Chapter 72: Golden Cage

I folded the paper and put it back into the envelop after I was done reading its content. As far as I was aware, there was nothing unusual about the message. However, I wasn’t sure I was comfortable enough to meet Prince Kin for tea or dinner. Perhaps, that could be avoided for now.

I took out paper, a brush, and an ink tablet before starting to write back a message to Prince Kin. Unfortunately, I did not have any gift that would be worthy of offering to a prince so a thankful message from my heart would have to do.

I wrote down a simple thank you message and wished him good health and happiness before folding the paper neatly and putting it in an envelope. I called for a maid and instructed her to deliver the letter to Prince Kin’s palace tomorrow. Now that that was all done and out of the way, I stretched and let the maids prepare me for bed.

…

When the following day arrived, I had completely forgotten about the gift and the letter from Prince Kin. Jeely came to see me for my lessons as usual; however, Auntie also joined us for today. This provided for the perfect opportunity for me to ask about Ren.

“I was just wondering, if you know any news about Ren?” I asked softly.

Auntie looked at me for a moment as she seemed to consider her words carefully.

“Umm…Prince Ren is currently very busy with work. I have not seen him in the inner court at all since the day that he visited you…” Auntie replied with a smile. However, I could tell that she wasn’t telling the whole truth.

I began to wonder if I could find a way to contact or see Ren. Was that even allowed? I didn’t know how thing worked here in the palace.

“Am I…not allowed to go see him?” I asked hesitantly.

“Ladies of the inner court are not permitted to go outside,” Auntie said with a smile; however, her voice was strict.

“But…the other day…” I said with confusion.

“You were allowed to leave the inner court because the crown prince was there with you and so you had his permission. Otherwise, all women in the inner court are not allowed outside of its walls. This rule has been in place since the establishment of the inner court and I expect you and everyone to abide strictly by it,” Auntie stated with no room for negotiations.

“Rin is new here so she’s still learning her way. There’s no need to be so tough on her, Auntie…” Jeely said calmly.

I was at a lost for words. If I’m not allowed out of the inner court, then I’m practically like a prisoner locked up in here? The only way out is if Ren allowed it?

“Do not worry. I am sure the crown prince would come to visit you soon,” Auntie said, and that was that.

I let this whole matter slide because I knew that saying anymore would be equivalent to fighting a losing battle. We proceeded with our lesson and Auntie observed my posture and I listen to her praise me for my ‘slight improvement’. I should be happy with the compliment but, for some reason, I still disliked the way I had to change so many things about myself.

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I mean, sure, I’m from a small town in the countryside. I was never taught about these things and my movements are and never will be as graceful as Jeely’s; however, was that such a big deal? I had to admit that it annoyed me endlessly that the qualities that I had such as my medical knowledge and skills were not appreciated at all in the capital.

Auntie left us when we took a break for lunch. I had decided today that I would ask Jeely some questions about herself. If I wasn’t wrong, our relationship has progressed smoothly, and we were closer than we were before. Jeely was kind and attentive. She seemed honest and very caring. Frankly, I was glad that she was introduced to me. She’s probably the first girl friend I had met at the palace. My first friend was probably Shin.

The thought made me realize that I had not seen or met Shin since we returned from our trip. I wondered how he was doing. Everyone seemed to be so busy while I’m stuck inside the walls of the inner court.

I started asking Jeely questions the moment we sat down for lunch. I hoped that she would answer me since most of the questions were personal. However, it was worth a shot. I really wanted to know more about her and perhaps I could learn more about Ren and the inner court from her story.

“Jeely, do you mind if I asked you some questions?” I asked.

“You’re welcomed to ask. I’ll try my best to answer…” Jeely said kindly.

“Auntie mentioned that you came to the crown prince’s inner court when you were quite young…” I began.

“Oh that. Yes, as I told you before I was less than ten years old. Don’t make that face…it’s actually pretty common. You see, my father was a ruler of a town in the North and when we lost the war, I was sent to serve Ren…” Jeely explained.

“How long have you been in this place?” I asked.

“Almost fifteen years now,” Jeely said with a smile.

“Do you…like being here?” I asked.

“Hmm…I guess. It’s a safe place to be and we are well taken care of. Although, I wouldn’t know…since I don’t know any other place besides this place. I’ve been here for the majority of my life after all,” Jeely said.

“This might sound weird but…what do you think of becoming a successful concubine?” I asked, seriously.

Jeely was silent for a moment as she seemed to ponder my question around in her mind.

“I think that it’s absolutely necessary. For me, I believe that perhaps it is fate that led me here and to this life. I have decided to serve the crown prince to the best of my ability,” Jeely replied, and I could see the resolution in her eyes.

“Do you ever…think of going home? Or…going outside?” I asked, hesitantly.

--To be continued…

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