#joseon survival

[leixinyus]

#spoilers #not real scenes #(just in case) #park se wan #jang jeong yeon #joseon survival #korean drama #manydramagifs #i miss them so much ;;

[theinfinitedivides]

she's so proud about her brass bowls

#tv: my dearest #my dearest #mbc my dearest #ahn eun jin #kdrama #local gay watches My Dearest (and is subsequently f*cked up).txt #local gay watches k-dramas.txt #gut punch after gut punch after gut punch #on the one hand i'm so so proud of her for having the idea to collect the coins and borrowing the officer's blacksmiths and making #those bowls but on the other i want to jump those two smiths who were badtalking her. i want to hug her and Eun Ae so bad #i want to scream about how they juxtapose these scenes with Jang Hyun going hunting to catch Joseon runaways #bc at its core these are the things they are doing to survive. he has to catch his own people. she has to step and work with her hands #even though she comes from a yangban family. this is what war does #f*ck me with knifes at this point it's just going to keep hurting isn't it

[what-breaks-my-heart]

#so much can be said about this exact interaction #about having to continue surviving in an abusive environment #which of course surviving is the logical thing to do #but surviving it also means having to endure the environment for much longer #even as you desperately want the abusive experience to end #by any means... #and so even if someone who is not privy to the abuse wants to support you it may actually end up perpetuating the abuse #but you are trapped either way because you know nobody will believe you even if you were to cry #because they will think you are nothing but the boy who cries wolf #so you end up suffering... all by your lonesone #*lonesome #I'm only 2 episodes in and this drama is already drying up my tear ducts please send help #poong the joseon psychiatrist #kdrama

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [1]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Teaser | Fic Masterlist | Part 2

Park Seonghwa.

As pretty as it may sound, that name was known across the nation as the intimidating military general trusted by His Majesty, the King, to lead the royal army.

For those who have not had the privilege of encountering him in person, the assumption might be of a rugged and perhaps middle-aged individual, given his extensive experience on the battlefield and high military rank. And those who have met him will know that his beauty was just as deadly.

But there's more to it – his renown extends beyond the confines of martial prowess. The general has garnered a reputation for scaring away all potential marriage candidates. His cold nature isn't limited to the battlefield; it extends to his personal life, affecting even the people closest to him.

In essence, Seonghwa was not a figure most people would look forward to meeting at all. If anything, most tended to avoid him like the plague. His name alone was enough to instil terror, be it in enemies, common folk, or even nobles.

But he was more than fine with it.

The general took pleasure in the fear that gripped anyone crossing his path. He had no interest in being loved or admired. The bloodshed inherent in his job brought him ample satisfaction, and the accompanying title and wealth were merely added perks.

One thing that irked him more than anything else was the King's relentless insistence that he should marry.

You see, he lacked the capacity for love, having grown up devoid of any such affection. All he cared for was his own survival. He understood, more than anyone, that trust was a rare commodity on this earth. Those close to him always harboured their own motives. The concept of genuine love or care was as good as non-existent in his dictionary.

His parents, if they could even be called that, abandoned him by a dumpster outside an orphanage. Born prematurely and deemed likely to die soon, they left him for dead. However, his determination to survive surpassed all expectations. He fought through the years and emerged as the person he is today.

Seonghwa's entire childhood was marked by brawls fighting for survival and to earn a living. But then fate took a turn when a perceptive military soldier scouted him, recognising the untapped potential within.

Rising from the bottom, his borderline cold-blooded character propelled him swiftly up the ranks, achieving remarkable progress within just a couple of years. His notoriety soon echoed in the ears of the King, and almost in the blink of an eye, he ascended to become one of the youngest generals in history.

And that was how he learned, through the hard way, that one would have to be useful in order to be valued. He has seen enough to understand it was a dog-eat-dog world.

The King favoured him solely for his skills, his servants stuck around for the generous pay, and every potential spouse presented to him was merely interested in his wealth or title.

This time would be no different.

"Seonghwa-yah, you're not young anymore, my boy. It's time for you to get married and have a few kids. Otherwise, who would succeed you? It would be such a shame for your bloodline to die with you." His Majesty said, a concerned frown creasing his wrinkled forehead.

The general lowered his head to conceal the smirk on his face. See? That's exactly what he meant. One would be foolish to believe that the King genuinely wanted the best for him; all the old man cared about was ensuring the continuation of his legacy.

Before Seonghwa could present another argument, as he always did, the King raised a hand to halt him, "That's enough; you have rejected all my previous proposed matches and deliberately scared off some of your betrothed as well. I may have been too lenient with you. This time, you will get married, and that's final."

He gripped the hilt of his sword in frustration, "But, your Majesty—"

The King shook his head, "Seonghwa, you will be stripped of your title if you do not cooperate."

That was enough to silence him.

He had worked tirelessly to reach his current position; it would be stupid to jeopardise it all over a refusal to marry. The whole idea seemed utterly outrageous; the old man must be senile to be threatening him over something so trivial.

But what choice did he have?

None.

"Fine, as you wish." The general sighed.

His Majesty's demeanour swiftly changed, breaking into laughter and applause, "Oh, that's wonderful! We already have a perfect candidate for you anyway. The Minister of Military Affairs has offered his eldest daughter's hand. I'm sure she would make a lovely wife for you."

"Has he now? How thoughtful of him."

Seonghwa wasn't stupid; he recognised that the minister harboured resentment regarding his recent ascent in the ranks. The old fool was undoubtedly anxious about preserving his own position and was actively exploring ways to subdue the younger man's progress, going to great lengths just to keep the general from outranking him.

As the assembly with the King concluded that day, Minister Jang was quick to intercept Seonghwa before he could exit the palace, "General Park, I eagerly anticipate our forthcoming union. I assure you, my eldest is a gem; you'll come to adore her." The elder man remarked smugly.

"Oh, I'm sure I will." He sneered, shrugging off the minister's hand before storming off.

Arriving at his estate, a servant approached the general with a tray of tea, "Welcome home, master," Having suppressed his anger for too long, he couldn't hold back any longer. He smacked the tray out of the poor woman's hands, growling, "Get out of my goddamned sight this instant." She bowed repeatedly, apologising profusely as she picked up the tray and the broken cup before scurrying away.

He slammed the door to his study open, nearly scaring the living daylights out of his only trusted aide, Jongho, "S-sir, is everything alright?" The assistant asked tentatively.

Seonghwa grumbled as he kicked his desk aside to sit in his chair, "The King demanded that I get married and even threatened to strip me of my title if I refused. I need you to dig up some information on Minister Jang's family; that man is up to something."

Jongho bowed once and rushed off to do as he was told, "Will do, sir."

Glaring at his desk, he clenched his fists at the thought of his future wife. Considering her hateful father, she likely resembled him. After all, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He was more than ready to face the likes of her, having successfully scared off a few spoiled brats before.

More unbearable to him than the King's incessant pressure for him to marry was the presence of irritating little pests, manifested in the form of noblewomen from wealthy families—the entitled sort who believed they were superior to everyone else.

All the encounters he had experienced so far were with that particular breed. If given the chance, he would gladly eradicate every single one of those seemingly useless, good-for-nothing individuals. Without a doubt, his wife-to-be would be another one of those insufferable girls.

Be prepared, wife. Life is about to become quite exhilarating for you.

"Gather around, kids. I have news!" Your father announced as he entered the family estate, cheerfully wrapping his arm around his second wife, your stepmother.

"What's going on, father?" Jinah asked, eagerly joining her two sisters, Jinhee and Jinjoo.

The man let out a tired sigh when he realised you were nowhere in sight, "Where is she?"

Jinhee scoffed, "You mean unnie? In her cage, of course. This is a family meeting; why would we need her around?"

The minister directed a nearby servant, "Fetch her to the main hall; I have an announcement to make." The three sisters and their mother exchanged intrigued glances, wondering what this unexpected proclamation could entail.

Staring numbly out of your tiny room window, you ponder the meaning of life. What was the point of being born if every member of your own family shunned you? To be fair, only your father is family; your stepmother and stepsisters are mere outsiders. Yet, even he hasn't bothered to treat you as such.

Your mother might have been the sole person to ever love you, but you couldn't possibly be sure. Unfortunately, she hadn't been alive long enough for you to remember much about her.

Could she have had any love for you, even when she herself lacked affection from her own husband?

That, you'll never know the answer to.

You've heard that your father had no choice but to marry your mother for political reasons and that your stepmother had been his mistress at the time. When your mother finally fell sick and died, he seized the opportunity to marry the harlot and take in all three of her bastard daughters.

Life has been nothing but hell ever since.

No one has treated you like a lady from a noble house; not even the servants were allowed to do so.

All you could remember was pain.

Endless pain all throughout your childhood.

In fact, the pain still persisted until this day, you felt it acutely in the numerous spots on your body, each a testament to the beatings you endured regularly as punishment. And those punishments were often for things you didn't do—blatant lies told by your stepsisters that your father used as an excuse to unleash his wrath.

Excluded from all family activities, even meals, you survived on leftovers and were confined to your quarters with nothing to occupy your time. It felt as if you were treated worse than the estate's servants, receiving only enough sustenance to keep you alive. You were more like a punching bag, there solely for their tormenting pleasure.

No one would acknowledge you in this household. You were as good as dead until one of your family members wished to have some fun, your misery providing the best entertainment.

So, imagine your surprise when you were summoned to the main hall for an announcement. Why does your presence suddenly matter? The curiosity gnaws at you as you reluctantly make your way to the gathering, wondering what twist of fate awaits you this time.

Cowering shamefully, you faced the evident disgust in your stepmother's and stepsisters' eyes as they took in your shabby appearance.

You struggled to figure out where to sit.

Approaching the only available seat next to the youngest, Jinjoo, you trudged over timidly, only for her to intentionally spill her cup of tea on the chair, "Oops! My bad, unnie. I guess you'll have no choice but to stand." You wished the ground would swallow you as everyone around snickered into their fists.

You looked over to your father, hoping he might stand up for you, only for your heart to sink in disappointment as usual when he averted his gaze with a clear of his throat, "Alright, now that you're all here, I have news to share." He announced, leaving you standing awkwardly in the corner, unnoticed and unwanted.

"Something interesting happened at the assembly with His Majesty this morning," Your father announced, capturing everyone's attention. All eyes were on him, eagerly awaiting the big revelation of this announcement, "The King has pressured General Park to marry once again, and this time, he was serious."

You noticed the expressions of your stepsisters turning fearful at the mere mention of the famous general.

"I figured it would be good to establish a connection with the general, considering his powerful standing in the military. So, I offered my daughter's hand to him in marriage."

Your stepsisters all gasped simultaneously.

"Father! How could you do such a thing to us?! Haven't you heard? That general is a monster! He scared off all of his previous fiancées. Do you have any clue how he'll treat us?" Jinah screeched tearfully.

But her mother calmed her with a sly smile, "Oh, you silly girls, why did you think your elder sister is here for?"

Oh.

Remaining rooted to the spot, you took in the shocking news. Your supposed family cheered at the announcement, their excitement palpable.

"Oh, unnie! You're finally making yourself useful for once!" Jinhee laughed, and your father nodded, a smirk playing on his lips, "That's right, my dear. You've always struggled to find a purpose in life, haven't you? Perhaps you'll grow to love your new life with General Park. I'm sure he'll take good care of you."

Everything turned into a blur as they celebrated what felt like your demise. Dismissed to your quarters, you retreated, letting the weight of the information sink in.

You had heard of General Park; how could you not? He was only the most feared person in the entire country.

Perhaps, in a twisted way, that could be a good thing. If he were to end your miserable life once and for all, it might be a mercy for you too.

After all, you had had enough of this life.

On the day you were set to marry Park Seonghwa, you were puzzled to find a group of servants sent to your quarters, armed with some of the finest clothes you'd ever seen, "What is this?" You questioned, eyeing the luxurious garments with scepticism.

The head of the maids sighed, "Young miss, you are marrying as the eldest daughter of Minister Jang. Surely, you have to at least look the part, yes?"

Oh.

That made sense.

Of course, it was all to make your father look good. Who would care about you?

Resigned, you sat like a doll as they worked on enhancing your appearance, transforming you into a vision of refinement. You observed their extra effort to conceal the remnants of bruises and scars from years of torture.

"All done." The head maid declared as they turned you around to face the mirror. As your eyes met your reflection, you failed to recognise the person staring back at you. You hadn't known you were capable of looking... what do they call it? Beautiful?

But this was only temporary.

You couldn't possibly fool the general forever with makeup. Sooner or later, he would see just how ugly and broken you were underneath all these artificial lies. And he, too, will be just as disgusted as everyone else. When that happens, you are mentally prepared for all the possible outcomes.

How much worse could it get?

After all, you had already endured a lifetime of hell. Surely, the torment couldn't be as severe as what you had experienced all these years... right?

One of the elderly servants, always watching you from a distance with pity in her eyes, approached you as the others dispersed. Her frail but warm hand landed on your shoulder as you met her gaze through the mirror.

With a kind smile, she nodded encouragingly, "I hope you find happiness out there, young miss." You didn't know why your eyes grew wet at those words as you watched her leave with the rest. The unexpected warmth in her gesture lingered, and for a moment, a spark of hope ignited within you.

Happiness?

You weren't sure you even knew what that word meant, but perhaps you'll learn the meaning of it outside of these walls. These walls that felt so much like prison all these years, it's almost funny how it was supposed to be your home.

Truthfully, you didn't think you'd ever live to see the day you would be allowed to leave this wretched place. Caged in here all your life, does anyone even know of your existence?

Perhaps not.

Well, now they might.

Heading to the entrance of the Jang estate, you carried little belongings, close to none.

Your family stood around, excited to see you off. The devious smirks on your stepsisters' faces faltered slightly at your transformed appearance before they scoffed, "Who would've thought? Guess you could actually fool someone looking like that. Just wait till he realises how useless you actually are." Jinhee sneered.

But Jinjoo snickered, "Oh, I'm sure she'll be useful in certain ways."

Jinah burst into laughter at the implication, "Oh yes! Give us plenty of nieces and nephews to play with, yeah?"

Your face burned with humiliation as they made fun of you, as they always did, "That is if she's strong enough to survive him in the first place." Your stepmother muttered, chuckling slyly.

