Usu (eul) 1795

"There it is, Hwaseong Fortress." Suk-kwon pointed as the walls of the fortress grew steadily larger as they progressed further along the road.

To Yunbok and the rest, it looked just as similar to the walls of other cities. Farmlands stretched forth on either side; a sea of white to their jaded eyes.

"A city planned meticulously from the inside out. Business, agricultural and transportation centres. Look there," Suk-kwon pointed to a tall tower that loomed over the wall. "Seobuk-gongsimdon. Our soldiers can fire at enemies without exposing themselves. All along the walls are poru, posa, chiseong, bongdon and gaknu. In extreme emergencies, all five chimneys of the bongdon will be lit." He did not bother to remind them of the times the beacon at Namsan was lit. "The geojin are located north of the fortress."

Flags flapped in the cool wind. Soldiers moved along the finished bricked walls that seemed to glimmer with the shine of newly minted coins. Surveillance, signal towers, sentry posts and the incomplete parts of the wall that stretched to either side could be seen in the far distance. A creek with floating pieces of ice ran straight into the city, through the incompleted hwahongmun (a tower overlooking a stream that entered the fortress).

The usual fanfare rang out as they approached the Paldalmun (southern gate). Yunbok peered at the chongan (loophole for rifles / arrows) of the tower and fancied he could discern the faces of the soldiers within. Suk-kwon gestured to Hang-yu and got down from his horse. The gate officer stepped up, a hand in the air to halt the company. Young-joon and a few others from the travelling merchant band joined Suk-kwon as he passed over some papers to the officer. A brief discussion ensued as hats bobbed up and down, papers were shuffled and examined.

His orders finalised, Hang-yu turned away. He bowed to Yunbok and Hong-do before getting up on his horse. Suk-kwon moved to the first five ranks of the troops and rapped out an order. The five ranks stepped forward, including the man with the red banner. Mounting his horse, he waved them forward. They would be the twenty-five men to accompany the trio to Hanseong. Yunbok raised a hand in farewell to Hang-yu who waved back as he led the rest away along with the military provision horse carts. It was unlikely he would run into the affable fellow again for he would be returning with the rest once the military drill was over. By then, the march would be easy. The men would want to get home as soon as possible to help with sowing the crops of the year.

The twenty-five remaining soldiers sorted themselves into two files as they marched further up the road to the Janganmun. Looking everywhere to take in the city, Yunbok spotted bricks, scaffolds, building materials, lifting machinery and workers that festooned the incomplete structures along the far distant city wall. The sight of the machinery fascinated him immensely. He wished he could stop to take a look. The design of certain structures was also unique. All the more reason they should stop! Hong-do grinned in empathy when he caught his eye and twitched his brows in sympathy at their inability to assuage their curiosity.

Suk-kwon pointed to the provisional palace and the Seojangdae where the King would be stationed during the military drill as they passed. The west side of the city was more crowded with the Haenggung in prominence. The commercial hub and residential areas were spread across before it, with the wealthier houses in the north. Across the creek to the east were open spaces with gently rolling hills and farmlands. If there was a seige, the city would subsist on its own food and water supply.

The road they were on was broader than usual. Snow had melted. Small puddles of water lingered here and there. Everything looked pristine, was how Yunbok would describe the houses and shops. There was also an atmosphere of intense purport as people hurried along the streets bustling with workers, carts and soldiers for the great day was drawing near. As they neared the Sipjagaro, the band of merchants who had come with them turned aside, calling out their farewells. That left Young-joon's little group to follow the small troop to the Janganmun. Suk-kwon waited for Young-joon to come forward when the officers demanded papers and identity chits. After close examination, the small company was allowed to continue.

Siheung was their next stop. Yunbok tried to still his anxieties. Everything would be fine, he told himself. When they rested at a jumak later, he could barely eat the food that had been prepared and distributed earlier. He did not notice that soldiers were the only customers at the jumak or see the gesture Suk-kwon gave to one of the men who got up and approached.

