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Chapter Text

It was a regular September night. Dinner was just served and sent off to the palaces and the kitchens were cleaned. Jang geum and her friends were about to get free from the daily work. It was peaceful and just random conversations and quiet laughter every now and then could be heard, kitchen ladies heading to their chambers.
“Isn’t it done yet?” Changi asked her ‘disciplined’ friend who was putting the vinegars in the cabinet.
“Yeah done.” Jang Geum answered.
“Yun seang! Yun seang!” Changi tried to wake her friend apparently from her reverie.
“Huh” she fluttered as a result.
“Nothing, let’s go.”
“Yeah let’s go”
“You seem pretty preoccupied. Is everything ok?” she asked suggestively.
“Uh yeah, it’s alright” she smiled and looked around her to make sure nobody was there “It’s just, actually Yun Hwan naori might be in the Hanyang.” She almost whispered.
“Oh how do you know?” jang geum asked as she joined them getting out of the kitchen.
“I heard from heaya.” She looked at her feet.
“Good for you! “ Changi said smiling.
“Yeah that’s great.” Jang geum said, she too feeling happy for her friend, knowing that she might have a chance to secretly meet her crush. And then her smile faded. Palace rules for the ladies were extremely strict and horrifying… “So are you planning to meet him?”
“I don’t know” she answered dispiritedly. “I mean I can’t slack off tomorrow, while we’re getting prepared for the queen’s birthday.”
“We will find a way.” Jang geum tried to cheer her friend up.
“yeah you must certainly go” Changi added.” You are really cheerful for a while every time you see him.”
Yun seang smiled shyly and blushed. She was going to be 20 soon, she was kind hearted and sweet and usually everybody liked her. Except…
“You look cheerful yun seang! What did you do again?” youngro appeared to be getting fresh air outside of the chamber and as usual happy to pick on her friend/enemy.
Yun seang got flustered and clenched her fist and was about to answer but Changi dragged her to their room. Geum young who was reading under the moonlight looked at them over her book and then glanced at jang geum.
“Hey!” jang geum sat beside her. “What are you reading?”
“It is poetry” Geum young smiled and looked in front of her.
“Oh!” jang geum seemed impressed. “And you are in a good mood!” she observed smiling.
“I am” geum young smiled back at her.
“I’m going inside so you can read your book in peace.” With that she got up and went inside, leaving geum young in her thoughts. The truth was that she had seen him today. He had been off for a mission to Jeju Island for about two years now. So when she saw him today, near the officers’ place, her heart skipped a bit. She felt weak and almost fell. She didn’t approach him to speak to him, she didn’t find the courage to do so. But she planned to meet him and give him the poetry book she loved so much. The book she was reading at that moment. No subtle way to tell someone you love them… but she didn’t care. She was determined to win him this time, with whatever mean possible. He might have forgotten about janggeum, right? Even if it wasn’t the case He couldn’t be with her, it was forbidden. Geum young couldn’t help herself, she just wanted his affection. If she had his affection, the world would be hers.
…
“Are you excited for the queen’s birthday?” Changi asked yun seang.
“Yeah I am!” yun seang answered cheerfully. “I bet this year it’s going to be really great. The queen is pregnant with her first child, after all.” Then she looked at Jang geum, who was reading a book.” What do you think Jang geum?”
Jang geum lifted her head from the book and smiled.” Yeah I think it’s going to be great too”
Yun seang and Changi looked at each other and smiled. After lady Han was killed, Jang geum was devastated, to say the least. She hadn’t been herself, just a figure of herself. They had all been off for a long time, but Jang geum… her circumstances worried them all to death. Not long after that, all of a sudden, min Jung ho had been off to Jeju for his duty. It was so unexpected and they had felt helpless without him at how could they bring Jang geum back to life, as they knew how much she depended on him. And it was not long after Jang geum had somehow recovered from all these. They were relieved to see her functioning like a normal human being again, and a little bit more like herself.
“Oh you are going to help Geum Young to roast the boar for the ceremony, aren’t you?” Yun Seang asked excitedly.
“Yes” Jang Geum smiled.
“That’s a relief that she is going to finally let Jang Geum help with the more complicated dishes.” Changi said looking thoughtful.
“I hope she finally understands that it’s a waste to not use Jang Geum’s talent. Making her work in soy sauce kitchen was cruel of her. Lady Choi is pure evil.” Said Yun Seang with an exasperated expression.
“I know right? She was just seeking an opportunity to get rid of Jang Geum… but how come she is coming around?”
“I guess Geum young has convinced her.” Said Jang Geum, who seemed to be deep in thought.
…
“Chicken? What is that for? And is that dust?! Just what’s your plan?” Geum Young asked, looking incredulously at the ingredients.
“Oh we have enough time, I just want to make stuffed chicken. And this is for covering the chicken before cooking it. Trust me, I have tested it before. When I worked in the soy sauce house, I had plenty of time, it tastes great.” Jang Geum looked enthusiastically in her eyes to convince her.
“Oh okay do as you wish but I’m seriously worried about the consequences.” Geum Young said, looking genuinely worried.
“Don’t worry.” Jang Geum looked to be high spirited after a very long time and it made Geum Young happy.
…
The ceremony looked pretty busy. There were guests of different positions, ministers, envoys, high-status officers and important men from all over the country and their wives. Everybody looked to enjoy themselves. The royal family, the king, the dowager queen, queen and little princess all looked pretty happy. There were dancing and entertainment. Different kinds of foods and treatment everywhere, the worker maids worked pretty hard. Changi, Yun Seang and Youngro were watching and enjoying some break from work.
“They are going to serve wild boar cooked by Geum young and Jang Geum soon.” Changi looked curiously around and suddenly froze. “Isn’t he…”
“What is it?” Yun Seang looked at her perplexed expression and followed her gaze. “Oh …”
“Yeah that’s him.” Stated Youngro, when she found out they were staring at one ‘Min Jung ho’, who was seating next to some other officer and was talking to him.
“Just when has he been back?” Yun Seang asked no body in particular, with disbelief.
“Isn’t he min Jung ho?” officer Kim asked incredulously.
“Yep, that’s the one.” Jang Suro gazed at his old friend with a pensive expression on his features. They had reunited earlier that day.
“What’s wrong?” Kim examined his expression for a second. Soon the dishes came and Jang Suro watched as the royals were pleased by what was apparently the roasted meat of wild boar, till they weren’t… something was wrong.
“I’m sorry, I will return this at once.” Lady Choi desperately begged for pardon.
The king and queen seemed confused and didn’t know what was going on. In the queen’s plate, there was stuffed chicken, instead of the especial dish of the ceremony, the wild boar.
“What’s going on?” the king Jung Jong asked. He wanted just everything to be perfect and especial in this day, for his pregnant wife, the queen Mun Jung.
“Must have been a mistake.” Lady Choi bowed nervously.
“I don’t think there was a mistake” the queen put her sticks and tasted the meat, then tasted some more. “Who is in the charge of this?” she asked incredulously.
At this point lady Choi really freaked out and her face drained of all its color. Geum Young is going to be in serious trouble. Just what has she been thinking? “Hwang go fetch whomever has been in the charge of this.” She ordered the young Nain beside her.

