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Everybody Loves Soo Chapter. 8

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[Summary: The head of Hae Clan, Hong Ha-Jin is dead for unknown cause. Hae Soo’s eldest cousin took over as a leader. Her five cousins are visiting her at Song-Ak and sees her interaction with every prince. Hae Soo’s Cousins are my OCs. Nothing worse will happen…maybe.]

“My lady…”

Soo heard Chae-Ryung’s alarmed voice. She put the tray down as she finished serving the prince’s tea and approached to her. She noticed the folded paper in Chae-Ryung’s hand.

“What is it?” Soo asked.

Chae-Ryung handed the letter to her. Soo accepted and began to read. Her face grew pale when she continued to read. She gasped as she read the last paragraph and folded it back. Her expression caught Wook’s attention.

“Soo, what’s wrong?”

She turned to eighth prince and others whose expressions grew concerned.

“Master Hong Ha-Jin…had passed away.”

Crown Prince frowned at such unfortunate news. He was aware of the rumor that the leader of Hae Clan was secretly trading with Khitan, but he was wondering who would lead the Hae’s after his death.

“My eldest cousin is currently the leader now…and there’s much worse…”

“What? What?” Jung asked.

Soo looked around the prince, then answered.

“My whole cousins will come here at Song-Ak. Here to see me.”



Hae Soo was quite nervous to see the cousins she had never met before. Although, she was sure the “real” Hae Soo might have known or get along with them, but she made a lie that she lost her memories and luckily they believed her. She was once told by her cousin Myung-Hee, that she has five cousins who were all young men. Except for two, who were younger than her.

She felt the hand on her shoulders and saw Wook, who gave her a comforting smile.

“Are you alright?” Wook asked, concerned.

Soo only nodded her head. However, deep down she inwardly was upset at her cousins for not attending Lady Hae’s funeral. She immediately guessed they must be here to gain the king’s favor again to uphold their family clan. Frowned at the thought, but she immediately find her composure.

“You seemed upset…” So pointed out.

“Not upset…I’m furious…” Soo muttered.

Then they heard the eunuch announcing the Hae clan’s presence. The Song-Ak gate was opened, revealing five youthful men, who was confirmed to be Soo’s cousins. The eldest with fine clothes on the center with his hair tied up in knot, was the oldest cousin, Hae Yoon*. He was making an expressionless look, but Soo could feel the intimidating aura from him. The two people on both of his side was second and third cousin, Hae Weol* and Hae Han*. Weol possesses a rather similar expression the third prince has; prideful and slightly arrogant, with refined golden robes swished when he walks. Han has his hair tied in pony tail, indicated that he wasn’t married yet. The other two was no older than thirteen and ten years old boys, Hae Woo-Jin*, and Hae Nan-Gil*. Woo-Jin has a rather mature looks, holding one book. He has long hair partially tied, and wears light green and yellow robes. Nan-Gil has his hair tied up in ponytail, leaving his bangs on one side. He was wearing purple and pink robes, making an innocent expression.

Hae Yoon bowed slightly to the Crown Prince.

“Greetings to our Crown Prince.”

Soo heard a graceful, deep voice from a young man.

“Welcome, I presume you are newly appointed head of the Hae clan.” Mu formed a cordial grin as Yoon nodded his head.

When he looked at Soo, his stern expression grew soften and approached to her.

“Soo, it’s been a long time.”

Soo stiffly greeted him. She saw Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil ran to her.

“Soo! Sister~!”

She smiled at her younger cousins.

“We missed you…why did you stay away so long?” Nan-Gil whined as he hugged Soo.

“Please understand, boys,” Weol walked towards them, “your favorite cousin must stay at the palace to mend our father’s…disgraceful mistakes.”

The princes could feel the tension as Weol almost spat the last word venomously.

“Weol, brother. This is palace, keep your mouth shut,” Han warned him then looked at Soo, “we’re terribly sorry we couldn’t come to Myung-Hee’s funeral. We know how close you are with her, yet we might have hurt you further.”

