Author note
This fanfic is based on the 2008 Korean sageuk Painter Of The Wind, adapted from the novel of the same title written by Lee Jeong-myeong. POTW is loosely based on a few historical persons well known for their art in the Choson Dynasty. Hyewon Shin Yunbok and Danwon Kim Hongdo. Both men were two of Three Wons in the art world. In the fictional novel, Yunbok was not a man but a woman, forced under circumstances beyond her control, to assume the guise of a man. In this guise, she faced many trials and questions.
Please note that if you have not viewed or are not a Painter of the Wind / 5 coin fan, the following story might / will not make much sense. I am using Korean references at times and will try to provide explanations.
I originally started this fanfic on 12th Nov 2009 and completed it on 8th Dec that same year. The original blueprint was posted in one of the English MGY fan sites. I went on to write four more stories, began on the sixth before I abandoned it. All five stories had undergone a few revisions. Why so many revisions? POTW is the first fanfic I ever attempted and isn't the last. I'm presently working on a game based fanfic sequel of the first that reached 104 chapters. As I go along, I inevitably learned and made some improvements in writing but definitely by no means on the level with other writers. I still have a lot to learn. Hence, I looked back with a critical eye on my first piece of work and felt I could do better.
I have very little contact with Korean customs and social nuances. What I put here are the small bits I have gleaned from watching sageuk and reading various references. I'll try my best not to wander too far out. To keep myself oriented, I am referring to Yunbok as a 'he' and will only use 'she' in special sections. This first story began a few years after Yunbok left Hanseong. Since POTW ended with no choices, I opted to choose the one path I feel that suited the char. My thanks to all who dropped in to take a look.
Additional note. Someone commented that I put it under the 'M' category. I did so because I want to play it safe than sorry. I did not put it under any story genre either because it has a little of everything.
Hanno 1781
As dusk rapidly descended into the shadows of night, the temperature began to drop like a falling stone. White puffs like smoke streamed away from a man as he made his way up the undulating trail. Peering ahead as he leaned on his staff to rest for a while, he tried to estimate how far he had to go before he would have to stop for the night. To his dismay, there was no sign of the buildings he was hoping for. The trail continued to meander on. A white cloud ballooned around him as he sighed. He should have stopped for the night at the mountain village he passed earlier but overconfidence and anxiety had pressed him on. He thought he would be able to reach the temple before nightfall. With the passage of the sun, his burdens had grown heavier and heavier and slowed him down considerably.
He heaved another sigh as he considered his choices. Either he continued to walk up the trail in the darkness and hoped to reach the temple or he could stop and harboured the noncturnal creatures of the night as his bosom bedmates. Continuing on seemed like the better idea. There was the moon to keep him company. He yawned and forced himself to move his cold aching feet. In the distance, something screeched faintly. A strange weird pitch that wavered high and low. An owl? A good or bad omen? There came another screech followed by howls. He stopped short, listening intently. If there were wild animals about, he had best be on his guard. Another howl sounded. It didn't sound like any animal he knew. Then realization hit him like a flash, he began to run and soon vanished up the trail.
Far up the trail, a man shouted, "Run! Get away!"
Young-joon desperately fended off blows from the two men trying to flank him. He thrust his torch at their faces when they moved in. Jumping back, they retreated a few paces, watching him warily as they inched forward again. He dared not take his eyes off them. His skin prickled in fear at the thought of the third man circling in at his back. It would not take long for the three men to overwhelm him. There was no other who could help. He cast a quick despairing glance at the servants further down the trail, wishing they had regained consciousness. If he fell to the robbers, what would happen to his cousin? He could not bear to think of the worst. After they were done, for certain, she and her maid would be killed and thrown aside like rubbish.
Anger took hold of him. No. Not if he could help it. He was not going down alone. One. At least one before he was incapacitated. His knuckles whitened as he readied himself to rush. Which would it be? His eyes flicked between the two men before him.
