Blossoming Bonds

In the illustrious tapestry of Joseon's history, amidst the grandeur of palaces and the whispers of court intrigue, there existed a tale of an unlikely prince, Kim Sang-min. Born out of wedlock to the king and his concubine, Kim Teri, Sang-min's arrival into the world was both a blessing and a curse. The king adored him more than his first child, his existence ignited envy and disdain within the royal family; particularly led the queen and his first son to despise Sang-min.

Sang-min's world shattered at the tender age of eight, when his father, the king, died in the war, saving his people and the kingdom. All the people were sad that their king died, but much more was felt by Kim Sang-min, as he not only lost his father but also his mother and his identity that very night. He managed to grow up in the harsh environment on the outskirts of the village of Hahoe until the age of 10. He didn't have proper food or shelter. He walked in the streets starving himself for days until someone lent him food, until he came across Shin Ha-ri, the daughter of a potter.

Ha-ri found the prince, who was full of scars and in torn clothes. She took him to her house and asked her father if he could stay with them. Her father was a righteous man; he let Kim Sang-min stay in their house on the condition that he had to earn his livelihood while continuing to educate himself. The prince, who had lived a hellish life due to people throwing him out, and not giving him food or work, had lost hope in people. But Ha-ri’s kindness and innocence melted the prince's heart.

Sang-min started living in their house, and his main motto in life was to see Ha-ri smiling forever like she did on the day they first met on those harsh streets. In the dangerous and vicious environment outside the village, they grew with a lot of happiness, it seemed like as long as they both were together, they didn't mind working hard and having each other's company through all the ups and downs.

The prince always protected Ha-ri from other boys and danger, as she was his only true relative in the world. Their bond as the savior and survivor turned to friendship and then turned to something more meaningful; amidst whispers of love and laughter, they pledged themselves to each other, vowing to weather life's storms together on Ha-ri’s eighteenth birthday.

In the embrace of love's sweet embrace, Sang-min found redemption for the trials of his past, and Ha-ri discovered a love that transcended the boundaries of class and circumstance. Together, they stood as a testament to the enduring power of love, a beacon of hope in a world fraught with darkness until that one day.

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