For all the books she devoured like her hunger is never fully satisfied, she is everything but of a common birth. A noble man’s daughter. A pawn to be moved in the political game.  

It was a prospect that always troubled her. Yet Father was understanding. He never pressured her into anything. Not with the stitching. Not with her marriage likelihoods.

The implication of Hong In-Bang’s sudden move doesn’t escape her notice. Or anyone in the political ring.

“If we accept the marriage, then our family will become the people’s enemy with Hong In-Bang and Gil Tae-Mi, and put Yi Seong-Gye as our enemy.”

Jang Bogo of Silla had attempted to marry his daughter to King Munseong as a play to gain political power. Hong In-Bang is neither a military man nor has the military power to back his standing. Certainly his status could never touch the level of respect Yi Seong-Gye commanded from his people.

“What are your thoughts? Is it marriage with Hong In-Bang or holding hands with Yi Seong-Gye?”

A mouse Hong In-Bang is, playing on its own. Not realising two giant cats looming over him, waiting to seize him with eagerness. Haedong Gapjok do not play with mice.

The giant cats that worries her the most. Each cat lying in wait, eagerly anticipating for their prey’s next move. One mistake could be the mice’s last fatal error.

“It is not whether it’s Hong In-Bang or Yi Seong-Gye, I think it’s whether it’s General Choi Young or General Yi. That is the right question.”      

Father’s eyebrows rise, “How come?”

The stench of personal disgruntlement interlocked with self-contained despise for the cowardly and abusive Dodang officials had spilled into politics. That Da-Gyeong could sniff. It won’t be long until Haedong Gapjok will be dragged into the dirty battle as well.

“I think there will be a revolt in a short time.”

“What? Revolt?”

“General Choi Young will look for the right time and eventually will take out Hong In-Bang and Gil Tae-Mi. Since Yi In-Gyeom is not in the Dodang, there will be no obstacles.”

“So? You are saying our family needs protection as well?”

Just like everyone keeping an eye on Hong In-Bang’s proposal, they must knew of the terrible intention. The power that comes with the Haedong Gapjok’s name. Hong In-Bang would achieve what Jang Bogo failed to do with the Silla Royal House.

The future of her clan rest on her potential marriage. Part of Da-Gyeong would have laughed bitterly for all the foresight she supposedly have.

Hong In-Bang’s ambition, large and consuming logic – how was it she found herself being forced into a marriage she had no desire of participating? Ego. Untouchable ego was what fuelled his actions.

He would played it safe, now that Dodang was in his grasp, she assumes. Another family of the Haedong Gapjok clan with daughters to spare. A minor fraction of the clan’s power outsourced to him. Not the whole clan’s.

She, the daughter of Haedong Gapjok’s leader, carries more weight. More power. Hong In-Bang would not leave any stones unturned when it concerns power.

“Yes, it is the time of disturbance and the time to need protection.”

Father leans closer, “Then if it were you, who would you choose?”

Lust and overpowering greed blinded Hong In-Bang’s eyes. He failed to see his demise was already set in motion. The answer is clear as the blue sky on a summer’s day.

“I, with many reasons, think General Yi is the right choice.”

Even so, their hands are tied. He had made sure of it. One could not back down from his proposal, no matter how badly she wishes for it so. To join hands with the Yi Family, an option she could only mourned at.