Chapter Text

“Please taste some. It’s delicious.” The queen offered the king.
Lady Choi looked at her unbelievingly. The king tasted and agreed with the queen. “It’s really good.” The dowager queen was not pleased in general.
Soon Hwang came back, along with a nervous Jang Geum.
“Are you responsible for this dish?” lady Choi asked her accusingly. She briefly lifted her head and responded.” Yeah my lady.”
“How do you dare to disobey the head of the kitchen and do just as you wish?” dowager queen asked with evident annoyance. At this point Jang Geum was unable to say any word.
“What’s going on?” yun seang was beyond anxious for her friend.
“Why does she always seeking trouble?” youngro said.
Amongst the curious crowd witnessing the scene was min Jung ho, he watched in disbelief and couldn’t contain his worry.
“Did you mean to send this for me?” jang geum nodded at the queen’s question. “What was your reason?”
“I… I heard from the nurses that you have high blood pressure, and I knew that high blood pressure is dangerous for a pregnant woman, so I thought that the wild boar meat isn’t healthy for you. So I prepared that.”
The queen looked her in disbelief and the king was pretty impressed. Lady Choi looked less than thrilled.
“So that was the reason... tell me what does the especial taste of it come from?”
“It’s the reddish dust from the stove.” Jang geum answered, still not so confidant. The king looked at her in disbelief.
“It’s dust?” the queen asked pretty fascinated.
“I spread the dust on the chicken and then cooked it. I had tested this before and I was surprised that this gave the chicken some spicy taste.”
“That’s brilliant.” Stated the queen. The king and the dowager seemed to agree too. “She is such a bright young nain.” Said the dowager.
“She sure is.” The king looked at her. “What’s your name?”
“Soe Jang Geum, your majesty” she stated modestly.
“Jang Geum…”he murmured under his breath.
“They seem to be praising her” Changi stated in relief and Youngro scoffed.
Jang Suro seemed to be relieved that there was no more ‘interrogation’ and glanced towards min Jungho’s direction, whose expression wasn’t easy to read.
…

“So, are you back for good?” Suro asked as they were walking off to his basement.
“I don’t know, for now yes. Apparently we have defeated all the Japanese pirates invading the south. That’s it for now. And there were requests from Hanyang, stating that they need me to be back. So, here I Am.” min Jung ho explained with somewhat aloof expression.
“That’s great … I guess.” Suro told him, dumbfounded by his indifference.
“Thank you … for taking care of her.” Jungho stated, still not looking at him. There was a silence for a while.
“You shouldn’t have gone, just when she needed you the most.” He stated carefully.
“No she doesn’t need me, or any one for that matter. She is strong enough. And seems to have been well off without me.”
Suro sighed. He was too stubborn, he thought.
…
“How could that be his fault? That’s insane!” Yun Seang said as they were heading off to main kitchen. ”why would they accuse him of such a thing?”
“I don’t know, I just know that I need to find the reason to the princess’ numbness so I could rescue Doekgu from the prison.” Jang geum said worriedly.
Doekgu was Jang Geums stepfather and a chef in the palace. The fact was that the princess had eaten some duck soup he has cooked, and had been numb afterwards, so the police had him captured.
“How could you do that… you are not a physician.” Yun Seang stated matter-of-factly, with a hopeless tone in her voice.
“I need to get access to the medicine books.”
…
“No there’s no way a palace lady could enter royal library. It’s against rules.” The officer in charge stated sternly.
“Please let me take a look in the medical books, I need to find out something.” She begged.
“Let her in” Jang Geum froze at the sight of him, emerged from the door of the library. “I will make sure she leaves soon” with that the officer moved back so she could enter.
Jang Geum felt her heart pounding, she put her hand on her chest. For seconds she was dumbfounded and didn’t know what to do. When she finally was in hold of herself, she lifted her head and found out he was standing behind her. “Hi…” she turned to face him. Still couldn’t lift her raise her head to look him in the eyes but could feel his intense gaze on her.
“Hi…” he couldn’t tear his eyes off of her. She looked as angelic and delicate as ever. Maybe a little more mature. “How… how have you been?”
“Fine…” she briefly raised her head and looked at him, and felt her stomach flipped.” How have you been?”
“Fine… I guess. I’m sorry that … I left back then… without a word.” he stuttered.
“That’s ok. I understand.” She could feel the uneasiness of the atmosphere and didn’t know what to say. Until he spoke again.
“So what did you need?”
“Oh I just wanted some medicine books.” She stated shyly.
“Are you ok?” he got worries all of a sudden.
“I’m ok, it’s for uncle Deokgu. He’s been falsely accused and is in prison”
“Oh … I see. Let me bring you some of the books that might help.” She nodded and he went to another part of the library. When he was back, he had a few books with him. “Look out in these, if they weren’t helpful, just return them and I will lend you more.”
She took the books, quickly thanked him and got out of the library. When she got far enough, she stopped, took a deep breath and tried to sink in what just happened. He was back…
…
“Choi nain is that you?” Min Jungho reached Geum Young, who was waiting for him outside of his office. She seemed to be deep in thought and in her hands there was some book.
“Hi… how … how have you been?” she asked, suddenly out of words, at the sight of him.
“I was alright. It’s been a long time.” He smiled at her.
“Yeah it’s been a very long time… uh I just heard you were back so I thought that I would say hello and give this… to you.” And handed him the book.
He looked at her incredulously and took the book, opened it and read a few lines. ”it’s great… I always wanted to read it but I couldn’t get it. Thank you.” He smiled purely, and seeing him smile made her heart flutter, and she struggled to find the right word. “Uh it’s nothing…” then managed to give him a smile, bowed and split. She couldn’t stop smiling for a very long time.

