The prince of Gyeongdong stopped halfway and thought to himself why he had to personally deliver the betrothal gifts. Instead, he sent his trusted swordsman, Joon-Oh, to go in his place, while he decided to explore the beautiful sceneries of Cheng City.
Meanwhile, Cheng Mi wandered through the buzzing marketplace. She was supposed to buy groceries, but she knew it was just an excuse to send her away from the house. Still, she enjoyed the freedom—the laughter of traders, the smell of spices, the warmth of the crowd. For the first time in a while, no one was ordering her around.
---
At the Cheng Residence
"Why didn't the prince come himself?" Cheng Ji asked bitterly.
"Cheng Ji! Is that how you welcome a guest?" Mr. Cheng scolded.
"My apologies," said Joon-Oh, bowing slightly. "His Highness had an urgent matter to attend to, so he sent me in his stead."
"Who are you to come in his place?" Cheng Ji snapped rudely.
"Cheng Ji!" her father's voice thundered. "Someone! Lock her in her room until she learns her manners!"
"Father!" Cheng Hee cried, but Mr. Cheng stopped her with a glare.
"Don't defend her. Take her away," he ordered.
"Don't touch me! I'll go myself!" Cheng Ji shouted and stormed off to her room.
"Please, this way," Mr. Cheng said politely, leading his guest inside.
---
The Encounter
As dusk fell, Cheng Mi finally decided to return home, taking the long route so she would arrive late. On her way, she noticed a young man being chased by bullies.
"What's going on?" she whispered. "Should I help him?"
She hesitated, then frowned. "No, it's none of my business… but this is wrong."
She picked up a small stone, loaded her catapult, and fired. One of the bullies yelped in pain. She fired again and again until they fled.
Just as she turned to leave, the young man called out, "Wait! May I know your name? I am—"
"Our meeting ends here. Goodbye," Cheng Mi interrupted and walked away swiftly.
The young man stood in disbelief. "Did a commoner just ignore me?" he muttered. "Do you know who I am? I could have you beheaded for that!" he shouted, though Cheng Mi was already far away.
---
Back at the Cheng Residence
"Oh, my daughter, you're back," said Mr. Cheng. "Where were you?"
"I went to the market to buy something," she replied calmly.
"Alright then, carry on. I have work to do," he said with a smile before leaving.
"Cheng Mi!" Cheng Lin called out. "Where have you been?"
"Well, I was sent out for a stroll," Cheng Mi said playfully.
"Do you know what happened?" Cheng Lin whispered as she pulled her closer. "The prince didn't come!"
"Really? That must've made Cheng Ji furious," Cheng Mi said with a small laugh.
"Oh no!" Cheng Lin suddenly gasped.
"What's wrong?"
"I left something on the fire!" she shouted, running off as Cheng Mi laughed softly.
---
The Nightmare
That night, Cheng Mi had a terrifying dream—she was drowning, crying for her father to save her. She woke up trembling, drenched in sweat.
"Paaaaa!" she gasped, panting heavily. She couldn't sleep again till morning.
---
The Birthday Morning
"Cheng Mi!" Cheng Lin shouted, bursting into the room. "Happy birthday!" She grabbed Cheng Mi's hands and spun her around playfully.
"Thank you," Cheng Mi said with a smile.
"Come on! Master wants to give us our presents!"
They ran out together.
"Oh, Cheng Mi, come here—and you too, Cheng Ji," Mr. Cheng said warmly. "These are your birthday gifts."
"Thank you, uncle," Cheng Mi said politely.
"Thank you, father," Cheng Ji added, already unwrapping hers.
"Open yours too," Mr. Cheng encouraged.
But when Cheng Ji saw that Cheng Mi's gift was identical to hers, her face darkened.
"Why do we have the same gift?" she snapped. "We're not equals!"
"Cheng Ji!" her father shouted, but she stormed off furiously.
Cheng Mi's eyes filled with tears. She gently placed her gift back on the table and ran to her room crying.
"Cheng Mi, are you alright? Please open the door," Mr. Cheng pleaded, knocking softly.
"Uncle, please… I just want to be alone," she replied between sobs.
He sighed and walked away sadly.
Meanwhile, in Cheng Ji's room, Cheng Hee confronted her.
"What was that for?" she demanded.
"I want her gone for good!" Cheng Ji shouted.
"You've truly lost your mind," Cheng Hee said, slapping her hard across the face. "When you come back to your senses, then we'll talk."
As she left, Cheng Ji screamed in rage, tearing the room apart.
"Cheng Mi… today will be your last!"