Finally alone in her room, Eun Jung sat dejected on the bed as she peered at herself in a hand-held bronze mirror. Staring deeply into her own almond-shaped brown eyes, Eun Jung observed, “He said that I should forget everything about my past and focus on becoming Korea’s future Queen. But how can an orphan without a past be fit to be his Queen?” Placing the mirror faced down beside her, Eun Jung pulled her knees in close to her body and began to sob upon ruminating on the grave error, which she had committed in letting the real Princess abscond from her responsibilities.

Only allowing herself to be upset for a few minutes, Eun Jung quickly wiped away her tears and proclaimed, “Eun Jung, you made this mess so you must take full responsibility for your actions. As of today, Yoo Eun Jung no longer exists!” Contemplating her own declaration, Eun Jung asked herself, “Why does Yoo Eun Jung have to cease to exist? Can’t I just become a new Yok Soo Jin, who happens to be exactly like Yoo Eun Jung?” Having reconciled herself with her new identity, Eun Jung rested her head on her pillow and drifted off to sleep.

Early the next morning, Eun Jung’s maids entered her bedroom and helped her wash up to prepare for the arrival of the royal matchmaker. When the royal matchmaker entered her room, Eun Jung observed that there was a small troupe of attendants following closely behind her. Upon entering the room, the attendants quickly began to scurry around to prepare everything that would be needed for the impending Ch’inyoung (wedding procession). As the royal matchmaker draped Eun Jung’s body with the green wonsam (royal bridal topcoat) she said, “Princess Soo Jin, since you’re a foreign Princess, the Prince will not be making the formal Ch’inyoung to your family’s house. Instead he will come here to make the formal Ch’inyoung with you to the Palace.” Nodding her head to indicate that she understood, Eun Jung squirmed around trying to get comfortable in her wonsam.

Looking down at her bridal attire, Eun Jung had to admit that the wonsam was very beautiful with its five different vibrant colors on the sleeves and its elaborately embroidered flowers sewn all around the front and back of the garment. After the royal matchmaker wrapped the daedae (belt of red interlaced silk with gold embroidery) around Eun Jung’s wonsam, she carefully tied the back to ensure that it was secure. Stepping back from the Princess, the royal matchmaker said, “You look absolutely perfect. The Prince will be pleased to see such a beautiful bride.” Eun Jung thought about the royal matchmaker’s statement and thought, “I don’t think Prince JiangSu is ever pleased with anything but himself.” Relieved that the royal matchmaker had finished dressing her, Eun Jung proceeded to take a seat on the bed.

Pulling the Princess up from her bed, the royal matchmaker said, “We need to put the Gache (formal royal head dress/wig) on you now.” With a soured expression, Eun Jung said, “I thought we were done.” With a slight laugh, the matchmaker replied, “Princess Soo Jin, you are far from being ready to see your Prince.” Slumping down, Eun Jung pouted and said, “Fine, let’s just get this over with.” After what felt like hours, Eun Jung finally was deemed ready to go out to the bridal carriage for the Ch’inyoung. Before she was allowed to leave the room, the royal matchmaker reminded Eun Jung that a gracious bride was always to: stand completely still until she was told to move, remain quiet unless spoken to and hold her eyesight squarely on the ground. After hearing the royal matchmaker’s instructions, Eun Jung wondered if the royal family wanted a living bride or a wooden doll.

After she was finally allowed to enter the bridal carriage, Eun Jung pulled aside the cloth that covered the window and peered outside. Eun Jung could faintly make out Prince JiangSu’s figure as he rode alongside her in his own carriage and wondered how long it had taken him to get ready for the wedding. After a short period of time, the wedding procession made its’ way through the Gwanghwamin (main gate) leading to the inner court of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Once they finally arrived at the Gyeonghoeru, two sets of attendants escorted Eun Jung and Prince JiangSu into the Royal Banquet Hall. Walking in front of his bride, Prince JiangSu had yet to see Eun Jung in her wedding attire and wondered what she looked like. As he entered the room, Prince JiangSu saw the wedding table and made his way to the east side as he had been previously instructed.

Upon reaching his intended destination, Prince JiangSu looked up and caught sight of Eun Jung entering the hall. Taken aback by her appearance in her elaborate wedding attire, Prince JiangSu could not believe that she was the same wet cat that he had encountered on the previous night. As the attendants guided Eun Jung to the west end of the table, she looked around the hall at the strange people staring at her and was relieved to see Prince JiangSu’s familiar face. Happy to see him, Eun Jung smiled and quickly bowed to him. Before he knew what he was doing, Prince JiangSu returned the smile only to quickly revert his face to its usual grim expression.

