⁝ headcanons.

— set at the end of july and beginning of august 1869.

In the hushed corridors of the Cha estate, where the weight of silence hung heavy like a shroud, Jiah found herself imprisoned by the invisible shackles of her mother's authority. House arrest—her punishment for daring to speak the truth about Kiwoon's kidnapping—had transformed her family's home into a gilded cage from which she yearned to escape.

But escape seemed impossible until Chae Seongyeom and Chae Seonhye emerged as her saviors. With their unwavering loyalty and determination, they orchestrated a daring rescue, sneaking Jiah out of her confinement under the cover of darkness. Together, they navigated the labyrinthine streets of Hanseong, avoiding the prying eyes of Duchess Dowager Cha's spies and loyalists.

Under the protective cloak of secrecy provided by the House of the Black Tortoise, Jiah found sanctuary and solace, far removed from the suffocating confines of her own home. Their loyal servants stood as silent sentinels, ready to defend their charge against any reprisals from the duchess should she discover her only daughter’s absence.

As her eldest brother’s fate remained uncertain, Jiah remained hidden from view. Despite Duchess Dowager Cha's relentless search efforts and attempts to reclaim her daughter, she remained elusive, concealed by the Chae's steadfast commitment to her safety. She found comfort in the warmth of Seonhye's presence, her friend's steadfast support serving as a beacon of hope amidst the horrors that Kiwoon was going through.

It was only when news of Kiwoon's safe return reached their ears that Jiah emerged from hiding, marching boldly back to the Cha estate to tend to her brother's condition. With Seonhye's presence serving as a shield against Duchess Dowager Cha's wrath, Jiah was spared from her mother's fury, her innocence feigned as she maintained her facade of a dutiful and caring mother in front of Kiwoon’s future wife—the future duchess of the House of the Three-Legged Crow.

Her mother did not lay a hand on her, like a predator waiting for the best time to strike its prey.

But Cha Jiah vowed to not be a prey any longer.

[ posted with permission from seongyeom’s and seonhye’s muns! ]

After the dust settled from the harrowing Battle of Hamgyeong, Hansol and his family returned to their familiar roles of providing healthcare to the citizens of Hanseong. Yet, victory in war often came with a heavy toll. In the aftermath, the House of Malva found itself overwhelmed with requests and missives pleading for assistance from beyond the confines of Hanseong, spanning cities across the country.

Before permanently settling in Hanseong, Lord Moon, the patriarch of the household, had been renowned for his altruistic travels across the country, offering his expertise in medicine to those in need. Often accompanied by his children, he had been a beacon of hope for the lower class. However, with his recent appointment as one of the royal physicians to the royal family, his duties prevented him from venturing beyond the capital's walls.

In response to this pressing need, Hansol, imbued with the same spirit of compassion and service that defined his family's legacy, took it upon himself to venture forth beyond the city walls. With the onset of the trade season, he embarked on a journey across the country, tending to the wounds of veterans of the recent war and offering assistance to all who required it in his father’s stead.

Months passed as the heir to the House of the Malva traversed the diverse landscapes of the nation, offering healing and solace wherever he went. His return home in December 1869 marked the culmination of his selfless endeavor, having fulfilled the requests and answered the calls for help that echoed across the land.

After her eldest brother's departure from Hanseong to their ancestral home in Incheon, Eunha found herself drawn to follow in his footsteps shortly after the start of the bustling trade season. While there were multiple reasons prompting her decision, the primary catalyst lay in a deep-seated homesickness and an undeniable yearning for the comforting presence of her older siblings. The once bustling Kim estate now felt eerily quiet, with only Duchess Dowager Kim and the youngest daughter of the house left to navigate the vast halls. Their absence was keenly felt and magnified the lingering grief over her father’s passing, leaving a palpable void in the household. And thus, Eunha made the decision to leave for Incheon shortly after the start of the trade season.

However, her plans for a brief return alongside Yejoon in August were thwarted when Eunha's already fragile health took a turn for the worse, her respiratory issues exacerbated by the lingering effects of a past poisoning incident at the hands of a notorious serial killer, whose capture had marked a harrowing chapter in Hanseong's history. As her health deteriorated, Eunha found herself confined to bedrest, unable to embark on the journey back to Hanseong until her condition stabilized.

It wasn't until just before the wedding of her close friend, Go Yeonhwa (née Ryu), that Eunha finally returned to Hanseong. Though physically weakened, her spirit remained undaunted, fueled by the prospect of reuniting with cherished friends, family, and her special someone.

With each passing moment, the little death ate at her heart and corroded her body. It spread through each cell of her body like a disease and clouded her mind. Often it stole her breath. More often, it stole her sanity. She could not tell anymore which choices had been made of her own volition, and with which she had succumbed to the devilish whispers of the little death. Was there even a point in differentiating anymore? It was a part of her now, the aching fear of loneliness.

These days when Yeoreum looked at her reflection she did not recognise herself. She was sure she had been happy once. She clearly remembered the sensation of self-confidence and contentment radiating from her skin. Yet now, she could chase and chase and never find it still. She was chasing a shadow. A ghost from days past, never to return. It felt so close but always outside of her reach. Why could she not reclaim it? Where had the light in her eyes gone? What did she have to do, to find it again? Ah, the answer to that was clear. It came to her as naturally as blinking. Since childhood, the answer to happiness has been laid out for her. She had to marry well.

