[100DMP EPILOGUE TRANSLATION]
Starting this thread but probably will update really slowly (I find listening easier than reading) and I only have the first page done so far. Anyone else who has the epilogue and wanted to add onto this thread, feel free to do so
Starting this thread but probably will update really slowly (I find listening easier than reading) and I only have the first page done so far. Anyone else who has the epilogue and wanted to add onto this thread, feel free to do so

"Let us go to the palace."
"Was that...a marriage proposal?"
"No. I'm going to do it properly now."
Holding Yiseo's hand , Yul pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Their heart beat violently, and their cheeks grew hot.
"Was that...a marriage proposal?"
"No. I'm going to do it properly now."
Holding Yiseo's hand , Yul pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Their heart beat violently, and their cheeks grew hot.
Soft lips that touch each other..Sweet breath and scent...they couldn't believe it. The parting had been long and the longing was deep. They kissed each other as if they were trying to compensate for all that.
"Hongshim is so lucky. Wondeuk's lips are plump and pretty."
"Why are you like this? I also have plump lips, where are you looking at?"
"Why are you like this? I also have plump lips, where are you looking at?"
Kkeutnyeo, who was looking on from the roof felt envious, and Gudol was jealous.
"These people! How many times should I tell you not to call him Wondeuk but His Highness? Our crown prince is amazing. He's good at literary and martial arts...With his lips too...he's good..."
"These people! How many times should I tell you not to call him Wondeuk but His Highness? Our crown prince is amazing. He's good at literary and martial arts...With his lips too...he's good..."
"By the way, the petals are running out. How much longer can we do this?"
"Right. I told him to prepare more! He didn't!"
Yiseo, who was surprised by Yeon-ssi's angry voice, looks up at the roof.
"We didn't see anything. So just finish what you were doing."
"Right. I told him to prepare more! He didn't!"
Yiseo, who was surprised by Yeon-ssi's angry voice, looks up at the roof.
"We didn't see anything. So just finish what you were doing."
Nobleman Park smiles and blows away the remaining petals in the basket.
"This flower rain...did Your Highness plan this?"
"Do you think this is all I've planned?"
A flower palanquin was waiting in front of the gate of the house.
"This flower rain...did Your Highness plan this?"
"Do you think this is all I've planned?"
A flower palanquin was waiting in front of the gate of the house.
"You already prepared the palanquin? What are you going to do if I refuse to marry you?"
"Don't tell me. Did you mean to refuse my proposal?"
"Refuse...why will I do that? I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
"Don't tell me. Did you mean to refuse my proposal?"
"Refuse...why will I do that? I've been waiting for this moment for so long."
Yiseo smiled teasingly. Yul felt like his heart was sinking.
"Don't startle me with this! If my heart is strained, if my health detoriates...You're the only one to lose!"
"Why is it my loss?"
"Don't startle me with this! If my heart is strained, if my health detoriates...You're the only one to lose!"
"Why is it my loss?"
"We're getting married soon, and we're going to have to sleep together that day. If your husband's body doesn't work...What will happen?"
"..."
"..."
Yiseo couldn't answer back. Only her face was flushed.
Yiseo who is avoiding his eyes looks so lovely to Yul.
"You thought I forgot, didn't you? However, I didn't. The promise that I would give you beautiful pair of shoes with cherry blossoms on them."
Yiseo who is avoiding his eyes looks so lovely to Yul.
"You thought I forgot, didn't you? However, I didn't. The promise that I would give you beautiful pair of shoes with cherry blossoms on them."
Before climbing on the palanquin, Yul put the shoes on Yiseo's feet.
"Now that you're wearing shoes engraved with cherry blossoms pattern, from now on you will only see cherry blossom road ahead of you."
"Now that you're wearing shoes engraved with cherry blossoms pattern, from now on you will only see cherry blossom road ahead of you."
Yiseo is overwhelmed. Yul's warm smile is as bright as the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
If she could be with this person...If they can look into each other's eyes and touch each other come what may...able to sleep together and wake up together...how happy it would be.
If she could be with this person...If they can look into each other's eyes and touch each other come what may...able to sleep together and wake up together...how happy it would be.
No, can my heart survive? Will I be able to fall asleep? Ah...I don't know. I'll just think about it later.
"Crown Princess candidate? No such thing! We were already married before."
"Crown Princess candidate? No such thing! We were already married before."
"As a courtesy, we only need an official procedure to welcome my lady into the palace and inform the whole nation. However, there's no need for a Crown Princess selection process."
"Your Highness! The Crown Princess's greatest responsibility is to produce the royal heir. A future Queen. But I heard that your lady is already 29 years old.
This is a big flaw. Will she be able to get pregnant at her age and even if she can, will she be able to birth properly?
This is a big flaw. Will she be able to get pregnant at her age and even if she can, will she be able to birth properly?
How can you not be worried? If you cannot abandon her, let her be a concubine, and find a young and pretty Crown Princess."
"You have such poor memory. Have you forgotten already? The work of the deceased Crown Princess Kim."
"You have such poor memory. Have you forgotten already? The work of the deceased Crown Princess Kim."
At Yulâs cold words and cynical smile, the agitated State Ministers shut their mouths in unison.
âNo matter how beautiful the flower is, what if the bee doesnât fly towards it? Some of you have daughters of marriageable age.
âNo matter how beautiful the flower is, what if the bee doesnât fly towards it? Some of you have daughters of marriageable age.
Itâs not that I donât know your intention of making your daughter as the Crown Princess and putting her in the position to become future Queen. However, even if any of your daughter becomes the Crown Princess, I have no intention of embracing the woman."
"Knowing this, will you still let your daughters participate in the Crown Princess selection process?â
No one dares to step forward. Everyone knows Yulâs temperament very well. Not only towards Crown Princess Sohye, he had never even glance at any of the court ladies.
