Blooming even in the mud - Chapter 35

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Blooming Even in Mud Chapter 35
 
 
 
“I didn’t recognize you. I’m sorry.”
Kkot-bun patted her on the shoulder and chuckled.
“Of course you wouldn’t. Back then, I was covered in mud and my hair was completely disheveled, so I looked like a total mess. Even my parents wouldn’t have recognized me. It’s all thanks to you that I’m alive like this, eating Suljigemi and gossiping.”
Even though Kkot-bun spoke with forced brightness, Yoo Seo-hwa did not feel at ease.
She now understood why Kkot-bun had always been so considerate toward her, but this felt like an incredibly heavy repayment compared to the casual, thoughtless kindness she had once extended.
If anything, she was the one grateful for Kkot-bun’s innocence in not forgetting something from two years ago. Did she even deserve this repayment?
‘I didn’t trace which family owned the sedan chair that whipped Kkot-bun back then. Even if I found out now, there’s nothing I can do about it, but…’
Yoo Seo-hwa’s sigh grew deeper.
 
As she rode the Jade Sedan Chair to her third elder brother Chu Sim-yang’s house after a long time, old memories suddenly came to mind. It was a day when it rained heavily, on her way to meet Chu Sim-yang.
‘Come to think of it, I hated that woman from that very moment.’
Chu Na-yeon bit her lip. Was she not someone whose status made even her, the daughter of the Minister of State Affairs, flee in a flurry?
‘Interfering in the punishment of a mere Slave while holding the status of an Imperial Princess was itself a loss of dignity.’
She had been so flustered that she fled without even greeting her.
She knew well enough that Princess Sukjeong was not the type of person to track down and retaliate over every little thing. Still, because she was aware that she had committed a rude act, she had been anxious, wondering if Princess Sukjeong would find out who she was.
‘But things are different now. I will have the greatest man so that I never have to experience such humiliation again.’
Since she was not born an Imperial Princess, she could not possess the supreme position of No Rank. Even if she entered the harem of the Emperor—who had a harmonious relationship with the Empress and had seven children, including the Crown Prince—she would never become the greatest. The Crown Prince also already had a Crown Princess.
‘Therefore, Gyeong Won-ui is the best choice.’
He is a genius who rose to the rank of Grand General at a young age, and his future is bright as he enjoys the full favor of the Emperor. If she became his primary wife, her desires would be fully satisfied.
‘A Slave can’t even dare to compare.’
Ever since the word Slave was created in this world, had they ever even been human? Her unpleasant mood eased slightly.
 
Kkot-bun emptied even the last crumbs of Suljigemi remaining in the gourd cleanly into her mouth.
“Oh, right, I have something to give you.”
Yoo Seo-hwa brought over the Wooden Box she had kept aside next to her pillow. She had been thinking about giving it to Kkot-bun ever since she received the medicine from Wang Jeong-mun, but she had been too busy and only now found the time.
“What is this?”
“I received an Ointment as a gift that is said to be good when applied to the hands, but since you do water chores more often than I do, I thought it would be more useful to you.”
“Wow, really? I’ll accept it without hesitation! Thank you.”
Kkot-bun received the Wooden Box with delight.
“But who gave you this Ointment? Did some sly bastard try to seduce you with medicine by any chance?”
“It’s nothing like that.”
Yoo Seo-hwa gave a bitter smile at the mischievous question. Kkot-bun gave a playful look as if telling her not to lie.
“Hmm, I’ll believe you for now. But given that he didn’t immediately try to untie your dress ribbons and gave you a gift instead, he seems like a somewhat decent man. As long as he isn’t a completely worthless wretch, getting permission from the master to marry and living as a Solgeo Nobi is a pretty good option.”
As far as Kkot-bun was concerned, it was advice offered out of goodwill, but the last thing Yoo Seo-hwa wanted was marriage to another man. She changed the subject and asked a question she had wanted to ask for a while.
“Are Slaves allowed to offer prayers at Buddhist temples?”
“Usually, when we go on errands, we take the opportunity to make an offering or follow the master’s household, but why? Do you have something to pray for or someone to make an offering to?”
“People I used to know.”
“Ah.”
Kkot-bun did not pry deeply. This consideration of not forcing things out of her was another reason why Yoo Seo-hwa felt grateful to her.
“I heard that once the weather gets warmer, the master’s clan plans to hold a Buddhist Ritual at the temple they’ve been sponsoring for generations. If you speak to Aunt Deok-sun, you’ll probably be selected.”
“Can permission be obtained that easily?”
“Actually, it’s something people want to avoid. Because you have to go to the temple from dawn and work throughout the ritual, everyone tries to avoid it unless they are deeply devout. So usually, people are selected by rotation.”
Working more was fine with her. When she spoke to Deok-sun about wanting to work at the Buddhist Ritual, she could also ask if anyone had lost a Silk Pouch in the Guest Room.
More than anything, she was glad they would accept offerings without turning her away just because she was a Slave. These were things she had never known when she lived as an Imperial Princess who lacked nothing in the Imperial Palace and the Imperial family.
 
