A nobleman dressed in fine silk stands before fifteen-year-old Eun Hong, who is moments away from being sold to a courtesan house to settle her father’s debts.
This is the same man who sometimes bought the straw sandals she sold at the market.
When they cross paths again at the courtesan house, he purchases her freedom for a staggering sum—five hundred taels.
“Until you can repay the five hundred taels through work, you will be my bride,” he says. “Will you marry me?”
“I can’t,” she replies firmly. “I don’t love you.”
He offers a compromise. “Then I’ll give you three years. You won’t have to repay anything until then. Until that day comes, just pretend to be my bride.”
“Pretend?” she echoes, uncertain.
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