No one dares to step forward. Everyone knows Yulâs temperament very well. Not only towards Crown Princess Sohye, he had never even glance at any of the court ladies.
It has been an impossible task for a very long time to make their daughter the Crown Princess out of greed for power. It was Jung Sayeob who finally broke the long silence.
âThe Crown Princess selection is a task for the lady-in-waiting. The opposition from the Queen Mother is severe, thereâs nothing we can do to change her conviction. Please be understanding.â
The Queen Mother again. Yul suddenly has a terrible headache.
Further rebuttal is of no use. If he just makes Yiseo as his wife without going through the formalities, the Queen Mother and the State Ministers will only bother her for all kinds of reasons.
Further rebuttal is of no use. If he just makes Yiseo as his wife without going through the formalities, the Queen Mother and the State Ministers will only bother her for all kinds of reasons.
Losing the political warfare, Yulâs footsteps become heavy. He feels sore at the pit of his stomach.
âHow did this happen?â
âDonât tell me youâre having chest pain?â
âIt seems so.â
âHow did this happen?â
âDonât tell me youâre having chest pain?â
âIt seems so.â
âIt has settled before. How did the chest pain return? Iâll call the physician right away.â
Yul stops Eunuch Yang who turned around in a hurry.
âWhat I need is not a physician. This chest pain is due to longing.â
Yul stops Eunuch Yang who turned around in a hurry.
âWhat I need is not a physician. This chest pain is due to longing.â
In the evening, Gudol and Kkeutnyeo was sitting around the table but their meal was barely touched. Yeon-ssi was stunned. Five days ago, the two had come up without hesitation and have settled down in the menâs quarter.
He had somehow managed to refrain them from asking Yul to arrange a room for them in the palace. They could have been eating three meals a day if that had been the case.
But now they dare to grumble with this precious rice in front of them?!
But now they dare to grumble with this precious rice in front of them?!
âWhat are you guys doing now? If youâre not going to eat, give it to me! Instead, just know that it will be barley rice from tomorrow morning.â
âDonât be like that, Abeoji. Weâll eat.â Gudol drove the rice into his mouth.
âDonât be like that, Abeoji. Weâll eat.â Gudol drove the rice into his mouth.
âHongshim, donât worry about it. We donât know anything about it. We didnât hear anything at all.â
âWhy donât you just tell the truth? Itâs all on your face. You know something, you heard something.â
âWhy donât you just tell the truth? Itâs all on your face. You know something, you heard something.â
Only then, Gudol and Kkeutnyeo hesitantly started to open their mouth.
They received the biggest shock when they had gone to Sijeon (large store downtown areas of Hanyang). They had been mesmerized by the pretty young lady passing by that their eyes were about to pop out.
They received the biggest shock when they had gone to Sijeon (large store downtown areas of Hanyang). They had been mesmerized by the pretty young lady passing by that their eyes were about to pop out.
People all over were saying that sheâs the youngest daughter from the household of Minister of Rites who will become the Crown Princess. It has already been decided.
Yeon-ssi shouted. âDonât you know our Wondeuk! Do you think he is going to marry someone else other than Hongshim? If youâre going to spread a false rumour and upset yourself over it, why donât you just get back to Songjuhyun right now.â
âUpset over it...weâre just worried.â
âUpset over it...weâre just worried.â
âNo matter how worried you are, I donât believe the rumour. So just eat your meal. Iâll eat everything if you donât.â
Yiseo finished her bowl of rice in the blink of an eye. It was the only way to ease her fatherâs worries.
Yiseo finished her bowl of rice in the blink of an eye. It was the only way to ease her fatherâs worries.
Yiseo wandered about the garden for a long time. The wind is cold. Is it already fall? It had only been 15 days since Yul left but it feels like it has been well over a year. What the heck is going on in the palace?
Yiseo carefully touches the flower wall.
âThat beautiful and immeasurable flower wallâŠI designed the pattern myself.â
Yulâs proud voice was vivid in her ears.
âThat beautiful and immeasurable flower wallâŠI designed the pattern myself.â
Yulâs proud voice was vivid in her ears.
It was in this garden that the palanquin which first went to her house in Songjuhyun had arrived. Holding Yulâs hand, Yiseo had been surprised when she stepped down from the palanquin. It was this house! The very same house where she lived with her father and brother.
It looks just as it was before, no, it has become even more beautiful. Yul had spent more than six months repairing the house. He chose the cherry tree next to the small pond, the wallpaper and even the bookcase in the room himself. And finally, he carefully added.
âWhen you become Crown Princess, I will grant your father a position in public office. I have repaired the house as he will need a befitting residence. It was a place with horrible memory, so I hesitated to let you come back in. You donât have to stay here if you donât want to.â
âNo. The horrible memory is fleeting, but there are more happy memories.â
Yul brought Yiseo who was choked up with tears into his warm embrace.
There has been no news from him since then. He definitely must have bumped into some difficulties.
âWhat are you thinking about?â
Yul brought Yiseo who was choked up with tears into his warm embrace.
There has been no news from him since then. He definitely must have bumped into some difficulties.
âWhat are you thinking about?â
It is Yulâs voice. He is standing there when she turns around.
His jet-black eyes sparkled beneath his gat. Wah, is she seeing things now because she misses him?
Yul slowly approaches her. It is only then that Yiseo comes to a realisation. That he is right in front of her eyes.
His jet-black eyes sparkled beneath his gat. Wah, is she seeing things now because she misses him?
Yul slowly approaches her. It is only then that Yiseo comes to a realisation. That he is right in front of her eyes.
âI asked you. What are you thinking about?â
It was unkind of him to ask this mischievous question to her face.
Contrary to her mind, a sharp answer came out. âYou already know everything so why ask?â
âI might know but I still want to hear it from you.â
It was unkind of him to ask this mischievous question to her face.