Your father took a step toward you, "There's no time to waste; now get going. Don't you dare make me look bad."

You bowed before turning to leave, but a surge of courage prompted you to look back at your father one last time, croaking, "Father... have you truly never cared for me at all? For my happiness?"

He clenched his jaw, his response cutting, "Don't make me laugh; you and that mother of yours have only ever been a pain to me."

That hurt.

Why did it hurt?

It wasn't news to you. But still, it hurt.

"You want happiness? Find it with him then."

« Preview of Part 2 »

The night before the wedding, Seonghwa lifted his gaze from his scrolls to find his aide arriving slightly out of breath, "Have you found anything, Jongho?"

The assistant nodded after bowing, "Not much on the rest of the family; everything about them is just as known by the public. However, I did uncover more information about the eldest daughter, your bride."

The general straightened in his seat, "What about her?"

With a frown, Jongho continued, "It seems not much is known about her, despite being the eldest. She's the only daughter of Minister Jang's first wife, and no one has seen her set foot out of the estate since her mother's passing. Most sources claim her to be a mystery."

Seonghwa smirked, leaning back in his chair, "She must be quite precious for her father to keep her hidden all these years. Oh, I'll treat her well, all right. Get the head maid to prepare her quarters."

Jongho nodded curtly, feeling a chill run down his spine as he witnessed the sarcastic grin on his master's face.

"Only the best for future Lady Park."

I just want to emphasise that this is NOT a sequel/prequel or extension to Seonghwa's part from my 'Crazy Form' Comeback Special Series. This is a completely different story taking place in an entirely different universe.

Also, while this may be in the Joseon era, I do apologise if some of the details may not be historically accurate. After all, this is only a work of fiction, so please enjoy!

As always, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts, feedback or reviews! I love hearing all about it! <3

Tag list: @aurasblue @marievllr-abg @itsvxlentine @minghaoslatina @huachengsbestie01 @evidive @weedforthoughtz @ssrnghwa @yunnieo @sunnyhokyu @lynnsqueendom @frobin4ever @chwesuh-imnida @thunderous-wolf @itstheghostofmypast @professormingisglasses @deltamoon666 @avantalem @famishalll @yungilia @soobiverse @joongified

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

#edenesth #the way to his heart #ateez #ateez fanfic #ateez fanfiction #park seonghwa #ateez seonghwa #arranged marriage au #joseon era #seonghwa x reader #seonghwa x you #ateez fic #historical au

[tomorrowsdrama]

I think the only person who may love Gil Chae more than me is Jang Hyun. This girl is a survivor! She’s seriously one of my favorite female characters in a long time.

I love how she is just like Jang Hyun - smart and pragmatic. All social niceties and ideas of what’s proper are thrown out the window if they conflict with what is required to survive. And while they are both good people, their top priority is protecting those they care about, even if it means they can’t save everyone. Like that scene where Gil Chae stabbed that mother’s hand to get her to let go of Jong Jong. That scene is so good for so many reasons (and so brutal too ooof).

1. It shows the harsh realities of war and the hard decisions/compromises that are required to survive. 2. It also shows just how much Gil Chae has changed by the war. She’s a completely different person from that haughty sheltered noble miss who prioritized burying her fancy shoes even in the midst of an evacuation. She’s quick on her feet and it’s like her survival instincts are in hyperdrive. It only takes her a few moments to assess the situation and figure a way out for her and her group. 3. Gil Chae is not some selfless heroine that will sacrifice herself and those she cares about to try to save everyone. Yes, she generally wants everyone to be safe and will warn those around her when there is danger. But she is also not some “pure hearted” heroine who believes in “everyone gets saved or nobody gets saved.” Of course she’s not so ruthless as to send people down the wrong path to act as a decoy just so she can survive like those Joseon guards did to her and her group. However, she’s also not above prioritizing the safety of her group over that of outsiders. There was no more room left on the boat for that woman’s child so letting them on would have endangered everyone on the boat. Also, if she lets one on, who’s to say the others won’t try to force their way on as well once they see that there might be a chance? She won’t actively try to harm people but she’s not so passive as to not fight back and give up her own safety for someone else. I find that so refreshing and it makes her character, and Jang Hyun for that matter, so much more realistic!

What’s also so brilliant about this drama is that it shows she is not unaffected by all these choices she is making. Her actions have consequences and they are lasting ones. She is clearly feeling shocked and guilty about what she did to the woman in that one scene on the boat. So it’s not like she doesn’t know the gravity of her actions. But she still persists and takes on the burden for everyone in her group (just like Jang Hyun!) otherwise they would all be long dead. I love love love that she’s getting her own story alongside her romance with Jang Hyun. God, this is the kind of character growth we so rarely get to see for female characters. Have I said how much I love her yet?!

#my dearest #kdrama

[blueiskewl]

Why These Imperfect Korean ‘Moon Jars’ Sell for Millions

Old, round, imperfect and beautiful — that’s how fans of Korean art describe the moon jar, or “dalhangari.”

These unassuming, plain white pots have entranced everyone from rapper RM, of K-pop sensation BTS, to philosopher Alain de Botton.

The former director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Beth McKillop, has called the moon jar an “icon of Korean identity.” And if price is any indicator of popularity, one recently sold for over $4.5 million at a Christie’s auction.

This month, a rare example from the late 17th or early 18th century will go on sale at Sotheby’s in New York, where it’s expected to fetch more than $3 million.

“A large moon jar has always been expensive, but I think the big uptick in prices and value is… because their appeal is now global,” said Angela McAteer, Sotheby’s international head of Chinese art for the Americas and Europe, over video call. “You’ve got an international cohort of bidders competing for them, so it’s gone beyond the traditional connoisseur collecting community of Korean art.”

Huge price tags also result from the jars’ rarity. Although made for over a century in the royal kilns of Korea’s last kingdom, the Joseon dynasty, few are thought to exist today. Estimates for the number of larger ones (those more than 40 centimeters, or 15.7 inches, tall and wide) that have survived over the years range from 12 to 30.

Having passed through auction houses and antique dealers across the world, several of these are now in the collections of institutions like the British Museum and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, as well as in the hands of private collectors.

‘Owning a piece of happiness’

The first moon jars were created in the royal kilns in Gwangju (a city just outside Seoul, not the larger southern city of the same name) from 1650 to 1750. They were made from pure white porcelain and kaolin clay, and, following the neo-Confucian fashions of their day, the pots reflected values such as propriety, humility, frugality and purity. They were likely used at court and in upper-class homes as containers for food and liquids, or as decorative vessels.

In the mid-20th century, moon jars began gaining international appreciation thanks to influential admirers such as Japanese folk crafts scholar Yanagi Soetsu and British potter Bernard Leach, who bought one from a Seoul antique store in 1935. Leach once said that having a moon jar was like “owning a piece of happiness,” and would later give his to fellow potter Lucie Rie for safekeeping during World War II. It stayed in her studio until her death and was later acquired by the British Museum.

Charlotte Horlyck, lecturer in Korean Art History at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, wrote in the Art Bulletin journal that after World War II the moon jar “caught the attention of an early generation of postcolonial Korean artists and scholars who sought to restore Korean art history and national identity,” as the pieces “resonated with the visual language of international modernism and minimalism of the mid-20th century while remaining a distinctly Korean work of art.”

The moon jar’s allure

When Sotheby’s announced its forthcoming sale, the auction house described its 44-centimeter (17.3-inch) moon jar as an object that inspired, astounded and soothed those who “stand in its presence.” It’s a funny thing to say about a pot, to speak as if it’s alive, but the jars’ visceral, emotional impact on people is something that comes up time and time again in the literature.

Choi Sunu, a former director of the National Museum of Korea, has described the museum’s moon jars as being like companions, or muses that have inspired his writing and stirred his creativity. Bernard Leach admired the pots for their “natural unselfconsciousness.” In 2012, South Korea’s then-Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik used the pot as a metaphor symbolizing a reunified Korean peninsula (moon jars are created in two hemispherical pieces and joined in the middle).

More recently the rapper RM, of K-pop group BTS, posted a picture of himself hugging a modern-day moon jar on Twitter, telling fans that the pots made him feel calm.

“It’s hard for someone to really comprehend how a pot can make you feel that way,” said McAteer. “It has this real meditative presence. If you’ve sat in front of a great (painting by US artist, Mark) Rothko and you feel this kind of palpable energy emanate from it, and you could sit for hours and just feel something in its presence — the moon jar has that too.”

“The more you look at it, the more there is to see. It looks different from every angle,” she added. “We had real issues with the photography and the catalog because it looks like a different piece every time you rotate it, or you change the lighting. The surface is just alive, you know.”

“You can see how the glaze coalesces; you see these spontaneous bursts of this blush color that’s happening in the firing. You can lose yourself in its surface.”

Modern masters

Modern Korean potters have been inspired by the jars, and a number have come up with their own homages. Ceramist Kim Syyong covers his pots with a black glaze, while Yun Ju Cheol’s versions look spikier like a pufferfish and Choi Bo Ram’s unvarnished, textured blue vases have a denim-like quality.

Others, like Kwon Dae Sup, have looked to closely recreate the process used by the potters of yore. The 71-year-old ceramist produces unadorned white jars and allows for all the beautiful imperfections produced to shine through. He works out of a studio in Gwangju, where the royal kilns that produced moon jars were once located.

There’s a great deal of preparation that goes into making a moon jar traditionally. It’s labor-intensive: washing, sifting impurities from the clay, kneading and rolling it to remove air bubbles, carrying around these large hunks, not to mention hand throwing the clay itself to that oversized bowl shape without collapsing, and the work keeping a pine wood fire burning for 24 hours while the pot hardens in the kiln. Kwon also built his own kiln to replicate the old process as closely as possible.

“I do this because it’s fun,” he said in a phone interview. “Every time I make something, it’s novel … The quality of the material is different every time. The conditions in which I make the pots is new every time.”

Kwon said he also feels an emotional connection to the moon jar. As a student he was so moved by a one he saw in a Korean antique store that he decided they would be his life’s work. “They feel alive,” he said.

In a 2019 book on his work by Axel Vervoodt Gallery the potter is quoted saying he tries to produce art that needs no addition or subtraction. “I wish to create work that has an imposing presence but harmonizes with its surroundings regardless of where and when it is displayed. It should give peace of mind and a sense of comfort to all who look at it.”

By Christy Choi.

#Moon Jars #Why These Imperfect Korean ‘Moon Jars’ Sell for Millions #Dalhangari #Joseon dynasty #pottery #porcelain #Bernard Leach #Lucie Rie #Kwon Dae Sup #ancient artifacts #archeology #archeolgst #history #history news #ancient history #ancient culture #ancient civilizations #korean history #korean art #art #artist #art work #art world #art news #long reads

[aja-aja-hanja]

All about Hanok, the Korean traditional home, using the oldest surviving example of the Maeng clan haeng-dan! It is an example of architecture from the beginning of the Joseon dynasty (start:1392) which has been maintained according to the old way of building.

The name 행단 refers to a place with a gingko tree, which makes reference to Confucius teaching pupils under a gingko tree. In Joseon, Confucian culture became a main part of the national culture, replacing previous national Buddhism in Goryeo dynasty.

#architecture #korean learning #korean #korean study #korean language #korea #korean langblr #study korean #not hanja #korean architecture #korean culture #traditional architecture

[dangermousie]

I swear, watching My Dearest is just like getting hit with a pain hammer over and over again and then begging for more.

Here is Gil Chae, being sold at the market. You know, two things: (1) she survived the war better than she survived the aftermath thanks to that horrifying king and (2) I hope her husband is set on fire: fine, he does not want a "tainted" woman (I have opinions on that, but even assuming that's a position to take), there is a vast gulf between "and then I will take her home as lady of the house" and "and I am gonna leave her to be brutalized and raped repeatedly." Like THE HELL!!! Fine, don't take her back as your wife. What prevents you from buying her freedom, getting her back to Joseon and giving her divorce papers?! SERIOUSLY!!! It's like if she's not "pure," she is not a person - actually, she's not a person to start with because to him she has no intrinsic worth or selfhood, only insofar as she fits with him. If she does no longer fit, she ceases to exist.

And then she sees JH and the way she thinks she's hallucinating (side note: it's pretty telling that in her earlier dream, when she dreamt her "husband" came for her, she dreamt it was JH and not her actual husband.)

Her face when she realizes he's real!

The way he starts mowing people in the way to get to her!

Aaaaaa, when he climbs the platform and crouches to be on her level!

When he sees her hands tied, and nervously clutching each other, and starts truly losing it, more than he has before.

The way she has to nerve herself to meet his eyes. But also - he left her safe and prosperous in Joseon and the main reason (he thought) for her not running with him was because she was going to be safer where she was and then...

When he reaches to touch her and she can't help but instinctively flinch, which tells the whole story about how traumatized and brutalized she is more effectively than a ten minute sequence...

And he is just howling at her, here...

#kdrama #my dearest #nam goong min #ahn eun jin

[wuxiaphoenix]

Worldbuilding: Collapsing Empires

One of our classic stories is the band of Plucky Rebels against the Evil Empire. I will boldly go on record as saying I love these stories. Who doesn’t want to cheer on the rag-tag determined heroes fighting against overwhelming odds? (See Star Wars, The Last Starfighter, The Magnificent Seven, and so many others.)

On the other hand I also read history, and so there’s something I’ve noticed. While the urge to create an empire seems to be a human constant, individual empires always fall. Eventually.

I’m sure there are many reasons for this. I’ll give you a few I’ve noticed; you can probably suggest more. The three I’ve got are environmental shifts, out of context problems, and the elite desire to stay in power at all costs.

Each of these can, of course, feed into the others. Here’s a few examples.

Environmental shifts are nasty. Some are from human land use - deforestation and gold or lead mining do numbers on large areas - but others are just the solar system giving you a Bad Era. To be very general, our climate tends to alternate between periods of warmer and more predictable weather, and cooler, less predictable weather patterns. (You can in fact have a scorching drought or a dozen in an Ice Age. It’s just on average cooler.)

