The Royal Concubine (edited)

Chapter 2

       My mother was born into the middle class. Being the youngest of five siblings, she wasn't consumed by expectation. Her father and oldest brother supported the family while she was able to take her time in selecting a husband. However, at the age of fifteen, my mother had to choose between social class and the love of her life. Defying all her elders, she chose him, my father. He was a tall, broad man with a very loud laugh. When my father would walk into the room, a nice breeze and the smell of pine would follow. His family, poor farmers, gave the land to my father. I was told my paternal grandparents died soon after my second oldest sibling was born, but my father kept their memories alive with wild stories and sweet lullabies.

       Now, after growing up hearing summery tales of romance and the alluring songs of love, I am being forced to resign. I leave every hope of happiness in the burning flames of my heart. Maybe someday I will be able to bare being the concubine of a man who is married to another. But that is not today. Today I am locked in an elaborate palanquin heading towards the palace. The whispers and quiet gasps are enough to embarrass me, although my whole form is hidden from their gawking eyes. The uneven pace of my ride through the town feels unnatural; I can't seem to stay calm. Of course, there are other more important matters that make my chest coil.

       As I wobble out of the palanquin, I am met with multiple court ladies with identical jade and navy blue hanboks. I force a smile that mirrors theirs and say a polite greeting. The senior court lady replies to me, "Agasshi, your humble servants have been asked to begin the hugung selection process. Please follow us."

       Beautifully structured building of colors red, green, and white litter the king's massive property. I hurriedly walk behind the court ladies as I try to scan over every detail. Instead of walking in the crisp snow, a freshly cleared stone path runs below my feet. On our way through the palace grounds, I pass by what looks to be the throne room. Is the king in there right now? My breath stiffens. Luckily, we only walk by it, continuing the trek. More gates and buildings follow until we stand in front of decorated white walls and red wooden columns.

       "This is Gyotaejeon, Wangbi mama's* quarters. This is where your examination will be held," the head court lady says.

       "Is... Wangbi mama in there now?" I ask, my nerves getting the better of me.

       "Wangbi mama is currently in the Royal Private Library, Jibokje. You may be given an audience with her at a later time." The women make their way up the steps. A small sigh runs past my lips.

       Inside one of the many rooms in the Queen's quarters, I am asked to completely undress. The only woman who has ever judged my naked body has been my calculating aunt, waiting for my young figure to ripen. The court ladies gently remove the silk layers until every inch of bare skin can be seen. I fidget under their watchful gaze, hoping one slight defect will let me escape. Hands awkwardly wrap around my body to feel for any lumps lurking under the skin. However, my skin is as white and unmarred as the frost outside. Finally, I am able to return to my suffocating, but newly desired, clothes.

       "The first part of the examination is complete. We will proceed to the next step."

       I loose track of time once the lessons begin. I can almost be a scholar with how much information they plant in my head. Did you know the Military Training Agency had less than 80 troops to start with? And the only reason it was formed was because of King Seonjo after the first Japanese invasion of Korea. But does a concubine of the king really need to know this? No, but that is not for me to decide, it seems.

       I ask to be allowed to walk outside for a moment. My eyes burn from the world covered beautifully in white. I soak up the fresh smell reaching out of the ground. Dead leaves race through the courtyard, skirting the snow only to soar back towards the clouds. I yearn to join in their journey across the country, but my feet remain planted to Gyeongbokgung Palace.