Chapter Text

Jang Geum looked in the mirror and smiled. She hadn’t felt this good in a very long time. She needed to rest. The nurse has just visited her and checked on her conditions. She had gone paralyzed for a little while and the nurse was worried that it might had other side effects as well so she checked on her regularly. The fact was that she had found the reason to the princess’ paralysis and in order to verify that she had tested it herself, and then she had gone under the same predicament. But she couldn’t care less. Now that the doctor knew the cause to princess’ illness they were able to remedy her and her stepfather was released. Only there was a little problem…
“My sense of taste isn’t back yet.” Jang geum stated disturbed.
“Even after I did the acupuncture on your tongue the last time? …oh it might take a while. Don’t worry. In most cases the all the senses come back after a while. And you are fine anywhere else aren’t you?” The nurse looked at her worriedly.
“Yeah I’m fine anywhere else.”
“Just don’t worry. I will check on you tomorrow again.” Jang geum nodded, still a little desperate, nevertheless.
…
“I needed more of those medical books.” Min Jungho looked at her with a questioning look on his face. She didn’t look happy. “Please, I mean I know it’s much to ask.”
“Is something wrong?” min Jungho couldn’t help but to become worried. “Please tell me.”
When he heard the story and found out that she had examined the procedure on herself to verify the symptoms with the princess and she in turn had lost her sense of taste, he actually didn’t surprise, it was her after all. He tried to comfort her, as that was the only thing he could do at the moment. When he handed her the books and she left, he began to search in the books. There should be a way.
…
Jang Geum sat under one of the pine tree in the middle palace in the middle of the night. She hadn’t told anyone including Yunseang and Changi about her condition and she didn’t want to make them suspicious of her, so she just chose that spot, to read the books she had borrowed. She was terribly down, being clueless as what is going to happen and how much could she go on hiding her condition from every one and most importantly the head of the kitchen, lady Choi. Then she wished lady Han was here with her. If she was alive she couldn’t be so horrified. This pressure was beyond her and she knew she could have tolerated it, with lady Han beside her. A drop of tear fell on the book and only then she knew tears were rolling down her cheeks. Deep in thought, she didn’t even realize some one getting close.
In that moment the king along with the head eunuch and a group of escorting ladies behind him, was taking a walk and when he saw some palace lady reading something under the moonlight, he became curious, he went in her direction and soon realized that she was crying, and he knew her, she was the same lady who cooked that stuffed chicken for the queen and the same one who sacrificed her own wellbeing for the princess, then he stopped and gestured with the motion of his hand to stop the group as well. He didn’t want to disturb that sight. It was an amazing sight, under the moonlight, her tears were shining on her porcelain skin. Then she brought her petite lily-white hand to her face and wiped her tears. He stepped forward until he was in front of her, and she wasn’t aware even then. The eunuch cleared his throat and Jang Geum almost jumped furiously and bowed and stayed in that position, not daring to lift her head.
“You are Jang Geum?” the king asked softly.
“Yeah I am your majesty.” She answered nervously.
“What were you reading?” “Ah …that’s…” Jang Geum gulped.
“His majesty is asking a question.” The head eunuch warned her.
“Just some medicine books” she bowed again.
The king knew the poor girl was being extremely nervous and would be better off if he just left her alone, but he just couldn’t he was fascinated by this girl.
“Why were you crying?” but then she regretted asking, how would she be able to explain her feelings to the emperor and with his escorting team around, too? So he just moved along. The head eunuch looked at Jang geum then signed for the maidens to move.
When they were gone, she finally stood up and exhaled the breath she had held. Confused at what just happened and nervous too, she sat down. Great I just had to seat where his majesty would be passing …
Then she tried to shake off the thoughts and concentrate again in her reading. She had done nothing wrong. Has she?
…

Chapter Text

The next night, king was about to take his nightly walk. Then some thought crossed his mind. She wouldn’t be on the same spot tonight, would she? And he decided to take his chance. He couldn’t resist the thought of seeing her again, and he was curious, he wanted to know the reason of her sorrow. This time he would go alone, no escort. Just the head eunuch.
Meanwhile Jang Geum was looking for a place to read again. But pondered for a moment, would it be alright to seat in her usual spot? Would his majesty pass again? He probably wouldn’t, because she had spent lots of night, in the past, in that place and not once she had encountered him, or anybody. She looked for a while, then gave up and returned to her old spot. She opened one of the books. She had to find a way. Acupuncture wasn’t effective, even the second time. And today she had been about to give it away, when Geum young had asked her to taste some broth. She began reading from where she had left off the night before.
When he approached that place and saw her seating there, he smiled.
…
Jang Geum didn’t know how it happened, but she told the king about her condition and that she was trying to find the cure for it herself out of the medical books. She didn’t know how she found the courage, but he had cared so much that she was surprised and it somehow compelled her to confide in him. She had been very nervous all along but if felt amazing nevertheless, when she had nobody to talk to, it was the king who had wanted hear about her worries. She thanked lady Han in her heart, she knew it was her that had helped her. She didn’t know what could happen, lady Choi or somebody find out about this incidence and her impulsiveness about telling the king about her ‘trivial’ personal problems, but she didn’t care. She somehow felt safe. When the king heard about her situation, he was moved. The next day, king’s personal physician came to examine her. And it was only then when lady Choi, Yunsean and Changi and others learned about her problem. Doctor Jung offered to try the bee’s bite on her. He informed her of the possible side effects but she insisted that she would be fine and that she didn’t care about any side effect, this being her only chance of recovering. So she took the treat, wishing it would work on her.
Changi and Yunseang wanted to know all about what happened and how she lost her sense of taste and her encounter with the king. Yunseang reprimanded her on not confiding on her. And lady Choi was furious with her hiding the matter from her. Geum young was actually worried, and somehow suspicious of the medical books she had acquired to read.
…
Jang geum assumed that it would be his shift in the library so she went to return the books. He was relieved to see her there, as he was worried and wanted to ask her about her condition.
“I talked to my friend who is a doctor and he said he could examine you, he might actually be able to do something about it” He examined her expression and realized she was happy. “Oh… you look happy, don’t you?”
Jang geum who could hardly contain her excitement nodded “yes I am, and thank you for everything, I don’t need a doctor anymore, for I am fully recovered!”
“That’s … that’s great!” it was his turn to be excited. “But … how? I mean, your sense of taste turned back? By itself?”
“No actually I was examined by…” and she stopped at that point. That would seem too absurd. She was aware that her story was an unusually lucky one, and would surprise him.
“Who did examine you?” he asked, puzzled.
She blushed before she continued. “Actually his majesty’s personal physician examined me.”
“That’s great!” he was even more excited at this point. But after a second he became unsure of something. “But… how is that possible?”
“I was just unbelievably lucky to be studying those books right in the spot where his majesty was passing from its nearby and he saw me and asked me what my problem was…” she trailed off uncertainly.
“Really …oh… and you told him?” in that moment his expression was a mixture of different feelings, mostly confusion.
“Yeah” she felt embarrassed at this point.
“Oh of course you told him you couldn’t lie to him, cheer up.” he smiled. “The most important thing is you are fine now! That’s … I’m really happy!”
She looked him in the eyes and saw the sparkle, and her heart raced. She bowed as good bye and walked away, memories of three years ago came rushing back to her head. Little she did know that the same thing was in his mind at the moment.
…flashback…
It was a rainy night. Jungho came to the door to see it was jang geum. Terribly down and wet. He leads her inside, too worried to ask her about WHY she was showing up at his basement. Something was WRONG, he knew. Actually after the death of lady Han, everything was wrong. The rules were too strict, but he didn’t care, taking care of her, that was most important to him in that moment.
Giving her some sheet to wipe herself with, he seats and waits until she feels better and could speak.” Whats wrong?” The vulnerable and pleading look in her eyes is too much for him to bear. He pulls her in his arms, she sighs and eases herself in his hug, wishing to stay like that forever. She is wet and he becomes wet, but he doesn’t care. After a good minute, she pulls back, looking into his eyes. She puts her hands on each side of his face and pulls him to her mouse.