Han’s sincere apology struck to Soo. At least, Han was more responsible among them. However, the way Han looked at Soo somehow disturbed the princes.

“It’s fine, really. I know all of you must have reasons why you couldn’t come.” Soo shook her head.

Soo led her cousins to Damiwon to serve them with her teas, letting them relax for a while. Yoon drank the tea, then formed a nostalgic smile.

“My, our Soo’s growing up…” Yoon smiled, “it was just like yesterday when we saw her depart to Eight prince’s residence with Myung-Hee. Now she’s brewing such great tea to us, I couldn’t be more proud.”

“Oh, you’re overpraising me…,” Soo smiled shyly, “thanks to Court Lady Oh, I have managed to learn more inside here at Damiwon.”

“Has Eighth prince been kind to you?” Weol asked with grin.

“Oh, yes. He have been kind to me, even when I lost my memories…” Soo replied.

Han put his cup down.

“How unfortunate…you should have at least send a letter to us. We could have brought your packings to mend your stress.”

“Luckily, I have managed to remember a little by little. Prince Eun, Jung, and Baek-Ah became my friends. When I lost Myung-Hee, there were always there for me.” Soo remembered her small fight with Eun, saved Jung from the thugs, and having drinks with Baek-Ah.

“Oh, I’ve heard about Queen Yoo’s youngest son. He is the prince who goes out of the palace, pick fights and mingle with the commoners…” Weol pointed out with smirk, “as such age, princes needs to learn more in palace, yet letting him cavorting with low-class…”

Weol tsked, huffed in annoyance as he drank the tea. Soo frowned a bit at his insults to fourteenth prince Jung.

“He is still young, but he is very sweet in heart. He just doesn’t know the cruelty of the palace yet.” Soo defended.

Weol only raised his eyebrows. Yoon coughed to cut off the tension.

“Anyhow, I’m sorry about our father. He just made decision without letting us know. Forcing our Soo to marry the king, yet allying with Goryeo’s enemy… Remember, you may be the palace’s court lady, but our family will do anything with our power to help you.” Yoon said.

Soo grinned at Yoon’s king offering.

“Thank you. But I’m quite satisfied with my life here for now.”

Soo excused herself and went to serve the teas for the princes. They all saw her left with a benevolent smile, but faded as she was no longer seen.

“Brother…” Woo-Jin called out, “have you heard about the rumors of our family? Some says uncle Hong Ha-Jin was actually murdered…”

Yoon shushed him firmly.

Soo was done the work in Damiwon and was walking around the palace garden. She looked at the flowers, envying the peace such beautiful plants had in such dreadful place. She was wandering, unnoticed the princes, especially Yo, So, Wook, Won, Eun, Baek-Ah, and Jung. Even Soon-Duk and Woo-Hee was present.

“In all honesty, I was a bit scared for her…” Eun muttered.

“Why?” Jung asked.

“I was afraid her cousins were here to bring her back to her home…” Eun replied, sadness filling in his voice.

“It’s good then, since she could be safe from any danger at palace.” Won bluntly said, earning many glaring from his brothers.

“For the first time, I’m agreeing with him. Seriously, I’m concerned with Soo since her cousins are here at Song-Ak.” Baek-Ah agreed.

So and Wook would not likely admit loudly, but if Soo ever leave the palace they would feel the emptiness in their heart. Wook would most likely send her letters if she does, possibly ask about her well-being. So, in his case, he wanted to drag her far away so she wouldn’t leave him, but inside, he had this unknown confidence that he would protect her from any danger as long as she’s with him forever.

Eun and Jung will miss hanging out with her. Their life was fun and joyful ever since Soo entered in their life. She had always spoiled them with affections and gave them gifts for their birthday. Eun was once harbored the crush on her, but he knew she doesn’t love him back. Now that he’s married to Soon-Duk, he remained as her friend. Jung also harbored romantic feelings for her, but in reality, he was extremely shy to tell her. Perhaps,also out of fear she might reject him.

Their gaze towards Soo didn’t went oblivious to Soo’s cousins. Yoon stopped at saw the princes and so did the others.

