Jeong Sojeo spoke first,
"Last time, the maidservants mentioned that you were staying nearby due to some connection, but as my circumstances are wretched, I had completely secluded myself from social visits and thus could not pay my respects. Now that you have graciously condescended to visit my humble abode, I am moved yet ashamed, and know not how to express my gratitude."
Yi Sojeo replied,
"I am a foolish person. Having lost my father early and being doted upon by my mother to the point of partiality, I have learned nothing in my life and possess no discernible talent. Thus I lamented to myself: 'A man places his ambitions in all directions and befriends wise companions to learn from and admonish one another, yet a woman has no one to associate with beyond family members and servants; the inner quarters are closed off.' Respectfully, I have heard that you, elder sister, possess the literary grace of Ban Zhao, a female literati of the Eastern Han, and the virtuous conduct of Meng Guang, a woman of the Eastern Han, never stepping beyond the inner gates, while your name already resounds within the deep palace chambers. Because of this, unable to measure my own vulgarity, I longed to approach the brilliance of your sublime virtue. Now, having had the good fortune of meeting you without being rejected, my lifelong wish has been fully realized."
Jeong Sojeo answered,
"Those very words were what lay in my heart. Bound to the inner quarters, my comings and goings are hindered, and I am much obscured from sight; thus I know not the waters of the vast sea or the clouds of misty mountains—this, too, is the fault of shallow and limited knowledge. How could I dare deem this strange? It is just like the jade of Mount Hyeong burying its radiance and being ashamed to boast, or the pearl within the old clam concealing its lovely light and becoming a treasure unto itself. But a person such as myself is narrow-minded; how could I dare receive such excessive praise?"
Then Jeong Sojeo served refreshments, and they exchanged pleasantries, until Yi Sojeo said, "I have heard rumors that there is a lady called Gayuin (a general term for another man's wife) in your household. Might I see her?"
Jeong Sojeo answered,
"I, too, was about to mention her to you."
She then called for Chun-un to be presented. When Yi Sojeo rose to greet her, Chun-un was surprised and inwardly admired her, thinking,
"The words those two spoke the other day were indeed true! Heaven has already bestowed our young miss upon us, and now also bestows Yi Sojeo; truly, the will of Heaven cannot be fathomed."
Yi Sojeo also reflected inwardly,
'I have long heard rumors of this maid, yet her character far surpasses them. How could Yang Sangseo not cherish and love her? She is surely worthy to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jin Jungseo. If she were made to emulate Jinnyeo, how could she avoid emulating Lady Yun's weeping? Since both mistress and servant possess such outstanding beauty and talent, how could Yang Sangseo possibly let them go?'
Thereupon, speaking openly and from the heart with Chun-un, the warmth and intimacy was no different from that with Jeong Sojeo herself.
Yi Sojeo took her leave, saying,
"The day has already grown late, so I cannot sit and talk longer, which is most regrettable. But the house where I am staying is only one street away, so I shall certainly find a spare moment to visit again and hear the rest of your words."
Jeong Sojeo answered,
"Having presumptuously received your honored visit and hearing such fine words in succession, I ought to see you out below the hall to express my thanks, but because my circumstances differ from others, I dare not step even one foot outside the door. I hope you will forgive this fault and accept my earnest feelings."
When the two parted, they could not overcome their sorrow and could not bear to let go of each other's hands.
Jeong Sojeo said to Chun-un,
"Though a treasured sword is concealed within its scabbard, its brilliance pierces the stars Dou and Niu; though an old clam is submerged in the sea, its essence spans generations. Yet we have lived together within the same city walls without having heard of her sooner—how very strange."
Chun-un asked,
"This humble servant has a doubt in her heart. Yang Sangseo often spoke of seeing the daughter of Hwasu Jin Eosa upon a pavilion, and of obtaining her at a guesthouse to form a beautiful vow, yet the matter went awry due to turmoil in the Jin household, and he praised her as a peerless beauty. When I also saw Yang Ryusa, she was indeed a talented woman. Could it be that this woman has concealed her name and sought acquaintance with you, young miss, in order to fulfill their former connection?"
Jeong Sojeo said,
"I, too, have heard of the Jin family's daughter's beauty through another source. There are similarities with this woman, but Jinnyeo's household met with turmoil and she became a palace maid. How could she possibly come here?"
