Song Jae stepped inside, allowing herself a moment of respite as she slipped into the bath tub. The heated water enveloped her, seeping into her skin and melting away the remnants of fatigue from the previous day's banquet.
She closed her eyes. This day marked the beginning of something new.
By the time she emerged, her maids were already waiting behind the silk screen, their hands deftly working to dry and dress her in a delicate hanbok of pale lavender, embroidered with gold thread.
Song Mi Cha and Song Sook entered soon after, moving with practiced efficiency as they laid out her breakfast. The aroma of freshly steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and jujube tea filled the air.
Song Jae sat down and ate swiftly, her mind already at the palace. Today was her first day, and she could not afford to be late.
Just as she set down her chopsticks, a sudden thought struck her.
"Is Madam Jung still in residence?" she asked.
"Yes, mistress," one of her maids replied with a bow. "She has not left."
Song Jae nodded. "Let's pay her a visit. I forgot to inform her that I will no longer be attending classes daily." Song Sena quickly draped Song Jae in a fur coat as it suddenly started snowing.
With her maid in tow, she stepped outside, her embroidered shoes sinking slightly into the snowy pathway as she made her way toward Snow Country Yard—a place known for its tranquil gardens and scholarly atmosphere.
Although primarily an institution for learning, Madam Jung had chosen to reside here, favoring its quiet seclusion and ample space. As an unmarried woman, she was mindful of rumors, especially given that Prime Minister Song also lived on the premises. After all, he was a man, and tongues in the capital never rested.
Upon arrival, Song Jae spotted Madam Jung's maid outside and approached her.
"Please inform Madam Jung of my visit," she said.
The maid bowed and disappeared inside. A few minutes later, she returned, ushering Song Jae in.
Madam Jung sat gracefully near a low wooden table, a porcelain teacup in hand. A warm smile spread across her face as she gestured for Song Jae to sit.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of such an early morning visit from my esteemed student?"
Song Jae bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Teacher, I have urgent news. Yesterday, at the banquet, I was assigned as Princess Chul Yun Hee's study partner."
Madam Jung's teacup halted mid-air.
"I regret that this will affect my attendance," Song Jae continued. "I won't be able to come to class every day, but I plan to discuss my schedule with the princess today. I will arrange my palace visits carefully so my studies here are not disrupted."
Madam Jung set down her teacup, studying Song Jae intently. "So you will continue your studies at home?"
"Of course." Song Jae nodded.
Madam Jung exhaled softly, her gaze turning sharp. "The palace demands constant vigilance. Keep your wits about you, child."
A lump formed in Song Jae's throat. Her teacher's concern was genuine. She hesitated only a moment before stepping forward and embracing Madam Jung.
She couldn't help but think of her birth mother in her previous life.
Warmth. A quiet, unspoken comfort.
Yet, beneath it all, guilt twisted inside her.
She recalled how Song Nabi's mocking words had spurred her forward last night. The desire to prove herself had burned so fiercely that she had danced before the Empress Dowager, securing her position as the princess's study partner.
It had been a reckless move.
She had only intended to blend in—to remain unnoticed—but her determination had forced her hand. If not for the secret hours of practice in her private courtyard, she would have been humiliated before the nobility.
Still, she knew that earning the trust of the Empress Dowager and the Empress would be no easy feat. The first impression she had made had been far from ideal.
The Empress Dowager's decision to appoint her as Princess Chul Yun Hee's study partner had exceeded all expectations.
She had been content with the mere possibility of becoming one of the unfavored princess's attendants—never had she imagined that the queen mother would choose her for such an esteemed role.
After all, it was well known that the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and even the Crown Prince held Princess Chul Yun Hee in the highest regard.
But one concern lingered in her mind.
Becoming the princess's study partner meant that she would inevitably cross paths with Crown Prince Chul.
Song Jae tightened her grip on her sleeves.
She wished—desperately—that he would depart for the border soon.
The risks far outweighed any benefits. And if the novel's account was true—that Prince Chul Kwan was responsible for her death—then she would have to do everything in her power to avoid this ruthless prince.
No matter what it took.
A hush had settled over Snow Country Yard as delicate snowflakes drifted from the heavens, blanketing the courtyard in a pristine layer of white. The winter air carried a crisp bite, turning each breath into a misty wisp. The scent of pine and cold earth lingered, mingling with the faint traces of burning incense from the meditation halls.
Wrapped in a thick fur-lined cloak, Song Jae stood from her seat, the warmth of the tea she had shared with Madam Jung still lingering on her fingers. The quiet conversation between them had brought a rare sense of peace, but now, it was time to leave.
She adjusted her fur cloak around her body and stepped out into the snow-dusted courtyard.
As she walked, soft flakes landed on her lashes, melting against the warmth of her skin. The palace awaited.
Stepping into the main courtyard, she was greeted by an unexpected sight—Song Nabi stood in rigid posture, her gaze lowered as Prime Minister Song Myun spoke, his voice even but firm.
