Commander of the Royal Guard Yeong San was known as a great connoisseur of the capital’s gibangs. People said he was acquainted with most of the gisaeng, and certainly with all the finest ones. Respectable mothers of noble families tried to dissuade their sons from befriending such a rake, and their daughters were strictly forbidden even to look in his direction on the street. It would have been different, of course, had he sent matchmakers — who would refuse to ally their family with such a promising high-ranking official? But everyone in the capital knew perfectly well that Lord Yeong San had no desire to settle down and start a family.

  Fortunately, Yi Hyun’s new mother was not troubled by the commander’s questionable connections, so when Yi Hyun wondered about the entertainments of the capital, he immediately knew whom to take as a guide. Thus, on a warm autumn evening, two young men dressed as nobles slipped out of the palace gates and set off in search of adventure.

  Yi Hyun considered inviting his elder brother along, since they were going incognito, but Yi Yun had gone somewhere right after noon, and his servants could not say when he would return.

  The capital’s streets were lit with lanterns, street trade continuing even after sunset. Yi Hyun lingered at several stalls, looking over what people in Joseon sold. He bought some kind of rice sweet on a stick, wanting to enjoy the evening to the fullest. Since his arrival, this was the first time the prince had been able to go out and see the city. Everything interested him.

  The gibang to which the commander brought him turned out to be something like a small manor within the city: with its own inner garden, pavilions, and service buildings. But guests, of course, were received in the bright inner rooms. It differed a little from the flower houses of Qing, where the gardens were more sumptuous, with ponds and bridges for long pleasant walks.

  Inside the main building, as everywhere in Joseon, the windows were not round but rectangular, and the tables were low, with cushions for guests. Yi Hyun had grown used to this difference, but sometimes he still missed the tall northern tables and chairs. Yet the main difference, of course, was the dinner.

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  In Beijing, high-ranking guests were served a multi-course meal separately, with attendants helping them at the table before leading them to the hall where specially trained courtesans performed songs, dances, or poetry. Here, everything was mixed together, and Yi Hyun had no idea how he was supposed to behave.

  “You look lost,” Commander Yeong smiled when the mistress of the gibang led them upstairs. In the narrow corridor, laughter and voices drifted from all sides, and music filled the air. “Do not fear, the girls will not bite.”

  “I am not afraid of girls,” Yi Hyun returned the smile. “But I thought we would dine first. It seems we were brought straight to the entertainment wing?”

  “Once we sit down, they will bring us everything our hearts desire. We will watch the dances while snacking on rice and meat,” Commander Yeong promised.

  Meanwhile, the mistress slid open a door to one of the empty rooms and invited them to sit at a low horseshoe-shaped table. It could have easily seated ten people, but for the two of them it felt quite spacious.

  “Will someone be joining you, Lord Yeong?” the mistress asked. Judging by her manner, she and the commander had long known one another.

  “I do not think so,” he shook his head. “Are Dawn Bird and Precious Pearl free? My friend has only recently moved to the capital, and I promised to introduce him to the most exceptional performers.”

  “You should have warned me ahead of time, Lord Yeong!” the mistress scolded lightly. “Precious Pearl is performing for other guests today. Since Councilor Kim’s faction began gaining strength, they have been throwing banquets three times a month!”

  “So you have a house full of ministers tonight?” Commander Yeong brightened and confidentially slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Then let her come by at the end, when she is free. I only want to introduce her to my friend. Next time he will know whom to visit, right?”

  “I will tell her,” the mistress promised. “Make yourselves comfortable, and I will send the girls.”

  “Most lovely lady, one more question,” the commander stopped her. “Has your cook returned?”

  “Yes, yes,” the mistress — still a beautiful woman of about forty — laughed shyly at the sudden compliment. “She married off her daughter and is with us again. Everything will be exactly as you like it.”

  “They have the best kitchen in the city!” the commander explained, and he and Yi Hyun finally settled onto the cushions at the low table.