At this moment, the thought filled her with dread. She pressed against her chest and gasped. Her brows furrowed delicately as a dull ache spread from her heart. It was the devil's plague trying to pull her off the right path, she was sure of it. It spawned dangerous thoughts that threw everything into question, everything she had ever cared about. She was not going to give in to it. Dangerous thoughts had to be ignored, for her own sake. For her happiness. For her future. To kill the little death.

A droplet of rain fell onto her cheek and the young woman looked up, one hand rising to meet the heaven's tears. She wondered what the Gods of old thought when they looked down at her. Did they shake their heads and tut? Did at least one's gaze linger for a moment longer? She sighed and lowered her hand into the cold, wet grass around her. Fingers curled into the soft blades and then she laid her body down onto the earth. At least the world was still filled with beauty. With each passing day, she felt herself turning grotesque and unlikable, a monster in the shell of a girl walking the streets of Hanseong. But at least in nature, she could pretend that she, too, was beautiful. Ah. How she wished to be happy again. To smile like the Sun, radiantly and without fear.

Yeoreum knew she was a silly person. She knew few around her liked her and she knew she was to blame for it. Not even a saint would like a grotesque monster, the grotesque monster she felt herself morphing into with every passing day. She closed her eyes and rolled onto her back. The rain spilt over her face, her hair and her body. The fabric of her dress soaked up the wetness from the ground and the sky and clung to her skin. 'Please wash away all my shortcomings.', Yeoreum prayed while the little death in her heart laughed.

Basking in the rain despite the cold, each droplet felt like the well-wishes of the heavens. No, it felt like a mocking sword digging into her skin. She couldn't tell. Perhaps it was both. Now as ever in her silent moments of contemplation, the little death fought against the part of her that desperately clung to hope. She could no longer tell which of the two was the truth or the lie. 'Ah... I hope it's over soon.'

───※ hush, hush ※───
⟨⟨ trigger/s: substance abuse ⟩⟩


geum eunbyeol was ten and six (16) when she realized she hated her brother, geum hanbyeol. as the heir to the dukedom, his lasciviousness did nothing but disgrace their family but what triggered her ire was not only because of his disregard of his family's concerns — eunbyeol had been overprotected, treated like someone who would become a wildflower such as her namesake. she vowed never to look him in the eye and treat him like a kin of hers. to eunbyeol, hanbyeol was a stranger.

she was twenty-one (21) when she found out about her brother's amour towards opium. she watched him time and time again, stumbling into the estate and reeking of alcohol and smoke. she would oftentimes have to hide behind curtains in his wake. she hated how it smelled on him, on furniture, on walls. she hated the sound of his son and wife crying into the night in his absence. she despised him altogether and on the eve of her 22nd birthday, when he was high and out of his wits in the annexed room, she told him he was better off dead — and when he finally succumbed to his vices two years later, she never shed a tear.

in fact, she was relieved; there was no thorn in their family anymore.

a year after her brother's death, eunbyeol (25), who had already been well-versed in the art of brokerage, caught wind of qing merchants coming over at night, doing illicit trades by the docks at specific times of the day, on specific times of the month. enticed by such clandestinely act and the thrill of being able to partake in such secrecy, had sneaked out one spring night to meet them. it was where she met sun qingcang, an elusive businessman from the capitals of qing. she had formed a partnership with him — though, of course, with much bargaining from her part for he is a man who was unforgiving with his deals and she was a woman who never wanted to lose. initially, it started with her becoming an informant for peddlers at the marketplace up until, she tried her hand in monopolizing the supply system in a section of the marketplace. it was a difficult feat and she only managed to secure the trust of 3 or 4 vendors.

but geum eunbyeol was a very ambitious woman behind the simplicity of her job description, and above all, she was a girl who had a deep-seated hatred for men who resembled her brother.

when hanbbaman opened, she had already been inquiring about the opium trade, had wanted to partake in it with one purpose: to deliver sinful men to the gates of hell. she saw the opportunity when the establishment has opened, asking for partnership as a supplier of "goods." when that happened, geum eunbyeol frequented the place, using clientele meetings to personally see her target population be driven mad by the drugs in their system.

it was only in early 1868, during a random bust by the docks, that her identity was revealed to the higher-ups of the establishment. since then, she and kwon nabi have formed a camaraderie forged by their penchance for business.

however, to this day, only a few people know of geum eunbyeol's secret business as she continuously becomes seongnam's broker for florists all over hanseong.

[TW: Blood, Gore]
Lost time to Battle Scars | December 1868

-

Amidst the chaotic frenzy of the battlefield, Jaehoon found himself at the heart of the storm, surrounded by the deafening clamor of clashing swords and the thunderous roar of battle cries. The Qing soldiers advanced relentlessly, their ranks seeming endless as they surged forward with a ruthless determination.

Jaehoon fought with a ferocity born of desperation, his sword a blur of motion as he parried and struck with deadly precision. Yet, for every enemy he felled, it seemed two more took their place, their spears and blades aimed at him like a pack of vengeful hyenas.

With each swing of their weapons, Jaehoon deflected as many blows as he could, his muscles straining against the weight of his armor as he moved with practiced agility. But the sheer magnitude of the enemy's numbers was overwhelming, their relentless assault driving him back step by step. Despite his best efforts, Jaehoon found himself outnumbered and outmatched, his defenses crumbling under the relentless barrage of attacks. Spears pierced through his armor, biting into his flesh with searing pain as he fought to hold them off.