Seeing that their attendants were laying out mats on either sides of the table, in one linear formation, joined together at the middle point of the wedding table; Eun Jung leaned in to her closest attendant and asked, “What are you doing?” The attendant looked nervously at Eun Jung and replied quietly, “We’re setting up the mats so that you can complete the Gyobaerye (bowing) ceremony with the Prince. Nodding her head, Eun Jung asked herself, “I wonder what other weird things they’ll force me to do today.” When the mats were situated, the attendants washed Eun Jung and Prince JiangSu’s hands as a cleansing process for the ceremony. Guiding the pair over to the mat to face one another, Eun Jung’s attendants helped her bow twice to Prince JiangSu while Prince JiangSu’s attendants helped him bow once to her.

Observing that he had only bowed once, Eun Jung asked, “Why does he only have to do it once?” Shocked by the Princess’s question during the actual ceremony, the attendant quickly replied, “Because he is the husband and you are the wife.” Shaking her head in disbelief, Eun Jung observed, “Well that doesn’t seem fair.” Ignoring the Princess’s remark, her attendants helped her go through the process yet an additional time. When the Gyobaerye ceremony was completed, the attendants ushered the couple closer to one another. Eun Jung observed that she was now kneeling close enough for Prince JiangSu to hear her and said, “That’s not fair that you only had to bow once.” Shaking his head at her, Prince JiangSu replied, “You should know by now that life isn’t fair.”

Uninterested in his snide remarks, Eun Jung turned her attention the attendants and watched as one of them poured some alcohol into a small cup. After the cup was full, the attendant passed it to the Prince so that he could drink. Watching him drink from the cup, Eun Jung asked the attendant by her side, “What’s this part called?” Speaking in a hushed whisper, her attendant replied, “It’s called the Hapgeunrye (drinking) ceremony. When I pass you the cup, Princess Soo Jin you must only pretend to drink. A bride should not actually drink the alcohol.” Scrunching up her face, Eun Jung thought, “Yeah right. If he can drink it then I can too.”

After her attendant re-filled the cup and passed it to Eun Jung, she quickly drank the entire contents of the cup and handed it back happily. Watching her incredulously, Prince JiangSu asked himself, “Didn’t anyone tell her the rules for this ceremony?” Leaning in close to her, Prince JiangSu said, “You aren’t supposed to really drink that.” Shrugging her shoulders, Eun Jung asked, “What can you do about it? I already drank it.” Knowing that they were to repeat the process, Prince JiangSu said, “We’re going to do this again and my royal parents are watching you; so this time follow the rules and don’t drink.” After taking his drink during the second iteration of the ceremony, Prince JiangSu watched Eun Jung closely and was astonished to see her blatantly defy him by drinking all of the alcohol an additional time. Agitated by her behavior, Prince JiangSu glared at her and thought, “Yok Soo Jin, you’ll soon know the consequences of constantly disobeying me!”

lo, Prince JiangSu is getting a handful out of Eun Jung.
I love Eun Jung's character. I love a strong female protoganist that can stand up to the male protoganist and anyone.

Awesome!! That was a fast update! Thanks.

i'm really liking eun jung's character ^^ she has spunk! lol xD

thnx 4 da updates! looking forward for the next chap! ^^

another one, weee! (: i'm reading summer solstice right at the mo. ohhh, lovely!

i wonder what 'punishment' lies ahead for our princess??? ha ha ha.....i certainly want to know what's next and what's up her sleeve..

very nice indeed!!! thanks jessica!

this is getting more and more interesting. what will Prince Jiangsu next move be after he said. Yok Soo Jin, you

When the Hapgeunrye ceremony had concluded, the attendants helped Eun Jung and Prince JiangSu join together to bow once to the King and Queen, once to the shrines of the royal ancestors and once to their esteemed guests. Looking up from her final bow, Eun Jung watched as some of the guests happily partook in a variety of small colorful pastries and suddenly felt the grumbling of her own empty stomach.

Before Eun Jung could dwell on her hunger, she was told by her attendant that the formal wedding ceremony had concluded and was subsequently guided out of the Royal Banquet Hall behind Prince JiangSu. Turning to the attendant on her left, Eun Jung asked, “Are we going to go eat now?” Shaking her head to indicate that they were not, Eun Jung’s attendant replied, “No, we are going to the Gangneyongjeon Hall (King’s main living quarters) for the P’yebaek (bowing to the husband’s parents) ceremony. With a slight pout, Eun Jung asked in an exasperated tone, “We have to bow some more?”

