Sigh...
In the middle of the night, I tossed and turned in my sleep as the pouring rain poured down. Then, the sound of urgent horse hooves grew closer and closer.
Step by step, step by step...
After the horseshoes, the faint sound of people's voices could be heard.
_
"For the time being, please avoid this place."
It was my father's voice.
At the sound of her father's voice, Hwayoung peeked her head out through the window to check outside.
In the front yard of the house, behind the father, a woman, a boy, and a female servant were coming into the house, drenched in rain.
The woman's face was clearly haggard. Her face was worn, as if worn out by the arduous journey. Her eyes were filled with tears, as if concealing sorrow. Beneath those eyes, the woman held tightly to the small hand of a boy. The boy, trembling with anxiety, clung to the hem of his mother's skirt. Following her, the maids began to sob, tears streaming down their cheeks.
Hwayoung could vaguely guess at that moment that the woman and the boy were the queen and crown prince of this country.
Even though his clothes were shabby, they were made of expensive silk and the bundle wrapped in silk carried by his servant made it clear that he was a person of high status.
_
This world is divided into 24 countries, each governed by its own system of government. Among these 24, "Sanguk" is a traditional nation, descended from the royal lineage of the Min clan, with over 100 years of tradition. True to its name, this nation, with its developed mountainous terrain, has grown through exchanges with other nations through medicinal herbs, timber, and leather.
however
In 1306, the Sanguk era, the kingdom of Sanguk faced a crisis of governance due to an invasion by the northern "Pyeongya Kingdom." After suffering a significant loss of national power due to the first invasion by Pyeongya Kingdom, Sanguk gradually lost its power after the second plunder by the common people. Pyeongya Kingdom treated the invading Sanguk as its vassal state, and the governance of Sanguk was decided under the consultation of Pyeongya Kingdom.
San-guk, the vassal state of Pyeongya-guk, was subject to Pyeongya-guk's interference. Born as hostages in Pyeongya-guk, the royal family had to receive 10 years of education there. Upon returning to San-guk, they were required to marry into Pyeongya-guk's royal family. Furthermore, Pyeongya-guk's unilateral invasion was seen as a war expense, forcing Pyeongya-guk to pay tribute in female and material tribute every five years. Thus, Pyeongya-guk's rule over San-guk lasted for nearly 50 years.
In 1356 AD, the 27th king of Sanguk attempted to secretly conclude agreements with various states to free himself from the rule of Pyeongya. However, just before negotiations could begin, he was caught by Pyeongya and subjected to pressure. In the process, the 27th king was dethroned and executed, and his queen and crown prince fled into hiding. Pyeongya then installed a new 28th puppet king, a distant relative of the Sanguk royal family.
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_
Twelve years later,
"50 seok of rice, is that enough?"
A middle-aged man with a bald head and a frown that looked like an annoying wrinkle pointed to 50 seok of rice with a smug expression that said, "That's a lot of beggars."
"What are you talking about? 50 sacks of rice is enough to give to all our children in less than half a year."
Yeong-i shouted.
"Huh? If you don't want to take it, then don't."
The man waved his hand towards Yeong-i with an expression that showed that he had no regrets.
'under...'
Yeong-i could only sigh at the old man's attitude.
"Brother, this is enough."
Seok-i tried to calm Yeong-i down by looking at her expression and pretending that everything was okay.
"Yes, brother, can't we just get more items?"
Kwak Du-do also tried to stop Yeong-i.
'...'
Yeong-i thought deeply for a moment, then nodded as if he understood and received 50 seok of rice from the old man on the street.
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_
After finishing the transaction, we headed to the tavern.
All the children touched their gaunt bellies, having been walking since the night before to transport supplies.
"Oh, since it's come to this, let's eat some noodles or something!"
Seok-i raised his voice to try to lighten the gloomy atmosphere.
"We've all worked hard, so let's all have a hearty meal today~"
Kwak Du laughed heartily and raised his glass high.
braided.-
Seok-i and Gwak-du raised their glasses with both hands and gave a powerful toast.
"Brother, you too! Hurry up!!"
Seok-i tapped Yeong-i and placed a glass in Yeong-i's hand.
"okay"
So Yeong-i smiled faintly and raised her glass.
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"Is that him?"
Yun-gi points to Yeong-i inside the inn and asks.
"Yes, they are famous guys around here in the market."
"...hmm"
Yoongi strokes his chin and thinks for a moment.
"They say they'll do anything if you give them money..."
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_
"It's fun.."
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***
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