A chorus of anguished cries escaped his lips as he felt the cold steel of a blade slice through his side, the shock of the blow sending him reeling. He stumbled backward, his vision swimming as he struggled to maintain his footing. Desperation surged through Jaehoon's veins as he fought to stay upright, his sword arm trembling with exhaustion. He managed to drive his weapon into the ground, leaning heavily upon it as he fought to catch his breath. But even as he struggled to hold on, Jaehoon knew that his strength was waning, his body battered and broken from the relentless onslaught. With a final, defiant effort, he tried to summon the reserves of energy needed to continue the fight.

"Duke Moon!" His comrade's voice cut through the din of battle, a lifeline amidst the chaos. A pair of hands held onto Jaehoon's collapsing form, pulling him back from the brink of oblivion. Another comrade rushed to their aid, deflecting the blows of the Qing soldiers who sought to finish off their fallen foe.

"Please, get him somewhere safe," his comrade pleaded into the ears of the horse, the urgency in his voice driving home the severity of Jaehoon's condition. With a collective effort, they lifted Jaehoon's limp body and laid him across the back of a bronzed horse, their movements swift and purposeful as they mounted him on the steed.

As the horse thundered away from the chaos of the battlefield, carrying Jaehoon's limp form, a sense of relief washed over him. But the respite was short-lived. Before he could fully grasp the situation, his strength gave out, and he tumbled from the horse's back, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud. The impact jarred Jaehoon awake, his consciousness flickering in and out as he struggled to stay aware of his surroundings. Only then, did he realise, his hand had slipped from the reins, the reins stained with his own blood, as he watched the horse gallop off into the distance without him.

With trembling limbs and bleeding body, Jaehoon fought to remain conscious, his vision blurred and his senses dulled by the throbbing pain radiating from his wounded body. Clutching his gushing abdomen wounds, he dragged himself across the rough sand, his fingers desperately digging into the ground as he sought refuge in the makeshift shelter that lay ahead like an oasis in the dessert.

Each movement sent waves of agony coursing through him, but Jaehoon pressed on, driven by sheer determination and the faint glimmer of hope that flickered within him. As he reached the shelter's entrance, he collapsed inside, the darkness swallowing him whole as unconsciousness claimed him once more.

The distant echoes of war still rang in his ears as he drifted into oblivion, his body battered and broken.

[Tears shed for a Sangmin]

Nobody had warned Riah about the sheer willpower required to mend a broken heart. Each memory of that teahouse rendezvous stabbed at her chest, a physical agony that transported her back to the wooden chair, enveloped in the scent of steeped tea leaves. Her heart had felt burdened then, as if weighted down by lead, until it fractured with a mere utterance. Suho's silent rejection left a bitter taste, lingering on her tongue like an unwelcome guest.

A week had passed since that pivotal encounter, and a week since Riah had barricaded herself within the confines of the Seol estate. The only time she had left was to visit her friends Baek Junwoo and Baek Yunseo in their estate where she poured her heart out to her best friend who did not know how to console her at the time. Still, she was grateful that Junwoo stayed and listened to her rant about everything that made her sad even when he was unable to offer words of comfort.
Despite her grandfather's concerned attempts to reach her through attentive attendants, she couldn't shake the sensation that the world had been drained of its vibrant hues.

Two more days slipped by until Duke Seol summoned Riah to his study, his demeanor grave and his expression stern.
"Rumors have begun to swirl among the young ladies, and one of my servants has brought troubling whispers to my attention," he began, his gaze piercing as it settled upon Riah.
She met his eyes without flinching, though she could sense the weight of disappointment in his scrutiny. It felt as though every deed she had ever done paled in comparison to the perceived transgression he was about to confront her with.

"Tears shed for a sangmin?" Duke Seol's laughter rang out, laced with sarcasm and disbelief, filling the air of his private study with a palpable tension. With a deliberate gesture, he raised his index finger, pointing it accusingly in Riah's direction.

"Have you forgotten everything I've taught you? Everything your governesses and tutors have instilled in you?" Duke Seol's voice carried a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "Your social debut is just a year away, yet it seems you require a refresher from the very beginning."

Riah felt the sting of his words, the weight of her own shortcomings pressing down on her like a heavy burden. She opened to offer a retort, but the words caught in . What excuse could she possibly conjure when the rumors were undeniably true? She had indeed suffered a broken heart.
With a finality that brooked no argument, Duke Seol delivered his verdict. "I have decided. You are to return to Gangneung for a year."

It was not a request; it was a command, issued by the patriarch of the Seol household. Riah knew better than to protest. Even if she pleaded with her parents to intervene, she understood that Duke Seol's word was law within their family domain.

Oddly, a strange sense of resignation settled over Riah as she absorbed her grandfather's decree. There was nothing left for her in Hanseong, nothing to tether her to a place where every corner held memories tinged with heartache. She couldn't bear the thought of witnessing the object of her affection drifting away from her, finding solace and happiness in another's arms.

With a heavy heart but a strangely resolute spirit, Riah accepted her fate without protest. "Alright, grandfather. I accept the punishment," she replied quietly, her voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within her.

As she bowed and exited the room, leaving the Duke momentarily puzzled by her uncharacteristic acquiescence, Riah knew that this departure marked not just a physical journey but a symbolic one—a journey of self-discovery and healing, away from the shadows of unrequited love and towards a brighter, more hopeful future.

And so, on the 17th of July, 1861, Riah bid farewell to Hanseong, leaving behind letters for her dear friends, explaining her departure and promising her eventual return.

