Chapter 24 …
“So, you’re saying our eldest brother—so, your father—did what to me?”
“He threw scrolls and rolled-up books to hit your uncle. You’ve already mentioned it dozens of times.”
“Oh, did I say that?”
Grand Prince Anpyeong scratched his head and laughed easily.
He spent the entire day recounting tales of the palace, from being scolded for claiming to be Hong-ah’s teacher to barely getting permission to do anything until the sun was high in the sky.
“Still, I’m the most suitable person to teach you. It’s best when a close family member guides you. Your eldest brother? Forget it… But compared to your adoptive older brother, I’m clearly better, right?”
“Really?”
“Look at me. Don’t I seem smart? I even attended Sungkyunkwan, and I’m confident I wouldn’t lose to any of the royal relatives. Your teacher is this competent.”
He left out all the scolding and warnings about what would happen if the Crown Prince influenced her or if she wasn’t of sound mind.
Even without knowing the full context, Hong-ah could tell that Grand Prince Anpyeong wasn’t exactly a rational person.
“Then, while you’re staying here, come to our house at Si-si (around 9–11 a.m.) to study, and stay until mid-afternoon.”
After boasting for a while, Grand Prince Anpyeong finally left, having had a hearty dinner.
Hong-ah couldn’t believe how talkative he was. She had always thought of him as just someone interested in the arts and a victim of the Gyeyujeongnan incident. Now, her ears were practically bleeding from the relentless chatter.
Exhausted from dealing with various uncles all day, Hong-ah retreated to the inner quarters early.
Soaking her small body in a warm bath finally melted away her fatigue. Nani gently wiped her heated cheeks with a towel. As Hong-ah relaxed under Nani’s touch, she slowly opened her eyes.
“Nani.”
“Yes, young lady.”
“Can you find out where the Jungchuwonsa’s residence is?”
Hong-ah didn’t give up.
Her reasons for needing Han-hwak were clear. As long as Han-hwak didn’t fall under the influence of the adoptive older brother, even if a usurpation succeeded, it would be difficult to gain recognition from the Ming Dynasty. In that sense, he was an indispensable piece.
If she couldn’t do it herself, someone close would have to form a marital connection with the Han family.
‘I feel a little bad for not consulting Uncle Suchun… but in this world, all marriages are political anyway.’
No matter who he married, Suchun would be wed to someone chosen by others. If it was going to happen, it would be best for him to marry into a reputable family. She had resolved her thoughts.
Although Gye-yang had already become Han-hwak’s son-in-law, it was better to focus on shaping a controllable future rather than dwelling on problems that had already occurred.
“You mean the household that supposedly sold their daughter?”
Nani whispered. After two of Han-hwak’s sisters became concubines of the Ming Emperor, rumors circulated that the family profited by selling their daughters. Hong-ah nodded carefully.
“They must have told you because it’s important. I’ll find out.”
“Thank you.”
The next morning, Hong-ah headed to Grand Prince Anpyeong’s residence. Although getting up early was tiring, it didn’t feel burdensome. She even felt a sense of efficiency in spending her day.
The only downside was that the “efficient” time involved studying Confucian texts with Grand Prince Anpyeong. Still, exchanging her effort for his favor wasn’t a bad deal.
Grand Prince Anpyeong was already waiting for her at the pavilion. Unlike the previous meal, two desks had been prepared in advance. Hong-ah greeted him and took her seat.
“Good morning.”
Grand Prince Anpyeong smiled brightly. Several books lay on his desk. As soon as Hong-ah sat down, he asked,
“You’ve memorized the Thousand Character Classic, right?”
“Mm.”
Hong-ah hesitated, gauging his reaction. Although there were no restrictions on female relatives taking official posts yet, she was still a woman. It was hard to judge what level of praise would be appropriate.
“Yes. I have.”
But the fact that Grand Prince Anpyeong had volunteered to be her teacher showed that he wasn’t bound by societal prejudices. Seeing her hesitate, he tossed the Thousand Character Classic behind him.
“Should we start with the Ming Sim Bo Gam?” he muttered.
