"Just do it!" Suyin ushered Areum, tugging her robe down to see her bare back. Areum winced at Suyin's actions, unsure of what she should do.
"Just look ahead and don't turn around," Suyin commanded.
She began applying medicine to Areum's back softly so she wouldn't hurt her. Suyin saw all of the whip lashes that Areum got because of Suyin. She lowered her eyebrows. "I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble for you." Her voice softened, feeling bad that Areum had to always take the blame for everything that she had carelessly done.
"It's okay." Areum smiled, reassuring Suyin since she wasn't angry. "I'm willing to do anything for my young miss." She then added. Suyin grinned bitterly. To find someone who would do anything for you is hard to find. Areum was more than a maid in Suyin's mind, but she knew that the difference in status during this time was hard than in the present day in her time. Suyin finished rubbing the medicine on her back, tightening the lid of her medicine jar.
Areum was grateful that Suyin treated her well now and back in the past. She knew that she could never endure the bitterness out on the streets without Suyin's existence in the world. When Areum was young, she had no identity to start with as a child. She was deserted by her parents at a young age and had to survive by stealing food from others. Areum stole Suyin's food when she was younger, pushing Suyin down on the ground as she ran off with Suyin's bag of steamed pork buns. Suyin's father chased after Areum and was about to report her to the guards until Suyin told her father that she gave the food to Areum.
After that day, Suyin secretly followed Areum to her little home in an abandoned, cold home. Suyin would sneak out of her home at night to give Areum food.
"Did you want some food?" Suyin would question.
"Eum!" Areum immediately replied.
It wasn't until Suyin was caught by her parents one of the nights that she begged her parents to allow Areum to be her maid. Her parents didn't like the idea, but because of Suyin's kind heart, they decided to let Areum stay with Suyin at their home.
Areum knew that she was different from Suyin, and their relationship could not be more than just a mere maid and master rather than a bonding friendship between the two.
Areum slid the top of her hanfu back up.
"Thank you for the medicine, but you didn't have to do that" she answered in a modest tone.
Suyin shook her head and handed her the medicine jar.
"It's fine. It's not much either since you did get in trouble because of me." Suyin shrugged her shoulders, acting as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Young miss!" A voice outside of Suyin's door called out. Suyin glanced at Areum, nodding to let her open the door. A male servant walked in, lowering his head. "Master has suggested you to go visit the Prince and the Princess at the Palace." He spoke.
The Prince and Princess? That's right. Areum shook her head, puckering her lips. She could see the faces of the Prince and Princess of the Long clan painted in her imagination with their radiant appearance. Although she hasn't recently seen the Prince lately, she's been having tea with the Princess because she was feeling lonely in the palace since her brother was always so busy.
"Alright! I'll head on over there right now." Suyin rolled her sleeves back with a smirk on her face and stood up to get ready to leave. As soon as she stood up, Areum panicked and jumped upright when she did, stopping Suyin's footsteps.
"What is it?" Suyin questioned, looking at Areum with a perplexed expression.
"My lady, you can't just go out like that with your dirty outfit! We need to change first!" Areum demanded, shoving her to get changed.
"Ah... you're right." Suyin stared down at her clothes. Specks of dirt were on her sleeves and her wrinkled dress didn't look good on her if you were to consider the idea that Suyin would be at the palace filled with nobility and etiquette.
---------------------------
"Miss Han has entered the palace!" The servant's proclamation rang out, reverberating through the air as he bowed his head respectfully, the heavy doors to the Princess's courtyard swinging open to admit Suyin and Areum.
Suyin's entrance was marked by a delicate poise as she glided forward, a vision of elegance in her sky-blue silk dress, her fair skin radiant against the fabric, and her dark tresses cascading like a waterfall down her back.
To the observant eyes of the palace workers, her presence bore an uncanny resemblance to that of the Princess, a testament to her grace and refinement that seemed to transcend mere lineage.
As Suyin stepped into the courtyard, Princess Yanyu approached with measured steps, her demeanor serene and composed, a stark contrast to Suyin's eager haste.
"You have arrived, Miss Suyin," Yanyu greeted, her voice calm and measured as she extended a welcoming hand.
"Yanyu!"
Areum's gentle nudge prompted Suyin to straighten, a nervous flutter in her throat as she bowed respectfully before the Princess.
"Princess," she acknowledged with a slight shift in tone, casting a discreet glance at the surrounding servants who quickly dispersed at Yanyu's silent command, leaving the trio alone in the Princess's resplendent courtyard.
Adjacent to the pavilion where they stood, a tranquil lotus pond shimmered in the dappled sunlight, its waters reflecting the azure sky above. Along the winding walkway, vibrant peony flowers burst forth in a riot of color, their fragrant blooms perfuming the air with their heady scent.