Empires tend to get started and grow during the good times, to the point they’re right on the edges of their ecological limits as to how many people can make a living without starving. And then a bad spot hits. And things go sideways. As they say of bankruptcies, first slowly, then all at once. Famines usually start in some spots, and the empire handles it, getting ever more stressed - and then worse weather sparks floods and mudslides, and out of that ecological havoc you tend to get plagues, and between plague and famine you can’t feed or levy enough troops.... And then law and empires collapse as everyone scrambles madly to survive and people who were on the empire’s borders try to make out like a bandit. Pun fully intentional.

A “sudden” (usually over decades) climate change might be considered an out of context problem... but I had more direct and weirder things in mind. At one point, for example, we had archaeological evidence that the Luwian Kingdom might have been wiped out by a comet strike. Current archaeology thinks not, but the scenario still remains possible for fiction. Not to mention the scholarly wrangling over what really happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. It looks like the real-life cities were on a very oil-rich plain. So theoretically, if a meteor shower came down and punched a few holes....

But you don’t have to look to outer space. Cortez and other conquistadores showed up from across the Atlantic with a deep history of warfare that was an extremely out of context problem for the Aztecs, Incas, and many more. (Yes, diseases played a big role. But historically the conquistadores legit beat local armed forces high, wide, and handsome.) Joseon Korea and Tokugawa Japan had similar problems with the rest of the world. Anna and the King is a fictionalized version of the King of Siam trying to ease his kingdom into a soft landing in the modern world. I can only imagine the battles he must have had with his court over that.

Which leads to the third reason I see empires fall. If a ruler wants to keep ruling, and doesn’t trust his people, he has to make sure no one else is strong enough to oppose him. But keeping everyone too weak to fight you means that sooner or later, they’re too weak and corrupt to fight someone else.

And on the edges of an empire, there is always Someone Else.

Side note: This is one of many reasons I think a republic is the best government to create and maintain a nation. Ideally we have people in power getting overthrown all the time. We just do it on an agreed-upon regular basis. Unfortunately that was also supposed to apply to all bureaucracy....

Anyway. If you’re writing Plucky Rebels against the Evil Empire, go for it! But you might want to also poke some history and see if any of these real-world factors apply. Smart rebels take advantage of an existing crisis! Just ask Li Zicheng.

Though note what happened to him....

#creative writing #worldbuilding

[onyourhyuck]

Unbreakable Promise: Meet Me In Another Life. | Johnny Suh.

prologue- “I’ve been waiting for you. Searching for you.” + “I’ve been here all along.”

summary: Johnny made a promise to find you when you reincarnate in another body. He waited years to find you on his search. When searching for your reincarnation, he meets a young girl in need of help. Will he fall in love again?

tw- fox!johnny x human!y/n. Smut. Romance. Joseon era sorta. Angst (many angst moments.) fluff. Dom!johnny. Y/n gets her shit railed tbf. Hitting it from the back. Hair pulling. Mention of master x servant relationship. Johnny calls her mistress. Johnny is a LOYAL BF.

note- KINkTOBER FIC.

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Do you know what’s the most dangerous thing for a Mountain Fox Spirit to ever encounter? It is a young beautiful woman that makes his heart quench and fall in love.

Foxes are undesirably romanticist. They devote themselves to one person forever, even in life and death they will not find someone else to love. They shall die alone or with you. The foxes who are meant to be servants to serve one master are undoubtedly loyal to the bone and will not hesitate to kill millions for only just one person. They can be blinded by love all they wish, even if it meant the god of calamity shall murder him on the path. If it meant to have karma debt in the next life, so be it, everything will get better when you live next to the one you love and wish to keep thousands upon thousands years forever like the moment. However obsession can’t get you anywhere but a dead end.

Johnny made an unbreakable promise to his lover and master. He was unable to protect her from the sudden death by an arrow to the heart, killed by the selfish village folks. Painting of her crying face, dirty by the charcoal and hair ruffed up when he squeezed it right to his chest once her last breathe was ‘I’ll see you in my next life.’ lives rent free in the fox servant’s mind. Her voice, he wants to listen to it again. Oh how much it kills his heart. It hurts to live without your lover, he feels like he is being killed and put back alive while surviving in this ridiculous world.

If it wasn’t for his promise, the promise that he swears to abide with his life, if only if he didn’t make it he would’ve ended himself and follow you into the afterlife. Quite extreme right? But it’s the truth. The pain of surviving and staying alive while your lover for life is gone from earth and in the afterlife waiting to be reincarnated, it is insufferable. Hardest pain he’s ever went through.

“I promise i will find you, reincarnate please. I will find you no matter what.”

The man wearing the traditional Joseon era hanbok with the black loose hair flipping through the fingers, he sits down by the very traditional house resting on the mountains away from civilisation to bother him. It is rising above the village down there. The typical joseon house has a small bath section for anyone to use, multiple slide door rooms and they sleep on the floor. The fox looking up at the round sun blazing like a hot fireball today, made him close his eyes until he moves to sit under a shed.

“Did god of sun have to make today so hot, darn it.” Johnny cursed, sighing out.

“Oi fox did you get the cabbage like i told you to.” The old hunch lady with a cane approaches the young man, poking him by the cane annoyingly. She cackled when Johnny grunts flicking the cane away from him. He would reveal the large basket of cabbage he had carried on his back from the village and up the long mountain hill pathway, in this forsaken raging heatwave from the sun.

“Ahh I see you did.” She coos as she takes the cabbage basket, humming happily. Johnny watches her as he clicks his tongue. “Old hag you always make kimchi. Why?”

The elderly woman turns to the fox. “Because it’s good. Don’t you like my kimchi?” She asks as she sat down on the wooden floor, breaking apart the fatha the leaves in miniature pieces.

“I do like it but why don’t you make something with meat.” He gushed. It’s hard living with only vegetables, at this point he will go back to his vicious meat eater days where he ate human liver.

“Meat is expensive. Fox if you’re hungry just go and hunt. Isn’t that in your nature?” The woman replies back and he pouts, disappointed by the stereotype. “I’m classy, not like those savage foxes. I prefer a cooked meal by you granny.”

“Tch some useless fox you are. Maybe you spend so much time in civilisation with humans that you forget you’re a bloody fox.” She points out as if analysing Johnny’s whole life he’s lived. Johnny clicks his tongue. “My master was human. I adapted to her ways, I don’t plan on changing if that’s what you’re asking me to do.” He chides defensively and the Hag let a short lived chuckle at the boy who was so eager on staying in he past, in the past where his master lived on as an alive being and not a dead corpse. Johnny has kept things the same, the traditional house has your room untouched, the hanboks she wore were clean and kept away in the clothing pile. The things she loved to eat were still stacked and bought. Johnny simply did not want to move past your death, even if it was thirty five years ago. When his master has died he lived alone for five years until he met this old grandma on the street slums of the village, though she wasn’t just some old lady, she was a shaman. The old soul has sacrificed herself for immortality, simply to live forever as an old shaman soul, leading people into the light. The shaman could recognise who he was. She saw Johnny’s ears and nine tails, simply because she herself isn’t human.

“Sheesh. You rather live in the past.” She had respond back in a blunt tone, washing the cabbage kimchi in the bowl. He didn’t reply but mentally he agreed. Johnny was scared and too heartbroken to move past the death scarring him every night.

“I know you searched for her while you were in the village too. How did that go?” Shaman asked and Johnny was brought back to the time earlier he was searching while shopping, technically not slacking off but at the same time he was multitasking two tasks. Looking for your reincarnation in public while shopping the kimchi cabbage. The fox would lure girls that had similar face structure to you or that gave him a vibe it might be your reincarnation. But everytime he went and checked, stripping the left side of the hanbok to reveal the shoulder, there was no bite mark. It wasn’t you. None of these girls were you. By the time he had checked, he had to run away because the girls were screaming pervert.

In his defence Johnny did not care if palace guards patrolling the village would arrest him, in all honesty he could breakout and leave never to be found again, however it would be a hassle for him to be caught anyways. Humans are very persistent people. The times he was frustrated and down to see how none of these were your reincarnation, he began to wonder if you were even reincarnated. Johnny begged the gods in the sky to tell him if you were reincarnated and they all replied with a yes. They had no reason to lie to him about this. Surely, you are somewhere roaming here. He just doesn’t know where.

Johnny flings up in sudden movement when the sharp ears twinkle around to the sound of a panting voice as if it were running at high speed with the background voices of guards rushing towards her it seems. Johnny’s eyes avert from the side looking at the grandma. “I’ll be back old hag. See ya.” Johnny shouts leaving the porch as he ran to the helpless girl to help her out. But curiosity has died quickly when the girl would be met with the traditional house, in front seeing the muscular handsome man in the navy blue white hanbok and a seared swordsman sword. She rushes to the six foot man, gasping. “Help me please they are looking for me.” She cried looking behind where no sign of them except the loud ranging voices becoming louder and louder indicating that they were coming closer to them. Johnny looks down with an apathetic gaze. “Why should i help you?” He grumbles pushing the girl away from his body when she had held his right hand desperately. She flings down on the ground, coughing out the dust from the sand stone floor. “Please! I ran away . They will bring me back to him.” She pleads. Johnny couldn’t help but wonder what this young girl did so badly to be chased by guards and soldiers. He tilts his head, sighing.

Tears ran soon streaming down her cheeks, those Pearl shape eyes with deep emerald green mixed in with brown ache watching the man who was about to walk away and leave the helpless girl get arrested. But when those tears drop down like blood from his master’s body, he was reminded of the crying face the dead lover made when she had died. Johnny with widen eyes, Stops on his tracks . Why did he get this flashback with you?

“Get inside the house.” Johnny commands, lifting your frail body on the feet. Your hanbok would be lifted as you ran into the house. The man stands where the guards have appeared finally, rushing in. Johnny pulls out the sword, body silhouette glowing with a yellow outline leaking out the power of the nine tails.

Sword pointing to the army of soldiers, in a swung and a gentle step in the air, a single slash stows towards the soldiers flinging them on the ground unconscious. Wind breeze echoes through them. The power of the air and fire fox, never underestimate Johnny suh, the mountain spirit.

He turns shaking his head at them, tutting to the unconscious bodies. “Oh dear god. This couldn’t really went the easier way if you hadn’t stepped in my territory.” Johnny would say with a scolding tone. The girl gasped averting the man to look at her.

“You have tails and ears!” You point out as they were wiggling in the yellow outline. Johnny looks down to the clean shining sword before pushing it back to the sheath, he comes forward . You saw the ears and the tail disappear and immediately flinch when Johnny held your wrist tight.

“Forget this happened.” Johnny said as his eyes turn golden yellow. You blink at him, whispering. “Uhm...you’re hurting me.” You point out lightly as you look down to the tight wrist hold. Johnny banally let’s go, confused why the hypnosis and memory erasing did not work on you; eyes went back to deep black colour, as he clears his voice.

“Well this is stupid.” He murmurs under his breath. “I saved you. I hate being in debt to people, so this is the only time i help you, human girl.”

“Right. I’m sorry for the trouble. Uhm.” Johnny walks away midway my sentence as i shout out with my hand out for a handshake. Seemingly the man was quite blunt and uninterested at first— the sudden change of heart made you wonder what made him help you, a stranger running away from the soldiers. “My name is y/n!” You exclaim shakily with your hand out, looking down at your palm waiting for him to take him it. Johnny raises an eyebrow, as if he were analysing y/n from head to toe. The man lightly pulls his hand forward grabbing yours with a shake. He then lets go.

“Johnny.” He replied quietly.

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“Come on eat as much as you want!” The elderly beams as she fed you more and more, seemingly this felt like a fever dream. lovely warm grandma was feeding you, your saviour was on the left side of the wide open room protesting from feeding you a lot as well as saying how you shouldn’t be staying here and go back to the village where you came from. But the grandma retorts with disagreements. Seemingly Johnny didn’t like arguing with the grandma. He respected her, despite being years older than her.

“I’ll eat to my hearts content then, granny.” Y/n smiles digging into the lovely kimchi and soup. It was warm, salty with the kimchi and it felt healthy. The rice she gave you was amazing too. It was a first time you had such a big meal in your life.

Johnny from afar would be observing the young girl with an aching feeling of regret, why did he get such a bad feeling from you? The fox bites on the beautiful print fan (in other words called the Shan.) in his palm flicking back and forth the beautiful night starry air, a complete difference from the horrible heatwave earlier. Johnny blooms to glare at the grandma who watched him with a warning gaze.

“Why was the soldiers chasing you exactly?” Johnny interrogated coming in closer to look at you, dropping the wooden curve spoon into the soul as you turned to realise Johnny was now closer to you, watching your face to see the reaction. Y/n clears her throat. “You could say i was forced into something and i refused.” You tell and the grandma lets out a soft sigh.

“What did the soldiers do now. They are the most corrupted people here aside the royalty.” The elderly spat .

Johnny scoffs. “What were you forced into?”

“I was told to sleep with a customer. He was quite rich and powerful in the place I worked out. I refused when he tried to strip my hanbok out and I ran. Then the guards were chasing me.” You shrug it off when the memory replays in your head , like a haunting dream ready to scar you for the rest of the life. Johnny hums. “So aren’t you going back home?” He throws impatiently, Johnny earned himself a slap behind the head from the grandma.

You drop your mouth a little without a sound leaving, looking away with a stammer. “I will but can you let me stay at least for two nights? I’m scared to go back so early. I doubt the soldiers will stop looking for me tomorrow.”

Johnny stares blankly thinking what to answer with, if it’s only two days then perhaps he could make an expectation on letting y/n stay; either way it is not like the old hag will let him push the young girl out this late at night back to the village when she has no family relations to anyone whatsoever. He isn’t that cruel, even though he is cold and quite a blunt person like a solid rock. He will never put a girl in danger unless crossed. Johnny stands up with a shrugging bounce to the shoulders made. “Only two nights. That’s all you are getting.” The fox warns.

You exclaim happily with grateful eyes, you bow your head in the ninety degree angle before lifting it to stand up holding Johnny’s hands with yours. He saw the way your face instantly lit up, glowing light and stars born in those so-familiar eyes. The way your smile was this dark gloop of fear and sadness overthinking your safety, cracking in to the familiar winsome grin. Her smile was like a sudden beam of sunlight illuminating the nightfall darkness outside. Outshining even the mightiest god of sun and light. Where did this feeling of comfort, warmth and familiarity come from you? When did he feel this amount of same kindness and compassion. The same facial expression, eyes smiling too; why was it you?