Contrary to her mind, a sharp answer came out. âYou already know everything so why ask?â
âI might know but I still want to hear it from you.â
âYes. Yes. I was thinking about Your Highness! I miss you so much, I thought I was going to die. Itâs because youâre the Crown Prince. Youâve even been appointed as regent King. I know that youâre going to be busy, but can you not have sent someone to deliver a message from you?"
"It has been more than a fortnight since we parted ways. How can it be that we havenât heard from each other?â
âIt was deliberate. As a little payback.â
âWhat???â
âIt was deliberate. As a little payback.â
âWhat???â
âThis is the end of our relationship. We will be unhappy together. Didnât you push me away with such words? Iâve been upset since I thought I was the only one desperate and fearful.â
âWow. I canât believe thereâs such a man holding a grudge like thisâŠâ
âWow. I canât believe thereâs such a man holding a grudge like thisâŠâ
At that moment, Yul grabs Yiseoâs hand.
âLetâs go to the room.â
Yul was discovered as Gudol came out of the menâs quarter. Your Highness!!!
âDonât interfere. I have to be alone with this person.â
âLetâs go to the room.â
Yul was discovered as Gudol came out of the menâs quarter. Your Highness!!!
âDonât interfere. I have to be alone with this person.â
Yul, who sits opposite her, unties the string of his gat without saying a word.
âWhy is he taking off his gat? But why is my heart beating so fast like this when heâs doing that? Itâs not like heâs taking off his clothes, itâs only the gat?â
âWhy is he taking off his gat? But why is my heart beating so fast like this when heâs doing that? Itâs not like heâs taking off his clothes, itâs only the gat?â
Yiseo feels her heart giving way as she took the gat from Yul. His face reflected in the candlelight already looks so determined.
âYouâve gotten thinner than the last time I saw you.â
âI couldnât sleep. Thinking about you.â
âYouâve gotten thinner than the last time I saw you.â
âI couldnât sleep. Thinking about you.â
âDonât lie. Youâre in trouble over the marriage, arenât you?â
âThose ministers in the palace born with a golden spoon in their mouth. Do you know what words they utter most frequently? âNo. You canât.â Thatâs always been the case so thereâs nothing to worry about.â
âThose ministers in the palace born with a golden spoon in their mouth. Do you know what words they utter most frequently? âNo. You canât.â Thatâs always been the case so thereâs nothing to worry about.â
âWhat are you going to do?â
âIâm not going back to the palace.â
â!!!â
Yul clasps the cheeks of Yiseo who was surprised and kisses her. It is a wild and fierce kiss. Yiseo is flustered and collapses under Yulâs strength.
âIâm not going back to the palace.â
â!!!â
Yul clasps the cheeks of Yiseo who was surprised and kisses her. It is a wild and fierce kiss. Yiseo is flustered and collapses under Yulâs strength.
Yul continues to covet her lips and reaches out to Yiseoâs upper garment. Yiseo grabs his hand.
âWhy? You said you were dying from missing me.â
âThis isnât like Your Highness.â
âWhy? You said you were dying from missing me.â
âThis isnât like Your Highness.â
âIf you thought that I was a saint without desires, you were mistaken. Every day, I imagine of kissing you, touching you and holding you in my arms. Every time I think of you, Iâve never been a good guy. So, in this moment, more than ever, I am like myself.â
Angered, Yiseo pushes Yul away and sits up.
âThis isnât right! IâŠthose kindâŠDo you think I never have those strange imaginations? But still, isnât this method too pathetic? Your plan against those ministers opposing our marriageâŠis a prenuptial pregnancy?â
ââŠâ
âThis isnât right! IâŠthose kindâŠDo you think I never have those strange imaginations? But still, isnât this method too pathetic? Your plan against those ministers opposing our marriageâŠis a prenuptial pregnancy?â
ââŠâ
âNow that a pregnancy is on the way. Oh, thatâs great. Weâll allow your marriage?â
Yul gets up helplessly.
âYouâre right. Iâm pathetic. However, I donât know what else to do.â
ââŠâ
Yul gets up helplessly.
âYouâre right. Iâm pathetic. However, I donât know what else to do.â
ââŠâ
âTo endure the hell that is the palaceâŠyou need to have power. I thought you were dead, and I tried to avenge those who made you so. I could have run away with you on the battlefieldâŠbut the same is true for not doing so. I donât want to live in hiding."
"I wanted to restore your identity and welcome you as my wife no matter what. All those things are regretful. Sleeping with youâŠhow I wish we have a child. If you have the royal heir, there would be no oppositions and talks about holding a Crown Princess selection process."
"I was conceited to think I was clever. However, Iâm truly...just Dumb.â
âJust have the selection process.â
â!!!â
âIf they must have the selection process, Iâll do it.â
âNo. That canât happen.â
âJust have the selection process.â
â!!!â
âIf they must have the selection process, Iâll do it.â
âNo. That canât happen.â
âIt is only a deception. No doubt they have already nominated someone. I cannot let you get involved in such unfairness.â
âThen you can just make it fair. Is it not the duty and ability of the Crown Prince to make an unfair process a fair one?
ââŠEven soâŠIf you failâŠâ
âThen you can just make it fair. Is it not the duty and ability of the Crown Prince to make an unfair process a fair one?
ââŠEven soâŠIf you failâŠâ
âThen we just have to cleanly accept it.â
âOho! This again. Are you giving up on me? Are you alright even if I marry another woman?â
âNo. Thatâs not what I meant. If Iâm eliminated and canât get marriedâŠIâll just commit 볎ì (Bossam)*.
âOho! This again. Are you giving up on me? Are you alright even if I marry another woman?â
âNo. Thatâs not what I meant. If Iâm eliminated and canât get marriedâŠIâll just commit 볎ì (Bossam)*.