Growing up, Ilseong struggled to earn the approval of his parents. Father Jang favored Hyukjae and personally took the eldest son under his wing, as a result, he effectively shunned the rest of his children. Mother Jang did view Ilseong as her golden son, but only when he was deserving of it. He had to attend his etiquette classes, learn the nation's politics and how to conduct oneself in the assembly, prepare for social season after social season. If he disobeyed or expressed any amount of discontent with the rules, with tradition, his mother would cruelly admonish him and shun him. This treatment taught him that the only way to earn respect and admiration from others was to gain their approval and be in their good graces. With strangers, he doesn't care much for their approval. But with those closest to him, he feels a constant need to prove his worth to them however he can.

Whether it's being the smartest in the room, the best at archery, good with animals, or the liveliest in a conversation, he has to excel in the things he does or else he will amount to nothing and he will be shunned by everyone he holds dear.

since the start of 1869, the ryu estate in hanseong become yeonhwa’s primary residence. with the demands of her job as a royal educator and her engagement to a certain deputy minister, it was just easier for everyone if she stayed in hanseong full-time. despite this, she remains passionate about managing manim’s maeul and often goes to visit gwangju whenever she can without attracting too much attention.

however, her most recent journey there did raise some eyebrows, considering that she had left hanseong to travel to pyeongchang for the wedding of the minister of personnel alongside her fiancé. yet, the marchioness did not return with him; instead, she found herself departing straight to gwangju once the wedding festivities were over, for she had received word that her younger sister had gone back to their ancestral home and yeonhwa did not want her to be alone.

forsaking all her other business in hanseong, the eldest daughter of the ryu household spent the last two months (mid-september to early november) in gwangju and the two sisters only returned to hanseong a week before yeonhwa’s wedding was to take place.

after the release of the winter 1869 volume of the society papers had once again her private life into the spotlight, eunjeong’s world had not known peace. it had been over two years since her name had last graced its pages, and yet the vulnerability she felt at having her private life laid bare once again was as palpable as ever.

everywhere she turned, she was met with probing inquiries and speculative whispers, each one chipping away at the fragile façade of her composure. had she reconciled with her ex-husband? was their divorce merely a ruse? the assumptions grew more outlandish with each passing day, and she couldn’t escape them even within the confines of her familial home. her parents, too, had joined the chorus of voices urging her to reconcile with her ex-husband, their well-meaning but misguided advice only adding to her distress.

but seongyeom seeking her out was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. for if it was this exhausting for her, she could not imagine the consequences the gossip would have on the duke. what would the duchess dowager say? what if these actions had lasting repercussions on his political ambitions or jeopardized his prospects for future alliances? what if she had inadvertently sabotaged his chances of finding happiness with someone else? the thought alone was enough to send a shiver down her spine. eunjeong would not be able to forgive herself if so.

she ultimately decides it would be best for her to lay low until everything quiets down once more. after all, she was not needed anymore; onhui was a perfectly capable young woman and the skills she had cultivated during her time with the governess would surely impress her future husband. thus, eunjeong parts ways with her ward and packs her bags for her ancestral home in namhae, where she spends her days teaching etiquette at the local boarding school for young girls. there, with no one but her trusted household staff, she finds quiet solitude. once a month, the woman returns to hanseong to fulfill her shifts at juk!3 and to run errands for a better joseon.

［　ꗃ i'd want more from my life...　］

Jeong Dongmin, considered a master in his craft, had been requested to work at the forges near the border of Joseon and Manchuria to strengthen the border in case the Qing, mighty as they were, had come back for vengeance after their recent defeat. Eager to leave his dysfunctional family, rotting business, and the filthy streets of Hanseong with few too many diamonds in the rough to warrant his stay, Dongmin had taken the invitation and left to the border.

He did not know when he would return, or if he even would, as it was a dangerous job only fitting for the strongest of men and smiths. He would be gone for maybe a few months, or even years, possibly to never return. While he promised to send letters to his family, the only promise he intended on keeping was sending them to his eldest sister.

Dongmin left Hanseong without looking back.

[ between year 1861 to 1863 ]

the warm embrace of the sun enveloped the baek's estate in a comforting glow, casting long shadows across the verdant grounds. underneath its benevolent gaze, yunseo, 18 years old at the time with a prowess for archery, honed his skill with each precise shot at the weathered wooden target. his arrows unfailingly found their mark, guided by the keenness of his eyes and the steady hand of his aim, but this serene practice was shattered in an instant when his attention was seized by an unfamiliar figure traversing the estate with the grace of a swan.

with a sudden falter in his aim, his arrow veered off course, shattering the tranquility of his routine. his gaze fixated on the ethereal lady, her hanbok trailing elegantly behind her as she wandered amidst the estate's splendor, attended by a retinue of maids. compelled by a curiosity he couldn't suppress, yunseo abandoned his bow and arrow, his steps quickening to close the distance between himself and the mysterious visitor. inquiring of the maids, he learned her name: seol riah. and with that revelation, a flood of memories inundated his mind, transporting him back to the days of his childhood. he recalled with fondness, the spirited sword fights shared with her and his older brother junwoo, their youthful exuberance tempered only by the reprimands they received for their rough play. however, as he beheld her from afar, he discerned a metamorphosis in riah, her demeanor refined, her speech polished as she conversed with junwoo in a manner befitting her grace.