“Thank you so much, Johnny! I promise I won’t cause trouble. You’re a kind fox.” Y/n laughs a little with a soft echo in her voice. He blankly stares, body frozen like a statue standing still . Your touch melted him if he were ice. The man flinches away his hands from your hand grasp, retracting it back to his chest. He softly nods, quietly murmuring. “Whatever i’m not cruel enough to kick you out and even if i did do that, the old hag would curse me probably.” He points out eagerly at the elder woman who sent daggers to him. Y/n felt the way he was very closed off, almost as if he was scared to become close to you, but why? The girl tilts her head, the same warming gracious smile stays on her face . “I’m still grateful. Thank you.” You tell him with genuinely.

As shield of Earth the night is given upon celestial clock. Gates of heaven and hell soon open releasing endless spirits to wander the land amongst humans. Night deepens each forest brown to the hues that are my soul-song, animals coming out of hiding no longer afraid to reveal the longitude to Mother Nature. On this night the natural black hugs the stars as a mother would to a newborn child when born, the floating little rocks shining bright above the sleeping humans in the village and the wide awake fox resting on the porch next to the small rising lake and a ticking cat waving paw with a shrine and a picture. A cold night, a lucid moon, heaven's eyes shine in the black as divine watchful mother seems like the only thing that never changes to Johnny. Every decade passing he has witnessed many moons that look the same, lonely in the sky, bright as day. Stars coming and going whilst the icy breeze grows angrier.

Johnny could never sleep even if he tried to. Perhaps it was in his genes to not be able to grow fond of the dream land. Only once he could ever feel the symptoms of tiredness. Only once. The house becomes dastardly quiet whenever the mortals go hit the hay, but Johnny finds comfort in it as much as he finds pain in it. Why is it that the darkness covering the night time starts to make you reminisce on the deepest pit of your worries? He can’t ever escape it no matter how much he runs or tries to no longer think back on it, his heart always finds a way to entangle itself on the hauntingly image of his dead lover. Though gods punish him for ever losing a master— it is considered a crime and disgrace for the fox spirit community. Johnny fell from the social status but he does not care. Johnny fell harder when the image of his dead lover and master in his arms grew cold like the North Pole.

The room available for Y/n to use was the only room filled with women clothing and bedding. Quite a large room for one person as if it were a royalty bedroom made just for the finest of women alive. Y/n was born in a poor setting from the beginning, an orphan to be exact so coming across a room like this left you in a stumble, wondering if it was okay for you to even sleep down on the bed like a normal person. But somehow your heart ached seeing this setup. The clothes freshly washed and hang made you want to sob. The feelings of nostalgia hit like a tsunami emerging from the earth’s cracking ground. You couldn’t explain why, so you shrug it off and went to bed. But when you fell into your subconscious the same old routine came.

The same old nightmare chases you anywhere you stay reside in. The inner child version of you cried on days like this to yourself, holding knees to the chest, pinching the your forearms to remind yourself this was the reality and your nightmares were not. The eight year old you would of stayed up all night, becoming an insomniac; child you slept on the day and stayed awake in the night. Sixteen year old you would become numb and cold revisiting the nightmare every night, you bought sleep medicine hoping it might perhaps help you sleep easier, if any it made the dream worse a ten thousand fold. But now, you are twenty years old. A fully grown adult who has experience this long lived nightmare dream for over nineteen years without a single night of hopeful dreams.

Red. Everything ran red. Sharp pain hits the chest like a wooden stake to the heart was cutting your body open like a flat pillow stuff feathers, as if you were nothing but a lightweight rock stomped on. Blur voices and tears align, as did image of fire spreading like a running carriage filled with cattle’. - Female voice screaming dents you in fear as your body wrinkles in the bed, pushing off the duvet cover as well as blankets off, whimpers breathily intake the entire room.

In that moment, eyes snap open as the body jolts up. The young girl pushing back forth the straight long dark hair backwards, drenching with cold sweat along the forehead, dropping on the traditional dress you wore all day, Underneath the clothing were a pounding heart. Y/n looks around the room cautiously extremely paranoid, eyebrows raised to the roof as eyes wide like charcoals, mouths trembled out a sigh and the hands wrap themselves into an hug. Y/n embracing her own body as a self comfort to soothe the situation down, you make mini pinches on the forearms to check if this was the reality. Indeed it was when the small pain strikes you. “It was just a dream,” The girl said to oneself.

The sudden urge to quench the thirst from the dry closing throat, the young woman gets up on two legs leaving the room quietly. Y/n makes her way forward until stopping as the bright blue moonlight shining soon illuminates the man underneath it with one hunch leg, slouching against the wooden pillar to the traditional korean joseon house entrance. The man with the loose blue navy white hanbok, to his only company were a teapot set and white bolder like cups. She comes forward slowly, but stops when the man’s voice strikes her; he knew she was coming even if he has never look towards her direction. He was facing forward into the melancholy distance.

“Can’t sleep, Y/n?” Johnny utters with a husky tone catching the trembling you off guard. The girl purse her lips into a thin line and sits next to the fox spirit softly nodding out a hum. “How’d you know?” Y/n asks and the man turns to look at her.

He points out, like it were a factual reasoning. “Fox ears make it hard to block out noises.” Y/n’s lips open faltering out an ‘oh. Right.’

Silence took a left completely crashing the moment and both of you like a truck. Johnny seemingly found comfort in it but you on the other hand struggled to be quiet, multiple questions form a novel because you seem to want to know more about the man who looks both sadden and lonely when watching the moon ahead. You can’t put your finger on why and what it was causing Johnny to look that way. It draws you in however, as if he was a magnet.

You hush out when beginning to speak once again. “Why can’t you sleep?”

Johnny reaches to the half full cup bringing it to the plum pucker lips and sips the herbal tea. “Are you always this chatty, Y/n?” He grumpily throws.

Your lips seal together like an envelope. Knitting eyebrows forward at the shady comment he has made. He might not be interested in you as much as you are into him but despite the pushing your presence kept marching on. You’re determined to get to know Johnny as a person. Your round eyes squint at the fox. “No. Only when I want to be. Does that bother you?”

You gently ask and Johnny goes to agree. “In a matter of fact yes. Why do you keep talking to me?”

“I want to get to know you more.” Y/n replies. The reasoning were so simple for mortals but for Johnny it felt like cheating, cheating on his dead partner and master. Foxes don’t feel the urge to make friends with other mortals, not unless it were other fox spirits. He can feel the persistence from you, something that was familiar with mortals.

He grimly stress, gritting the canine teeth at you. “I am taken.” Johnny tells you. Y/n’s jawline cracks at the sudden words as you pause, putting your hands to your chest as you spoke, defensively.

“I don’t mean it like that!” Y/n scowls. Johnny scoffs mentally, sure you don’t. Mortals are such easy sinners and to fall in love, in no doubt are you interested in him romantically. Even if you’re not aware of it, Johnny knows you will in the end at the friendship.

“Oh please save me your sappy story. Humans are hopeless romantics it’s unbelievable. I cannot be your friend.” Johnny states.

“Fine, don’t be my friend. But at least make a conversation with me since we both can’t sleep.” You compromise in which the fox said nothing, you took it as a yes. The silence came back but soon broke when johnny finally speaks first, starting the chat. The man gave in to answer your question out of nowhere, catching you ultimately in a surprise.

Johnny sighs. “I don’t sleep. except once.”

“You didn’t sleep at all except one time?” You gawk loudly with a short hitch. Johnny nods putting the empty cup down. “Whoa. Here I thought I was the biggest insomniac.” Y/n impressively said back.

On the man’s face a charming smirk begins to paint clearly, he flashed you a mugging grin with one eyebrow raised, mischievous eyes glint at your doe-ish fluttering eyelashes.

“Why can’t you sleep then, miss insomniac number two.” He casually asked,

You shift not exactly expecting him to follow up with a question you never really spoke of to anyone before. The girl puts the straight hair behind the ears, blowing on your lips as you complement wether you should tell him at all. Johnny watches the uneasy expression you, as he looks away to the moon. “Forget I asked. I didn’t realise it was a touchy subject.” Johnny hollows with simple understanding putting you at slight ease, but then you didn’t want to exactly stop talking. You softly whisper.

“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable. I just don’t know how to explain it.” You start and Johnny listens well and keenly at your voice he surprisingly finds relaxing. The man turns to look back at you. “You see, I only dream the same reoccurring nightmare all my life. I never had a nice dream before. No one knows this before, you are the first one that have asked me why I can’t sleep.”

There was something so saddening about the way you have lived all along this time to Johnny, he couldn’t put into words why he seems to take minor pity but at the same time a protective approaching manner to want to keep you safe and at ease. What exactly was it about you that makes him so sensitive about the bad scenarios and things that could happen to you so easily and why does it piss him off? It’s been so long that someone else has made an effect on him. The fox shifts watching the way you spoke about your situation, with carefree patience and comfort. For someone who has suffered from the moment of being born into this deadly world era you take comfort in the pain you experienced and you find safety in it too. This is what makes you strong in Johnny eyes though. You aren’t afraid to be vulnerable or to be sensitive. You are like a tapestry, no matter where you are placed; rough or smooth pathway. You will always get through it.

“I wonder what it is like to not dream. For at least a night, I wish to just sleep.” You murmur openly and Johnny smiles at your words. “For someone who was born into nothing, you are pretty good of a human.”

Your lips curve upwards smiling back at the man, tilting your head as you brought your legs to the chest. “For someone who said they don’t want to be friends, you listen to me rambling. You’re a good fox.” You praise reaching with your palm, stroking the soft raven hair flatly. Johnny’s face grows a light orange reddish colour heating the cheeks, the fox ears flicker in an appreciative manner to the solely actions of your soft warm hands pressing and running through the hair to pet the man. Johnny’s eyes waver like the sea at shore backwards and forwards, lips pucker as they stare to question you. The praise lift his dead heart to beat again. Johnny embraces the nostalgia in the moment,

He swore he heard his dead master’s voice over yours just now. The way you praise him was in so many ways similar to the way his dead lover did so. Your hands felt identical and you both look like twins. Johnny felt tricked, oppressed into being met with you. But still, he felt uneasy if he was right about you.

“What are you doing, Y/n..!” He exclaims quickly as he jolts back, holding your wrist in his hands to pull you forward. The girl’s body stumbles back losing balance instantly, she fell over his lap, face forward inches away from Johnny’s lips and the chest pressing right on to his own. Johnny felt the lingering scent obsess the nostrils entirely. The fox ears capture your breathing hitch on halt, your heart thumping like his own right now and his body felt an electric strike setting a small ember inside. Both your faces were barely a gap away from pressing together, but what brought Johnny into a catastrophe was the way his eyes lean down to your glossy peachy lips wanting to take a taste of them. But he can’t. You aren’t his reincarnation he was looking for.

That’s what he thought until the left hanbok came loose falling on the side revealing a faded bite mark deeply inscribed into the woman’s body. She let out a shocking gasp as the bare nude shoulder and dainty collarbones block Astounding man’s view. He darkly and deemly seeks an answer, catching you by your shoulders now, he had you placed on the floor underneath him. The woman’s figure was pressed down into the wooden floor like a sliced wooden log, crushingly laying underneath the heavy weight from the fox straddling the body. Hands gripping y/n’s shoulders tight like the life depend on it. Johnny’s glaring eyes fixated on the scar you hid on your left shoulder all along. Memories coming into his head like a flood.

“Please reincarnate, Y/n. I will find you with this mark made by me.”

The flashback ends with your mortified face watching Johnny warily wondering why he was deathly staring at the old mark you never knew why you got it in the first place; you just had it from birth you suppose. He breaks out softly.

“How did you get this mark, Y/n.” Johnny commands with a look that killed you inside. You become silent all of the sudden, the courage to answer the man above you, keeping you trapped, it was scary to respond. Johnny only became aggravated by the shock, it felt almost surreal to him so all he felt was tricked. He couldn’t believe it was real. The paranoia inside Johnny made him so angry, he wondered if he was projecting the thirty five years searching for you all along onto you. When in reality, he’s crumbling. He’s a broken somebody. “How did you get this mark, Y/n!” He screams, hands shaking the woman’s body up and down before dropping her flat on the wooden floor.

The girl flinches closing her eyes, exclaiming in a scream back at the man. “I don’t know! I had it since I was born. You happy?” You grunt out when Johnny was overcame by his own silence. The man falls backwards, off your body as he rests flat, letting out a soft scoff. He finally found you. The five stages of grief was not enough for Johnny, he needed at least twenty stages of grief to cope with. You sit up pulling on your hanbok covering the left side. Johnny looks down hanging his head low.

Y/n slowly stands up rushing back inside the bedroom, closing the sliding door shut. Johnny was left in his own presence, wondering what he’s just witnessed. Surely, it couldn’t be you. But it was his bite mark, the exact same bite mark from the canine fox teeth. Johnny shakes his head in his hands, rubbing the eyelids heavily.

He sobs clenching his hands together. “It was you all along.”

What hurts the most is not the that it was you who was his longing lover’s reincarnation. What hurt Johnny was that even though he told himself so many times that he was ready to meet you, to see you, that he cannot wait another year searching for you only to be hit with a dead end. In reality he wasn’t ready to see you reincarnated. You were both different but similar at the same time in this reincarnation. Johnny couldn’t tell you that you’re his reincarnated lover, hell-, how will he explain that to you? It hurts that he wasn’t ready to accept the fact that you out of all people, cannot remember him. But he remembers you like it was yesterday.

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Morning arrives as a mother's gentle hand, inviting the dreams of night to enter the day. Golden threads of morning sunshine plants on Johnny’s face, scrunching in many wrinkles in irritation. The nine tailed fox sat up half asleep and half awake, rubbing the eyelids to fully open them in a clear view, the man let out a soft yawn. The grandma came into sight immediately, jump scaring Johnny literally to fall backwards, hitting the wooden pillar unexpectedly. He forgot he slept on the floor at the entrance like a guarding dog.