* * *
 
Clang.
The sound of a teacup falling and shattering on the floor scraped against her ears. Whether she could see Chu Na-yeon reflexively frowning or not, Hong Ok-geum stammered in a flustered voice.
“W-what did you just say? Her Highness the Princess is a Slave at the Gyeong Clan Residence?”
“What do you mean, ‘Her Highness’? If anyone else hears you using an honorific for a criminal deposed for treason, you’ll be severely punished, so watch your mouth outside, sister.”
“B-but I heard she was supposed to go as a Palace Slave to the Detached Palace…”
“I thought so too. Didn’t you hear about it from my third elder brother?”
Chu Sim-yang, who had stepped out for a moment, returned to the room. Chu Na-yeon’s arrow was immediately aimed straight at him without ceremony.
“Brother, did you not even explain properly to sister where Yoo Seo-hwa went?”
“Ah, well…”
At the abrupt reproach, Chu Sim-yang awkwardly studied Hong Ok-geum’s reaction. The Gamban Detached Palace was far away and owned by the Imperial Family, making it impossible to visit privately, but Gyeong Won-ui’s residence was close. He had hidden it because he knew his wife would set out immediately if she found out the Imperial Princess had become a Slave there, but to think the words would come out from Chu Na-yeon.
Sure enough, Hong Ok-geum barely gave a proper greeting before hurriedly leaving the room. Chu Sim-yang’s troubled gaze shifted to his sister.
“You knew she was her companion, so how could you just blurt that out?”
“Hmph. It’s your fault, brother, for not explaining beforehand.”
“Are you still throwing a tantrum because I broke the promise to go meet Gyeong Won-ui with you? I already apologized several times and said I was wrong.”
“Do you know how upset I was when I was turned away the moment I saw his face?”
“It’s only because he’s such an inflexible man. You should understand.”
In order to soothe his sister, who was pouting and hadn’t taken a single bite despite the refreshments placed before her, Chu Sim-yang pondered before finding a good topic.
“Just as Gyeong Won-ui is inflexible, he has a personality that never forgets a favor and always repays it.”
“I know that much too.”
“So, how about you show a little sincerity?”
“Do you have a good method?”
Only then did Chu Na-yeon prick up her ears with a look of interest.
“The date hasn’t been set yet, but I heard that Gyeong Won-ui will hold a Buddhist Ritual soon to pray for the repose of his family. If you contribute to that, he’ll be grateful to you too, won’t he?”
“For once, brother, you actually have a good idea.”
“You little brat.”
“Giggle. I’m just joking.”
When he pretended to scold her, Chu Na-yeon stuck her tongue out and laughed.
“In my name, a Silver Bottle or rice… No, wait, would it be alright if I attended the Buddhist Ritual myself?”
“You, personally?”
“Of course. Not only did I see the late General Gyeong and the Soguk Lady since I was young, but Gyeong Won-yeong was also my friend.”
In reality, because Chu Na-yeon and Gyeong Won-yeong’s personalities clashed, they were not close. However, no conditions were necessary when it came to praying for the repose of the deceased.
“If I get father’s permission, I’ll convey it to Gyeong Won-ui.”
“There’s no need to even ask; father will welcome it with both hands raised.”
Satisfied at last, she finally picked up a piece of Citron Fruit Jelly placed before her and ate it. The sweet taste of the precious sugar used generously to simmer it was excellent.
 
* * *
 
There was no guest in the Guest Room who had lost a Silk Pouch either. It was on her way back after leaving the Silk Pouch with Deok-sun, who said she would look for the owner, and expressing her desire to work at the Buddhist Ritual.
“Hey, you.”
A voice that could absolutely never be described as friendly stopped Yoo Seo-hwa in her tracks.
“Do you have business with me, Dal-rae?”
“Hmph.”
Dal-rae glared as if even her name being called was displeasing. While the overt provocation and bullying like before had disappeared, her gaze remained as sharp as ever.
Since reacting to or being hurt by another person’s hostility was something only possible for those with peace of mind, Yoo Seo-hwa simply watched her silently.
“There’s a man looking for you at the western side gate. I guess those born as nobles have a great life even after being sold, having a man come to find them. Since your husband’s head has probably rolled by now, is he your secret lover?”
When Yoo Seo-hwa did not react despite the blatant sarcasm, Dal-rae pouted her lips and walked away.
As soon as Dal-rae turned the corner, Yoo Seo-hwa quickened her pace. On the outside, she was maintaining her composure, but at the news that a stranger had come looking for her, she could not stop the sudden thoughts that rushed through her mind.
The man waiting outside the side gate looked like a servant. Upon seeing Yoo Seo-hwa, he bowed silently and guided her into a secluded inner alleyway.
After walking a bit further and reaching a quiet, deserted corner, she saw a maidservant standing next to a Jade Sedan Chair that had been set down on the ground. It was a familiar maidservant. As expected, her premonition was correct.
Yoo Seo-hwa gripped the fabric of her skirt tightly.
“Please step inside.”
The maidservant opened the door and bowed politely. Moving her feet after a brief hesitation, she stepped inside the Jade Sedan Chair.
Inside, there was a person waiting for her.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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