Gogu 1789

Tink, tink, tink. The steady rhythmic beat of the metal to his stride was a monotonous but comforting companion. The sounds assured him his assets were safe, lifting his spirits and the weight of a perpetual bane he had to bear to fill his rice bowl. A distant rumble brought his bobbing head up as he looked ahead and then behind him. The dark sky that was advancing steadily was a dismaying sight. He began to pick up the pace as did the others along the road. He hoped to make it to the tavern before it poured. Skirting the ambling horse ahead of him, he passed it as he began to trot. The brasswares in his pack clashed more noisily. The horse shied at the racket before the servant holding the reins soothed it and encouraged it to keep moving as he tugged. The rider said nothing, more interested in checking his clothing was not rumpled.

There came a bright flash that had everyone along the road bracing for the sound that was to follow. The sharp clap of thunder was piercing, startling the horse that it reared. The servant held on to the reins valiantly but they were whipped out of his hands when the horse was further was spooked by the sudden flock of birds that burst forth from the nearby trees. Neighing in fear, it took off with the rider yelling in terror. Shouting in alarm, the servant gave chase as those further down the road quickly dived for the bushes on either side.

The brassware peddlar heard the rider's wailing scream as the horse galloped past. Clearly, he was no expert horseman. It would be a miracle if he could stay in his saddle. Heads peered out along the road after the horse and they saw it stopped abruptly. The rider vanished over its head. Thrown no doubt. Panting, the servant rushed up to the horse as people gathered round curiously. Frantically, the servant looked about for his employer and spotted a figure on the ground several paces away and ran to it. There was no response to his calls. The reason became obvious when he pulled his employer up to find his head lolling drunkenly at an angle. Aigoo! The fellow died of a broken neck. Murmurs arose but there was little sympathy for his demise. From the rider's clothes, he was a rich man. What was the death of an unknown well-to-do to matter?

The spectators dispersed, preferring to continue on their journeys before the storm broke. The brassware peddlar eyed the surrounding ground keenly; had anything of value fallen? To his disappointment, there was nothing. He turned to go and nearly fetched up against a man staring at the corpse the servant was now loading onto the horse's back. Flashing a glance at the man's face as an apology rose to his lips, the peddlar was instead silenced. More loud rumblings. A wind began to bellow.

The man pulled his satgat (straw hat) further over his brow and turned away as the servant led the horse to the road. The peddlar followed more slowly, glanced at the man's back and shivered. Such coldness to those eyes. Was he a soldier? The peddlar eyed the sword slung on the baldric. His steps faltered further till he was immobile on the road. He did not take another step until the man with the sword vanished from sight. By then, the storm had released its fury, Drapping his straw poncho on himself and his pack, he set off again slowly as he thought of the man's face. Coldness there was and another; satisfaction. He shivered, he did not want to run into that fellow again if he could help it.

Uiryeong
Ipha 1789

The grave mound was well kept, someone had made sure of that and he was grateful. Who was the kind soul who had provided for her in her last moments? He rubbed the tombstone. There was only her name and a date, nothing else. That it was missing other details gave him a glimmer of hope. With no other grave nearby that diminished this belief, he must hold fast to it despite the rage. Where should he begin? Where it all started. He turned to face westward. That was where he should start. Gently, he touched the tombstone.

Give me your blessings, Min-soo, that I may succeed in my quests.

Mangjong 1789
Dano

The Black Kite looked down curiously as a pair of eyes peeped cautiously over the branch. It cocked its head, wondering what was this strange creature below its perch. It sensed no imminent danger from it so it did not attempt to attack. Both eyeballed each other for long moments. A sound came floating through the air. The bird peered through the leaves. Below, the pair of eyes also turned to look.

The sound became louder as it neared. The Black Kite moved uneasily, disturbed. The sound was repeated, this time a note of exasperation could be detected. Not liking the intrusion, the Black Kite spread its wings and took flight. The pair of eyes watched, enraptured.

"P'ado!"

The pair of eyes looked down. Aigoo, he sounded real mad this time. The eyes looked again at the speck in the sky before a pair of hands appeared, grasping the branch.

"P'ado!

The man glanced up the trail. Where was he? The boy was not at the creek, nor the village or even at Ae-young's house. It was most annoying, having to hunt him down every time he was out of sight. Well, if he could not find him, he would just have to miss all the fun. The man turned around, intending to return whence he came when a small figure ran up and jumped on him.

"Haha! Got you aboji!" the boy crowed.

"Oof..." The man staggered, dropping his staff in order to catch hold of the boy. "You're going to get a tanning when we get back!" The tone was angry but there was a smile on the man's face. "Why are you always running off? And what did you smear yourself with?" he scolded, letting the boy down to pick bits of bark and leaves off the boy's face.