“Woo-Jin, Nan-Gil…why don’t you go accompany Soo?” Yoon smiled.

The boys smiled as they ran to her, calling out as Soo caught them before they could trip themselves. Seeing Soo playing with them looked like as if the mother was playing with her sons in the eyes of princes. What bothered Han the most was they way princes—especially Yo, So, Wook, Eun, and Jung—stared at Soo. He frowned, but formed a fake smile. Weol humphed in irritation at such “intimacy” within the eyes of the princes, especially Wook and So.

“How rude…,” Weol mumbled, “a widower prince watching his former sister-in-law, such vulgar, despicable scene.”

Weol was referring to Wook, the eighth prince. He heard from Myung-Hee once, that she wanted Wook to have a second wife after her death, who was actually Hae Soo. Since then, the three older cousins were finally aware of Wook’s unsettled feelings for Soo. Baek-Ah heard Weol’s silent outburst, slightly frowning. Yoon glared at his brother, then greeted the prince.

“Greetings to the princes.”

The princes greeted them back.

“I hope she didn’t bring much burden to you.” Yoon said with an apologetic tone.

“No, she didn’t,” Wook smiled, “you cousin only brought us happiness.”

“Yes, she even helped out brother So. She always pamper him, you see.” Jung said with wide smile.

Then the three Hae cousins glanced at the fourth prince. Han made a brief hostile glance, but formed a fake smile. Weol only stared at the fourth prince with his one eyebrow raised.

“Ah, so you’re the fourth prince our Soo always talked about.” Yoon stared at So with polite grin.

So looked at them, scrutinising their behaviors. Yoon was very polite, greeting him with graceful gestures. Weol looked at him with black expression, but So could see the disgust in his eyes. When he saw Han’s, there was something amiss from him. Han was smiling, but his lips were forced and strained as So saw his fists trembling.

So could see that two cousins were already showing their hostility to him. Possibly because of his reputation as a “Wolf-Dog”, or the fact that he was an adopted son of Shinju, abandoned by his mother Queen Yoo. Perhaps, they just hated him because the fourth prince was being close to their precious cousin Hae Soo.

“How amusing,” Weol mused, cruel smile loomed over his face resembling Yo’s, “the word on the street says there was a Wolf-Dog in this palace whose face was so hideous that all of his brother cowered in fear as a coward brats. But…it seemed the rumor was only a poppycock.”

Yoon tried to berate him, but the damage was done. The other princes were tense as the silence took over the garden. Baek-Ah and Woo-Hee glared at Weol’s insolent behaviors as Eun and Won was practically stiffened at Weol and Han’s intimidating aura. They heard that Hae clan has their wealth and power remained strong as their high status of nobility, even more than Hwangbo’s and Shinju’s. So didn’t say anything and made no expression.

“Brother please, don’t be too rude to fourth prince,” Han scolded him with forced smile then looked at So, “at least he has some manners than his third brother who’s only good at bad-mouthing others for his own pleasure.”

Now, Han’s insult stabbed Yo’s pride. People might have agreed with Han, but in this case, nobody said anything. The princes were froze at their threatening presence, except for the Fourth prince. So formed a mocking smile, then.

“If you either fear or hate, why don’t you say so?”

Han and Weol’s lips twitched.

“…excuse me?” Han managed to speak.

“Were you purposely speaking it because you either despise violence, or too afraid to use it against me?” So asked, formed a rather sadistic smile.

Before they could retort, Soo called them out. As Weol and Han turned, their cruel expression melted into a sweetest smile at Hae Soo. Their expression almost made Baek-Ah laugh.

“Were you getting along with princes?” Soo asked as she stood beside So.

“Oh we were having such a conversation…” Baek-Ah said, stifling his laugh.
Soo only nodded her head, oblivious.

“Oh by the way, did you think of something you want for tomorrow?” Woo-Hee asked.

The court lady tilted her head. Just then, Woo-Jin spoke up.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow, sister.”

Soo’s eyes grew wide by that.

“Oh wow, time goes fast! Umm, I don’t have anything I want for now…but seeing you all is enough for me.”

Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil giggled, forming such adorable, innocent smile. Baek-Ah thoughtfully pointed out they are not as arrogant or cruel as her second and third cousin.

“Why don’t you go to Song-Ak market? You’ve never been there before, right?” Soo suggested to her younger cousins.

Two were squealing happily.

“Why don’t I show them around?” Eun spoke up.

“I also know about the market, so it won’t be hard to find goods.” Baek-Ah also pointed out.

Soo then looked at her three older cousins, releasing her puppy eyes. Yoon sighed heartily.

“Alright,” then Yoon turned to tenth and thirteenth prince, “until then, take care of Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil, your highness.”

Soo gently led her little cousins to Baek-Ah and Eun, letting two princes accompanying them. The princes dismissed themselves to their respective chambers as Soo excused herself to hers, leaving three cousins. They saw the interaction between So, Soo, and Wook. And they heard the whisperings and murmuring from the servants.

“Lady Soo’s been with the fourth prince lately…”

“She doesn’t seems to be afraid of him…”

“Could it be that fourth prince has…”

“Shush! Her cousins are here, get back to your work!”

Han squinted his eyes as he kept watching Soo laughing with So and Wook. What bothered the three cousins the most was So and Wook’s behaviors towards her.

“Yoon, have you heard what the palace court ladies are saying?” Weol asked.

“Hmm, it’s been years since Myung-Hee passed away…” Yoon murmured, “perhaps, father must have dismissed such affair..”

“I heard that his family had once wanted to arrange the remarriage with Soo…,” Weol rolled his eyes, not bothering to show his distaste, “letting her marry the widower…I don’t want to bring such disgrace to her life again…”

Yoon kept looking at Soo and So. His cousin presumably make funny jokes that made So smiled. The first cousin, and the current head of Hae clan, heard the rumors about fourth prince several years ago before Soo was sent to Wook’s residence. He also heard that So had once exterminate majority of wolves at the mountain of Shinju, with his bare hands. Even there was a gossips that So also murdered some people. Such stories had made Weol and Han displayed distaste, and Yoon had once warned Hae Soo not to meddle with any son of Queen Yoo, since he was aware of Queen Yoo’s misdeeds, including sending her son So to Shinju as a hostage, attempted assassination on Crown Prince Wang Mu, and she also framed Queen Hwangbo for “sterilising” Court Lady Oh’s uterus, killing her unborn child. In such society such as nobility, it wasn’t hard to gain information of ambitious queen who would willing to use her own children to satisfy her greed. And seeing his cherished cousin Soo cavorting with infamous prince immediately made him felt uneasy. Also, he and Weol had once thought of the “arrangement” they might have planned for Hae Soo.

“We cannot stand this anymore…” Yoon muttered.



At night, Soo was resting in her room, squeezing her exhausted legs and arms. She rolled up her sleeves and squeezed wrist, massaging them until she saw the scar on her left wrist. She sighed at the memories of her nearly married off to the king. She cut her own wrist to prevent herself from getting married. Though her uncle had disowned her, she had managed to survive the palace and get along with princes. Due to her overworking, the scar didn’t seem to fade.

Soo heard the knock from the door, letting the visitor enter who was unexpectedly one of her cousin, Hae Han. With his hair tied up in ponytail and beads hanging, he was wearing dark purple robes. Soo blinked her eyes in surprise.

“Oh, hello…Han.”

“How are you?” He kept his sweet smile.

“It’s fine…better than stuck as a noble lady.” Soo muttered.

Han noticed the rolled sleeves, with one wrist revealing the scar. He frowned at it as he had heard that she cut herself to not marry the king—well, more like his father almost sold her off to the king. He walked and grabbed her wrist, causing her to flinch. With a concerned eyes, Han held out a bracelet with different colors of beads.

“You gave this to me when we were very young. I was caught in flu and you made this gift as a lucky charm to make me feel better.”

“Oh…” Was the only thing she managed to say.

“You cried when you left home for Eighth prince’s residence. Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil cried even more.” Han chuckled at the memories.