Kyoung-mi pulled at her maid's hand, willing her to stop her whimpering cries. If there was a chance, they had to do what Young-joon wanted. She doubted they would get very far if the robbers chased them but if her suspicion was right, they would be too busy to bother with two helpless women. Hopefully. She eyed the third robber who was reaching the position to strike at Young-joon's vulnerable back. One good strike and her cousin would go down, never to rise again. The one-sided fight inflamed her. She knew it was folly but she was not going to stand idly by to watch her cousin struck down in a hopeless battle.
Taking hold of a fallen package beside her, it took her some effort for it was heavy, and threw it at the third robber. He staggered and grunted in pain when it struck him on his shoulder. He scowled in her direction. He had been happy to ignore her thus far but now, his attention was on her. How dared she strike at him? Snarling at her interference, he took quick steps to her, the club in his hand rising as she glared defiantly at him. The maid screamed in terror as the club descended but it did not reach its target.
There was a loud crack. The club flew from the robber's hand. Shocked, he stared at his empty hand. Another shout. She blinked when a shadow came between her and the robber. A flurry of thuds. The next thing she knew, the robber was lying unconscious on the ground. She stared in astonishment and looked up. It was not a shadow but a stranger armed with a staff.
The maid's scream distracted Young-joon. He gasped in pain when one of the two robbers took advantage and darted in to score a hit on his abdomen with his club. Gritting his teeth, he bore the pain and swung his torch wildly to keep them away. Then out of nowhere, someone appeared and moved up beside him. The third robber? What foolishness to move so close to him! Before Young-joon could attempt to burn him, the man leaped forward, staff whirling at speed. Not expecting such resistance, the robbers tried their best to parry but their weapons were bashed from their hands and they themselves were knocked down to the ground.
Stunned, Young-joon watched dumbly as the strange fellow knelt down beside the groaning robbers, seeming to be checking them for injuries. Standing up, he turned to face him, his mouth moving. With a start, Young-joon realized the young man, for he could see him more clearly now, was addressing him.
"Are you all right?"
"..am I.." Young-joon blinked before shaking himself out of his shock. "Yes, yes, I wasn't expecting...I mean.."
He looked at the robbers and then at the young man in amazement. How had a slight fellow, half a head shorter than him had taken down three men in so short a time? Why, he looked as if a strong brush of wind would blow him away. Young-joon did a double take when he saw the package strapped to his back. He fought with that on his back? Realizing he was gawking like a fool, Young-joon suddenly remembered his manners. He bowed hastily.
"May I inquire as to our deliverer's identity?" he asked.
"I'm fortunate to be able to help," said the young man. "I'm Seo Yong (Yunbok's alias). Are you on the way to the temple?"
"Mr Seo, a thousand jeol would not be enough to repay you for your kind and valorous deed," Young-joon said gratefully. "I'm Han Young-joon of Hansang. I am escorting my cousin," he gestured to Kyoung-mi who was still sitting dumbfounded on the ground, "to the temple to deliver our annual donations when we were set upon by these robbers."
Yunbok looked at the packages strewn on the ground, the horse that stood blinking placidly nearby and nodded thoughtfully. He pointed to the two bodies back down the trail. "Are those are your servants?"
"Yes they are." Young-joon eyed the bodies with both anxiety and annoyance. "These robbers came on us unexpectedly. They were knocked unconscious in the first attack which left me to fend off these three."
"I'll check them out, you have better see to your cousin."
Young-joon stood stock still in surprise when Yunbok walked easily down the trail. Was he not tired at all? He gazed after him, vastly intrigued. Shaking his head, he made his way over to his cousin who was talking softly to the maid still snivelling away.
"That was a foolish thing to do, Kyoung-miya," he scolded. "You should have run when I told you to."
"What? And leave you with all the fun?" she retorted facetiously. "Will you stop crying, Heon-sook. You're safe now." She shook the maid gently, trying to snap her out of her fright.
Young-joon looked up as Yunbok came back with the two servants. Their grimaces of guilt and shifting eyes betrayed their cowardice. Clearly, they had regained consciousness a while ago but had continued to lie on the ground out of fear. Young-joon found their behaviour deplorable. Would they have continued to play dead if the robbers had their way with the women? Understanding they were under censure, they dared not meet his eyes.