"I was just looking at that kite up there," the boy pointed to the gliding speck in the sky before bending down to pick up the staff.

"Up the trees again?" Yunbok took back the staff, brushing off the dirt the boy had deposited on him. Any stain would not show up fortunately as he had on a dark blue linen coat. "Omoni will really have something to say this time."

"Not if you tell her," P'ado said, grinning, confident that Yunbok would not tattle on him.

"No.," Yunbok said slowly, eyes twinkling. "But I will not bring you to town then, we will stay at home."

"No, aboji! You can't! You promised you will bring me there today!" the boy protested.

"Come along," Yunbok said, setting off.

The boy followed, pleading all the while as he tugged at Yunbok's sleeve. He gave up when Yunbok remained silent and presently, they were crossing the creek to the paper mill. It was off season so the place was empty saved for a sturdy middle age man lounging on the porch of his house, reading a letter. He looked up at the sound of footsteps.

"Aigoo, who do we have here?" he chuckled at the downcast P'ado. "Up to your tricks again, lad?"

"Ahh ajoshi..," P'ado rubbed his shoe in the dirt, wishing that he had not gone off by himself that morning. But the kite had caught his attention while he was at the creek and he could not resist having a closer look at it.

"I suppose you're going to be stuck at home?" Suk-kwon shook his head at Yunbok, tucking the letter away in his coat.

"And that he will," Yunbok paused. The boy caught his hesitation and looked up hopefully. "Unless he learns and recites two poems of Cheonggu yong-on tomorrow."

"I promise I will! Can we go now?" P'ado could hardly wait. He grabbed Yunbok's arm and tugged. "Come on, let's go."

"Oh no, you don't," Yunbok pulled him back. "Clean up your face and change your jacket, omoni will have more words to say if she sees you like this. And put this in the back room," he handed the staff to the boy who ran off swiftly. "Oh and stay away from the surichwitteok (cartwheel cakes)!" he added as an afterthought, not certain the boy heard him. The sound of a door was all the answer he received. Dusting off a spot, he sat down at the porch. "Not going to town, master?" he cocked his head at Suk-kwon who sighed. "You are dressed up nicely."

"Though the road is clear, something always will come wandering along." Suk-kwon patted his coat meaningfully. "I am going to town but part of it is going to be some head cracking."

"I thought you said you are retired?"

"Semi-retired. I can be called up at anytime," Suk-kwon sighed, rubbing his beard. His eyes crinkled as he looked at Yunbok. "Are you planning to add more to that beard?"

"Aigoo, master, it's so troublesome," Yunbok sighed, fingering his false beard. "I don't really have to dress it up, do I?" he thought it looked fine as it was. "Long strands tickled."

"You're doing a fine job with it," laughed Suk-kwon. "I have to say I admire that fine point. It's as exquisite as a brush tip."

"It's all Jeong-hyang's idea!" grumbled Yunbok, knowing the older man was teasing him. "Her concept of what a beard should be."

"I'm sure she has plenty of samples to choose from." Suk-kwon sat up and scrutinised Yunbok who still had a youthful look about him but his cheekbones were slightly more pronounced, accentuated by his lean cheeks. The gaze of his eyes however, was seasoned. He had not even put on the slighest bit of weight in the years he had known him.

"It suits you very well," he said with amusement. "Like a dandy if you dress in silk. Were you as young as you were at Hanseong, it would not fit. But you're older now and it shows."

"What, are you saying I have a parchment for a face?" Yunbok felt his face uneasily.

"Not right now, give it another... oh thirty years." The smile faded away as Suk-kwon touched the letter in his coat again.

"What is it?" Yunbok did not like the troubled look on his master's face.

"Hopefully...nothing. I'll just see what turns up later."

Yunbok wondered if he should pursue the matter but as he was not involved with the administration Suk-kwon was working for, it was prudent not to dig too deep. They looked up as P'ado ran up. His face was scrubbed and he had on a clean jacket. Without a word, he grabbed Yunbok's arm and literally pulled him off the porch. For such a small boy, he had a lot of strength.

"Aigoo! Slow down!" Yunbok pulled up. "The town is not going anywhere. Wait for ajoshi."

"Ajoshi, hurry!"

P'ado ran back and Suk-kwon let himself be towed, amused with the boy's enthusiasm and impatience. Together, they walked the three miles up the road to Uiryeong. A pleasant stroll as it was for the intense summer heat had yet to arrive. The road to town was especially congested. Using their jwilbuchae (wooden fan) to block their faces from the dust kicked up by the passage of so many feet, they dodged horses and made for the eastern gates as best they could. The soldiers at the gates were relaxed on this day, judging from the chatter they engaged in with various people.

