9th Daehan 1794
The next morning, Suk-kwon gathered all the workers at the workyard and announced that the paper mill would be shut down. No one was surprised. They had thought it would not be in operation for that season. With the drought running concurrently for three years, it was getting more and more difficult to find unimpaired mulberry trees. No one was unhappy either when told they would only be paid on the days they worked. The news was accepted prosaically. For the rest of the winter season, they would be preparing for the new year and spring with high hopes of seeing the end of the drought.
The last batch of fibre was duly pounded though they were not completely cleansed. Given the coarse quality and short work in the processing, the end result would not even be marketable. Rather than waste the fibre, Suk-kwon had it processed. The end product would be a much more coarser hanji that could be put to other uses. Those who would usually be out gathering mulberry branches were sent to the woodyard to divide up the wood and distributed it to the rest of the village. Someone went down to borrow an ox and a cart, thus making it an easier task to send the wood.
As the houses would be shut up, Jeong-hyang packed up the perishable food and went down to the workers' compound to have a word with Ae-young. She was surprised to hear that the entire family would be making a trip during the winter, especially in such times. Unable to hold back her curiosity and worry, she queried as closely as she dared in the hopes she might be able to help. To set her mind at ease, Jeong-hyang told a story of an urgent need to visit her relatives and the convenience of travelling with the troops. At that, Ae-young asked no more but said she would mind the fowls and the houses. She accepted the food, wishing her friend a safe journey and an equally safe return.
When Jeong-hyang returned to the paper mill, the workyard was crowded with men, laboring to complete the paper processing. From the looks of it, everything would be completed the next day or so. With Pokkot in tow, she began to look through the clothing and items to pack. What would a soldier bring along with him? She had not had the slightest idea but supposed there would not be anything special. With such a cold winter, she only had to make sure he had all the necessary winter and spring clothing. Since Suk-kwon did not indicate she had to make the uniform, she supposed Yunbok would collect it when he report in. At this late date, there was no time to tailor a suit alone unless she had help.
Pokkot was full of questions when she saw winter and spring clothing selected. Where were they going? Why? How long would they be away? When would they be back? She had to be satisfied with the answer that they were going to stay with a relative for a while. It was rather sudden but she thought it might have something to do with oppa. There was that strange incident in the kitchen the night before. Not that she understood what was going on but a trip would be exciting for they hardly went anywhere far away.
At the workyard, P'ado could not help but scrutinised Yunbok whenever their path crossed, trying to see the "court official". But aboji was aboji, there was nothing unusual to show at all. What kind of court official was he? What rank? Did he live in a large house in the capital? Why did he really have to leave? Was kunaboji an official too? These thoughts whirled in his mind all day long as he pounded the mulberry fibre and checked the drying hanji.
After a quick inspection of the work, Suk-kwon decided that they would be able to leave the next day. By then, most of the paper would be dried and stored. After a brief discussion with Yunbok, he made his way to Uiryeong. At the eastern gates, a company of soldiers had gathered. He recognised them as part of the troop levies. The officers looked harried as they checked out each man's name against a list before finally ordering the troops to come to attention.
The gate guards demanded his district and town tablet before he was allowed to enter. He skirted the company, eyeing the officers and men. No one he knew. His own company would be one of the last to leave and not too soon, in his opinion. He made his way to the Han residence. Old master Han came out to greet him when a servant informed him who had come to visit.
"Old friend, you need not come out all the way," Suk-kwon said with some concern when the old man came puffing into the courtyard, "it's very cold out here."
"Tsk, I'm not at death's door yet," scoffed old master Han as he led the way to the main study room.
"Where are the young ones?" Suk-kwon said as he glanced around for it was quiet. Usually there would be voices reading or laughing in merriment.
"Both of them are with Young-joon at the warehouse. Sit. Sit," old master Han waved to the cushion as a maid brought in the refreshments. "With his trip to take more than a month, he wants them to help in his stead. I'll be over seeing to make sure they don't trip over themselves."
"They're a little young to try a hand at the business, aren't they?" Suk-kwon sipped the hot sujeonggwa with relish as the maid left and closed the door behind her.
"With the elder coming of age soon, better he familiarise himself with the horse now than later." Old master Han set down his bowl carefully on the soban. "When are you setting off?"
"The day after tomorrow. We will be here in the afternoon. Then..," he hesitated, thinking of several possible results from the discussion to be held.
