New Vengeful Life - Taekook - The second encounter

Few days passed peacefully...

Jungkook chose to stay back in his old courtyard where he and his mother along with his beloved elder brother had spent time. He named the courtyard with his name and modified it according to his own. He didn't take any help from the Jeon family. Reminiscence of the past only fueled him more and drove him faster towards his ambition. He could clearly see those vicious hungry for blood eyes, behind those sweet exchange of words and fake affection. Whether it was Xia Yan or her daughter Jeon Sui, Kang Hyunbin or hid mother Kang Hyuna or the Old Jeon madame of the family, he could read them all. They all were the same. Double faced and Hypocritical. Yet above them all was, his father Jeon Junghoon. It had been few days since Jungkook had returned home, yet that man never took a chance to see him. Neither he asked about Jungkook nor had ever tried to visit him. But that would never affect Jungkook. He has no expectations from this family anymore.

Jeon family’s lost child who was a real beauty had successfully spread its tales all over the capital. As Xia Yan had very beguilingly with her foxy attitude made acquaintances with the noble families, she started to get loaded with invitations for gathering and parties. And it was always mentioned on a special note to bring the recently returned second child of the family. Definitely this was very humiliating for both mother daughter because, Xia Yan had made her connections to strengthen her and her daughters status and position within the high class group so that when it's the time for marriage, she won't have to face any difficulties. But Jungkook's arrival had as caused an eclipse on them.

Today, they were invited by the Myung family. Myung family was one of the most renowned family with quite a lavish and extravagant life style. Xia Yan and Miss Myung were good friends and Jeon Sui was also in good terms with daughter of Myung. These noble family ladies usually gathered for tea parties flaunting their extravaganza and gossiping certain hot topics of the capital. And recently ehat could be more hot for gossip than the new beauty of the capital who suppressed the capital beauty Jeon Sui with looks. Everyone was way more than curious and excited to see who indeed this person was. So mistress Myung had organized a gathering of ladies and the female ores of the noble families and invited the Jeons there.

The entire journey was harmonious and peaceful. After travelling for an unknown stretch of time, the carriage stopped before the Myung mansion. As the company of ladies and men alighted from the carriages, the manservant at Myung's gates came to welcome them.

Xia Yan handed the invitation over and swiftly, a stoutly statured, old maid stepped through the gates and smiled.

After walking for a short spell, she was then lead into the reception hall. As expected, Myung lady had already prepared tea and was waiting.

Myung Si Ju then shifted her gaze over and a pair of shrewd eyes fell upon JungKook's figure. A flash of bedazzlement spread through her eyes as she exclaimed. . .

Myung Si Ju

This must be the Jeon family’s second young master then, he truly is a bourgeoning beauty. Very beautiful indeed.

Jeon Jungkook

( bowed and said normally )

Myung Si Ju

( turned to Sui ) Sui dear, these days, you are actually becoming more charming, just like a young fairy; it truly makes me feel green with envy.

Jeon Sui

( looked down and blushed )

When suddenly. . . .

A young girl clothed in a pink jacket walked in. As she saw Jeon Sui,she excitedly shot forward. . .

It's was Myung's daughter Myung Ji Lin. In his past life, JungKook's impression of Myung ji lin was merely that she was a close friend of Jeon Sui.

Myung Ji Lin turned her head around and upon taking a first glance at JungKook's appearance, she was startled. Her next reaction was an immediate and baffling question filled with shock and awe.

She had already heard the stories regarding Jungkook. She was on good terms with Jeon Sui and a few days ago, when Jeons had become the subject of public ridicule due to the account circulating about JungKook's remarks in court, it had caused Jeon Sui's normally beautiful and refined appearance, and her gentle nature, to transform into a scowling countenance that lasted a few days.

In Myung Ji Lin's eyes, jungkook was nothing better than a crude and untalented country Pumpkin. However, after seeing Jungkook today, he appeared to have a noble bearing equivalent to that of the palace officials.