She then went in to see the Lady and could not stop praising Yi Sojeo.
Thereupon the Lady said,
"I, too, wish to request an audience with her."
A few days later, she sent maidservants to request Yi Sojeo's visit, and Yi Sojeo readily consented. When she arrived at the Jeong family residence, the Lady descended the stone steps to welcome her. Yi Sojeo paid her respects with the courtesy due a daughter-in-law or niece, whereupon the Lady was greatly fond of her and said, "Last time, you came solely to seek out my daughter and showed deep affection; this old body is truly grateful, but I was ill then and could not receive you properly, which has been a source of shame and regret until now."
Yi Sojeo knelt and replied,
"This one has admired you as a celestial fairy from afar, and feared only that I would be cast away. Yet upon our first meeting, you received me with the bond of siblings, and the Lady has nurtured me with the courtesy due a daughter-in-law or niece. This exceeds my humble desires. I wish to attend upon you until my dying days, passing through your gates as though serving my own mother."
The Lady repeatedly
said, "Such words are truly too generous for me."
Thus she spoke.
Jeong Sojeo, together with Yi Sojeo, attended upon the Lady for half a day, then invited her to the bedchamber, where the three of them—Chun-un included—sat facing one another at the edge of a pine grove. They conversed gladly in voices resonant and subtle, their hearts understanding one another, their affections growing intimate. They were discussing ancient and modern literature and the virtuous conduct of women when they did not realize that the sunlight had already slanted upon the western window.
Princess Nanyang enters the palace with Jeong Sojeo.
After Yi Sojeo departed, the Lady said to Sojeo and Chun-un, "I have many relatives on both my natal and husband's sides, nearly a thousand people. From childhood I have seen many beauties, but none could rival Yi Sojeo. She truly equals our own child; it would be excellent if you two became sworn siblings."
Sojeo reported to her using the story of the Jin maiden that Chun-un had spoken of: "Chun-un cannot help but suspect something, but my view differs from Chun-un's thoughts. Yi Sojeo's bearing, both in her distinguished spirit and the refinement of her carriage, is markedly different from women of common households or even scholarly families. How could she be compared to someone like the Jin maiden? I have heard that Princess Nanyang is beautiful in both appearance and heart; though this may be presumptuous to say, Yi Sojeo's spirit seems to be that of Princess Nanyang herself."
The Lady said,
"I, too, have never seen the Princess, so I cannot make rash conjectures. Yet though the Princess occupies a high position and has earned a brilliant name, how could she possibly equal Yi Sojeo?"
Sojeo asked again,
"Yi Sojeo's movements are somewhat suspicious. Some other day, I should send Chun-un to investigate her circumstances."
The next day, Jeong Sojeo was just discussing this matter with Chun-un when Yi Sojeo's maid arrived at the Jeong residence to deliver a message:
"Our young miss has obtained passage on a ship returning to Jeoldong and intends to depart tomorrow. Thus she wishes to come to your house today to pay her farewell respects to the Lady and young miss."
Jeong Sojeo cleaned the main hall and waited. Soon Yi Sojeo arrived and paid her respects to the Lady and Jeong Sojeo. The emotion of parting was profound and lingering, like that of a benevolent elder brother parting with a beloved younger brother, or a dissolute man sending away a beauty.
Yi Sojeo suddenly rose, bowed deeply, and said,
"It has already been a full year since I left my mother's care and parted from my elder brother. My heart to return is like an arrow, and I can stay no longer. Yet my heart is bound tight as a thread by the Lady's kindness and your sisterly affection; though I wish to untie it, it knots again. I have a request to make of you, elder sister, but fear you may not grant it, so I first ask the Lady."
She hesitated and said no more, so the Lady asked, "What is it that you wish to request, my child?"
Yi Sojeo answered,
"I have embroidered an image of the Great Bodhisattva of the South Sea (the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara) for my late father and have just barely finished it. My elder brother is in Jeoldong, and as I am a woman, I have not yet obtained an inscription (writing used for a sacred image) for the image from a literary person. The embroidery will thus be rendered useless, which is a great pity. Therefore, I wish to receive from you, young miss, a couplet of text and a few lines of calligraphy. However, the silk width is very broad, making it difficult to fold and unfold, and I feared soiling it, so I could not bring it here. Thus I reluctantly ask if I might escort you briefly to obtain the writing and calligraphy, thereby completing this daughter's filial devotion to her father, and using this to console the lingering sorrow of our parting on this distant journey. Not knowing your will, I dared not ask you directly, and so I prostrate myself before the Lady to report this."