Suyin's gaze drifted appreciatively over the blossoms, her fingers grazing the velvety petals as she inhaled their sweet aroma. "Were these flowers all planted here for you?" she marveled, her voice tinged with genuine wonder as she straightened, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Smiling softly, Yanyu shook her head. "Actually, I planted them myself whenever I find the time," she revealed, her gaze fond as she observed Suyin's delight. "It seems you haven't visited in a while. Both my brother and I were concerned about you, wondering how things were back at home after your last visit."
Suyin turned to Yanyu, her grin infectious as she basked in the warmth of the Princess's attention.
"Oh, home is nothing but dull! I simply can't bear the monotony of staying indoors all day," she confessed, her enthusiasm bubbling forth like a brook in spring.
Yanyu's serene expression faltered slightly, surprise flickering across her features. "Dull? But I recall you mentioning how troublesome it was to be constantly on the go, preferring the comforts of home," she remarked, falling into step beside Suyin as they strolled along the path.
"Um, well, yes, I suppose I did feel that way for a time," Suyin admitted, her gaze darting around the courtyard before she leaned casually against a weathered cement lantern, her thoughts momentarily obscured by the delicate plum blossoms that swayed gently overhead.
With a delicate grace, Suyin tiptoed towards the nearest branch heavy with plum blossoms, her movements fluid and unhurried as she reached out to pluck a single flower, cradling it tenderly in her palm before presenting it to Yanyu with a radiant smile that lit up her features.
"I believe that living a life that resonates with you is truly meaningful," Suyin expressed, her words infused with a quiet intensity as she searched Yanyu's face for understanding.
Uncertain of how her sentiment would be received, Yanyu accepted the offering with a gentle nod, her lips curving into a small, appreciative smile as she studied the delicate bloom nestled in her hand.
"Suyin," Yanyu began, her voice soft with contemplation as she lifted her gaze to meet Suyin's, their eyes locking in a moment of shared understanding.
"Hm?"
But before Yanyu could articulate her thoughts, they seemed to slip away like elusive wisps of smoke, leaving her shaking her head in mild frustration. Pausing in their stroll, she watched with a mixture of amusement and curiosity as Suyin flitted about the garden, her boundless energy a stark contrast to Yanyu's own measured pace.
"Have you noticed how much you've changed since we last met?" Yanyu's question hung in the air, a gentle breeze stirring the leaves overhead as they continued their leisurely walk, the weight of her words lingering between them like a fragile promise.
-------------------------------------------
As the afternoon waned, Yanyu's restlessness prompted them to seek refuge in the shaded sanctuary of the pavilion, where they sat in companionable silence, sipping on fragrant herb tea as Yanyu unburdened herself, sharing the weight of her loneliness in the vast expanse of the palace, her brother's absence weighing heavily on her heart.
"Perhaps you should seek out activities that bring you joy," Suyin ventured, her voice soft but earnest as she took a sip of her tea, the warmth of the cup seeping into her fingers. Yet, Yanyu's response was tinged with bitter resignation, her smile masking a deeper sadness.
"Like a Princess confined to the palace, we are bound by expectations and traditions," Yanyu lamented, her gaze drifting downwards, the weight of centuries-old conventions pressing down upon her like an invisible shackle.
Suyin's heart ached with understanding, a silent acknowledgement of the constraints imposed upon women throughout history, their aspirations and dreams often stifled by the rigid confines of societal norms.
In a moment of frustration and empathy, Suyin's teacup clattered against her lap, the sound jolting Yanyu from her reverie, her eyes widening in surprise at the uncharacteristic display of emotion.
"Preserving your reputation and embracing your true self are not mutually exclusive," Suyin asserted firmly, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Yanyu, the weight of her words underscored by a sense of urgency.
Setting her teacup down with deliberate care, she reached across the table, her slender fingers intertwining with Yanyu's own, a silent gesture of solidarity and support. "You deserve to carve out your own path, to claim ownership of your life. It's your journey to navigate, not one dictated by the expectations of others."
Yanyu's gaze flickered briefly upwards, meeting Suyin's steady gaze before sliding back down to the floor, her expression tinged with resignation. Sensing her friend's despair, Suyin's frown deepened, her fingers gently lifting Yanyu's chin until their eyes met once more.
"Look ahead with courage and resolve," Suyin urged gently, her voice a soothing murmur. "Otherwise, you'll find yourself tethered to the ground, never daring to spread your wings and soar into the boundless expanse of possibility."
Yanyu pondered Suyin's words in thoughtful silence, the weight of their conversation settling heavily upon her shoulders.
While she acknowledged the sincerity of Suyin's intentions, she couldn't shake the nagging sense of futility that clung to her like a shadow. As a Princess, bound by duty and tradition, the notion of fighting for personal freedom seemed inconceivable, a distant dream beyond her reach.
To Yanyu, Suyin appeared almost alien in her fervor and outspokenness, a stark departure from the demure and reserved girl she once knew.
Gone was the cautious restraint that had characterized their previous interactions, replaced instead by a newfound confidence and determination.
"Miss Suyin, you seem rather... different," a familiar voice interrupted, drawing both Suyin and Yanyu's attention towards the speaker.
