The Jang Residence
Four days had gone by since Lord Jang handed Eun Sook a puzzling letter. Since then, Eun Sook had spent all her time in the training yard, focusing so hard it was almost crazy. The sound of her sword hitting practice dummies echoed around the courtyard, each hit a loud shout for revenge. Sweat ran down her face, but she didn't stop, her eyes filled with a fierce determination.
The training yard was her safe haven and her battleground. Every drop of sweat and every swing of her sword brought her closer to her goal. The practice dummies took the brunt of her anger, their straw bodies slashed and beaten. The air around her buzzed with her strong will, pushing her to keep going.
Na Bi, her loyal maid, approached with worry. She had served Eun Sook for years and had never seen her so focused. "My lady," she said, gently interrupting the steady sound of steel hitting wood, "there's an important message from the palace."
Eun Sook paused mid-swing, narrowing her eyes. "What is it?"
Na Bi took a deep breath before continuing, "A messenger has arrived. You need to hear what he has to say."
Reluctantly, Eun Sook put her sword away, the metal sliding back with a final click. She followed Na Bi back to the house, through the back gate meant for servants. They quickly hurried to get her changed so she could go see the royal messenger. At the entrance, the royal messenger stood there, looking anxious.
"Young Lady Jang," he said with a deep bow, "I bring an invitation from the 5th Princess. She is having a banquet to celebrate her birthday, and one person from each noble family must attend."
As the oldest daughter of the Jang family, Eun Sook had to represent her family. But the thought of going to a royal banquet felt as exciting as walking into a snake pit.
Eun Sook kept her expression blank. She waited for the messenger to leave before turning to Maid Servant Park. "I'm not interested in such nonsense. Tell Jang Yeon Woo that she will go in my stead."
Maid Servant Park hesitated, looking uneasy, but eventually nodded. "Yes, my lady."
Without saying anything else, Eun Sook returned to her training ground. Rumors buzzed around her like annoying insects; some people claimed she was ugly, which explained why she stayed by herself and wasn't married despite being twenty five years old. Others whispered that she was disabled or even crazy. But she paid no attention to these talks. Her thirst for revenge was a fire that burned away everything else.
Her mind flashed back to the past, memories as clear as yesterday. The betrayal, the loss, the pain—all had turned her into a weapon, ready for one purpose. Her enemies wouldn't see her coming until it was too late.
A little while later, a palanquin arrived at the Jang house. Just seeing it made the staff curious and nervous. As it stopped at the entrance, Na Bi rushed into the training ground, out of breath.
"My lady, there's an urgent message. Head Gisaeng Han from Hwa-ryeong Jeong is here to see you."
Eun Sook's eyes widened in surprise. For the first time in years, the important Madam Han had come to see her. Interested, she put her sword away and followed Na Bi to the entrance hall.
Head Gisaeng Han, usually graceful and calm, looked upset. She bowed deeply, her voice shaky with worry. "Young Lady Jang, I really need your help. The Gisaengs must perform two dances at the Princess' party, but our main dancer for the sword dance is very sick. The Princess is known to be cruel. If we don't meet her expectations, she may punish us badly. We may even get shut and sold as slaves."
Eun Sook's eyes narrowed as she thought quickly. She knew stories about the Princess' cruelty—how she had harmed servants for small mistakes or severely punished those who outshone her. She even once burned her servants face because her husband was interested in the servant. The Gisaengs were in serious trouble. Just think of what she could do to low-ranking Gisaengs. But Eun Sook wouldn't help without getting something back.
"I will help you," Eun Sook said finally, her voice steady and commanding. "But in return, you must give me information about anything I ask of you. Also, I need another sword for my dance at the banquet—one that doesn't stand out as much as my current one."
Head Gisaeng Ma nodded eagerly. "Anything, my lady. Your help will be remembered."
Eun Sook agreed, feeling satisfied. She would dance not just to save the Gisaengs but to gather more pieces of her revenge plan. She had been given another chance to get closer to her ultimate goal, and she would grab it.
As the sun set, casting long shadows in the Jang house courtyard, Eun Sook returned to her training area. The day had been long and full of surprises, but her determination didn't waver. She switched from warrior mode to dancer mode, her movements smooth and graceful. The sword dance was both deadly and beautiful, each step a mix of lethal skill and captivating charm.
Her mind drifted to the upcoming royal banquet. The banquet would be full of nobles and courtiers, their eyes sharp and their words ready. But Eun Sook was ready. She had faced tougher challenges and come out unhurt. The dance was more than just a show; it was a sign of her strength and will.
As she practiced, the moon shone bright in the night sky, casting a soft glow in the courtyard. Eun Sook's figure moved like a shadow, blending perfectly with the night. Each movement promised a coming reckoning for those who had hurt her.
The night was quiet, except for the gentle rustle of leaves and distant sounds of crickets. It was a peaceful backdrop for the storm growing inside Eun Sook. She was a powerful force, unyielding and unstoppable. The banquet would be her stage, and she would make a strong impression on those who watched her perform.
With one last graceful move, Eun Sook finished her practice. She stood still, breathing evenly, her mind clear. The path ahead was risky, but she welcomed it. Each step brought her closer to her goal, and she would not be stopped.
Looking up at the moon, her eyes reflecting its cold light, she thought about mercy and revenge. For Eun Sook, it was finally time for revenge.