“Ow! Old hag did you have to be so close to me when i open up.” Johnny complained forward as he points at the old woman who glares clicking her tongue. “You drank the entire fermented alcohol. Do you know how expensive this is? Darn it Johnny. “ the grandma scolds like a family member would to another. Johnny let’s out a soft nod. “I’ll just get another one easily. Relax.” He adds before standing up walking to the porch where he watches the distance. Village happens to be wide awake in the acute shining sunshine, this time it was the right amount of heat and breeze. In the distance caught Johnny’s eyes to manoeuvre to the direction of a girl wearing familiar expensive silk dress.

He gapes at the sight rushing towards the young girl with long black straight hair and fair skin, back turned on him he couldn’t see her face but when he approached the girl who was gardening in the forest, hunch on the knees. Johnny stops pulling a hand by the shoulders turning the girl to face him, he were met with Y/n. The same pondering expression on Johnny’s face overloads Y/n’s foresight, she blinks uncomfortably, feeling terrified as last night was quite scary. Johnny this time felt more calm and compressed, but he was left stunned. It was only just you wearing his master’s and lover’s clothing because you couldn’t of kept the dirty ones on— but when you wore them, you look spitting image of her. Johnny shakily release the top of his hand from your left shoulder, looking away he clears his throat. “Sorry. You looked like someone I knew.”

Johnny backs away and you nod softly without saying much. Only new questions were born upon old questions you needed answers to when you were with Johnny alone. It’s draining for your overthinking physically and mentally.

The situation dynamic has shifted from last night and it made you self conscious about it. Previously in the day when Johnny and Y/n met for the first time he wasn’t interested in you, in fact he was shooing you every opportunity he had with you alone. You were the one chasing. But now that you stopped chasing after last night’s incident because you were scared of what he was doing . Johnny became the chaser at the end. He keeps thinking of you as his master and servant when in reality you aren’t her exactly; you were her in your previous life. But not anymore and Johnny cannot grasp the concept. It’s like seeing the same people with different alter egos. The similarities kill him however, every similar thing you do was the exact thing you did in your past life. Johnny was only more deluded by these things.

You sigh openly as you begin to softly pat the soil into the seed hole you planted forming a small oversized flat soil ground to keep it the seed to grow and securely stay. “Why are you still here?” Y/n asks, quite bluntly this time.

Johnny shifts on the side with a surprise flinch, rubbing the behind of his head. Why did he feel so little when he was with you? Perhaps the stern voice you’re using on him makes him think even more of you as his master. As his one and only sole priority. Johnny stammers. “I’m just… watching you. You got a problem?” He throws back.

You clench your jaw together. “Maybe. You are suddenly really clingy to me. Yesterday you weren’t.”

‘Yeah but yesterday I didn’t know you were her…’ Johnny would thought.

It’s true. He completely changed overnight. He was more caring with you, more considerate. Not once did he make a kick out joke, it’s as if he wants you to stay here permanently. Johnny would’ve usually glare at you with his resting apathetic face, but now he looks at you with beaming relief eyes with happiness and warm love at the same time. It was weird, to see him smile at you and speak to you without needing to put any effort like you once did. You wonder, what changed him?

Ever since he saw that mark on yours on the shoulder, it was like a switch in him flipped.

“Y/n. Do you believe in reincarnation?” Johnny softly asks on the side as you dig up the soil with your hands. You stop when the man held your hands together softly where he positions your hands to his direction, the hem of your hanbok sleeves were about to get dirty if you continued gardening that way. Johnny rolls the pink sleeves up, you watch his attentive gaze and actions before he lifts his eyes from the done sleeve and looked at you.

You softly shrug. “Maybe. Im not sure, i used to believe spirits weren’t real. But here I am speaking to a fox spirit.” You lightly said going back to gardening, digging up the hole with your hands. Johnny smiles watching you. The fact that maybe means a lot to him. He’s whipped for you.

“It’s true. Reincarnation can happen.” Johnny urges and you open your lips in slight waver. “How exactly does reincarnation work? Why do people get reincarnated.”

The whole process of reincarnation is an iffy one to explain because it is quite a complex thing to do and to understand. Johnny himself wasn’t quite sure at first when he were a small cub. The underworld god, Hades, controls the living who have died (therefore he chooses if they reincarnate or not.) Johnny met Hades once, after his past lover and master died with the arrow to the heart her soul was taken by a boat crossing the lake into the underworld. Johnny did anything and begged the grim reapers (workers for hades) to take him to see your past life self once again. To which the grim reapers agree only for a few seconds he could see her. In reality Johnny could not restrain himself and he pleads to Hades to let her reincarnate no matter what.

To be able to reincarnate in the next life once you die, you have to have a balance between karma and the sins you have gained. It would be a better task if you didn’t sin at all, the more likely you are to reincarnate. But since it was his master who has died, aimlessly Hades took it as a shameful dead for a fox master to die so tragedy. It took fifteen years to reincarnate you. Johnny Thirty five years overall searching for you. He met you in your new reincarnation form where you are twenty. Johnny definitely got lucky though, some reincarnation can put you into a whole another gender and appearance, same gender and a different appearance or perhaps an animal even. But he knew hades would reincarnate you as a human. He just didn’t know what gender you were going to be. But no matter what gender you would be, Johnny will love and serve you, his feelings would not change.

“People get reincarnate into their next life because it was either to pay the karmic debts which will make them learn a lesson for hard life. Or… someone has begged the underworld god for you to be reincarnated again.” Johnny explained. “You see, I’m waiting for someone to be reincarnated.” He told and you look up at him, pondering. “My master and lover. She died and I’m searching for her.”

You stop whatever you’re doing as you slowly lean backwards resting on a large boulder rock. Johnny watches you with ease, as he is quite tall. The man witnessed your soft hair blowing past the breeze, reveal your neck and the beautiful pink and white hanbok, your hair lightly styled with help of granny in the house. Johnny’s feelings for you only increased, you were a spitting image of her.

She teasingly adds. “So you’re not taken but you’re waiting for her.”

Johnny pouts dropping his keen expression earlier. He turns his head away, crossing arms. “I am taken. Even if she is not here, I am not single.” He points out and you click your lips together forming a snickering grin. “Oh you must really love her Hm? Loyal like a dog to a bone.” He heard you state and his ears flicker to your voice he so loves hearing.

“Foxes can only love one person. Romantic is it not?”The fox remarks catching the young girl by the question as she approaches him where he stayed resting underneath a tree.

“I find it sad.” Y/n dryly said with a gloomy sigh. The young woman could only imagine in her head like a novelty poem, if her lover was left behind waiting for her to be reborn, it would make her sad to think that someone so devoted has spend their entire life searching eagerly. Johnny felt his hand subconsciously moving to embrace Y/n but he stops himself, restricting on being physical with you; you don’t remember him. As much as he remembers you.

“Sad? How come Y/n.” Johnny spoke after a moment of self reflection, holding out on the body. You walk around freely by the forest entrance, as the man behind you follows slowly, like a duckling following a mother duck.

Y/n sympathetically trails with a voice resembling the waves from the ocean, emerging and submerging anything in its way. Johnny felt like he becomes stuck when surrounding by you, as if he were choking on your unpredictable words . Johnny never felt entitled to make you sad. But he made an unbreakable promise to you. “If I were the one to be reincarnated. I wouldn’t want my lover to wait for forever. I feel like that would pain me to think, so many years go by and my lover was there letting life go by until I was found.”

“It sorta made me sad putting myself in his shoes.” You add finally, turning on your heels to watch Johnny from who was behind following you. He stops on the tracks as he was met with a soft smile, shunned him like a running horse crashing into him to fall on the ground helplessly. He hotly smiles. “You’re far too kind for this world, Y/n. But do not worry. I don’t plan on waiting much longer, I’m sure she’s out there somewhere.” Johnny carefully sways as he held out Y/n’s hands.

The moment came short lived but the young woman felt the warmth from the hands erect in her skin, casually wanting you the coldness to dissipate. Heartbeat skipped a beat when the charming fox did not break eye contact, as much as you wished to break it yourself you couldn’t do it. Johnny was far too quick to break the silence, as he casually and slyly comments into the light breezy air. “I heard there is a lunar festival going on right now. Do you want to go there with me?”

‘He’s asking me to go somewhere with him…’ you thought. Y/n wasn’t sure what this feeling of a sparkling connection between you was but, you surely felt like you knew this man for a long time even though you only met him yesterday. The young girl softly nods with a soft cheerful smile in response.

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The festival was our collective soul in song, music and dance. It was the colours of our brightest joys and what weaved us together. To people this specific celebration was to honour the living into the next year, it was like a happy warm get to together in the village. Chatting voices and music play on repeat making it unable to hear a single voice from afar, the pleasantly music runs into peoples eardrums causing many to dance together. Walking by the market stands in a line where it was much more safer and comfortable, it was talkative and the music from distance could be heard at a tolerable safety. No one was dancing on this side of festival making it more or less cramping. The villagers dress up into flamboyant prints and masks. The market stands were a variety to chose from.

Johnny would notice Y/n running towards one stand in particular catching the girl’s enlarge curiosity, the moment she stops, Johnny runs to follow up to her. They stand in between a food stand that welcomes the customers through a strong sweet syrup smell and cinnamon. The fox leers closer when seeing the child-like excited expression on you, it was like this was the candy store making you look so giddy.

The woman at the stand beams forward at the girl and the man. “Oho would you like some dango?” Johnny gives a short nod. “Yes one for the young girl here.”

Y/n wows when the woman pulls away joining the behind as she takes out one of the warmly coated pink green and white dango on the stick; the brown warm syrup leaking down until it was swirl back up. Y/n grabs the dango, jumping up and down. Johnny bows his head as he paid a gold coin, soon following you when you disappeared to walk forward on your own.

You pull one dango in your mouth, blowing on it in your mouth as it was far too hot with the syrup, but it was awfully sweet and addicting. You smile happily chewing on the sweet snack. “Do you want to try, Johnny?” You’d ask catching the fox on the side staring right at you in awe.

‘She still has the sweet tooth.’ Johnny thought endlessly before you pulled him by the question to reality.

“I’m not really a fan of sweet things.” Johnny mentions and you pout stopping in your tracks as Johnny walks a few inches in front as well stopping when he noticed you no longer walking side by side. He turns to you tucking hands on the front hips. He wore a black traditional hanbok, carrying the sword sheathed on the right side to the gear attach and his loose hair slightly wet as he showered for this event. You wore a white sparkle hanbok shining underneath the moonlight in the black sky, hair tucked into a curl-like high bun and hair jewellery attached. You stopped with a sulking gesture when he refused, puffing out your rosey cheeks and your eyes watching him with displeasure. Johnny let’s out a small sigh coming forward to you with his giant-like height he leans down halfway biting into the stick. He took the middle dango gritting with the fox-canine teeth and pulls backwards no longer leaning down.

He chews on the hot dango and you smile instantly, he caught you off guard when he watched you as he bit on the dango and ate it, somehow the intense gaze made your heart thump again. Y/n felt her cheeks become flushed the more she thought about her heart pouncing like a wildebeest. She clears her throat when Johnny mentions, “Too sweet.”

“Do you prefer savour foods more?” You ask back as you continue to walk side by side and the man calmly remarks back. “I prefer meat to be honest. It’s not wether sweet or salty. I just like something hearty and full.”

“Ahh I see. Then let’s go here!” Y/n suddenly exclaims grabbing onto Johnny’s hands as she pulls the six foot man with her to another stand. This time it was a man grilling meat on sticks. Different types of meat. You saw the man’s expression widen like a temple opening, mouth dropping quick in awe as he eyes the meat viciously in hunger. The man chuckles pointing out, “alright young man it’s not going to run away.” He teased.

You chuckle as Johnny practically stomps on his feet cutely. You could only imagine him wagging all the nine tails in unison and the ears prickle with excitement if he had them on. You point at the long stick with the excessive meat in.

“One of this please sir.” You politely gesture. The man nods with a smile as he pulls the stick towards the man. Johnny puts on a gold coin for the man. “Have a nice day couple!” He cheers and you jump at the words when leaving, about to reject the idea to stop forth from confusing the market stand owner, Johnny wraps an arm around your shoulders lightly, as he noms on the meat graciously.

He cannot remember when it was the last time he had a taste of beautiful soft and tender meat cooked to perfection. The granny back at the house only makes kimchi upon kimchi. Johnny swore if he saw another vegetable he might lose it and go savage like back in the days when he did not have a human form. Johnny looks over to the beautiful girl residing him, as he puts the stick to the girl.

“Here take a bite.” He encourages as you stop and look at the meat on the stick. When you lean down to take a full bite of one, you chew on and hum satisfied when he waited patiently for your response if you’d like it or hate it. Johnny felt a relief of happiness and love rush in when you said it was good.

You smile watching the full moon ahead, sighing happily. “The moons beautiful tonight.” Johnny looks at you as he hums softly. “It is isn’t it.”

You turn to look at him but Johnny looks away clearing his voice . The man walks ahead as you smirk, was he watching you? The playfulness enrages more when you comply forward, Teasing the fox with both, joking manner and a little hint of flirting.

“I saw you looking at me over there.” You point out and Johnny scoffs. “I was watching the moon whaddya’ mean?”

You smile watching the grumpy expression on the man and you couldn’t help but chuckle. He’s so cute and see through, you can read right through him and you don’t know why. The connection between you was only growing stronger and stronger, it’s as if you knew him for so long. Johnny stops suddenly when he turns to the left, you pause stopping but the man turns to you urgently.

“Stay here. I’ll come back. Wait here.” He quickly said as he rushes away out of your sight. You stand there blankly as you turn around, pursing your lips into a thin line.

‘What could he be doing right now?’ You thought impatiently.

Your impatient cuts short when Johnny comes back calmly you unlock your arms that were together crossed and Johnny reaches for your hands with a short smile. “Here I thought this could help you.” He states when he reopened your hands the gift he had bought for you makes your body melt from the considerate loving gift he rushed to get you instantly. It’s the fact that you were on his mind, that makes you blush like a young teenage girl.

You look up exclaiming with a soft awh leaving the lips. “It’s a dream catcher!” You shout and he nods happily.