The Ladies and young men had been waiting in the main hall of Myung mansion for a considerable time. Those familiar with each other were seated together, chatting. The topic of discussion among most was the Second Young Master Jeon. Most of them had came uninvited just to have a glance of Jungkook who was to make his appearance today. They were very eager to know how this boy who was raised in mountains and villages for 5 years without a parent would behave himself among the nobles. Most of them expected for the young master to humiliate himself. And some even were in favor of Sui stealing the lime light.

The discussion was still in progress when a voice was heard, saying, “Look, Jeon lady and the young Miss are here.” Everyone looked up.

Xia Yan and Jeon Sui were walking in front of the others. Xia Yan’s clothes and ornaments were well suited for the occasion, and perfectly displayed her gentle and scholarly disposition.

The young Jeon Sui walked leisurely into the hall. The jacket she wore flared slightly at the waist, and made her appear sweet and graceful, a moving sight.

Her face was free of makeup and a slight smile hovered around her light, cherry-red lips. She was both dignified and elegant, and with her natural beauty, she was a picture of innocence and purity. At the same time, she displayed touch of arrogance, thus, making her seem even more like a heart-stirring ethereal fairy.

However, today, there was a difference, as the eyes of the people were quickly drawn to the person who walked behind her. The young boy who walked with measured footsteps behind Jeon Sui was like a fire in the midst of a snowy landscape, a stalk of plum flower amidst frost and snow. He immediately caught the attention of all present.

He was a lively, vibrant figure, and his radiance dazzled everyone. His black hanbok with red lining and pattern made him look more etheral as it fixed perfectly to his body. His body didnt seem that lean but he had a thin waist and bulked up chest. His doe eyes were crystal clear and blinked multiple times in innocence. His lips purser a normal gesture and the mole below it just added fuel to the fire of his beauty and gorgeousness.

Jeon Sui was already elegant and refined, but this young man's beauty was such that he was vibrantly alive.

A man said little loudly, “It’s the second young master of the Jeon family!”

In unison, the expressions on both Xia Yan and Jeon Sui's faces changed minutely. The people had already started quietly chatting amongst one another.

For the first time, everyone’s attention was not on Jeon Sui. Jeon Sui ignored as the stars ignored on the presence of moon. Everyone's sole attention was the boy in red. The vibrant beauty. The ethereal descendant of heaven as some of them already named him. Jungkook was still fully focused on walking onwards, with no discernible change in his expression. What unruly, illiterate, ill-mannered and crued boy from mountains and village? Jungkook's presence gave the essence of a royal. All the others felt little to even look at him directly. He looked like a burning peice of golf who illuminated rays like sun making all others bow to him. Jeon Sui wasn't even visible to anyone else.

Jungkook had a slight smile on hiz face, as if it were not the first time he had visited the Myung mansion. His calm and collected air caused those who had originally wanted to watch the potential fireworks to take notice of him and give him due respect....Xia Yan kept up a slight smile, as if she had not noticed anything, and laughingly chatted with Myung lady as they seated themselves..... Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Jungkook was left standing by himself at the side of the hall, and did not know where he should sit.

Although the ladies and young men present.... all marvelled at JungKook's looks and manner, they were all present by the invitation of Myung lady, and naturally also had to maintain their good relations with the Jeon household. The present lady of the Jeon households was Xia Yan, not Jeon Min Ji, JungKook's mother....Those who understood which way the wind blew would not take the initiative to help jungkook out of his predicament, not to mention the fact that JungKook's appearance was so magnificent, any young men or women sitting next to him would only be in his shadow. Thus, in a moment, only the one who had been alienated from the others remained.....

However, it was precisely at this moment that a clear and strong yet sweet voice came from the right corner sitting area...A beautiful young man stood in the sitting area, wearing a blue cotton jacket patterned with flowers. He looked very attractive and a heroic spirit was faintly evident in his features....Jungkook had also known this young man in his previous life. His name was Jung Ho-seok, and he was the eldest son of Jung Jae Won...