[TRIVIA BY ME]
볎ì (Bossam) = a predatory marriage that came from a widowâs ban during Joseon. There was a law that widows could not open their home until they died. To escape the ill fortune of being a widow, bachelor/widower is kidnapped and forced to sleep with the woman.
볎ì (Bossam) = a predatory marriage that came from a widowâs ban during Joseon. There was a law that widows could not open their home until they died. To escape the ill fortune of being a widow, bachelor/widower is kidnapped and forced to sleep with the woman.
âWeâll go to a mountain valley down in the south. Wondeuk and Hongshim will hide. No one will be able find us.â
God. 볎ì? Imagine how inappropriate it is for the Crown Prince of a nation to be kidnapped.
God. 볎ì? Imagine how inappropriate it is for the Crown Prince of a nation to be kidnapped.
âThe problem will follow us for a long time if we lose to the ministers regarding this marriage. It doesnât matter if youâre going to stop me even by holding onto my ankle. That wonât do."
"Just let me go through the process fairly. Iâll do my best. Am I not a woman that can get away with anything? So, believe in me this time. Hmm?â
Yul embraces Yiseo. What is he to do with this lovely woman? How much longer does he have to wait to have her by his side every day?"
Yul embraces Yiseo. What is he to do with this lovely woman? How much longer does he have to wait to have her by his side every day?"
At that time, he can hear the voice of Eunuch Yang.
âYour Highness! I acknowledged. You have to return to the palace as soon as possible!â
AhâŠhow uncomfortable. I definitely told him not to interrupt me since Iâll be here until morning! Hish!
âYour Highness! I acknowledged. You have to return to the palace as soon as possible!â
AhâŠhow uncomfortable. I definitely told him not to interrupt me since Iâll be here until morning! Hish!
Yiseo was very nervous ahead of the Crown Princess selection process.
She talked big to Yul to reassure him, but will she be able to do this well? What happens if she cannot pass this ceremony?
Yiseo changed into a graceful hanbok sent by Yul through Eunuch Yang.
She talked big to Yul to reassure him, but will she be able to do this well? What happens if she cannot pass this ceremony?
Yiseo changed into a graceful hanbok sent by Yul through Eunuch Yang.
She desperately holds her cherry blossom flower hairpin in her hand. Please protect usâŠ
Amidst her bursting tension, an old man dressed in white entered the Yanghwadang (one of the palace halls) and sits upright.
Amidst her bursting tension, an old man dressed in white entered the Yanghwadang (one of the palace halls) and sits upright.
The King and Queen and the State Ministers were present behind her back, but they were not seen.
The daughter of Minister of Rites On-Hee, the daughter of the Deputy Scholar from the Office of Special Advisors, Ja-Young and Yiseo sat side by side.
The daughter of Minister of Rites On-Hee, the daughter of the Deputy Scholar from the Office of Special Advisors, Ja-Young and Yiseo sat side by side.
She had asked Yul to make it a fair competition. She wonders what kind of strategy he has.
âIâll ask the first question without asking for your name. What is the most impressive passage in the book?â
âIâll ask the first question without asking for your name. What is the most impressive passage in the book?â
Yiseo feels goosebumps all over. He keeps looking this way with endless glances...but that man is blind! So, this is Yulâs plan!
Yul had declared that he will do the Crown Princess selection & expressed his position firmly at a gathering with the King, Queen & State Ministers.
Yul had declared that he will do the Crown Princess selection & expressed his position firmly at a gathering with the King, Queen & State Ministers.
âPlease omit the gold ban, ìŽê°í*, ìŹê°í* and carry out ìŒê°í* only. To prevent politics from directly standing on the outside world, I want the Crown Princess selection process this time to be fairer than ever. ThusâŠplease grant your permission for a blind test!â
[TRIVIA BY ME]
ê°í (Gantaek) refers to an event in which several marriage candidates are gathered in a palace in order to wage marriage in the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. The procedure is started with a gold ban first = no one can get married during this period. CONT.
ê°í (Gantaek) refers to an event in which several marriage candidates are gathered in a palace in order to wage marriage in the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. The procedure is started with a gold ban first = no one can get married during this period. CONT.
[TRIVIA BY ME]
It is typically carried out in 3 stages of interviews: ìŽê°í (Cho Gantaek), ìŹê°í (Jae Gantaek) and ìŒê°í (Sam Gantaek).
ìŽê°í: 15-30 candidates. 5-7 candidates selected to proceed.
ìŹê°í: 3 candidates selected to proceed.
ìŒê°í: Final candidate chosen.
It is typically carried out in 3 stages of interviews: ìŽê°í (Cho Gantaek), ìŹê°í (Jae Gantaek) and ìŒê°í (Sam Gantaek).
ìŽê°í: 15-30 candidates. 5-7 candidates selected to proceed.
ìŹê°í: 3 candidates selected to proceed.
ìŒê°í: Final candidate chosen.
The King asked back in wonder. âBlind testâŠ?â
"I would like to recommend someone who is sure not to stand on anyoneâs side. Lee Nam-Yeon, who served as a state councilor.â
Everyone was in shock.
"I would like to recommend someone who is sure not to stand on anyoneâs side. Lee Nam-Yeon, who served as a state councilor.â
Everyone was in shock.
âIsnât Lee Nam-Yeon the one who lost his sight and became a recluse after resigning on his own?â
The Queen was fired up.
âHow can a man who canât even see be fair?!â
The Queen was fired up.
âHow can a man who canât even see be fair?!â
âThis way we can make the selection fair. He would not know who the candidate is, whether she is a Ministerâs daughter or not.â
Ugh!! Frustrated, the Queen quickly worked her mind. She canât just thoughtlessly oppose when the fact is there.
Ugh!! Frustrated, the Queen quickly worked her mind. She canât just thoughtlessly oppose when the fact is there.
