YoonJi sat at the vanity, her eyes narrowing as she observed herself in the mirror. The weight of her beauty, an art meticulously crafted through every painful, agonizing hour of physical therapy and strict dieting was almost too much to bear. Her skin was as pale as porcelain, her eyes now larger, thanks to a series of acupuncture sessions and massages. Each small tweak to her appearance was an affront to her competitors. Especially SongYeon, the daughter of the Prime
It had always been unbearable being compared to her. Since childhood, she had lived in Song Yeon's shadow, measured against her beauty, her grace. But no memory burned quite like that day at the palace. She had accompanied her father, excited and proud, only to have her joy crushed the moment they approached the Queen Dowager.
The Prime Minister had stood beside Song Yeon, and then, in an offhand remark, the Queen Dowager had declared that Song Yeon was fairer than her. The words stung like a slap, searing into her young heart. Anger had consumed her, even as a child. From that day forward, she made sure the other ministers' children avoided Song Yeon, isolating her in a way that gave her the smallest sense of satisfaction.
It was only when her father commanded her to be kind that she begrudgingly extended a hand of friendship. But it was never real. Never sincere. She had never truly considered Song Yeon a friend.
Yoon Ji had to organize a picnic by the Malkda Stream and invited the daughters of several ministers, young women rumored to be entering the palace as concubines. It was the perfect opportunity to showcase her flawless transformation, and perhaps, discourage them from even thinking of competing with her.
"Do it right, Bu-ran!" Yoon Ji snapped, her voice sharp as she slapped her handmaiden's hand away, making her drop the decorative pin.
The maid bowed frantically, scrambling to pick it up. "This maid apologizes, young mistress."
Yoon Ji's gaze was icy as she inspected the pin, her fingers grazing the jade stone with an almost possessive touch. "It's a good thing this didn't break. If it had, your pay for the month would be halved."
Bu-ran trembled but remained silent, knowing it was wise to keep quiet and let her mistress vent.
"Fix it," Yoon Ji commanded, pointing to the middle of her hair with a cruel precision. Her neck ached from the weight of the elaborate hairstyle, but the discomfort was a small price to pay for perfection. She had worked so hard, no one could rival her now, especially not a simple daughter of a prime minister.
"Done, young mistress," Bu-ran replied, finishing her work with a shaking hand.
"What time is it?" Yoon Ji's voice carried a tone of impatience, her eyes still fixed on her reflection.
"Almost dusk, young mistress."
Yoon Ji's expression hardened. The evening was approaching, but she wasn't ready yet. Not until her makeup was perfect. She signaled for Bu to apply the eyeliner more thickly, and for her brows to be sharpened to a precise arch. "More. It has to be perfect. You know what's at stake."
She could already picture the glances of envy when she arrived at the streambank. This picnic would not just be a casual gathering, it would be an exhibition of her beauty, her refinement, and her ability to seduce the King. She had already visited the shrinepriestesses and the shamans her mother recommended, and all of them had spoken the same prophecy: she would triumph over her enemies. She would become the King's favorite, and eventually, his Queen. The path was clear.
A wicked smile crept across her face as she stood, smoothing the gown that clung to her slender form. The door to her room slid open with a soft swish.
"Oh, my baby," came the voice of Lady SoAh, her mother, draped in an extravagant green robe lined with golden threads. A silver diadem perched upon her head, her hair elegantly twisted into a simple yet regal style. She rushed forward, clearly eager to approve of Yoon Ji's attire before leaving in haste.
"Won't you take me along?"
At that moment, TaeHyun, her younger brother, entered the room, his small figure a contrast to his regal appearance. Though only seven years old, he carried himself with an air of nobility. His dopo, embroidered with delicate silver cranes, shimmered as he moved. Beneath it, his jeogori of fine white silk clung to his small form, its edges embroidered with gold thread. A jade norigae swayed at his waist as he took a step forward, his gat sitting proudly on his head. His eyes glimmered with intelligence, and he knew the weight of expectation that rested on his young shoulders.
But today, Tae Hyun was determined to stand out.
