The Tale of the Patriotic Wife

Jang Ji-yeon

A girl living in a poor rural village, tending sheep. She is more intelligent and has a stronger heart than anyone else, but the world tells her, "You cannot achieve great things because you are a woman." However, the girl, Yak-an, does not submit to such a fate. In an era where the country is trampled and the people suffer, she receives a revelation from heaven and realizes her given mission. Although she is merely the daughter of an unnamed farmer, a burning desire to save her country already resides in Yak-an's heart. "Flower Talk" depicts the process of an ordinary girl gradually growing into an extraordinary being in response to the call of her times. The intertwining of divine will and human intention, loyalty to the country, and compassion for the people unfolds a grand narrative of a woman moving towards the center of history, overcoming prejudice and fear. With the solemn style characteristic of classics and the majestic atmosphere of heroic tales, readers will witness how Yak-an accepts her mission and transforms into a figure destined to save her troubled times. This work is not merely a biographical story of one individual but also a narrative that poses the question, "Who is worthy of saving the country?" It shows that what truly changes the world transcends the distinctions of gender, social status, and the amount of power—ultimately, it is unyielding faith and courage. Yak-an's determination and prayers, along with the calling bestowed by heaven, resonate deeply with today's readers across time.