Whatever the process, it does not matter who itâs going to be as long as itâs not the woman the Crown Prince wants, does it? The odds are two-thirds! There's a chance of winning.
Who does that woman who spent 10 years with a lowly stepfather think she is? Isnât that right?
Who does that woman who spent 10 years with a lowly stepfather think she is? Isnât that right?
The second question has begun.
âIf there is only one flower that you can present as a gift to His Highness for the rest of his lifeâŠwhat kind of flower would you like to give him?â
âIf there is only one flower that you can present as a gift to His Highness for the rest of his lifeâŠwhat kind of flower would you like to give him?â
âCotton flowers. It is used to make the clothing of the people. Would there be a more precious flower than that?â
That was a conventional answer. Did she look at answer sheet or something? It was somehow reassuring for Yiseo.
That was a conventional answer. Did she look at answer sheet or something? It was somehow reassuring for Yiseo.
[TRIVIA BY ME]
This is actually based on an actual answer given by Queen Jeongsun, Queen Consort of King Yeongjo of Joseon.
When asked about the best flowers, she answered, "Cotton flowers." "Other flowers are only temporarily good, but cotton warms the people (via clothes).â
This is actually based on an actual answer given by Queen Jeongsun, Queen Consort of King Yeongjo of Joseon.
When asked about the best flowers, she answered, "Cotton flowers." "Other flowers are only temporarily good, but cotton warms the people (via clothes).â
âIâŠI will gift His Highness with cherry blossoms.â
The Ministerâs daughter was sure.
Yiseoâs heart dropped with a thud.
The Ministerâs daughter was sure.
Yiseoâs heart dropped with a thud.
Yul, who was standing outside the door, was also dazed.
The Ministerâs daughter continues to speak.
âI heard that His Highness have loved cherry blossoms since his childhood.â
The Ministerâs daughter continues to speak.
âI heard that His Highness have loved cherry blossoms since his childhood.â
âHe even planted a cherry tree in the back garden with his own hands, although it has been cut down now. If I enter the palace, I will plant a cherry tree. Come every spring, we can see the cherry blossoms together and be happy.â
Now it is Yiseoâs turn.
Now it is Yiseoâs turn.
Her mind goes blank as to what answer she should give.
Yul also seems to have turned ashen. He was never this nervous even when he had to face a great many enemies alone on the battlefield.
Yul also seems to have turned ashen. He was never this nervous even when he had to face a great many enemies alone on the battlefield.
Yiseo, who had not been able to answer readily, opens her mouth after a long silence.
âIf I could give His Highness only one flowerâŠI will give him a smile flower(ììêœ)*.â
âIf I could give His Highness only one flowerâŠI will give him a smile flower(ììêœ)*.â
[TRIVIA BY ME]
ììêœ
Literal trans: Smile Flower
[Noun] A word used figuratively for a bright, joyful smile or laughter which appears on one's face, as if it was blooming.
Yiseo has cleverly put a creative spin on her answer. She will give laughter/make him smile.
ììêœ


Literal trans: Smile Flower
[Noun] A word used figuratively for a bright, joyful smile or laughter which appears on one's face, as if it was blooming.

It was only then that Yul let out the breath he was holding. Is this not the wisest answer?
âCotton is precious and cherry blossoms are beautiful, but they come and go with the season. However, laughter is not seasonal. Laughter is also infectious. "
âCotton is precious and cherry blossoms are beautiful, but they come and go with the season. However, laughter is not seasonal. Laughter is also infectious. "
"If His Highness laugh, the eunuch and court ladies will laugh together with him. If you govern with a smile, the People will also have a lot to smile about. Would it not be the happiest duty for the Princess if she could make His Highness smile and make the People smile?â
A smile touches the corners of Lee Nam-Yeonâs mouth. The selection event is already over.
Yul and Yiseo who were dressed in ceremonial clothes enter the front yard of Jeongjeon (central building or pavilion in the palace where most formal ceremonies of the nation are held).
Yul and Yiseo who were dressed in ceremonial clothes enter the front yard of Jeongjeon (central building or pavilion in the palace where most formal ceremonies of the nation are held).
The King, as well as many government officials are present to give their blessings to the two. Among them is the Queen.
In truth, the Queen actually wanted to interfere with the marriage somehow. Yulâs happiness made her stomach aches.
In truth, the Queen actually wanted to interfere with the marriage somehow. Yulâs happiness made her stomach aches.
She wanted to throw some poop at their prospect at least. So, she had secretly summoned a skilful female shaman.
HoweverâŠ
HoweverâŠ
The two share a bond made by the Heavens. Nothing can interfere. Moreover, that child Yiseo is a ìČìê·ìž* (cheoneul gwi in) and she is a ììëȘ© (susaengmok)* and ëȘ©ìí (moksaenghwa)* for Her Majesty blah blahâŠ
[TRIVIA BY ME]
The Queen called the shaman to do a Saju reading, which is an ancient form of divination based on Chinese astrology. They look at exact timing of birth (down to the hour) and their names to offer insight into oneâs destiny and marital harmony(gunghap) etc. CONT.
The Queen called the shaman to do a Saju reading, which is an ancient form of divination based on Chinese astrology. They look at exact timing of birth (down to the hour) and their names to offer insight into oneâs destiny and marital harmony(gunghap) etc. CONT.
[TRIVIA BY ME]
This was a precondition of any talk of marriage in the past.
ìČìê·ìž (cheoneul gwi in)= someone who wears the virtues of the heaven.
In terms of the five elements:
ììëȘ© (susaengmok)= water makes wood grow.
ëȘ©ìí (moksaenghwa)= wood makes fire burn.
This was a precondition of any talk of marriage in the past.
ìČìê·ìž (cheoneul gwi in)= someone who wears the virtues of the heaven.
