As the final note of the dancers' performance faded into the air, the atmosphere in the grand hall shifted. The time for revelry had arrived—men indulged in fine wines while the ladies prepared to display their talents.
The first to take the stage was none other than Lee Cha, the cherished daughter of Duke Lee.
As the sole heiress of the esteemed Lee family, she had been raised in a world of refinement and privilege, her every step carefully guided by the love and attention of her parents.
With practiced grace, Lee Cha stepped forward, bowing elegantly before the royal family.
"This humble girl greets the royal family ," she said, her voice soft yet steady.
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd.
Renowned for her exceptional talent for playing the gayageum, piri, and haegeum her voice was also sweet to the ears, she was the number one most talented among the noble ladies—unrivaled in her artistry.
Tonight, she would prove it once more.
A Voice Like Moonlight
At her request, a gayageum was brought forth—a traditional Korean zither-like instrument, its lacquered wood gleaming under the lantern light.
With a fluid motion, she seated herself, her delicate fingers resting upon the strings. A hush fell over the hall as anticipation thickened the air.
Then, she began to play.
The first note was like the whisper of a spring breeze, followed by the tender strumming that wove a melody both haunting and serene.
And then, she sang.
Her voice, soft as a peach blossom, carried through the vast hall, soothing hearts and quieting restless minds. It was a voice that could lull a child to sleep, yet stir longing within the souls of men and women alike.
The song she chose was Jangguui Norae was a song that praise the virtue of a wise and just ruler it was really suitable for the empress dowager birthday.
Tonight, it was a tribute to the Empress Dowager on her special day.
As the final note lingered in the air, silence reigned for but a moment—then came the thunderous applause.
"Come here, my child," the Empress Dowager called out, her voice carrying warmth and interest. "Let me take a closer look at you."
Lee Cha's heart pounded. This was it. The moment she had been waiting for.
With controlled excitement, she rose from her seat and approached the Empress Dowager. Lowering herself into a deep bow, she waited respectfully.
"What is your name, my lovely girl?"
"This humble daughter is Lee Cha, daughter of Duke Lee," she answered, her tone polished and respectful.
The Empress Dowager smiled. "Ah, Duke Lee's daughter. Truly, you are well-loved by your family. They have given you a beautiful name—Cha, meaning 'loving daughter.' Tell me, how old are you this year?"
"I am twelve years old, Your Majesty."
"Excellent!" The Empress Dowager's smile deepened. "You shall be Princess Yun Hee's study partner. Do you accept?"
A collective hush swept over the audience.
To be chosen as a royal study companion was an honor—but also a burden.
Still, Lee Cha did not hesitate. Lowering herself into another bow, she replied, "This humble girl gratefully accepts, Queen Mother."
The Empress Dowager's satisfaction was evident.
Princess Yun Hee, known for her mischievous spirit, needed a companion—a friend who was both naïve and playful, someone who could temper her unruly nature without challenging her authority.
Meanwhile, across the room, Duke Lee's expression lit up with joy. The recognition of his daughter was no small matter, and his fellow official were quick to offer their congratulations.
Yet, amidst the excitement, an unspoken truth loomed.
Being a royal study partner was not a mere privilege—it was a precarious role.
Princess Yun Hee was the Empress's only daughter, and she was treasured beyond measure by her mother, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince.
Though the Crown Prince was not favored by his father, he had something far more valuable—a powerful maternal family.
The Empress hailed from a formidable military lineage, her influence stretching across both the northern and southern borders. The Emperor had tried—many times—to weaken their grasp, yet each attempt had been in vain.
The Empress's family held him in an invisible cage, their power unshakable.
Despite the Emperor's waning affections for her, he remained in her palace for one or two weeks every month, a routine he never failed to uphold.
His unwavering loyalty shielded the Empress from the constant storms of palace intrigue.
Even when concubines conspired against her, the Emperor never took their side.
Whispers swirled within the palace—rumors that the Empress held a secret influence over the Emperor, a hidden leverage known only to the two of them.