The Lady turned and said,
"Though not originally on visiting terms with a relative's house, what Yi Sojeo requests stems entirely from sincere devotion to her father. Moreover, the house where she stays is close by; it should not be difficult to go briefly and return."
At first, Sojeo showed a reluctant expression, but then she thought it over and realized to herself, 'This young lady's movements are hurried; I cannot send Chun-un to investigate after all. I shall seize this opportunity to ascertain her true circumstances.'
She then reported to her mother,
"What Yi Sojeo requests would indeed be difficult if it were a matter for public display, but filial devotion to one's parents moves every person; how could I refuse? Yet I was wondering if I might go after dark."
Yi Sojeo was overjoyed and expressed her thanks:
"If night falls, writing will likely be difficult. If elder sister finds the road troublesome, my humble palanquin, though shabby, can surely accommodate the two of us. What say you to going together and returning in the evening?"
Jeong Sojeo answered,
"Your words are most fitting."
Thereupon, Yi Sojeo prostrated herself before the Lady to bid farewell, held Chun-un's hand to exchange parting words, then boarded a palanquin together with Jeong Sojeo, with several maidservants of the Sadaek household following behind.
When Jeong Sojeo came to Yi Sojeo's bedchamber, she found that though the things laid out were not overly numerous, they were all fine objects. The food served, though simple, was incomparably delicious. Observing carefully, she found everything suspicious. Yet Yi Sojeo did not bring up the matter of receiving the writing for a long time, and as the day gradually waned, Jeong Sojeo asked, "Where have you enshrined the Great Bodhisattva's image? I wish to take my leave soon."
Yi Sojeo answered,
"I shall certainly show it to you."
Scarcely had the words been finished when suddenly the sound of a palanquin was heard outside the gate. Banners and standards lay spread across the road, and the serving women of the Sado household frantically reported,
"A band of soldiers has surrounded this house, my lady, my lady, however shall we act?"
Jeong Sojeo, having already sensed the signs, sat calmly, when Lady Yi said, "Please set your mind at ease. I, Sohmae, am none other than Princess Nanyang Sohwa, and bringing you here was by order of the Empress Dowager."
Jeong Sojeo rose from her seat and replied boldly,
"I, a humble girl dwelling among commoners, though lacking in knowledge, know that the noble bones bestowed by Heaven are different from ours; thus the Princess's descent into our midst is utterly beyond expectation.
I have already been remiss in the rites of respect, and have committed many offenses through discourteous conduct; I prostrate myself and beg you, so please swiftly pronounce punishment upon me."
The princess had not yet answered when a maid reported, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has commanded Palace Lady Seol, Palace Lady Wang, and Palace Lady Hwa to be sent to inquire after the Princess's health."
The princess said to Jeong Sojeo,
"Please remain here for a moment."
So saying, she went forth and sat in the main hall. The three palace ladies entered in turn, completed their ceremonial greetings, and prostrated themselves to report,
"It has already been several days since the Princess left the Great Interior, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is ardently eager to see you. His Majesty the Emperor has also commanded us maidens to inquire after your health. Today being the day of your return to the palace, the carriage and ceremonial regalia are already prepared outside. His Majesty has commanded Jo Taegam to see to your escort."
They also reported,
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has decreed that the Princess and Sojeo should enter together, riding in the same palanquin."
The princess had the three palace ladies wait outside and came back in to say to Jeong Sojeo, "I intend to speak in detail when the moment is quiet, but Her Majesty the Empress Dowager wishes to see you and has already come out to the veranda to wait; so please do not decline, and it would be proper for you to enter together with me and pay your respects."
Jeong Sojeo realized she could not avoid it no matter what and answered, "This girl already knows the Princess's affection, but as a woman of the common fires who has never before been granted audience with the Most Honored One, I fear there may be some breach of etiquette."
The princess said,
"How could the wish to see you be different from my wish to see you? Please do not harbor the slightest doubt."
Jeong Sojeo said,
"If the Princess goes first, then I ought to return home and inform my aged mother of this matter, and then follow shortly thereafter."