Chapter Text

It was a rainy night. Jungho came to the door to see it was jang geum. Terribly down and wet. He leads her inside, too worried to ask her about WHY she was showing up at his basement. Something was WRONG, he knew. Actually after the death of lady Han, everything was wrong. The rules were too strict, but he didn’t care, taking care of her, that was most important to him in that moment.
Giving her some sheet to wipe herself with, he seats and waits until she feels better and could speak.” What’s wrong?” The vulnerable and pleading look in her eyes is too much for him to bear. He pulls her in his arms, she sighs and eases herself in his hug, wishing to stay like that forever. She is wet and he becomes wet, but he doesn’t care. After a good minute, she pulls back, looking into his eyes. She puts her hands on each side of his face and pulls him to her mouse, for a kiss. At first he is reluctant, but he couldn’t resist for so long. He puts his right hand around her waist and the other at the back of her head, pulling her even closer. She pulls back and looks him in the eyes, he is out of breath. It isn’t long before the passion takes them over. She takes his hand and puts it on the knot of her top. He takes the hint and opens it and pulls it over her shoulder. She takes off her undergarment revealing her in only her chest band. He grabs her and kisses her neck and shoulder and she sighs in satisfaction, feeling his hot breaths on her skin. He is about to untie her band but suddenly something hits him. He stops and gets his hands off of her. “What am I doing?” he murmurs under his breath. ”I’m … I’m sorry”. Her expression went from confusion to disappointment to glum. Tears were about to falling from her eyes. But he couldn’t comfort her, he was distressed. “Why would you do that?” she managed to say, as she self-consciously held her hands crossed in front of her chest. “You are vulnerable. I can’t take advantage of you.” He stated softly. She put on her undergarment and top. She was devastated and embarrassed.” You are just sad. You will be fine.” He is not sure if he is ever going to be fine.
“I actually came here to ask you something.” She states a few minutes later, when they both get a little calm. “Once you told me you would do anything for me.” She looks at him intently. “Are you standing by your words?” he is silent for a few seconds. “Of course I am.” “Run away with me.” It takes him few seconds before he actually understands the meaning of her words, whence an expression of horror appears on his features. “I thought you were sad, but you must be utterly, extremely sad.” He looks at her still not believing what he has just heard. ‘Wouldn’t be a dream though?’ he thinks for a fraction of a second, then shakes off that thought. “I am serious. That’s what I want!” she states irritated. “But do you hear yourself? That’s… that’s impossible! You are being irrational!” “Why do I always have to be rational?!” at this point they were both standing and unable to have their voiced under check. “You ARE the most rational person I know! That’s why”. She sat down, feeling defeated, tears rolling down her cheeks again. Gathered her in his arms, not being able to see her this devastated. She sobbed in his arms, and he felt tears burning his own eyes. “If you didn’t change your mind in 7 days, then I would do as you wish.” He whispered in her ear. She pulled back, looking at him. ”really?” her eyes sparked with happiness and he could help but feel his own heart brightening. “Yes”.
…end of the flashback
Some nights later Jang Geum was reading another book in her usual spot, late in the night. And it was when she saw the king again, who had intentionally visited that spot to see if he could find Jang geum there, and he had.
“So you are here.” In her ‘bowing’ situation, she just briefly raised her head, her eyes widened out of curiosity, and saw him smile and. “You… wanted to see me your majesty?”
“I did!” “I wanted to say how much I am grateful for your generous kindness. I’m… endlessly thankful.” “So you are better now? Your sense of taste is back?” his expression showed bliss. “yeah … and all thanks to you, your majesty.” “I’m so happy. And it’s nothing compared to what you did once, many years ago.” She is off guard and he smiles at her affectionately. “I did?” “You saved my life.” a smile brightens her features as she recalls that memory and she bows again. “What were you reading?” “Just… classics.” He picks the book and surveys it. “You are amazing did you know that?” her face flushes and she is nervous again. “I’m … nothing. You are too kind, your majesty” he laughs a little at that. Then his expression becomes serious. “It warms my heart, to hear those compliments, for I’m actually a ruler who is not good enough for his country.” She bows uncomfortably, surprised and nonplussed. “Please forgive me but I’m sure that’s not the case.” He looks at her with curiosity and she continues. “You are sensitive and caring, you care about your people. You are never indifferent to anybody. And you have tried hard to reform the mess of the country and to bring hope in people’s lives. I think you are an excellent ruler.” She stopped at that and let out a breath. “Forgive me for my bluntness”. Staring at her. In awe, he smiled.
…
Geum Young felt that she needed to make a move in order to try her chance, she wasn’t going to forge ahead, just seating idly, if she wanted to gain his heart. And she wanted, so badly. She was alone in a lonely palace. Her family were stuck with their own ways, even if those were cruel at times. And wanted her to be in their game. And there was this girl, who outshined in everything, and was bright and positive. And then there was this fabulous guy, with whom she was in love since a very young age, who didn’t have a place in his heart for her. She needed to do something, to be spontaneous, for she didn’t have much to lose, and time to waste. She needed to take hold of small chances. In the evening, She prepared a very especial meal, one which she was especially expert at. Did her hair, dressed in a nice Hanbok and put on a fine perfume. She was being reckless but she didn’t care, soon she was at his door.

