10th Daehan 1794
With the cold of winter, the papers left out to dry were ready for storage the next morning when Suk-kwon and Yunbok went to check. Together with P'ado, they piled the papers into bales and shifted them into the warehouse. After which, they moved all the racks and remaining equipment into the work shed, stacked all the pots and cleared the stoves. By the time they were done, it was early afternoon. After a last minute check of belongings, the houses were closed up. Yunbok and Jeong-hyang lingered for a while at the gates, looking back at the house they had spent thirteen years in before following the others down the path to the village. They made a brief stopover at Chang-sun's house to hand over the keys to the locks for the houses before making for Uiryeong.
At the eastern gates of Uiryeong, there were unusually more soldiers than usual that seemed to mill around without purpose. They showed their district tablets to the gate guards and were allowed in. Several voices called out to them as they walked past; workers from the paper mill and several villagers, unrecognizable in their military uniforms. They clustered around, sharing whatever news they had before an officer came by and barked out orders. Hastily, the milling soldiers assembled before they were marched away.
They continued on their way to the Han residence, passing a crowded marketplace where people did more browsing than buying. The jumak were just as busy. All of the customers did nothing more than order hot drinks to warm themselves. The soaring price of side dishes balked even those with money to spend. When they arrived at the Han residence, Young-joon received them warmly and had them shown to their prepared quarters. P'ado was promptly hauled away by Young-woo and his brother, Young-bae, eager to share gossip and mischief. Knowing P'ado would be fully occupied, Young-joon took the opportunity to have a word with his friend.
"You don't have to volunteer," Yunbok said without preamble as he placed his packs on top of the bandaji.
"I can't sit around. I can't," Young-joon said bluntly. "When will you tell him?"
"After dinner. To hear of ill news, it is unwise to do it with nothing to fortify the body." Yunbok held out his hands to the brazier as he sat down. "Master Park has already told him a little of mine and his father's background. However I can see the confusion in his eyes; he is not sure where he stands with us."
"He will certainly be more unsettled once he knows everything. Aboji would also like to sit in on the discussion." Young-joon hoped his friend would not find the request presumptuous. "If you have no objections."
"He is more than welcome but it will look like everyone around him has a secret pertaining to him. How much trust will he put in anyone in future?" Very little, Yunbok felt. If he were in P'ado's shoes, he would be extremely bewildered, everyone around would be suspect.
"What is the whole point of having the discussion and keep something back?" Young-joon said reasonably.
A cough at the door interrupted them. Suk-kwon opened the door when Yunbok answered.
"We have to go down to the jilcheong to get you registered," he said, beckoning to Yunbok.
"I'll go with you," Young-joon said, more to bolster his friend's courage for it was obvious Yunbok was extremely nervous. There was no one about, except the servants when they went out.
"What do I have to do?" Yunbok tried to keep his jitters out of his voice as they walked to the offices.
"Just say you're reporting in as ordered and show the clerk your hopae. He will give you a military tablet, that's all," Suk-kwon said soothingly, aware that Yunbok was antsy.
Was that all there was to it? Yunbok tried to tramp down images of being arrested instead. "Don't I get my uniform? And whatever?"
"Your uniform is with old master Han."
"I don't understand."
"You're not going as an ordinary soldier, you're a junior officer." Suk-kwon chuckled at the amazement on Yunbok and Young-joon's faces.
"But I don't know..," Yunbok began to protest in horror. Officer? What did he know of commanding troops?
"Don't worry, I'll train you along the way. We have more than three weeks. I'll make you an outstanding deputy!" Suk-kwon laughed, giving Yunbok a hearty thump on the shoulder as he exchanged a look of disbelief with Young-joon.
Surely this must be some mad notion of his master's. He was sure to fumble. What was he to do should some other out ranking officer come by and took him to task for some duty he had to see to? What was it officers do anyway, besides ordering the soldiers about? A nudge from Young-joon broke Yunbok out of his anxious musings to see that they had arrived at the jilcheong. Trying to still his racing heart, he followed Suk-kwon in while Young-joon waited at the gates. The bustle was more temperate as most of the men who were to report in had already done. There were fewer men waiting in line.
As he stood behind Suk-kwon, Yunbok listened as the clerk asked for his hopae in a weary voice. How many men had he attended to for how many days? It must be tiring, Yunbok thought. Then it was his turn. He dumbly showed the man his hopae. The careless scribble in the book the clerk wrote reduced his unease, how was anyone to decipher it clearly from the rest? The clerk reached out to grab something from a wooden box on the table and a tablet was shoved at him. With a little bow of thanks, he turned away with relief but was halted by Suk-kwon's hand as he was about to head out the door.
"Over here."