Soo looked at a large yet beautiful beads. She might not know what kind of childhood the real “Hae Soo” had, but she concluded that she had caring cousins at least. Han put the bracelet on her scarred wrist.

“Now you need to wear them,” Han formed a charming smile, “it’s the only thing I could do for now.”

Han stood up then, letting Soo rest.

“I’ll let the court ladies know you will taking some rest. You seemed to work too much.”

He left the room, leaving Soo drifted herself into a sleep.



On the next day, Soo and the court ladies were serving princes and princess teas and snacks at Damiwon. Court Lady Oh served the teas for the Crown Prince as Soo gave each prince and princess their favorites. The the court ladies announced the cousins as they entered. The crown prince generously let them enter. As the rest of the court ladies left, Soo was remained still as she greeted her cousins. Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil was back from shopping with Eun, Soon-Duk, Woo-Hee and Baek-Ah.

“Soo! Sister~!” Nan-Gil hugged Soo.

Crown Prince laughed heartily at the little boy’s affection.

“Did you boys have fun today?” Soo asked.

“We’ve brought presents for you since it’s your birthday today~.”

At that Crown prince feigned the cough as he signalled his brothers. The Wang brothers pulled their gifts behind.

“Actually, we did too.” Jung said shyly.

Soo smiled widely at that, unaware of three older cousins’ frown. The Crown Prince gently shoved his gift to her.

“I’ve brought several rolls of silk fabrics for you.” Wang Mu smiled.

Soo bowed, thanking him. Yo brought an expensive looking case, full of jewels.

“It’s a rare gemstones from foreign countries.” Yo said, but his smile didn’t fade.
Soo thanked the third prince. Yoon, Weol, and Han was a bit surprised at the prideful prince’s rather kind gestures. Wook handed Soo the chest, revealing a hand mirror, built with platinum.

“A mirror for you, Soo.” Wook said, slightly bashful.

Soo looked at the mirror, forming a small smile.

“Thank you, your highness.”

Won brought golds and silvers.

“Here’s a golds and silvers to our favorite court lady~!”

Eun, Woo-Jin, and Nan-Gil brought a flowers, much to Soo’s surprise.

“Wow, my favorite flowers. How did you know?”

“The thirteenth prince told us. Your favorite flowers are Peonies, Magnolias, and Roses!”

“Thank you, boys!” Soo playfully pinched their cheeks.

Baek-Ah and Jung held their gifts to her. The 13th prince’s was a chest full of flower oils and medical herbs she had searched for. Soon-Duk handed her a training robes, much to her cousins’ confusion.

“We could ride horses and have some fun, just like we had before!”

Soo grinned widely.

“Of course. I miss such days…”

Woo-Hee and Jung handed her books for her to write.

“You needed more of them, right? We’ve brought them in case you need them.” Woo-Hee said.

“Thanks, Woo-Hee.”

Princess Yeon-Hwa gave Soo ingredients for the cosmetics.

“Even court lady needs to care for her appearance when she need to serve.” Princess formed a charming smile.

“Thank you, princess.” Soo thanked with appreciative smile.

Eun noticed the sparkling objects around her left wrist.

“Soo, what’s that?”

Soo held her wrist, revealing a transparent colorful stones bracelet.

“Han gave this to me.”

The princes’ eyes were on her third cousin, who smiled at Soo.

“I heard she lost her memories several years ago. I brought this, hoping she could remember out old times as couple of children playing around. I didn’t get to bring much, but it’s the only gift I could give to her.” Han explained.

Soo was focused on the bracelet as she listened to Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil about their times at their home with her. Weol and Han noticed the fourth prince hiding behind with his both hands. Weol silently nudged Han’s side, forming a wicked smile. Baek-Ah and Woo-Hee noticed, sensed they are planning something.

“What about fourth prince?” Weol asked.

So looked up.

“Did you bring something for Soo today?” Han asked, forming a sweet, yet venomous smile that any political figures could see.

