New Vengeful Life - Taekook - New life in new year's eve

At a peasant’s residence with three green-tiled and red-walled rooms, the spacious courtyard was covered by layers and layers of accumulated snow. It was New Year’s Eve. Colorful paintings, depicting an abundant harvest of all food crops, were pasted at the entrance. Three fat, huge lanterns hung from the roof. Firecracker sounds could be heard from the outside. Occupants of the residence were beaming with happiness, in harmony with the feeling of a New Year’s Eve dinner.

A large group drank and gambled together. It was an extraordinary scene that was bustling with noise and excitement. At the same time, there was an atmosphere of bleak emptiness in the most remote residence of the peasant’s courtyard. A solitary room was dimly lit by a candle, which seemed as though it would be extinguishing soon.....

Shi Zhang sat in front of the residence, carefully adding firewood to the brazier. She was a maid there. As the firewood in the brazier caught fire, a pungent, thick smoke immediately pervaded the small residence.

Another maid with a petite figure ran towards the residence hurriedly as she picked a thin, shabby fan from the ground, before fanning it carefully. She scolded the first maid...

Nam Seok

Shi Zhang, you should be more careful. Our master's health has not recovered yet. What if he chokes?”

Shi Zhang curled her lips with an extremely angry expression. Yet, she still lowered her voice....

Shi Zhang

I do hope that there is not any smoke. Today, I went to find Song Lan family. I didn’t even request for fusain, just normal coal...

Shi Zhang

That bad mouth b*tch really has lots of guts.

Shi Zhang

She has the nerve to blame the heavy usage over these past few days as the reason why there isn’t any more coal left in the storage...

Shi Zhang

Bah! Who is she trying to deceive? At this time of the year, how can there be no coal in the residence? She is just taking advantage of her authority to bully us.

Shi Zhang

I tell you noona Nam... If it wasn’t for our currently sick master, and I do not dare to worry him, I must slap her twice!

Nam Seok

( sighed and spoke) You should restrain your stubbornness, Zhang. Although this family bullies us intolerably, we are still living under their roof.

Nam Seok

We have to lower our heads. If you really stir up trouble, our master will be the one who will suffer.

Shi Zhang

Noona Nam, I did not realize that you are this cowardly. What is the social standing of this family, and what is the social standing of our master?

Shi Zhang

Regardless of what happens to our master, with his status, we cannot let these low-born people continue to bully him!!!

Nam Seok

( patted Shi Zhang's shoulder )

Nam Seok

Both of us are our master’s maids. Of course, I want the best for him. It is just that, lately, there has been no news from the capital. I do not know how much longer our master has to stay here.

Nam Seok

It is fine if we are here for a short amount of time, but you see, it is already the fourth year now.

Nam Seok

Head Master has never sent anyone to ask about our lovely master's well-being. If we still have to stay here for a longer time and you incite a dispute with those coal sellers, the one who suffers in the end is our master.

Shi Zhang stopped herself from replying. After a moment, her eyes became little sad and teary and she only spoke softly...

Shi Zhang

Then should we just watch and let them bully our master, who is a innocent being, like this??

Nam Seok only sighed softly. What answer could she give her? The house fell into silence again. Only the firewood within the fire was crackling. The two maids kept the fire going with the fan in their hands. No one noticed that the person on the bed had awakened.

Jungkook had been awake for quite some time. Naturally, the conversation between Nam Seok and Shi Zhang reached his ears, word for word. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to learn that he has transmigrated into his younger self from a decade ago. He couldn't believe himself. He wanted to confirm it when the maid's talk fell in his ears. The experience from his past life felt like a dream from an afternoon nap. However, he knew that his hatred of being callously killed was not something that could be dissipated by a dream. Since God has provided him with a chance to start over, he would not hesitate in accepting and availing it properly.

Jungkook had already been unconscious for more than ten days, since the day he fell into a lake. The medical practitioner that attended to him said he was incapable of defying fate. Song Lan family, the peasant's resident where jungkook was kept, even enquired about funeral rites. Who knew, he would wake up again....