yet, amidst this realization, yunseo sensed a stirring within him, an uproar of emotions he struggled to comprehend. his heart quickened its pace, an unfamiliar fluttering in his chest, and a disquieting sensation gnawed at his gut. it was as though the very air around him had become charged with an unspoken tension, drawing him inexorably towards her, and though he yearned to approach her, to speak the words that lay heavy upon his tongue, he hesitated, unwilling to intrude upon the exchange between her and his brother.

as two years passed by, he found himself consumed by thoughts of riah, his every waking moment haunted by her presence. and so, with a resolve born of longing and trepidation, he resolved to declare his affections, crafting a bouquet of flowers and pouring his heart into a letter inked with trembling hands. yet, fate seemed to have had other plans, for as he made his way to her estate, he was met with a sight that shattered his hopes like fragile glass.

there, before the grandeur of her home, a palanquin stood sentinel, its presence ominous in its significance and as he watched in stunned silence, his heart clenched in a vise of sorrow. he beheld her stepping gracefully into the palanquin, her departure marked by the finality of its closed doors. in that moment, amidst his emotions, he tasted the bitter sting of regret, realizing too late the depths of his affection for the one who had captured his heart, letting his chance slip through his fingers.

min's new titles as sook's madam and haengsu of hanseong were not met with a completely positive response. as somewhat of an underdog, she was one of the more unpopular ilpae gisaeng at sook due to her unwillingness to serve older men alone unless they were accompanied with other parties. often, the gisaeng gazed at min with suspicion because she would sneak out at night (to visit the shaman) and for years, insisted that her quarters be as far as possible from the others. the first few weeks were tough. min would hear gossip as she walked in the hallways between clients and gisaeng, complaining about rim's decision to choose her to take over. however, this talk slowly died down as min proved herself to be capable, managing sook and the gyobang with grace and success. on the outside, she appeared strong, like a tree that would never sway in the wind, just like her eldest sister, but on the inside, anxiety and stress were slowly eating away at her.

Hana has a pristine image she built before she was employed by the Ryu family. But to authorities and those who knew the truth of her past (somone in the Royal Investigation Bureau), she is seen as a runaway criminal of the Jung clan, who was intended to be erased from records for their supposed treasonous crimes. She is the sole survivor, who became a nobi as payment.

Tsukino Sayuri, despite all her readings of Joseonmal and her practice of the language with her servants and previous visitors to her estate, had a lot to learn.

Thus, when her ship had arrived to the docks, and Sayuri struggled along with her company to find where they were going, they had met a mother and her daughter, who couldn't have been much older than Sayuri, nearby. Sayuri had only one friend, and she resided somewhere in Hanseong, thus her socializing was not the best. Yet, in a desperate time of need, Sayuri approached the mother and daughter pair and attempted to communicate.

"You... The... Is there a way that, you two women, could show, us—? The way to... This estate?" Sayuri stumbled, her company looking at her curiously as she spluttered over her broken words. She pulled out a piece of paper, the estate they were heading to written in Hanja, their familiar language to what Sayuri knew as Kanji.

"Ah, yes." The daughter spoke first, the warmest of smiles gracing her face, Sayuri felt like she was looking to the sun. "We live near them. You could follow us, if you'd like."

"Certainly!" Sayuri grinned, clutching the paper and smiling. "My name is Tsukino Sayuri, House of the um... Moon. I hail from Japan." She pointed to her company who stood a few paces behind her. "These are company I brought, protection. I have.. The hope! That we can be... Excellent friends!"

The daughter smiled, even the mother had smiled too. "My name is Song Jinye, House of the—" And Sayuri could not understand Jinye there, but she nodded all the same. "I'd be more than happy to be your friend."

- assorted writings on The Cardinal Duke and his first falcon.

• Spring, 1848.
While observing the older yangban men take part in a hunting exercise, Ilseong first observed birds of prey being used to locate game. The grace, power, and swiftness of the hawks and falcons enchanted the young boy. He tried to figure out how the birds knew what prey to locate, watched as they circled over vulnerable creatures. After that day, he would constantly ask his mother and father for a hawk. He began to read whatever published papers he could find on falconry and how to care for them.

• Summer, 1854.
Ilseong was gifted a falcon from his mother, for his 16th birthday. He was also assigned to a private falconer who would make him an expert in falconry, as well as provide instruction on the keeping of the birds. He named the bird Daesodong - like tempest winds. Daesodong was strong and initially quite feisty, proving difficult for Ilseong starting out. It wasn't uncommon for the young man to end up with talon marks on his body and a few peck markings on his cheek and neck. Over time, Ilseong better understood how to rein in the bird, to read its cues and in turn, Daesodong listened to Ilseong's instruction. The duo completed a successful hunt in the fall, with Daesodong capturing and killing a quail, and leading Ilseong to a a deer, which he shot down with arrows.

• Spring, 1859.
The following years, Ilseong felt almost at peace with things in his life. He spent many days between practicing archery or outside in his mew, watching Daesodong. There would be days the young man would go out into the forest with his bird, following wherever the wind took them. During the nights, he would spend with friends, getting drinks - doing anything to stay away from the Jang family. But peace can only last so long. His father told him one spring morning it would be his time to do his military service, to continue the Jang family tradition. When he asked what he should do with Daesodong, he was told to release the falcon into the wild. His soul crushed in that moment. All his life, he wanted one simple thing, and he had to let it go to satisfy the interests of the family.
On the morning Ilseong decided to release Daesodong, he stood in the middle of one of the forests they frequently roamed. The golden tag around the bird's ankle, a reminder of the time they had spent together. Should the day come that the boy and his falcon be reunited, the tag would be there. And so, Ilseong released the falcon from the tether, whistling for it to fly. Daesodong had freedom now. And Ilseong was still trapped in a golden cage.