In terms of the five elements:
ììëȘ© (susaengmok)= water makes wood grow.
ëȘ©ìí (moksaenghwa)= wood makes fire burn.
[SUMMARY]
Based on the Saju reading, Yiseo is a match made in heaven for Yul. She is a very noble character and she will bring good luck to the Queen (as her elements complement and enhance the Queenâs elements).

âAh, I donât need to know all that. In conclusion, itâs a good thing for me?â
âYes. This is very good. There will be no other abundant fortune as this."
âYes. This is very good. There will be no other abundant fortune as this."
âIt's in your fate that Your Majesty and Prince Seowon could be removed or killed in the future, but she is a noble person who could prevent that from happening.â
Seriously?!! If so, thenâŠwhat can she do? Thus, with all her heart, the Queen celebrated Yul and Yiseoâs marriage.
Seriously?!! If so, thenâŠwhat can she do? Thus, with all her heart, the Queen celebrated Yul and Yiseoâs marriage.
The Queen didnât know.
Before the shaman came to see her, she had met Yul briefly at his call. Well, itâs not like Yul was asking her to lie either.
He is sure that itâs going to be a good divinationâŠhe was only asking her to exaggerate a littleâŠthatâs all.
Before the shaman came to see her, she had met Yul briefly at his call. Well, itâs not like Yul was asking her to lie either.
He is sure that itâs going to be a good divinationâŠhe was only asking her to exaggerate a littleâŠthatâs all.
The moment when Yul and Yiseo, who are dressed in ceremonial robes smiled at each other, snow begins to scatter. The snowflakes are beautiful like flower blooms.
Finally...night falls.
The court ladies have stepped out as the ëëą°*(dongroe)was over.
Yul and Yiseo are the only two in the room.
The court ladies have stepped out as the ëëą°*(dongroe)was over.
Yul and Yiseo are the only two in the room.
[TRIVIA BY ME]
ëëą° (dongroe): A consummation ritual where the king leads the queen into the room to share food and alcohol. Afterwards, each will be guided into separate rooms by the court ladies to change out of their robes before meeting again for hapbang (sleep together).
ëëą° (dongroe): A consummation ritual where the king leads the queen into the room to share food and alcohol. Afterwards, each will be guided into separate rooms by the court ladies to change out of their robes before meeting again for hapbang (sleep together).
Perhaps itâs because she had been drinking í©íìŁŒ (habhwanju: ritual of exchanging cups of alcohol before hapbang), Yiseoâs heart is beating like crazy.
Can Yul hear it by chance? Just do anything for now.
âYour Highness, Iâll pour some more wine for you.â
Can Yul hear it by chance? Just do anything for now.
âYour Highness, Iâll pour some more wine for you.â
She begins to pour another cup of wine for Yul but he,
âI donât want to drink any more. I donât want to be drunk when I hold you.â
âI donât want to drink any more. I donât want to be drunk when I hold you.â
[CONTEXT FYI]
In the above:
Yul said, âI want to hold đđđ.â
He would usually say ë (neo) or ë€ê° (nega) when he addresses Yiseo using the pronoun "You" .
But in the above, he uses the word ê·žë (geudae) instead.
CONT.
In the above:
Yul said, âI want to hold đđđ.â
He would usually say ë (neo) or ë€ê° (nega) when he addresses Yiseo using the pronoun "You" .
But in the above, he uses the word ê·žë (geudae) instead.
CONT.
[CONTEXT FYI]
ê·žë (geudae):
A respectful term for âYouâ to address someone you respect or love. Usually used as an equivalent for âdearâ as it sounds romantic. Nowadays, considered an old expression thus rarely used in real life but rather found in literature or love songs.
ê·žë (geudae):
A respectful term for âYouâ to address someone you respect or love. Usually used as an equivalent for âdearâ as it sounds romantic. Nowadays, considered an old expression thus rarely used in real life but rather found in literature or love songs.
Yiseo almost dropped the wine bottle. You (dear), he said. Hold me, he said.
âWhy are you so surprised? Now that weâre married, sleeping together (hapbang) is a matter of course.â
âWhy are you so surprised? Now that weâre married, sleeping together (hapbang) is a matter of course.â
Yiseo fumbles.
âThatâs not itâŠitâs because the way Your Highness spoke to me is unfamiliar.â
âIsnât that also just a given? Now that you are my wife.â
âThatâs not itâŠitâs because the way Your Highness spoke to me is unfamiliar.â
âIsnât that also just a given? Now that you are my wife.â
It was a miracle. To have met Yiseo who he thought was dead, became each otherâs husband and wife, and they ended up having another breakup before getting married to each other once againâŠ
âIsnât fate so mischievous? I canât believe I married the same person twice.â
âIsnât fate so mischievous? I canât believe I married the same person twice.â
âThe day of our first marriage is still vivid in my mind. Your glare when you looked at me during the wedding.â
âI also vividly remember. The first night. You said everything was uncomfortable and not to touch a hair on your body. Donât tell meâŠdo you still want that?â
âI also vividly remember. The first night. You said everything was uncomfortable and not to touch a hair on your body. Donât tell meâŠdo you still want that?â
âNo way.â
Yiseo suddenly reaches out and touches Yulâs cheek. Yul pulls back and stiffen.
âWhy do you react like that? I heard Iâm the only woman who can touch Your Highness without permission.â
Yiseo suddenly reaches out and touches Yulâs cheek. Yul pulls back and stiffen.
âWhy do you react like that? I heard Iâm the only woman who can touch Your Highness without permission.â
Yiseo smiles teasingly at him, but Yul does not reciprocate. There is no smile or playfulness in his eyes.
âWhat a daring wife.â
âWhat a daring wife.â
Embarrassed, Yiseo quickly puts her hand down. She must have made a mistake.