Overhearing what he considered to be his new bride’s annoying complaints, Prince JiangSu ordered sternly, “Be quiet. You’ve talked enough throughout this entire ceremony.” Abruptly turning around to face her, Prince JiangSu asked pointedly, “Didn’t anyone instruct you not to speak unless spoken to?” Ignoring his question, Eun Jung stared at him and replied, “I’m just asking because I’m so hungry. Why are you being so unkind to me on our wedding day?” Unaffected by her wounded tone, Prince JiangSu observed, “If you keep insisting on disobeying me, then you can expect me to become meaner.” Satisfied that he had put her in her place, Prince JiangSu turned around and continued to make his way down the hall.

Observing his haughty air, Eun Jung quickened her pace as she followed behind him and discreetly stepped on the train of his wedding attire. She beamed happily as she watched him stumble forward but was dissatisfied that he had not fallen on his face. Seeing the angry expression on the Prince’s face as he spun around to look at her, Eun Jung grinned before quickly offering an apology by saying, “I’m sorry my dear husband. You’ll have to excuse your new bride’s clumsiness. It must have been all of that alcohol that I mistakenly drank.” Thwarted by her apology, the Prince became frustrated that he could not punish his new bride then and there. Turning back around in a huff, Prince JiangSu asked himself, “What am I to do with such an insolent wife?”

Upon entering the Gangneyongjeon Hall, Prince JiangSu and Eun Jung were steered towards the main living area, which had been sectioned off with folding screens. Feeling her nerves start to get the better of her, Eun Jung began to shake nervously as she saw the King and Queen staring at her as she entered. Kneeling beside Prince JiangSu, Eun Jung stared onto the ground and did not dare to look up at her new in-laws. Glancing over at Eun Jung, Prince JiangSu could see her visible discomfort and sighed before moving to take her hand. With a reassuring look, he whispered, “Just calm down. You’ll be fine.” Surprised by the Prince’s kind gesture, Eun Jung smiled and nodded her head diffidently before taking a deep breath to calm herself.

Assisted by her attendants, Eun Jung bowed four times to her new royal father and mother-in-law, as a sign of complete respect and loyalty to her husband’s family. Once she had completed her final bow, Eun Jung watched as one of her attendants handed her a small plate full of food. Staring at her attendant, Eun Jung asked, “What am I supposed to do with this?” Taking her by the arm to assist her up from her kneeling position, Eun Jung’s assistant leaned in close and whispered, “Princess, you’ll need to present this gift of food to the King and Queen.” Nodding her head discreetly, Eun Jung timidly walked towards the King and Queen and extended her arms to present the gift. Eun Jung watched nervously as one of the King’s royal attendants took the plate from her hand to present it to King.

Slightly nodding his head to prompt his attendant to put down the plate, the King turned to Eun Jung and said, “Princess Soo Jin, on behalf of the royal family, I would like to welcome you to our family. You will have to excuse the deviations from the traditional customs as the Prince will not be able to go to your kingdom to make the formal tidings to your royal parents.” Eun Jung found that she was unable to speak and only nodded her head to indicate that she understood. Observing her new daughter-in-law’s anxious disposition, the royal Queen added, “It was very unfortunate that you were ill when my royal husband and I paid our visit to your kingdom. But, I am now very pleased to find that you are every bit the beauty, of which your royal parents described.” Relieved that no one had appeared to ever meet or see the real Princess Yok Soo Jin, Eun Jung smiled and replied, “Thank you for your kind compliments.”

After returning to her place by Prince JiangSu’s side, Eun Jung watched as one of the Queen’s attendants brought down a small plate full of dates and chestnuts. Eun Jung smiled upon observing the attendant present her with the plate and quickly grabbed a few dates and placed them into her mouth. Seeing what she had done, Prince JiangSu leaned in close and asked, “What are you doing?” Before Eun Jung could respond, an elegantly dressed woman sitting at a table on the left side of the room asked, “My dear royal Queen Sister, even though I have to admit that your daughter-in-law is beautiful, do you not agree that she lacks a certain sense of royalty befitting of her title?” Realizing that she may have made a mistake, Eun Jung looked remorsefully at Prince JiangSu before lowering her gaze onto the ground.

