Rubbing the Right Way (1)

It was morning when Sungho had read the letter delivered to him by the eunuch, telling that Hyun Sik would return home before evening. As he was getting excited upon his arrival, he asked Chun to dress him in pleasing, nice clothing.

Sungho planned to wait for Hyun Sik in his court. However, while Chun was styling his hair, a maidservant knocked on the door and informed him that the grand concubine was asking for his presence at her court. Saying the grand concubine desired to spend time with him.

Although his court lady was hesitant, Sungho gave reassurance that nothing would happen. 'This is dangerous, yet I don't want to decline it nor ignore it,' was his contrary comment in his mind. Obviously, he would not tell it to anyone.

With Chun supporting him and Daewon following behind, he minced across the grand concubine's courtyard, passing through the strange and dim looking small warehouse on his way. Soon then, before him, he found a platform deck was built at the end of the enclosed area.

Sungho saw the woman who invited him sitting, seemingly enjoying her tea under the shade of a small gazebo made of wood. And as he reached the deck, Sungho greeted her immediately.

"Grand Concubine Jin." He made a short bow while he was reciting before moving his way and took his seat.

"Another bodyguard?"

"Ah, yes. This kind soldier is Daewon."

She bobbed her head and continued, "... I didn't expect you to come, Concubine Eun. I thought you'd be resting since you're not feeling well." The grand concubine signaled her court lady standing behind her to pour him tea.

"Thank you for worrying about my wellbeing," Sungho quoted as he watched the person full his teacup before he beamed a smile as his thanks. The smell of the gentle herbal, the touch of pungent earthy fume with a mix of lavender caressed his senses.

"It's nothing, Concubine Eun. For that I'm always concerned about the King's wives and concubines." Sungho shifted his gaze to the cunning grand concubine who was flashing him with a sweet smile.

"Hm. That's very much kind of you, Grand Concubine," he replied, "I'm doing well at recovering my energy after catching the flu after the feast."

"Great news... Because I thought you wouldn't."

Just when he caught the words, he saw how the smile remained printed on her lips as she brought the statement. She rather flashed it more charmingly before lowering the teacup on her hold.

"Since there are times the flu can cause severe illness, which," the grand concubine made a pause before continuing, "I heard is deadly."

Sungho bobbed his head and agreed, "... Yes. I shall be more careful from now on." And decided to place his hands around the teacup to warm his palms.

The conversation became dead in a moment. The sounds of the rustles from the bushes and leaves of the tree planted around the deck rang along with the whistling of the breeze.

"What are you up to lately, Concubine Eun?"

"... I have been reading books about archery."

"So you can read in that state? What can a person like you do with archery?" the grand concubine joked out, giggling in a soft and delicate manner that made him snap from his resolve.

"Ah, yes. I might be blind but I'm also very confident to strike an arrow to any target. Do you want to try and witness for yourself, Your Highness?" Sungho felt the exasperation forming in him as he said, "We can put an object on your head while I attempt to strike an arrow on it."

"You're going to use me to hold the target?"

"Yes," was his answer. "Oh perhaps, does Her Highness want to be the target instead? We can also work with that." Sungho clasped his hands and flashed the brightest smile to the woman who appeared to be trembling from anger.

"... Your Highness." He heard his court lady worriedly mouthed behind his ears.

"What is it, Chun? Brother has arrived already?" Sungho brought a lie to excuse himself from the small tea party that the grand concubine was holding. "Grand Concubine Jin, I'm afraid I need to return to my court. My brother is waiting for me. I'm sorry if I couldn't drink the tea your court lady has served for me. Let's appoint another meeting next time, Your Highness."