The town was teeming with people out in force to celebrate Dano. Red and blue were the prevalent colours as excited girls ran through the streets, on their way to the chosen spot of the season for the swing. Women strolled along sedately, enjoying this one day of complete freedom. Changpo root and aehwa hairpins to drive off evil spirits were evident in every woman's hair. Yunbok kept a hold on P'ado, the press of people was rather thick and he did not want to lose sight of the boy.

They wound their way to the marketplace where the smell of food permeated the air, to buy herbal rice cakes. Knowing P'ado's sweet tooth, Yunbok got him a few jeonggwa and yeot, figuring that since it was a holiday it would not matter that much. Suk-kwon jabbed him in the ribs, silently admonishing him. But he was grinning as well, he knew Jeong-hyang would give Yunbok a earful when she found out. Yunbok only made a face, what could she do anyway? His ears would only suffer for it.

They watched the ssireum matches that were held just outside the marketplace. Bets flew fast and furious as each set of competitors stamped up to the sand ring. The most exciting match was between two brawny men as they heaved and strained to topple the other. Equally matched, they struggled for long moments as they tugged at each other's satba, straining to find in each other a momentary weakness. Shouts from the spectators rose higher when it looked as if one or the other would fall as they heaved, stumbled and swayed in one direction to another. Advice was shouted, debates heated up the tempers of the bettors. A great holler rose from the crowd as one of the men finally made a mistake, allowing the other to trip him. However, he managed to land on his knee and taking advantage of the momentum, threw his opponent to the ground. Cheers and groans.

"Agoshi, why don't you take part?" P'ado's eyes were brilliant with excitement. "I'm sure you will win."

"I would, provided your aboji joins in as well," laughed Suk-kwon. "That way I'll definitely win, eh?" he nudged Yunbok.

"Very funny," Yunbok rolled his eyes at Suk-kwon. "Come along."

The town center was brilliant with flags, streamers and paper talismans. The beat of the pungmul added to the atmosphere as performing troupes entertained the crowds with their acrobatics, tricks, dances and drama performances. A Jul T'agi performer leaped on the rope, much to the delight of the watching youngsters. A large crowd was gathered nearby, watching the mask dance; Nojang. It was here that Suk-kwon left them, off to whatever errand he had to do. And it was where Yunbok promptly lost sight of P'ado. He was there one moment and gone in the twinkling of an eye. Exasperated, Yunbok looked around. Where did he go? Slippery as an eel, that boy was.

He wound his way through the crowd, keeping an eye out for a small figure. Which was rather difficult really. There were many children running about as well. But he fancied he spotted P'ado running in the direction of the stream that ran through the town. Patiently, he worked his way through the crowd. Eventually the crush lessen and he realized he was among scores of women heading one way down the path leading to the area near the stream fenced off solely for women on this day. Several women eyed him with curiosity, a few with disfavor. The rest simply ignored him.

He had better turned back. He smiled as he recalled a particular Dano day so many years ago. The strange, almost reverent sensation when he dressed himself in the gisaeng's clothing. It was a familiar yet mystifying skin he had put on. A sense of freedom and yet he had no idea how to be what he really was. A giggle almost escaped him as he recalled his behaviour when he and Danwon were caught by the other women. Well, he had no intention of repeating his escapade now. There was no reason to. Realising he was attracting attention of the wrong kind as he stood there with a silly grin on his face, he turned to go and caught sight of a small familiar figure darting ahead, straight to the fenced off area. What was that boy up to?!

"P'ado!" Drat that boy for making him bellowed so.

Anxious to catch up to the boy, he tried to avoid the women as best he could as he weaved among them. He called again and then ended up crashing into the woman in front of him who had stopped abruptly. She almost fell as he rebounded.

"My apologies," he said hurriedly. "I didn't mean to knock into you, I was chasing...," he trailed off as the woman turned to face him and the jangot (coat) dropped from her face. "Kyoung-mi?"

He stared at her in astonishment. Hadn't she gone north to stay with relatives after Young-joon's marriage? For eight years, there was desultory news of her for it seemed she was not much inclined to write to her cousin or old master Han. When had she returned? Why did not Young-joon say something about it? Ah, but he had forgotten his friend had gone on a business trip to Jeolla-do and was expected to be back in a few days.

"Who are you? You are so rude!" the maid with Kyoung-mi pushed forward, glaring at him.

Oh, what a difference from the old one! What was her name? Heon-sook was it? His lips twitched as he compared the tigress to the mouse. Kyoung-mi pulled the maid back, patting her arm to assure her.

"Brother Seo," she said, smiling. He was just as thin and tan as ever, darker if possible. Older, with fine little lines around the eyes and a neat beard. Her hand twitched involuntarily as he smiled at her.

