Fate – Friend or Foe?

In the realm of Hanyang, a royal family thrived, and among them was General Yi Sejong.

Despite enduring the tragic loss of his father and spouse, who passed away after giving birth to their daughter, General Sejong ascended to the throne. As a member of the Yi dynasty, he embraced his fate as the King of Hanyang. Throughout his rule, King Sejong maintained a position of authority but never abused his power. He found solace in being close to his people, governing justly, and relishing the company of his beloved daughter, Princess Yi Aerim.

One day, distressing news reached the king through one of his men.

"Your Highness, a fire broke out in Hanok village, and people are screaming for help."

Despite the restrictions on a king venturing outside, especially to perilous places, King Sejong, driven by a sense of duty, didn't hesitate to go and aid his people. Ordering his guards to protect those affected, he drew upon his military expertise to save numerous lives, including animals caught in the flames. However, tragedy struck as a sharp metal struck him during the rescue, leading to his demise.

This unforeseen misfortune plunged Princess Aerim into a world of misery, as King Sejong had been her sole companion. Yet, an inexplicable event unfolded when King Sejong awoke in a seemingly dreamlike state within the temple of heaven.

Confused and disoriented, he soon realized that he was no longer among the living. Overwhelmed with shock and grief, he cried out for his daughter. His pleas were heard by Hananim, the supreme being.

"Look at the people around you; they are all happy to be here. Why do you look so troubled? You should be thankful as you will now live eternally without pain and suffering."

King Sejong, however, expressed his deep longing for his daughter and the joy she brought him. Pleading for a second chance, he implored Hananim to allow him a brief return to Earth. After contemplating, Hananim granted him two days to bid farewell to Princess Aerim.

Back on Earth, Princess Aerim, the only one who could see her father, experienced surreal joy and restlessness. They cherished every moment, with King Sejong feeling like the happiest man alive. As he observed his daughter asleep, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed with emotions.

On the following day, King Sejong gifted Princess Aerim a beautiful binyeo, a traditional Korean hairpin believed to possess magical protective properties. Wearing this binyeo, it was believed that she would be shielded from danger and bad luck.

After handing over the binyeo, King Sejong tearfully conveyed his love and regret.

"Aerima, my love, please forgive me for leaving you so early. You are the only love and bliss I will cherish every day. You must inherit the throne and always do what is best for the people."

With those parting words, he disappeared, merging with the wind. Princess Aerim's cries echoed through the palace, pleading for her father not to leave.

Now the sole remaining member of their family, Princess Aerim assumed the role of the new Queen, the ruler of Hanyang. In a society where women were considered less worthy of the throne, Queen Aerim Yi defied these norms and proved her leadership capabilities. She set a higher standard for rulership, gaining the respect of her people and continuing the legacy of the Yi dynasty, the last and longest-lived imperial dynasty in ancient Korea.

The End