Suk-kwon led him to another clerk seated alone right at the back. There was a quick exchange he could not catch. The man examined the papers presented to him and nodded. Instead of rummaging in a box, he opened a chest and handed something to Suk-kwon and him. It was two small red metal plaques strung together with red thread. Before he could examine them further, Suk-kwon nudged him, indicating they should leave. Whereupon he strode out with great relief to see Young-joon pacing restlessly outside the gates. Clearly, his friend was worried too, judging by his grin of relief when he saw them.
"What are these?" He waved the plaques at Suk-kwon the moment they were a distance away from the jilcheong as Young-joon tried to get a look .
"Don't lose them. They identify you as part of the detachments assigned to escort the painters. See that stamp?" Suk-kwon pointed to the word incised into the metal. "That will excuse you from other duties so no other officer is to give you any orders that are contrary from your appointed task. Unless it is a dire situation, that officer will really need to have a big head to even try."
"That is certainly a relief. I simply just follow the painter around then." Yunbok felt a weight lifting away from him.
"That and carry out his wishes, look to his comforts, makes sure he has all he needs," Suk-kwon said drolly, aware of whom they would have to fetch and carry for.
"Ha! We're just glorified lackeys," sniffed Yunbok, a little miffed as he carefully put the plaques away in his money pouch.
"Not just that, we also need to do our duty in making sure all is secure along the journey for the King."
They paused outside the gates of the Han residence as Young-joon gave the knocker a rap and called out.
Suk-kwon switched the subject abruptly. "When are you telling him?"
"After dinner," Yunbok said.
"Very well, I will give you the details of the journey we will be making after that," Suk-kwon nodded. They trooped in when the gates were opened. "One of the plaques has to be secured to the jeonnip, we have better ask Hyangya to do it."
"I'll get his uniform," Young-joon said. He left them at the daecheong, sending a maid to get Jeong-hyang while he made his way to old master Han's study room.
As they sat there chatting, P'ado galloped by with Young-woo and Young-bae through the courtyard. He stopped when he saw them. Curious to know what they were about, he went to join them. As equally inquisitive, the boys sat with him, listening to the conversation quietly. Not long after Jeong-hyang came by with a panjiggori (sewing box) borrowed from Su-dae. Young-joon turned up with a neat pile of clothes, a pair of boots, a broad brim jeonnip and a paegeom on top. Yunbok's eyes widened at that. Did he have to carry a sword around with him?
Suk-kwon read the doubt on his face as he stared at the sword. "As an officer, you have to. Only when you're on duty. Give her the plaque."
"On the jeonnip?" she said as she examined the plaque Yunbok handed to her.
"On the front."
Suk-kwon picked up the hat, pointing to the spot above the coloured band around the bottom of the crown. She set to thread a needle with the appropriate thread. Yunbok picked up the paegeom. From the gleam of the scabbard, it was new. He drew forth a bright shiny blade.
"I'll get mine so you can do the same." Suk-kwon got up and went to his room.
P'ado itched to touch it for he had never handled a real sword before. "Can I look at the sword, aboji?" he said.
"Be careful with it," Yunbok warned as he slipped the blade back into the scabbard. He handed it over to P'ado who received it with near reverance. Young-joon smiled to see the similar look of awe on his sons' faces. Were either of them interested in a military career?
"Swords are somewhat obsolete, considering that a rifle can shoot someone down long before you can get within striking range," he said as he watched the boys examined the sword carefully.
"True," Yunbok agreed, "but the shooter is at a disadvantage if he misses. I doubt if a person can reload within the time a sword wielder gets to him."
"What do you suppose the shooter will do? Stand there like an idiot to be taken down?" Young-joon tried to imagine what he would do in such a situation.
"Ha! Then he deserves to be taken down," Yunbok laughed. "The natural instinct will be to retreat, failing which, he can simply just use the rifle barrel to ward off any sword strokes. But, consider, between a bow and a rifle, which is better?"
"Hmmm, a bow is better. Takes less time to fire again," Young-joon said after thinking for a while. "Less noisy too. However," he shook his head as a vision popped up before him, "it's somewhat useless if there are no arrows."
"He can try to jab the sword wielder with the bow," said Yunbok.
"I think a cannon is better. It can kill many within an area," P'ado opinioned as he handed the sword to Young-woo to examine.
"What is this? Let's not talk of destruction please," Jeong-hyang said with some annoyance, not relishing the talk of death.
At that, the topic was dropped. P'ado wanted to try the sword. His request was rejected, much to his disappointment. The last thing Yunbok needed was for accidents to happen so he took back the sword once the boys had examined it to their hearts' content. Suk-kwon came back with his hat, almost as similar except that it had a broad coloured band at the bottom of the crown.
As Jeong-hyang sewed, worries came bubbling up within. She strove to keep her hands steady. P'ado's comment on cannons only served to increase that anxiety and she could not help snapping out. The sight of the dongdari, the paegeom would cause many sleepless nights. There would be no peace for her until he returned. She touched the jangdo in the sleeve of her jeogori. Would she blood an unused blade on this trip? It would be selfish for there was Pokkot to consider. The thought of her own father and what had happened to him came to mind. What befell him would also happen to her if she tried to stay on. Of that, she was absolutely certain. She did not want to live the shadow of a life that was not. It would not bring happiness to the children.