"This is interesting, you looked very familiar." Yunbok looked up at Hong-do's bemused voice as he gazed on the soldier who grinned at him.

"Ah hem, yes sir. I told you to run for the ship at Busan," the soldier said helpfully.

"Ah! Yes, the fellow who said I was in a race .. Sonamu, isn't it?" Hong-do was pleased he remembered and turned to Yunbok. "He told me to run and I did, I nearly missed the ship that was to bring me to wherever it was. He was very helpful. He led me everywhere but where I was supposed to go!" He glared at the unrepentant Sonamu.

"Well sir, you know why I had to bring you ... everywhere," Sonamu grinned. "Please, I'm Cheol-ju," he bowed.

"He is one of your escorts," Suk-kwon chuckled at the exaggerated look of dismay on Hong-do's face.

"No, that can't be. Where will he be leading me this time?" Hong-do scowled at Cheol-ju.

"You get to lead," Yunbok said with amusement. "Make him run since he's supposed to be one of your lackeys."

"Ah sir, have mercy!" Cheol-ju begged, pretending to kowtow to Hong-do in fear.

"Send him to one of the sanakbaekhui troupes, he'll do very well as a monkey," Hong-do said in disgust as the other two snickered, whereupon Cheol-yu made a sound as if he was chittering and grabbed his head to protect himself from the chopsticks Hong-do lifted from the table.

"He will guide you, if there is any trouble," Suk-kwon said to Yunbok.

"I will do my best, sir." Cheol-ju released his head to bow to Yunbok who murmured his thanks. With exaggerated relief, he returned to the troop when Suk-kwon gestured for him to go.

"We're making good time, we'll reach Siheung by nightfall. Temporary lodgings have been arranged, we'll set off mid morning tomorrow."

"Well then, shall we go?" Yunbok downed his cup of tea and got up, impatient to get moving, feeling the urge to get everything over and done with.

The other two exchanged a glance. Suk-kwon waved to Young-joon and followed. The troop was roused and they continued north.

"I've been meaning to ask," Yunbok raised his voice and leaned slightly across Hong-do so that Suk-kwon could hear. "There are no relief encampments at Hwaseong Fortress, are they moved?"

"None of the affected sangmin reached Suwon," said Suk-kwon sombrely. "Most were diverted or held along the boundary of Chungcheong. Any that made through the blockades are sent to encampments elsewhere. Since spring is approaching, they will be dispersed and sent on their way with enough rations and seeds to prepare and raise the crops for this year." He indicated the surrounding fields.

"Better to send the peasants back than to clutter up the landscape when the King arrives," snorted Hong-do.

"If they have arable lands to go back to." Suk-kwon nudged his horse nearer to Hong-do. "The worst situation that face the peasants are debts owed to landowners. Many peasants cannot afford to pay."

"I don't believe any of the landowners will be generous in their hearts to forgive the debt," Hong-do shook his head. "These three years not only brought death and starvation but the lost of freedom to many."

"Considering the crisis, can't the King draw up an edict to overlook some debts of the peasants?" Yunbok said as he pondered over the ways the peasants could be helped.

"Oh ho, easier said than done!" Suk-kwon squelched that notion. "It is a commendable charter. Our ruler is wise and kind, he will support it but he will have to ram that through the ministers. What do you think they would say when most of them own lands?"

"It is not as general a brush as you think when it comes to drawing up such a sensitive issue that has an impact on money bags and commerce," said Hong-do. "Those against it will fight it. The King may command it but the proposal will undergo many alterations before the ministers give their support. The final result may not accomplish the objective."

"He has taken steps in strengthening his position all these years, surely he has room to maneuver?" Yunbok lowered his voice further.

"Don't belittle the factions. They may be curbed for now but they're not easily put down," whispered Hong-do. "Never threaten the lions and tigers with a single enemy or they will band for a common purpose."