Soo looked at So with such doe-like eyes, though she gestured it was fine of he didn’t bring anything. Sensing the tension, Yo, Wook, Won, Eun, Jung, Soon-Duk, and Baek-Ah glanced to So’s and Hae cousins’ side repeatedly. Princess Yeon-Hwa raised her eyebrows as Won mouthed “uh-oh” as he averted his gaze.

So take a brief glimpse of Han and Weol’s smirk, then hesitantly he brought the rectangular black case. Soo blinked her eyes as she accepted his gift. She opened the case, revealing a beautiful hairpin and the ring. It was decorated with the large butterfly shaped platinum gold with blue and red beads attached with small silver strings, dangling as a raindrops. She noticed the black ring with beautiful navy blue gemstone similar to sapphire.

Soo take a glimpse of So’s tapping finger that has white ring with blood red ruby stone in the center. So pretended he didn’t notice, but he was shyly looking at her, expecting any reaction. Then, Soo made the most brightest, happiest smile and briefly embraced him.

“Prince So! I love them so much~! Thank you!” Soo beamed.

So looked up and saw her glowing smile, then looked away unable to hide his red blush across his cheeks. Soo was too focused on the hairpin and the ring with her eyes shining. Mu laughed heartily as Yo couldn’t help but envious of his brother for earning her smile. Wook formed a sad smile, defeated. Eun and Jung was happy that Soo was enjoying the gift as Baek-Ah smiled, seemingly satisfied with So’s success. Soon-Duk and Woo-Hee smiled as Yeon-Hwa did the same.

Soo put the ring on her finger, her smile didn’t left from her face giggling. Most of the audience didn’t noticed the glare from Weol and Han, though Yoon was a bit relieved that Soo managed to have a most memorable birthday. Perhaps, his views of So had drastically changed. Han was glaring at So, gritting his teeth with seething rage and jealousy.



An hour later, Soo was dragged by Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil, though the fourth cousin scolds Nan-Gil for asking a piggyback to Soo, who only smiled. Yoon was having a conversation with the Crown Prince. Eun and Jung was fooling around as Yo and Won silently walked behind with Weol and Han. Princess Yeon-Hwa, Soon-Duk and Woo-Hee was talking to one another with Soo. So and Wook was glad Soo was having a great time at her birthday. They stopped as Han and Weol turned to them.

“Your highnesses can leave now.” Han said.

So and Wook blinked their eyes.

“Pardon?”

“You made our Soo happy so you did great as a former in-laws. Well done.” Weol formed a mocking smile.

“We didn’t do it because we were in-laws,” Wook corrected, “your cousin Soo have done so much for us so—”

“Were you trying to say that because she’s still a family to you?” Han cut off, “Myung-Hee’s long gone and you are currently a widower. It’s not like she is required to marry the royalty. How absurd. We’ll supervise the rest of her birthday banquet so there’s no need for you to help.”

Wook didn’t said anything much. So only scoffed. Their conversation didn’t go unnoticed by the princes, princess, and Soo. Jung and Eun glanced at one another, fearing for the next. Won made a face, sensing a serious situation as Yo glared.

“You are no different that your deceased father…” So remarked harshly, “still thinking your family’s much greater than Hwangbo’s. You are just same as the elders who tried to sell Soo off to the king for their own benefits.”

Han slowly took off his mask of facade warm smile, revealing a rather cold, cruel ones.

“Insignificant fool of our father might have committed such foolish mistake, but I do not wish for our Soo gaining such disgrace for cavorting with either infamously selfish queen’s sons or a widower,” Han formed an icy glare at So, “a wolf-dog whose neck chained by his own father should know his place.”

Wook and So frowned. Jung wanted to interfere as he was glaring, but held back by Eun and Baek-Ah who was also glaring at the two Hae cousins for insulting Wook and So. Won quietly “eep”ed as he take a step back. Soon-Duk and Woo-Hee worriedly looked at Soo who was frowning. Yoon face-palmed at his brothers.

Before So and Wook said anything, they heard the voice behind Weol and Han.

“They didn’t cavort…I was meddling with them first.”

Weol and Han turned around to see none other than Soo.