He was an extremely righteous and principled young boy who became the Third Prince’s concubine but later queen in JungKook's previous life....However, Hoseok had not been able to gain the Third Prince’s favour, and the situation worsened when Jung Jae won to his utter dejection, was dismissed from his position by the emperor.........The Third Prince was a beast in man’s form, and he collected a whole harem of young men and women . Jung Hoseok lost the child he was carrying due to the scheming of a Prince's favoured concubine. Unable to bear the insult when the Third Prince defended that favoured concubine, Hoseok took a knife and killed both himself and the concubine..... In his previous life, the palace people had treated Jung hoseok's situation as something of a joke, and JungKook's heart had always ached for him. The heavens were indeed unfair, that such a strong and spirited boy should come to a tragic end, and still be talked about after his death.....

Jung Ho-seok

Greetings Young Master..

Jeon Jungkook

Thank you young master Jung..

Jung Ho-seok

It's an honor to meet you.

Jeon Jungkook

It's an honor to be with you. Am very pleased that i could be one of your acquaintance for today.

Jung Ho-seok

Not acquaintance but I would love to be your friend.

Jeon Jungkook

Then I should address you as hyung. Hoseok hyungnim

Jung Ho-seok

Then I would love to treat as a dongsaeng Jungkook ssi.

With such an honest and candid disposition, Jung Hoseok had completely inherited that very same character from Chief Historian Jung. And so, his straightforward nature was naturally unpopular among all the young people but his charming appearance with Sunshine's touch made everyone awe present. Yet, Jungkook felt that this temperament of his was excellent. Candidly honest people were hard to come by in the world and this sort of person was much more adorable in comparison to those duplicitous people. Still with Hoseok's nature, for him to marry into the ranks of the Third Prince or similar men with profligate lifestyles, was to ruin his future prospects and even his entire life thereafter. This really caused one to heave a sigh and deeply sympathize with him.

JungKook's interaction with Jung Hoseok caused Kang Hyun Bin and others to seethe with hatred. Jung hoseok was definitely not easy to talk and Jungkook was already in high demand. Them gettimg well so good, only arose jealousy and disappointment in others. In the midst of their conversation, Jeon Sui and Myung Ji Lin also observed this scene and frowned. Jeon Sui wasn't able to digest the quick climb of Jungkook socially. But she can't just let her own show go down. She has to keep that image of her alive to still be on the talk. She could only glance at Jungkook with her hidden irateness as she saw Jungkook getting along well.

On seeing how triggered and seethed Hyunbin was after watching Jungkook, something villanous came to Myung Ji Lin's mind. She smirked as she started explaining Jeon Sui her idea. And as expected from Jeon Sui, she did the little drama of being innocent but she didn't deny to it. So taking the chance, Myung Ji Lin invited hyunbin for a tea with them. Kang Hyun Bin turned towards them with the air of someone who had been bestowed a favour by a superior, and walked over to Myung Ji Lin.

Among the young children from the illustrious families in the capital, the legitimate children and the illegitimate children were actually divided into two separate social circles. Although Hyun Bin did his utmost to win the favour of Myung Ji Lin, Ji lin was only close to Jeon Sui, so Hyun bin could only be jealous. Now, he smiled in response to ji lin taking the initiative to greet her, even though he knew that there must be some hidden intention. Hyun Bin bent his ear towards Myung Ji Lin , who proceeded to mutter a few words. Hyun Bin's face took on an astonished expression, which was then replaced by hesitation as he looked at Jeon Sui sitting to the side.....Jeon Sui had her head bowed as she drank her tea with her usual smile on her face. It was impossible to discern how she was feeling....

Unwittingly, they had spent half their time eating, drinking tea and chatting leisurely. But then, they saw Hyun Bin stand up from his seat and walk over to JungKook's side. . . He knowingly asked Jungkook to accompany him till the restroom. Even if Jungkook said that he doesn't know the path and Hoseok spoke in between for Jungkook, still Hyunbin stubbornly asked Jungkook to come with him. He purposely tried to play the victim card for being a illegitimate and tried to attract the attention of people beside. In the end, Jungkook had no option but to walk with him.