"Is your cousin all right?" Yunbok asked solicitously, seeing that she was still sitting on the ground. A red flush crept up her face though he could not see it in the amber glow of the torch. She did not speak. Instead she nudged Heon-sook who had to clear her throat before answering in a wobbly voice.
"We're fine. We just need a little rest."
That assurance appeared to satisfy him. Turning to Young-joon, Yunbok gestured to his head. "Both of your servants suffered knocks to the head but should be able to continue with the journey. They should rest a full day tomorrow."
A moan from the ground near them caught his attention. He looked down at the third robber curled up into a ball, cradling his arm. Frowning, he bent to examine him, carefully feeling the limb. Broken but a clean break. Looking searchingly around, he went off the trail before returning with a short branch stripped of leaves. Using it as a splint, he bound up with the arm using strips of cloth torn from the robber's jeogori (jacket). He looked up to see everyone staring at him with fascination.
"Don't you want to continue on to the temple?" he asked pragmatically. "We should bring along these three as well."
"What?! Why?" Kyoung-mi asked angrily, forgetting herself as she brushed down her chima. She finally stood up, taking the jangot (outer coat) from Heon-sook.
Declining to point out the obvious, Young-joon only said, "Yes, we should do so." Turning to the servants, he said. "You and you, tie up the other two. Then get the horse over here and pick up all the packages."
"Can you stand up?" Yunbok said to the erstwhile robber with the broken arm.
"Yes...yes, thank you..sir," the man replied, grateful for the hand Yunbok extended to him. He stared down at his feet with shame and dejection.
Shifting the bundles on his back to try to get more comfortable, Yunbok silently cursed the extra load he had to carry along with his belongings. The rope had cut into him painfully during the fight. If anything, he would have thrown them off before the engagement. Ha but then master Park would have him running the wood trail for the next month. Even though he was far away, his master always had a nose for sniffing out secrets and he wasn't about to make more trouble for himself. Sighing softly, he helped to gather up the packages. The maid looked at him timidly as he handed them over, as if afraid he would bite or something. What a fainthearted lass.
By the time all the packages were collected, the other two robbers had regained consciousness to stand on their feet. After rekindling the torches that had gone out, Young-joon made sure Kyoung-mi was secured on the horse before setting off. One of the servants wavered uncertainly as he took a step. The burden on his back swayed. Yunbok thought he was probably still suffering the effects of the blow. Rather than have the servant falling over, spilling packages and picking them up, Young-joon elected to carry the packages himself despite protests from Kyoung-mi. He had the servant light the way instead with the torches. Yunbok brought up the rear with the three woebegone robbers. Close up, he examined them keenly, noting the raggedness of their clothing, the gauntness of their frames. Impoverished peasants from the look of it. Where were their families?
Ahhh, but he was so tired. He could look into the problem on the morrow. That was, if they could all reach the temple. After another hour or so of trudging up the trail, the dark shape of a pagoda could be seen in the distance. Lights appeared, growing brighter and brighter. In the glow of the torches, Young-joon was tiring visibly. Kyoung-mi could see he was struggling. Well so he should, he was the scion of a good family, not a poor laborer. It was magnanimous of him to help.
"Cousin, put the packages on the horse. You are not used to this kind of work," she said, glancing at the approaching shape of the temple pagoda. It would not do for him to arrive in such a manner.
"No, I'm all right." Young-joon tried to straighten his back. Let it not be said he had not the strength to carry a simple load.
"We are getting near the temple. It should only be a short walk, please, let me get down." Kyoung-mi said reasonably. "I also need to stretch my legs."
"She is right, master Han," Yunbok said. He too, could see that the young man would not be able to hold up for long. "If we put all the packages on the horse, it will lighten everyone's burden."
"Indeed you're right."
Young-joon capitulated for his shoulders were aching painfully. He deposited his load on the ground as Heon-sook followed suit. As there were no loading racks, the servants carefully unwound a few of the ropes that bound the packages, arranged them in two lots before tying them up again and putting them on the horse. Young-joon exchanged places with the servant carrying the torches and they set off again. Eventually, they reached the Iljumun. The stone path sloped upwards and led to the steep flight of stairs leading to the main courtyard of the temple. One of the servants led the horse to the trail winding up to the temple while the rest took the stairs.