"It's all moot. It's not likely to happen. I believe we will end up having broken limbs if we continue this way," Suk-kwon pointed to the way they were riding; squashed against one another as they bent their heads to whisper. That the horses did not kick up a fuss was a marvel. They laughed and separated.

"Ho, there!" Suk-kwon turned to the marching men. "It's spring, let's have a song." Cheol-ju grinned and struck up a tune which was promptly taken up by the others.

An anchor cable can measure the depth of the four seas.
But what can be the measure of my Lord's gracious favors?
May he enjoy endless blessings and live ten thousand years.
May he enjoy endless blessings and live ten thousand years.
The bright moonlight on fishing poles,
this also we owe to the King's grace.

Someone called out something Yunbok could not catch. The men swung into another as the first ended. It was a familiar gasa and the trio joined in.

Oh, God, bless our land,
And make it endure
For ten thousand generations without end!

Make the sun and the moon to shine
As in the days of the Three Dynasties
As in the world of Tang and Yu.

For ten thousand years
Make an end to war!

Have the people sing the Song of Cadence of Earth,
Tilling their fields and drawing water from the well;
And let us, too, follow our sublime King,
Make all joy and peace!

Behind the troop, the little group was enjoying themselves as they listened to the songs. Gats and jangot were doffed and faces bared to the warm air and sunshine. Pokkot chattered ceaselessly, happiness shining in her eyes as she looked around at the visible sights of spring. Young-joon was amazed at the change and could not help teasing the girl, that a oscitant bear cub could suddenly turned into a piquant bee. Banters went back and forth, raising laughter which lightened the mood of those around them. The banter changed to discussion of what they would find in Siheung. P'ado was sure there would be many things to see and sample in the city. The sight of Hwaseong Fortress was awe-inspiring. He wished he could visit Hanseong. It was such a rare opportunity to come all this way that he felt he should visit the capital.

Perhaps once he had finished the task Hak-sun had set him, he could persuade Young-joon to bring him to Hanseong. He would have to convince Jeong-hyang first and it was doubtful she would agree. Nevertheless he would try. The best option was if he went with Yunbok but that was definitely out of the question. Earlier, he had seen the three men on their horses huddled together, deep in discussion. It must be something secretive. That brought up forth another matter that troubled him deeply.

Throughout the journey, he had felt a gulf widening between him and his foster parents. Though they spent evenings together at the taverns, the closeness they enjoyed was missing. It never cease to vex him for he felt Yunbok was steadily withdrawing from him. Jeong-hyang was following his lead. Why? Master Danwon asked him so many questions too about his opinions and feelings for his foster parents. What was his purpose? A flash of unhappiness leaped into his eyes. He hastily hid it when Jeong-hyang turned to ask him a question; did he have anything he wanted to buy? Putting on a smile, he said he had no idea at the moment.

The road went by easily as they chattered. They stopped to rest by a jumak before resuming their steady march towards Siheung. The expanse of white which had been a dull companion throughout the journey did nothing to dispel the bolstering thought that spring was arriving. They could see it in the melting ice that sent streams of water flowing through the fields. Farmlands soon appeared. The city walls beckoned in the distance.

The sight of them brought much unease to Jeong-hyang. She quelled it firmly. She had to hold steady to her belief that all would be well or her nights would be long and fretful. Trying to distract herself, she looked across the fields. The distant flow of water was a calming sight. Plentiful life giving water. She blinked. Surely her eyes were playing tricks on her. What was that she saw? Her hand went out to clench P'ado's arm, drawing his attention. She pointed in horror.

Faint shouts could be heard. Puzzled, Yunbok turned his head, trying to pinpoint the noise and saw running figures in the distance, crossing the fields. Two men running with.. no, chasing a woman carrying a boy. What was going on? He kicked his horse in that direction after giving a call to Suk-kwon. The woman was clearly unable to outrun her pursuers, burdened as she was. The two men caught up to her, seized hold of her as she struggled to get away. The boy wailed as one of the men tore him away from the woman as she fell and visibly threatened to dash him to the ground. So engrossed were the men that they failed to hear the approaching hoofs.