The princess said,
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has already decreed that we ride in the same palanquin; the meaning of her words is most earnest. Please do not decline further."
But Jeong Sojeo declined.
"I am a humble subject's child; how could I presume to ride in the same palanquin as the Princess?"
The princess answered,
"Jiang Taigong (Lü Shang, a statesman of Zhou; King Wen took him as his fishing teacher, and King Wu honored him as Sanggong Fu) was but a fisherman of the Wei River, yet he rode in the same carriage as King Wen of Zhou; Hou Ying (a prince of Wei during the Warring States period) held the horse reins. If one truly wishes to honor the virtuous, how dare one discriminate by rank? You are from a noble house of ancient lineage, the daughter of a great minister; why should you find it difficult to ride together with me?"
So saying, she finally took Jeong Sojeo by the hand and they boarded the palanquin together. Jeong Sojeo sent one serving woman back to report to her lady mother, and had another serving woman follow behind into the palace.
Composing a Seven-Pace Poem at the Empress Dowager's Palace
The princess rode together with Jeong Sojeo in the palanquin, entered through the Donghwa Gate, passed through ninefold layered gates, and when they reached outside the side gate, she descended from the palanquin and reported to Lady Wang.
"Lady Sanggung, please attend upon Sojeo and have her wait here a moment."
Lady Wang asked,
"By Her Majesty the Empress Dowager's command, temporary quarters (a place where the Emperor, nobles, or high officials temporarily stayed) have already been prepared for Jeong Sojeo."
The princess was delighted and had Jeong Sojeo remain there; then she herself went in to see the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager had originally harbored no good will toward the Jeong family. However, the princess, having disguised herself and lodged temporarily near Jeong Sado's house, formed a bond with them over tea and had become acquainted with Jeong; coming to revere and admire her beauty and virtuous conduct, and subsequently growing ever more intimate in affection, she realized that Minister Yang would also not abandon Jeong. They loved each other and pledged themselves, forming a bond of sisterhood, and intended eventually to serve one man in the same household.
The princess had frequently submitted writings and pleaded earnestly to the Empress Dowager, causing her to change her mind. Having greatly come to understand, the Empress Dowager permitted the princess and the Jeong maiden to become the two wives of Yang Soyu. Moreover, wishing to see her appearance in person, she had the princess devise a plan to bring her.
While Jeong Sojeo was briefly resting in the temporary quarters, two palace maids came forth from the inner chambers bearing garments and accoutrements, and delivered the Empress Dowager's command.
"Jeong Sojeo, being the daughter of a great minister and having received the Chancellor's betrothal rites, still wears the clothes of a common woman; in ordinary dress she could hardly have audience with me. Therefore I specially bestow upon her the ceremonial robes of a first-rank noble wife; let her put them on and come forth."
Jeong Sojeo bowed deeply and answered,
"How could this girl, being but a woman's body, dare to don the attire of a titled lady? Though the clothes I now wear are simple and unrefined, they are nevertheless garments one wears before one's parents. Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is the parent of all people; I prostrate myself and beg that I may enter and have audience in the garments with which one meets parents."
The palace maid reported her words as they were, and the Empress Dowager considered her most admirable. She immediately had Jeong summoned before her, and the palace maids attending on left and right vied to look upon her, admiring and exclaiming,
"In my heart I had said that only our Princess was beautiful and fair; how could I have known there was again a Jeong?"
When Sojeo finished her bows, a palace maid guided her to ascend the dais. The Empress Dowager commanded her to sit and issued a royal decree,
"The previous withdrawal of Minister Yang's betrothal rites by imperial edict on account of the Princess's marriage was a matter of distinguishing public and private affairs according to state law; it was not initiated by me. However, the Princess pleaded, saying, 'To cause the old pledge to be broken on account of a new marriage is not the way for a humane ruler to set human ethics aright,' and wished to become Yang Soyu's wife together with you. I have already consulted with His Majesty and followed the Princess's desire. When Yang Soyu returns, the betrothal rites will again be sent as before, and I intend to make you a wife as well. From ancient times to this day, such extraordinary grace has been unprecedented and unparalleled; I now forewarn you of this."
Jeong Sojeo prostrated herself and thanked the Empress Dowager.
"The grace is so profound that it is something a subject's child would not dare hope for; with this foolish and base nature, I could never repay it. Yet as I am a minister's daughter, how could I presume to share the same rank as the Princess and stand equal to her?