The snow settled on his broad shoulders, giving him the appearance of a marble statue, timeless and unshaken by the winter's touch.
Though his words were meant for Song Nabi, his sharp eyes immediately found Song Jae.
Her arrival did not go unnoticed.
With a measured pace, Prime Minister Song walked toward her. Unlike the cold air that nipped at her cheeks, his hands were warm as he gently placed them against her face. His touch was rare, but in that moment, it felt grounding.
"Listen to me, okay?" His deep voice carried a weight that made her heart still.
Song Jae swallowed and nodded. "Yes, Father."
"Just be yourself at the palace," he advised. "If you encounter trouble, don't be afraid. Your brother and I will always be here for you."
The warmth in his words seeped into her bones, pushing away the creeping cold.
And then, without warning, he pulled her into his embrace.
The world around her fell silent.
For a moment, there was no snow, no palace, no looming responsibility—only the steady, reassuring heartbeat of the man she had come to see as a father.
"My daughter has truly grown up," he murmured.
Song Jae's throat tightened.
When had it happened? When had she begun to think of Prime Minister Song not just as a powerful figure in novel, but as her father?
Was it because of the memories she carried—the ones that belonged to the real Song Jae?
Or was it because of everything he had sacrificed for the original Song Jae in the novel?
Whatever the reason, it didn't matter. Because at that moment, she felt it was real.
A sharp, burning gaze interrupted her thoughts.
Song Nabi.
Her younger sister's envious glare cut through the falling snow like a blade, her hands clenched so tightly that her nails nearly tore through her silk gloves.
"Father, don't worry," Song Jae said quickly, breaking the tension. "I'll make sure to stay out of trouble."
Prime Minister Song chuckled, ruffling her hair. "My Song Jae is so clever."
Nabi's jaw tightened at his affectionate tone, but she remained silent, though the slight tremor in her shoulders betrayed her emotions.
Song Jae, however, barely spared her another glance.
Her attention shifted to Song Nabi's attire—far too extravagant for a simple lesson at the palace. The heavy embroidery, the elaborate hair ornaments, the jeweled sash…
Did she not realize how much Imperial Concubine Hwa and Princess Chul Bong Cha valued restraint and wasn't she cold?
Did she not fear attracting their ire?
Song Jae almost laughed at herself. Why was she worrying about Song Nabi's choices?
Her thoughts were disrupted by Song Ji's familiar voice. Turning back she saw her brother, brother you're here.
"Where else would I be?" he teased, grinning as he approached.
Before she could respond, he flicked her forehead lightly, then pulled her into a tight hug, his arms firm yet comforting.
"When you return from the palace today," he whispered, "we'll sneak out and have some fun."
Song Jae stifled a laugh. "You're reckless."
"And you're boring," Song Ji shot back, smirking.
Then, with an easy grace, he stepped back and nudged her toward the waiting carriage.
"You should go now. You've already wasted enough time."
Snow crunched beneath her embroider shoe as she moved forward.
Just as she reached the carriage door, Song Nabi stepped past her, climbing inside first, as if to assert her importance.
The coachman cracked the reins, and soon, they were off—heading toward the palace under the softly falling snow.
The interior of the carriage was warm, but the tension between them made it feel as though winter had followed them inside.
Song Nabi broke the silence first.
"Sister, I must say, I underestimated you."
Song Jae turned her gaze to the window, watching the snow-covered trees blur past.
"To become the study partner of the kingdom's beloved youngest princess… now that is impressive."
Song Jae did not respond.
Song Nabi's tone took on a sickly-sweet lilt. "I suppose I was truly fortunate to have such a talented elder sister."
Still, silence.
Song Jae's indifference grated on Song Nabi's nerves, and eventually, the younger girl fell quiet.
Outside, the Imperial Palace loomed in the distance, its golden rooftops dusted with white, standing in stark contrast to the stormy sky.
When they arrived, the carriage rolled to a gentle stop.
Song Nabi immediately stepped out, as though escaping from a cage.
Song Jae followed at a calmer pace, a small smile curling at the corner of her lips. Was she really that eager, or was she simply that annoyed by her presence?
Either way, it hardly mattered.
Waiting for them were four eunuchs, four palace maids, and—standing at the center—Lee Cha, the daughter of Duke Lee.
Draped in elegant yet understated robes, Lee Cha exuded the grace of nobility. As their eyes met, she offered a warm, practiced smile.
"What a coincidence! I saw your carriage arriving and thought it would be pleasant to walk in together."
Song Jae returned her smile, nodding. "Thank you."
Without missing a beat, Lee Cha fell into step beside her, effortlessly steering the conversation as they made their way deeper into the palace grounds.
The snowfall had not ceased, and the once-gray sky had turned a luminous white.
Soon, they reached the entrance of Snowy Palace—the personal residence of Princess Chul Yun Hee.
As they approached, the stationed servants straightened their backs and raised their voices in unison.
"The young ladies have arrived!"