"As I understand it, Young-joon asked to be present when the truth about his father is revealed to P'ado. What are you expecting?"
"Hopefully, nothing untoward. Much depends on that letter. Hak-sun will have left instructions. If he were prudent, he would not reveal any further details of that incident since it will not benefit his son," Suk-kwon said sombrely.
"You are expecting something towards family inheritance and such," old master Han nodded. "Such assumptions are probable. However, such things are hard to fathom. Something innocuous may lead to something dangerous. We have encountered it many times," he said wryly.
"True," Suk-kwon sighed. "Seo Yong is well aware of that and is much troubled over it."
"We will do what we can. The men will arrive tomorrow morning. I will detail them to keep away all others during the session so that none may inadvertently overhear," old master Han paused for a moment. The next topic was touchy and heart breaking. "For this coming mission, if it turns out awry .."
"I will not be able to do it," Suk-kwon sagged helplessly. "I'm too close to him... I can't..."
"Will he do it himself?" old master Han said quietly. It was what he thought Seo Yong would do, he knew his young friend did not lack courage but Suk-kwon might interfere.
"How can I ask him to do that?!" Suk-kwon hit the soban before him, making the bowls jumped in the air. "Sorry."
Old master Han waved away the apology, knowing his friend's feelings. It was how he felt too. Granted, he did not understand why it must be so but who were they to question an order from the King? "One of the men will have to do it. But if none can get to him..," he said.
"No, it will not happen that way," Suk-kwon declared vehemently. "It won't!"
"Nevertheless, old friend, you must be prepared for it," old master Han said gently. "Does the wife know?"
"Does it matter, she will follow him." It was a bitter prospect to Suk-kwon, to lose two people close to his heart. Would he be able to live after that? Life would be empty, so empty.
"I see."
There was really nothing else to add. Old master Han heaved a sigh. He had no intention of informing Young-joon of what may befall Yunbok if he were discovered. His son would have guessed his friend would be taken to Hanseong but not the fact that he would be dead before that happened. It would break his son's heart to have to lose two friends. "We can only pray. You will report in the next day?" he changed the topic abruptly, not wishing to dwell further on a tragic ending for the forthcoming mission.
"Yes. We will collect the official plaques and papers at the offices. A merchant caravan, travellers and Young-joon's group will go with us part of the way. It should be an easy journey until they reach Siheung. You are sending two of your trusted servants?" Suk-kwon said, glad to be talking about something else.
"Yes, it should be sufficient. How long do you estimate the journey to take?"
"From here to Siheung, optimistically it might take three weeks. But," Suk-kwon waved to the closed windows, "with this hard winter, progress will be slow. Four weeks or more. That will really cut it close. If we are late, I do not know what might happen. If we arrive on time, it will be less than a day to Hanseong."
"I am not sure it is wise to designate him a junior officer." That was the old man's major worry for Yunbok had no military experience.
"I know." Suk-kwon understood his friend's anxiety. "He's not trained in any drills nor would he be able to issue credible commands, he knows nothing of military regulations and so forth. You know that accent of his. Although it has been steadily overlapped by his living here, it's still there and will give him away. He has to stay above the average grade. An ordinary soldier has no reason to be called into consultation with a renown painter at odd and long hours, it would be commented upon. I can train him up along the way just so he won't fall flat on his face. He can say he's recently promoted for this special event."
And of course, Yunbok could not barrack with the rest of the men but he did not mention the last reason.
"The men will pick up any slack if there is a mistake," old master Han sighed. "I have to admit I never expect this development. Considering the drought these three years, I was anticipating other drastic measures."
"I'm sure his majesty has his reasons," Suk-kwon was sure he knew the motivations, "assuring the people is his priority. What better way than to show his filial piety? He must be certain the new year will usher in a cessation of the famine, we are having a cold winter after all. This event will mark a propitious year and a new era with the inspection of the progress of the fortress at Hwaseong. It should be close to completion."
"It will indeed assure the people, besides reducing the burdens on the southern provinces. Hmmm, it is not easy to feed so many soldiers," old master Han mused, thinking of the enormous effort that must go into acquiring provisions. "I can imagine this is also an opportunity to root out the incompetents."
"About time too," Suk-kwon snorted, "some officials waxed fat by doing nothing. They should start worrying over their jobs if they can't perform." He clapped his hands in satisfaction at the thought. "Well, I'm off to the jilcheong. Until tomorrow, old friend. I will see myself out so stay in this warm room!" He got up and left quickly so that old master Han need not trouble himself.