Even if I wished to obey the command, my parents would surely rather die than accept the imperial edict."
The Empress Dowager said to Jeong Sojeo,
"Though your humility is admirable, your house is a noble family of many generations, and your father Sado is an old minister of the former court; the courtesies shown by the state to you are different from others. You need not be so strict in observing the duties of a subject's child."
Sojeo replied and said,
"The duty of a subject's child is to obey the sovereign's command, just as the myriad things follow their seasons. Whether you elevate me to be a maidservant or lower me to be a slave, how could I defy Heaven's command? However, how could Yang Soyu's heart be at peace? He would surely not comply. I originally have no brothers, and my parents are aged; my earnest wish is only to devote myself to supporting my parents and thus spend my remaining years."
The Empress Dowager cajoled Jeong Sojeo,
"Though your filial piety toward your parents and your conduct may be called utterly commendable, how could I dare let even a single thing fail to obtain its rightful place? Moreover, you are beautiful in a hundred ways and flawless; how could Yang Soyu delight in abandoning you?
Moreover, the Princess, together with Yang Soyu, has attested to a hundred-year destiny through a single tune of the flute; what Heaven has ordained can hardly be overthrown. Furthermore, Yang Soyu is a great hero of the age and a talent rarely seen in ten thousand ages; what impossibility is there in his taking two wives?
I originally had two daughters, but Princess Nanyang's elder sister died young at the age of ten, and I worried for Nanyang's loneliness. Now, seeing you, it is as if I see my dead daughter. I shall adopt you as my daughter and speak with His Majesty to establish your title and rank: first, to express my love for my daughter; second, to fulfill Nanyang's wish to be close to you; and third, to prevent you from facing any hardship in returning to Soyu together with Nanyang. What do you think of this?"
Jeong Sojeo knocked her head before the Empress Dowager and declined.
"Now that the disposition has reached this point, I fear this girl might die from being overwhelmed by fortune. I only beg that you immediately withdraw this decree and thereby grant me peace."
To Jeong Sojeo's repeated refusals, the Empress Dowager said,
"I shall immediately arrange this with His Majesty and bring it to a decision; you must not be so stubborn."
So saying, she had the princess summoned and presented Jeong Sojeo to her. The princess, fully attired in ceremonial robes and radiating imperial dignity, sat together with Jeong Sojeo. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager smiled and said, "The Princess wished to become siblings with Jeong Sojeo, and now you have truly become siblings; I cannot tell who is the elder and who is the younger. Have you no remaining regret in your heart, Princess?"
So saying, she asked the princess.
Thereupon the Empress Dowager revealed her intention to take Jeong Sojeo as her adopted daughter and told the princess. Understanding the Empress Dowager's intent, the princess was overjoyed; she rose and gave thanks, saying, "Your Majesty's arrangement is truly supreme. I have accomplished the wish I desired waking and sleeping; how can I possibly express all my joy?"
The Empress Dowager treated Jeong Sojeo with great cordiality. They discussed literary compositions of old, and then Her Majesty said,
"I have long heard from the Princess that you have a talent for composing poetry on wind and moonlight. Now the palace is at peace and the spring scenery is fine; do recite something to cherish the spring without reserve, and thus add to our joy. In ancient times there was one who composed a Seven-Pace Poem (a poem composed in the time of seven paces); can you do so as well?"
Sojeo prostrated herself and replied,
"Having received your command, I shall exert my meager talent to evoke a smile."
The Empress Dowager selected a swift-footed person from the palace and had them stand before the hall to set the theme and test her. The princess reported,
"Having Sojeo compose alone weighs upon my heart; I too wish to be tested together with the Jeong maiden."
The Empress Dowager was all the more delighted and said,
"The Princess's intention is also excellent. However, poetic thought will arise of itself only after a clear and fresh theme is obtained."
So saying, she considered themes from old writings.
It was late spring, and peach blossoms were blooming in profusion beyond the balustrade.
The Empress Dowager said,
"I have just received word of your betrothal, and that magpie on the branch brings joyful tidings—this is an auspicious omen. Let us take the joyful cry of the magpie amid the peach blossoms as our theme, and each of you compose a seven-character quatrain, but be sure to include the meaning of a formal betrothal within your verse."
