Charan of Pyong-an

Charan and the governor’s son Keydong become attached in Pyong-an. After the governor returns to Seoul, Keydong leaves for study and appears to dismiss her. Later he walks back north in search of her, but she has been taken into the new governor’s household. Disguised as a sweeper, he catches one glimpse of her. Charan recognises him and uses a request to perform the rites for her late father as a way to leave the guarded residence. When she learns he has gone to a scribe’s home, she finds him, and the two leave the city together. They live modestly in the hills, where Charan earns their support through sewing and weaving.

Charan later points out that their hidden life leaves Keydong’s parents believing him dead. She proposes the official examination as a route back into public life, obtains a book of practice exercises, and keeps him working when his study falters. After two years, he succeeds at the king’s examination. Charan does not take the test for him, but her plan, supplies, and encouragement make his return possible. When Keydong explains their story to the king, the king welcomes him back, recognises Charan as his wife, and summons her from the mountains.