“Eighth prince was suffering with his family before and after Myung-Hee’s death. I couldn’t do much as a good sister-in-law, so I decided to help him and his sister. And…” Soo looked at So, smiling comfortingly at him, “our fourth prince was struggling with his life at palace because of fictitious rumors, and I willingly helped him getting along with his brothers, so please understand.”

Jung and Baek-Ah smiled as Eun sighed in relief. Won exhaled as he was glad the tension was over. Yo was amazed along with Yeon-Hwa who was surprised at Soo stood against her cousins with firm grace looming over her. The princess couldn’t help but admire the girl, appreciating her. Yoon formed an apologetic expression to the Crown Prince, who only brushed it off generously.

Han’s smile twitched as he glanced back and forth at So and Soo. Weol couldn’t say anything much, intimidated by Soo’s formidable aura.

“I see,” Weol managed to speak, “I apologize for almost ruining your day.”

“If you don’t want to any further, don’t say a word at all since you already did.” Soo smiled the same one she defended So when Yo insulted him once*. It looked sweet, yet there was a dark undertone that was most likely a fury.

Giving So and Wook one last nasty glare, Han and Weol left to their guest chamber where Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil waits for them. Seeing them left, Soo noticed Wook and So’s trembling fists. With a reassuring smile, she grabbed their fists and dragged them to their brothers.

“Let’s go. The day’s not over.”

They could only grin, inwardly thanking her, not bothering the pink blushes over their cheeks.



The time goes fast as Soo was having another girl talk with Soon-Duk, Chae-Ryung, Woo-Hee and princess Yeon-Hwa while the princes were having tea with Soo’s cousins, except for Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil who was exceptionally invited to the ladies’ night.

“I couldn’t thank you much for taking care of Soo.” Yoon spoke.

“It’s quite alright, she’s like a sister to me,” the Crown Prince spoke, “I’m the one who should be thanking her for getting along with my brothers and sisters.”

“When we arrived at the palace we already asked for the king’s permission to allow our Soo leave the palace.”

Yoon’s announcement caused the audience stopped at what they were doing. Eun, Jung and Baek-Ah stared as Won and Yo glanced at Yoon incredulously. So and Wook almost spat their tea.

“And what did his majesty said?” Wang Mu asked.

“His majesty said it is fine, but he told me I should ask Soo first. It’s her choice to stay at palace or come stay at Han’s residence.”

So and Wook frowned at that. When the oldest cousin said he was planning on letting Soo stay at Han’s, they felt like there was a different meaning behind. They could see Han smiling.

“We were concerned about Soo’s well-being and I was thinking of the grand decision before our father managed to think different.”

Crown Prince Wang Mu looked perplexed.

“And…what decision you have made?”

Yoon sighed quietly, then he chose to spoke up.

“I was planning on arranging the marriage between Soo and Han.”

The princes’ eyes were wide with shock. Panic didn’t leave from their expression. They finally able to figure out Han’s previous behaviors. Eun and Jung looked at one another, concerned. Baek-Ah looked extremely troubled as he was staring at So, whose hand—which his finger has a ring—was trembling with rage. Wook clenched his fist, his lips formed a thin line. Won swore he was about to faint out of heart attack as Yo was glaring menacingly at Han who was reflecting the same wicked smile as Yo usually formed. Wang Mu looked troubled at such news.

“Why didn’t I heard such thing before?” The Crown Prince demanded the answer.

“It was our decision after Myung-Hee’s funeral, but it was foiled since out father planned differently. We still had our idea unchanged…”

“Does Hae Soo know about this?” Yo asked, not hiding the irritation.

“She doesn’t…so we were planning on asking her. She and Han were very close when they were children. Besides, Yoon and I was married but Han didn’t and we had an idea of keeping her away from the palace.” Weol explained, “our Soo, before entering the palace, was known for her intelligence and beauty, many suitors had asked for her hand in marriage. Old, young different clans from Silla, Hubaekje, Balhae…and so on. But we don’t want to send her far away.”