【 mid-october, 1869 】

shortly after their wedding back in july, bomi’s family had received an offer to start a small trade service in their neighbouring country of nihon. despite bomi’s pregnancy, jaekyung saw this as an opportunity for both of them to start afresh with their little son on the way.

after endless days of contemplation and discussions with both side of the families, jaekyung and bomi both decided that this decision would ultimately be the best for the both of them.

On one fine morning of mid october, the little family of three set out on a small private boat towards nihon where they would start a life of new beginnings.

[1869 Lunar Seollal Gala]

One might assume that Moon Hyeongwon would be among the first to arrive at the gala, yet he had not initially planned on attending. However, when a distressed friend sought his assistance, he found himself unable to refuse. After all, how could he turn them away in their time of need?

The premise was that his dear friend had ended her relationship on bitter terms, discovering her lover's betrayal while visiting her ancestral home just a week prior. Knowing of Hyeongwon's reputation, she reached out to him for assistance in stoking her ex-lover's jealousy. Her plan? Attending the gala together and capturing Hanseong's attention. Being the loyal friend that he was, the Marquess agreed to accompany her. It provided a convenient excuse for his disinterest in the marriage market that year. With nothing better to do, he resolved to show Hanseong that he could be one of the most sought-after bachelors, if only for one night.

Adorned in his house's colors, Hyeongwon graced the gala in a distinguished ensemble of grey and black, accented with silver embroidery along the edges of his sleeves. With an aura reminiscent of the moon itself, he exuded an undeniable elegance as he moved through the event.

At his friend’s behest, he would arrive a little later than everyone else, to ensure a dramatic entrance. He would meet her gaze when she’s across the dance floor and he would gallantly walk towards her to offer his hand and ask her for a dance. They would dance to two songs, something that was not at all customary. But that would just show how “close” they appeared to be.

What was not according to plan was that he would see /her/ there of all people.

Geum Eunbyeol.

Hyeongwon knew that if it was a social gathering, she would be in attendance. But what he was not prepared for was when she stood just a few feet ahead of his friend. /She/ would look like the most dazzling star itself, as if plucked from the cosmos or more so—Venus personified herself.

There was a foreign ache in his chest as their eyes met briefly and a wave of unfamiliar longing surged within Hyeongwon, prompting him to hold her gaze for longer than mere courtesy dictated. Amidst the thrumming music and charged atmosphere, Hyeongwon felt his heart pound with an uncharacteristic intensity as he navigated his way through the ballroom, drawn inexorably towards her presence.

He would not stop in front of her to ask her for a dance. For they have not talked in a decade, for she was not who he was promised to that night.

Hyeongwon strode past her commanding presence, his gaze briefly acknowledging the suitors vying for her attention in the distance. Ignoring both her and the others, he maintained his composed demeanor, donning his most practiced smile as he finally arrived in front of his friend.

“My lady, shall we dance?”

As they took to the dance floor, Hyeongwon's exceptional dancing skills drew envy from many that night. With confidence and finesse, he led his companion in a dance that seemed almost intimate, their movements synchronized seamlessly. Their smiles exchanged, and hushed conversations shared, they appeared utterly convincing as a couple in the eyes of the onlookers.

“Is he looking my way?” His friend would nervously comment when she deems that no one was watching them.

“They’re all looking at us, so smile and give them a show to remember.” Hyeongwon answers, ever the great friend that he was.

After the promised two dances, he would walk his friend to her palanquin and bid her farewell.
He would look back at the splendid gala with all its glamor and amidst the bustling crowd, his eyes would unfailingly seek her out. Though he would ultimately choose to walk away, not acting upon the urge to approach her or write his name on her dance card.

The Marquess would let go of another opportunity and head home.

a few days after jiwoong met with his brother, a letter was sent to the seon estate in nampo, ending his engagement to seon yebin.

Jang Ilseong made his family proud rarely, but one such time was shortly after he was promoted in rank. A war had broken out along the border with a faction of rebels attacking the guards and raiding villages. He was sent to the border with a group of men to stop the rebels from taking any more innocents and killing more soldiers. After three days of looking for where the rebels may be hiding, his superior wanted to turn back, begin looking in a different direction. Growing frustrated with his general's decisions, Ilseong went off in the thick of night, goshawk on his arm, to find for himself where the rebels were. The bird flew for what felt like eternity before Ilseong noticed where it was circling - the rebels were not far south from where they were camped. Launching an ambush in the night would prove simple and would lead to a swift victory.

He rushed back to camp and told his general what he had found. Within an hour, the group were making their way south, carefully trekking the woods to the rebel camp. What Ilseong had not anticipated, however, was the brutality of the rebels. Both sides fought fiercely and the young Jang had sunk many arrows in the enemies, deftly dodging most incoming fire and blows. Until he suddenly felt the cool night air against his thigh, followed by an immense warmth running down the length of his leg. He could hardly see it, but it was a deep gash in his left thigh - cut by a rebel that had managed to get close to him. Gritting his jaw, Ilseong picked up a dropped sword and fought the man, the clashing of swords and their grunts combining with the sounds of battle around them. He wasn't as good with a blade as his older half brother, but he could manage enough to get the enemy off his feet. Without a moment of hesitation, he sunk the blade into the rebel's chest. Not long after, he passed out from blood loss.