After dying once, not only did the experiences from his past life not vanish like smoke into thin air, Jungkook could remember them even more clearly. When his mother passed away four years ago, a wandering priest came to the manor and certified his character to be bad luck for his parents. At first, Master Jeon wanted to send him to the family temple to be a nun. It was precisely because Jeon Sui kneeled and begged for mercy that Master Jeon changed his mind and sent him to a residence in a village instead. Because of this incident, Jungkook had a gratuitous heart for Jeon Sui. But, now that he had thought about it, all of the endless bullying and humiliation that he was being subjected to were bestowed by Jeon Sui and her mother.

The residence was entrusted to the care of Song Lan family. Song Lan was someone who was greedy for wealth, stingy and extremely shrewd. Every day, she did not fail to scold and humiliate Jungkook indirectly. Her husband, Chen Fu, was an alcoholic loafer and a gambling addict. They had a son and a daughter. The son, Chen Zhao, was a complete pervert. The daughter, Chen Fang, wielded sharp and unkind words. The pieces of jewelry and accessories that Jungkook brought with him when he initially arrived, either fell into Song Lan’s hands or were tricked away by Chen Fang. Ten days ago, Chen Zhao touched him inappropriately by the lakeside. He always had a bad eye over Jungkook's beauty . Jungkook could not bear the humility and jumped into the water. Chen Zhao escaped as soon as he realized that he had caused trouble. By the time Shi Zhang and Nam Seok asked someone to save Jungkook, he had already lost his consciousness...

As it was during the final days of the lunar year, the lake water was cold and piercing to the bone. Additionally, under Song Lan’s harsh mistreatment over these past few years, Jungkook’s body had grown more and more frail. Catching a cold just made things worse in a bad situation. He immediately came down with a severe illness. Jungkook remembered very clearly. Originally, he did not wake up as early as this. The incident occurred not long after. Gossip heard from outside mentioned that he was already seducing men at such a young age, without caring about his invaluable body. He fell into the water, after he took the initiative to seduce Chen Zhao and failed in his attempt. Thinking back, the act of pushing the blame on him must have been Song Lan’s doing. As a result of this false reputation, when Jungkook met the elders face to face in the future, the title of temptress befell him...

Now that he has woken up earlier, the gossip has not spread yet. After four years, he would be sent into the palace as a pawn. This was not something that he could endure. His purpose was not to be taken advantage of without reason and there was always a price to pay for everything a person did. Thus, he singled Chen Zhao out as the first target to meet his blade...

Early in the morning on the first day of the Chinese New Year, the sound of bamboo firecrackers could be heard from the stretch of streets outside the residence. One after another, children of the residence appeared to set off the firecrackers... The entire residence began to bustle. It was unknown if the act was intentional or if they had simply forgotten about Jungkook and his maids. After the New Year’s Eve dinner, it was unbelievable that no one bothered to visit their residence.

The residence of the trio barely managed a hint of warmth, as the sunlight shone through the windows. Considering that this residence was the most remote and ruined one in the courtyard, wind and rain often leaked through the roof throughout the year. Field mice often scampered about. The blankets that were originally sent by the manor were already very thin. Moreover, most of them had been gnawed by the mice to the extent of being unusable. Nam Seok sighed, unable to stop herself from turning her head to look at Jungkook, who was sitting on the bed with a blanket wrapped around him looking so fragile and innocent as he has a pout on his face...Jungkook leaned on a roughly-sewn brown pillow with a blanket covering his shoulders slightly , lost in thought. It had been four years since he had been sent to this residence. With the Song Lan family depriving him of basic clothing and food, he had reached maturity much later than the others. His hair was dry and showed a yellowing tint. At this moment, the sunlight filtered through the window, onto his long hair behind, giving them a hint of shifting glow. His lips appeared to have a healthier color than usual, making it attractive....his facial features to appear delicate and proper. As he sat silently, he was notably quieter than in the past, almost as if he had turned into a completely unfamiliar person...Nam Seok stood at a distance admiring Jungkook. Jungkook had changed so much, and as his personal maids, it was even more surprising to the both of them. Since sent into the residence four years ago, Jungkook often wept, as the Song Lan family knowingly made things difficult for him. Gradually, he did not have the will to cry any longer and merely accepted their treatment quietly. With sadness killing his heart, he became even more timid. But yesterday, his expression and manners seemed as if he was a whole new person...Regardless of the change, Jungkook was still their master. Perhaps, it was a blessing that Jungkook’s current attitude was completely different from the past. Just as Nam Seok was lost in thought, Shi Zhang walked in carrying a package wrapped in oil paper...