"Halt! What do you think you're doing?!" Yunbok shouted as he jerked on the reins to prevent the horse running over the group. It shook its head at the unaccustomed rough handling. The men froze, looking at each other. "Let her go and explain yourselves. Return her child to her," he ordered angrily as Suk-kwon came up with several men.

"You heard him." Suk-kwon glared as the soldiers surrounded the men. "What are your intentions?"

"Please, my husband is trying to repay the debt. Just give us more time!" the woman burst out as she hastily grabbed the boy from his captor.

"Debt collectors. Who is your master?" prodded Suk-kwon when the men said nothing. "Speak!" He frowned when the men stubbornly remained silent. "We'll take them to Siheung, to the magistrate."

Cheol-ju nodded and motioned to the men to move towards the road. They obeyed with an air of nonchalance. Their attitude was disturbing. Clearly, they were confident they would not run afoul of the authorities.

Yunbok dismounted and bent towards the woman but did not touch her. "Are you all right?"

She drew back in fear as she examined him from head to toe. What was it about him that made her afraid? She was pale, thin and raggedly dressed with mud splattered at the bottom of her chima from her run across the fields. He frowned. Gyeonggi was not afflicted by drought, why did she look starved?

"You .. you're not from Siheung, are you?" she asked fearfully.

"No." He turned to his horse and rummaged in his saddle packs to bring out the prepared food he had not eaten that day. "Here," he offered it to her. She drew back suspiciously. "Take it," he exhorted as he crouched down to push the package at her. Why was she staring at him so?

"I'm not from Siheung. We are troops mustered from down south, Gyeongsang province, for the royal procession. Eat," he said again as she continued to stare at him as if she could not believe what she was seeing. As if mesmerised, she ate a little and drank from the container he offered to her. "Do you need help getting back home?" he said. The boy had remained silent all the while, staring at him.

"No .. no. I .. I can go back myself," she stuttered, wrapping up the remaining tteok. "I want to keep some for my husband," she explained when she saw his bafflement and got up, handing the water container back.

"Are you sure?" he said doubtfully as she got up, stumbled a little and began to return in the direction from where she had run from.

"Yes. Wait!" she said as he turned away. "What is your name?"

"Seo Yong."

Puzzled, he watched her when she smiled. It was a most curious smile. He watched as she walked away. There was a familiarity about that smile, where had he seen it? Shaking his head, he mounted his horse and gazed after her, trying to decipher that smile. Suk-kwon who had remained the silent onlooker, nudged his horse abreast of Yunbok.

"You did not ask her about the creditor," he said.

"There is no point, she does not trust me. In this uniform," Yunbok said distractedly.

"She trusts you enough to eat your food. But only after she has a good look at you. That's interesting isn't it?" Suk-kwon lifted an eyebrow when Yunbok said nothing. "Are you thinking what I am thinking?" No answer. He peered at Yunbok. What was he thinking about?

"Are we heading for big or small trouble?" Hong-do asked when they reached him. He had opted to stay where he was when it was clear the situation was under control.

"Why are we thinking that crimes have been committed?" Yunbok said with some surprise as the other two leaned forward to listen, the horses willingly coming together as their riders huddled in conference. "If the woman's husband is a byeongjak (sharecropper), he lawfully owe the landowner a debt. Granted, excessive force is employed to get payment but still .."

"You're thinking it's not possible to abuse the dojobeop (fixed fee system)," Hong-do thought that was too naive a view.

"One-third of the crops as payment. Gyeonggi province does not suffer from the drought. What abuse is there?"

"The dojobeop only works if the byeongjak cultivated new lands or built new embankments. If he does neither of those, he is obliged to pay half, not one-third. What if he has already done them but is forced to pay half anyway?" interjected Suk-kwon.

"Surely there is..," Yunbok trailed off. He was about to say there was a system of checks in place but it would be useless if the officials were not honest. "There is leeway for a beyongjak since he is not beholden to a single landowner."