Hyun Bin then delightedly pulled on JungKook's hand as they left their seats while the maids stayed back. They left from the rear end of the banquet hall.....Outside the hall, Jungkook and Hyun Bin followed the small pathway in the Myung mansion's garden at a normal pace. At the very front of them was Myung Ji Lin's personal maid. Occasionally, Hyun Bin would glance at Jungkook from the corner of his eyes. Seeing that Jungkook had an ever-present smile on his face as if he absolutely had no idea of what would happen later, only then could Hyun Bin feel more at ease.

While they were walking down a small corridor with no one around, Hyun Bin suddenly covered his stomach as he started squirming and jumping restlessly. He pleaded Jungkook to wait for him there while he would quickly follow the maid to restroom and return. The maid also asked Jungkook to wait in the guest room just beside while they both walked away. Jungkook then pushed the door and entered. From the outside, once Hyun Bin and Ji Lin's maid had seen this, only then did they ran from their and quickly leave . Once the sound of the footsteps had faded away into the distance and could no longer be heard, the room’s door was once again pushed open and Jungkook stepped out. Tightening up his crimson crane overcoat over himself , the slightest trace of a cold smile emerged on his face....He did not know what sort of person would enter this room later. However, once this person was found to be alone together with him, and that scene was witnessed by others, and everyone else, his reputation would be in a complete disarray.

Or perhaps, this was precisely Myung Ji Lin's plan. However, this was merely his first time meeting Ji Lin today. To have thought of such a ruthless scheme of entrapment, she might have been encouraged by Jeon Sui to push the wave and add to the billows, what Jeon Sui was best at was precisely attacking someone while using the strength of another....Jungkook slowly followed along the uninhabited passageway as he walked rather leisurely and in high spirits...In reality, this was definitely his first time entering the Myung mansion, however, in his previous life in the palace, Jeon Jung Hoon and the Eighth Prince had informed him of various classified matters. At that time, he had thought that they were not keeping any secrets from him and that they had regarded him as one of them. So, he had always kept this information close to his heart, hoping that one day he could be of use to them.....Who would have known that now, this was actually a boon to himself. All of that classified information also included the secret inside the Myung masion. Hyun Bin's greatest error was to presume that he, who was unfamiliar of his surroundings, could only obediently stay in the room to wait for someone to find him. Unfortunately, no matter whether it was in his past life or in this present one, he would always remember the structural blueprint of the Myung mansion.....

Turning round and passing the long corridor, he took a detour through a path by himself and approached a small room which was at the side, behind the garden. He then pushed the door open and entered.....The room was decorated very simply, almost as if it were an abandoned study that had not been used for a very long time. There were a few bound volumes of travel notes haphazardly placed on a study table.....

Jungkook reached out his hands and traced his fingers along the snow-white surface of the wall as he slowly searched. Not too long after, his hands somehow pressed onto something. Hearing a crisp noise, the central wall in the room then gradually hollowed in, revealing a tiny hidden compartment.... He paused for a bit and then extended his hand into the hidden compartment and took a cloth bag out. The cloth bag in his hands had quite a bit of weight, and from a rough estimate, it seemed to be something like a book. Jungkook smiled slightly, this was definitely the Myung mansion’s special account book that Assistant Minister Myung kept in his home...For any official in the officialdom, it would definitely be unavoidable that they would have to often use bribery in their daily activities and dealings to help smooth various relationships. In peacetime, for an official to give an incentive to one’s superiors, inevitably, there must be a source of that silver money.

If all these accounts were to be revealed, the high ranking officials who would be implicated were plenty, and it would undoubtedly lead to a huge upheaval in the capital. Jungkook safely hid the cloth bag inside his clothes. However, as soon as he turned around, he was immediately startled. Before the horizontally erect screen in the room, stood a person dressed in black, who was presently staring at him. In the depths of his eyes, there were some inexplicable emotions.

to be continued. . . . . . .