Nam Seok

Where did you get them from? Surely, the Song Lan family would not be this kind-hearted...

Shi Zhang

It seems that some important guests will soon be arriving at the residence. So for the past few days, everyone has been busy preparing for it. They have also prepared more snacks. I am on slightly friendly terms with Bai He, who is new in the kitchen, so I asked for some... ( smile)

Jeon Jungkook

I do not have any money to reward you. By following me to this residence, you have suffered greatly these past four years. Fortunately, with the start of this new year, we will not need to suffer anymore.

Nam Seok

( smiles and bows) This year, Master will absolutely have a good fortune for the entire year. Everything will go smoothly!

Jeon Jungkook

The weather outside is excellent, let’s go out for a walk.

Shi Zhang and Nam Seok looked at each other in pleasant surprise.Jungkook would be unwilling to take a walk outside on his own. Whenever the servants in the residence saw them, they always seemed to have a knack for ridiculing them....

As Jungkook had no proper clothing, his maids chose a normal attire for him. He wore a red long dress with a dark blue thin jacket on it that reached till his knees. Even if he kept a serious look still he looked innocent. Even in this simple attire it was enough to force people to look at him thrice. After dressing up properly, the trio walked out of the residence. Shi Zhang suggested a walk along the streets. Just as they emerged from the main residence, they bumped directly into a few people. A pleasantly surprised voice could be heard, “Younger Master Jeon!” Shi Zhang frowned her brow. Without a sound, Nam Seok protectively positioned Jungkook behind her. Jungkook raised his head, the other person’s shadow clearly reflected in both his eyes which turned even more cold with that reflection... It was the young son of Song Lan, Chen Zhao.

Today, Chen Zhao was just returning from outside, after flirting and goofing off, when he coincidentally met the few people leaving the residence. The boy in the middle had a delicate and graceful appearance, seeing this his eyes couldn’t help but brighten. It was only after he has looked closely, did he realize that he was Jungkook...As per his personality of a Leacher ( someone shameless) he puts his hands on any boy or girl he wants. A few days ago, he suddenly developed a curiosity to experience people from an official’s family. Who could have guessed that this boy had such an upright personality, going so far as to jump into the water without another word.

Chen Zhao was not fearful at all. He had heard about how jungkook had fallen ignored by his family from the capital and was well aware of his current status. Referring to Song Lan’s opinion, Jungkook might have to stay in this residence for the rest of his life. Thus, given the situation, it would be great if he could fool around with jungkook. Who knew, when he saw him today, his eyes would brighten? Perhaps, it was because New Year was around the corner that although he was dressed lightly, the clothes that complemented his Honey-skin made his face extremely adorable. The most important feature was his calm and quiet aura, as if he had become another person. Chen Zhao narrowed his gaze , carefully looking at the boy in front of his eyes from top to bottom. Jungkook was merely a young boy who had yet to reach his prime. His figure revealed a slight naivety, yet bordered a certain feeling of serious nature, strangely making him seem a bit mature. These contrasting auras surfacing in a single person were extremely mesmerizing to others. Although he was a young boy Chen Zhao could not help but to swallow his saliva. He had seen the horrible habits of a few officials’ sons at the brothel( place where people satisfy $exual desires with someone random) especially when they loved to fool around with younger-aged boys and girls. Yet, he had never experienced that kind of feeling before.