“This way you can sleep at night with good dreams only” Johnny told you with an abrupt smile. Y/n looks at Johnny before embracing the man tight. The warm embrace of your smaller arms against his wrapping the body like this cloud over the moon. Your hug has woven our souls in a way that is a forever bond. Johnny gets filled with hopes, only his love grew more for you and the hug has proven its feeling aloud. The man wraps arms around you back, slowly and carefully to not squeeze too tight. You pull away with the upmost happiest beautiful smile. Johnny never knew until now how much he loves your happy expression and smiles, he wants you to only smile and be happy forever.

“Thank you Johnny.” You say with gratitude and he shakes his head. “It’s nothing don’t worry.”

“Let’s go somewhere quiet, fireworks will start soon.” He beams now remembering the time and Y/n would soon be dragged with a hand intertwining with hers, pulling the girl with a short run to the unknown place where the fox is taking her to.

The grass beneath the shoes felt alive as it were waving forth motions on the nightfall cold breeze intergalactically perusing on the two who rest on the mountain edge hill perfect to sight see all the fireworks shot with an arrow forward the more they wait the anticipation rose and Y/n let’s out a soft sigh of content.

You were never this happy before. Perhaps you’re at your happiest when embraced by the friend next to you. But can you even call him a friend when you have these indescribable feelings for a man who is waiting for his dead lover to reincarnate? You could only hope it was you to be reincarnate. Johnny sways forward as he points out with eyes sparkling.

“It’s starting.” Johnny said to you as you turned your head to the front watching the beaming loud fireworks sparkling in the night as they combust and explode. Your face lights up at each explosion in the sky leading with many colours escaping above the both of you. Johnny couldn’t help but watch your intensive face on the side, admiring you at a close distance.

You’re just like you were before he first met you. Johnny took you to the same festival a long time ago. You had the biggest sweet tooth, you begged and pleaded him to try the candy floss and once he did Johnny was hit with exact the flavour he despised but even though he hated it so much, he was glad he could make you happy and you were smiling exactly like that then. He took you to see the stars because back then fireworks weren’t a thing, as you were stargazing Johnny took the courageous movement to kiss you softly as the stars were shining above and a shooting star fell. She wore different clothes. Different hair. Different makeup. But you look the same in his eyes when you watch the fireworks unable to look away, Johnny felt the sudden urge to kiss you just like he had then.

Following the instincts inside Johnny raging to do it right now, when he had moved his face closer you were quick to turn around and he paused a moment, inches barely from capturing your lips, the heavy warm breathing escaping the fox’s mouth left your heart beating suddenly again as you felt it in your throat. You gulp thickly thinking why did he stop suddenly? You really wanted him to kiss you right now. But it was as if the man was scared, scared to kiss you wondering if you’d reject him. Your hands latch on to Johnny’s hanbok collar suddenly causing the fox to jolt forward when you pull him with ease, the gap closes thanks to your bravery, you crashed your lips on his and Johnny swore he melts by the sudden confidence you had and he had not. He didn’t remember your past life ever being this confident, in fact she was quite mysterious and timid. But in this life time, you are confident and a Ray of sunshine easily going and content. You are also wise and compassionate, something you will always have no matter how many times you’re going to be reborn.

You took a control for a while until Johnny recovered where he suddenly puts a hand behind your head deepening the kiss until the way his tongue slips inside with almighty merciless strength, he had your tongue beneath him as he was exploring inside and out leaving no space unattended. Fox canine fangs were rubbing on the bottom lip making a soft ragged breathing come out, he heard loud and clear making him feel some type of way, with you loudly breathing it was a way for him to see you were enjoying yourself as much as he was too, as you did something flash in your eyes even when you had then closed a small taint memory came across your head, a woman identical to you wearing different hanbok with a familiar man next to her . Johnny shortly pulls away when noticing the way you struggle to keep in oxygen and you blush heavily as did he. The tan skin he has with a deep reddish colour as you had a light pink spreading fast like a disease on your skin.

He pulls away but rests forehead together, keeping the hand on your head from behind that left you comforted. Your eyes flutter open at the same time, he was met with your trembling oversized pupils dilating as you face the hungry lustful eyes with love rushing to the surface. Your mind wonders back to the flashback of an unknown memory you had unlocked with the kiss.

You stammer softly in which Johnny found endearing and cute. “I…I’m sorry i forgot you were taken.” You deeply said with regret. Your eyes depressingly linger down on the ground, watching the grass as you were unable to face Johnny. He probably holds this against you, your feelings against you. Little did you know Johnny was reaching forward to hold your face to face him directly, your eyes connecting once again.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Searching for you.” Johnny earnestly states with such loving words coming to your realisation it’s you who he has been looking for all along. He came back to you, to reclaim what he loves and belongs to him as much as he belongs to you. The master he’s patiently devoted his life and will never regret doing so. Y/n shakily places the cold hands over his, softly chuckling with teary eyes forming. It makes you sad to think that you made this man you love in both lives wait for you but now you’re not going to do so.

“I’ve been here all along.” You respond well reconnecting the soft lips on to yours, lovingly kissing the man first as a tear or two ran down your cheeks.

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Love spread across the wooden flooring of the traditional house. Everything reeks of sex and sweat though it comforts the two in their own stuck reality they have created. Two bodies launching together as one. It was like the perfect combination made, a lock to a key that fits perfectly and only the only perfect fit. Hanboks scattering on the floor as the woman’s bedroom aches at the weight forced. Y/n was on all fours arching at the front pillow, with one arm covering the mouth as it become endangered to let the escaping mellow moans out to attract attention, the fox thrusting behind had little to no intention on becoming slow and softer— those thirty five years pent up waiting for his lover to reincarnate he now has her underneath him where he’s going to show exactly how much he has missed his master. His mistress. His owner. The sole devotion he will serve.

The skin to skin contact brought back old memories as well as new memories being born. Johnny himself felt ascended into heaven with happiness he couldn’t hold back even as much as you told him to, he cannot do that. He can’t bring himself to calm down. The thrusts were irregular and messy, hitting all sorts of places inside you that yourself never knew you could hit. Being a virgin as well, the situation was not ideal but the way he expressed it was. You knew how much you kept him waiting, you wouldn’t want your virginity to be taken by anyone else but Johnny. Your servant. Your lover. The man you’ll love in your present past and future.

He held your stomach underneath with a flat palm, bringing you closer where the lustful fox completely indulgent into giving everything begins to scrape his mouth over the bite mark on the left shoulder. You hum softly as he kissed your jawline then the neckline and then softly plants a longing wet kiss onto the mark on the shoulder. “I’m glad you have the mark still.” He huskily said as you carefully trail. “Please give me a new one.” You engrave a demand that he could no longer refuse as Johnny smirks above a clean freshly skin on the right side, within a minute a long grazing sharp impact breaks your skin cracking it as he bites you. Your lover pressing on your back to lower down and fall face front to the pillow.

The pain dents you open with pleasure, as the sadistic fox pulls away licking it clean in satisfying manner before he proudly pounds open the soaking pussy of yours beneath him. He whispers sweet nothings such as ‘I missed you so much you had no idea.’ Or ‘I will not leave your sight at all.’ Some where incompetent groans that left your ears ringing on repeat.

With a hair pull you tug on your face front as he captures you on your lips softly, a complete contract to the way he let go off everything becoming a salvage animal. The sophisticated Johnny who was gentle and soft has disappeared but a small shadowing hint told you he was still there when he gave you this soft loving kiss on your lips, as he slows down with his cock twitching inside you, you came to a conclusion he was close to climax.

He was so focused on making you come earlier he completely forgot about his own release. Johnny was way too focused on you, on making you feel pleasure rather than himself and it’s always been that way; he wants to make you feel satisfied and experience it first because he can always wait. You are his priority. When he has released in you letting out a soft moan enough to break the kiss between you, you sigh of relief and at the warm liquid filling you full.

Johnny whispers in the air. “I love you, Y/n. I want to marry you.” His words came off as a surprise, a pleasant one. You turn around as he lingers above you weakly, caressing your face as he wraps both into the warm duvet covers. Pulling you into a small spoon in his chest where your face buried itself. You smile unconsciously pulling the man closer by his own waist too. “I love you too Johnny. You sure you want to marry me though?”

You’d ask as lifting your head meeting his eyes you raise your eyebrows jokingly and teasingly. “I thought you were taken.” Y/n spat out and Johnny couldn’t help but blush unbelievably.

“Yeah by you.” He points out with a soft stutter. You smirk kissing his forehead lovingly before brushing back the long black hair. “Okay let’s get married then. When?” You question and Johnny hums out.

“Next week?” He said back.

“This week.” You state back with a smile.

Johnny grins squeezing you into the embrace tighter. He definitely will never let go until morning, maybe he won’t ever let you go from this embrace with the intentions. “Tomorrow!” He finalised and you chuckle.

“Tomorrow then.” You softly say. “I love you, kind fox.”

“I love you, y/n.”

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@onyourhyuck please refer from translating copyrighting and plagiarising my work thank youu! Reblog this fic and follow me for more updates it helps a girl out <3

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[drivingsideways]

The Matchmakers (2023)- Review

A funny, smart youth fusion sageuk? Rowoon- whom I swear to god I would not have been able to pick out of a lineup of idol actors 2 weeks ago-  making me CRY in the year of our Lord 2024???? You could knock me over with a feather right now. 

Writer Ha Soo-jin and PDs Hwang Seung-gi and Kim Soo-jin did not drop the ball even once over 16 episodes- a true feat in kdrama land. More than the actors, it was the impressive lock-step of the creative/production team that got me in this one. I'm trying to put into words the oddness of it after: apparently I can be persuaded to buy a product (heterosexual romance kdrama version) that I would usually avoid, as long as it crosses a threshold of custom-made-for-me features.  I know I've been had, but it's done with such sly charm and madcap energy that I'm not even the least bit angry about it. 

This isn't to say that the drama isn't thoughtful: it is, very much. In an era when falling birthrates and fascism are making governments across the world decide that women have probably had too much freedom and are actively enacting policies that violate women's fundamental rights over their personhood, The Matchmakers is a tongue-in-cheek response that's deadly serious about its fundamental idea: that women are individuals who will and should act to preserve the sanctity of that gift of life.  

At the start of the series, its main antagonist- Park Ji young in an arresting role and performance- says "If a Nation is a tree with deep roots, then those roots are its WOMEN." Of course, this is a delightful statement on many levels- starting with the sheer brazenness with which the joke that sends up one of the most acclaimed and beloved sageuks is made; it also situates the character in opposition with the morality of Confucian-era Joseon of the series where women were to be kinda, sorta seen and definitely not heard etc. and makes us instantly- in our post-feminist complacence- sympathetic to her. But wait: as the series unravels its many, many, many threads, we begin to see the sleight of hand. For this Strong Woman Character ™  is, after all, preaching an old and well-worn moral code: for the woman, The Family is Everything. Unless you’ve been under a rock for a few years, it might have come to your notice that this Idea ™ is being repackaged and tik-tokified up as neo-conservatism and fascism gains ground once more in our feral capitalist hellscape. The show is full of women who've had to or are making choices for the Family (survival, honour, future)- at the cost of their own happiness and identities because that is their Fate. Even Madam Park, widely acknowledged as the most brilliant mind in Joseon- is not exempt from this; taking- limited- control of a system designed to grind you down doesn’t mean freedom, only fear and eternal vigilance. For me, it was the perfect choice and characterization of the villain that set this show apart from the others of its genre- that told me that it had something to say after all.

That said, I don’t think The Matchmakers is particularly radical or subversive- here’s where the perfect commodification of kdrama and the show’s chosen genre blunts it-terrible things happen in families and to women in particular, yes, but we’re never allowed to contemplate those things too long; we’re being distracted by the next flourish in the shenanigans-filled plot. Heterosexual marriage is reconfigured but never seriously rejected; queer people exist but are not happy. Perhaps it takes a Jeong Seo Kyung (Little Women, 2022) or Lim Dae-hyung/ Jeon Go-woon (LTNS, 2024) to smash that particular barrier- but in its defense, The Matchmakers does what all love stories  set out to do and does it well- which is to reaffirm our belief in Love as the ultimate liberation; both the weapon and balm of our fragile lives. And it does, very firmly, plant its feet on the side of liberating the women who each find their courage to reassert their selves as the most necessary and valuable possession in a society which only sees value in their uteruses.

Tl; dr: watch it for its delightful women, its Wodehouse-ian shenanigans in regency romance/sageuk aesthetic, its quietly moving love story about letting love and life surprise you over and over again, and yeah, I guess you should also watch it for Rowoon being a “disgruntled pelican” as correctly described by @elderflowergin.

#the matchmakers #if anyone wants to know #i am OBSESSED with the idea of a Park Ji young and Jo Han Cheol sageuk ROMANCE #(he's the king whose son she's trying to depose) #(she's the left state minister's brilliant and ruthless wife) #(HOW WOULD IT ALL END?) #(They defeat the Ming together and also KISS. WITH TONGUE) #sorry for these tags on this review #but like i said #OBSESSED

[leixinyus]

Seulgi meeting Myeongjong Jeongmyeong for the first time

“Seulgi, why are you crying?”

“I... I saw someone today who looked exactly like the Crown Prince.”