So and Wook didn’t say anything. Imagining Soo gaining many suitors irked them even more. Eun’s eyes had tears gathered but he didn’t cry. Jung gritted his teeth as Baek-Ah tried to stop him from cause any conflict. Yo’s lips twitched, obviously furious.

“However…,” Yoon began after long silence as he glanced at the princes, “I changed my mind.”

His sentence caused everyone looked up. Even Weol and Han was bewildered.

“I have seen Soo interacting with most of you. To be honest I disagreed at first, but for our Soo’s happiness, I prefer to let her marry someone she wish to marry with.”

“Brother—” Han tried to intervene.

“Of course, the king would let Soo choose to rather leave the palace and stay with us or remained at the palace. But, our clan will still support Goryeo…I highly doubt she would wish to leave.”

“So it means she could stay here at palace?” Eun said hopefully.

“Yes.” Yoon said with smile.

Jung and Eun nearly jumped out of joy. Baek-Ah smiled happily as So and Wook blinked their eyes, not believing such luck. Now it was third prince’s turn to smirk sadistically at Weol and Han, mocking their back luck.

“Weol and Han will leave the palace tomorrow. But, we will sometimes visit her,” Then Yoon’s eyes were on So, “so please take care of our Soo.”

Mu smiled, completely satisfied with young Hae leader’s decision.

“Please excuse us…,” then Yoon gestured to Weol and Han, “let’s go back and rest for tomorrow.”

Sulking, Weol and Han stood up following Yoon after giving So a deadly glare. So only smiled as he was glad Soo will stay with him and his brothers. Yoon was walking to his room, stopped at Soo’s then left again.



The next morning came and Soo was at the gate of Song-Ak to bid her cousin goodbye, with princes and princess behind her.

“Remember, Soo. If you need any help, we will come to help you.” Yoon said.
Soo nodded her head. Woo-Jin and Nan-Gil came as they give her a paper where they painted about her and them.

“Sister, come and visit us sometimes…” Nan-Gil whined.

Soo cooed at them, giving hugs and kiss on their forehead.

“Of course I will.”

Weol and Han came to So and Wook.

“As much as it pained us to say this, but…protect her with everything you have.” Han said and he gave So a bone-crushing handshake, but So grabbed in same manner.

“Of course…” So said.

The horses were ready for the cousins. Nan-Gil and Woo-Jin rode on the same horse. Weol and Han hopped on their brown horse. Soo gave Yoon a hug as he walked to his horse.

“Let’s ride horses sometimes later.” Yoon smiled warmly.

“Absolutely.” She replied.

Yoon nodded as he looked at her, then to his brothers.

“We’ll wish you luck,” then he called to his brothers, “let’s go.”

They galloped their horses while Soo waved her hands at them.

“Soo.”

She turned to see princes, princess, Chae-Ryung, Soon-Duk and Woo-Hee. Soo blinked her tears back, and smiled widely grabbing So and Wook’s elbows.

“Let’s go back.”

And they all gathered around her to Damiwon, with their smiles.

Note:

Hae Yoon*: The new head of Hae clan. He cares for Soo as his daughter. He initially was hostile to princes, but his heart melted when the rumors about fourth prince proved to be false.

Hae Weol*: The second cousin of Soo. He is based on Yo as a counterpart, but Weol is much worse when he mocks others with their weak points or previous misdeeds. He is extremely judgemental and is very narrow-minded, but he is also overly-protective of Hae Soo.

Hae Han*: The third cousin of Soo. He harbors romantic feelings for her and hates the way Wook and So looked at her. He is not married, but he is around same age as Soo. Nonetheless, he cares about Soo and wants what is best for her.

Hae Woo-Jin*: The fourth cousin of Soo who is twelve years old. He is Yoon, Weol and Han’s cousin and is talented with arts like Baek-Ah.

Hae Nan-Gil*: The fifth cousin of Soo who is ten years old. He is loved by girls who think he is too adorable and innocent. He and Soo has similar personality when hanging out together.

*: Some parts might referring to the previous chapters.

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NamiVinsmoke's avatar
I love your fanfic about the moon lover, can I request for more and can you please draw her cousins please