Seeing his bride’s distraught demeanor, Prince JiangSu turned to the woman and observed, “Esteemed Concubine Su, please forgive my new bride’s clumsiness. She is still very much unfamiliar with the rules of our royal court. I recall when you first entered the Palace, you too, encountered some issues not befitting of royalty.” Seeing the angered expression on his concubine’s face, the King quickly interjected, “My dear concubine, as the Crowned Prince has alluded; we will need to give Princess Soo Jin some time to adjust to our way of life. However, I do appreciate your eagerness and hope that you will help the Princess during this difficult process.” Upon hearing the King’s words, Concubine Su suppressed her anger and bowed before replying, “I will do my best to help the Princess.”

Moving in closer to Prince JiangSu, Eun Jung apologized by saying, “I’m sorry.” Slightly shaking his head, Prince JiangSu replied in a lowered voice, “Just ignore that hateful woman.” Seeing that they had not completed the ceremony, Prince JiangSu continued to say, “Take a date in your mouth and pass it over to me.” Staring at the Prince wide-eyed, Eun Jung replied, “I’m not going to do that just because you helped me.” Letting out an exasperated sigh, Prince JiangSu explained, “It is part of the ceremony. Those dates and chestnuts symbolize our children, so you will absolutely need to pass it along to me now!” Seeing that everyone was waiting for her to proceed, Eun Jung reluctantly placed a date between her lips and slowly moved in closer to pass it along to the Prince. As Prince JiangSu took the date from her mouth, Eun Jung felt his lips gently touch hers and quickly recoiled before feeling her face turn bright red.

Oblivious to her diffidence, Prince JiangSu chewed the date with an annoyed expression plastered on his face. Having completed the final portion of the P’yebaek ceremony, Prince JiangSu and Eun Jung were excused to go to their Shinbang (Bridal room), which had been especially decorated for the auspicious occasion. Upon arriving at the Jaseondang (Crowned Prince and Princess’s quarters), the new couple was ushered into the Shinbang to have their dinner and take their rest for the night. Sitting on the east end of the banquet table, which had been set up in the middle of the Shinbang, Prince JiangSu asked, “Didn’t you say that you were hungry? Why aren’t you eating?” Still somewhat affected by their intimate encounter during the P’yebaek ceremony, Eun Jung sat silent not knowing what she should do.

Seeing that she was still not eating, Prince JiangSu asked in an agitated tone, “Do you want me to go over there and feed you?” Startled by his question, Eun Jung quickly picked up her chopsticks and began to eat diligently. Observing her as she ate, Prince JiangSu noticed that she had managed to get several grains of rice on her face. Setting down his chopstick on the banquet table, Prince JiangSu asked, “Is that how you eat when you’re at home?” Not comprehending his question, Eun Jung stared blankly at the Prince and waited for him to clarify himself.

Observing her vacant expression, Prince JiangSu continued, “You have rice on your face and it’s bothering me, so wipe it off.” Glancing over towards her cheeks, Eun Jung placed her chopsticks down and replied, “The rice is on my face, not yours’ so why should it bother you? Since it doesn’t bother me, I’m not going to wipe it off.” Astonished that she would argue with him over what he thought was a reasonable request, Prince JiangSu sprung up from his seat and made his way over to her. Forcing her onto the ground, Prince JiangSu pinned her down with his knee and proceeded to wipe the rice off of her face.

Stunned by his actions, Eun Jung quickly shoved him off and yelled, “Are you crazy?!” With a satisfied smirk on his face, Prince JiangSu replied, “Now you know what I’m capable of, if you don’t listen to me.” Before she could respond, Eun Jung’s attention was diverted when she heard the door to the Shinbang being locked from the outside. Scurrying to her knees, Eun Jung looked at Prince JiangSu and asked, “Why are they locking the doors?” With a slight scoff, Prince JiangSu asked, “Why do you think?” Seeing that she was not responding, he continued to explain, “So you won’t try to escape on our first night together as man and wife.” With a bewildered expression on her face, Eun Jung asked incredulously, “Our first night together as man and wife?”

wow u really fast.......i really cant wait for the next chap...the chaps getting more interesting ....i keep on refreshing then...i like all the metaphor/symbol u used it here.....All i can say is ur fanfic ...AWESOME!!!.........oh i almost forgot..thanks for pm me @soompi

lol, love this chapter. It's so funny. Prince JiangSu won't let Eun Jung have things her way.
It's a battle of wills, JiangSu against Eun Jung. Let's see who will fall first!!

Thanks Jessicaaron for such an awesome fanfic. Waiting for more!!