As per Lady Shin’s orders, Ae-Ra prepared for the evening’s gathering. “Here, put this on,” Ha-Neul said, holding out a strip of vibrant red lip color. Ae-Ra hesitated, but when Ha-Neul gently pressed it between her lips, she reluctantly accepted it.

“Now, cheer up! You can’t go in front of the Ministers looking like a ghost,” Ha-Neul encouraged, a bright smile on her face. She adjusted the pins in Ae-Ra’s hair, ensuring the small bun at the back of her head was perfectly arranged.

With deft hands, Ha-Neul applied a touch of blush to Ae-Ra’s cheeks. “You have such smooth skin, Ae-Ra. I heard some newly appointed government officials are also attending tonight. So, this could be your chance. Who knows? Maybe one of them will want to make you his concubine,” she said, trying to uplift Ae-Ra’s spirits.

“It’s done,” Ha-Neul announced, setting the brush down on the table. She then checked the knot of Ae-Ra’s Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress that accentuated her figure, and helped her stand. “You can walk, right?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

“Yes,” Ae-Ra replied softly. With graceful movements, she lifted her high-waisted skirt slightly so that she could walk comfortably, and stepped out of the room.

As she crossed the threshold, Ha-Neul silently prayed for her friend’s success, hoping tonight would be different. Ae-Ra moved toward the main hall, where the young officials had already gathered.

A servant approached Ae-Ra, handing her a polished wooden tray that held a delicate teapot and seven elegantly arranged cups. As the other servant opened the door, she took a deep breath, steadying herself. She stepped into the room, and the lively chatter immediately hushed, the atmosphere shifting to one of anticipation.

As she had been trained, Ae-Ra knew she needed to show proper respect to her customers. She knelt slightly, lowering her gaze as she entered. After a moment, she took a few careful steps forward and settled onto the cushion positioned in front of the low table. Gently placing the tray on the surface, she reached for the teapot and began to add the crushed chrysanthemum flowers into the steaming hot water.

“What’s your name?” inquired one of the men, who occupied the most prominent position at the large table.

“My name is Ae-Ra,” she responded softly, concentrating on the task at hand as she mixed the fragrant flowers into the teapot.

“You are beautiful, Ae-Ra,” the same man said, complimenting her, a hint of admiration in his voice. He was a newly appointed Minister in the Ministry of Personnel, a position that commanded respect and authority.

Ae-Ra chose not to acknowledge his compliment, focusing instead on the delicate ritual of preparing the tea. Her heart raced as she felt the weight of their gaze upon her, but she remained calm on the surface, her hands steady as she completed the task.

“How dare a courtesan ignore the compliment from Minister Choi?” a man named Hyun Woo erupted, his voice laced with indignation.

“Thank you, Minister Choi, for the compliment,” Ae-Ra replied finally, her words surprising him. He had heard whispers about Ae-Ra, particularly her reputation for resisting the advances of men. It was known that her mother had been a renowned courtesan in the house, and he had expected nothing less than defiance.

“General Lee has returned from his final campaign in the Western Highlands,” Hae Jung-Wa announced. “As always, he has emerged victorious. I’ve heard rumors that the King intends for his daughter to marry General Lee.”

Ae-Ra poured the steaming tea into the cups, trying to remain unobtrusive as the men engaged in lively conversation.

“It is common knowledge that General Lee will wed the Princess of Goryeo,” said Sang Daeshim, lifting his teacup to his lips. He took a sip, savoring the flavors before continuing, “Prince Youngsoo, what are your thoughts on this? The Princess is the Crown Prince’s true sister, and should she marry General Lee, the Crown Prince’s influence will undoubtedly grow.”

Ae-Ra’s heart raced as she realized that Prince Youngsoo was among them, seated at the table.

“The Crown Prince reaps all the benefits despite the mere day's difference between us,” Prince Youngsoo said, his grip on the porcelain cup tightening as he spoke.

Ae-Ra approached Minister Choi Daewon, placing the teacup in front of him. “Sit beside me,” he requested, and Ae-Ra complied, positioning herself at a careful distance.

“Minister Choi will undoubtedly support Prince Youngsoo,” affirmed Kim Sun Jae, his tone tinged with respect. “At such a young age, he has already secured a position in the most powerful Ministry—the Ministry of Personnel.”

Choi Daewon smiled, exuding confidence. “My support for Prince Youngsoo is unwavering. I have devised a plan to tarnish General Lee's image,” he stated, bringing the teacup closer to his lips, igniting curiosity among the others.

After savoring the tea, Choi Daewon leaned toward Ae-Ra, who had lowered her gaze in discomfort. “Show me your hand,” he requested.

Ae-Ra looked up, bewildered. “Why does Minister Choi want to see my hand?”

“You speak so inappropriately with men,” Prince Youngsoo interjected from across the table, his annoyance palpable. “Don't you know your place?”

