The air was thick with tension as Prince Young-Sik and Jin-Ri stood, hearts pounding, awaiting the inevitable. They closed their eyes, resigned to their fate, but fate had other plans. Just as the shadows of death loomed over them, the piercing sounds of clashing steel and the shouts of soldiers broke the stillness of the night. Captain Gi and his men had arrived, a tempest of valor crashing into the fray, turning the tide against their would-be assassins.
The clang of metal rang out as Captain Gi lunged at the nearest assassin, his blade a blur of lethal precision. With a decisive thrust, he struck down the first attacker, a swift spin following to deliver a second blow to the next. The chaos unfurled around him, but his focus remained unwavering. Two more assassins attempted a sneak attack from behind, their plan thwarted as they met the sharp end of a spear, the brutal reality of their ambition catching up to them in a flash. The final two, desperate to escape, found themselves riddled with arrows, their lives extinguished in an instant.
As the dust settled, Captain Gi surveyed the carnage, ensuring no threats lingered. "Check the surrounding areas!" he commanded, urgency laced in his voice. He hastened to the prince's side, concern etched into his features. "Lady Hong, the prince! How is he?"
Jin-Ri's gaze was locked on Young-Sik whose open eyes seemed glazed and his arms froze in an outstretched position holding his sword like there were still enemy forces lingering, her heart racing as she cradled his face in her trembling hands. "Your Highness, Prince Young-Sik, did they harm you? My prince, please, talk to me!" Her voice was a whisper, laced with desperation as she brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, the warmth of her touch desperately seeking to anchor him back to the realm of the living.
His eyes flickered open, a flicker of familiarity sparking recognition. "You're okay?" Young-Sik murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The moment she nodded, relief washed over him, but it was fleeting; darkness claimed him once more as he succumbed to unconsciousness.
"Get him to safety!" Captain Gi barked to the soldiers, urgency propelling his words. As they lifted the prince, Jin-Ri's heart clenched painfully in her chest, a fierce protectiveness igniting within her. She cradled him, her spirit entwined with his, as they hurried back to camp.
The commotion echoed through the King's camp, pulling King Seo-Jung from his tent, fear etched across his royal visage. "What was all that shouting?" he demanded, anxiety tinged with authority.
A royal guard stepped forward, urgency in his tone. "We are trying to communicate with them, your Highness, but they haven't answered yet."
Suddenly, a flaming object shot up into the night sky, illuminating the darkness with a foreboding glow. "Get that arrow!" King Seo-Jung ordered, his heart racing. The soldier bowed and dashed into the night, returning moments later with a note in hand.
Unfolding the parchment, the king's breath hitched as he read the contents. Relief washed over him, mingling with anger as he learned of the assassination attempt that had failed. "I want all soldiers to secure the perimeter of the outer barricade! No one is allowed to enter the village!" His voice thundered with authority. "Find out who attempted to end my son's life!" The royal army moved swiftly, encircling the village with a precision that left no room for error.
The days passed, the tension easing slowly as the villagers began to recover from the sickness, including the prince. One quiet afternoon, Young-Sik's gaze fell fondly upon Jin-Ri, who sat beside him, feeding him with an unwavering dedication. "You are making me nervous, your Highness," she said with a shy smile, catching his appreciative glance.
Young-Sik's smile widened, warmth radiating from his eyes. "I heard of what you did. Thank you for saving my life." His voice was sincere, each word a testament to the bond they shared.
Jin-Ri felt her cheeks flush, her heart fluttering at his gratitude. "Your kind words melt my heart, Your Highness. It's my duty and honor to serve you." The weight of her words hung in the air, profound and heartfelt.
"But really, I need you to know how grateful I am," he insisted, rising from the bed and slipping into his regal attire, the fabric flowing elegantly around him. As he exited the tent, Jin-Ri couldn't help but admire him. He walked with a grace that could only belong to a prince, his robes a cascade of red and black, each step echoing with authority and confidence.
As he strode forth, he embodied youth and charisma, and Jin-Ri's heart swelled with admiration, an unspoken promise binding them in that fleeting moment—she would always protect him.
Prince Young-Sik stood just outside the village hall. Inside, the faint sounds of patients being treated echoed through the air, mingling with the murmur of gratitude from the villagers. Jin-Ri stood just outside, her heart fluttering as she watched him interact with the seasoned Physician Kang, who was hunched over a table, tending to a patient.