There were no other lights at the stairs except their torches. Kyoung-mi tried to be careful as it was hard to see. Even so, her foot missed a step. She stumbled and gave a little scream as she fell backwards. Surely she would cut her head on the sharp edges of the stones. Young-joon looked back, startled. Heon-sook turned at her cry, her hands reaching out to grab Kyoung-mi but missed. In horror, she watched as her mistress slipped away. Only to fetch up against the young man who had come to their aid. Hands on Kyoung'mi's upper arms steadied her and she found herself looking up at Yunbok who quickly pushed her upright.
"Be careful," he said and looked at Heon-sook. "Hold on to your mistress's hand, it's not safe to walk up these steep steps in the dark."
Embarrassed at her failure to perform her duty properly, so eager was she to reach the temple in anticipation of shelter and rest, Heon-sook quickly took hold of her mistress's hands.
"I'm sorry, mistress," she apologized, hastily moving to Kyoung-mi's side to support her.
"It's fine." Kyoung-mi said abstractedly, nerves tingling from her momentarily fright. They continued to climb. Eventually, they reached the temple courtyard. By then, legs were shaking from the long haul up the long flight of steps.
"Are you all right?" Yunbok moved to support a shaky Young-joon as he staggered to a stop.
"Just a little tired." His legs were quivering so much that Young-joon thought he would fall flat on his face. He was grateful for Yunbok's supporting hand, envying his acquaintance's strength and stamina.
"Evening service has just ended," Yunbok said, looking at the dharma hall where monks were filing out. Noting the visitors in the courtyard, three monks approached them. Seeing them, Young-joon made an effort to straighten.
"Amit'a Bul." The monks bowed, hands clasped before them.
"Amit'a Bul," Young-joon said, bowing back. "I am here to deliver our annual donations on behalf of my family. My cousin also wishes to spend a day in meditation and prayers. I request the hospitality of the temple, if I may."
"Indeed, it is our honour to offer it, master Han." The leading monk with a kashaya replied. "I am Venerable Jae-seung. The kindness and generosity of your gifts is much appreciated and will provide much relief to the needy. Please, brother Jung-won will show where your cousin will stay."
One of the monks moved towards Kyoung-mi who bowed her thanks. After a quick glance at Yunbok which he did not notice, she followed the monk to the guest quarters with Heon-sook at her heels.
Stepping up respectfully to Jae-seung, Yunbok said, "Venerable Jae-seung, master Park has sent me with a new type of paper for your perusal."
He could hardly wait to to be rid of the extra weight. Definitely, it was one of his master's sly ways of testing his endurance when he could have sent one of his colleagues instead. A clatter of hooves announced the horse's arrival at the coutryard.
"Oh! We have been anticipating this new sample he mentioned in his letter." Jae-seung smiled at Yunbok, eyes alight. "My brother here will take charge of the pape." At his gesture, the other monk stepped forward to take the paper load from Yunbok. "But come, you must be tired after such a journey. Please, join us for the evening meal." He turned away and then stopped when he noticed the tied up haggard looking trio standing behind the two young men. "They are...?"
"They attacked us on the way here," Young-joon explained as Yunbok released the men. "I believe something can be done for the injuries they have suffered. My servants are also wounded and could also use some medical care."
"This one has a broken arm." Yunbok pulled the gravely injured man forward. "The other two have bruises and knocks to the head."
"I see." Jae-seung nodded, hardly surprised to hear of the attack. "We will dress their wounds and send them on in the morning. Brother, please show these men and master Han's servants to the medical hall."
"Blessings of Buddha on you, sirs." The three men bowed repeatedly to Yunbok and Young-joon before stumbling after the monk and the servants.
Smiling, Jae-seung gestured to the young men to follow him. By the time Yunbok was shown his room, he was ready to collapse. He was utterly exhausted. After putting the staff away carefully in the corner, he tossed his own pack and gat onto the low desk in the room before lying on the floor in relief. That stack of papers was probably the weight of two horses. Every bone in his body seemed to ache. His feet were going to develop blisters, they hurt! Master Park was a real slave driver. The journey to the temple was worse than the wood gathering expeditions. Tired, he was so tired. His eyelids drooped.