When he awoke in the infirmary tent, he was told the good news. The ambush had been successful and the rebels retreated. Thanks to his efforts, the tide had turned in the war and it would be only a matter of time before victory would be theirs.

[Eligible]

Riah's meticulous approach to finding "the one" extended far beyond mere speculation or idle gossip. Not only did she maintain a curated list of eligible bachelors, meticulously compiled by multiple discreet servants spanning the entirety of Hanseong's social sphere, but she also committed to memory key details and pertinent information concerning each potential suitor. [The list includes their potential lovers or matches so she knew whom to cross out.] It was not that the countess did not trust Hanseong's top match makers, it was just because she liked taking matters to her own hands.

This practice wasn't born out of romantic whimsy but rather out of a steadfast commitment to securing what she deemed to be the "perfect match." In a world where societal expectations loomed large, nothing less was expected from a woman of her stature and influence.

Despite the passing of years and the inevitable disillusionment that often accompanies such endeavors, the countess remained steadfast in her dedication to refining and updating her list. Its existence became something of an open secret among the social elite, whispered about in hushed tones among marriage-minded mothers and ambitious debutantes alike. Yet, Riah chose to reveal its contents only to a select few trusted confidantes, understanding the rarity and value of such coveted information.

For her, the list represented not only a tool for navigating the complex dance of courtship but also her ability to gather information.
After all, if she wanted something, she shall have it.

duan and junho's relationship are nothing more than familial, both finding solace in the quiet that either of them provided. due to her inability to fully comprehend the language of the foreign country to where she has ran to, duan found a way to communicate with her employer by utilizing what was found in abundance in maehwa place.

as a green thumb, junho had cared for his garden like it was his child. however, he had volunteered each of his flowers as means of communication. some of the flowers and their meanings are as follows:

❀ sunflower = "thank you"
❀ rose = "you did well" or "i admire what you did today"
❀ iris = "may i rest?" or "can i take a day off?"
❀ lily = "bad day today" or "i am sad"
❀ daisy = happiness
❀ violets = "would you care to accompany me to ____?"
❀ orchids = "yes"
❀ tulips = "no"
❀ plum blossom = "you are beautiful" or "please have a good day"
❀ santan = apology

these are only a few of the flowers that they use but the most frequent.

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[ 1869, September 12th: The Vow of Cha Kiwoon and Chae Seonhye ]

A gentle stirring of late summer breeze mingled with the early autumn air through the Chae estate that is nestled between ancient trees of Hanseong. The pair of wooden ducks adorned in blue and red are exchanged between the Cha and Chae households, symbolizing the union of the Duke to the House of Three-legged Crow and the daughter of the House of Black Tortoise.

Cha Kiwoon and Chae Seonhye exchanged a lifetime vow witnessed by their families, friends, and esteemed guests. With their marriage, an alliance formed, strengthening the foundations of their houses.

Whispers floated through the air, acknowledging their fated union as if orchestrated that their paths were meant to cross; of how the Duke had pursued his bride with stolen glances and whispered confessions.

But despite the wishful whispers, Cha Kiwoon and Chae Seonhye couldn't shake the uncertainties that lingered in the depths of their hearts. They knew their marriage was determined by terms and conditions, a facade they would present to the world with smiles that do not reach their eyes.

Perhaps, they cling to fragile hope, daring to believe their marriage would not remain a loveless dance forever. And so, they stepped forward into the future before them, holding onto the promises of a brighter tomorrow.

[ 1869, Summer ]

Careless whispers spun faster than the wind, weaving gossip of the impending celebrations that would grace the halls of the Song estate, as within a fortnight, Jinye had become the subject of curiosity.

Ever since she returned from Qing, she took a sudden leave of absence from her position at the Office of the Inspector-general. Many surmised that she had set aside her workaholic tendencies to complete preparations for her engagement to the Duke from the House of Blue Lion, Oh Jiyong.

Whirlwind tales swept from person to person about how suited she was to marry the Deputy Minister of War and Defense. However, amidst the rumors that pictured a joyous bride-to-be, the truth remained hidden within the walls of the Song estate.

In truth, Jinye hadn't left her estate after the flower festival and throughout the summer season. Unable to accept the reality of her father's decision to sever her engagement with Im Insoo, the once spirited daughter to the House of Doves spent her days alone in solitude, deteriorating like a flower without sunlight as an illness consumed her both physically and emotionally,

She had become a prisoner of her broken heart; her spirit a fading whisper carried away by the wind, longing to find its way to the shores where, hopefully, Insoo was waiting for her.

✦　ʀᴇʟᴇᴠᴀɴᴛ ɴᴘᴄꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʜ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ ʟᴏʀᴇ

due to the complicated nature of the oh family, this will be a comprehensive list of npcs to make sure everything makes sense to those reading profiles or future monologues/headcanons.

　【　ᴏʜ ꜱᴇᴏᴋᴄʜɪɴ, 1790-1837 (47 years old at death)　】

a cold and callous man, faithfully dedicated to the noron faction and ideals. he is incredibly devoted into the safety and upkeep of the oh clan, both in their ranks in society and the livelihood for generations to come. he is incredibly controlling over his children's lives, and doesn't blink in the eye of death and murder. an accomplished military official that his strategies are still discussed today. he died a few months before the future heir to the oh clan— jiyong— was born.