If his friend thought he was old, he should look at himself too, old master Han shook his head. Ahh, they really should be retiring and living peacefully. Not rushing about to carry out his Majesty's wishes. It was a joke really, Suk-kwon used to declare he was semi-retired but he seriously doubt any of them would be retired truly. Perhaps not until the day one of them could not get of bed. Now that would be finally retiring. He held his hands out to the brazier. Since Young-joon was putting up with Kyoung-mi, he would send a letter and a gift. How he would like to see her and her son at least once. Perhaps he could make a trip down himself in summer, he could use getting out somewhere far away for once. Yes, he would so inform her.
At the jilcheong, everything was almost in a state of constant motion. Men were trooping in and out, papers were almost flying, brushes whipping to and fro as clerks noted down detail as each man stepped up before he was waved towards attendants standing at the entrances, showing them the tablet he was given. After which, he was directed to the storerooms to get his gear. Usually, troops would be kitted out in their respective villages but the current magistrate wanted tighter supervision in light of the important occasion. Every equipment had been shifted from secured village storehouses to the jilcheong.
Rather than wait in line, Suk-kwon stepped up to one of the clerks the moment he was free. He showed him a tablet, forestalling whatever the man was about to say. Seeing the tablet, the man got up immediately and went to the back room to return with a bound sheaf of papers. Carefully, Suk-kwon checked through each document, making sure all was in order and stamped properly before he rolled up them up again. With a nod of thanks to the clerk, he left and returned to the paper mill where the work was slowly winding down.
With so many hands concentrated on completing the paper processing, all of the fibre were soon processed and spread out to dry by the end of the day. Just before he dismissed the workers, Suk-kwon had a show of hands to know how many were called up by the troop muster. Less than a dozen hands popped up. He nodded before handing out the payment to every man who thanked him profusely before he left. The workyard was soon empty. After making last notes in the ledger, he carefully tied up the money pouch before storing it in his house. During dinner, P'ado was surprised to hear that all of them would be making a trip.
"Is that why the paper mill was closed down?" he had thought it was due to the drought. "Where are we going, aboji?"
"To ajoshi Han's house tomorrow, then to Siheung." Yunbok wondered if he should bring his brushes.
"Why Siheung?"
"To visit an old friend, ajoshi Han's cousin." Maybe he should not bring anything at all, Yunbok decided as he looked at the brushes. It would be best to make do with whatever was at hand. His old master's brushes would do.
"I have not packed your clothes, P'adoa, so you should do that after dinner," Jeong-hyang broke in.
"Why are we visiting ajoshi's cousin?" P'ado was puzzled at this sudden visit out of the blue.
"Because your aboji has to take part in the King's procession. You can't go with him all the way to Hanseong so you are staying with ajoshi Han's cousin," Suk-kwon said, watching as the children's eyes grew round in astonishment. "Some of the others working at the paper mill will also be taking part. You saw me asking who had to report in."
Aboji to be part of the important procession? The children stared at Yunbok in astonishment.
"What about you, ajoshi?" Pokkot was sure the older man would have to go along too.
"I will be participating too," he smiled at the girl's delight.
Excitement flared in P'ado as he tried to imagine the grand spectacle. "Will we be able to see the royal procession?" he asked.
"When they pass the towns."
"But wait, you said the parade takes place in spring, why are we going so early?" Did it take many weeks to get to the capital, P'ado wondered.
"Aigoo, do you think we can fly there?" Suk-kwon laughed at that notion. "It takes many days to get to Siheung. Your father and I have to fo further north to get to Hanseong. That will take weeks. Of course we have to start early."
"Why can't omoni, Pokkot and I accompany you to Hanseong?" P'ado thought it would be better if they go to the capital. The view would be much more grand.
"Tsk, you're not thinking. Many thousands of soldiers are taking part, the capital will be crowded. There will be little space for so many. The security will be very tight so people who do not live in Hanseong are unlikely to have easy access." Suk-kwon shook his head at P'ado's abashed expression.
"I suppose I must pack most of my clothes since we will be away for so long, omoni," he said to Jeong-hyang who nodded.
With the prospect of an exhilarating trip, he quickly finished his dinner and went over to Suk-kwon's house. This would be his first trip outside the village, far from Uiryeong. What would he see? Spreading a bojagi on the floor, he took out his clothes from the ichungnong, made sure there were proper pairs before stacking them up neatly on the cloth. What else? He turned when the door opened behind him.