"Brother!" Yanyu's tone was laced with indignation as she shot a reproachful glare in his direction, her brother's observation prompting a wave of discomfort to wash over her. Meanwhile, Suyin found herself reflecting on the Prince's words, the seed of his observation taking root in her mind, slowly blossoming into a reluctant agreement.
Prince Long Jianyu emerged from his father's lecture hall, a tall and imposing figure whose presence commanded attention wherever he went.
As he was informed of Suyin's presence in the Princess's courtyard, he wasted no time in making his way there, his measured strides reflecting a sense of purpose and determination.
As the crown prince and elder brother to Yanyu, Prince Jianyu bore the weight of his responsibilities with grace and dignity. Despite being only a few years older than the two girls, his position in the hierarchy of the palace imbued him with an air of authority that set him apart.
Standing at a towering height of 177 centimeters, he loomed over Suyin and Yanyu, his stature accentuating his regal bearing and commanding presence.
Clad in silk garments adorned with hues of black and gold, Jianyu exuded an aura of nobility and power, his attire a reflection of his esteemed status within the royal court.
Yet, despite his lofty position, his demeanor remained approachable and warm, his eyes betraying a depth of emotion that belied his stoic exterior. Always wearing a soft gaze, his expressions ranged from concern to compassion, rarely, if ever, veering into intimidation.
Highly regarded by both the emperor and empress for his unwavering loyalty and kind-hearted nature, Jianyu was a beacon of virtue and integrity, his actions guided by a sense of duty and honor that endeared him to all who crossed his path.
His amiable disposition and genuine sincerity had earned him the admiration and affection of many, particularly among the young maidens of the town who harbored secret fantasies of capturing his attention.
It had been a considerable span of time since Jianyu last laid eyes upon his little sister and Suyin, his absence necessitated by his father's directive to oversee a humanitarian project in a remote mountain village.
Tasked with addressing the plight of the impoverished and ailing populace, Jianyu's mission held the weight of his father's expectations, the success of which would determine his standing among the people and his viability as a future emperor.
Yet, despite his earnest efforts, Jianyu returned home empty-handed, his failure to alleviate the suffering of the villagers casting a shadow over his reputation and leaving him bereft of the favor he had sought to gain.
For Suyin, Jianyu's status as one of the most handsome men to grace the earth held little sway, her regard for him rooted instead in the bonds of friendship and kinship they had shared since childhood.
Memories of their shared experiences flooded her mind: the days spent fishing by the river, the hours devoted to deciphering her father's intricate lectures, and the moments of quiet reflection spent composing poetry in the tranquil confines of the pavilion.
Yet, despite the familiarity of their history, Suyin couldn't help but ponder Jianyu's earlier remark, the seed of doubt planted in her mind taking root and blossoming into a challenge she couldn't ignore.
"Hmm. Am I truly that different?" Suyin posed the question with a hint of defiance, her gaze fixed unwaveringly upon Jianyu as he settled beside Yanyu, his easy demeanor belying the weight of his observation.
While Yanyu silently disapproved of her brother's forthrightness, preferring instead to maintain a facade of polite reserve, Jianyu seemed undeterred by her disapproval, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the table, pouring himself a glass of tea.
"The Suyin I remember was more demure and refined," Jianyu remarked, his tone laced with amusement as he raised the cup to his lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But now, she's become quite the fearless truth-seeker."
Taking a leisurely sip of his tea, Jianyu's grin remained firmly in place, a testament to the unabashed honesty that had come to define Suyin's newfound demeanor.
Suyin's index finger hovered in the air, a silent gesture punctuating her contemplation as she directed her gaze upwards, lost in introspection.
In her recollections of her former self, there lingered the impression of a noble aura, an embodiment of poise, humility, and deference to others. It was a persona she once inhabited, one she respected but could never fully embody.
For Suyin, authenticity trumped conformity; she was a woman who stood firm in her convictions, unafraid to champion her own rights and freedoms.
With a decisive gesture, Suyin lowered her finger and leveled a pointed look at Jianyu, whose startled reaction betrayed his surprise.
"Regardless of any changes, I remain Suyin," she declared, her voice steady and unwavering.
Suddenly, all eyes turned to Jianyu, the crown prince, as Suyin's finger found its target.
In most circumstances, such a gesture would be deemed disrespectful, a breach of etiquette unbefitting of one addressing royalty. Yet, the casual nonchalance with which Suyin pointed at Jianyu left both him and Yanyu in a state of shock.
Areum, if present, would have undoubtedly reprimanded Suyin for such brazen behavior, but her absence left a void in the courtyard, her sensible guidance sorely missed.
"Suyin," Yanyu's voice trembled with concern as she addressed her friend, her expression fraught with worry. Suyin turned her attention to Yanyu, her brow furrowing in confusion at the gravity of her friend's tone.
"You must realize, pointing at others, especially royalty, is a grave offense. Such actions can incur severe repercussions."
The guards, sensing a breach of protocol, swiftly encircled Suyin, their swords drawn and poised to enforce the sanctity of the royal court.