"Excuse me, may I come in?" said someone outside the door.
Yunbok groaned, he just wanted to roll over and sleep. Nevertheless he got up and opened the door to see brother Jung-won with a basin of water and a towel. Ahh, he could really use a wash.
"Much appreciated." Yunbok bowed his thanks as the Jung-won placed them on top of the bandaji.
"Please refresh yourself. Venerable Jae-seung awaits you, I'll show you where he is when you're ready." Jung-won turned to go and stopped when Yunbok put up a hand.
"Brother Jung-won, do you know when those three men would be leaving tomorrow? I would like to have a word with them."
"I believe they would leave after morning service but I'll tell them you would like to speak to them." Jung-won did not show any curiosity that Yunbok would want to speak to the robbers. Not overly nosy, Yunbok supposed.
"Yes, that will be fine."
Removing his winter tosi (wristlet covering), he bent over the basin and splashed warm water on his face. It was refreshing. He felt better but Yunbok suspected that he would be snoozing off halfway through dinner. That would be extremely rude to his host. He had never felt so tired in his life. He heaved a sigh and straightened himself. Best to get it over with, then he would get a good night's sleep until late morning. But no, he slapped himself in dismay as he remembered there was the pre-dawn service to attend. It was discourteous not to. Oh why oh why did his master have to send him to the temple?
One thing at a time, one thing at a time. Heaving another sigh, he wet the towel and wiped his face, neck and hands. Straightening his weary shoulders, he put on his gat. He went out of the room and followed Jung-won to one of the small reception rooms off the main hall where Young-joon and Venerable Jae-seung were waiting for him. His nose twitched at the aroma of hot food. Dinner was simple fare of rice, soup and seasoned vegetables but it tasted like ambrosia to both Yunbok and Young-joon who were very hungry from their exertions.
"Mr Seo, where did you learn to fight?" Young-joon asked curiously, once the remnants of dinner was cleared away and they sat sipping their tea.
"Fight?" Yunbok laughed deprecatingly. He had not fallen asleep after all as he had feared although he really desperately needed to rest. "I'm afraid my master would say I was dancing rather than fighting," he shook his head. "The element of surprise is always a turning factor in any struggle. Circumstances were to my advantage, I'm afraid I have no real skills at fighting."
"You're too modest."
In the clearer light of the oil lamps, Young-joon was surprised to find that although his companion had the complexion of someone who worked outdoors, his features were fine and delicate. Or perhaps delicate wasn't right but he did look somewhat vulnerable. How old was he, he wondered.
"If you had not come as you did, I have no doubt my life would be forfeited or worse, I would be seriously injured. My cousin would have been at their mercy. I shudder to think what might befall her if it were so." Hastily, he pushed aside the morbid thoughts and raised his cup to Yunbok. "As parched earth welcomes the rain, Mr Seo, mere gratitude does not suffice. If you do not mind, I hope to have the honor to call you friend and brother. Brother Seo."
"It is my honour, brother Han." Yunbok returned the toast. Jae-seung looked on benignly as the two young men sealed their friendship with another toast.
"You must be a new apprentice at the paper mill. How is master Park nowadays?" he asked Yunbok.
"Not really a new apprentice, Venerable. I've been with master Park for three seasons now," Yunbok answered respectfully. "My master is in fine fettle when I left him."
"Yes, I should hope so," Jae-seung laughed, thinking of his past encounters with Suk-kwon. "What samples did he send with you?"
"My master has recently been experimenting and refining the fiber processing stage to produce thinner sheets of paper. He is keen to know if they would be suitable for the production of books," said Yunbok as he recalled the finicky fuss and days of backbreaking work his master had inflicted on everyone at the paper mill in his experiments.
"Hmm, thinner sheets." Jae-seung frowned. "The King's continual effort to educate the masses has greatly increased the demand for books. Durability has always been the criterion in selection. If the new paper pass the test, more resources can be conserved. If this new type of paper works out, it will greatly enhance productivity." His eyes wrinkled as he considered the possibilities.
"That is the thought of master Park, sir," Yunbok said.