"I was not expecting to see you in Uiryeong. How are you?" He was pleased to see her and thought she looked pale. Was she not well?

"As well as can be, brother Seo. I came back to Uiryeong some time ago," she said, stilling an impulse to move nearer.

"For a visit or...?" he asked. Was she going to stay?

"It depends. I am not sure." It was tempting to say she would be staying now that she had seen him again but she held it back.

There was an awkward pause as both of them wondered what they should say to each other. Fortunately, a small figure bounded up to Yunbok and grabbed his sleeve.

"Aboji! You have to see this," P'ado said eagerly before he bowed hastily to Kyoung-mi. "Ajumoni."

Yunbok was thoroughly annoyed. "Where did you run to? I don't really want to chase after you throughout the day."

"Punish me later but you really have to see this!" P'ado exhorted.

"Ah...apologies... give my regards to brother Han!" Yunbok turned to say to Kyoung-mi as he let the boy pulled him away.

She watched until both figures vanished further down the path, heading away from the secluded area before nodding to her maid who was still upset. The sight of the boy emphasized how much time had passed. Where had it all gone to? She would have stayed up north but it was hard for her with the colder winters. Unable to acclimatise, she could bear it no longer and returned south. Her uncle had welcomed her back warmly. To soothe the anxieties of Su-dae, she had declined to take charge of the household when it was offered. It was too much work, she had no desire to fight for supremacy within the family. That position no longer belonged to her once Young-joon was married. She would rather have the peace than the strife. Was it a mistake to return? Seeing him again woke up the ache and chill in her heart. She sighed as her maid wondered at her despondency.

Yunbok wondered what had caught P'ado's curiosity this time. There was the sound of snorting animals and the murmur of men as the path sloped down to the stream. They rounded the corner to see a large crowd gathered around a fenced arena. It was Cheongdo So Ssa-eum. There was a roar of voices as two bulls were released. The animals charged towards each other. The impact as they locked horns could almost be felt, standing as they were, on the path.

"Aboji, which one do you think will win?" P'ado asked excitedly.

"What do you think?" Yunbok snapped out his jwilbuchae for it was rather warm.

"The darker bull," the boy pronounced firmly.

"Aigoo, so confident. Why is it so?"

"He's bigger, so he should be stronger and able to outlast the smaller bull." The boy's conviction was so definite that Yunbok did not try to venture his opinion.

"Let's see if you are right."

The ground shook as the bulls separated and rushed at each other a few times, raising clouds of dust. There was a pause as they circled, sizing up each other before they butted heads again. It was incredible that both animals were not knocked unconscious by the heavy collisions. They locked horns again and again in a contest of strength, pushing with all their might before breaking off again. After some time, strength expended, both animals halted to take a breather, continuing to snort and eye their opponent. They circled, breathing heavily.

The spectators shouted, gats wobbled as those at the back jumped to get a better view. Jwilbuchae snapped open and close, performing an impromptu dance as the owners waved them in the air, trying to encourage the bull they were backing to advance. The bulls charged once more before staggering back, sides heaving and legs visibly quivering. It looked as if it was going to be a stalemate but then, the darker bull retreated as the other stubbornly forged ahead. There was a cheer as the owners of the bulls hurriedly headed off their charges.

"It looks like you're wrong." Yunbok clapped a disappointed P'ado on the shoulders. "What do you learn from this?"

"Ah...size doesn't count, it's the will?" P'ado said thoughtfully after a moment.

"That's right. You did well." He smiled as the boy's eyes lit up with the praise. "Come, let's see what else there is to see. Look, I think there's stone fighting and mask dances further down." He pointed beyond the arena. As they took a step, a voice hailed them. A young man waved his wooden fan at them as he hurried from the arena. Yunbok was immensely surprised to see him.

"Brother Seo!"

"Brother Han, I was not expecting to see you so soon," Yunbok grinned as Young-joon reached them. "Won something from the match?" he nodded to the string of coins clutched in his friend's hands.

"You have such sharp eyes, brother," Young-joon laughed. "I made a lucky guess."

"Agoshi Han," P'ado greeted Young-joon politely.

"P'adoa, not up in the trees today?" Young-joon smiled at the boy. Still scruffy looking as ever. No doubt from the romps he had been engaging.

"Don't start. When was he never up in trees?" Yunbok shook his head. "No thanks in part to master Park." They grinned at each other as they recalled the journey they made to Suk-kwon's retreat more than a year ago.

"Aboji, you said you plucked me from the wilds so is it any wonder I want to return to my birthplace?" P'ado replied daringly.

"Aigoo, that mouth of yours." Yunbok buffeted the boy gently on the head.

