The Jang Residence
Just beside the Jang residence, a serene river flowed, its waters sparkling in the fading sunlight. The gorge beside it was Eun Sook's training ground. As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Eun Sook practiced her swordplay with unwavering focus. Although she was a master of the sword, she still practiced regularly, her movements as fluid and graceful as the river itself. Even amidst her rigorous training, her beauty remained striking, casting an almost ethereal aura around her.
From a little distance away, her maidservant, Lee Na Bi, watched with admiration. Na Bi, a pretty and smart young lady of eighteen, was known for her composed and calm demeanor. Suddenly, Eun Sook's guard, Lee Na Mu, appeared, his arrival urgent. Na Mu, Na Bi's older brother, had been taken in by the Jang family along with his sister ten years ago. He approached Eun Sook, bowed, and whispered something in her ear. Eun Sook's expression changed instantly; she stopped her practice, handed Na Mu her sword, and signaled Na Bi to prepare for their departure.
Meanwhile at the Magistrate's Office
Seo Jin was deep in thought as he sifted through years of death records, assisted by Officer Ki Tae. They had discovered a pattern in the assassinations of several noblemen, pointing to a single perpetrator operating over the last five years. Just then, another officer entered the room, bowing respectfully before delivering his message. "Lord Seo, Prince Wang Yul has sent for you. He awaits your presence at Cheongjeonghan."
Seo Jin's curiosity was piqued. Setting aside the records, he prepared to leave, his mind racing with questions.
At Cheongjeonghan Inn
Three shadowy figures on horseback arrived at the entrance of Cheongjeonghan Inn. Dressed in black and masked, Eun Sook, followed by Na Bi and Na Mu, dismounted and were swiftly ushered inside by a woman in her forties, the inn's owner, Madam Han. Known for running the largest inn and marketplace in the capital, Madam Han greeted them warmly.
"Good evening, My Lady," Madam Han asked, her voice smooth and accommodating.
"Where is she?" Eun Sook asked, her tone leaving no room for questions.
"Of course, right this way, My Lady," Madam Han said, leading them through the bustling inn.
Not long after, Seo Jin arrived at the inn. He was met by a servant who led him through the maze of corridors to a room where Prince Wang Yul awaited.
Madam Han opened the door to a room where a stunningly beautiful woman was seated. Eun Sook entered first, followed by Na Bi and Na Mu. The woman looked up, her eyes widening in recognition.
"My Lady," the woman began, but Eun Sook drew her sword and pointed it at her.
"Why are you here, Hye Jin? You were supposed to leave Goryeo and never return," Eun Sook demanded, her voice icy.
Hye Jin, the gisaeng who was presumed dead, pleaded, "I only wanted to see my daughter one last time. Please, My Lady, she is just two years old."
Eun Sook's grip on her sword tightened, but she eventually lowered it. "You will leave at dawn and never return. I will make arrangements for you to be reunited with your daughter, but you must be patient."
Hye Jin nodded, tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much, My Lady. I will wait for your word."
"If I ever see you in Goryeo after today, forget about seeing your daughter again, because trust me, Hye Jin, that will be the last day of your life," Eun Sook replied, her voice icy.
Meanwhile, in another part of the inn, Seo Jin was ushered into a room where Prince Wang Yul sat, a bottle of wine before him. The prince's face lit up as Seo Jin entered.
"Jin, my friend! Come, join me for a drink," Wang Yul said, pouring wine into a cup.
Seo Jin took a seat, but his mind was still on the records he had been studying. "Your Highness, is there a matter of urgency?"
Wang Yul chuckled. "Must everything be urgent with you, Jin? You've been cooped up in the Magistrate's office for weeks. I thought you could use a break."
Seo Jin forced a smile. "I appreciate the thought, but there's much work to be done. Lord Jo's death remains unsolved."
The prince's expression sobered. "I understand. But tonight, let us put aside our burdens, if only for a moment."
After a brief conversation and a few sips of wine, Seo Jin thanked the prince and took his leave. As he walked through the inn, he felt a sense of unease, as if something important was about to unfold.
As Seo Jin was departing, he crossed paths with Eun Sook. Her masked face caught his attention, and he paused. A servant approached him. "Your ride is ready, my lord."
At the sound of Seo Jin's voice, Eun Sook recognized him. Her heart raced, and she quickened her pace, hoping to avoid recognition. Seo Jin, recognizing her sword, decided to follow. They weaved through the crowded marketplace within the inn, Eun Sook blending seamlessly with the throngs of people while Seo Jin struggled to keep up.