"Not if they band together." Hong-do did not think anyone would have a chance if there was assertive force from a group.

"Dojiwon is beholden to an individual but if he owes debt," Yunbok thought aloud and looked over to the others, "the rot has to be within."

"It will have to start with those within the hobang, hyeongbang and gongbang. Just one person from each of these departments working hand in hand is enough to cover up any tracks," Hong-do ticked off the points on his fingers as he thought of the various people running the local government. "Without the satto's (magistrate) knowledge."

"Peasants who are not able to pay also means they cannot contribute any taxes -," Yunbok frowned. "The authorities should have stepped in already, judging from what the woman said. Since they did not.."

"Obviously, the harassment has another purpose," Suk-kwon said grimly, wishing they could take action but their hands were tied for the moment.

"How far will they go?"

"Just enough to drive the peasants in the direction they want them to take," Hong-do shifted restlessly. "But if they overdo it ..."

"Foolish are the thieves to kill the chickens that lay the eggs. We can't do anything, for the moment." Suk-kwon wished it was not. "What we need is information on the situation. I do not think we will get it at Siheung. There is however, someone we can ask."

"I'm not sure we should, I don't want to put them in danger," Yunbok objected, knowing what Suk-kwon was suggesting.

"Young-joon can ask this friend of Hak-sun's when he accompany P'ado. Just the current situation, that's all. He need only wait for us to finish our task before we can do something about it."

"What if this friend is also involved? That will just put Young-joon in a difficult spot." Yunbok had no desire to get his friend mired in troubles. It would give him no peace should something happen to Young-joon.

"I trust our friend has the eyes and ears to pass sound judgment when he accompanies P'ado to meet this family friend."

It was the only choice they could make. Suk-kwon hoped Yunbok could see that. If he did not want to find out the cause behind the debt collectors, he need not trouble Young-joon but ke knew Yunbok. How could he walk away, ignored the plight of others when he could do something? Other means could be employed but there was no reason not to use the easiest method at hand.

"Do you suppose a top official is responsible? Considering the proximity of Siheung to Hanseong, it is very bold of this crook, isn't it?" Yunbok switched tack, upset with Suk-kwon's suggestion.

"Phaaugh, there are crooks and there are crooks. Remember that merchant you were sold to? Where was he operating? In Hanseong. Beneath the gaze of the King. So what's the difference in distance? There isn't any. It all depends on how wily they are and the nature of their patrons." He looked Yunbok with some concern. "I'm having a bad vibe. When we hand those men in to the local authorities, stay unobtrusive. Let me do all the talking."

"That is not what I meant regards the crook," Yunbok emphasized heavily.

"You are right." Hong-do recalled how the problem of Kim Jo-nyeon was handled. "He has to know." It was more of a affirmed statement than a question to Suk-kwon who nodded in reluctant agreement after thinking it over.

"They are very confident of themselves, aren't they?" Yunbok indicated with a slight nod towards the two men walking at ease with the soldiers.

Suk-kwon was grim. "I'll take the wind out of their sails in a moment."

As they drew nearer to Siheung, there was more activity along the road. A hustle and bustle of many men with tools and soldiers overseeing the work. They were releveling the road, smoothing it over.

The three looked at one another but said nothing. They stopped at the gates where the local officers examined their papers and allowed them to continue. Within the city, everything was as usual. Residents going about their business with an air of anticipation. Large Ipchun invocations could be seen on the door posts of shops and residences. Wishes for wealth, health, virtuousness and a peaceful death in old age. More legion was the exhortations for great fortune but these were tastefully tacked out of sight.

After letting Yunbok know of their departure, Young-joon led the others away to the east at the Sipjagaro (market road). Yunbok turned to wave to Jeong-hyang and the children, he would see them once more at the Sohn residence before he left for Hanseong. The small troop made their way to the seohwadang and stopped at the gates. Suk-kwon gestured to Yunbok to wait before having Cheol-ju and two others escort the two debt collectors as he went in.

