubines and royal sons splits between life and death depending on which prince they support as the next king. For the eunuchs and court ladies beneath them, their lives are even more fragile.
Yoonseo deeply disliked the fact that she had landed in a medieval world where people's lives depended entirely on someone else's fate.
But no matter how much she grumbled while putting on and removing the gold ring, she gradually accepted that she could not return.
And the moment she accepted reality, her mind shifted into survival mode, rapidly processing everything she had learned, seen, and heard.
Ever since Yoonseo mentioned that she had eaten poisoned dasik, Court Lady Park had remained extremely vigilant.
But what would happen to Hongwi in the future could not be prevented by the watchfulness of a single court lady.
"Madam, how are the factions within the palace currently divided? And which faction does Jeon Gyun belong to?"
When Yoonseo asked this over dinner, Court Lady Park placed her chopsticks down sharply and examined Yoonseo closely.
Her expression seemed to say: Can someone change this much? She ate poison—did a ghost possess her?
"After eating that poison, it felt like a fog that had always clouded my head suddenly lifted. I can see many things more clearly now. I've already lived in the palace for nearly ten years, haven't I?"
Court Lady Park muttered,
"Well, you've always been slow. But even understanding half the things you've overheard in important places would rival most officials."
Then she drew a rough map of the palace factions and explained.
"The head of the eunuch bureau, Jeon Gyun, and the Chief Court Lady Jo Gai are on the same side. The two are sworn siblings and have been close since they were young, so they combined their influence. But they are loyal only to His Majesty and harbor no other ambitions."
When she said sworn siblings, Court Lady Park winked repeatedly.
Which meant their relationship probably went beyond simple colleagues.
That, however, didn't interest Yoonseo much.
Even without certain physical parts, affection could still exist between people.
More important was the fact that Jeon Gyun would later ally with Grand Prince Suyang, becoming deeply involved in the sudden death of King Munjong and the coup known as the Gyeyu Coup, which marked the beginning of Hongwi's downfall.
"Well… people don't truly know what kind of person they are—or what thoughts they hold—until they are tested. Jeon Gyun's faction must become our enemy. Who stands on the opposite side?"
"Well, that would be us. We serve the person second only to His Majesty. The Chief Chamberlain Eom Jachi of the Eastern Palace and myself."
"Good. Then you and Chief Eom must soon determine which of the maids in the Eastern Palace are truly trustworthy. And Madam—do you know anyone outside the palace who could expand wealth and build influence?"
A flash appeared in Court Lady Park's wrinkled eyes.
"My slave Nosan-dae, who manages and grows my assets, is very clever and capable. Honestly, a court lady's salary isn't that impressive. But he turned it into what it is today. His adopted daughter is a gisaeng at Daewongak, and she is very talented at singing."
Court Lady Park continued proudly.
"That girl acts as a broker. She finds fools addicted to gambling or men so obsessed with women they'll sell their land just to take a concubine. Through them, she buys farmland cheaply. That's how I accumulated such wealth."
Oh ho!
That was quite a useful combination.
A gisaeng famous for her singing would naturally associate with powerful aristocrats who enjoyed culture and entertainment.
And if she had helped grow wealth this much, it meant she had not only talent but also intelligence and ambition.
"Excellent, Madam. Once the commotion around His Majesty's return settles down, I'd like to meet Nosan-dae and that gisaeng daughter."
"Very well. Whoever put poison in your throat… if I catch them, I'll bow in gratitude before killing them. I should also figure out what kind of poison it was and pour a non-lethal dose into the throats of fools like the old you."
This lady… that's a dangerous thing to say.
The next day, Yoonseo paid special attention while preparing Hongwi.
Today was the day they would personally go to greet His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, who had returned to the palace late the previous night.
But that His Majesty was none other than King Sejong the Great.
The greatest sage king in five thousand years of Korean history.
And above all, the creator of Hangul, who liberated people from the suffering of illiteracy.
Just thinking she might glimpse his face—even from afar—had kept Yoonseo awake most of the night.
"Young Lady, what kind of person is your grandfather?"
While fastening a golden belt around Hongwi's dark brown danryeong robe, Yoonseo asked quietly so only Hongwi could hear.
Hongwi's black eyes sparkled as she thought for a moment.
Then she answered in just one word.
"He's… scary."
"…Pardon?"
"Sca-ry!"
The three-year-old replied bluntly.
The meaning was clear: How dare a mere court lady ask for an evaluation of the king.
Her already chubby cheeks puffed up like a rabbit's backside as she pouted.
This brat… not only adorable but incredibly sharp.
Overcome by the cuteness, Yoonseo couldn't help kissing Hongwi on the cheek.
Hongwi's eyes widened as she covered her cheeks with both hands.
"You're just too adorable. Forgive me, Young Lady."
Yoonseo whispered.
Hongwi suddenly seemed embarrassed and hid her face with her small fingers.
"…That was disrespectful, Court Lady."
Even while scolding her, the corner of Hongwi's mouth curled shyly upward.
The sight was heart-meltingly cute—and at the same time painful.
Our Hongwi hasn't received much affection like this, has she…
Your older sister—no, a very distant descendant—will give you lots and lots of love from now on.
Just as Yoonseo was silently making that vow—
The door slid open from both sides.
A woman entered wearing a deep purple silk dangui embroidered with golden patterns.
She looked gentle and kind, perhaps in her late thirties.
But like all women of the palace, her eyes were sharp.
Everyone except Hongwi prostrated themselves and greeted the woman.
"We greet Your Ladyship, Royal Noble Consort."