During the training period, she had been taught until a scab forms over her ear (to hear somebody repeat something over and over) to act modest in front of His Highness.
During the training period, she had been taught until a scab forms over her ear (to hear somebody repeat something over and over) to act modest in front of His Highness.
Yul pushes aside the table, which is in the way, to the side and pulls Yiseo by the waist into his arms. His hand touches the tie of her upper garment. Yiseo becomes urgent.
âI wish to turn off the lightâŠâ
âLater.â
âI wish to turn off the lightâŠâ
âLater.â
Yul slowly peels off Yiseoâs upper garment and lay her down on the bedding.
It's like she is burning all over with how close their bodies are and Yul gazing down at her.
âI am very curious. Where would you start from? The only woman who can touch me without permission.â
It's like she is burning all over with how close their bodies are and Yul gazing down at her.
âI am very curious. Where would you start from? The only woman who can touch me without permission.â
After a moment of hesitation, Yiseo puts her arms around Yulâs neck.
Yul smirks. âIâm disappointed.â
Yul smirks. âIâm disappointed.â
No sooner the words come out, Yiseo pulls Yul towards her and kisses him.
Long eyelashes tickle the cheeks. The smell of Yul fervently enters her nose. It is a warm and soft scent.
Long eyelashes tickle the cheeks. The smell of Yul fervently enters her nose. It is a warm and soft scent.
Yulâs lips slowly wander down Yiseoâs fair neck and collarbone and reach her chest.
The quiet room is filled with the sound of their breathing.
The quiet room is filled with the sound of their breathing.
A year later, the atmosphere inside the palace was heavy.
Yiseoâs labour pains were entering its second day. Yul stood motionless in the back garden, with Jeyoon and Kwon Hyuk standing guard next to him.
Yiseoâs labour pains were entering its second day. Yul stood motionless in the back garden, with Jeyoon and Kwon Hyuk standing guard next to him.
âYour Highness, itâs cold. Iâm afraid youâll get sick, so please head inside.â
âI am terribly sad that I cannot share the pain my wife is in. How can I sit by myself in a warm room?â
âBut if you do this, Your Highness will collapse first.â
âI donât care.â
âI am terribly sad that I cannot share the pain my wife is in. How can I sit by myself in a warm room?â
âBut if you do this, Your Highness will collapse first.â
âI donât care.â
At this time, a muddy Eunuch Yang came running.
âYour Highness!!!â
âWhat happened?â
âI beg your pardonâŠitâs terribleâŠâ
Eunuch Yang welled up with tears and could not continue talking. There was nothing more to hear. Yul rushed to the front of Sansilcheong (maternity ward).
âYour Highness!!!â
âWhat happened?â
âI beg your pardonâŠitâs terribleâŠâ
Eunuch Yang welled up with tears and could not continue talking. There was nothing more to hear. Yul rushed to the front of Sansilcheong (maternity ward).
The royal advisor lowered his head. He said it was a difficult delivery. He had to make a choice between his wife or the child. His eyes dimmed.
âThat is the most stupid question of all! It should be my wife! It must be my wife!â
âThat is the most stupid question of all! It should be my wife! It must be my wife!â
At that moment, the cry of the child burst out of the room. Yulâs heart seemed to stop. If the child is bornâŠwhat the hell happened to Yiseo?!
Yul named the child Lee So (âSoâ uses the hanja âçŹâ which means smile). Like Yiseoâs wish to always make him smile, he wishes he could always smile at his child.
It has been 5 years since So was born, 3 years since he ascended the throne after completing his regency period.
It has been 5 years since So was born, 3 years since he ascended the throne after completing his regency period.
Yul attended the official gathering and summoned Jeyoon, who had volunteered as a magistrate at the frontier, to come back.
He was going to make him Fifth Royal Secretary (ì°ë¶ìčì§). He could imagine why he left the palace, but he must have recovered his composure by now âŠ
He was going to make him Fifth Royal Secretary (ì°ë¶ìčì§). He could imagine why he left the palace, but he must have recovered his composure by now âŠ
âThe Crown Prince has a lecture íê° (Hoegang: monthly plenary session which was held with the entire staff of the Royal Lecture in attendance). Skip the ìŁŒê° (Jugang) lecture and visit the palace.â
âI'd like to postpone the Crown Prince's íê° (Hoegang) lecture for a few days. I will also abolish the ìŁŒê° (Jugang) and ìê° (Seokgang) and do nothing but the ìŒë (Yadae) lecture.â
[TRIVIA BY ME]
During Joseon, Kings and Crown Princes studied with their officials 3 times a day. Lectures held in the morning, day, and afternoon were called ìĄ°ê° (Jogang), ìŁŒê° (Jugang) and ìê° (Seokgang) respectively.
ìŒë (Yadae) is a special lecture held at night. CONT
During Joseon, Kings and Crown Princes studied with their officials 3 times a day. Lectures held in the morning, day, and afternoon were called ìĄ°ê° (Jogang), ìŁŒê° (Jugang) and ìê° (Seokgang) respectively.
ìŒë (Yadae) is a special lecture held at night. CONT
[TRIVIA BY ME]
The lectures vary depending on the King, but it is rare to do it every day. Examples: King Taejong avoided the lectures; King Sejo abolished the lectures whereas King Sejong considered the lectures very important.
The lectures vary depending on the King, but it is rare to do it every day. Examples: King Taejong avoided the lectures; King Sejo abolished the lectures whereas King Sejong considered the lectures very important.
âYour Majesty! How can you do that?â
âI heard from Eunuch Yang. The cherry blossoms have bloomed in the back garden.â
âI heard from Eunuch Yang. The cherry blossoms have bloomed in the back garden.â
Embarrassed, the Ministers reproached themselves inwardly. It happens like a rite of passage every yearâŠwhy didnât they realise that today is the day the cherry blossoms bloom? If they had known in advance, they would have the opportunity to score a point from His Majesty. Hmph.