#not real pairings #not real subs #jang jeong yeon #park se wan #drama compilation #korean drama #manydramagifs #seulgi x jeongmyeong #joseon survival au

[musicaltheatregirlsandsongs]

Hi! I finished up the list of songs that made it in, I still need to make the brackets, and will post those once they’re done! Complete list under the cut

A Little Fall of Rain - Les Misérables

A Little Priest - Sweeney Todd

A Musical - Something Rotten

Agony - Into the Woods

All you wanna do - Six

Another National Anthem - Assassins

Another Suitcase in Another Hall - Evita

Anthem - Chess

Any Kind of Dead Person - Ghost Quartet

Anything you can do (I can do better) - Annie Get Your Gun

Balaga - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Being Alive - Company

Belle - Notre-Dame de Paris

Brain Dead - A New Brain

Burn - Hamilton

Cabaret - Cabaret

Carnaval del Barrio - In the Heights

Carrying the Banner - Newsies

Cell Block Tango - Chicago

Chant - Hadestown

Come what may - Moulin Rouge

Confrontation - Jekyll & Hyde

Costume Party - Come from Away

Dead Girl Walking - Heathers

Dead Mom - Beetlejuice

Defying Gravity - Wicked

Dentist! - Little Shop of Horrors

Die Schatten werden länger - Elisabeth

Don’t Rain On My Parade - Funny Girl

Drink with me - Les Misérables

Dust and Ashes - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

El tango de Roxanne - Moulin Rouge

Epic III - Hadestown

Epiphany - Sweeney Todd

Esmeralda - the Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Everybody’s got the right - Assassins

Feast or famine - Black Friday

Feed Me (Git It!) - Little Shop of Horrors

For Good - Wicked

Get Down - Six

Gethsemane (I only want to say) - Jesus Christ Superstar

Giants in the sky - Into the Woods

Glory - Pippin

Go Tonight - The Mad One’s

Good Kid - the lightning thief

Heaven on their Minds - Jesus Christ Superstar

Holding to the Ground - Falsettos

How Can Love Survive - The Sound of Music

I’m Alive - Next to Normal

I’m Breaking Down - Falsettos

Ich gehör nur mir - Elisabeth

If I had my time again - Groundhog Day

If I were a rich man - Fiddler on the Roof

Inevitable - The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

Independently Owned - Shucked

Joseon Swag (조선수액) - Swag Age: Shout Out, Joseon! (스웨그에이지: 외쳐, 조선!)

Judas - Clown Bible

Juntton - Gambämark

King of New York - Newsies

Land of Yesterday - Anastasia

Le Monde est Stone - Starmania

Les Rois du Monde - Roméo et Juliette, de la haine à l’amour

Let it out - The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

Letters - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Lilacs - Preludes

Loser Geek Whatever - Be More Chill

Losing My Mind - Follies

Love will come and find me again - Bandstand

Madame Guillotine - The Scarlet Pimpernel

Michael in the Bathroom - Be More Chill

My Grand Plan - the lightning thief

No One Else - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

No One Remembers Achmed - Twisted

Noel’s Lament - Ride the Cyclone

Nonstop - Hamilton

On My Own - Les Misérables

On the Verge - Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown

Once and for all - Newsies

One Day More - Les Misérables

Place, je passe - Mozart l’opéra rock

Popular - Wicked

Prologue - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Prologue: Tradition - Fiddler on the Roof

Quartet at the Ballet - Anastasia

Quiet - Matilda

Rebecca Reprise - Rebecca

Requiem - Dear Evan Hansen

Revolting Children - Matilda

Ring of Keys - Fun Home

Santa Fe - Newsies

Seize the Day - Newsies

Sick to Death of Alice-ness - Alice by Heart

Skid Row (Downtown) - Little Shop of Horrors

Solo - Octet

Starchild - Ghost Quartet

Sweet Transvestite - Rocky Horror Show

Talia - Ride the Cyclone

Telephone Wire - Fun Home

The Ballad of Jane Doe - Ride the Cyclone

The I Love You Song - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The New World - Songs for a New World

The Opera - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

The Pitiful Children - Be More Chill

The Point of No Return - The Phantom of the Opera

The Song of Purple Summer - Spring Awakening

The Starry Night - Starry

The Thrill of First Love - Falsettos

The Torture Tango - Spies are Forever

The Turning of the Key - The Clockmaker’s Daughter

There! Right There! - Legally Blonde

This World Will Remember Us - Bonnie & Clyde

Time Warp - Rocky Horror Show

Tonight (Quintet) - West Side Story

Touch Me - Spring Awakening

Twisted - Twisted

Unlikely Lovers - Falsettos

Usher Pt. 3 - Ghost Quartet

Wait For Me - Hadestown

Wait For Me (Reprise) - Hadestown

Waving Through A Window - Dear Evan Hansen

Wenn ich tanzen will - Elisabeth

What would I do - Falsettos

When the going gets tough - Spongebob Squarepants

Wilkommen - Cabaret

You Gotta Die Sometime - Falsettos

Your Daddy’s Son - Ragtime

Your Fault/Last Midnight - Into the Woods

30/90 - Tick, Tick… Boom

#musicaltheatresongs #musical theater #great comet #falsettos #newsies #les mis #malloysicals #starkid #stephen sondheim #andrew lloyd webber #i included every song that got more than one submission #plus a few that got one submission to get a convenient number

[gidaryeong]

Mr Queen fic masterlist

Noticing an influx of comments on my Mr. Queen fics now that it’s on Netflix, so here gentle readers is a masterlist. I spent the better part of a year writing these stories, most of which are novel-length!

Are you a cheolbong truther, and wish the show would have committed to the wacky queer love story of our dreams? Or does your heart beat for the silenced Kim Soyong, who got pushed out of her own narrative? I’m here to fulfill all your fix-it needs! ❤

Mrs. Queen

Summary: She has always been good at hide and seek. A retelling of Mr. Queen from Kim Soyong's point of view.

This was my first MQ retelling where Soyong and Bong-hwan are both awake and bickering inside their mind, wrestling for control. Soyong/Cheoljong endgame; Bong-hwan is mostly around to matchmake and cause trouble like the gremlin he is.

And I, and Silence

Summary: Jang Bong-hwan can feel his mind disintegrating, and he is looking for a way back to Seoul. Suddenly Kim Soyong is back. And, as it turns out, she is already married.

The last thing Kim Soyong remembers is jumping into the lake. Now she’s back mid-story and forced to fend for herself without any memory of what has happened in the past few months. Lots of angsty pining, gratuitous Emily Dickinson references, and the birth of my most beloved crackship ByeongJin (Jo Hwa-jin/Kim Byeong-in).

The Raw Ingredients

Summary: After a miserable year in Seoul, Bong-hwan finds a way back to Joseon. When she returns everything is very different from how she left it.

We’ve got magical trans girl Bong-hwan returning to Joseon, only this time in the body of a lowly palace maid. How ever will she get to her king? Well, with a little help of cunning minister Kim Soyong, of course.

Patchwork

Summary: Sobong returns to her king.

A ficlet with the same basic premise as The Raw Ingredients but much shorter.

The White Grass

Summary: Kim Soyong discovers the hard way that her clan would do anything to ensure that the next royal heir comes from the Kim bloodline, no matter who they have to hurt to do it. To survive in the palace she makes a deal with the king. AU where Jang Bong-hwan never came to Joseon. This one has some dark and gritty dubcon sex! It’s also got a Kim Soyong who girlbosses, gaslights, and gatekeeps her way to power in a patriarchal government, and accidentally falls in love with her husband along the way.

Whatever Souls Are Made Of

Summary: Kim Soyong and Jang Bong-hwan are the same soul reincarnated. On the same night, 170 years apart, they both drown. That’s when things get weird.

In this story Sobong is just one (1) person, but with two sets of memories from two points in time. There’s some multiverse theory, library sex, and a journey of self-discovery for our dear genderfluid queen! This is my personal favorite of the bunch.

#the chokehold this drama had on me... and still has... #now for the taggy tags #cheolbong #cheolyong #kim soyong #jang bong-hwan #mr queen #mr queen fanfic #shin hye-sun #kim jung-hyun #queen cheorin #철인왕후 #sobong #byeongjin #jo hwa-jin #kim byeong-in #kdrama

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [6]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 4k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 5 | Fic Masterlist | Part 7

"Please enjoy your meal, master and mistress. We hope the dishes are to your liking." The servants bowed before leaving the hall after serving dinner for the night.

Sitting up straight, hands folded on your lap, you patiently awaited Seonghwa to begin eating. The enticing aroma of the dishes made your mouth water, and your eyes gleamed as you observed your husband's hands reaching for his chopsticks.

He noticed your gaze, smiled, and rather than taking a piece of meat for himself, he surprised you by placing it in your bowl instead, "Eat up; you must be hungry."

The general sighed as he saw you hesitating to start eating until he had taken the first bite. Amused, he set down his chopsticks and watched as you slumped in your seat, seemingly disappointed that he hadn't begun eating yet.

"Why are you still sitting around? Go ahead and eat," He said, and your eyes widened, "But, my lord, how can I—"

Shaking his head, he picked up his spoon and reached for a tofu dish he had noticed you eyeing for some time, scooping up just enough before holding it to your lips, "Here, you want this, don't you?" Before you could protest, he pushed it closer to you, "Open up before I change my mind," and you couldn't resist, taking a bite.

Eunsook couldn't help snickering into her fist as she witnessed the adorable interaction. You chewed cluelessly on your food, eyes sparkling as you savoured the flavour, while Seonghwa continued to eat with the same spoon, indirectly sharing a kiss with you.

Throughout dinner, your husband focused more on taking care of you, he filled your bowl with a variety of dishes and wiped the corners of your lips whenever your excitement caused a mess. After finishing his own meal, he continued to watch you with admiration as you kept eating.

Concern crept in when he noticed your movements slowing down, and you started breathing rather heavily. It seemed like you were already full but were pushing yourself to eat more, "Hey, slow down. Are you full? You need to stop eating if you are."

You shook your head, reaching for another slice of rolled omelette. Furrowing his brows, he realised you were struggling to swallow. Why were you continuing to eat if you were already so full? It was as if you didn't know when your next meal would be, and you were trying to consume as much as possible for the time being.

"Stop, stop," He repeated firmly, gently holding your wrist and taking the chopsticks from your hand, "Look at me," You took your eyes off the food and finally met his gaze, "Are you afraid you won't get to eat again?" You avoided eye contact and that confirmed his suspicion, it broke his heart to see you still in survival mode.

Feeling like you had done something wrong, you bowed your head and nervously fiddled with your fingers, "I-I'm sorry... I just have never had a proper meal like this before, a-and..."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," He assured, moving to hold your hands and rubbing his thumb over your skin comfortingly, "You're the mistress of this estate now. You can eat anything you want at any time. All you have to do is call for the servants, and they will serve you. As long as I live, you never have to worry about not being able to eat again, you hear me?"

You nodded, moved by the sincerity in his tone and the warmth in his touch and gaze, "I understand. Thank you, my lord."

However, he seemed unsatisfied with something you said, contemplating for a moment before murmuring, "Seonghwa. Just Seonghwa, please."

Your eyes widened, "Wh-what?"

He looked away from your questioning gaze, embarrassed, "You're my wife now, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Seonghwa from now on."

"Okay... S-Seonghwa." You muttered unsurely, suppressing the blush on your cheeks as he lifted his eyes to stare at you in wonder.

Little did you know, the sound of his name coming from you melted his heart, further deepening the growing affection he had for you. Though it had only been a day or two since he met you, and despite his initial misguided disdain, once he learned the truth about you, an irrational desire to protect you took root within him. For the first time in forever, he found someone worth caring for.

As much as the head maid enjoyed watching the two of you exchange deep gazes all night, the rest of the servants in charge of the dining hall were waiting to clear up and get some rest.

With a loud clearing of her throat, she finally broke you both out of your little staring contest, "Master, mistress, are you finished with dinner? It's getting rather late now, we should probably make haste and clean up the hall before we attract all sorts of insects."

Suddenly remembering that you weren't alone in the hall, the general swiftly collected himself from his slightly flustered state, "Of course, send the maids in. Is the mistress' new quarters prepared?" He checked with Eunsook, moving to help you out of your seat with your hand still in his.

The elderly woman, with a concealed smile, nodded and bowed, "It is, master. I'll leave it to you to show mistress to her room then."

You waved to her as you followed your husband out of the hall, "Thank you for the food, Eunsook. Please tell the kitchen staff they did a wonderful job; every dish was incredibly tasty!"

She nodded with a beam, bowing again, "Yes, mistress. They'll be happy to hear that."

Leading you along, Seonghwa made an effort to appear composed, attempting to hide the joy he felt from walking with your hands intertwined. The passing servants were surprised at the rare sight of their master and mistress walking hand in hand. As they bowed, their smiles widened when you waved at them, and the general's soft chuckle didn't escape their notice.

It amused them how resolute he had initially been about getting rid of you, and now he seemed to have a hard time tearing his eyes away from you for even a moment.

"Come on, you'll love the new quarters," He said, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. You raised your eyebrows, "But what about my previous room? That was fine too."

He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly at the sudden reminder of The Cold Palace, "Well, I may have broken the door, but that's not the point. The point is that you are now officially my wife, and Lady Park deserves nothing but the best, understood?" You nodded, simply feeling grateful for everything.

"We're here. Welcome to the House of Lotus."

Your jaw dropped at the sight of the beautiful private garden surrounding what was to be your new quarters. A pavilion on the right of the main chamber faced a small pond filled with lotus flowers, "You can relax over there, have some tea and read when the weather is good. This is all yours. If you ever need me for anything, I'm just down the path; we're practically neighbours."

The general panicked when he saw your eyes welling up with tears, releasing your hand to grasp your shoulders, "D-do you not like it? We can arrange a different one for you if you want—"

Shaking your head, you sniffled, "N-no, it's not that. I j-just can't believe this is really all mine. Th-thank you so much, Seonghwa..."

He breathed out in relief, pulling you into his arms as you cried into his neck, "What did I say, you silly girl? Only the best for you." He gazed around in satisfaction; he had intentionally requested his maids to arrange the room closest to his private quarters, wanting to be near you.

Aside from that, the abundance of lotus flowers in this specific area earned it the nickname House of Lotus. Known for its connection with purity, rebirth, and divinity, the lotus flower symbolises rising from a dark place into beauty and rebirth, mirroring its growth process. This was precisely what the general had envisioned for you—a metaphorical representation of new beginnings and a fresh start.

"Master, we have come to prepare mistress for bed. Do we have permission to proceed?"

"Of course, I'll leave you to it then." Your husband had no choice but to leave you as the group of servants assigned to you for the night arrived, hands carrying bath supplies, Yunho's prepared ointment for your wounds, and a fresh piece of nightgown.

"Have a good rest tonight, my dear. We're paying the dressmaker a visit tomorrow; we're getting you new clothes." He pressed a firm kiss onto your head and did not leave until he was sure you had entered the room, reluctantly heading towards his study to wait for updates from Jongho.

Reaching for the Jang family records he had hidden from you earlier, he got back to work. With the week off granted by the King for him to celebrate his wedding, Seonghwa was determined to gather as much intel as he could before setting his plans into motion, "Just you wait, minister. Savour the peace while you still can."

