Ashes of Rebirth

After Lord Jang rescued Mi Hyang, he brought her to his large, beautiful and serene estate. The estate was located near a beautiful lake which added not only to the beauty but serenity. Upon Lord Jang's arrival with Mi Hyang, the servants moved quickly with their faces showing concern as they took care of the shaken girl covered in blood without asking questions.

Mi Hyang was led to a private bathhouse by the head maid, Maid Servant Park who was a stern woman in her early 40's with wise eyes and soft heart. The bathhouse was peaceful with warm steam rising from the water. But Mi Hyang felt anything but calm. Her hands shook as she undressed, the weight of the day's horrors were still heavy on her.

One of the female servants offered to aid Mi Hyang with her bath but she kindly declined. The Head Maidservant understood that the young girl wanted to be alone and dismissed all servants and left Mi Hyang to be. Desperate to feel clean, Mi Hyang entered the pool of hot water and then she scrubbed her skin fiercely. The dried blood of Lord Cha clung to her like a curse and she attacked it with a kind of madness, her nails scratching her flesh. She scrubbed and scrubbed, trying to erase the memory of his lifeless eyes and the pool of blood. But no matter how hard she scrubbed, the stains on her soul would never fade away.

Meanwhile, outside the bathhouse, the Head Gisaeng Madam Han arrived at Lord Jang's home. She was quickly taken to Lord Jang's study by Head Maidservant Park. Bowing deeply, she said, "Thank you so much for saving Mi Hyang." Her gratitude was clear, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Lord Jang, understanding her emotions, nodded.

After her bath, Mi Hyang sat on the floor of her assigned room, her back against the cold wall. She hugged her knees to her chest, trying to stay in the present. But the past kept pulling her back into the nightmare. She could still see Lord Cha's face and feel his blood on her hands. Her mind was a battlefield, the echoes of her actions were tormenting her. Tears rolling down her cheeks as she was sat through the torment.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat as the door creaked open, casting long shadows into the room. "Who is that?" Mi Hyang asked as she braced herself and her eyes widen with fear. The figure that entered was hidden in darkness, but as they stepped forward, the light revealed the concerned face of the Head Gisaeng.

The Madam Han quickly crossed the room and embraced Mi Hyang, providing much-needed comfort. Mi Hyang clung to her, feeling a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a long time. The Head Gisaeng pulled back slightly and spoke softly. "Everything is going to be better," she said. "You are safe now, and you have a future ahead of you."

Mi Hyang nodded, her heart heavy but lightened by the Gisaeng's comforting words. The Head Gisaeng continued, "Lord Jang wants to see you. He has something important to discuss." She gently took Mi Hyang's hand and led her through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, each step echoing with the promise of change.

When they reached Lord Jang's study, the Head Gisaeng paused and turned to Mi Hyang. "Hae Mi Hyang is dead," she declared. "From now on, you are Jang Eun Sook, which means 'salvation.' Lord Jang has adopted you and given you a new identity."

Mi Hyang—now Jang Eun Sook—felt a surge of emotions. Her old name was tied to her past suffering, but Jang Eun Sook was a name of hope and strength. It was a chance to start anew.

The Head Gisaeng then presented her with a beautiful red sword. "This is a gift," she said. "It has been blessed by the heavens and will protect you on your journey. I knew all along of your hopes for vengeance and I support you and pray the heavens do to." Madam Han said to Mi Hyang with tears in her eyes. Madam Han embraced Mi Hyang assuring her unwavering support. She had always known Mi Huang's lust for vengeance and that was the prime reason she let her handle swords to gain little experience but knew deep down that being a Gisaeng would only limit Mi Hyang and thus always felt bad for her.

Jang Eun Sook accepted the sword, feeling its weight in her hands. It was a symbol of her transformation. The rose emblem on the hilt seemed to pulse with life, reminding her of the strength within her.

With the Head Gisaeng's support and Lord Jang's guidance, Jang Eun Sook felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was no longer a helpless Gisaeng girl. She was now Jang Eun Sook, a symbol of salvation, retribution and nobility. As she held the sword, she felt the strength of her new identity, readying her for the challenges ahead.

The Head Gisaeng smiled warmly and placed a reassuring hand on Jang Eun Sook's shoulder. "You are strong, and you are not alone," she said. "Together, we will face whatever comes. You have a family now, and they will support you in your quest for justice."

Jang Eun Sook nodded, her resolve hardening. She was ready to embrace her destiny and seek the vengeance she craved. With the memory of Lord Cha's blood still fresh in her mind, she vowed to become a force to be reckoned with. The path would be dangerous, but with her new identity and the support of those around her, she was prepared to face it head-on.

As she stood in Lord Jang's study, the weight of her past began to lift, replaced by the promise of a future she could shape with her own hands. Jang Eun Sook, once Hae Mi Hyang, was ready to rise from the ashes of her former life and reclaim her power, dignity, and place in the world.