"Brother Seo, how about a drink?" Young-joon asked hopefully, with an air of anxiety about him. "I was hoping I might run into you today so I reserved a table at the Moon Tavern."

"That sounds like a good idea, brother Han. I arranged to meet Jeong-hyang there later today." Sitting down to rest was exactly what Yunbok wanted. He wondered what his friend wanted to discuss with him.

They went back up the path. The crowd seemed thicker as they wound their way through. As they neared the tavern near the town center, P'ado spotted a fighting top competition and expressed a desire to see it. Knowing the boy would be bored with them, Yunbok gave him leave, on the promise that he would not wander off elsewhere. He paused to take a look at the public solar clock before moving on to the tavern. The tavern-keeper showed them to a table along the outskirts, under an awning where they could see some of the activities going on nearby and swiftly served up the wine along with a couple of side dishes.

"How is old master Han and your family? It's been quite a while," Yunbok said as Young-joon picked up the wine bottle to fill his cup.

"As fine as you saw them last, brother Seo. Aboji is having a literary gathering today. My sons are getting to be quite a handful but I believe they always are at that age." Young-joon smiled as he thought of his children. "I thought I would see master Park with you. Is he in town?"

"He went off by himself earlier. I'm not sure where but he has his own agenda. Who am I to question him?" laughed Yunbok, taking a sip. "How was the trip?"

"As smooth sailing on a fine day with the everlasting retinue of beautiful women, music, wine, food and ..," Young-joon leaned in to whisper, "the incontinence of belching paunches. It was a good ramble!"

"Still trying to attain the coat of a gunja, I see," Yunbok said teasingly.

"Aigoo, I doubt I'll even manage a thread," lamented Young-joon in good humor, picking up a neureumjeok (skewered meat dipped with flour and eggs and grilled) to chew appreciatively. "I came back with more contracts so the trip was a success." The meat was so fragrant he finished the first and picked up a second.

"That is good news." Yunbok lifted his cup in a toast.

"Brother Seo," Young-joon continued cheerfully. "I can't find everything you wanted but I've managed to get volumes 80 - 90. I'll send them by in a few days."

"My thanks for making the effort." The missing volumes of the saga he was trying to complete would be a setback but there was nothing he could do at the moment. "It can't have been easy." Silence fell. He wondered what was troubling Young-joon for he was figetting about in little ways. "Is something troubling you?"

"Brother Seo.." Young-joon was not surprised his friend had noticed his disquiet and hesitated. What was the best way to put it to him?

"What is it?" Yunbok was surprised at Young-joon's uncertainty.

"My cousin, Kyoung-mi, returned from the north several days ago."

"Yes, I know." Yunbok looked over to the distance where he could see the rope walking performer somersaulting on the rope. "I ran into her earlier."

"I see...," Young-joon turned his cup slowly.

"But what is wrong?" asked Yunbok, after a long silence. It was so unlike his friend to dither for so long. Moreover, he was looking more and more uncomfortable.

"It is most impertinent of me, brother Seo, but I believe only you can help."

Help? Yunbok was not sure what his friend meant. "Is she ill?" he said in bemusement. "Surely a physician is a better option than me."

"She is ill but not physically, it's an ailment of the heart."

At that, Yunbok shuttered his emotions. Having an idea where Young-joon was headed, he really had no desire to listen further. His hopes that Kyoung-mi would have forgotten all that had occurred and moved on did not seem to have born fruit. Like a weed that was not fully eradicated, it had reared up its head again.

"Please, just hear me out," pleaded Young-joon, seeing Yunbok's aloofness. "When I married Su-dae, she moved up north, for a change of environment she said. There was a bleak air about her so we agreed and made arrangements. In the years she was there, our relatives tried to arrange suitable marriages for her but she rejected all recommended proposals. Aboji is reluctant to force the issue. Kyoung-mi is like a daughter to him so he does not wish to compel her as he could have easily done. He himself had a happy marriage and he wishes his immediate family to have likewise. We had no idea why she was so adamant in her refusals until her return. Brother Seo, do you know she bought a replica of your painting? We found out from the maid she looks at it every night throughout the years. Brother Seo, she can not forget you."

It was not something Yunbok really wanted to know. It was ridiculous. He was not sure he understood it. He gave her no encouragement, nothing. Why was she so fixated?

"Brother Seo, will you... consider her?" Young-joon said finally, when he made no comment.

It was a ridiculous proposition. Words of outright rejection threatened to spill forth but Yunbok held them back as he tried to figure a way out of the predicament, to offer a reply of sympathetic refusal. Fervently, he wished the event at the pavilion had not occurred for surely that was what incited this thorny mess. But was it? Kyoung-mi had remarked that his actions that night was a mistake but he did not regret what he did. Impatiently, he pushed speculations aside. How was he to resolve this?

