(on the night of the runaway)
As the moonlight shimmered over the tranquil river, Da-hee stood nervously by the water's edge, her heart pounding in her chest. Dressed in a male attire, she attempted to conceal her true identity, hoping to escape the predetermined path that had been laid out for her. Beside her, Sunwoo, the servant boy who had grown up alongside her, offered a reassuring smile,yet his eyes were worried.
The night was enveloped in secrecy as they awaited the arrival of Heeseung and Jungwon. The two had already agreed to help Da-hee cross the river on Sunwoo's demand for they understood the depths of his predicament and the seriousness of the situation.
As Heeseung and Jungwon emerged from the shadows, their eyes widened with astonishment as they took in the sight before them. Da-hee's delicate features bore an uncanny resemblance to Sunwoo. It was as if nature had crafted them as mirror images, twins separated at birth. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon their faces, accentuating the striking similarity between the two.
Jungwon, unable to contain his surprise, approached Sunwoo cautiously, giving him a scrutinizing look . "Sunwoo," he whispered, his voice laced with incredulity, "Are you sure you two are not siblings by blood?"
Sunwoo striked a fiesty gaze on Jungwon who gulped in return. But after a few seconds the former's expression turned into a more intriguing countenance. That was something he would always ask himself. Are the rumours inside Lord Gim's household true? Am I his illegitimate child? Is Lord Gim my father? Sunoo shook his torso with aversion. He felt guilty about thinking of such things which could question his mother's devotion and loyalty. But she never spoke of his father to him and he never dared to ask. He let out a sigh! Aah!
Heeseung was visibly moved by the striking similarity between the Yangban girl and the slave boy. Heeseung or anyone in the village has never seen the Lord's daughter's face for that matter. So it is justifiable how much he was shaken by this revelation. Sunwoo looks like the male version of Da-hee or one can say the other way too. Either way both were like the same, statues made from a single mould.
With renewed determination, the group embarked on their journey across the river leaving Sunwoo by the riverbanks. Da-hee smiled at him waving goodbye.
The moon's reflection danced upon the water's surface, guiding their way like a celestial compass. The river was calmer than usual, silently reflecting the boat and its occupants. Heeseung and Jungwon took their positions at the front and rear, ensuring Da-hee's safety as they navigated the river's currents. She looked at the water which was like a big sheet of mirror spread across and the moon which hung low in the sky, casted a gentle glow upon the world below. Her mind wandered to the times when she met Shim Jayoon for the first time in her life.
It was on a monday morning, while attending a gathering of scholars, Da-hee caught a glimpse of a face among the crowd. Handsome and elegant! It was Shim Jayoon, a soon to be scholar and son of a respected friend of her father. He was friends with her brother Gim Taehyung and often visited the Gimhae house for academic purposes and scholarly gatherings.
After one such event, both Da-hee and Jayoon had a chance to become acquainted with each other. They exchanged pleasantries, their conversation filled with a mixture of excitement and warmth. She learned that Shim Jayoon's is the son of the late Government official Lord Shim.
With a shared understanding and mutual respect, Da-hee and Shim Jayoon became close. They became confidants, supporting and inspiring each other in their pursuits. Together, they would sometimes engage in scholarly discussions and prose reading that enriched their mind and brought them joy. Before even realising, Da-hee's love for Shim Jayoon evolved into a deep admiration and respect. They both felt their heart at ease with each other.
"Where should we drop you off?" Da-hee suddenly woke up from her thoughts.
"Miss, where should we drop you off?" Jungwon repeated his question.
"Ah" Da-hee sighed, "please drop me off at Yecheon. I will proceed from there."
"You can't go all alone, miss!" Jungwon gasped, "it's dangerous. Tell us where you want to go. We will escort you."
"It's okay Jungwon." Heeseung interfered, "she said she will go alone. Moreover we must hurry. Sunwoo must be in great trouble!"
Heeseung continued to bicker, "I don't know what has got into him. How can he risk his life just for her? And that too to help her flee with her lover!!"
Anger was visible in Heeseung's eyes and it echoed in his voice as well!
Heeseung was sincerely worried about Sunwoo and he couldn't understand the latter's actions as well. He couldn't comprehend the bond between Da-hee and Sunwoo. She on the other hand clearly understood the importance Sunwoo had on his friend's life. And it was obvious, Sunwoo could easily befriend a rock and make it follow him everywhere. He was such an innocent boy. She suddenly felt guilty and held her head down. she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and self loathing.
Jungwon was speechless and an awkward silence filled the atmosphere for the rest of the journey, till reaching the Yecheon river bank. Heeseung was still feeling upset and angry and didn't turn his eyes to send Dahee goodbye. Jungwon on the other hand, upon arrival, helped Da-hee climb down from the boat and bid her farewell while wishing her all the luck.