He finally spotted her entering a guesthouse. Meanwhile, Na Mu, who had stepped out for fresh air, saw his master being pursued. The guesthouse was large, with many rooms. Eun Sook slipped into one of them, where a startled gisaeng stared at her in shock.
"Give me your hanbok," Eun Sook commanded, drawing her sword. "If you keep calm, I won't harm you."
The gisaeng, trembling, quickly handed over her garment. Eun Sook took it, left the room quickly, and entered the room at the end of the hallway. Eun Sook changed and let her hair down, transforming her appearance completely. She hoped this would be enough to evade Seo Jin.
Seo Jin searched every room, his frustration growing. Just as he reached the room where Eun Sook was hiding, Na Mu confronted him, sword drawn. Without hesitation, Seo Jin used Na Mu's momentum against him, flipping him over and pointing his own sword at him.
"Who are you protecting?" Seo Jin demanded.
Ignoring the question, Na Mu struggled to his feet. Seo Jin opened the door to find the most beautiful woman he had ever seen (Eun Sook) in the midst of dressing. He quickly averted his eyes and closed the door, apologizing profusely.
"I beg your pardon, my lady," he said, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He turned to Na Mu. "You should have said it was your mistress."
Na Mu glared at him but said nothing. Seo Jin resumed his search, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the mysterious woman.
Eun Sook, now safely disguised, waited until the inn quieted down. She knew she had narrowly escaped detection, but she couldn't let her guard down yet. The game of shadows had only just begun, and the stakes were higher than ever.
As Seo Jin left the room, Eun Sook quickly regained her composure. She turned to Na Mu, her eyes sharp with command. "Na Mu, fetch Na Bi. We need to return home immediately. Our work here is done."
Na Mu bowed slightly, acknowledging her command, and swiftly left the room. As the door closed behind him, Madam Han entered, her face a mixture of worry and apology.
"Young Lady Eun Sook," Madam Han began, her voice low and respectful. "Please forgive me. I had no idea until it was almost too late." A servant must have told Madam Han about the pursuit.
Eun Sook's glare was icy, cutting through the dim light of the room. Despite her lack of disguise, Madam Han seemed to know exactly who she was. "How did he find out?" she asked, her tone steely. "Who was this man that dared to follow me?"
Madam Han lowered her gaze, a sign of respect and fear. "It was Lord Seo, my lady. He was here on the prince's summons. A chance encounter, perhaps, but he recognized your sword and pursued you."
Eun Sook's expression darkened at the mention of Lord Seo. She had not expected him to be so perceptive. "Lord Seo," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me more about him."
Madam Han nodded. "He is a man of great determination and skill. A loyal servant of the realm, and well-known for his sharp mind and unwavering sense of justice. He will not give up easily, my lady."
Eun Sook considered this information, her mind racing with possibilities. "Thank you, Madam Han," she said finally.
"It is my pleasure, My Lady," Madam Han replied, bowing deeply. "I will ensure that no word of this leaves these walls."
Just then, the door opened again, and Na Mu returned with Na Bi by his side. "My lady, Na Bi is here," Na Mu announced.
Eun Sook turned to them, her eyes softening slightly at the sight of her trusted companions.
The three of them moved quickly, their steps silent as shadows as they made their way out of the inn. The night air was cool and carried the scent of the river nearby, a reminder of the peaceful solitude of the Jang residence.
As they mounted their horses and rode off, Eun Sook's mind was still buzzing with the night's events. The encounter with Lord Seo had been too closefor comfort, but their mission had been a success. Hye Jin would leave Goryeo by dawn, and her daughter would be reunited with her soon.
Back at the inn, Madam Han watched as the trio disappeared into the night. She sighed, the weight of the night's secrets heavy on her shoulders. She had done her part to protect Lady Eun Sook, but she knew that the palace intrigue was far from over. The shadows of power were deep and treacherous, and they would need to tread carefully in the days to come.
As Eun Sook, Na Mu, and Na Bi rode through the quiet streets, they remained vigilant, aware that their mission's success depended on absolute secrecy. The Jang residence awaited them, a sanctuary away from the web of intrigue that had nearly ensnared them tonight.
But Eun Sook knew that this was only the beginning. The stakes were higher than ever, and she would need to be even more cunning and cautious to protect those she loved and uncover the truths that lay hidden in the shadows of Goryeo.