Seventeen

"State examination."

Baek Jin Hee thought for a moment as she stared at the royal statement that the imperial soldier just tacked onto the wooden public bulletin. She then watched as he mounted his horse and galloped away.

This was her chance, she thought.

Baek Jin Hee turned to the bulletin and studied the royal statement again.

"Mid autumn on the 17th day of the 10th month," she read.

What an opportunity! Now that her father's case was settled and his life spared, it was time for her to focus on herself. Since dear old Dad was serving his time at the military encampment on the border, she had no one else to tell her what to do or how to live her life. She might as well live it freely as she desires.

"Out of the way lady!"

A young man who was about the same age as her nudged her with his elbow. She threw a deathly glare at him.

"What is a woman like you looking at that poster for?" he sneered.

"Only men are scholars, don't you know?"

Baek Jin Hee rolled her eyes and walked away. She'll punish him later when she became a state official. Imbecile, she thought to herself.

This was one of the reasons her father had kept her tucked away most of her life. She had been sheltered and emotionally abused by gender discrimination for far too long.

Only men can do this, that. Blah, blah, blah...

His words were etched in her brain. The only redemption was to prove her true worth by becoming a royal court official...

Baek Jin Hee stopped in front of a clothes shop and carefully thought of her first step. If she was going to the state examination, she had to disguise herself as a boy. Not only that, she needed to act like a boy.

"Can I help you?"

The shopkeeper, a balding man who appeared to be in his 50s approached Baek Jin Hee. He was probably curious as to why a young woman was scoping out his shop that was full men's attire.

"I'm buying new clothes for my brother," she lied.

It was a really lame lie but it was the first thing she could think of. Plus, if she spent too much time choosing her lie to make it sound as best as possible, she'd be standing there all day looking guilty as hell.

"I see," the man replied. "Please let me know if I may be of any assistance."

Baek Jin Hee nodded and shifted her focus back to the pants. Even the smallest size seemed a little too big for her. Whatever, she thought. She'd just alter them later. After selecting a few outfits, she casually left the shop as if she didn't just make the biggest decision of her life.

"Baek Jin Hee, oh, Baek Jin Hee," she sighed to herself.

His Majesty had saved her father from death. How dare she makes such a rash decision to commit a serious offense. She was still a good girl. She just got stronger.

Regardless, she'd already made up her mind, and the most important thing she had left to consider was a necessary name change. It is possible His Majesty Lee Hwi would be sifting through the exams so Baek Jin Hee was definitely a no-go. She didn't want to risk being disqualified. Besides, she was just as smart, if not smarter, than any guy. Be it literature, poetry, or classics, she believed herself to be a strong contender.

Back at the royal palace hundreds of miles away, the court officials gather in the assembly hall for the usual morning address from their king, and to discuss matters related to Joseon's well-being.

"The official date for the state exam has been set," Hwi announced.

"The Royal Institute, as well as the royal astrologist, both concur that this exciting event shall commence mid-autumn. Any objections?"

As Hwi had suspected, there were no objections. So far, things were coming together nicely. Everyone at The Royal Institute had been working hard to prepare for the royal exam.

"I hear everything is coming together nicely," said The Grand Queen Dowager.

Hwi had already granted his presence at her quarters earlier but he returned after the morning assembly to spend some quality time with his ailing grandmother. It had been a while since he had seen her at archery so he thought he'd challenge her to a game of janggi.

"Everything is coming together nicely," Hwi assured as he moved his horse a few spaces.

He glanced at his grandmother and noticed more fine lines on her cheekbones.

"How exciting to know that we will soon add more knowledge and talent to our court," she said with a smile.

"Indeed," Hwi replied.

"I hear you also want to secure relations with the Ming," said The Grand Queen Dowager. "Is that true?"

Hwi nodded.

"If successful, that'll be very prosperous for our nation," she replied.

"You sound as if you still have your doubts in me," said Hwi.

"Not doubts," she replied. "But high expectations because you are my only grandson."

Hwi looked up at her. He didn't expect such sudden, high praise. After moving her soldier piece, she looked up at him, too.

"I want you to know that I never doubted you because you've always done your best," she further elaborated.

"It's just that expectations are higher because the only person you need to best is yourself, and only then you'll know you've truly conquered your people to the best of your ability."

Hwi smirked. He was truly touched.

"Rest assured I will continue to do my best, grandmother."

She smiled too and quickly changed the subject to something more cheerful yet serious.

"With all that's going on, make sure you don't forget about your queen and young prince."

Hwi looked away to the side and blushed. Why was he still like this? He did not know either.

"How could I?" Hwi scoffed.

He literally just spent the night with Noh Ha Kyung last night. As a matter of fact, he found himself staying the night at her quarters more than ever before.

"Noh Ha Kyung is a woman of class," said The Grand Queen Dowager. "The epitome of a great queen."

"Yeah," Hwi said in a lower tone.

First the high praises for him and then the compliment on his queen?! His grandmother was really coming around.

"I almost forgot what normal feels like around here," she said.

Hwi knew she was referring to this new reality - their new reality which had been drama-less. The palace had been calm, and honestly, it is quite nice.

"I guess this the calm after the storm," said Hwi.

The Grand Queen Dowager smiled as she picked up the pieces she had just won off of the janggi board.

"You should always be careful," she said to him.

"I take that advice to the heart," said Hwi. "As a life lesson and in janggi."

Although he lost this match, Hwi was content because for the first time in years, they bonded as grandmother and grandchild. This was pretty huge for him.