It was Lady Yang, the mistress of Yanghwadang.
The future Consort Hyebin Yang. The one whom King Sejong noticed while visiting the Crown Prince Lee Hyang when he was ill—the nursing maid whose beauty caught the king's eye and received royal favor.
Though the peak of her youthful beauty had passed, her appearance had matured into an elegant grace.
While Yoonseo stared blankly at Lady Yang and sifted through the historical knowledge in her head, Lady Yang sat in front of the Royal Grandson and opened her arms.
"My young lord, come here. We must prepare you and go greet your grandfather and grandmother."
Her voice was filled with affection.
But Hongwi ignored her and burrowed into Yoonseo's arms.
"I'm going with this court lady."
Lady Yang raised one eyebrow toward Yoonseo.
Why is the child who used to follow me so well avoiding me now?
Her gaze asked the question silently.
"Your Ladyship has been extremely busy these past few days preparing to welcome His Majesty's return from the Onyang royal residence, has she not? Since the young lord hasn't seen you for several days, perhaps he feels a bit unfamiliar."
"Ah!"
Lady Yang nodded and clasped her hands together, raising them to her forehead as if bowing toward the Royal Grandson.
"My young lord, I had many duties welcoming His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen back to the palace. After we pay our respects today, I will stay by your side again."
"I'm going with this court lady."
Despite Lady Yang's heartfelt apology, the stubborn toddler refused to yield.
"Then go with Court Lady Kwon, my young lord."
Speaking gently, Lady Yang gave Yoonseo a meaningful glance before stepping outside, her ornate skirt fluttering.
The residences of King Sejong's concubines—including Lady Yang's—were clustered northwest of the Queen's residence, Gyotaejeon.
The largest residence belonged to Royal Noble Consort Shinbin Kim, the highest-ranking concubine (First Rank), called Huirakdang.
The second largest was Yanghwadang, Lady Yang's residence.
"Hold the young lord securely and follow me."
Lady Yang warned sternly, making sure Yoonseo would not accidentally drop the child.
She looked magnificent.
Three ornate trembling hairpins decorated with pearls, agate, and red jade were fixed into her rounded hairstyle, and she wore a long deep-purple jacket that reached below her waist.
After leaving Yanghwadang, they soon saw another grand residence with an imposing gate rising ahead.
It was Huirakdang, the residence of Shinbin Kim, King Sejong's most beloved concubine.
As they approached, the large gate opened and a group of people poured out.
At the front stood a woman wearing a red silk dangui embroidered with golden lotus patterns, her hair filled with jewelry like blooming flowers.
Shinbin Kim!
Yoonseo tightened her arms around Hongwi.
Shinbin Kim.
A former public slave of the Inner Treasury, now the concubine most favored by King Sejong.
A woman who bore six princes, including Prince Gyeyang, the son Sejong loved most.
All of those sons would later side with Grand Prince Suyang, actively helping him bring about the death of King Danjong, which allowed her to live out her life peacefully.
A woman of lush and captivating beauty.
And perhaps the very woman who ordered someone to give me poisoned dasik.
Yoonseo narrowed her eyes and quickly scanned the group of maids behind Shinbin.
But she could not find the maid who had given her the sweets.
Yet Yoonseo was not the only one shooting sparks from her eyes.
Lady Yang was glaring at Shinbin with unmistakable hostility.
Upon noticing the Royal Grandson's party, Shinbin Kim bowed respectfully.
"I greet the Royal Grandson."
When Shinbin bowed toward the child in Yoonseo's arms, Lady Yang lifted her chin proudly.
Her posture resembled someone receiving the greeting of an inferior.
At that attitude, the court ladies and maids serving Shinbin immediately shot sharp looks.
After straightening up, Shinbin received a slight bow from Lady Yang, whose rank was one level lower.
"I greet Lady Shinbin."
"You must have worked very hard caring for the Royal Grandson, Lady Yang."
"Hard work? How could one dare call it 'hard work' to serve the future foundation of the nation?"
Lady Yang's subtly sarcastic remark made Shinbin's beautiful eyebrows tremble slightly.
But Shinbin was not the type to accept defeat quietly.
"When my son Prince Gyeyang returned from accompanying His Majesty and the Queen to the Onyang royal residence, I also praised him by saying, 'You worked hard.' If serving His Majesty can be called 'hard work,' why can serving the Royal Grandson not be called the same?"
Her meaning was clear.
My son Gyeyang was favored enough to accompany His Majesty to Onyang.
Your son Hannam-gun, who lacks such favor, had to remain here in Hanyang.
A cutting insult disguised in polite words.
"The phrase 'hard work' should not be used toward someone of higher status. The proper expression is 'Your efforts have been great.' That is the correct etiquette."
In other words:
Even if he is your own son, a king's son must be addressed respectfully.
It seems that being born a lowly slave, you still have not fully learned proper etiquette.
The elegant counterattack from Lady Yang made Shinbin's face grow cold.
Shinbin had clearly lost the first round of the verbal battle.
At that moment, Shinbin's eyes fell on the Royal Grandson clinging tightly to Court Lady Kwon's neck.
Oh ho. There lies the weakness.
"It seems the Royal Grandson refuses to leave the arms of Court Lady Kwon these days. Blood must indeed be thicker than water. Since Court Lady Kwon is a relative of the late Crown Princess, the young lord must feel especially attached."
Her meaning was obvious.
You boast about raising the Royal Grandson, yet he only clings to that court lady.
Using Yoonseo as a weapon, Shinbin launched her second attack.