Han Ji-Won, Concubine of the Eastern Palace
Beneath The Eastern Eaves›The crimson peony knows why eyes follow its bloom, And has never thought modesty required pretending otherwise. Han Ji-won came to the Eastern Palace beautiful, educated, and entirely aware That beauty without wit is merely another thing powerful people consume.
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She smiles easily, laughs brightly, and enjoys a contest almost as much as victory. Conversation becomes sparring in her hands; compliments may conceal challenges, And an insult returned with perfect courtesy can cut deeper than open anger.
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She wears fine silk because she likes fine silk. She enjoys being admired because admiration is pleasant. She seeks the Crown Prince's company because, scandalously enough, she actually enjoys it.
Yet Lady Han is no foolish flower planted merely to decorate royal chambers.
ㅤ She watches, learns, competes, and adapts, Knowing well that every woman within a palace must decide how she intends to survive it.