Chapter Text

He himself opened the door, surprised to see her behind it. But he led her inside politely, nevertheless, wondering what she was up to. She was a little bit nervous but managed to look confidant. When they were inside she invited him to seat. He didn’t.
“Why are you here Choi nain?” he asked somewhat weary. “You shouldn’t be here.” There was a brief silence before she answered. She felt helpless for a second but then she again gathered her self-confidence. “I know I shouldn’t be here, and what do you know, how hard would it be for a court lady…” she stopped, regretting the bitterness of her voice, and got a hold of herself. “Please seat.” Dumbfounded he sat, and watched as she set the meal she had cooked in front of him. Gujeolpan, grilled sliced pork with nuts, honey cookies and wine. They smelled great. Right then he heard knocking on the door, he excused himself and went out. She sighed and tried to organize her thoughts. What was she going to do next? She looked around and looked at the room. It was clean and tidy, just a little desk on the corner with a few books on it. And a ring. A …ring? She got up and got close to be able to see well. It was a ring and not just any ring. She knew that ring. It belonged to Jang Geum and it came in a pair, she had the other one. And she knew Jungho used to have this one, but it was a long time ago… she wished maybe somehow sometime along the way, he may had lost it…
When Jungho comes in, he notices Geum Young is somehow down, but couldn’t say what the reason would be. The ornate cuisine she has prepared… he knows she had a crush on him when they were younger, but could it be that she hasn’t gave up on him even now? “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I felt like to do it” she said with somewhat less than upbeat sound, and avoiding looking at him, but he notices her red-rimmed eyes.
“You are… an amazing cook.” He says without even really thinking about what he was saying. How could he cheer her up? “But you haven’t had a bite yet” he seats and grabs sticks and picks some of the pork and tries it. “I stand by what I said.” She smiles half-heartedly. “So… I’m a good cook” “you are much more… for starters, you are insanely courageous, judging by what you have done tonight.” “I’m not all that courageous… I love you” she confesses impulsively. Dumbfounded, he gazes at her. “That’s … that’s… you know that it’s impossible anything is ever going to happen between us.” “I know. But if you had feelings for me too, the loneliness and the pain would have been much easier to bear” caught off guard, he is short of words again. He shakes his head. “Say something” she pleads. “What ... What do you want me to say?” he gulps. “Say you don’t have any feelings for me” he hesitates just a few seconds. “I…I don’t have any feelings for you” he looks down “I’m sorry… and I know it must have taken you a great deal of courage to admit your feelings for me” he adds, still not looking directly at her. “Yes it did… and don’t be sorry. Just admit something” “what?” “That you love someone” he looked at her, unsure of her intentions. He ponders the question for a few seconds and finally responds “I love someone” she sighs. “Who is she?” he looks at her in disbelief.” Why do you need to know?” “In order to get over you, I need to hear this, I need you to declare it aloud… I do know it however, in my heart. But I need to hear from your lips” he considers her demand carefully. “I can’t tell… it would be too dangerous for her. It’s a great deal of a risk” he says quietly. From the look on his face, she knows what he is thinking about. “Actually that tells enough, I need no more.” She smiles sadly. She knows what he means when he says it’s dangerous for her. Her suspicions having been confirmed, she just needs to go. She stands and so does he. “I’m going to get going” she smiles bows and gets out of the room while He is left dumbfounded.
…flashback
Jang geum is scared, thrilled and happy all the same. In the last six months she has gone through the hell. She has helplessly watched as Lady Han had been captured and prisoned, interrogated and tortured for two months, for false accusations of conspiracy. She had tried to acquire evidence for her innocence. Min Jungho had been restless all the while, and their attempts had paid off and the interrogation had been put off, but one day out of nowhere it had restarted, she had been tortured for days before she deceased. The tragic death of Lady Han left Jang Geum shocked. For months her physical and mental health worried everybody, especially Yunseang, geumyoung, Changi, Jungho and Suro. They were worried to death. It had been a downward road, no matter how much they had tried. Until that night happened. She showed up at his door, soaked in the rain, and the rest…
She is going to tell him that she is ready to run away with him. She wants and she needs to that, she wants to be with him and she needs to run away from the palace, the vey place where she has such found memories of her. The very place where took her away from her. She detests here. Just can’t bear being here. She can’t help seeing her wherever she looks, in the kitchens, in the yard, her chamber. Even in the city, downtown, in the bazaar, at the bank of the river, just everywhere. It’s too much of a pain, She NEEDS to go away.
She needs to do that with HIM. He is love of her life, she can’t deny or hide that anymore, and she is willing to take all the consequences. It’s been a week now and she is going to tell him, that she stands by what she said, that she WANTS to elope with him, as he promised.
“Master? He left for Jeju.” That was what the servant enunciated.
“What?! All of a sudden? Why did he go? When… when is he going to be back?” she asks disoriented, disappointment emanating from her expression and her voice.
“I don’t know when he is going to be back. I don’t believe it’s going to be any time soon. He demoted his rank to join the navy in the south… That was sudden. Anyways, he left yesterday.” He explains for her. Dumbfounded, she just thanks him and walks away. The words doesn’t just sink in right away. He has left? For an uncertain amount of time? Without even telling her... and that hits her. Was that his plan all along?

Chapter Text

The last three years haven’t been easy for Jang Suro. He has watched as Janggeum suffered and then suffered some more. He has looked after her, helplessly at first when she has been devastated and then little by little relieved as she has gained her strength and maybe even got back to her normal self, recently. Wistfully, he has watched her. Well, he has never longed for her, has he? Well aware of her feelings for a particular Min Jungho. Was he ever hopeful she might forget him after he left? He hasn’t. Vaguely knowing what has happened between the two of them before he has left, he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of bitterness towards him. She has offered to run away with him and him –the foolish bastard! - has gone. Well, not before making him swear that he would take care of her. He had tried to dissuade him, but it had been useless. Stubborn as he was and miserable, how awfully miserable that Suro’s heart has gone to him despite himself. The pain in his voice when he had asked him to watch her. And he has. He has been there for her everywhere she needed and has tried to grant her any wishes she had as much as he could. Not that it was a burden to him. He NEEDED to make sure she was safe and fine. He always did. Right then he was watching as Janggeum was walking with his majesty, in the royal yard. The two of them were alone, no guards, eunuchs, maidens. His majesty was telling something, and it was apparently funny because she laughed. He had watched them for a few weeks taking a walk almost every day. And that seemed… absurd, at best. Because that was his majesty and Janggeum wasn’t one of his consorts, well as of now anyway. He winced at the thought. Janggeum being a consort? Was that what she wanted? No. he knew her enough to be sure of that. And the rumors were spreading fast. The rumor that a palace his majesty spends a lot of time with a Nain. Everybody talked about it and believed that his majesty should make her his consort, as soon as possible. He didn’t know how she felt about it and hadn’t been able to reach her for the past few days. But he needs to … he needs to find her alone and find out how she is doing with all the circumstances and rumors.
It’s been a couple of weeks since the king has met Janggeum in the backyard while studying, and hasn’t been able to take her off his mind. The witty girl who studies medicine secretly at the midnight and who is bold and frank and when complimented blushes adorably. And barely lifts her head enough for him to look at her but when she does, it’s amazing. When he took a walk with her for the first time, he has known that he could find peace, in her presence. He persisted in seeing her every day and take a walk with her, which has been her idea in the first place. Somehow she has seemed willing to help him if he has understood well. She asked him to breathe deep and walk bare-footed claiming she has read stuff like this in the medical books she has read, and he has done as she wished. And she has told him to open up to someone he trusts, about whatever bothers him and makes him anxious. And soon he knows, he can only trust her. So he tells her about whatever troubles her, the troubles of a king! Things that keep him awake at night, and make him restless in the mornings. And he doesn’t stop at that, he tells her more about himself than he has ever told anyone. He knows it makes her uncomfortable and feels guilty for putting such a burden on her shoulders, but simply can’t help it. Even though she may be too young and inexperienced, she seems wise, too wise for her age. She listens carefully, nods in the right places, confused sometimes and sympathetic nevertheless. she is the perfect company.
Youngro picks another radish bored and uninterested and cuts the end of it and looks at the big pile of radishes in front of her. ‘God that’s too much!’
Changi looks at her incredulously while trying to peel a radish. ‘It must be the hundredth time you say that!’ It’s one peaceful afternoon and she, Yunseang and Youngro, and some other girls are just doing the routine chores in the kitchen. With youngro constantly nagging or passing on random gossips, particularly around Jang-geum.
‘Well, it is much… and anyways, where is Janggeum? Why isn’t she back yet?’ she asks casually. Some of the girls change meaningful glances.
‘It’s none of your business, and why does that bother you anyways?’ Changi aims her accusation at her, not being able to take another minute of Youngro and her whining.
‘Well, for one thing, she keeps skipping all the chores.’ Youngro stated exasperatedly.
‘No, she doesn’t! Besides, there is still a whole lot of radishes left for her to peel, when she is back. The head lady has sent her on an errand, and you know that.’
‘I’m not so sure about that.’ a girl named Yunbi mumbled distractedly under her breathe.
‘And what’s that supposed to mean?’ Changi was getting angrier at the moment.
‘Well you probably know that she is spending time with his majesty, and he is the one sending for her.’
Youngro groaned and averted her eyes. ‘I wonder why his majesty would want to see her.’
Changi examined her scornfully before turning to Yunseang who has been quiet for a while. ‘Are you alright?’
Yunseang came out of her thought and looked at her, ‘oh I’m fine. I’m just worried about Janggeum.’ It has been just very recently that things have been calm and she couldn’t help but sense the turmoil to come. She knew her friend would inevitably get into trouble yet again.