Jin-Ri sighed dreamily, her mind wandering to the stories of gallantry that surrounded the prince. She was pulled from her reverie when she noticed several court maidens and soldiers casting knowing glances her way, their expressions teasing yet affectionate. Shaking off her daydream, she cleared her throat and stepped out of the tent, resolutely following the prince.
After a moment, she veered back toward the tent, her heart pounding as she gathered her thoughts. Inside, Prince Young-Sik confronted Physician Kang with a concerned frown.
"You know you should be recuperating, rather than stressing yourself," he said, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Physician Kang turned, bowing deeply. "I have already rested more than is allowed, Your Highness. I am merely emulating your compassion."
The prince chuckled softly, a warm smile lighting up his features. "This is something that we all did. We triumphed over this sickness because we helped each other." He placed a hand over the physician's shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie that spoke volumes.
"But it is true, Your Highness," Physician Kang insisted, his voice filled with reverence. "Everything was your doing. No one could have unlocked the mysteries of this sickness but you. Please accept our undying gratitude."
As the prince looked around, he noticed the villagers—sick and recuperating alike—standing and bowing to him in unison. His heart swelled with humility at their admiration. His gaze landed on Jin-Ri, whose radiant smile seemed to wrap around his heart like a warm embrace. In response, he offered her a smile that enveloped her in tender warmth, as if she were cradled in his arms.
The day passed uneventfully, and soon, Prince Young-Sik stood at the gates of Haan village, preparing to bid farewell to the villagers. "We could stay a few more days to help out and make sure that everyone is taken care of," he suggested to Physician Kang.
"You did more than anyone could, Your Highness," Physician Kang replied humbly, his voice trembling with gratitude. "You even risked your life to help our village, and for that, we are eternally in your debt."
The prince grinned, scratching his head with a hint of discomfort. "You know, I'm uncomfortable when people say they are indebted to me." He extended his hand toward Physician Kang. "Why don't you say yes to this royal princely decree, and we will call it even?"
Physician Kang raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What decree will that be, Your Highness?"
With a sudden shift in demeanor, Prince Young-Sik's expression turned stern, his voice authoritative. "I, Prince Kim Young-Sik, son of King Kim Seo-Jung of the sovereignty of Chiongsun, do hereby command Physician Kang Ryuk-Su to take the post of Haan village Chief. To defend and care for its villagers as if the King himself is present. Do you accept this royal command?"
Physician Kang stood speechless, awe washing over him. He turned to the villagers, seeking their approval. Smiles and nods of encouragement met him.
He faced the prince once more, standing tall. "I, Physician Kang Ryuk-Su, do hereby accept this royal decree with honor and humility, promising to defend and care for the villagers as if the King himself were present."
Young-Sik extended his hand, and the new village chief accepted it, a roar of joy rising from the crowd that surrounded them. The villagers cheered, their voices echoing in the crisp air, celebrating their new leader. From a distance, the King watched anxiously, wondering what the commotion was about.
"What do you think is happening?" he asked Physician Go, his brow furrowed with concern.
The physician smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Whatever it is, Your Highness, it sounds something good and important."
Flanked by Minister Im and Physician Go, the King waited patiently and anxiously on their side of the fence for the prince's return. As Young-Sik's visage grew closer, the King's anxiety slowly dissipated.
Finally, they were face to face. Young-Sik and his entourage bowed deeply. "Your presence here honors me, Your Highness. I am happy to see you well," he said, his voice steady.
The King exuded a royal aura as he regarded his son. "Did you figure out the Haan plague and manage to find a way to avoid the sickness?"
With a proud smile, Young-Sik took Jin-Ri's hand, much to her surprise, and led her forward. "Not just that, Your Highness. Thanks to my court maiden, a cure was found."
"Hong Jin-Ri, isn't it?" King Seo-Jung asked, his gaze penetrating yet kind.
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied nervously, bowing deeply.
"We are in your debt," the King declared, shifting his focus back to Young-Sik. "How are you? I heard you were afflicted with the plague. I am happy that you endured and overcame the sickness."
"I only managed because you taught me never to give up," Young-Sik replied sincerely, "and also because you chose the best masters to teach me. Their lessons were the weapons I used to combat this plague." He bowed individually to his masters, who returned the gesture with pride.
"Your Highness," Young-Sik humbly requested, "may we have permission to exit the village of Haan and join you on the travel back to Pyeongchaek?"