If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 111

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A particularly quiet night passed.

At dawn, the sound of court ladies’ footsteps beginning their day’s work and the chirping of birds could be heard from beyond the wall.

Yuseol had already finished her makeup early and was giving barley grains to the sparrows in the courtyard. It was her way of thanking them for their cheerful songs every morning.

The sparrows hopped and flapped their wings, responding in kind. Yuseol, who had been smiling faintly, remembered the kite she had left at Museolwon.

She hadn’t been separated from him for so long, and she missed him quite a bit. She used to feed him and walk with him every morning. How was he doing now?

Of course, she had entrusted him to Myoyeon, so he must be doing well. A kind person like him would take care of him without reservation, just like a master.

Yuseol picked up half a handful of barley, placed small amounts of it all over the courtyard, and returned to her room.

She had already adapted to life in the palace. The conversation she had with Myoyeon at Museolwon echoed in her ears.

“I’m worried about sending you off like this, but fortunately, there’s an informant in the palace called Byeori. She’s been working there for a long time, so she’ll probably know about your sister, too.”

“Is that true?”

“But you won’t be able to meet her in person, because her life would be in danger if she reveals her identity.”

“Ah….”

“We communicate by buying rice cakes from Yoo’s Rice Cake Shop in front of the palace and giving them a letter instead of money. The owner is one of our people, so you can rest assured.”

Yuseol planned to contact the person named Byeori that Myoyeon had told her about. She had been quietly gauging the atmosphere in the palace for the past few days, and now she wanted to make a move. The palace was like a sea where a storm could strike at any moment. Everyone would be safe if she moved as quickly as possible to achieve her goal.

Yuseol, who had been in deep thought, began the letter by introducing herself as a guest of Museolwon and a friend of Myoyeon. She continued the letter, saying that her family was trapped in the prison in the mountains behind the palace and that she wanted to know their location.

After finishing the letter, she suddenly felt like preparing another one. She wanted to convey her feelings to Yun Seonghyeon, who was pleading in front of the palace.

However, if she revealed her identity and asked for help, they might both be in danger. So, for now, she would support him from where he couldn’t see her.

Yuseol placed words of support for Yun Seonghyeon into the letter along with three gold coins. After much deliberation over the sender’s name, she finally wrote “Geon.” Since she could not use her real name, she wanted at least to use one that carried meaning in her life.

She hoped Geon would understand this feeling. Was he doing well?

Just then, Yanghui came in. Yuseol looked at Yanghui, who was fidgeting with the letter she was supposed to send to Byeori.

“You came early. Have you finished all your work?”

Yanghui sat down politely in front of Yuseol and answered.

“Yes, Lady. I just need to go to the marketplace and look for ingredients.”

This morning, Meisa had come and demanded to be taught her makeup skills, saying she would arrange a meeting soon. Yuseol had put it off, citing health reasons, and Meisa had returned, looking extremely displeased. She knew Meisa wasn’t the type to give up, but she wanted to stall and wear her out first. She thought it would not be too late to step out in front of people after that.

“Yes, that’s good. We don’t know when something might happen, so it’s good to be prepared. Ask Manbok to get you an entry pass.”

“Yes, I will. Lady.”

“And please buy some rice cakes from Yoo’s Rice Cake Shop outside the palace.”

Yanghui paused and looked at Yuseol, asking with a meaningful tone.

“What should I do about the price of the rice cakes?”

The girl was quick-witted, and she had also been by her side when she had spoken with Myoyeon, so no explanation was needed. Yuseol gave Yanghui the letter she had been holding.

“Let’s make this the price of the rice cakes.”

“…….”

“Oh, and there’s something else you need to deliver.”

She then took out a palm-sized pouch. She had already put the letter for Yun Seonghyeon and the gold coins inside.

“Entrust this to the bookstore owner in the marketplace. There’s a Confucian academy nearby, so it will be delivered quickly to the recipient.”

Yanghui nodded and tightly gripped the pouch in her hand. Then, as if she had something on her mind, she raised her eyebrows and looked at Yuseol. The room remained quiet. Just as Yuseol was making a puzzled expression, Yanghui seemed to shake off what she was about to say and got up from her seat.

“Then I’ll be on my way, Lady.”

Yuseol stood up and saw Yanghui off. She was curious about what she was about to say but thought that if it was important, she would hear it eventually.