Chen Zhao

Just now as I watched a few people heading here from afar, I was wondering who the immensely attractive young boy was in the middle as he looked very unfamiliar.After walking closer, I only saw now that he is our master. I couldn’t control my sudden feelings- please forgive me just this once.

Shi Zhang

What nonsense are you blathering about? Our master’s pure reputation is not something that you can ruin!”

Chen Zhao

Ruin our master’s pure reputation?( astonishing expression )... I have never thought about something like this. Our master is a child from a noble family. I wouldn’t dare to think about it..I just hope that master will not chase me away, and let me look at you from afar. With this, I will be satisfied.

In the past, Chen Zhao had harassed many girls and boys from decent families. As soon as he opened his mouth, he possessed a silver tongue. If anyone heard it, he/she would either be angered to the point of crying loudly on the spot, or turning completely red with embarrassment. Jungkook's reaction was a bit unusual today.Jungkook stared at him quietly. His clear eyes were very similar to a cold lake in the winter, without a hint of warmth. Although his gaze was cold, his lips curved slightly, as if watching a clown who wants attention . There was no anger but only , merely unbreakable coldness.

Jeon Jungkook

Of course, I will not chase you away... ( in a cold yet slow voice)

Initially, Chen Zhao was slightly suspicious. However, his thoughts soon transformed into secret delight. Eyeing the two maids gleefully, he thought inwardly that this boy was still someone who knew how to have fun. Looking at the present situation, so what if he was a noble family’s son?

Jeon Jungkook

Recently, you accidentally pushed me into the lake. I suffered a cold and was bedridden. Auntie Lan sent a medical practitioner to see me, and personally apologized, with the request that I forgive you.

Chen Zhao’s heart sank when he heard it. After Jungkook fell into the lake, in order to prevent people from discovering the truth, he lied that he accidentally caused Jungkook to slip. These words that were spoken by Jungkook made Chen Zhao remember that because he wanted to avoid arousing suspicion, he rarely met him. Now that Jungkook mentioned it, was the incident unintentional or on purpose... Chen Zhao smiled awkwardly..Chen Zhao seriously stared at Jungkook. Under his observation, the boy simply stood on his spot. The old-fashioned, drab clothing on him did not make him look bad. Instead, it highlighted his pale, snowy skin, dark eyes and black eyebrows. Furthermore, the expression that moved between his eyebrows unexpectedly had an breathtaking charm. Staring at him, Chen Zhao’s gaze turned into admiration . Since he discovered how interesting this boy from the Jeon family was, naturally, he would not let him go. Chen Zhao smiled and left without taking his eyes off Jungkook

Nam Seok

Master, why did you phrase it that way? He is trouble....

Shi Zhang

I am really itching to poke both of his eyeballs out! Disgusting!

Jeon Jungkook

They will be poked out.. ( calmly)He wants to silently watch me from afar, then let him look to his heart’s content. Then let his eyes pay for the visual they enjoyed with their audacity..

Jungkook did not notice that the two maids by his side were lost in their alternating thoughts by seeing the change in him. He just quietly walked forward. However, if someone observed him attentively, they would see slight trembling of his fingertips. Just because he was born again didn't meant that he could call a war with all those who betrayed him. He had to take steps very carefully and with calculations. But the fear, unease, nervosity and perturbation would never leave hid soul, that's what came back with him in this life.

. . . . . .