Suk-kwon sat down and fingered through the pile of clothes and nearly laughed for all of them were winter clothing. "Are you planning to wear winter clothes in spring?"
"Oh." P'ado clapped a hand to his head at the oversight and shifted the bottom ichungnong to the top.
"Tsk, think carefully over where you are going. What are the seasons, then list out what you need to bring; starting from head to toe," laughed Suk-kwon.
"Winter then spring," P'ado chanted as he rummaged through the chest to bring out the thinner linen joegori and paji. "Head to toe. um ... combs, ah ...pungcha, jeogori, tosi, baeja, paji...beoseon!" he said triumphantly, brandishing socks.
"Anything else?"
"Well, no, since I'll be wearing the shoes I have." P'ado did not think there would be anything else.
"Do you think it will rain?" prompted Suk-kwon, not surprised the youngster was in disarray with more exciting matters to think about.
"Jipsin and namaksin." P'ado looked to the door.
"Bring along some spare cloths for emergencies. There is also one other important item. Money, bring along some money." Suk-kwon shook his head.
"Oh true." P'ado looked into the chest and brought out his money pouch. "What do you suppose I can buy, ajoshi?"
"Who knows? Since you are going on a long journey, do not just tie the pouch as you used to do. You have to be more careful so I advised you to secure it tightly by going over twice around the waist," Suk-kwon pantomimed winding a string around his own waist, " and do not show it too obviously when you need to buy something. It is after all, your hard earned money."
P'ado nodded, his exuberance ebbing as he began to think more calmly of other necessities he must bring. Also rising to the fore were other questions he should have aired earlier.
"Ajoshi, there's one thing I don't understand," he said contemplatively, "I thought you said aboji will be in danger if anyone knows where he is. Won't going to Hanseong expose him?"
"Ah! There's some hope for you yet," Suk-kwon grinned when the boy made a face, "but you are right. It is a risk but because so many soldiers are mustered for this occasion, there is every chance no one will notice him among them."
"Why does he have to go?"
"Because he cannot refuse an order from our master." Suk-kwon wondered if the boy would be able to make the connection.
Unable to refuse an order from whom? Who could order aboji about? P'ado frowned. His eyes widened as realisation struck. He stared at Suk-kwon. "Not... not," he stuttered, his money pouch dropped to the floor as fear took hold of him. Suk-kwon put a finger to his lips, pleased that he had deduced it.
"That is why, to all others, your aboji is simply someone who has been summoned for the procession, do you understand?" He reached out to take hold of P'ado's shoulders. "He will be all right. There will be people protecting him. You can help by not talking too much about your aboji. Should anyone ask," he smiled sadly as the boy nodded vigorously, suddenly very much aware that he himself might inadvertently cast Yunbok into danger through a loose tongue, "you can just say he is a simple worker at the paper mill, which is true, and teaches at the seodang in the village."
"Yes, ajoshi, I understand. I will be careful in what I say," P'ado said solemnly before he picked up the money pouch. "Is that why you are going with him? To protect him?"
"Yes." Suk-kwon wondered if the boy would spew the question, surely he would suspect by now.
"Then are you actually here to protect him all this while?"
"Very good, P'adoa. Indeed. But I also live here as well. This is my home. I don't look upon your aboji as a task. I look upon him as my family."
"Ajoshi .." The sincerity and affection in Suk-kwon's voice touched P'ado deeply.
"Enough, finished your packing." Suk-kwon gestured to the clothing. "Make sure to double check what you have. Have an early night. Tomorrow, we will store all the papers and make sure everything is locked up tight before we go."
"Yes, ajoshi."
P'ado gazed after the older man with a mixture of awe and turmoil. This man had always been ajoshi to him. More than ajoshi, he was like a second aboji. Now that he knew there was another purpose to to his protectiveness over Yunbok, he did not know what to think. Nor was he clear as to how he should regard aboji. It seemed that overnight, those who were closest and dearest to him had become extrinsic unrecognizable strangers. He was no longer sure how he should relate to them.
Slowly, he checked his clothing, shoes and money before tying them up into separate packs, thinking all the while. Was it even important to know what they were? It did not change their affections towards him nor his to them. They were still aboji and ajoshi. Scolding himself for his own silliness, he prepared for bed and began to think of what he would see, things he might buy. A thought struck him and he grinned hugely. Seong-cheol and the rest of his friends would die of envy when they hear where he was going.