It was this mystery that kept her position unassailable.
And with the Empress Dowager standing firmly in her corner, no one dared to challenge her.
Not yet.
Lee Cha, unaware of the political undercurrents surrounding her new position, returned to her seat after expressing her gratitude to the Empress Dowager.
The night carried on, filled with music, laughter, and whispered speculations.
But for Lee Cha, this was only the beginning.
A future tied to the imperial family was one of opportunity—yet also danger.
And she had just stepped into the heart of it all without knowing.
This unexpected announcement stirred excitement among the noble daughters, igniting their determination. Each young lady harbored the same ambition—to earn the honor of becoming a study partner to the esteemed royal children.
Among them, Song Nabi stood out. She had been personally selected by Imperial Concubine Hwa, the emperor's most favored consort, to accompany the second princess, Bong Chul, in her studies.
The moment the decision was made known, Song Nabi's heart swelled with elation. A bright, radiant smile graced her lips, illuminating her delicate features.
The young noble misses gathered in the hall couldn't conceal their envy as they looked upon her. After all, only two individuals had been bestowed with this privilege—Duke Lee's daughter, Lee Cha, and Prime Minister Song's daughter, Song Nabi.
With quiet grace, Song Nabi returned to her seat, but the thrill in her eyes betrayed her attempts at composure. Her friends quickly swarmed around her, their voices brimming with admiration.
"Song Nabi, your paintings were breathtaking!" one of them exclaimed.
She blushed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Really? You think so?"
"Of course!" another chimed in eagerly. "You've improved significantly."
Song Nabi smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. "I've been practicing diligently. My teacher used to scold me for my lack of skill, so I wanted to prove myself. I'm glad to see it's finally paying off."
"It certainly is," one friend affirmed with a knowing nod.
She accepted their praise with humble gratitude before turning to her older sister, Song Jae. "Sister, what skill will you perform next?"
A mischievous glint flickered in Song Jae's eyes. "Wait and see. It'll be a surprise."
When Song Jae's name was finally called, she stepped forward with effortless elegance. Clad in flowing silks, she moved with the poise befitting a noble daughter. With a deep bow, she first paid respects to the imperial family, then to the assembled officials.
"I have prepared a special dance in honor of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother," she announced, her voice unwavering.
A soft murmur rippled through the hall.
The Empress Dowager's expression shifted into one of fondness. "My child, perform well. I eagerly await your performance."
Seeing the Empress Dowager's warm smile, Song Jae knew she had chosen the right words. After all, who would not delight in receiving such heartfelt reverence?
Bowing once more, she spoke confidently. "Thank you, Queen Mother. With your permission, I would like to invite the individuals who helped me practice to join me on stage."
The Empress Dowager inclined her head in approval. "You may do so."
Without hesitation, Song Jae stepped outside. Her maidservants—Song Sena, Sook, Min, and Mi Cha—were already prepared, clad in their graceful performance attire. Once satisfied, she returned inside, ready to captivate the audience.
Approaching the musicians, she whispered the melody's instructions. As the first notes resonated through the grand hall, she took her place at the center.
Then, she began.
The moment Song Jae moved, time seemed to slow. She twirled effortlessly, her sapphire-blue dress shimmering under the glow of lantern light, cascading like water with each turn. The delicate bells fastened to her wrists and ankles chimed with a mesmerizing rhythm, weaving music into the very air.
The audience sat spellbound, their gazes locked onto her fluid, enchanting movements.
Among them, the three princes observed in silence, their expressions unreadable.
Yet, one pair of eyes lingered longer than the rest.
Prince Chul Kwan watched, his thoughts in turmoil. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the girl before him—graceful, radiant, utterly captivating. An unfamiliar emotion stirred within him, unsettling and persistent.
Why was he drawn to her?
The question gnawed at him, but deep down, he refused to seek an answer.
Love was a luxury he could not afford. Attachments only led to suffering.
And yet—no matter how much he willed himself to look away—his eyes remained fixed on Song Jae.