Usually, Chen Zhao loved to sleep beneath the pear blossom trees. Today was not an exception. Caught off guard by a gentle voice, he was no different than a cat getting a whiff of fish. He immediately followed the source of the sound. Unexpectedly, he got his fish...Jungkook was dressed similarly to the previous day. The difference was that he had not tied his hair. He parted some of frontal hair. The rest of his nick long black hair rested casually on his neck. It made him look more mature, with a touch of gorgeousness. He in a simple look was failing the top beauties of the city.Jungkook's skin was paler than the white snow, and his facial features, even brighter than the pear blossoms. Hooked, Chen Zhao felt an unstoppable desire in his heart. Then he saw Jungkook raised his head slightly to admire the ice crystals which hung from the branches which exposed his neck. Chen Zhao swallowed his saliva as he casted his eyes on Jungkook from afar.He thought If he was able to claim an extraordinarily attractive boy of this class, having his way with him every night, it would truly be a wonderful matter in the world. He stood on his spot with a pair of restless eyes, deep in his lustfull desired thoughts.

Three days of peacefulness passed.

Jungkook would walk casually around the residence every day. He would bump into Chen Zhao sometimes, but against his expectations, he was more well-behaved than in the past. However, there was a worrying matter. The day that they had to hand over the handmade lantern was arriving soon, but Jungkook had not started making even one of them.

Shi Zhang

Master, Soon, we will have to hand the lanterns in. How can you be so relaxed?

Jeon Jungkook

You do not need to worry (flipped a page)

Shi Zhang

If we do not give them the lanterns, those people will find a reason to restrict your allowance. How can i not worry?

Jeon Jungkook

Before the day comes when they distribute the allowance to us, we shall be back in the manor..

Shi Zheng furrowed her brows, wanting to speak further. But suddenly Nam Seok pushed the door open and walked in..

Nam Seok

Master, Miss Fang is here.

Jeon Jungkook

What’s the matter?

Chen Fang

Master, a few days ago, a pot of Queen of the Night ( name of a white flower) was delivered from outside. Since then, i have been properly taking care of it. Lately, the petals have become bigger and bigger. And, from the look of it, it will bloom tonight. If you are interested, why not come and have a look?It isn’t. Usually Queen of the Night only blooms in the summer and autumn, but this pot came into flower prematurely. It is a rare sight. Master, why not check it out yourself?

Shi Zhang

It’s so deep in the night and it’s bitterly cold outside. How can we let our master to walk around? What if he can’t bear the cold? The current state of his health cannot stand any suffering..

Nam Seok

Why don’t we bring the plant inside the house? Our master can admire it here.

Chen Fang

As the name Queen of the Night implies, the beauty under the moon is only interesting and rewarding to admire when under the moon. If it is viewed in the house, then it would be no different than a common flower so what is the point? (eye brow frowned )Oh, right. You should also visit the pear blossom garden around midnight. The Queen of the Night is placed at the entrance. When it’s time, I will also make my way there.

Jeon Jungkook

If this is the case, then I will go and have a look tonight. ( smile )

After Chen Fang’s departure, Nam Seok looked at Jungkook worriedly and said..

Shi Zhang

If you insist on going to the pear blossom garden, there is some advice I must give.Chen Fang is a person who speaks sharply and unkindly. That she expresses goodwill towards you is really out of her character. You should be careful because she might have other intentions.

Jungkook faintly smiled and opened his book again. Nam Seok and Shi Zhang got busy again. Through the pages of the book jungkook peeped and looked at his both trusted maids. In his past life, when he was about to enter the palace, Shi Zhang was killed with a paddle for speaking out of place towards Master Jeon. The truth was that Shi Zhang was unwilling to let his master replace Jeon Sui as a concubine. so she pleaded with Jungkook's father. However, he did not know why this provoked him into a rage that resulted in her violent death. Nam Seok did accompany him safely into the palace. When the emperor was forced to leave the throne, Jungkook let Nam Seok carry Seo Gguk and escape. As Seo Gguk was caught in the end, Nam Seok must have met a disastrous end... These two maids accompanied him brief, yet tragic past life to their utmost duty, and yet, he did not manage to protect even one of them... this thought stabbed his heart numerous times.

Nam Seok

Although you are aware that she does not bear good intentions, you are still going?