Chapter Text

Jungjong didn’t know what to do. He was confused and overwhelmed. In the past few days, there had been petitions, from her mother lady dowager as well as the ministers for him to make Janggeum his consort. There were rules, he knew, even applying to the ruler, well most strictly applying to the ruler, paradoxically. The ruler, wasn’t supposed to spend time with a court lady unless she was his consort. He was angry. Apparently, as a ruler, he didn’t have much power. Why wouldn’t they just leave him alone? Just let him have the one thing that made him happy. He just wanted to spend his free time with a person who he actually trusted. Was that too much to ask? Perhaps yes.
His mother has actually pointed out that ‘he wants to spend time with Janggeum because he wants her.’ he has denied but somehow knew it may have been true. He knew recently it wasn’t much about finding comfort in her as it excited him to see her. Sometimes he couldn’t even wait to see her. He wanted to hold her in his arms and feel her breathes and listen to her heartbeat… but he shrugged off thoughts of that nature as soon as they entered his head, even though it has become harder and harder. He was in trouble, he knew it and he didn’t want to do anything against her wishes, he didn’t want to scare her off and lose one sincere companion he has been able to find in an infinitely long time, that he just settled for talking to her and what they already had was valuable nonetheless, at least for him, and she has been able to talk about herself too, a little, lately. He wanted her to trust him with her problems. He didn’t want to cause her sorrow of any kind. The last thing he wanted was for her to get caught in the middle of the political games, she being too delicate for that. So making her his concubine was not an option, that wasn’t fair to her.
He needed to find a way to deal with all the opposition from his mother and his cabinet, and have her in his life.
The daylight was down and Janggeum was done with the kitchen. She has worked extra hours today, making Yunseang and Changi go to their chambers to get a rest, as an apology for slacking off quite a lot lately. His majesty sent for her a lot, almost every day, it was always the head eunuch who came to tell her that she needed to meet his majesty, in the royal yard, in the usual spot. She was well aware of the rumors and gossips and criticizing eyes, it was scary. But what could have she done? She wished she could be freed from all the pressure. She went to her chamber where Changi, Yunseang, and Youngro were playing some games and asked her to join them, she excused herself grabbed her book, and took off. She felt guilty that recently she spent so little time with Changi and Yunseang, but she needed time to be with herself and clear her mind. She heads for her favorite spot in the backyard, lost in her thoughts, then she finds herself blocking the way of someone (or is he blocking her way?) so she is forced to lift her head and look at him. Him. Her heart skips a beat and her mouth drops open but she doesn’t find suitable words or any words for that matter, she just stands dumbfounded. Suddenly mixed feelings rush through her, among which she can acknowledge weakness. And he doesn’t say anything either, nor she can read the expression on his face. ‘Long time no see’ is the only sentence she could formulate, to which he finally responds. ‘Yes…’ he gulps and continues, albeit not without difficulty, he looks confident as always but not for someone who knows enough to make out the nervousness. ‘I’m sorry… for…’ and she immediately makes out the anger in her, but tries to put on an aloof face, and quickly responds ‘that’s ok’ and forces herself to look at him. He seems a little surprised, but that’s it and he is hard to read again. ‘I should go', with that, she bows a little and departs hastily. He remains speechless and only follows her with his eyes.
Jang-geum could only run away, she didn’t stop for a long time. Overwhelmed with so many feelings, she couldn’t help but cry. Why? Why did he appear all of a sudden? More importantly, why did he disappear in the first place? She has poured her heart out to him and threw herself at him, and he has left, breaking her into pieces. Before he left she was miserable but when he left she has was devastated, wrecked. And she couldn’t believe that he has actually done that to her, and when she needed him the most too. But when she saw him, she knew she didn’t hate him, in fact, she was in love even more than before. And she was angry at herself for that. She cried and then some more, then grabbed her book and tried to concentrate.
He used to watch her when she studied at night when he wasn’t on standby. When he was back from Jeju he found her there at her favorite spot again. He used to follow her there, to make sure she was safe and sound, and well to watch her, looking mercilessly divine in the moonlight. Those peaceful moments of the night were all he wanted and yet between him being the official guard and her being a court lady, even those moments were precious and… hazardous. After what happened 3 years ago one night when she came to his home, he decided he needed to go. That he needed to stay away from her. He had been satisfied with watching her from afar, or at least he thought he was, but clearly, that was not the case anymore. He had reasoned that he didn’t need to have her, that she was just a beautiful creature and an amazing person he was happy just watching and taking care of. But the moment she touched him and put her fabulous lips on his, he knew he was very much wrong. He could no more stay near her. He was going to lose his sanity by looking at her. So he got away. To never show himself to her. He still chased her at night whenever she went to her sacred place and observed her from far away. Until one night he saw his majesty passing from there and stopping to look at her. And he came back the other nights too, to see her. He observed them, walking together. And he knew it wasn’t just the nights. His majesty officially spent time with her with everyone knowing about it. He felt nauseated by it. He knew he shouldn’t. So what if she became a consort? What could he do about it and why should he? She was a court lady, a woman of the ruler. And he was his majesty, well who had all the rights to have the woman he wanted. And who was he? A Nobody. That night he simply couldn’t resist approaching her and probably apologizing to her for the past. What did he hope she would say and her reaction would be? He didn’t know. He wasn’t even sure if he should even cross the line or not that he found himself in front of her.

