Chapter Fifty-five: Jang Eun-hye

Jang Eun-hye is the daughter of Jang Hong-gi, the minister of finance and lady Sora , the princess of Jindo dynasty.

Raised in opulence, she doesn't lack anything. From clothes to shoes , her wardrobe overflows with them. As the only daughter in the family, she received the most care and love from all, even from the extended family.

On one occasion, her aunt bought the most expensive ornaments to commemorate her birthday. That year she requested for a horse and it was given to her ,brought from the highest and purest breed of them.

Easygoing is her middle name, charity adorns her like a robe while goodness runs in her blood. In terms of physical beauty, she's one to be reckoned with. A riveting dark , long and flowing hair, an alluring brown eyes, ruby lips, rosy and well-sculptured cheek with a nose so small you doubt if she gets enough air.

For those that know her, she's like Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love which she showcases in her act of philanthropy.

On top of a chair she sat down while calculating the number of goods to donate to the orphanage she is supporting. Drawing the list , she couldn't help but shiver when she remembers the living conditions they were in before she discovered them and so many other children suffering all over the world without a helper like her. If it's left for her, she will take all the motherless babies and orphans under her wing , showering them with the love they deserve.

During one of her escapades, she chanced upon a weeping child. On enquiry she found out the little girl was starving and had no one to feed her. Unwrapping the roasted meat she had with her , she fed the eager and hungry child who took a bite but refused to have more in order to save some for her sick older brother lying in a rundown shack.

With the child in her arms, she ran towards the pointed direction and saw a little boy of about 7 years shivering under a tattered quilt. Leaving the little girl with more meats to devour, she lifted the young boy and dashed out to the nearest infirmary.

Returning back to the place, she interrogated all the children living in that shack and found out that a welfare office was set up to take care of them by the emperor but they still didn't have enough. For a few more months then , the welfare office shut down entirely and discarded them.

She had followed up with her investigation but met a dead end with her father telling her to stop or else she might offend some nobles. One day, she met a lead that helped her uncover the officials in charge of it. An honest man among them told her about how the superiors diverted funds made for the project into their pocket and reported to the emperor the children are well cared for. With this new information, she wrote an official report addressed to the emperor but it was intercepted by her father who strictly warned her not to fight a battle she cannot win.

As a punishment, her writing materials were confiscated while she was locked inside her room allowed only two meals a day. It was her mother that pleaded for her to be released before the punishment was lifted.

Thinking back about that day she shuddered. After her release she swore to take care of them herself. Seeking the help of her older brother, a house was bought for them where the scenery was breathtaking. All her accessories and jewellery were sold to raise money for the new foundation. Her clothes and shoes joined in and made a large fortune for her.

"Miss , we are ready whenever you are". A shrill voice belonging to her favorite maidservant sounded reminding her to hurry up.

Letting out a contented sigh, she cross-checked the list one more time and walked out to where the goods have been assembled waiting for her approval and inspection. Her mother joined her and couldn't help to smile at her daughter's generosity and kindness. Even if the whole world crumbles, this daughter's heart will remain ever pure and... kind.

The cart carrying the goods were dragged by a bull towards her foundation with herself riding the palanquin separately with her mother.

Minister Jang came out from his study room and watched the departing palanquins. Smiling despite himself, he waved goodbye at them and sauntered inside pretending not to notice them.

At the orphanage, the children heard the familiar sound of hoofbeats and wheels and ran out clamoring.

"Unnie! Noona! " filled the air. The sounds of tiny feet running grew louder gaining an appraisal look from the young girl that climbed out of her palanquin.They swarmed around her like bees with the youngest ones among them squealing with delight. Their chubby cheeks rosy from excitement.

The matron of the house arrived besides them and with smiles gave a bow from the waist. She smiled at the young girl that gave them succor and hope when the whole world abandoned them. As a childless widow she has been given another chance to take up the role of a mother by heavens and it's an opportunity she won't let slip through her fingers.

Ahem.

Someone cleared her throat and the woman turned around to see a young beautiful woman smiling at her. Judging by her appearance and look , she looks like the older version of the young girl making her the mother. She rushed towards the woman and bowed seeking forgiveness for not receiving her properly.

"Dear madam, please forgive this servant for not giving her greeting on time". The woman raised her up and teased her ."Won't your back break from bowing like that?"

She blushed hard on the woman's teasing and smiled good-naturedly at her while inviting her to have a seat inside. As for Eun-hye, the children dragged her to play with them or rather she dragged the children to play with her.

Boisterous and joyful laughter sounded from the backyard when lady Sora took her seat. Her daughter's own the loudest. Glancing at the woman sitting across from her , she stopped her from running away to get refreshments while they engaged in lively discussion about everything and anything notwithstanding the class difference.

"Madam is blessed with the best child" The woman complimented with a tinge of jealousy.

"I know". The proud mother replied tapping her fingers on the armrest."She's my lucky charm". She continued smiling at the woman sitting across the table.

"You are blessed too, you have more number of children than me". She praised the woman while letting her know that the children are hers.

"It's all because of your generosity, madam... Thank you". She beamed with a mother's pride while thanking her lucky star for delivering such luck to her doorstep.