Pouri Lam Pouri Lam was a female human bushi and the unofficial mistress of the city of Foo Nakar in Koryo , as well as the most powerful woman in the kingdom , in the mid – 14th century DR . History . Pouri Lam was the daughter of Masgar Lam , the governor of Foo Nakar . When Masgar grew sickly , he depended on Pouri for assistance . Working at her father ' s side for a number of years , she learned his administrative skills . When Masgar finally passed away , Pouri felt the time was not right to announce his death , and kept it a secret . For some seven months , she maintained the deception and good governance of Foo Nakar . When King Wanang Sun visited his old friend ' s burial mound and discovered it already grown over , Pouri had to admit the truth to both city and king . Wanang was impressed by her skill in governing and realized this 27 - year - old maiden was no ordinary woman . Trusting his friend ' s judgement and skills , he allowed her to join the hichikung nio , a secret society of skilled personnel well placed in the kingdom to better the lives of the peasantry . Wanang also wished to elevate her properly to the governorship of Foo Nakar , finding her already well trained and more capable than any . However , this post was hotly contested in the Koryoan court and the king had to grant it as a reward to one of his followers . Thus , when he returned to Xi Hulang , he named a close friend as governor of Foo Nakar , but permanently shifted the post to the capital . He then created the position of " First Emissary " of Foo Nakar , which was responsible for the entire district in the governor ' s absence , and placed Pouri in the role . This ensured she could remain in control of Foo Nakar , maintained the good governance of the city , and placed one of hichikung nio in a position of high influence . Thus , Pouri Lam became the most powerful woman in Koryo . Once , when pirates raided from the Malu River , Pouri Lam led her forces in the defence . She routed the pirates and earned a reputation as a courageous warrior . Personality . Pouri had a keen intellect , with a quick wit and political cunning . Her intelligence challenged men who would treat a woman differently ; they would forget themselves and argue with her as a man . She was known for her bravery in battle . Description . Pouri Lam was widely regarded as beautiful . She had long jet - black hair that grew down to her knees , which she wore with gold tresses on formal occasions or up in a bun when working . Activities . Though not always popular , Pouri ' s rulings and decisions were made to benefit the people of her domain . For one , she raised taxes , but also founded a school for all children to attend , where they could learn writing , history , and self - defence . First Emissary Lam also encouraged a flourishing manufacturing industry in Foo Nakar , with many goods going to the export market . Relations . Pouri ' s late father was Masgar Lam , a former general and governor of Foo Nakar , as well as an old friend and companion of King Wanang Sun . With her high position , many suitors tried to woo Pouri , but none could hold her interest , let alone win her heart . Residence . Pouri lived in her father ' s old house , together with her servant and loyal guards . It was one of the largest in the city . Appendix . Notes . It is unclear why Pouri should keep her father ' s death a secret . One possibility is political turmoil surrounding the abdication of the former king of Silla and Wanang ' s taking of the throne .