The Secret of Dae Hyun

Dae-Hyun was revered as a great warrior and field general for the provincial army of Hanju. On numerous occasions his battlefield strategies and sword skills kept villages within Hanju safe from thieving invaders.

And once again, Dae-Hyun was called back into service as Hanju’s borders were threatened. But this was the first time he had been activated for battle since the birth of his son Chin-Mae. Now five years old, Chin-Mae had just begun to understand his father’s accomplishments and teachings. The boy was even taking after his father’s delicate, yet fierce sword wielding techniques.

Duty called, however. Dae-Hyun prepared to lead his fellow soldiers into battle; hopefully to resolve the conflict and return the region to peace and prosperity. He packed his belongings, told his wife goodbye and gave a special farewell to Chin-Mae. In Chin-Mae’s sleeping quarters Dae-Hyun sat his son down and explained that he was leaving for battle. He then handed his boy a long wooden case with a simple handle to keep it shut. It had no lock. “My son, please keep this case by your side while I’m gone. Do not let anyone open it, nor should you open it yourself. I trust you love me and respect me, so I will not even lock it. Just keep it closed and use it to remind you of me until I return.”

“Yes sir, father. Please come back soon.”

Although Chin-Mae was hopeful, history would dictate that those were the last words exchanged between the father and son. But life pressed on for Chin-Mae and he became adept at medicine. His patience, knowledge and trust in medicinal herbs and remedies earned him a reputation as Hanju’s best doctor. People from all over the province came to visit Chin-Mae for healing. And they all asked about the long, slender wooden case mounted on the wall in his office. “It belongs to my father, and he has trusted me not to open it until his return from war.” Most patients looked at him confused. It was common knowledge that the provincial troops had returned home years ago and Hanju was once again safe. Yet, Dae-Hyun never returned.

Eventually, Chin-Mae grew old; practicing medicine until his last dying breath. And, he never betrayed his father’s trust. The case remained closed. After his funeral, servants were cleaning out his office and one of them became curious about the case. He slowly removed it from the wall and set it upon Chin-Mae’s desk. Gently, he turned the small handle and heard it click. He then slowly lifted up the top of the case, a light creaking sound came from its hinges, and inside he found…