Hong-ah paused to think. She had already memorized the Ming Sim Bo Gam at the age of five, having observed Suchun and Ikhyun studying it.
Yet, Hong-ah had no way of knowing what the normal academic achievements of children her age would be.
So she decided to tell the truth. Being caught lying would have been more suspicious.
“I read it alongside Uncle Suchun and Uncle Ikhyun when they were studying Ming Sim Bo Gam.”
“Really?”
The book flew behind him again.
“And what about the Xiaoxue?”
“My learning is limited, so I can read it, but I struggle to understand the deeper meanings.”
As soon as she said this, Grand Prince Anpyeong tossed all the other books he had brought aside.
Ah, he really wanted to see her abilities, huh?
Hong-ah blinked in surprise, and he laughed heartily.
“I knew I had a good eye for people! Your brother planned to hide you away in the palace, huh?”
“My father wouldn’t have known. I never told him I could read a few characters.”
“Wow. Not only is your head full of characters, but you even understand concepts.”
“Huh?”
From beneath the cushion he had been sitting on, Grand Prince Anpyeong pulled out an old book and handed it to Hong-ah. The book, still warm from his body, felt almost uncomfortably hot. Hong-ah stared at him, reluctant but taking it.
“It’s the Book of Songs I first read when His Highness was a prince. I inherited it, and now I pass it on to you.”
“It… isn’t it precious?”
Although it was a treasured book, the way he treated it was surprisingly casual, Hong-ah thought politely.
“And it’s the Book of Songs. What’s the use of learning the Four Books and Five Classics?”
“Nothing bad comes from learning them.”
“But…”
“Even for sophisticated arguments, it helps. That’s what learning is for.”
Grand Prince Anpyeong laughed heartily. Hong-ah realized something as she looked at him: he wasn’t just a supporter seeking her favor—he had already opened his heart and brought her into his circle.
“Thank you, uncle,” she said sincerely.
Studying was not easy. Even the cleverest person couldn’t smoothly read and comprehend unfamiliar texts entirely in classical Chinese. Review and preparation were necessary.
She hadn’t intended to study this hard, but she didn’t want to disappoint his expectations either. After a long time, she genuinely applied herself, and her head ached from concentration.
After finishing mid-afternoon lessons, Hong-ah returned home, holding her throbbing head.
“Young lady!”
Fortunately, Nani had been waiting. She clung closely to Hong-ah as the nurse scolded the servants. Nani whispered:
“The household is said to be in Sunhwabang.”
“Sunhwabang? Is it far?”
“No, right next door. Walking there would take less than an hour. Do you want to send a letter first?”
“Mm, no.”
Nani didn’t need to know more. Once she learned of Hong-ah’s plan, she would surely run to the nurse.
“I’m tired from studying. We’ll talk next time.”
“Yes, young lady. Would you like to take a nap?”
“Yes. Prepare it.”
Nani bustled around preparing the bed. Hong-ah secretly swallowed nervously. She insisted the nurse leave under the pretense of helping, then pretended to sleep. Only once the house fell quiet did she move.
Stacking pillows inside the covers to look like she was asleep, Hong-ah sneaked out of the room and headed cautiously toward the door. Of course, she couldn’t use the main gate and planned to leave through the side door used by servants.
Hiding her movements felt like a spy operation. Watching her uncles’ antics had been amusing, but doing it herself made her heart pound.
“Phew.”
Though she nearly ran into a few servants, she reached the side door safely. She seemed to have a talent for stealth—early training clearly paid off.
Taking a deep breath, Hong-ah opened the door and stepped outside. The thought of finding Sunhwabang alone was daunting, but the deed was already done.
“Young lady.”
At that moment, a voice called her from nearby, and Hong-ah slumped to the ground.
Had she been caught?
Yet the voice sounded unusually young.
“Are you alright?”
A white hand suddenly appeared before her. Its pale color contrasted sharply with Hong-ah’s darker complexion, reminiscent of the king and crown prince, hinting at her warrior family lineage.
Hong-ah, still sitting on the ground, slowly lifted her head.