"How do I look, sister?" he asked, with a smirk that bordered on smug. He raised an eyebrow as he took in the scene before him, his gaze shifting from Yoon Ji's meticulous outfit to the slight imperfection of her sash.
So Ah, oblivious to her son's ego, turned to her daughter. "Turn around, Yoon Ji."
Yoon Ji complied, spinning gracefully, expecting praise. "Do I look beautiful, Mother?"
"Of course, my dear," So Ah cooed, clasping her hands together. But her attention quickly shifted to Tae Hyun as he spoke again.
"I don't think so. The white ribbon doesn't match your attire," he declared, his voice dripping with superiority. "You know, I care deeply about fashion. I never make mistakes."
Yoon Ji's expression faltered as she shot a horrified glance at her handmaiden. If she went out with the white ribbon, her rivals would surely judge her.
"True, true," So Ah murmured after a quick intense look, giving in. "Bring a yellow one, Bu-ran." She started to loosen the white ribbon.
The maid rushed to fetch the yellow sash that would match better. But as she handed it to Yoon Ji, Yoon Ji's hand shot up, ready to slap her handmaiden for her failure but she halted just in time, her exhaustion catching up with her.
"I won't strain my hands," Yoon Ji muttered, a sharp edge to her voice as her mother took the yellow ribbon and expertly tied it around her waist.
Tae Hyun, sensing his opportunity to shine, raised his fan and began fanning himself in the most dramatic way possible. "You should take me along," he said with a grin, his voice dripping with mischief. "I'm sure I'll outshine all of you at this picnic."
So Ah gave a strained smile. "The green jade should have arrived. We'll go pick it up, Tae Hyun." She said gently.
Tae Hyun's eyes lit up, but he raised an eyebrow in playful defiance. "But we can send the servants, can't we?"
"No," So Ah insisted. "The jeweler said we must go in person. He'll sell it to the palace if we don't."
Yoon Ji rolled her eyes inwardly. Her mother was lying, as she always did, just to keep Tae Hyun from stealing her spotlight. The boy had an irritating knack for drawing attention, and his antics often overshadowed her carefully crafted image.
"Ahhh..." Tae Hyun groaned in frustration, pacing back and forth like an annoyed king. "So, I have to choose? The jade will go well with my new blue robe, right?"
"Yes, yes, my precious gold," So Ah answered indulgently, her attention fully on her son now.
Tae Hyun paused for a moment, his mind calculating. "I choose the jade. I'll wear it to the academy tomorrow." He then turned on his heel, walking out with the same sense of purpose he always had, as though the world was his to command.
"My dear, you are ready." So Ah said, her gaze appraising Yoon Ji one last time. Yoon Ji nodded, accepting her mother's approval as they headed out.
The carriage was ready, along with a second one carrying all the carefully prepared fruits and snacks for the picnic. As Yoon Ji approached the carriage, she placed a hand an ice chest and opened the lid to inspect the watermelon, its pieces arranged beautifully in ice. "Perfect," she muttered to herself.
But then, her irritation flared as she noticed a glaring absence. "Where is KangMu?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
At that moment, KangMu appeared, tall and imposing, his face clean-shaven and eyes sharp as a blade. His stance was impeccable. "This guard is here, young mistress. I apologize for the delay."
Yoon Ji shot him an icy look but said nothing as he helped her into her carriage. With a bow to So Ah, Kang Mu turned to mount the horse that was readied for him by a servant. He mounted the horse and watched as Bu-ran stepped into their mistress carriage then he kicked his horse into motion and soon they were on the way.
Yoon Ji doesn't feel comfortable at all, her neck was killing her and even though it was almost dusk and it wasn't that sunny but she felt like the sun was beating her and she was starting to feel heat even though the weather wasn't hot and it irritates her. "Lift the curtains."
"Yes." Bu-ran quickly jumped up and started arranging the curtains allowing cool breeze to blow inside.
"My face, how is it?" Yoon Ji asked since she felt as if her makeup was washing away.
"Perfect young mistress." Bu-ran answered.