　【　ᴏʜ ᴊɪᴡᴏᴏɴ, 1813-1853 (50 years old at death)　】

the former duke to the oh clan. a man of great military accomplishments just like his dad, he had a life of hardship and struggle due to his father's authoritarian parenting style. he was a wise man who enjoyed learning about the world beyond war and the upper class. he wore his heart on his sleeve, seeing the best in others, and would likely be called a modern day lover boy. he had become disillusioned with life and death, his father's immunity to murder and death had raised him to become loyal to his family. he hid sejin's true parentage until death, intended for it to never reach the light of day even after death.

　【　ᴏʜ (ɴᴇᴇ ꜱᴇᴏ) ꜱᴇᴜʟʏᴜ, 1813-1839 (26 years old at death)　】

a yangban woman who was arranged to wed oh jiwoon. she was a fiesty woman with a lot of heart, yet believed in her love for her children above all. her and jiwoon were childhood friends, yet, they had never seen each other in a romantic light, even for a while after their marriage. she was weary about sejin when he was brought into the family, but did not say anything. she died shortly after oh juwon's birth due to health complications believed to be because of the pregnancy.

　【　ᴄʜᴏ ꜱᴇʀᴀ, 1813-1834 (20 years old at death)　】

a jungin woman born from a family of physicians. she had fallen in love with oh jiwoon when they worked together during battles, but due to their differences in class, they were never to wed. yet, she still birthed jiwoon's first child, oh sejin, before her death in 1834. she was in an arranged marriage with nam jisu, another jungin man.

　【　ᴏʜ (ɴᴇᴇ ʏᴜ) ᴍɪʏᴏᴜɴɢ, 1818-1853 (35 years old at death)　】

a cheonmin woman who had been taken in by the oh family as seulyu's lady-in-waiting and as a nanny to the children as seulyu's health began to fail. after the death of seulyu, she had become like a mother to the children. her kindness to children that were not her own, and the conversations she would have with the duke, allowed for the two of them to fall in love and wed in 1943. she passed with him in 1853 during the ambush,

the close friendship between duke oh jiyong of the house of the blue lion and marchioness ryu yeonhwa of the house of the willow tree was borne from a misunderstanding.

over two decades ago, when they were both still but young children, jiyong's delicate facial features and once-soft demeanor had painted a picture of gentle femininity that caught yeonhwa's attention. in her youthful innocence, she had mistaken him for a girl by the name of jiyeon, and thus approached him with the intention of gaining a potential older sister figure. in him, she had seen saw the embodiment of the sisterly figure she yearned for — someone to confide in, someone to share laughter and secrets with.

jiyong, who had no idea of this misconception of hers, had greeted her warmly and welcomed it when she sought out his company more often than not. while she was getting his name wrong, he had assumed it was probably a mispronunciation error on her part. it would take weeks before the truth finally came out, when she asked jiyong if she could call her "jiyeon eonni" in a sign of friendship and he had replied with "i'm a boy."

her initial shock gave way to laughter as she realized her mistake, yet she found herself unaffected by this revelation (aside, of course, from embarrassment on her error). their friendship only flourished from this point on, and it is something that jiyong still teases her about.

From a tender age, Jang Ilwoo felt the pull of the bowstring, drawn to the art of archery like a moth to flame. Born into the prestigious Jang clan of Mungyeong, Ilwoo's upbringing was steeped in tradition, his destiny seemingly predetermined by the weight of his family's legacy. Yet, despite being third in line for the dukedom, Ilwoo felt an unspoken pressure to prove himself, to carve out a place of significance in a household where he often felt overlooked.

His childhood was marked by a longing to connect with his eldest brother, Jang Hyukjae, despite being told to ignore him as the illegitimate son of the family. Though forbidden from forging a bond with Hyukjae, Ilwoo harbored a secret desire to bridge the divide between them, to understand the brother he had been taught to disregard. However, before he could seize the opportunity, Hyukjae vanished without a trace, leaving Ilwoo to grapple with the lingering ache of an unfulfilled connection.

In the shadow of his brother's disappearance, Ilwoo found himself overshadowed by his second brother, Jang Ilseong, who became the apple of their mother's eye. With his younger brother, Jang Eundal, indulged and spoiled, Ilwoo struggled with the middle child syndrome, yearning for recognition and validation from his parents. Yet, no matter how hard he trained or how many accolades he garnered, it seemed that his efforts went unnoticed, his achievements failing to elicit the praise he craved.

As adulthood beckoned, Ilwoo found solace in a world far removed from the constraints of familial expectations. Encountering the allure of alcohol and the attention of women, he reveled in the newfound sense of freedom and validation they provided. In the company of women, he found a fleeting respite from the burdens of his familial responsibilities, relishing the attention and affection that had eluded him within the walls of the Jang estate.

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Eundal never was one to follow in the footsteps of others, he always seemed to find his own path even if he tried to follow the others he ended up distracted and ended up doing his own thing. Studying had come easy to him, memorizing the books he was given in just a few days. His handwriting though was messy barely legible but passable enough to please his father and step mother. Training had been a struggle for the youngest member. Eundal was decent enough with a sword, and could a bow accurately. The issue was getting out of bed so early in the morning. Sometimes falling asleep while standing up during training. Which of course Eundal made every excuse he could think of to stay in bed longer. Sometimes he whines and things go his way, other times his mother yanks him by his ear making him do whatever he tried to avoid. Eundal pushes the limits but as soon as he realises he could get in trouble he behaves, doing what is asked of him; perhaps while pouting but he still does it.