Decisions

His Adopted Daughter

Hae Sung Jin did not know what to expect when he returned to Goryeo. It had been many years since he had stepped onto its soil, as he had been away as an indefinite ambassador. Although he had a home, he had no one to greet him aside from his few servants, all who he kept to simply keep his residence clean while he was away. His beloved wife had passed away shortly after they were married, taking their unborn child with them. Although he had been urged to remarry so as to extend his family line, he simply could not bring himself to do it. And so he doted upon the daughter of his trusted cousin Hae Chul, and his wife Eun Ju.

He had been away when he received news of Hae Chul and Eun Ju's death. Both had been attacked by bandits on the way home from their travels, and it was only by a miracle that Hae Soo had survived, hiding in the bushes, where her parents had no doubted hidden her before they died. He was unable to return to take care of the child due to his duties, but he was relieved when she had been taken under the care of Hae Myung Hee, her 6th cousin who had married the 8th prince. He had received updates on Soo's life as she grew, but it was suddenly halted when Myung Hee grew sicker. It was a year later that he learned of her death, and he was left to speculate what had become of Chul and Eun Ju's daughter.

As he looked up at the entrance of the palace, he wondered where that child was now. Had she grown into a beautiful young woman? Had she lived a good life until now? Was she married?

Imagine to his surprise after he had been announced by the eunuch, as he stepped into the throne room to see the very girl he had been thinking about. She had been serving tea to King Hyejong, and upon his entrance, she retreated to the side with her head bowed down. When she looked up at him, he could not see any sign of recognition in her eyes. Although it had been many years, surely she would still remember him?

"Ah, Ambassador Hae Sung Jin. It has been awhile, has it not?"

He shook off his surprise and turned to great the King properly. He had known Crown Prince Moo and was glad to see he was doing well as King, though it had not been very long. He hoped the late King Taejo had died in peace.

"Greetings to the new King. I am glad to be back in Goryeo to serve you, Paeha."

"I am glad to see you in good health. You are familiar with my 4th brother Wang So, and his betrothed Hae Soo?"

He looked up to see the King gesture to the two people to his right. He did not notice the 4th prince as he entered, only seeing Soo as he did so. When had she been betrothed, and to the 4th prince no less? Why did he not hear of this? However, he supposed she was of age to marry, and it had been awhile since he had heard anything regarding Soo. His gaze met with that of the 4th prince, and he smiled.

"Yes, the 4th prince and I have worked together during the time he spent as an ambassador. You are lucky to have such a loyal subject, Paeha."

He swallowed before continuing.

"And I know Hae Soo as well. I was close with her parents"

He saw the girl's eyes widen upon hearing him say that. She shared a look with the 4th prince before she looked back at him. He gave her a smile before he focused back on the King who spoke again

"Yes, I have heard. That is why I called you back from Khitan to preside over the wedding. She has no parents or guardians for the ceremony, so I had hoped you would stand in for them. I understand that it would be their wish for you do so."

"It would be my honor to do so, Paeha."

"I am pleased to hear that. I will allow you three to familiarize yourselves with each other. I am sure you all have much to discuss."