Ae-Ra averted her gaze once more, feeling the weight of his words. “I would like to kiss your hand. You made such addictive tea. It tasted wonderfully good,” Choi Daewon said with a grin, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Despite her hesitation, Ae-Ra extended her hand, and Choi Daewon grasped it firmly, leaning down to kiss her knuckles. “Even your scent has driven me crazy,” he declared, his words sending a chill down her spine.

Ae-Ra gulped, the unease rising within her. She tried to retract her hand, but Choi Daewon tightened his grip, pulling her closer. Clutching her skirt tightly, she battled the urge to strike him, knowing full well the severe consequences that would follow.

••••

In the adjacent room, two men sat in silence—one clad in maroon robes and the other in green. They sipped their tea while listening to the conversation unfolding among the government officials and the prince next door.

“Choi Daewon's father is loyal to the Crown Prince. How is it that his son is acting so brazenly?” the man in green robes grumbled.

The man in maroon robes remained silent, a frown creasing his brow as he listened to Choi Daewon’s suggestive remarks about the courtesan.

••••

“Minister Choi,” Prince Youngsoo asked, breaking the tension, “you have the entire night to spend with this courtesan. Answer my question—what is your plan?”

Choi Daewon traced Ae-Ra's jawline, his finger slowly moving to her neck. “Prince Youngsoo, I think I will tell you tomorrow,” he said casually, before resting his hand on the nape of her neck.

Ae-Ra's heart raced, and she couldn't take it anymore. “Please refrain from touching me, Minister Choi,” she said.

Choi Daewon smirked, ignoring her plea. He then moved her hand toward the knot of her dress. “Give me your service tonight. I would like to—”

Before he could finish, Ae-Ra reacted instinctively, smashing the tray against his head. The room erupted in chaos as Choi Daewon screamed in pain, blood seeping from the wound on his forehead.

“Don't you understand words? When I said don’t touch me, don’t!” Ae-Ra shouted, her anger and fear intertwining at the same time.

The two men in the adjacent room were taken aback by the sudden commotion. “Let’s leave,” the man in maroon robes suggested, rising to his feet, his face reflecting shock and concern.

As Ae-Ra attempted to flee the scene, Choi Daewon’s cry for help rang out, drawing attention. Courtesans from the hallway rushed in, their eyes widening in horror at the sight of Choi Daewon clutching his bleeding head.

Before she could escape, Prince Youngsoo blocked her path. In a swift motion, he shoved her, causing her to stumble and hit the floor hard. “Where is Lady Shin?” Youngsoo demanded.

Choi Daewon was still holding his head, rage boiling beneath the surface.

Gathering her courage, Ae-Ra rose back to her feet. “I am not a courtesan who provides sexual favors to men,” she declared defiantly, her spirit unyielding despite the odds.

“Shut up, you wench!” Choi Daewon yelled, pulling a dagger from the sheath concealed within his sash as he advanced toward her, eyes blazing with fury.

Just then, Lady Shin rushed in, dropping to her knees before Choi Daewon. “Minister Choi, please calm down. I will punish her,” she pleaded while she glared at Ae-Ra.

Choi Daewon halted, his anger momentarily stifled by her presence. Two guards swiftly seized Ae-Ra by the arms, leaving her feeling trapped and vulnerable in the tense atmosphere.

"I will decide on her punishment. Take her to the front yard," Choi Daewon ordered the guards, who immediately began dragging Ae-Ra out. Lady Shin attempted to intervene, but her efforts proved futile against Choi Daewon's authority.

As they reached the yard, the guards finally released Ae-Ra's arms. The commotion drew the attention of the courtesans and the men who they were entertaining, who began to gather. Sensing an opportunity, Ae-Ra quickly stepped back and darted to the left, intending to escape.

"She is running! Catch her!" Choi Daewon bellowed, his voice echoing through the courtyard, igniting chaos among the courtesans.

As she neared the door, Ae-Ra collided with a man, causing both of them to tumble to the ground. “Ahh!” she screamed, instinctively grabbing his arm. Their eyes locked for a brief moment. The man was awestruck with Ae-Ra's beauty and his heart began racing.

Noticing the fake mustache hanging over his upper lip, she instinctively yanked it off. The man let out a low scream, panic flooding his eyes. “Don’t look at me!” he exclaimed, quickly covering her eyes with his palm. With his other hand, he snatched the mustache back and hastily affixed it to his lip.

Ae-Ra shoved his hand away from her eyes. But as she did, she spotted the guards advancing toward her, their expressions fierce and determined.

In a moment of desperation, she pushed the man aside, trying to make her escape, but it was too late. The guards seized her arms once again.

“Leave me be!” she shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks in frustration. She felt the familiar sting of defeat wash over her as she realized she had failed to escape the Courtesan's House once more.

From a distance, the man in maroon robes watched Ae-Ra struggle against her captors. “General Lee, what are you looking at? We have to leave,” urged his companion, who was in green robes.

"I think I have to save her," Lee Seo Jin said with a smirk.