A glimpse into the hidden origins
If a princess was born as the eldest in a royal family, ancient beliefs considered it a sign of misfortune. Consequently, the unfortunate eldest girls of the royal family were believed to meet death to sustain the royal lineage.
During the prosperous reign of King Lee Seo-Jun in Gorya, Queen Dowager Jeon Mi-Young, known for her kindness and revered as a symbol of good fortune, was seen almost like a goddess by the people. There was a widespread belief that the child to be born to her would bring enlightenment and fortify their kingdom.
Amidst a stormy night filled with thunder and strong winds, royal officers gathered at the palace alongside a crowd eagerly anticipating the birth of the new emperor. However, the arrival of a newborn princess instead of the expected prince caused shock and intrigue throughout the kingdom. This unexpected event challenged centuries of tradition and sparked a reevaluation of succession laws favoring sons over daughters.
The queen, initially bewildered by the arrival of her daughter instead of a son, eventually embraced the child as a future leader capable of reshaping the kingdom's understanding of strength and governance. In a kingdom steeped in ancient traditions and rigid expectations, the birth of a princess stirred a quiet urgency within the palace walls.
With a heavy heart, the Queen informed the King of the news, prompting him to make a decision that defied the traditions he was bound to uphold. The responsibility of protecting the princess fell upon the head teacher, a woman of intelligence and unwavering loyalty to the royal family, who took the baby princess to Silla to be raised away from the confines of royalty.
Princess Lee Hye-Won, whose name embodied "grace and brilliance," symbolized hope and the kingdom's enduring legacy. Under the guidance of scholar Liu Ji-Yoon, the princess thrived, embodying the virtues her name signified. The king issued a significant royal edict directing the minister of military in Silla to ensure the safety of Crown Princess Lee Hye-Won at any cost.
She was gifted with an extraordinary destiny – one that would intertwine the fates of two realms, Gorya and the neighboring kingdom of Silla, a land prosperous yet yearning for the warmth of unity and compassion.Her journey was not one of solitary triumphs or unchallenged victories; it was a mosaic of struggles that tested her spirit and love that fortified her resolve.