"I'm half expecting those two to come walking out once we're gone," Hong-do murmured.

"I wish I could offer that woman some sort of shelter." Yunbok felt he should have done more but did not think the woman would accept even if he had offered. Her fear and mistrust had been been very clear.

"I think she will hide herself better next time those two pay a visit to her husband," Hong-do suggested, to ease Yunbok's anxiety.

"You think?" Yunbok scoffed and stopped when he saw Suk-kwon coming back with the others and an official. A hyeongni, by his robes. What did he want?

"Master Danwon?" the hyeongni said, bowing politely. "The satto is not in at the moment but I have been instructed to show you to the seoheon. Please follow me."

Murmuring his thanks and appreciation, Hong-do nudged his horse to follow the man. Suk-kwon mounted his horse and backtracked the troops through the marketplace.

"We're putting up with the families in the minga since there are only twenty-seven of us. It will be somewhat of a squeeze but it should be fine. A few of them can sleep out in the barns and stables."

"So what happened?" Yunbok wanted to know.

"Nothing. That hyeongni just nodded to whatever I said and then ordered the men locked up. The investigations will be on hold since the royal procession will take place soon. Such minor disruptions can be overlooked for now and so on and so on," Suk-kwon's voice was bland but there was underlying suspicion in it. "He is not happy when I said I will make a report at Hanseong. You should have seen the faces of those two men when they heard that."

"Trouble," Yunbok said with satisfaction.

"Whoever they are working for will be furious at the attention they draw," Suk-kwon nodded as they turned into the minga.

To their considerable discomfiture, the residents of the minga had turned out in a group to welcome them effusively. No one seemed put out by the fact that they had extra mouths to feed, Yunbok could only suppose they were using military supplies, not their own, which would account for the cordiality.

The family he and Suk-kwon stayed with was small; a couple and two young sons who had not reached the age of maturity. They spent an amiable evening exchanging news with Suk-kwon subtly fishing for information on the satto, the wealthy yangban and merchant families who own lands around Siheung. A few names cropped up which he took note. Of the satto, nothing stood out about him.

Perhaps it was not the satto at all? If it was not him, then suspicion would fall on those who worked at the seohwadang. The talk turned to the royal procession. The family was eager to speculate on the spectacle, how it would be, the archery compettion and so on. It was rather late when they finally turned in for the night with the family sharing the daecheong and anbang, leaving the back room to the officers.

Tried as he might, Yunbok could not sleep. The image of the woman persistently floated in his mind. Why was she so familiar? He felt he knew her but the information he needed to identify her was not within his reach. Other concerns also mobbed him, bobbing about like ships on the sea. Tossing and wheeling behind his eyes as he turned restlessly in his bedding.

"You make a bad bed companion when you have rocks on your mind," complained Suk-kwon softly when he turned over for the umpteenth time. "How did Jeong-hyang put up with you?"

Yunbok ignored the comment about Jeong-hyang, refusing to bite. "What if the matter is not what we preceived? The peasants simply owe debts. Is there nothing they can do?"

"They can run but it's ill advised. Their can try to pay it back with the crops for this year. If they didn't have to pay restitution for their debts on top of their debts, they can clear themselves in a few years."

"There is a third alternative but will they have the opportunity?"

"Appeal to the King," Suk-kwon agreed. "His Majesty will follow the precedent set by his late majesty by personally handling fifty civil suits. His late majesty often did this to understand the circumstances of the people. The chances are there for the peasants to plea their case but if corruption is involved, they will be prevented."

"If Young-joon finds there is fraudulency.," Yunbok muttered.

"Once our task is over, I will notify my superiors so evidence can be gathered. I'm afraid we cannot involve ourselves."

"Will it be too late by then?"

"Late? The peasants are not likely to lose their lives if that's what you're thinking but I cannot predict what will happen." A soft sigh and a rustle. "I am going to sleep, I need my sleep. If you turn over like a spit again, I'll turf you out."

