The peony of Joseon, the story of a noble Korean woman. Chapter 1 (Patreon)

In the Kingdom of Joseon, a young noblewoman named Goo Hae-ryung lived a life of respect for her family. Born into a wealthy family near Busan, she was raised to be a lady of grace and virtue, with every fiber of her being steeped in the values of her society. She was the youngest daughter of a respected scholar and his wife, who had great hopes for her future. She was raised in the strictest tradition of Confucian ideals, where women were often considered second-class citizens and were taught to be obedient and submissive to men.

At the age of sixteen, Hae-ryung was betrothed to the son of a neighboring noble, a man named Kim Jae-hyun. Although she had never met him, she knew that her duty to her family and country required her to accept his will.

The year was 1598, and tensions between Joseon and Japan were at their highest point. Pirates from the Land of the Rising Sun had been raiding the coasts of Joseon for months, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. Hae-ryung's family had been lucky so far, but they knew their luck could not last forever.

 Every morning, Hae-ryung would wake up before the sun came up, dress in a simple white hanbok, and head to the hall to help her mother serve her father breakfast. She would spend hours learning manners, literature, art.

She would then stroll through the gardens and bathe before returning to her own studies in the afternoon. Hae-ryung's delicate appearance and serene demeanor were a reflection of her education. She was taught to be submissive and obedient to her elders, and to refrain from speaking unless invited.

Hae-ryung was a beautiful woman, with long black hair falling in soft waves down her back. Her face was delicate and refined, with high cheekbones and a small nose. Her skin was soft as silk, white and delicate as porcelain. Her eyes were large and almond-shaped, with a touch of mischief in their depths. She had a small waist and full hips. Her slender, yet beautiful and sensual figure made her a desirable target for many men.

However, Hae-ryung was not interested in men. She was content to live her life as a devoted daughter and future wife, serving her family and country with grace and dignity. She knew her duty was to have children and provide her husband with a companion to help him navigate the complexities of life in Joseon.

One night, as she slept in the warmth of her home, Hae-ryung awoke to the faint meow of a feline that had snuck into her room. Hae-ryung smiled and hugged the little cat as she stroked it.

"Have you lost your way, little one?" she smiled, her face was like the most beautiful flower in a garden of peonies.

Suddenly, a loud thud startled the young noblewoman and she began to hear male voices in a dialect she did not understand. She knew the pirates had arrived, and that her family was in danger. She ran as fast as she could, shouting to her sisters and mother to flee.

But it was too late, the days of virtue had ended for Hae-ryung...

 TO BE COTINUED