In the back room of Yunbok's house, hands pressed gently on the floor of the western corner. A long panel of wood dropped. Yunbok pulled it up. Reaching into the hole, he brought out an old painting tube. Uncapping it, he shook out the thick roll of paintings. It seemed incredible he had painted so many through the years. How time had flown. He flipped through them. Each painting bringing back a little gem of memory. He did not look up at the sound of a closing door or the soft click of the latch. Soft movements about the room before feet approached.
"Don't tell me you want to bring them with you," she said as she moved the brazier closer before sitting next to him. She picked up the pile of paintings he had gone through.
"Of course not. I thought I'll just look through what I have done before. Like meeting old friends," he smiled as he looked at the painting before him. "Do you recall this one? That spring day... the day we rescued P'ado and Min-soo."
"How can I forget?" she murmured, smiling for it looked as if the sun had specifically shone on her. "Do you know I've never really look through all your paintings. Only those that you want me to choose to sell."
"Oh, you have not?" He looked at her in surprise. "Why did you not say so? Here, I'll bring the oil lamp closer so you can see better." He brought the tunggyong nearer.
Huddled in the corner, they spent a few hours going over the paintings, steadily flipping back the years. There were several on the trip to Chinhae, fishermen, peddlars, people and the ships at sea. Not all were genre paintings, there was a mixture of landscapes and portraits as well. The thick pile in front of Yunbok grew thinner and thinner until finally there were but a few paintings left.
"Was there a problem with the ink?" she said as she looked through the last several paintings.
"Why do you say that?" Puzzled, he looked at the painting she was holding. "Ah, I see what you mean. These last few were painted before I met master Suk-kwon. I was diluting the remaining paint I had as I did not have the money to buy more."
"Whatever happened to this one?" She held up a much worn, crumpled paper with smudged ink. It looked as if drops of water had fallen all over, making the paint run. It was a painting of a young girl and an old couple sitting under a tree against the backdrop of a stream and a mountain.
"This one..," he hesitated before sighing. "I drew it from memory.. a reminder ..."
"Of that girl and her family?" She peered at the girl's face; very young. The older couple with her must be the parents. All three wore shabby clothing but there was joy and comfort in the old folk's faces as the young girl tended to them. "You drew this out of guilt."
"I did." He took the painting from her as she regarded him worriedly. "I cried every time I looked at it. With much regret and pain, for my failures. For my inability to help. If she had lived, she would be around thirty-two or so." He cocked his head musingly and turned to catch her anxiety. "I'm all right," he said simply, shaking his head as he placed the painting with the rest, added the latest paintings he had done and rolled them up tightly before slotting the lot into the painting tube.
"Are you going to bring your seals this time?" she watched as he replaced the painting tube in the hidey-hole.
"No, there isn't any need for it. I will not bring my brushes either because I will use master Danwon's." He looked around, wondering if he had missed anything. He checked the items again; manuscript, painting tube, seal pouch, old tablets. Satisfied, he sealed the secret compartment. "That's that. We have better turn in."
The brazier was shifted to the corner before they settled in the bedding.
"I packed most of your winter clothing and the summer linen," she said, staring into the darkness. "Do you think you'll be able to send letters?"
"I'll have to ask master Park about that." He was not sure if he would have the time but he would have to send her a message now and then so she would know he was fine. "As to how long I'll have to work with master Danwon, I have no idea."
"Did he say you're to assume some other identity?"
"No. Since he made no mention of it, I assumed I will go as I am." He heard her sharp indrawn breath and restless stirring at that. "It must be safe if it is so," he said soothingly.
"Sing me a song?" she tapped his nose gently, tweaking his false beard playfully as she resolutely focused on the moment.
"Little goose." He touched her face tenderly.
A fishing rod held aslant
I go to streamside covered with mossey pebbles
The line is without a bait
but all fish still flocked to it
With a taste for barley rice acquired
why should I envy eight delicacies?
With old hemp clothes suiting me
what's the use of silk at all?
Korean Words
jilcheong - offices of the clerks
ichungnong - bi-level stackable chests
Korean Poems
A fishing rod held aslant
I go to streamside covered with mossey pebbles
The line is without a bait but all fish still flocked to it
With a taste for barley rice acquired
why should I envy eight delicacies?
With old hemp clothes suiting me
what's the use of silk at all? - author Jeong Hun (1563-1640)