Arriving at the palace, the king kept his promise and was there waiting for Soo Jin to arrive.
"Welcome my daughter, glad to see you have arrived safely." Said the king as Soo Jin was ascending the palanquin.
"This servant greets and thanks your majesty." Said Soo Jin as she stood bowing.
"Jin'a! How many times have told you to address me as father and STOP referring to yourself as a servant. I am starting to feel offended." The king said sternly.
"This serv… I mean Soo Jin apologises, I will not refer to myself as a servant no more Your Maj… Father." Stuttered Soo Jin.
The king started smiling as he saw his daughter in law struggling with her choice of words. "That's better, father is happy now." Said the king.
The servants of the palace were in utter shock, they have never seen the king tease anyone other than the crown prince. His other son, the prince never got teased or joked with. However his new daughter in law, he's only known for 24 hours gets to see his playful sides. 'How unfair the world is' thought most of the servants.
"Okay, these maid will look after you until your personal maid get used to the palace. Eunuch Choi will be at your beck and call until you say so." The king said to Soo Jin, he turned around and addressed his servant:
"No one is allowed to speak down on Jin'a's servant, they are at the same level of the queen's servant. Do you hear me?" commanded the king.
The servants who were present felt their eyes bulged out, they could believe what they heard.
"Yes, Your majesty." In unison they all replied back.
"Good. Now go and relay that to everyone else." Said the king.
Soo Jin was also shocked, she knew that after the king's servants, the queen's servants had the most power in the palace. HOW is the king giving her servants the same power as the queens? WHY? was her second question.
"Eunuch Choi, show Soo Jin to her quarters. I have some matters to attend to. Jin'a, get yourself familiar with your quarters and the palace. If you need someone to show you around, ask for the Yong –Sun." teased the king as he turned around and left.
Eunuch Choi led the way to the her new chambers, the sun was now setting; it provided a orange and purple background to the surrounding. Soo Jin thought it was absolutley beautiful as she looked around while she continued to follow Eunuch Choi. Eunuch Choi was informing her of names of each living quarters as they were passing by and who was residing there. Soo Jin realised that her new quarters was the neighbour of the crown prince; that made her nervous.
Arriving at her new quarters, she saw that there was a small lake with peach blossoms trees surrounding her palace. It gave a serene and refreshing vibe, it instantly calmed her.
Soo Ji walked around her garden in her quarters, until the Eunuch remind her that night breeze was not good for her and should enter now. Soo Jin listened without questioning or sulking, she made her way inside.
Inside the sleeping quarters, it was split into three different parts. When you first enter, you will see a long corridor with two large wooden sliding doors. Once you have entered through the doors, you will enter the seating area for the day room; this was situated in the middle of the room with two small, long rooms on the side. Soo Jin knew these room small rooms her library as she could detect the smell of books, her favourite scent in the world.
Eunuch Choi saw her looking around, so he went to explain what is the room.
"Your Highness, the king had your palace custom-made for you. He knew you was going to be his daughter in law from years ago." Soo Jin stopped looking around and turned her attention to the Eunuch Choi instantly. She did not hide her shock.
Eunuch Choi did not stop and continued with his explanation.
"Your Majesty used to ask your father and brothers about you and what you liked. He knew your father and brothers were very fond of you and would answer any questions about you without finding it suspicious. From his mini investigation he understood that you loved to read whether it be night, day, rainy or sunny. He had a library built in your room so you can read anytime, the books in this room are limited edition. He also made the rooms larger than usual because you hate small spaces. The peach blossoms outside were planted just for you and also the lake outside is man-made."
"Your majesty had never had a daughter, so he is very excited that he could get a perfect girl like you." Eunuch Choi said as had Soo Jin's full attention. He noticed that she was in shock.
"But WHY me?" Soo Jin finally spoke.
" Well, that I myself do not know. However, I heard the queen suggested you to the king." replied Eunuch Choi.
Soo Jin was not only confused now but had a headache coming on. She knew that the queen did not like the crown prince, why would she suggest the crown prince to marry the daughter of a powerful military family? Wouldn't that backfire on her? Does she have an ulterior motive?
"Something does not seem right" whispered Soo Jin.
"What did you say Your Highness" asked Eunuch Choi.
"Nothing sir, I am just talking to myself." Answered Soo Jin.
"Your Highness, please speak to me informally. You're now part of the royal family." Said Eunuch Choi.