The Last Imoogi

It Finally Rained!

Sandara was excited to see what Hanyang looked like because after all, she was a country bumpkin who grew up by the East coast county of Gyeongju. Though Gyeongju had the best view of the East Ocean, of course she was curious to see the bustling and busy streets of Hanyang.

But what a let down! Kwon Jiyong hated noise and unwanted attention so he made sure to take an alternate route around the mountain. Ever since before, she's always left a window in her palanquin open for air and a good view but this time she wanted to shut it close if not for her discomfort being confined in such a small space. In no time, they made it to the bridge towards the Southern gates of the palace.

She was still in a low mood when the curtains before her were lifted, and when she looked up, Han Sanggung was there to welcome her.

"Han Sanggung!" She was somehow delighted to see a familiar face. She quickly stepped out of her palanquin and smiled at the palace lady.

"This servant greets Manim!" Han Sanggung was excited to meet her as well. When Sandara looked around, Kwon Jiyong was nowhere to be found.

Didn't they arrive at the same time? Sometimes she wondered just how fast Kwon Jiyong walks. 

Will there come a time that they'll walk together?

She sighed dejectedly. She was about to ask about her cold-hearted husband but Han Sanggung beat her to it. "His Excellency dropped by at the ancestral hall. Ma-nim should come follow and pay her respects as well."

"Oh." So Kwon Jiyong also know how to pay respect to his ancestors? She curved her lips down as if unconvinced. Still, she took her time to look around the palace on their way. It was a really vast estate and there were too many servants walking here and there. She even received a lot of cold glances despite them bowing before her. But she understood people are entitled to their own opinions. She wasn't going to live in the palace so she just shrugged it off.

No wonder, Kwon Jiyong went to a seclusion. A person as aloof as him could not survive in here. Though in a way, she was sure these maidservants wouldn't be giving him cold and mocking glances. Lovestruck and smitten were probably the best way to describe these women if it was Kwon Jiyong who passed by. Who would know just how many women had fallen on their knees to adore him?

She shook her head at the thought. What was she thinking? But somehow, she managed to raise her head up high. She became the official wife of His Excellency. Her title alone speaks weight. What's there to worry?

When they reached the Ancestral Hall, her legs were already aching. The Southern gates were too far from here! They should have taken the main ones!

But who was she to complain? And how, when she was inside a palanquin being led on by her so called husband?

"Han Sangung!" A eunuch came running towards them when they were about to enter. "Han Sangung... His Majesty said... His Majesty..."

"Say it immediately! What His Majesty???" Han Sanggung grew impatient. Why is this eunuch being so nervous?

"His Majesty ordered this servant to tell His Excellency's consort to be present at the morning assembly!"

"What? But Jeonha specifically instructed me to wait on His Excellency and Ma-nim so that they enter together? What's with the sudden changes?"

Sandara also sensed something was off. Based on the King's personality, he wouldn't ask audience from her alone. In fact, the King even entrusted her in the hands of his uncle. Also, does the King change his mind that easy? Between these two servants, she trusted Han Sanggung's words more. Sandara looked at the young eunuch and studied his face. There's a way to find out.