On the other side of the Crown Princeâs palace, martial arts practice by So and Chief Palace Guard Kwon Hyuk was in full swing.
Yul quietly observed So from afar. Dark eyebrows, deep black eyes...his face is a split image of Yul, but he acts exactly like Yiseo. Even when he meets a difficult and strong opponent, he is always confident.
Soâs wooden sword hit Kwon Hyukâs head with a bang, but So was not happy at all.
âWhatâs this? Did you let me off easy?â (So uses satoori here)
âYour Highness, I told you not to speak that way. If the Ministers find out, your nursemaid Park-ssi will get in trouble.â
âWhatâs this? Did you let me off easy?â (So uses satoori here)
âYour Highness, I told you not to speak that way. If the Ministers find out, your nursemaid Park-ssi will get in trouble.â
Kkeutnyeo, who was standing by, stepped out.
âItâs alright. Iâll just get in trouble then. But Your Highness, youâre supposed to be attending the lecture today and studying. Is it alright for you to practice martial arts like this?"
âItâs alright. Iâll just get in trouble then. But Your Highness, youâre supposed to be attending the lecture today and studying. Is it alright for you to practice martial arts like this?"
âIt has been less than 10 days since I started learning ëëȘœì ì” (Dongmong seonseub: elementary school textbook for children during Joseon). The hoegang lecture is dull.â
So shrugged and smiled.
So shrugged and smiled.
âAigoo, so blinding. How can you look so pretty smiling? Our Crown Prince looks just like His Majesty. Your eyebrows, nose and lipsâŠthereâs nothing that is out of place. My Taedu is stuck with a pulverised face he got from his father.â
âHow uncomfortable.â
âHow uncomfortable.â
Oh! This voice. Looking back, Yul was approaching.
âYour Majesty!â
Kkeutnyeo bowed her head.
âI canât believe Iâm talking about my husbandâs flaws in front of the young Prince. Itâs about time I got used to Gudol. ItâsâŠitâs just so frustrating day in day out.â
âYour Majesty!â
Kkeutnyeo bowed her head.
âI canât believe Iâm talking about my husbandâs flaws in front of the young Prince. Itâs about time I got used to Gudol. ItâsâŠitâs just so frustrating day in day out.â
âHas he been idling at home this whole time?â
âIâll be thankful if he stays put. It hasnât been long since he started and failed his fish mongering business, but heâs going to start a ramie fabric trade this time.â
âIâll be thankful if he stays put. It hasnât been long since he started and failed his fish mongering business, but heâs going to start a ramie fabric trade this time.â
âPlease stop, Father. My heart also becomes heavy when nanny is worried.â
âI will.â
Yul picked up So and held him.
In the back garden, the blossoming cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Yul walked while holding hands with the small So and looked up at the cherry tree.
âI will.â
Yul picked up So and held him.
In the back garden, the blossoming cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Yul walked while holding hands with the small So and looked up at the cherry tree.
"You fell in love with Mother at first sight, didn't you? Under the cherry blossom tree."
"No. I fell in love at first sight even before that. From the moment my head was hit with a wooden sword."
"No. I fell in love at first sight even before that. From the moment my head was hit with a wooden sword."
Yul quietly recalled the old memories. Yiseo who hit his head with an ebony wooden swordâŠthe very moment they first metâŠ
âI wish Mother is here with usâŠâ
Startled, Eunuch Yang hurriedly made an excuse.
âI wish Mother is here with usâŠâ
Startled, Eunuch Yang hurriedly made an excuse.
âWe have sent words to the Queenâs palace butâŠI heard that the Queen is getting an examination (ì§ë§„: feeling the pulse for diagnosis) done by the female physician.â
The physician? Yul told So to take a look at the flowers with Eunuch Yang for a while.
The physician? Yul told So to take a look at the flowers with Eunuch Yang for a while.
He reassured So and quickly turned away. However, at this time, Yiseo entered the back garden.
âMy Queen! Where are you hurt? I heard you called the female physician to see you.â
ââŠshe said Iâm pregnant.â
His heart suddenly sank. âPregnant?â
âMy Queen! Where are you hurt? I heard you called the female physician to see you.â
ââŠshe said Iâm pregnant.â
His heart suddenly sank. âPregnant?â
âAre you not happy?â
âI am happy, but I cannot be completely pleased. Didnât you have a hard time giving birth to So?â
âI didâŠbut you know the reason for it.â
âI am happy, but I cannot be completely pleased. Didnât you have a hard time giving birth to So?â
âI didâŠbut you know the reason for it.â
âOf course, I know. Often, other women seem to abstain from food and drink with morning sickness, but my Queen's appetite was extraordinary.
As a result, the child in the womb became enormously big. Wasnât that why you had severe labour pains?â
As a result, the child in the womb became enormously big. Wasnât that why you had severe labour pains?â
âWasnât it because he takes after Your Majesty?! I couldnât stand it. I was craving for meat pancakes all the time!
If I control my diet and snacking wellâŠthis time, she said I would be able to have a smooth delivery without any difficulty.â
If I control my diet and snacking wellâŠthis time, she said I would be able to have a smooth delivery without any difficulty.â
Ah⊠why did my appetite explode...Yiseoâs cheeks flushed red.
âAll of you, turn around for a while!â
At Yulâs order, the eunuchs and court ladies turned. Here we go againâŠ
So grinned and tightly shut his eyes.
âAll of you, turn around for a while!â
At Yulâs order, the eunuchs and court ladies turned. Here we go againâŠ
So grinned and tightly shut his eyes.
âThis time, I wish itâll be a princess who looks like youâŠâ
âI wish itâs a princess who looks like Your Majesty though?â
âI wish itâs a princess who looks like Your Majesty though?â