The Tale of the Patriotic Woman
by Jang Ji-yeon · 2026-08-25
Arian Castle was like the lifeline of France.
If that castle were lost even once, not only would the nation's foundation collapse, but all the people would become slaves to others and be reduced to the status of cattle and horses.
The British army surrounded the castle tightly and attacked day and night.
The sound of cannons echoed without regard for distance.
To the north of the castle, there was another fortress.
It was called the Bogo-yu Castle, guarded by the French general Podarigo.
However, he had no notable generals under him and his troops were few.
Even though he clearly saw that Arian Castle was in danger, he could not go to its rescue.
Moreover, fearing that the British army might attack this castle as well, he was bound and tormented day and night.
It was one day.
Unable to endure the frustration, the general climbed up on the castle wall and sat resting his chin on his hand.
“Our France has reached the brink of destruction, yet what use is there in having a loyal heart and brave talent?”
“Not being able to save the country from this great turmoil, living is worse than dying.”
He let out several long sighs and paced the railing.
Then suddenly, he jumped up and shouted loudly.
“Only when fierce winds blow do we know strong grass, and only when the country is overturned do we recognize loyal subjects!”
“I ask, where in today's France are the strong grass and loyal subjects?”
He was lamenting like that.
As he looked down the road below the castle, he noticed a woman walking lightly.
“This is strange. What is a woman doing alone in such chaos?”
“She must be someone fleeing from the fall of Arian Castle.”
As he was doubting, the woman drew closer.
Upon closer inspection, her face looked like it was carved from jade, and she exuded a strong spirit.
Her clothes were tattered, but her dignified demeanor was that of a true heroine.
The woman immediately entered before the general, bowed, and spoke.
“I am just a woman from a rural village, and my name is Yak-an-ai-gyeok.”
“I have come to save France from its troubles.”
The general was taken aback by her words.
‘Surely, she is a woman out of her mind. I will test her once.’
Thus, he began to inquire about the details one by one.
The woman replied.
“I wish to uphold the will of heaven and seek to save France from its peril.”
“Please, General, do not doubt me.”
The general observed her demeanor and exchanged words with her.
She was a composed woman and certainly not someone out of her mind.
Only then did he relax and ask how to save the country.
Yak-an resolutely answered.
“I received a revelation from heaven several years ago.”
“It was said that there would be great turmoil in France, and that I must surely save it, so since that day, I have resolved to hone my skills.”
“Now the country is in danger, and the people are on the brink of becoming slaves, so I have come to see the general, risking my life.”
“I have no other intention. Please, I ask you to lend me a small number of troops.”
“Though I may lack talent and strategy, I will devote myself to lifting the siege of the Arian Fortress and sweeping away the enemy.”
“If I can reclaim my homeland and fulfill my will, I have no regrets even if I die.”
While speaking, her blood rushed to her face, and her spirit shone brightly.
The fervor of her spirit was enough to move people.
The general and the commanders around him were deeply impressed by her words.
They offered her a seat and dared not treat her as just a woman.
Finally, the general asked while discussing national affairs.
“Though you possess great courage and insight, you are originally from a farming household that tended sheep.”
“I have never stood on the battlefield, how can I fight against the British army?”
“Moreover, the British soldiers are all swift and strong; we have sent out our troops several times, but each time we were annihilated.”
“Do you have any plans, my lady?”
Yak-an replied.
“What strange plan could I possibly have?”
“If it is the will of heaven, there may be help that comes naturally.”
“However, we cannot rely solely on heaven.”
“We must trust in our one burning heart and fulfill our duties as citizens, so that we may not feel ashamed to be French.”
“Even if we do not achieve great things, that is something to leave to heaven.”
“How can we predict winning or losing in advance?”
“Furthermore, the way of commanding troops is originally to change according to circumstances, so it cannot be predetermined.”
The general nodded his head.
“What you say is correct.”
“If our people had all understood their duties as citizens like you, how could we have come to this state today?”
“However, I do not have many soldiers under my command, and this place is also a strategic point, so I cannot abandon the fortress.”
“I will first send out a few hundred men, so take them and go several tens of miles from here.”
“There is a village called Shiryongchon, where our King Charles VII is currently residing.”
“If you take my official document and present it to him, you will have a way to gather troops.”
The general immediately inspected a company of soldiers within the fortress and lent them out.
Yak-an bowed a hundred times in gratitude, received the official document, and tucked it into her bosom.
Then, after bidding farewell to the general, she set out with the soldiers towards Shiryongchon.
While the general only had a scheme to defend the fortress,
this woman was trying to accomplish the task of saving the entire nation.