Silence fell after that peevish statement. Tempted though he was to see if Suk-kwon would carry out his threat, Yunbok opted for the better part of valor and stayed still. His mind, however, continued to flip and flop. Would Hanseong be the same as he remembered it? Was his old family house still up there on the hill? It had been so long, someone would have taken it over by now. Should he visit Young-bok's grave? Every year, on the anniversary of Young-bok's death, he could only offer prayers in the direction of his grave from his home. Just this once, perhaps he could drop by before he leave for he was sure he would never return to Hanseong again. Young-bok, he smiled as memories flashed by. He fell asleep.

The next morning, he made his way to the Sohn residence, tucked in behind the larger older compounds in the eastern side of the city. Half expecting his friend to be still abed, he was pleased to find Young-joon was up and about in the courtyard when he rode in through the gates. Drawing Young-joon aside before master Sohn made his appearance, he quickly briefed him on the task without airing his own misgivings. Having seen the incident the day before, Young-joon was agreeable and promised to be cautious when Yunbok reiterated a few times he must be on his guard. The arrival of master Sohn ended the discussion. After customary greetings, he was shown to the daecheong of the anbang where someone awaited his arrival with joy.

"Cousin."

He blinked at the woman bowing to him, hardly believing it was Kyoung-mi. She looked radiant. That was how he would describe her.

"Kyoung-miya," he bowed in return and seated himself as a maid placed refreshments before him. "Time has wrought many changes." He did not bother to hide his astonishment. Was this the same woman he saw at her wedding?

"Have I changed very much?" She put up a hand to her face with concern, gazing upon him with happiness for it had been years, as he had said, since she last saw him.

"The brightness of a blooming mugunghwa," he laughed. "I can see all is well with you."

"I can only count my blessings that fate has bestowed good tidings on me," she said shyly. "An astonishing figure you cut, in that uniform," she offered with a impish grin for he was strange sight to behold. Still the same to her eyes except that he looked a shade lighter. That was expected but it was the uniform and sword he had on that cast a different aspect.

He looked down upon himself and smiled. "When the call comes, I have to answer. I understand master Sohn wants to set up a business branch here. Will this be your permanent residence?"

"I am not sure. He is the eldest and holds many responsibilities. We may well move back to Uiryeong to oversee the principal headquarters and someone else will take charge once everything is settled here." Kyoung-mi did not venture to say that was what she wanted most of all for she missed her family and friends. Walls had ears. She had no desire to land in her mother-in-law's bad book.

"A shorter distance to friends is always welcome." He took a sip from the cup on the soban before him and paused when he tasted wine.

"It's from our stores which has lain untouched since the drought," she said quickly when she saw his hesitation and his surprised examination of the liquid in the cup.

"I see." He accepted her explanation. It would not do to have liquor on his breath but he understood why she would offer it to him. "Words cannot express my gratitude of your hospitality for those under my care."

"We are family, cousin, what is there to thank? How long will your task take?" she gazed at him worriedly for she knew exactly why he had to go to Hanseong.

"It is hard to say. Bright skies may turn to black. I can only pray that it remain free of shadows," he said solemnly, knowing she would understand what he could not say.

"Cousin, the sun will ever shine, shadows will have little say, have faith," she said firmly, refusing to entertain negative thoughts.

"Thank you. My time is short," he said apologetically, "they will be waiting for me at the gates. Is she..?"

"Yes, she is already awake." Kyoung-mi gestured to her maid. "Show master Seo to mistress Im's room."

He bowed his thanks to her before following the maid as Kyoung-mi watched him with sadness. If he failed to return, she was not sure what she could do for Jeong-hyang. Their bond was too deep as she herself had witnessed a few years ago. What would happen to the children? She was sure Yunbok would have left instructions with Young-joon and master Park. No, no, she shook herself mentally. It would not do to be pessimistic. While he was away, she would do her best to see that his family was well looked after.