Just when the general believed he had prepared himself to learn the extent of the abuse you had endured throughout your life, he managed to keep his rage in check as he listened to the harrowing details. However, nothing could have prepared him for the new revelation that his aide brought to him.

His disgust for the Minister of Military Affairs, already intense, reached new heights with the secret he had just uncovered. The assistant bowed his head as his master broke into a grin of disbelief, "And here, I thought I was labelled the heartless monster. Clearly, the minister is the rightful owner of the title."

Pointing towards the copy of your family records on his desk, Seonghwa inquired, "What about this? Have you been able to confirm the suspicions I have about those three she-devils?"

Jongho shook his head, "Not yet, sir. We'll need evidence to prove your theory; we might have to dig deeper. Just getting someone to talk about it might not be sufficient for your plan to succeed."

The general nodded, "It's alright, Jongho. We still have some time. So long as we have that piece of evidence before I return to work next week, is that doable?"

After a brief moment of contemplation, his aide replied, "Yes, I think that should be enough time. If that is all for now, I'll be taking my leave, sir."

"Thank you, Jongho. You may go."

Left alone with his thoughts, your husband resisted the urge to run to you immediately. He felt so angry for you that he could almost cry. The depth of your suffering was unimaginable to him, and all he wanted was to embrace you, shield you from the harsh and cruel world, and erase the pain and traumatic memories.

Clutching the book with your family crest, he glared at your father's name, imagining all the ways he could take the old man out.

I promise you, my dear. I'll make them pay.

At the same time, he couldn't stop beating himself up for the way he had treated you on your first day here. His heart ached as he recalled you travelling this far all on your own, only to face continuous mistreatment from him. Even if you had already forgiven him—you weren't even angry at him in the first place, you had to be crazy for that—Seonghwa would never forgive himself for his actions. He would be spending the rest of his days trying to make up for it.

That night, he experienced another restless bout of sleep, tossing and turning as the endless imagined scenes of you being tortured, starved, and treated like cattle haunted his mind. At some point during the night, he couldn't resist the impulse and walked over to your quarters, standing by the entrance like a fool, contemplating whether he should knock.

But he quickly realised that you must not have had any decent rest for who knows how long, and here he was, on the verge of disturbing you just because he couldn't sleep. Gosh, how selfish could he be?

He trudged back to his own room, trying to focus on the thought of you being soundly asleep in your new and comfy bed. Thankfully, this image managed to bring a smile to his face, and just like that, he gradually joined you in dreamland.

"Good morning, mistress! We're here to help you get ready. May we please enter?" Your eyes fluttered open as Eunsook's voice reached you, and a yawn escaped your mouth after having what felt like the most amazing sleep for the first time in years.

You were tempted to hop off your bed and rush to open the door for them, but then you remembered you weren't supposed to do so. Clearing your throat, you answered politely, "Yes, you may enter."

The servants bowed, unable to hide their smiles upon seeing you sitting up on your bed, still marvelling at the grand interior of your new room despite having already spent one night there.

Unbeknownst to you, the maids had been competing to be chosen to serve you. In just your third day here, you had become the most precious figure in the entire estate, and everyone wished to work under you. This particular group of maids had been selected, and their excitement was palpable as they enthusiastically bathed, dressed, and fixed your hair and makeup for the day.

On the other hand, the less fortunate few found themselves assigned to prepare the general for the day. Especially now, with Jongho, the only one capable of handling Seonghwa, engaged in special duties elsewhere, they had no choice but to put up with their master, even as their hearts yearned to be in the House of Lotus.

The morning unfolded with remarkable ease, thanks to your presence. Your husband proved more manageable than usual, his typical grogginess dissipating as he witnessed your excitement over breakfast. It made him both happy and sad—happy to see you so easily satisfied but sad at the realisation of the deprivation you had endured. Your genuine appreciation for even the most basic necessities was a testament to your difficult past.

Repeatedly, he had to remind himself that your history was just that—history. There was nothing he could do to alter it. But he was your present and future, and he would do everything to ensure you had nothing but the best moving forward.

Having already provided you with the best quarters on his estate, the next step was to adorn you in the finest clothes in all of Joseon. Whether or not you arrived with clothing from your old home was irrelevant to him; he would have burned every piece of it to the ground regardless. His goal now was to ensure that, at first sight, everyone would recognise you as the esteemed and beloved wife of the terrifying General Park.

Waiting for you by his carriage, he was not disappointed by your reaction to the vehicle as he assisted you inside. Your eyes widened, and your jaw fell in astonishment as you took in the spacious interior. Usually, he kept the carriage's small windows closed, but anticipating your excitement, he left them open. A subtle smile played on his lips as you gazed in awe at the passing scenery.

Cute.

The dressmaker's shop was situated in the middle of a lively street in town, requiring the two of you to cover the remaining distance on foot while the carriage and its coachmen awaited your return. Accompanied by two servants trailing closely behind, the four of you began making your way through the bustling crowd.

While Seonghwa found himself irritated by the unending stares drawn by both of your extraordinary visuals, your attention was captivated by the surroundings.

This marked your first visit to the town, evident from your childlike fascination, a source of amusement for the observing servants who shared delighted giggles. Throughout the journey, your husband ensured a tight grip on your hand, apprehensive about the possibility of losing you in the busy crowd.

The commoners, oblivious to your identities, continued their activities nonchalantly. Little did they know they were looking at the famous General Park and his new wife. If your true status were known, the street might have cleared within seconds.

Growing weary of the continuous gazes, the general promptly guided you towards the shop he intended to visit.

Upon entering, you were captivated by the array of colourful and elegant hanbok on display. The servants remained close by, engaging in lively discussions about their preferred designs. Typically, Seonghwa would disapprove of his employees being so casual around him, but witnessing the joy on your face as you excitedly joined in on their conversation, he couldn't bring himself to reprimand the two maids. Sighing, he moved further into the establishment, searching for the owner.

Spotting the familiar back hunched over work at the rear of the salon, he couldn't help but roll his eyes before saying, "I still don't understand why you won't hire a helper. You could be robbed in broad daylight, for all we know. You weren't even aware you have a customer, being busy back here."

Turning around with a raised brow, the dressmaker countered, "You're wrong, Park Seonghwa. I didn't bother heading out because I knew it was you. That's how good I am, and that's why I don't need to spend unnecessarily on a helper."

Before the general stood an old friend from his early military days, one who had decided the life of a soldier was not his path and had pursued his passion in fashion, "Yes, yes. It's nice to see you too, Kim Hongjoong. Good to know you haven't changed much."

The shorter man grinned deviously at his friend's sarcastic response, glancing at you, "Aye, I haven't. Unlike you, General Park."

Hongjoong set his tools down and continued, "Heard you finally got married, and I didn't believe it, not until today. That lovely woman over there, that's her, isn't it? She must be quite the special one for you to accompany her all this way. This isn't like you at all. The Seonghwa I know would never waste his time coming here."

If there was one thing your husband did not miss about his friend, it was his relentless teasing. He rolled his eyes again when it went on, "You know, I really thought I'd never get to see you again, but here you are, all because of her."

Seonghwa crossed his arms over his chest, "One more word from you, Hongjoong, and you can kiss this business deal goodbye. Don't come crying to me when I end up employing another dressmaker for all of my wife's clothing."

Jaws falling slack, Hongjoong exclaimed, "Hold on, did I hear that right? All of your wife's clothing?"

The general smirked, "Yes, you heard correctly. I'm hiring you for the long term, enough for you to shut down your shop and work exclusively for my estate."

Hongjoong chuckled, "Closing my shop might be a stretch, but a steady income is tempting. I'm on board. You have good taste, Seonghwa. I assure you won't regret hiring me. I'll make Lady Park the most beautiful woman in all of Joseon, mark my words."

"Excellent. I'm counting on it, Hongjoong."

As pleased as your husband was to have secured a reliable dressmaker for you, there are moments when he regrets such decisions. He experiences a sense of déjà vu as he observes you interacting with his friend, recalling the uneasy feeling he had witnessing your reaction to Yunho.

"My lady, it seems my task is already defined. Your beauty is already exceptional, and I'm afraid I won't have to work too hard to enhance it at all." Hongjoong has always been quite the charmer, and Seonghwa disliked that he was using it on you, his wife, of all people.

The blush on your face, as adorable as it was, irked the general at the moment, as he wasn't the reason for it. He watched, unamused, as the dressmaker smugly took your measurements.

Contrary to your calm and oblivious demeanour, the two maids were keenly aware of their master's internal fury, manifested in the glares he shot at his friend. They trembled at the thought of his wrath, unaware that Hongjoong was the only one audacious enough to tease the general without fearing severe consequences. The two had always shared what people termed a love-hate relationship.

Other than you, your husband and the servants felt a sense of relief once the dressmaker completed noting your measurements, checking your design preferences, and determining which colours suited your skin tone best.

"Alright, it looks like we're done for now. I'll do my best to deliver the first batch of dresses to your estate by next week. Is that okay?" Seonghwa softened as soon as he recognised his friend's serious and professional side, nodding quickly, "That sounds perfect. Thank you, Hongjoong."

The shorter man gave him a sincere smile, "No, thank you, Seonghwa. I mean it in a good way when I say you've changed. Your wife is lovely, by the way. I'll be seeing you soon, my friend."

As the four of you made your way out of the shop, the general's irritation resurfaced as quickly as it had dissipated just moments ago when Hongjoong sent you a flirty wink, "Have a safe journey back. I can't wait to see you again, Lady Park."

Cutting short your innocent wave, Seonghwa swiftly wrapped a strong arm around your back and guided you away, not missing his friend's annoying laughter, "Let's go; the carriage is waiting." He grumbled, jealousy and petty anger flooding his veins.

But those emotions vanished as soon as you both got into the vehicle, the rhythmic rocking motion lulling you into drowsiness. In your sleepy state, your head landed on his shoulder, and you whispered, "Thank you, Seonghwa. I had fun today."

He pulled you closer, ensuring your comfort, and pressed his lips against your hair.

"Anything for you, my wife."

« Preview of Part 7 »

"Can you all believe this? Just a few days into marriage, and the general has already sent word to His Majesty that he has an important agenda to discuss in our next assembly?" The minister guffawed, downing a glass of rice wine in amusement.

His wife grinned slyly, "Do you reckon it has anything to do with her?"

"Oh, I bet it has everything to do with her!" Jinah chortled.

"He must have been so disgusted by the sight of her bare from all that makeup," Jinhee shook her head before panicking, "Wait a damn minute, what if he asks to swap her for one of us?"

Jinjoo whined, "Father, you better not agree to that if it happens!"

"You silly girls, your father would never let any of that happen. Right, honey?" Their mother drawled, curling up to her husband seductively. The mere thought of your potential misery brought them satisfaction.

Minister Jang nodded, "Don't worry, girls. Knowing Park Seonghwa, he most likely would not entertain the idea or ask for anything like that. We'll just have to wait and see what he wishes to talk about. This should be interesting."

"That better be the case." Jinhee muttered, arms crossed.

Jinah smirked, "Or who knows, he's already disposed of her and decided the only right thing to do is to report it."

Cruel laughter echoed through the dining hall of the Jang estate as your family speculated on the possible whereabouts of your remains. None of them noticed the mole within their staff, attentively listening to every word.

I know you're all probably dying to know Minister Jang's secret but what fun will it be for y'all to find out so soon, am I right?😝 Not to worry though, I promise it'll all be revealed in due time.

Thank you so much for 900+ followers! As always, hope you enjoyed and let me know all your thoughts! <3

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[myechoecho]

My Dearest, ep 6

This show keeps on going at full steam.

It's interesting, because Jang Hyun saying he hates Joseon is not entirely a lie. I think he has a general disdain for how the society functions and he certainly has no love for the king.

The show really doesn't shy away the the brutality of this invasion. Jang Hyun and the singer are in a dangerous situation with the General testing them in various ways.

It also drives home how women are treated in war and the fear they all have

It's somewhat difficult to watch the court scenes with the king or even the fights because this is a war that ends in utter defeat, from the little knowledge I have of this time period. They are unprepared, out gunned (literally as they are fighting with swords and arrows vs guns and cannons), under manned and the king has been surrounded and cut off from provisions

The Khan also has a similar disdain for the king that Jang Hyun has. He notes how illogical it is for the king's court to be so blindly loyal when he's not fighting the war. Yes, he is ill and weak but he's also not doing anything.

A smallpox outbreak?!? What next?

The Crown Prince may be obnoxious about he people he deems unworthy (ie: the monks) but he is right in what he is telling his father. He knows that this will end badly if the king does not leave the fortress. They really have little options if they want to survive. The Khan is there. They might actually invade Ganghwa island. But the king would rather die (and all his people die) than be "humiliated".

It's not an easy situation but if this is historically accurate, the refusal further doomed them and the country.

Now they are invading Ganghwa island, where Gil Chae was supposed to be safe. Gil Chae springs into action and warns everyone that the invaders are coming. She tells the one man who doesn't believe her that he can just die instead of listening to this girl

The choice for the women: get captured and raped, never to be accepted by your family/society again, be killed or

The invasion is brutal all around.

Gil Che is smart enough to know who they are chasing and how she can use that to get on the boat. She's brave enough to get him and run like crazy. And she knew exactly how to bargain to get on the boat.

How BRUTAL the scene was where Gil Chae stops the mother from grabbing to Jong Jong. The mother who only asked that her child be saved. Then they watched from the safety of the boat while those left behind were slaughtered.

In a short time, Gil Chae has gone though so many trumas and while I don't think she knows it yet, she's and extraordinarily strong person

Jang Hyun after finding out they invaded Ganghwa Island, the place he told Gil Chae to go for safety, and then almost right after seeing the knife that he gave her on that solider is just pure anger, guilt, angst and grief.

Gil Chae knows that the soldier is sending them to their death. He's sending them alone, with a vague idea of where to go. Hope the little prince doesn't starve to death.

Gil Chae and Jang Hyun are on the same island but now he has measles smallpox. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

But the look he gives her when he sees her is full of longing and love. He takes a step towards her but knows he can't. He saves her from the leader. Then fights everyone else while coughing up blood from measles smallpox.

Gil Chae realizes that it was him that she saw and runs back

I swear, this show does not know how to let us have a breather.

#my dearest #kdrama