Chapter Text

When Janggeum gets back to the dorm chamber it is at least 3 hours past midnight. She tiptoes to their room carefully for the sake of Yunseang who she thinks must be sound asleep, but who jumps as soon as she hears Janggeum open the door. She seems to be waiting for Janggeum, unable to go to sleep. ‘Janggeum… where have you been? It’s so late!’ ‘I’m sorry… why are you still awake?’ Yunseang gets up and seats on her mattress and Jang-geum seats next to her. ‘I was worried about you.’ ‘I’m alright. Why are you worried about me?’ Jang geum hugs her knees and looks at her carefully. ‘I don’t know. I don’t see much of you lately.’ ‘I know. I’m sorry.’ Jang-geum responds softly. ‘Janggeum, can I ask you something?’ ‘Of course, what is it?’ ‘About you and his majesty…being seen together. Everybody talks about it.’ ‘Yunseang’ she takes her hands in hers. ‘Why does that makes you so worried?’ Yunseang who already is comforted by her gesture tries to voice her concern. ‘I don’t know… why is he suddenly do interested in you? I mean I guess that’s a good thing…but, well I just can’t be so optimistic. Because let’s face it, we are talking you!' at that Janggeum laughs a little and Yunseang too. ‘You are a trouble magnet, troubles just find you.’ ‘There’s nothing to worry about, I promise.’ And squeezes her hand. Yunseang smiles a little. ‘What does he talk to you about, anyway?’ Jang-geum sighs. ‘Well, honestly I can’t tell you about the details, he has trusted me with his worries and I don’t know, basically we talk about everything.’ Yunseang beams, ‘you do? That’s nice’ ‘yeah, I…I like that. His majesty is very wise and knowledgeable… he knows about everything. And he is so kind.’ ‘Do you know what others say?’ ‘What do they say?’ ‘uh…that you would become a concubine.’ Jang-geum ponders that for a moment and Yunseang continues, ‘would you… would you like that?’ ‘That’s not going to happen, I assure you.’ And smiles. After a moment Janggeum breaks the silence. ‘I want to tell something, and I need you to promise that you won’t tell anybody.’ Yunseang becomes alarmed with that and shifts in her place. ‘Yeah, I promise,’ and listens intently. ‘I plan on telling his majesty about Lady Han and how she was killed being innocent.’ now Yunseang is startled. ‘Janggeum! You are scaring me!’ Jang-geum whose expression seemed calm and distant stared at her for a moment. ‘I can’t just seat and pretend that never happened, you know. I will tell his majesty if I meet him next time. I am going to bring justice in the case of lady Han.’ Yunseang who is even more scared than before by her determination and made-up mind remains speechless. ‘You understand how important this is to me, don’t you?’ Jang-geum looks into her eyes, and Yunseang nods hesitatingly. ‘Now get back to sleep’ she stands up to change her outfit for the sleeping dress. Yunseang crawls under her sheet. ‘I’m happy you shared this with me, even if it terrifies me.’ Jang-geum smiles.
For quite a few weeks, Geumyoung felt heartbroken, irresolute, and unsettled. That was true, she has opened up about how she felt to the man she loved for almost a decade, just for him to rip her heart out of her chest and tear it into a million pieces. That’s true, she didn’t actually expect him to reciprocate her feelings, and again true, he hasn’t asked her to dote on him or make a fool of herself by confessing it, yet it hurt. But anyway, the damage was done. She needed to find a way to move past it and be her glorious normal self once again. And then the actual disaster happened, well maybe not so much of a disaster, if they could think of a plan to make the events turn to their own benefit. She needed to think of something that would stop them from investigating further, she needed to free her aunt from the accusations and release her from the prison. In the incident of the death of the lady Han, Geumyoung knew she was a prominent cause, and also she knew she needed to learn to live with it, and not to think about it, neither to think of her in that way. That was true, she had no choice, right? She needed to support her family and rescue them from falling. Yeah she had to do that, Lady Han was innocent… and she had to do that and unless watching their family experience a tragic fall. Could she afford to lose her family, the only thing that was utterly important to her and the only people who had supported her all through her life? She couldn’t. So she plotted along with them. When his majesty went unconscious, that was the golden opportunity. They blamed the food and lady Han who was the head of the kitchen at that time. Lady Han was arrested, interrogated, and died under torture. That made her nightmares for few months straight, she cried herself to sleep and was sick all the time. But apparently, her family was saved, everything looked upward. Her aunt became the head of the kitchen, her uncle bonded more strongly with the right minister and they were, well, safe. Until a few days ago her aunt was investigated in the persecution office, along with the physician of the palace who had been his majesty’s physician at the time. Both were arrested. As far as they knew, his majesty has ordered the investigations, with the evidence that were provided by, well they weren’t sure about but suspected Min Jung ho. Plus her aunt that was pessimistic about Janggeum being so close to his majesty from the beginning, has drawn the conclusion that it has been her who told the king about lady Han and has triggered all the chaos, and she knew it was true. So there she was, trying to think of a plan to backfire the circumstances on her. And being rejected not long ago by Min Jung ho and because of her, worked as a motivation, making it all too easy.

Chapter Text

"Jang Geum is not here right now, what's the matter Uinyeo?"
"Nothing in particular just wanted to say hi to her," Heaya responds somewhat unsure. "Recently, the head lady visited queen dowager. her main intention was in fact to inform her of something that concerned Jang Geum."
"Jang Geum? What was that about?" Yun seang asks furiously.
"She believed that Jang Geum was behind the detention of Choi Sang gung." Heaya states weakly.
"Jang Geum was? yeah, of course, I mean, she must have suffered because of that a great deal. aren't Choi sang gung's crimes proven?" Yun seang tries to read something from her expressions.
"It's not that simple." she sighs. "The head lady insists that the whole incident has been a scheme on Jang Geum's part to cover her mentor's bad reputation, and that, well, she has become close to his majesty to captivate his attention and manipulate him to make her wish come true."
Yun seang gasps as she listens in disbelief. "That is... utterly nonsense!"
"I know. this is a scheme that she must get out of, I hope." She shakes her head. "Poor Jang Geum."
"Who do you think has conspired this against her?"
"I have absolutely no idea."

"So, what's that about, Chosun?" queen dowager asked assertively.
"What do you mean mother? I couldn't have let that go. She has been recognized guilty for great and unforgivable crimes and the police will decide about the punishment."
“Even though, how could you let a mere nain interfere with such serious matters? How could you just let her meddle in this?”
Chosun squinted his eyes with suspicion, trying to wrap his mind around what his mother was suggesting. “Who are you talking about mother?”
“Jang Geum, of course. I hear that she was related to the case of Choi sang gung. And that it was her, who made you order the interrogation.”
“Yes, actually in fact it was her who made me think about it, she told me the story of her mentor, Han sang gung and I was convinced that her death was a conspiracy. What are you so upset about mother?”
“Chosun you should not be easily affected by people around you, especially a mere court lady.”
“Mother I’m grateful to her for revealing the truth. I am the Chosun and I will not be manipulated by anybody if that’s what you are trying to say. And I’m disappointed at you for believing that I could be.”
Queen dowager, who was caught off-guard tried to find suitable words, and eventually murmured, “I... I didn’t mean to… Ah, I think I see your point. Sorry for the inconvenience I made to you.”
“It’s all right mother. Please have faith in me, and don’t let anybody mess with your mind.”