"We'll have a look tomorrow." Jae-seung paused and seemed to think. "Has there been much turmoil in Uiryeong lately?" He smiled at the young men's incomprehension. "There has been an influx of the needy coming to the temple. We learned a great number of people in other provinces have been displaced due to the catastrophic effects of the earthquake."
"I'm afraid I have no information on that," Yunbok said apologetically. "I have not been to the town for quite some time but there was no trouble in the hamlet where I stay."
"Uiryeong is relatively quiet at the moment," put in Young-joon. "But I am hearing reports of crop failures and displacements. My father will have news of recent developments when he returns."
"Please do let me know if there are changes. For now, it's best that you have your rest."
Young-joon and Yunbok got up deferentially as Jae-seung took his leave. They made their way back to their rooms, declining the guide of Jung-won as Young-joon was familiar with the temple layout. It was almost third watch. Yunbok could barely stifled a yawn. He was looking forward to a few hours of sleep. He shivered for it was dreadfully cold. He thought longingly of his heated room and bedding.
"You work at a paper mill, brother Seo?" Young-joon looked at the bright moon, wishing he could have some warm wine to enjoy this autumn night.
"At a village along a keulikeumal about three miles east outside Uiryeong." Yunbok was having similar thoughts. "What about you, brother Han?"
"Oh, my family is in merchantising, specialising in distribution of various goods in Uiryeong and other towns. We are located near each other, brother Seo." Young-joon was delighted at this. "It will be easy to visit. Is your family staying at the village too?"
"No, I have no family in the village. I'm staying by myself at the house by the paper mill."
Young-joon was surprised to hear that his friend lived alone. Though he hardly looked like a married man, surely there would be family? He was certain he could not be much older than he himself. There was every probability that brother Seo was a younger son, forced to leave home for some reason before he settled down. One or two of his friends who were younger sons, were tossed out for one reason or another, mostly due to their intractable characters and reputations that brought much grief to their families. However, he did not think brother Seo was such a person. Too, judging from his speech, accent and cultivated air, he was most likely a scholar: a Yangban (noble) or Jungin (middle class)?
"My father is currently sourcing for available paper mills to fill the demand for paper. I don't believe he has a business contract with master Park," he said.
"Master Park supplies mainly to the nearby temple and the smaller retailers in other outback villages," Yunbok explained.
"Oh, but does he not have any contracts with merchants in Uiryeong?" Young-joon was surprised at the unusual setup.
Yunbok understood his bewilderment at how his master ran his paper mill. "As paper is a main staple of our daily lives since we used it in almost everything around us, my master desires to make the supply of paper readily available and cheaply to the poorer people. The main bulk of our paper, which are mostly medium grade, is set aside for this purpose. He sells the high grade papers directly to the government contract he has in Hanseong."
Young-joon was impressed. "I see. Your master is a magnanimous and astute man. Would he take up a contract with us, do you think?" He paused at the inner courtyard to look at the moon.
"... wouldn't it be good to have wine," muttered Yunbok as he followed Young-joon's gaze, his thoughts faraway.
A moonlit night, two people of one heart and yet at odds. A shattered night, full of pain, guilt and regrets. Forget, forget. He wished to forget. It seemed so long ago and yet he never seemed able to let it go. Always, always, he would think of her whenever he saw the moon. Where was she now?
"What's that?" Young-joon grinned. "I was just thinking about that, Brother Seo. A bottle of warm wine to accompany this night blessed with the moon so bright and fair."
"Unfortunately, a bottle of wine will permanently incapacitate me. That will be rude to our brother monks here if I miss morning service," Yunbok laughed, coming back to the present. "But regards your question. I believe my master may accept a contract with your father if he offers it. I can't gaurantee it though."
"I will discuss it with my father when I get home," Young-joon promised.
They stopped outside Yunbok's room, to his relief; he was ready to drop. "Goodnight brother Han."
"Goodnight brother Seo, I'll come by later to make sure you attend morning service. No worries." Young-joon grinned cheekily before making for his own room.
Korean Words
Bandaji - cabinet
Chima - skirt
Jeogori - jacket
Jeol - bow of respect
Keulikeumal - river / stream / creek
Tosi - wristlet