Da-hee smilingly bowed down to Jungwon and thanked him. She turned to thank Heeseung who had already turned his face away from her. She sighed and bowed down to Heeseung and said, "I'm really sorry for making you worry about Sunwoo. He is my dearest brother as well. For everyone's sake I should have accepted my fate" she paused a second and continued, "But then, I would never be the same. I have never lived my life the way I liked! I always did what others told me to do! This is the only time I want to live as I wish!"
Da-hee slowly walked away from the two brothers. She walked into the township while the brothers started rowing the boat in the opposite direction. As Da-hee's heart raced with anticipation, she hurriedly made her way through the empty streets of the town on the other side of the river. Each step she took was laden with a mix of excitement and trepidation, for she was on her way to meet Shim Jayoon, the man who had captured her heart.
Da-hee slowly walked towards the Seonwoo that proudly stood beside the temple ground. It was almost dawn and the scholars and monks were busy arranging and organising things, constructing tents etc for the selection campaign that is to be held two days from now. The lanterns were glowing and candles were glimmering. And among the few men at the ground, she was able to clearly recognise that face. The face of Shim Jayoon! His presence stirred a mix of emotions within her, as memories of their past flooded back.
Despite their love for each other, and unknown to her, Shim Jayoon had already chosen to let her go, believing that her father's arranged marriage would secure her future while his quest to become a seonbi was to finally restore the dignity of his late father!
As Da-hee arrived at the modest seonwoo where Shim Jayoon resided, her heart ached with a bittersweet mix of longing and resignation. She knew the gravity of the situation she had, but she was sure that Shim Jayoon would accept her and they both would eventually be able to marry and have a family of their own. With trembling hands, she pushed open the curtain of the tent and stepped inside expecting to be greeted by the warmth of a flickering hearth.
Shim Jayoon, dressed in humble attire, turned at the sound of the tent curtains moving. He was shocked to see the one in front of him. His eyes met Da-hee's with a blend of confusion and sorrow. He stood there speechless and finding it difficult to comprehend the situation that was unraveling before him.
"My lord, I..." Da-hee spoke as she was interrupted by Jayoon. He held her by her shoulders and moved her outside the tent. He scanned worriedly around and took Da-hee under a nearby tree.
"Why are you here?" Jayoon asked her.
"I am here to see you!" Da-hee spoke surprised.
" My Lady, you are to be wedded to Lord Bak tomorrow. You should go back!"
Da-hee was shocked to hear Jayoon say that.
" I fled from my home to be here with you! Let's get married!" Da-hee said.
Jayoon's face turned concerned.
Shim Jayoon stepped closer to Da-hee, his hand reaching out to caress her hands. "Please understand," he whispered, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Your father's choice will bring you security, while my circumstances remain uncertain"
""Shim Jayoon, I have come to be with you. Together, we can face whatever challenges lie ahead." Da-hee's voice trembled as she spoke, her words a delicate plea.
"I'm sorry. I can't marry you. You are to be someone else's wife! Please go back!" Jayoon suddenly raised his voice, losing his patience.
Da-hee's heart shattered and she pushed his hands away, tears filling her eyes, "You said you loved me! You promised me that you will marry me!"
"My Lady. I truly love you.." Jayoon spoke softly, "...but I can't fulfill that promise!"
"Why?"
Jayoon paused for a while and turned his back towards Da-hee.
"My father died of heartbreak. He was wrongfully accused of treason! He was publicly humiliated and the reason was your father!!" Jayoon turned his face. His eyes were burning in anger but it soon calmed down on seeing Da-hee's face. He continued, "I'm sorry, I must become a Scholar and bring back my family's honour. My mother and my younger sister depend on me. I can't disappoint them! I'm really sorry! I'm sorry!"
Jayoon suddenly walked away from Da-hee and into the tent leaving her all alone in the dark.
Da-hee stood there still. Her whole world came crumbling down then and there. Her eyes filled with tears and her lips were trembling. She couldn't understand the feelings she was experiencing then. Her heart beat fastened and her palms were sweaty. She believed in a happy life with Jayoon. But he already knew about her marriage and had let her go! But he promised! Hm! All men do is lie! She slowly walked away from the tent, her eyes frozen in shock and disbelief. Her mind and heart were heavy. Her steps were slow but transient.
She suddenly stumbled upon a rock on the ground and fell. All the emotions that had built up in her until now burst into sobs and loud crying. She cried out loud with resentment and sorrow. She was all alone, really alone when she needed someone beside her!