*This story is discontinued on this book. HOWEVER, there is a revised version with the same name. Please go to the new story to read. Thank you!*
I wasn't born noble. No, I grew up in a meager four room Hanok, shared by my eight sisters and elder parents. Though in poverty, I was happy. Most of my summers were spent in utter bliss filled with laughter and star scattered skies. Unfortunately, my good memories ended there. Not too soon after turning five, a sudden fire in the middle of the night killed all of my family excluding me. I don't know why the scalding fire let me escape that night. I can't remember much, but I dream every night of my sisters singing me softly to sleep only to have them ripped from my side by orange flames.
As expected, my Ajumni, aunt, took me in. She had completely cut off ties with my family after marrying rich, ashamed of our status. She was wealthy enough to own a home ten times bigger than my Hanok. So when I was orphaned, she adopted me to be her marriage bid to other wealthier men once I old enough to be married off. I grew up under her strict standards, always failing to meet them. Plenty of punishments had occurred, none which marred my skin. Ajumni didn't want to scare away my future husband.
Now at the age of 16, I have been introduced to four rich men, all old enough to be my father. The search was still on for Ajumni, for we haven't heard an answer from any of my potential suitors. This didn't bother me; I had enough stress just trying to deal with Ajumni, let alone a man. I know she just wanted the best for me, but if she could just listen to me for once, I would content.
"Rin, supper is ready," I heard my ajussi, uncle, call to me through my room door. Getting up from my drawing desk, I open the door, revealing a tired looking man; I wasn't sure if it was from age or stress. Even through all his years, his child like eyes never failed to lift me from my despair.
"You could have had a maid fetch me," I slipped in a joke as he pursed his lips.
"I have been gone for a month and you talk to me like that?" Ajussi pouted, making me smile.
Thankfully, Ajumni married a man, who in her eye's, she could easily control. It wasn't that though, not at all. He was just smart enough to not get on her bad side, which was terrifying. You couldn't find many men like him today. All the men here wanted was someone to boss around and be pretty and quiet beside them. Even with my strict upbringing, I wasn't going to be controlled by any man; Ajussi knew that.
"As I was out, I caught a glimpse of Queen Min at the summoning the Emperor held yesterday. Everyday, you look more like her. You could be the same person if I didn't know better." My family didn't talk at supper unless something excited came about, which Ajussi thought this situation was.
Numerous of times I would be told by others that my features quiet resembled those of Queen Min's. I haven't seen the Queen since I was 12, so I can never accurately know if the assumptions are correct. The Royal family never comes out unless there is something very important needed said. I would guess it has something to do with the Japanese or the taxes, which each are somewhat of a problem at this time. I expect the government and royal family believe it might become a larger factor in the future.
"Yes, I heard about the summoning from neighboring house wives, it seemed to be about the taxes?" Ajumni asked in her polite tone, even thought she wasn't too interested in today's politics. Women typically didn't talk at meals but my Ajussi strayed from traditions.
Ajussi cleared his throat to answer, "I couldn't hear too well from the back, but it was something of the sorts."
The two stopped the conversation there so they could continue eating. I blandly stared at the glass and wooden cabinet that held all of Ajumni's expensive glasses and plates; which were always admired, never used. Every now and then, I would think back to my memories of my large family that I shared a tight bond with, one that I thought couldn't break. I didn't have fancy dresses or clean living corridors, but I was happy. I had food in my belly and a roof over my head, that's all I ever needed.
After supper, I tiptoed my way to Ajussi's large office, where he spent most of his time when at home. One of his maids opened the wooden door, revealing Ajussi hidden in piles of paper at his messy desk. This was one room that was always untidy when I would come to visit.
"Ajussi? Are you busy?" My eyebrows nit together as his head pops up into view.
"Not enough to not be able to talk to you, Rin," his soothing voice echoes.
"Well... I was wondering if you brought anything home with you?" I timidly ask.
Ajussi would go on business trips quiet a lot, and on every one, he would bring me something. This gift usually was something Ajumni wouldn't let me buy myself, so it was always something I cherished dearly.
"Oh how could I forget!" He felt inside his desk drawer, clutching onto something, "Here it is."
I watched as he lifted his hand to show me a small book with a cover made of dark material. I slowly placed a finger along the edge, taking in a breath. Opening it once I had it in my careful hands, I turned to the empty pages one by one, making my eyes light up. The only thing close to a book I have owned was a few sheets of paper, which were now already used up.
Small sprints of ideas formed inside my head, ideas I could now put somewhere. The only words were on the first page, written in black ink, "Let your imagination explore". I lifted my head to look at my smiling Ajussi. It wasn't illegal for girls to read or write, but it was extremely uncommon. Housework and to plead, the only important things we needed to learn.
"Use it how you see fit. It's yours." Ajussi's eyes were soft, and held pride.
I looked down at my feet then lowered my upper body into a formal bow, "Thank you Ajussi, I will hold his close to my heart."
"Well I thought a gift such as this was needed in order to tell you," Ajussi's voiced lowered.
"Tell me what?" I asked confused, now looking him in the eyes.
"Your Ajumni scheduled for you to meet with some royal officials to discuss if you could be a possible Concubine for Emperor Min." His eyes quivered slightly, noting my forming shock.
"Me? A concubine?" I raised my voice just enough to show my distaste.
It wasn't that becoming a Concubine was bad. For most women it was a chance of a life time; the ultimate position someone of my status could acquire. It was just something I would ever want. Being bossed around by my husband was one thing, but sleeping in the Royal Palace as Emperor Min's mistress was another. This exceeded to a higher level.
"This is wonderful opportunity for you. Something every lady dreams of. Besides, Emperor Min is an excellent King. Don't you think so?" He tries to make the situation sound like I should be jumping for joy, but he knows me better than to really believe that.
I spun around quickly to walk towards the door which was hastily being opened by Ajussi's maid.
"Hye-Rin, please just listen," I hear his pleads as I exit the room, but don't turn back. I need to talk with Ajumni about this, even if it makes her head explode.
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The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)
Fanfiction*Please read the edited version of this story by the same name* It was meant to be a privilege to become a Concubine of the Korean Emperor, Min Yoongi. His charming demeanor and well respected nature made him a favorite throughout Korea. But truthfu...