"Brother Seo?" Young-joon wondered what his friend was thinking, he could not read him at all.

"How do you want me to answer you?" Yunbok said abruptly, abandoning the idea of a soft reply. It would not work. "What kind of answer can I give that will satisfy all? None. In truth, this is something I thought was over when I clarified my stance to her eight years ago. I gave her no encouragement. My hope for her then and still is, is that she would find a suitable partner and settle down. To hear that she suffers because of me is not what I desire to inflict on another."

"I understand, brother Seo. We are not forcing you to do anything, we are only asking if you would consider it," Young-joon sighed, understanding his friend's unhappiness.

"Brother Han, you are simply pitching the problem over to me by laying the responsibility of her well being on my conscience. You are not willing to force either her or me you said but that is precisely what you are doing now," Yunbok pointed out expressively.

"Brother Seo, we really do not know what to do...," Young-joon admitted helplessly, hoping that his friend would be able to come up with an answer.

"What do you want me to do? Marry her? Just to make her happy? How much happiness will she find with a husband who does not have a shred of affection for her other than that of a friend?"

Tried as he might, Yunbok could not tone down his aggravation. He intended to drive home the message that he and Kyoung-mi were impossible. As Young-joon opened his mouth, he cut across him. "The argument that I would develop affections for her over time will not suffice. I know exactly where I stand in relation to her; I am her friend. That is all. It will never change," he emphasized heavily on those words. "Other than Jeong-hyang, I have no room for another."

Resignation crossed Young-joon's face at that inexorable statement.

"I am not oblige to pander to her desires or yours," Yunbok continued inexorably, not caring if he was rude. If I may say so, her problem is exacerbated because you continue to coddle her for you are not cognizant to the fact that she is not capable of making any rational decision."

"Aboji!"

Startled, they looked up to see a grinning P'ado trotting towards them, with Jeong-hyang beside him, a chanhap (food basket) in her hands. She immediately sensed the tension and wondered what had happened for Yunbok had a distressed and angry air about him while Young-joon looked thunderstruck.

"I forgot we arranged to meet at this time." Yunbok got up, glad for the interruption. "Brother Han, thank you for the drinks."

"The honour is mine, brother Seo. Let's meet up again sometime. Mistress," Young-joon, shaken by Yunbok's words which hit straight and true, bowed to Jeong-hyang who returned the greeting. As Yunbok turned to go, he swallowed determinedly and touched him lightly on the arm. "Please ...just...just consider it." It was irrational, he knew, since Yunbok had clarified his belief so clearly but he could not help but feel for his cousin's misery and attempted to move his friend on her behalf one more time.

"Brother Han, I have stated my stance clearly. There is nothing more to say."

Yunbok nodded to Young-joon before moving off with Jeong-hyang and P'ado. Young-joon watched them and sighed. His friend was correct. They had failed his cousin because they had allowed their own affections override common sense. It had always been that way through the years. If only they had a thorough talk with Kyoung-mi before she left, they would have found out her problem and resolved it. But they had not and now it was too late. Or was it? His friend had pinpointed the core of the problem they themselves had failed to see. Perhaps the solution still lay with him irregardless of his rejection.

What would aboji say, he wondered and doubted his father would be surprised to hear the outcome of this meeting. What would he do? He sat back down at the table and sipped contemplatively. He did not notice the hard stare of a man as he walked past.

As they threaded their way through the crowd, Jeong-hyang observed the stubborn cast on Yunbok's face. The problem must be unusually wearisome. A nudge brought a startled look. Pushing aside his worries for the moment, Yunbok was glad to see the air of gaiety about her. There was a bloom and gloss to her. To his eyes, she was the same as she was when he first saw her.

"You can stop staring," she said after a while, aware of his gaze and turned a disapproving look at him.

"How to stop? You are the most beautiful woman in this town," he grinned, knowing she was not annoyed at all.

"You say that every year," she protested.

"Aigoo, the moment I stop saying that is the time to start worrying!' he laughed, catching hold of her sleeve.

"Really, not here," she scolded, pulling her arm away. "I'm not cooking so we have better stop over by the marketplace." She hefted the chanhap.

"Do you want me to cook for you?" he asked as he thought of the dishes he could prepare.

"Aboji, I love your pajeon! Cook that!" P'ado jumped up and down, trying to persuade Yunbok. At the same time, he was trying to tap the maeduep on Yunbok's gatkken. Knowing what he was up to, Yunbok fended him off.

"No, no more cooking today. Everyone gets to rest." Jeong-hyang cast a meaningful look at Yunbok who understood what she meant. He cocked his head, not about to argue with her and reached into his coat.

