Rain poured down heavily, hitting the tiled roofs and stoned paths of the nobleman's big estate. It was a storm like no other, as if the sky was crying for the secrets hidden inside. A little while later, the storm started to slow down. But in the middle of this wild weather came a palanquin carrying Hye-Jin, who wore a lovely red hanbok and a shimmering red rose hairpin that glowed softly in the moonlight.
Hye-Jin was well-known throughout Goryeo as the most beautiful and skilled gisaeng. People talked about her beauty everywhere you went in the kingdom, and although she looked innocent, she was clever and had a strong heart shaped by the challenges of her job. As she stepped out of the palanquin, rain trickled down her delicate face, but she still carried an air of respect even in the middle of the storm.
A servant rushed towards her, bowing deeply while holding an umbrella over her to keep her dry. With a graceful nod, she thanked him and walked toward the big entrance of the nobleman's residence. The hallways were full of whispers, and the walls had seen many years of power and wealth.
Inside, the air smelled of incense and old wood. Lord Jo Do Jin, an old nobleman in his seventies, waited impatiently for her in his chamber. His chamber was filled with treasures that showed off his power and success. Although his body was bent with age, his eyes still shone with desire as he greeted Hye-Jin with open arms, unaware of the thoughtful look in her eyes.
"My honored guest," he said, his voice thick from the wine he had drunk alone. "You honor me by coming here tonight. And in this weather."
Hye-Jin gracefully lowered herself to the floor as she accepted a jar of wine from the servant. "I am the one who is honored, my lord," she replied softly, her voice smooth but with a hint of something sharp underneath. "I bring this small gift to thank you for your patronage. It was made just for you, My Lord."
Lord Jo's eyes lit up at the sight of the wine, which was a rare kind from the southern vineyards that showed his status. He eagerly took the cup, his hands shaking a little as he lifted it to drink deeply. The wine slid down easily, warming his throat and clouding his already tipsy mind.
"I have heard stories about your greatness," he continued, his words blending together as the alcohol took effect. "Your beauty is like that of the goddesses."
Hye-Jin smiled sweetly while pouring him another cup carefully. "Your kind words make me blush, my lord," she said, keeping her eyes on his. "I am just a servant of the arts, trying to bring joy to those who appreciate real beauty."
As the night went on, the room filled with soft whispers and fleeting wishes. Lord Jo's voice grew louder, and his bragging became more exaggerated, pushed by the strong wine and the enchanting gisaeng sitting across from him, calm and serene in his drunken excitement.
"And what about your achievements, my lord?" Hye-Jin asked with a curious tone that dripped with sweetness. "Surely a man like you has done a lot in his life."
Lord Jo laughed loudly, his voice bouncing off the walls. "Ah, my dear, I have gathered wealth beyond what you can count!" he declared proudly, waving his hand around the room to show off his possessions. "Land, gold, treasures from faraway places! They are all mine!"
"Have you ever heard about the Blood Blossoms, My Lord?" Hye-Jin asked him. "No, my dear, what is that?" Lord Jo responded, intrigued. "It's a flower that can be both toxic and helpful. When made right, it can help people relax, but if not, it can be a poison. Just think, what if I added it to your wine…" Hye-Jin joked, her expression lighthearted. "Not only are you beautiful and talented, but you are funny too!" Lord Jo replied, laughing at her joke.
Over time, Lord Jo's words became more slurred, and he struggled to speak clearly as he reached for Hye-Jin with a clear intent; any man would feel desire in the presence of such beauty. But just as his shaky hand tried to touch her, he grew drowsy, his head tilting to the side. The wine had finally taken over, sending him into a deep sleep.
Hye-Jin watched him with a blank expression, but a sly smirk played on her lips. She stood up gracefully and moved around the room like she was exploring. Then, she approached the sleeping nobleman. She took off her beautiful red rose hairpin, which was hidden as a decorative piece but was actually a sharp blade.
"You have bragged enough, you foolish old man," she whispered, her words barely breaking the silence of the room. "Now, it's time to pay for your deeds."
The dagger struck down quickly, slicing into Lord Jo's neck. He gasped softly, but the weight of his dreams and drunkenness muted it. Blood poured from his neck in a bright red rush, soaking the clean wooden floor beneath him.
Hye-Jin pulled out the blade and wiped it on the nobleman's clothes, her face showing no feelings as she stood up and looked around the room one last time, taking in the riches and pride that had filled him with arrogance.
With the same graceful composure with which she had entered, Hye-Jin left the chamber, leaving behind the sound of rain and the smell of betrayal. Outside, the storm continued, washing away all traces of her presence as if she had never been there.
Once she completed her mission, Hye-Jin quietly left the nobleman's estate, her footsteps soft on the wet stone. She moved like a shadow, her red hanbok flowing in the wind. Outside, the estate was dark; only the relentless rain and distant thunder could be heard.
She made her way toward the thick forest behind the estate, taking each step slowly and calmly. The trees soon surrounded her, their branches creating a natural cover from the worst of the storm. In a small open area, two figures were waiting for her, a young man and a young woman, each holding a horse's reins.
The woman stepped forward, her face lit up by a flash of lightning. With a bow, she handed Hye-Jin a black robe. Hye-Jin accepted it and put the veil over her head, the dark fabric absorbing the light and making her hard to recognize.
Without saying a word, the three got on their horses and vanished into the forest, the sound of their hoofbeats fading away in the storm.
Back at the estate, a servant walked into Lord Jo's room. His eyes widened in shock at the sight of his master lying lifeless on the floor in a pool of blood. Realizing what had happened sent a chill through him, while the storm outside continued to rage, uncaring about the dark events that had taken place inside.