Soon the pressure on Chosun becomes so high that he hesitantly orders Choi Sang gung to be freed. Prime Minister Oh, who is an influential person in the cabinet and who has connections with Choi sang gung and her family coerces the head lady and head maid of the palace of the queen dowager and gets what he wants.
“Choi sang gung has been freed?” Jang geum, shocked and confused, asks Yun seang, who sympathetically looks at her and tries to calm her down with tentative words.
“Yeah, I know you diligently worked to prove her guilt. But that’s how things are around here.” She sighs. “I was even surprised that she was prisoned in the first place.” Jang geum with a blank expression in her eyes looks ahead of her. “don’t worry too much. Just … just take it easy.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Suh nain” Jang geum and Yun Seang turned their head to see Jang Suro approaching them.
“Naori” they bowed their heads as a greeting. “How have you been?”
“I heard about that. Just leave it off for now. Wait for another opportunity, I’m positive, there will be plenty of them.”
Jang geum stared at him.
“Are you all right?” Geum young asks Choi sang gung. She has done anything to set her aunt free from the punishment of jail. She knows she was capable of doing anything for her to be released from prison, so she has no regrets. She smiles.
“How did you do that?” Choi sang gung looks drained with a hint of bruise present on her face. But manages to move one corner of her lips upwards, in a faint lopsided smile. “Thank you.”
“don’t mention it. of course, I would have done anything to make sure you’d be free. queen dowager was on your side, I used people around her to make her wary about his majesty’s decision. Sir Oh also helped with that.”
“You did a good job. “Geum young bows a little. ‘What now?’ she thinks to herself. ‘I must come up with a plan, to destroy her, and him, completely.’ And shivers from that thought.
“Why do you blame yourself? It was inevitable, one can’t just put someone of that power and fame into prison, whatever the reason may be.” Suro pats Jungho on the back. “don’t be so negative, I can’t stand that.”
Jungho looks at him surprisedly. And after a moment of silence, he replies “I do not blame myself. But I should have explored it much further. I was reckless. Now we have to withdraw for the time being.”
“Yeah! That’s the spirit!” Suro smiles.
Jungho bows a little and splits. Wandering, he thinks about the promise he has made to Jang Geum. ‘I’ll prove her innocence. just wait.’ He takes out the ring hanging from his neck and looks at it yearningly. He must be able to keep his promise. How could he not, when it involves her?
Jung Jong took a glimpse of her profile when strolling with Jang geum alongside the lake. Her expression seemed hard to read. It was a delightful evening, Sun was setting gracefully, faded glints of it reflecting serenely from the pool, and a cool yet pleasant breeze from late September brushing their faces. He had withdrawn his command, it bothered him, but not too much to hold him from enjoying the ideal evening. Well, except that… “I did not have power over that, even though I’m the Chosun. I’m sorry”. He stopped for a moment.
Jang geum bowed anxiously. “Your majesty, I, I would never have the temerity to question your decisions.” She stuttered.
“And I can’t give up walking with you every day, as this is the single peaceful time for me.”
“I, I sure don’t deserve your kind praising.” Jung jong looked at her intensively.

Chapter Text

“I’m …telling …her”. Yun-seang and Chang-yi rushed towards Jang-geum and Chang-yi, tried to pass on the news, although she could not speak comprehensibly as she was panting and thus failed. “Calm down… what’s up?” Jang-geum faced Yun-seang confusedly. Yun-seang who herself was heaving, faltered “you are… becoming… jeonha ordered for you... to become…” “he ordered you to become his attendant lady.” Chang-yi completed her sentence as she retained her breath. Jang-geum looked at them dumbfoundedly, trying to make sense of what they were trying to say, and when the words registered in her mind, she gasped. “How… when…” “we just heard it from Ji sang gung in jeonha’s palace.” “Anyways, that’s not such bad news.” Chang-yi stated thoughtfully. “it’s a tremendous promotion.” “Yeah, but it’s tough.” Yun-seang opposed. “Jang-geum likes to cook. Plus, she won’t have enough time to read or do anything.” Jang-geum tried to make something out of the situation by reflecting on it.

Jeong-jong didn’t seem to be able to get Jang-geum out of his mind, and how could he possibly? Every time he managed to convince himself that she is just a girl, an ordinary one in that too, she did something that left him in awe. Just yesterday she made a dish for the prince, with all the vegetables that doctors recommended for his health, as he suffered from a chronic heart disease that has made Jeong-Jong really worried. Prince found it tasty, even though they were vegetables he usually resisted eating. Jeong-Jong praised Jang-geum for her dish and she smiled briefly, one of those special smiles that dazzled him. He was obsessed with her; he was aware of that and he could not help it. he wanted her near him, so he ordered her to be his attendant lady. Park sang gung, his attendant lady seemed upset by the news, and even the queen was surprised. Queen pointed out that Jang-geum has become the official court lady not long ago, and promoting her to the rank of a sang gung was going to cause chaos among the court ladies. Besides that, no one protested. So, she was going to be his attendant lady, from tomorrow.
“What? The king’s attendant lady?” Suro uttered unbelievingly. “that’s absurd.” “I know. Suh Nain is such an inspiring, vigorous and smart girl that it would be a waste to be set there. But that’s Jeonha’s direct order.” Hwan responded. “Why would he do that though?” Jeong-ho who was approaching them, stood still when he heard what they were talking about. Jang-geum is going to be the attendant lady of his majesty the king. He changed his path and went away, while getting farther he could still hear Suro and Hwan talking. “isn’t she too young for the task anyway?” “Yeah, she is not half as old as lady Ji who was the previous attendant lady.”

And it seemed to be a popular subject in gossip too, as a group of palace girls was talking about it while working. “I don’t know how could she have already been the attendant lady of Jeonha, when she has become a Nain, merely one year ago.” Yeong-ro protested while evidently envious. She believed that something was strange about Jang-geum; especially couldn’t stand to see her in such a high position all of a sudden. Chang yi who was peeling balloon flowers beside her rolled her eyes. “You didn’t like her anyways so you should be happy she is no longer in the kitchen.” Yun-seang sighed. “She could be sent to cistern room!” Chang-yi groaned. “What is the long face for? She got lucky!” Chang-yi said, facing Yun-seang. “Really lucky.” Another girl pointed out. “I won’t be able to see her that often. Plus, this sudden promotion seems suspicious.” Chang-yi looked at her with surprised eyes. “What do you mean?” “Well, I’m just saying, this is Jang-geum we’re speaking about! She is notoriously unlucky! How could she just be acknowledged for no apparent reason out of the blue?!” Chang-yi frowned “you do have a point. Plus, she may get herself easily in trouble in that position, with her usual bold ways.” “Ugh…” Yung-ro chuckled. “let’s hope she does!” she stated in a low voice.
“An attendant lady tastes the food before his majesty would eat it, checks the water before his majesty takes a bath, accompanies his majesty on every trip, reminds him to take his medicine, and makes sure he follows the doctors’ prescriptions and instructions and massages him if he wants. Did you understand?” “yeah” Kim sang gung was one of the older ladies in the palace of the king and was describing the tasks of an attendant lady to Jang-Geum. “that’s for now, I’ll add more in the days to come.” Jang-geum bowed her head. she moved impatiently and tidied the dress that was sewed for her by the sewing ladies, and touched the hairpiece that was put on her head, she wasn’t used to it just yet. “Suh sang gung” “yeah?” “Come with me.” Albeit somewhat confused by the new title, she stood anyway and followed the head eunuch to the king’s palace.

“Did you wish to stay in the kitchen?” Jeonha asked Jang-geum, it was late at night and Jang-geum was going to excuse herself. left off-guard by the unexpected question, Jang-geum bowed and stammered a little. “In fact, … I… ah… well … kitchen is nice and pleasant. But I’d be honored to be the attendant lady for your majesty.” Jeonha smiled. “You can go now.” Jang-geum bowed and stepped back, but stopped with Jeonha’s voice. “Do you usually sleep at this hour?” “No, I… I’m going to read, Jeonha.” Jeong-jong nodded his head, “really, yeah that’s what I thought.” Confused, Jang-geum looked at him carefully and bowed again. “Do you mind reading it for me?” this time Jang-geum couldn’t hide her amazement.”ah… Jeonha, I’m, I’m sure you must have read whatever I’m reading, there couldn’t be anything new to you.” “It doesn’t matter. even if it’s something that I’ve already read, I’ll renew my knowledge.” Jang-geum bowed.