The Tale of Hong Gildong

by Heo Gyun

Originally, Goksan-mo was a gisaeng from Goksan, and after becoming the Grand Minister's favorite concubine, her will became arrogant.

If any of the household servants did anything she disliked, even slightly, a single accusation could lead to a matter of life and death. She rejoiced when people failed and envied them when they succeeded.

However, after the Grand Minister had a dream of a dragon and begot Gildong, everyone praised Gildong, and even the Grand Minister loved him. Goksan-mo feared that her own favor would be taken away in the future.

Moreover, whenever the Grand Minister would sometimes joke,

“You too should bear a child like Gildong to bring joy to my old age.”

Goksan-mo would feel extremely embarrassed.

As Gildong's reputation grew day by day, Chonang became even more envious and hated Gildong and his mother like thorns in her eyes.

Finally, Chonang, whose desire to harm them grew urgent, devised a wicked plot.

She scattered wealth to gather monstrous shamans and conspired with them, having them visit daily.

At that time, one shaman said,

“Outside Dongdaemun, there is a woman who reads fortunes. They say she can determine a person's good or bad fortune for their entire life just by looking at their face once. Now, summon that woman, make an arrangement, and recommend her to the Grand Minister. After having her speak as if she knows all the past and present affairs of the household, if she then looks at Gildong's face and reports such-and-such, startling the Grand Minister's heart, it seems you can achieve your lady's wish.”

Chonang was greatly pleased.

She immediately sent someone to the fortune-teller, appeased her with money, and taught her every detail of the Grand Minister's household. After making an agreement to eliminate Gildong, she set a date and sent her back.

One day.

The Grand Minister entered the inner chambers, called Gildong, and then said to his wife,

“Although this child has the spirit of a hero, what use would he be?”

It was while he was speaking in such a joking manner.

Suddenly, a woman entered from outside and prostrated herself below the courtyard.

The Lord found it strange and asked the reason.

The woman prostrated herself and reported.

“This humble girl lives outside Dongdaemun. When I was young, I met a Taoist master and learned the art of reading people's faces. I have traveled widely, reading faces, and have seen almost all of the capital. Hearing that your esteemed household has great fortune, I came to test my humble skill.”

How could the Lord have been inclined to converse with such a strange shaman?

However, as he had just finished teasing Gildong, he smiled and said.

“Very well, come closer and discuss my life's fortune.”

The face reader respectfully bowed and ascended to the main hall, first examining the Lord's face.

She then clearly spoke of past events and discussed future events as if she could see them, and not a single word contradicted the Lord's thoughts.

The Lord praised her greatly.

Next, he had her discuss the fortunes of the household members, and she spoke of each as if she had seen them, with not a single word being unfounded.

The Lord, his wife, and everyone present were greatly astonished and called her a divine person.

Finally, it was Gildong's turn to have his face read.

The face reader examined Gildong and praised him greatly.

“This humble girl has wandered through many towns and seen countless people, but this is the first time I have seen someone with a face like the young master's. The only thing I cannot understand is that it seems he is not born of the Lady.”

The Lord, thinking he could not hide it, said.

“That is true. Everyone has their own time for good and bad fortune, honor and disgrace, so please discuss this child's face in particular.”

The face reader gazed at Gildong for a while, then pretended to be surprised.

When the Lord, finding it strange, asked the reason, the face reader closed her mouth and did not speak.

The Lord said,

"Whether it be auspicious or inauspicious, do not hide anything. Speak as you see it, so that I may have no doubts."

The physiognomist said,

"I fear that if I tell you this directly, it may startle your Lordship's heart."

The Lord said,

"Even a man like Gwak Bun-yang of old had his auspicious and inauspicious times. Why so many words? Speak as the physiognomy shows, without hiding anything."

The physiognomist, seemingly reluctant, dismissed Gil-dong and then secretly reported,

"There is no need for many words regarding the young master's future. If he succeeds, he has the countenance of a monarch; if he fails, he will face immeasurable great calamity."

The Lord was greatly astonished.

After barely calming his mind, he bestowed a generous reward upon the physiognomist and said,

"Do not ever speak of this outside."

And then he commanded again,

"I shall ensure that child does not go outside until he is old."

The physiognomist said,

"How can kings, queens, generals, and prime ministers be born of a specific lineage?"

As the Lord reiterated his instructions, the physiognomist respectfully received the command and withdrew.

After hearing those words, the Lord harbored a great worry in his heart.

'This child is not an ordinary fellow. Moreover, he laments his humble birth. If he were to harbor ambitions beyond his station, all the merits of our family, who have served the nation with loyalty for generations, would become useless, and great calamity would befall our household. I wish to eliminate him beforehand to lessen the family's misfortune, but out of human compassion, I cannot bring myself to do so.'

When his thoughts reached this point, having no way to resolve it, his worry turned into an illness.

He could not taste his food, nor could he sleep peacefully.

Chonang observed his mood and seized the opportunity to speak.

“If Gil-dong truly possesses the aura of a king, as the physiognomist said, then if he were to attempt something beyond his station, the misfortune that would befall our household would be immeasurable. Though it is a humble opinion, I suggest that instead of being bound by a minor suspicion, you consider the greater matter and eliminate him beforehand.”

The Lord rebuked her sternly.

“These are not words to be spoken lightly. How can you not guard your tongue? The affairs of my household are none of your concern.”

Chonang was mortified and could say no more.

However, she withdrew to the inner chambers and met with the Lady and the Lord’s eldest son, to whom she reported.

“Since the Lord heard the physiognomist’s words, his worries have deepened, and he cannot find a way to resolve them. His meals and sleep are disturbed, and he has finally fallen ill. When I offered such-and-such words some time ago, I was only scolded, so I dared not speak again. However, observing the Lord’s mind, it seems he also wishes to eliminate that child beforehand but cannot bring himself to make the decision. In my foolish opinion, if Gil-dong were eliminated first and then reported to the Lord, since the deed would already be done, the Lord would be unable to do anything and might completely forget his worries.”

The Lady frowned and said,

“While the matter is so, it is something that cannot be done when considering human sentiment and the ways of heaven.”

Chonang spoke again.

“This matter is connected in various ways. One is for the sake of the nation, the second is for the sake of the Lord’s illness, and the third is for the sake of the Hong clan. How can you be indecisive due to a small personal feeling and not consider these many great matters, only to reach a state of irreversible regret later? What would you do then?”

Chonang used all sorts of words to persuade the Lady and the Lord’s eldest son.

Finally, the two reluctantly gave their permission.

Cho-nang rejoiced greatly inwardly and came out.

Then she called an assassin named Teuk-jae, explained all the circumstances, gave him a large sum of money, and promised to harm Gil-dong that night.

After that, she went back into the inner chamber and reported the matter to the madam.

Upon hearing her words, the madam stomped her feet, feeling extremely regretful.