Chapter 22

With the onset of winter, Heonui was getting ready to go home — she had already received a lot of letters from her father, and somehow it was unsuitable for her to stay so long in Wang Han's possessions. Her conscience tormented her and called her to leave and go to her father's house as soon as possible. But now, when Mimi, still faithfully almost never leaving the Princess, packed her last suitcases, the laundress burst into the hall and shouted in such a secret, drunken voice:

"Your Mightiness! You have no idea who we have in the yard! She is the most precious!"

The ladies turned to the newcomer and looked inquiringly at her.

Realizing that she had completely captured their attention, the servant, grabbing Mimi by the arm, said to them both almost conspiratorially:

"Her Excellency has come, Princess Chenghuan. With her personal retinue." And her face lit up with a strange light so that the ladies became worried.

"Who is she? Why did not I hear about her visit at breakfast?" Heonui asked, surprised by the news.

"She, Your Royal Highness, is an important person in our area — her family owns vast lands, you see. And she came to our master! He wants to marry him, I am so sure! We already know! She is amusing His Majesty well, and this way, she will soon be crowned! And now, she is here with the same intention, exactly, exactly, I am telling ya-s!"

"Go away, what a gossip!" Mimi lightly pushed the washerwoman away from her. Her face became thoughtful and nervous.

"Wow…" Heonui muttered. "Where is Wang Han? He came back with her? I wish to see them and know the Queen."

"With her, with her!" somehow smiling venomously — either from the joy of new events in the usually calm estate or from the abomination of character — said the washerwoman, nodding. "Come quickly, Your Royal Highness! Chenghuan is an extraordinary beauty! She is known far beyond our possessions — she is a favourite among the common people! She always helps the very poor."

"Call her by her title, shall you? What a formality!" frowning, ordered Heonui, following the washerwoman. "Why do not I know about her?"

"You, Heonui, darling, that is, Your Royal Highness, have not gone into the world for a long time; we have so much going on here!" responded, bowing endlessly, the washerwoman, following the young ladies, for which she immediately received a light slap in the face from Mimi.

"What a long tongue you have! Go mind your business, shall you!" and Mimi sent the outraged servant downstairs.

Almost simultaneously with Heonui and her assistant, Prince Wang Han and Princess Chenghuan entered the spacious from the bright snowy day, almost dazzlingly bright entrance hall. Oh, how majestic she looked! Stately, with a proud posture and a sharp look, she made it clear with one expression on her face that her mere presence should have caused respect and awe. Her curly, tar-soaked hair shimmered from the lazy winter sun peeping into the room and was woven into an elegant hairstyle, clearly adopted from foreign fashions. Her thin hands were hidden under exquisitely tailored fluffy gloves. Her fur coat neckline, closed from the cold, was decorated with a high, iridescent beaded collar. An expensive cashmere shawl girdled the already luxurious skirts, adding variegation to the outfit and betraying the excellent taste of both the one who sewed and the one on whom these clothes were worn. The outfit was completed by a beautiful muff sewn from a fox skin, which Chenghuan took with her in such a clear cold, apparently seeing it as the final touch to her robes. The Queen gave out a strong character, almost impudent, and youth only spurred on her already modest nature.

Heonui gasped. Not only on how majestic the guest looked, but also on the appearance of Wang Han. It was as if he were a new person — the former silence disappeared without a trace; his eyes shone with obvious interest and participation, and everyone, who looked at Wang Han for only a second, felt a radiant mood. He looked and felt completely happy and joyful because of the visit of the young Chenghuan. Having experienced momentary happiness for him, Heonui changed her mood to her usual gloomy one and, as if putting on a smile-mask, hurried to meet the newcomers.

"Oh, there you are, Heonui!" still beaming, muttered Prince Wang Han, shaking her hand. "We have guests! Her Excellency, Princess Chenghuan came to us all the way from China! I am so delighted I can finally introduce you to her."

The Princess immediately smiled charmingly and bowed generously.

"Your Mightiness! I am so glad to have met you! Prince Wang Han told me so much about you!" Her eyes flashed and met Mimi, who immediately broke into similar curtsies.

Heonui smiled and greeted the guest.

"And… I am so sorry… about… your husband. I know about grief."

There was a tense silence. Wang Han, not wanting to spoil the first impression, hastened to ask:

"Are you free to join Lady Chenghuan and me for reading later? She is wonderful at reading to the public."

"And I will happily play the piano for you. I've only been practicing for a few months, but already, as they tell me — and if it is not flattery — I am showing excellent results. I want you to be the judge!" Chenghuan laughed.

"I... think I'll rest, for I have a long way to go home, if you will."

Prince's face changed.

"What are you talking about, Heonui?"

"I can no longer be a burden to you, Your Royal Highness," answered Heonui, blushing, without taking her eyes off Chenghuan. "I must return to my parents' house. My mother is almost well, and my father cannot wait to see me, too. I have spoiled your usual routine for too long with my sad presence. Please forgive me for everything I have caused. Therefore, enough whitewashing, my relatives are waiting for me. Already my belongings are all packed, I was just waiting to say goodbye to you."

Wang Han shook his head.

"I cannot believe it… Your words hurt me, Heonui. I lost my brother, and you know it. How can I not want your company? Do not go. I shall explain to your family. I want to observe you with me until your complete well-being. Of course, Mimi can also stay, because I know how important her presence is to you for your recovery."

Chenghuan's eyes widened involuntarily.

"How generous you are to the widow, Your Royal Highness," she said with a sort of smirk. Heonui noticed this.

"I guess it is better if I—"

"And I do not want to hear it!" snapped Wang Han impatiently, his eyes still. "Mimi, did you pack your belongings already?"

Mimi nodded. Her mood changed completely. All her hopes were about finally leaving this house, and here again, everything changed in an undesirable direction.

"Go unpack it all again this instant, please. You both stay, and I do not wish to hear anything. Today, I will write to King Lee Song these wishes of mine. Everything will be resolved. Promise me, Heonui, that you will stay!"

Blushing and confused, the Princess still weakly replied, "I promise, Your Royal Highness."

He turned to Lady Chenghuan.

"Your Royal Highness, dear Lady Chenghuan, you are surely quite tired from the journey, c'est vrai? Go and rest. You will be taken care of. See you both later for reading, I hope. I shall get us some great literature!"

With these words, he, looking lovingly at Princess Chenghuan and sympathetically at Heonui, hurriedly left, leaving the ladies alone with each other.