"Here," he twirled a small bunch of flowers at her, a little flattened. She smiled and tucked it partially into her jeogori.

"So what did you do today?" Jeong-hyang pulled P'ado away from a ox driven cart that looked as if it would run down the boy.

"Oh, we went to look at the dances, the performing troupes, the wrestling matches and the bull fights! That was the most exciting match of all. Aboji asked me to guess which bull would win but I made the wrong choice."

"And you were eating dasik, yeot and climbing trees weren't you?"

"How...," P'ado was dismayed and clapped a hand to his mouth when he realized he had given himself away. Yunbok hid a smile.

"Look at your jacket and your hair!" Jeong-hyang picked a small piece of bark from P'ado's head and showed him the evidence. "You may have washed your face, but you forgot to clean up your hair. And you washed it this morning too. You need not laugh, you. Didn't we agree he has to cut down on the sweets?" she frowned at Yunbok who tried to look innocent.

"Hyangya, it's a holiday, be merciful," he pleaded as the boy hid his giggles at his faked terror.

"Be merciful, is it? Wait till we get home." she threatened.

"Let's run away tonight," Yunbok pretended to whisper conspiratorially to the boy.

"I'll just follow you, no matter where you go, you can't hide."

"Nowhere I can hide?" he said in dismay.

"Where can you go? Like that rice, like that namul."

"So true, till the ends of the earth, to the heavens...forever."

P'ado looked at the both of them as they slowed to a stop, leaning against each other to gaze into each other's eyes, momentarily forgetting where they were. People moved around them, annoyed by the obstacle they presented and shook their heads in disapproval. Their devotion to each other was a steady source of contentment and inspiration to the boy who often thought his birth parents surely would have as comparable affections. Although reluctant to break that moment, he knew he had to wake them to their surroundings.

"Aboji!" he yelled, giggling when they jumped. "I'm hungry!" The complaint brought a myriad of soft humor from those who heard it.

"Fine, fine, let's go get our dinner." Yunbok nodded towards the marketplace where the throng was such that it was a while before they were able to buy the jeonyeo and neobiani they wanted before heading for the eastern gates.

It was dusk by the time they arrived back at the house beside the paper mill. Yunbok looked to Suk-kwon's dark abode. Was he running errands or enjoying himself? Tired by the day's excursion, the boy made short work of his meal and readily fell asleep in his bedding in his room. After checking all the doors were locked, Yunbok made his way to the back room where Jeong-hyang sat waiting on the bedding.

"So..," she started as he came in, eager to know what was the bother.

"No, not yet," he said as he sat down opposite her. "Tell me what you did today."

"Very well, it went like this."

He closed his eyes as he listened, visualising in his mind the scenes she described. Through her eyes, he experienced the sights, the sounds, the freedom, the joys of the women. Something he had only seen and participated in once. Although he could have tried doing so again, it was too risky. There was too much to lose in Uiryeong. No longer was he a student, an unknown face and a name of no significance. Thus it was every year, through Jeong-hyang, he would live Dano festival. Although it might seemed the same, year after year, yet it was not. There were different details, different incidents to savor. Perhaps the thing he missed most of all, was the swing. Ah, that ride over the water with Jeong-hyang.

"Thank you." He opened his eyes and smiled when she finished.

"What did Young-joon want?" Her curiosity was avid as she looked at Yunbok.

"Ahhh... that," he sighed. "Perhaps you can think of a way out of this probelm. He told me his cousin, Kyoung-mi, apparently can't let go of her feelings for me. You remember her, don't you? That fiasco with the painting? Apparently, in these eight years, she has refused to settle down because of me. He asked if I would consider marrying her. Which is of course, impossible. I'm in a bind. I thought I made it clear to her we cannot be. She seemed to accept it then and now I find I'm still the cause of her problem."

"Oh my," she murmured, comprehending the dilemma he was in. Frowning, she drew a leg up and rested her chin on her knee. "You can't tell her the truth, she's an unknown quality that could turn on you."

"That is so, yes. She may have helped with the previous matter but that was out of guilt and self-preservation."

"Ah, but her feelings for you also played a part, you can't dismiss that," she pointed out.

"If only it wasn't so." He lay down in the bedding, hands interlaced behind his head.

"What is left?" she frowned as she tried to think of a solution.

"Precisely nothing, a stalemate. I leave her to moulder."

"And that doesn't sit well with you," she observed shrewdly. It was just like him, she knew.

"Would you? If it were you?"

"Hmm...tell me, what led you to tell me the truth?"

"That would be..," he recalled that moment. "When I discovered who I am, my real name. What I am. I could not bear to let you continue under an illusion nor could I carry on lying to you."

"Still, you took a risk, didn't you?"

