"Do you have class with the princess today?" her father asked.
"Yes, Father. After breakfast, I'll get ready to head to the palace," Song Jae replied.
"Good. Finish eating and get dressed. I'll escort you there today," he said before turning to her sister. "And you, Nabi? Don't you also have classes?"
"Yes, Father. I'll go prepare now," Song Nabi answered.
Once their father stood, the rest of the family followed suit and took their leave.
"Back in her room, Song Jae found Song Min waiting, holding the dress she had prepared for the palace."
"Min Min always has an excellent eye for fashion," Song Jae replied with a smile.
Song Min blushed at the compliment, her cheeks coloring so deeply that Song Jae decided not to tease her further.
"Sook, go invite Yeong Shin," she instructed calmly.
Once Song Jae was dressed, Song Min helped smooth out the fabric before stepping aside to let her pass. As they left the room, Sook returned with Yeong Shin following closely behind.
Yeong shin stood quietly at the doorway, waiting with his hands folded behind him and his head slightly bowed.
"Good morning, Young Miss," he greeted with a respectful bow.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Song Jae asked.
"Yes, Young Miss. I slept very well," Yeong Shin answered softly.
"Good. If you're feeling rested, we'll begin my training tomorrow."
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity, Young Miss."
"I haven't forgotten my promise to you, Shin," Song Jae said gently.
"Thank you, Young Miss," Yeong Shin said again, bowing even lower.
With that, Song Jae turned and continued on her way to meet her father.
Song Jae soon approached the carriage where her father and sister awaited her arrival.
"Sister, you certainly know how to keep people waiting," Song Nabi remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Father and I have been waiting here for over ten minutes."
Song Jae's eyes narrowed slightly. "Apologies, Father. I had to give instructions to my attendants before leaving for the palace."
Seeing his daughter apologize, Prime Minister Song Myun's stern expression softened. He waved his hand dismissively. "No need to apologize. Your sister's just impatient."
Song Nabi's face flushed, but she wisely held her tongue and remained silent, aware that further complaints could provoke her father's displeasure.
"Let's go to the palace," Prime Minister Song Myun instructed.
Song Jae and Song Nabi shared a carriage, while their father rode separately. The maidservants followed in another carriage.
Inside the carriage, Song Nabi attempted to provoke her with snide remarks, but Song Jae feigned sleep, closing her eyes to avoid confrontation.
Frustrated by her sister's indifference, Song Nabi turned to the window, choosing to ignore her instead.
Upon arriving at the palace, Song Jae let out a quiet sigh of relief.
With no memories of the original host, she needs to keep a low profile, unsure of the relationship between Song Jae and Song Nabi before her transmigration.
She remained silent, not wanting to arouse Song Nabi's suspicions.
Each sister brought two attendants: Song Jae had Song Mi Cha and Song Min, while Song Nabi was accompanied by her personal maids, Song Ara and Song Hana.
Their father approached. "Girls, stay in the palace until your lessons are finished. I'll come for you afterward."
"Yes, Father," Song Jae and Song Nabi replied in unison, turning to walk toward the classroom.
Upon entering, Song Jae noticed they were the last to arrive. Even Princess Chul Yun Hee, known for her chronic tardiness, was already seated.
Song Jae and Song Sena quickly bowed and apologized, "Sorry for being late, Teacher."
Teacher Song smiled kindly. "No worries. Just be punctual next time. Now, let's begin today's lesson."
Song Jae and Song Nabi thanked Teacher Song and hurried to their seats.
"Who can tell me about the most ruthless emperor of the Joseon Dynasty?" the teacher asked.
"King Yeonsan-gun," Song Jae and Song Nabi answered the same time.
"Correct. And why was he known for his ruthlessness?"
This time, Song Jae answered quickly, beating her sister to it.
"First, for his cruelty—he ordered massacres, tortures, and executions of officials, nobles, and even his own family. Second, corruption—he embezzled state funds, seized land, and imposed heavy taxes. Third, personal vendettas—he targeted scholars and officials who criticized him. And lastly, power struggles—he eliminated rivals, including his brothers and uncles."
The teacher nodded. "Now, who can tell me why the scholars hated King Yeonsan-gun?"
Silence filled the room.
Teacher Song gaze landed on Song Jae, putting her on the spot. Her heart pounded.
"If I get this wrong, I'll be humiliated," she thought.
She took a breath and spoke:
"First, the Mujeong-cheong massacre in 1498—he executed over 300 scholars and officials. Second, the Jo Gwang-jo Incident in 1504—he killed the reformist scholar Jo Gwang-jo. And lastly, the Sarim purge from 1504 to 1506—he systematically eliminated the Sarim scholars who opposed him."
The teacher nodded in approval. The class murmured in admiration.
From the corner of her eye, Song Jae saw Song Nabi's eyes narrow with jealousy.
She felt grateful for the knowledge she'd retained. Before transmigrating, she'd come across King Yeonsan-gun's infamy in her readings.
"Thank goodness I remembered," she thought, relieved. "Or I'd have been a laughingstock."
As soon as class ended, Song Jae quickly gathered her belongings, eager to leave.
She had been tense the entire time, dreading another question.
"I need to review more history," she resolved, making a mental note.
Princess Chul Yun Hee and Lee Cha approached, eyes gleaming.
"A-Jae, you were amazing!" Princess Chul Yun Hee exclaimed. "I was terrified the teacher would call on me!"
Song Jae chuckled. "I was nervous too. But I'm glad I avoided embarrassment."
"Were you two hoping the teacher would call me instead?" she teased. "You were giggling every time he looked my way."
The two exchanged guilty glances.
"We weren't laughing at you!" Princess Chul Yun Hee protested. "We were just... relieved it wasn't us."
"Yeah," Lee Cha added, "we were cheering you on!"
Song Jae rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure you were. I saw those grins."
Lee Cha smirked. "How could we be happy about your misfortune, A-Jae?"
Princess Chul Yun Hee nodded earnestly. "Exactly! We were worried sick for you!"
They all laughed. Lee Cha and the princess each grabbed one of Song Jae's arms as they left the classroom.
Releasing her arms, Song Jae surrendered to their pleading expressions.
"Alright, alright! My arms are going to fall off!" she laughed.
"Forgive us, A-Jae?" Princess Chul Yun Hee asked with wide, innocent eyes.
Song Jae sighed, smiling. "Fine. I forgive you."
Princess Chul Yun Hee lit up. "Great! Have dinner at my palace before heading home."
"I need to inform my father first," Song Jae said.
"Head Maid Cha, please notify Prime Minister Song that Jae-Jae is dining with me," Princess Chul Yun Hee instructed.
"Yes, Princess," Head Maid Cha replied with a bow.