Jeon Jungkook

I definitely have to attend this appointment. It’s just that I am not going to admire flowers, but to reclaim a debt. Shi Zhang, there is a matter I need you to handle for me

At the same time, Chen Fang left Jungkook's residence and excitedly walked out of the courtyard. Watching her emerge, a person standing outside rushed forward to ask..

Chen Zhao

How did it go? Did he agree to it?

Chen Fang

Of course, he did. Now, Brother, where is the item you promised me?

Chen Zhao grinned happily and fished a sparkling and translucent jade bangle out. Chen Fang accepted the bangle from Chen Zhao’s hands and put it on impatiently.

Chen Fang

You really like him? What is so good about that beggar? Master does not even like him. He has no future.

Chen Zhao

Hey, I am not going to marry him. With such a beautiful concubine in my home, I don’t need to pay and adjust with the $£x slaves in the brothel in the future. Isn’t this cost-effective? Even if i have tasted lots of boys, I have not experienced the feeling of being with an official’s son. Although he is an unfortunate person, he still has soft skin and tender flesh.

Taking advantage of the bright afternoon sun, Shi Zhang brought the blankets out from their residence to air out in the courtyard. Someone else was also drying blankets while keeping an eye on Shi Zhang. Chun Ling, a very cunning opportunist who was the personal maid of Song Lan, had always been in search of chances where she could have a big hand and use it for her own benefit. Even if she was a maid, her life style, hopes and dreams were those of a noble. Residing here in this country side was what had always irritated her. And that's why she always kept an eye on Jungkook and his fellas to never let go of any chance because she was well aware that Jungkook was from the capital. Although unfavored, left and abandoned, still he was from capital and was a noble's son, so how could she miss it? She too, commanded a few lower-ranked maids to hang the cotton blanket from Song Lan’s room on the clotheslines.

Shi Zhang was almost leaving when one maid ran towards her...The two of them walked to the side and huddled together where no one could figure out what they were speaking about. Chun Ling became even more alert and paid attention to it. After a while, Shi Zhang picked up an empty wooden tub and left. After her departure, Chun Ling summoned the maid who was about to leave..

Chun Ling

Why did Shi Zhang find you without a good reason? What were you discussing so secretly just now?If you cannot provide a clear explanation, you don’t need to stay in this residence any longer.

Maid - That.. ac..Actually, Senior just heard that my embroidery skills were decent and asked me to embroider a water lily on our young master's ripped jacket so that a tear is not visible.

Chun Ling

But this is really odd. Usually, young master would not concern over a jacket. Why would he suddenly want a water lily embroidered on it?

Maid - I heard that they managed to obtain a pot of Queen of the Night from somewhere. Tonight, our young master wants to admire the flower in the pear blossom garden. Thus, he wanted to dress more adorable for the event..

Chun Ling

Okay, there is nothing here that concerns you anymore. You can go and perform your duties.

Chun Ling

( After the maid left, she wondered on her own ) The residence has acquired a pot of Queen of the Night? I did not hear anything about that... and also why is that abandoned sick idiot concerned about flowers suddenyl? Also how did he know about it when he hardly comes out of the room? something is wrong. I must know. ( her eyes crinkled with excitement, mischief and greed )

In a room, by the side of the courtyard, Nam Seok took out several books from a chest to air out under the sun. The chest that had been full of books was completely emptied out in the courtyard...Looking at the books in the courtyard, Jungkook stood beside and spoke softly...

Jeon Jungkook

Mother was born into a military family, and yet she collected this valuable literature just to gain someone’s favor. However, I was the one who benefitted from them. ( his face had no expression, but his voice held that regret and distant feeling )

Nam Seok

Master, were you reminiscing about your mother?

Nam Seok

If she were still alive and could witness how intelligent and sharp you are now, she would feel very proud of you..

Nam Seok

Master, why are you reading those military books always?

Jeon Jungkook

Even if we are not at war, our enemies may still approach us..

Jeon Jungkook

(Jungkook's gaze stopped on the few words on the book of military strategies: ‘luring a snake from its nest’... as he smiles faintly..)

to be continued..