Born As The Daughter Of A Lowly Concubine [EN]: Chapter 248

Actually, now that I think about it, it’s not that strange, but it still feels a bit random.

“Is it… that serious?”

“Well. Maybe.”

The idea of parents or grandparents wanting to see their children or grandchildren married before they pass away is a pretty common sentiment, a way for them to feel at peace.

‘Conversely, from the child’s perspective, would they really want to rush into marriage if their parents are seriously ill?’

Honestly, I wonder if they’ll truly be happy if they get married so hastily.

…So, that’s the problem.

“I can’t quite trust that man….”

Because the person Yeongseon was going to marry was that former fiancé I had seen before.

“But wouldn’t it be difficult to find someone else on such short notice?”

“That’s true.”

Anyway, I had things to do outside the palace because I had made a promise to Yeongseon.

“Let’s go out when Cheonho comes.”

“Is it really necessary to go outside the palace when it’s so cold? Why don’t you just send someone to deliver the message?”

“Soi, do you want to see me stuck to the floor in my room like that?”

“Isn’t just taking a walk enough?”

“I’ll be going outside the palace soon anyway, so I need to get used to it. Well.”

“……”

Soi fell silent at my words. It seemed she was thinking that I’ve grown up a lot and should be leaving the palace soon.

“If the Ongju [Princess] keeps saying things like that, everyone will cry.”

“We need to prepare our hearts in advance.”

Saying that, I busily moved my hands to check as many letters as possible before going out.

“Oh, it seems the children in Gyeongju [a city in southeastern Korea] found materials on Silla Dynasty [one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea] clothing. That’s great.”

I should tell them to make a play based on Silla Dynasty legends.

Thinking that, as I read through the letter, I chuckled at the unexpected cute content.

“Is there any interesting news written there?”

“No, they’re asking if they can wear the restored clothes first and start an event in the Silla Dynasty style. As expected, whether they’re Jongchin [relatives of the royal family] or Yangban [the aristocratic class in Joseon Dynasty], they want to do anything that looks fun quickly. I need to send a letter back quickly saying they definitely can.”

Soi also smiled at my words.

“Oh my. But you’re going to do it in Seoul later too, right?”

“Of course. We’ll take turns. Whether it’s Goguryeo [another of the Three Kingdoms of Korea], Baekje [the last of the Three Kingdoms of Korea], Silla, Balhae [a Korean kingdom that existed during the North South States Period], or Goryeo [a Korean kingdom established in 918], it’s all the past of this country, this land, so why wouldn’t we wear them?”

The problem is the historical research. We can’t exactly dig up tombs to look at murals.

“Still, the Goryeo Dynasty was not that long ago, so it was a bit easier, but the rest are a bit difficult.”

If there are no wars, finding clothes from one or two hundred years ago is relatively easy.

Even though it’s called Goryeo Dynasty clothing, it’s actually clothing from the early Joseon period [the last dynastic kingdom of Korea].

‘Hmm. Even if it’s Goryeo Dynasty clothing, would it just be confusing if we divided it into early, mid, and late periods?’

And there are differences between regions too.

Even if you look at the Joseon Dynasty, there are quite a few differences between the early, mid, and late periods.

Moreover, if you only look at historical dramas, you might think wedding clothes are the same across all regions, but in reality, there are quite a few regional differences.

‘Hmm… Should I train more talented people who can draw in each region?’

Or should I dispatch some of the talents currently in Siyeongwon [a government office in Joseon Dynasty in charge of painting]?

Everything is good, but the problem is that paint is too expensive in this era.

“Ongju, Cheonho has arrived.”

“Ah. Tell him to come in.”

As soon as Cheonho came in and greeted me, I poured out what I had to say.

“Ongju…”

“We’re going out right away today, so if there’s anything urgent, give me that first.”

“Yes….”

With a weak smile, Cheonho sorted out the things he had brought as always and handed them to me.

“Why do you have that face?”

“It’s nothing. Why are you in such a hurry today?”

“I have things to do!”

“?”

***

“Everything is good, but I’m a little worried that you’re deciding on marriage too hastily.”

“I’m sorry. My mother wants me to get married quickly, so how can I refuse as a child?”

“Hmm.”

That sounds like something people say a lot when they’re heading towards a doomed marriage, so I’m a little concerned.

“I’m just saying this in case.”

“Yes. Ongju.”

“Whether you’re in the process of getting married or after you’re married, if you don’t think it’s right, it’s best to quit quickly.”

“Yes?”

“If your future husband seems like a jerk, hit him once and come back quickly. I’ll protect you, so don’t worry.”

“…Yes. Thank you. Ongju.”

Yeongseon’s eyes welled up, whether it was out of emotion from my words.

I felt a little embarrassed, so I changed the subject appropriately.

“I should have restored your status sooner, but I’m sorry it’s been delayed.”

“Ah, no. Ongju.”

In fact, young ladies from well-to-do families wouldn’t think about love marriages in most cases. Honestly, burning the slave documents at the wedding felt a bit like a deception.

But everyone is an innocent young lady, so if I let them go carelessly, they might get caught by strange guys.

‘Besides, I didn’t know I wouldn’t grow up because of the poison back then….’

I first asked about the marriage in detail.

From what I heard, it seemed they were told to follow the proper procedures and get married properly.