Yoon Ji took a deep breath but she felt her collar was choking her and she had no idea why she was feeling so bad when she had dressed beautifully. If she decides to even walk around she knew a lot of men would try to woo her but the only one that deserves her was their great king and no one else. She felt the carriage halt and soon she heard Kang Mu annouced it outside that they have arrived.
Without wasting time, she quickly stepped out and allowed Kang Mu to help her down, where they were going to was a bit of walk and Kang Mu quickly raised an umbrella over her head while the rest of the servants ran to carry the snakes and drinks and soon they started walking on the part leading to the stream, the stream was located in a secluded area and only the nobles could go there and they walked down path leading the green grass.
As Yoon Ji made her way toward the grand pavilion by the Malkda stream, her gaze was immediately drawn to the five daughters sitting elegantly on the soft grass close to the stream, some that had guards and servants had them stand far away from their gathering. The Minister of Works' daughter, Seo Ri, was perched delicately on a cushion, her pale yellow hanbok flowing gracefully around her. Her face was framed by soft waves of dark hair, her eyes sharp and calculating, as though every movement was part of a well-rehearsed performance. Beside her, Kim Joo Eun, the daughter of the Minister of Agriculture, exuded an effortless charm, her long black hair cascading in a sleek braid down her back. She was the picture of serenity, her gentle smile a perfect contrast to her determined, watchful eyes.
Next to Joo Eun sat Lee Sun Ah, the daughter of the Minister of Industry, a striking young woman whose vibrant red hanbok made her stand out. Her demeanor was strong, her posture regal, and her laughter echoed with the confidence of someone who had long been at the center of attention. Choi Min Seul, daughter of the Minister of Youth, was quieter, her eyes always observing, always calculating. She wore a soft lavender dress, the color accentuating her delicate features, but there was a hidden fierceness in the way she carried herself, as if she was always waiting for the right moment to pounce.
The five girls sat together, their chatter light but filled with meaning, their eyes occasionally flickering over to the approaching guests. They had the air of familiarity, each one aware of the others, each one trying to outshine the rest in subtle, calculated ways.
Yoon Ji's breath caught in her throat as her eyes wandered past them, to the figure approaching from the opposite direction. Song Yeon.
The moment she laid eyes on Song Yeon, Yoon Ji felt a pang of discomfort deep within her chest. Song Yeon walked with an effortless grace, her every step like poetry. Her hanbok was a soft, ethereal shade of jade, and her black hair was packed into a simple braid down her back, the strands seeming to shimmer in the light. Her face was perfectly balanced, with high cheekbones, full lips, and almond-shaped eyes that seemed to capture the very essence of beauty. But what struck Yoon Ji the most was how effortlessly radiant Song Yeon appeared. It was as if she had been born to shine, no effort, no pretension, just sheer, unbridled beauty.
Yoon Ji's heart twisted with jealousy, a feeling she had not anticipated. Song Yeon wasn't just beautiful; she was the kind of beauty that made everyone else fade into the background. It was the kind of beauty that made everything else irrelevant, and it was the first time Yoon Ji felt so deeply overshadowed by someone. She realized, with a sudden surge of unease, that Song Yeon was the reason she had been feeling so uncomfortable all morning. The whispering doubt, the growing sense of inadequacy, it all traced back to her. The Minister's daughter had surpassed her, not just in beauty, but in presence. And as she drew closer, Yoon Ji could feel the shift in the air, the subtle yet undeniable truth that Song Yeon might be the one that capture the King's attention.
As Song Yeon finally reached them, her smile was kind but knowing, as though she was well aware of the effect she had on those around her. Her eyes met Yoon Ji's for a brief moment, and Yoon Ji could have sworn she saw something flicker in those eyes, something sharp, calculating. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a mask of politeness.
"Yoon Ji-nim, how lovely to see you," Song Yeon said, her voice smooth as silk, each syllable measured but warm. "I trust you're enjoying the picnic preparations?"
Yoon Ji, forcing a smile, nodded stiffly, trying to mask the bitterness rising in her throat. "Of course, Song Yeon. It's always a pleasure to see you." Her words were a polite veneer, but underneath them, the jealousy simmered, bubbling up in quiet waves that she desperately tried to keep under control. She had to remember, this was just another competition. Another challenge to win.