"There was only the thought the matter must be clarified. I did not think you would betray me.," he stopped as he thought it over. "No, that was not right. I was ready to face the consequences should you do so. I just wanted you to know the real me. No more lies between us."

"Nevertheless, I was also an unknown quality. You did not know know which way I would jump."

Was she serious? He stared at her as she raised questioning brows.

"I can't do that," he shook his head at her suggestion. "There's too much at stake. The difference between you and she is that I have no bond with her. It's all one-sided and there's another thing to consider. The humiliation of it. Eight years pining after a woman? No, that will not go down well," he shuddered as he imagined the consequences.

"In that, you are right. At least you didn't keep me in the dark for so long," she smiled when he grimaced. "As I see it, your only choice is to try to get to know her better. "

He was horrified. What kind of a fix was that? "Get to know her better? That will make it worse!"

"Just hear me out," she said soothingly for she could visibly see his hackles rising in resistance.

While he was practical and discerning in times of crisis, this was one situation he would be "blind" in because his emotions were involved. At the moment, to him, the further away the better but she did not think it was going to work. In her opinion, leaving Kyoung-mi alone was not the answer since it had not worked in the eight years she was away. The one solution to try was to reach some form of understanding with the woman. She was both regretful and yet filled with admiration for Kyoung-mi. It was a pity she had also fallen into the same circumstances as she herself had done thirteen years ago. It was impressive she had persevered for eight years. That spoke of her strong feelings for Yunbok but was it really love or was it obsession?

"Forge a more solid semblance of friendship," she reached out to tug at his arm he had flung across to hide his face. "Right now, you are friend. One can fall in love with a friend. You have to try to make her see you as a brother."

"I thought I already am her brother," he muttered. "It's too fine a line to tread. The worst of it is she would feel she's at the end of the road when I continue to reject her and ...," he rubbed his eyes at the horrible image that came to mind.

"Does she strike you as a person who would take that drastic action?" She wished she had taken the opportunity to get to know a little of the woman eight years ago at Young-joon's wedding. If she had, she might possibly come up with a way acceptable to him to solve the problem. At the moment, there was nothing else she could think of.

"Who can tell? When pride and matters of the heart come to the test, they are so fragile and unpredictable."

Silence fell as both of them contemplated the problem.

"I've had enough. Leave this to another day, I can't think anymore," Yunbok sighed, leaning to the side to blow out the oil lamp. He turned to face her as she snuggled down in her bedding, reaching out to take her hand. "I wonder if master Park can come up with a solution."

"Now that's a thought, you can ask him tomorrow," she squeezed his hand encouragingly.

"Hmmm...he'll probably suggest something outrageous."

They chuckled softly. She heard his sigh and knew he would have trouble sleeping and reached out to touch his face, a terrain of beloved contours. Lightly, she traced his brow, the bridge of his nose down to his cheekbones, chin and back up to the brow, seeking to distract him.

"You are full of tricks, you," he murmured for he was focusing on her fingers instead of flipping the problem.

"Sleep."

It was a while before she felt him relaxed and knew he had fallen asleep and followed him a while later.

Uiryeong

The little group sat in expectant silence, eyes on the man behind the desk as he looked through the papers.

"It is a risk as our master is well aware of it but he has given his approval," one of them said persuasively. "It must be done before they arrive at Busan."

"How many men have you stationed in that area?" Suk-kwon looked at the map.

"Ten. They were filtered in since last autumn to various posts."

Was he going to agree? Despite having approval, Suk-kwon's agreement was vital to setting their plans in motion. Without it, they could not do anything. Such was the stipulation so they waited patiently as Suk-kwon thought about it.

"It really can't be done without him?" he said finally.

"Sir, there is no question about the viability of the plan using other methods but it may take longer and exceed the schedule. Our master knows he sees the things around him a little differently than we do. He may be able spot something we missed," the man opposite Suk-kwon said earnestly. "We need to remove the problem as soon as possible," he emphasized on the urgency again.

Suk-kwon heaved a heavy sigh, wishing he could say no.

"All right, make the arrangements."

He sat in silence as the men left, looking at the map. It had come as he had feared.

"Will you be able to get away?" he looked to his silent companion.

"When has there ever been a problem? I will be ready," she said.

"Let's hope for the best then," he turned back to the map.

Korean Words

Cheongdo So Ssa-eum - bull fighting

jeonggwa - fruits, plant roots, seeds boiled in honey

jeonyueo - a type of pancake

neureumjeok - skewered meat dipped with flour and eggs and grilled

satba - rope tied around participants thighs

ssireum - wrestling

surichwitteok - cakes shaped like cart wheels

yeot - a type of confectionery that can be liquid or solid (syrup, taffy or candy)