The walk to the guest rooms was short. Before the maid could call out at the room she stopped at, Yunbok gestured to her to stay silent, waving her away. Acquiescing to his unvoiced directive, she retreated. Once she was gone, he opened the door quietly. She was standing at the opened windows, looking out into the greening garden.

"You promise you will let me know how it is with you?" she said without turning around as he approached, laying his paegeom on the bandaji.

"It's only for a week or so but I will try my best." He stopped behind her. "Everything will be fine, you'll see. I will make it back in time to enjoy the spring blooms with you."

"That is a promise."

"Yes, it is. And if..," he stopped when she turned to embrace him tightly. He could not swallow the lump in his throat to speak for a moment and coughed. "I was thinking last night," he said finally, "to visit Young-bok's grave before we leave. I don't think I will be returning to Hanseong after this."

"All right, if that is what you want."

If he wanted to walk all the way up Bukhansan or cruise the fours seas, she would readily agreed for she was past listening to what he was saying. All had already been said, gone through and trodden every which way up and down. All she cared then was to remember this moment. Only to etch this to her memory in the event that she could no longer hear, feel and touch his presence. They stood there for he did not know how long before he pulled away reluctantly, trying to keep hold of her warmth.

"They're waiting for me. I have to go." He picked up the paegeom and halted when she grabbed hold of the scabbard.

"Wait. I made this for you, let me attach it." She held up a dongsimgyeol maedeup and tassel for him to see and tied it to the small metal hook on the pommel.

"Dongsimgyeol." He lifted the maedeup. "Always, Hyangya. Always. In mind, in spirit .. if I cannot in flesh, I will..in spirit."

He offered her his hand and walked with her out to the courtyard where Young-joon, Kyoung-mi and the children were waiting. As he sat down at the porch to put on his boots, she forestalled him by kneeling down to do it for him. They gazed at each other for a moment before he stood up and walked to his horse. As he passed P'ado, he paused for a moment. Too late, the boy realised that the time later he had taken for granted might only be that precious moment. He was almost in despair at the thought that everything would go awry. Resolutely, he steeled himself to hold firmly to the thought that it would be a safe return for them all.

"Look after omoni."

"Yes, aboji."

P'ado blinked rapidly as Yunbok bent to Pokkot to say the same thing. The grave intense air about those around her was puzzling but she made the same promise, reminding Yunbok to get the best candy there was in Hanseong. He swore he would get the sweetest, freshest and best there was available which pleased her to no end.

"Old friend, I leave everything in your hands," Yunbok said to Young-joon next.

"I will, as I hold my own," promised Young-joon solemnly.

"Kyoung-miya.," Yunbok paused as he turned to her, "I know you will have done everything. Hold no regrets."

"No regrets, cousin. But leave with hope and faith, least you fall to your own darkness," she said.

"Wise words, cousin. I will remember," he said as he mounted the horse. "I will see you all.. later," he said, looking at all of them, Jeong-hyang last of all before turning his horse towards the gates.


Korean Words

bongdon - the surveillance and signal towers

byeongjak - sharecropper

chiseong - fortress bastions

chongan - loophole for firing rifle

dojobeop - fixed fee system

geojin - army garrisons

gongbang - construction, technical matters

hobang - division of census, taxation, finance

hyeongni - legal clerk who processed legal suits, take part in trials, when necessary acconpany plaintiff to scene of crime as investigative officer

Hwahongmun - a tower overlooking a stream that entered the fortress

poru - protruding structure for firing arms

Paldamun - southern gate

posa - building for sheltering soldiers

satto - magistrate

Seojangdae - royal pavilion at the top of Mount Paldal

Sipjagaro - market road

Korean Poems

Oh, God, bless our land,
And make it endure
For ten thousand generations without end!
Make the sun and the moon to shine
As in the days of the Three Dynasties
As in the world of Tang and Yu.
For ten thousand years
Make an end to war!
Have the people sing the Song of Cadence of Earth,
Tilling their fields and drawing water from the well;
And let us, too, follow our sublime King,
Make all joy and peace! - author Pak Il-ho (1561 - 1642)