Having spoken, she ordered the court ladies to set out writing implements for each. As the Princess and Jeong Sojeo took up their brushes, the court lady standing nearby began to move her steps, but worried inwardly that they might not finish composing within seven steps, so she glanced back at the two as they wielded their brushes and delayed her footwork somewhat. Yet both wrote with a speed like wind and driving rain, presenting their pieces simultaneously, and the court lady had only taken five steps.
The Empress Dowager first looked upon Jeong Sojeo’s composition.
The palace spring light has intoxicated the peach blossoms;
From where comes this fine bird’s cry, so clear and bright?
From the high pavilion, a magpie conveys a fresh tune;
The celestial flowers of the southern land take their perch together with the magpie.
Then, looking at the Princess’s composition, she recited:
Spring deepens in the palace, and a hundred flowers flourish;
A divine magpie flies in, bearing joyful tidings;
When a bridge is laid across the Milky Way, surely with effort
Two boats shall cross side by side at once.
The Empress Dowager recited them and exclaimed in admiration,
"My two daughters are none other than Qinglian (Li Taibai) and Cao Zijian among women.
Were the court to take women as jinshi, they would surely seize the zhuangyuan and tanhua (third-rank pass)."
Having spoken, she had the two compositions exchanged and shown to the Princess and Jeong Sojeo. Each, admiring the other’s literary skill, was filled with awe and praise.
The Princess said to the Empress Dowager,
"Though this humble maiden has completed a verse, who could fail to conceive of such meaning? Yet that lady’s composition is so exquisite and subtle that this humble maiden could never hope to attain it."
The Empress Dowager also said,
"That is so. Yet in the Princess’s writing, the exceptional keenness and brilliance are most lovely."
she said.
At this time, the Emperor came before the Empress Dowager to inquire after her health. The Empress Dowager had the Princess and Jeong Sojeo withdraw to an adjoining chamber and spoke:
"To arrange my Princess’s marriage, I had a betrothal sent to Yang Soyu, but as it happens, there is a prior engagement that would suffer moral injury. Even if I speak with the lady together with the maiden, Jeong Sado would not dare comply with her being made a concubine at home, and to make the maiden a concubine would also be a forced measure. Today, having summoned this maiden and seen that she is beautiful and talented enough to be a sister to the Princess, I intend to form a mother-daughter bond with her and send her back to Yang Soyu together with the Princess as an equal. What do you think of this?"
His Majesty was greatly pleased and said,
"This is sagely virtue equal to Heaven and Earth; never has there been anyone who could compare with the Empress Dowager’s profound benevolence."
The Empress Dowager immediately summoned Jeong Sojeo to appear before His Majesty. His Majesty commanded her to ascend the hall and said to the Empress Dowager,
"Lady Jeong has already become the Emperor’s sister; how is it that she still wears ordinary clothes?"
The Empress Dowager said,
"As Your Majesty’s imperial edict had not yet been issued, she firmly declined ceremonial dress."
His Majesty commanded the Yeojungseo to bring a scroll of red brocade with orchid-and-phoenix patterns (a motif symbolizing a noble person, a like-minded friend, or a loving couple),
and Jin Chaebong accepted and presented it. As His Majesty took up his brush to write, he asked the Empress Dowager,
"Since Lady Jeong has already been enfeoffed as a princess, shall I grant her the royal surname?"
The Empress Dowager said,
"I too had this intention, but I have heard that Jeong Sado and his wife are already aged and have no other children. I would find it pitiful if there were no one to carry on their family line, so leaving her with her original surname is likewise an act of true consideration."
His Majesty wrote in large characters in his own hand and declared,
"We, receiving the Empress Dowager’s sagely will, hereby enfeoff the adopted daughter Lady Jeong as Princess Yeongyang."
When he finished writing, the Emperor and Empress—the two palace monarchs—affixed their imperial seals and gave the edict to Jeong Sojeo,
and had court ladies bring ceremonial robes and help Jeong Sojeo don them.
Jeong Sojeo descended from the hall and gave thanks to His Majesty,
and as His Majesty was having Princess Nanyang arrange the seating, Yeongyang was one year senior to Nanyang but dared not sit above her. The Empress Dowager said,
"Princess Yeongyang is now my daughter. That the elder sits above and the younger below is the proper rite; how can siblings be allowed such modest self-deprecation?"