“Actually, I haven’t even mentioned that Ongju will restore my status yet….”

“Hoo.”

It was an approach like, ‘I don’t care what your status is!’

‘Even though her mother is sick and the situation isn’t good, it’s dramatic enough to be a little shaken.’

Romances with social status differences have been a steady trope since ancient times.

There are quite a few in actual history too. Of course, the result wasn’t always a happy ending.

‘There are death endings like Ondal [a famous general of Goguryeo] and Princess Pyeonggang [a figure in Korean folklore]….’

“Okay. You’re still going to work here even after you get married?”

“Yes. If Ongju allows it, I definitely want to do that.”

“Then I’m happy. Congratulations. You haven’t set a date yet, have you?”

At my words, Yeongseon smiled awkwardly and shook her head.

“I’m not in a position to set a date and have a wedding.”

“That’s not something you decide, it’s something I decide.”

“Ongju….”

There’s no need to look at me with such touched eyes.

Yeongseon seemed to be contemplating for a moment, then soon opened her mouth again.

“It’s not something I can decide alone, but since the end of the year is busy, I think it would be better to postpone it until next year.”

“Hmm. Okay. I should give you a gift.”

Even before, she had sent me various antiques as gifts, perhaps as bribes, and they were quite good. I checked them with Yeongseon.

Now that I see it, there was a reason.

“The things you sent before seemed like they knew our tastes well and were carefully chosen.”

“Ah, yes. I said I chose things that you would like….”

Yeongseon’s face was flushed as she said that, so I decided to wish Yeongseon well for now.

“Hmm. Sending money too openly is a bit much, so I’ll send some silk and fur.”

“Yes?”

“Do you know where he lives? You’re not going to tell me you don’t even know where he lives when you’ve decided to get married.”

“Yes.”

I gave Yeongseon silk and fur and even had servants follow as porters.

In other words, it was a wedding gift.

Even though she’s the daughter of a traitor, so it’s hard to say she’s a daughter of a good family, it was to show that she’s a child I cherish. And because I received something too.

“Ongju is too generous to people.”

“It’s better than being stingy.”

Soi grinned at my words.

***

Jeong Munwon was living in a small house borrowed from the family he was indebted to.

When the words came out that he wanted to live together in the future, this was the place he told her about, and this was the second time she had come here.

‘Is this okay?’

Yeongseon found it difficult to gauge whether she was just feeling restless because she was about to get married, or whether something was making her uneasy.

It felt different from when she thought she had to get married to someone her parents arranged, and her heart felt heavy and scared.

She was happy and scared, but Munwon said he would protect Yeongseon and her mother in the future.

She wanted to believe those words.

‘He’ll be happy since I’m bringing valuable gifts.’

Even though he had fallen from grace, he was from a good family, so he would know that the things Yeongseon was bringing were valuable.

‘He’ll be a little surprised, though.’

Yeongseon rarely went outside, so he wouldn’t even think that she would come.

She was supposed to come to check when she could see Ongju tomorrow, but she wasn’t planning on meeting him today.

“Should we go a little early?”

“Yes. He said he’s always home around sunset, so he’ll be home now.”

“Because the days are short in winter.”

“Congratulations on the marriage, even though it’s sudden.”

“Thank you. We’re almost there.”

The servants, whose faces had become familiar thanks to living in the same house for many years, also offered words of congratulations when they heard that Yeongseon was getting married.

‘I have to live well.’

It was a grateful thing that so many people were congratulating her.

There were times when she felt suffocated because she felt like she had agreed because her mother had pushed her, but it would definitely be okay.

On the way to Munwon’s house, Yeongseon found a tavern and promised the workers.

“You’ve worked hard, so I’ll treat you to a drink each on the way back at that tavern.”

“Oh my, we’d love that. I hope we get to eat some noodles at the wedding too.”

Everyone knew that Ongju was generous to her subordinates, and they also knew that Yeongseon was favored, so everyone had expectant faces.

Yeongseon smiled awkwardly at the workers’ words and suddenly noticed a familiar figure inside the tavern.

“Ah, is that person perhaps… Just a moment.”

After asking the workers for a moment of understanding, she approached and heard a familiar voice.

“Don’t worry. It’s not that difficult.”

“If this goes well, not only us but also your future will be guaranteed. Make sure you do it without mistakes.”

Yeongseon, who was about to call out to Munwon, stopped and hid in the shadow of the building without approaching. It seemed like they were talking about work, so she didn’t want to disturb them for no reason.

She was about to turn back, thinking it wasn’t good to eavesdrop, when words that strangely bothered her came.

“Don’t worry. I’ve already made thorough preparations to win her over. Isn’t it easy for women to fall for a few gifts and some nice words?”

“Well, I can’t even if I wanted to. Aren’t you afraid you might fall for that woman instead? I heard there are so many beauties among your slaves? How are they?”

Yeongseon, who had stopped, realized that the woman meant her and froze.

“What are you saying? Of course, that woman’s… beauty isn’t bad, but isn’t she too old now? Anyway, she’s the daughter of a traitor, so her status is low. But if I use her well to gain the trust of Ong… that master, I can make a lot of money.”

“What if that woman finds out?”

“Once we’re married, what can a woman do? If she doesn’t want to be abandoned, she’ll work hard for her husband.”

Yeongseon felt like the ground beneath her feet, where she was standing uneasily, was collapsing.