She tied off, snipped the knot and handed the jeonnip to Yunbok. "Here."
"Put it on, aboji," P'ado urged eager to see how Yunbok would look like in the uniform.
"Not now," Yunbok shook his head, he would only put on the entire ensemble when it was time to do so. "I'll just keep these in the room first."
Gathering up the clothing, he returned to his room and placed them on top of the bandaji, thinking of the many problems that could crop up. Danwon would not be the only painters tasked to paint the parade. Surely the royal painters from Dohwaseo would be similarly engaged. He fingered the boots thoughtfully. Would he run into old friends, old classmates? What was he to do should they come face to face? In the event he was recognized and caught, if he was beyond Suk-kwon's reach or any of the trusted men, what would he have to do? His master had not raised the issue. He should for this was by far, the most dangerous assignment he had to undertake.
He knew why Suk-kwon had said nothing. His mentor would not be able to strike. The last strike must come from himself. What would entail if a dead body was brought forth? Dressed in men's clothes? That would not do. He would have to try whatever means to get rid of the outer trappings. Or perhaps to try and do it in such a way, there would be nothing left. That was the best solution. What would she do when she hear what had happened? That touch on her jangdo, he sighed and looked up when someone called at the door. Time for dinner, where had the day gone?
Hiding his tumult, he joined the others for the evening meal. Old master Han welcomed him warmly and exhorted his guests to enjoy themselves. He had gone to great expanse, Yunbok thought with a pang as he looked at the dinner for there was bap. The clothes and the sword, old master Han must have provided them too. He wished he could repay the old man for his generosity and kindness.
Despite the underlying tension, everyone chose to touch on various light topics which made for a convivial meal. When the women and the two boys came to join them, the gathering became more convivial as they took turns to tell an anecdote each. Overhead, the moon continued its march. The streets outside became quieter as people returned to their homes when injeong sounded.
"It's beginning of second watch," observed old master Han when a servant appeared, "it is time to turn in." His announcement was more for the benefit of Su-dae and his grandsons.
"Indeed, our journey begins tomorrow," Suk-kwon nodded as the women murmured assent.
Su-dae got up and gestured to the boys who retired to their room after bowing to everyone. She herself returned to the anbang.
"Not you, P'ado," Suk-kwon said as the boy made to leave as well. "Your room?" he said to Yunbok who nodded. He gestured to a dark figure nobody had noticed was waiting at the porch. The figure made an acknowledgement and disappeared.
"Come, P'ado, there are things you must know," Yunbok said as he went up to P'ado who suddenly looked nervous.
"N...nnn ...ow? Aboji?" P'ado stuttered, immediately guessing what it was. No one had told him it would be tonight! He had thought it was more than a month away, in spring. He was very much afraid of what he would learn. "C.. can't this wait till we come home from the trip?"
"No, it is time."
Yunbok headed for his room. P'ado turned reluctantly and followed. He tried to remain calm as Yunbok gestured to the cushion before the desk. The rest entered and settled themselves about. Suk-kwon checked that the corridor outside was deserted. The sentries were posted at either end to prevent anyone from walking past. Satisfied that all was secured, he nodded to Yunbok. He and Jeong-hyang ranged themselves to form a small square with P'ado and Yunbok.
A slight chill crept up P'ado limbs despite the braziers set about the room. He fought to still his trembling. The urge to leap up and run away, shouting; I don't want to hear! was strong. Here was the moment he was waiting for and dreaded at the same time. His mind whirled, his feelings in conflict.
"What did master Park tell you?" Yunbok almost smile when P'ado almost jumped a foot above his cushion.
"Ah ... only that you were once a court official and that ... your life will be in danger should anyone know of your whereabouts." P'ado tried to still his eyes, they kept blinking so.
"True. I will have to tell you the beginning."
Yunbok paused for a moment. Having considered the matter of how much to tell the boy, he felt he would have to let him have a better idea of his own childhood.
"I was born to a poor family, my father was a Royal Painter who worked in Dohwaseo. My mother was once a gisaeng. We lived on the outskirts of Hanseong after father left Dohwaseo. Before he resigned, he was embroiled in a political struggle between rival factions of the court. As a key witness, he was suspected of holding evidence that would be detrimental. Hence, assassins were sent to retrieve the evidence. My parents were killed and I alone survived."
"Aboji.." Shock riveted P'ado. He would have said more but Yunbok held up his hand and briefly recapped his childhood with the Shin household, his entrance into Dohwaseo and all the events that happened thereafter.
"Using whatever traces that were left, we painted Prince Sado's portrait. This incurred the rival factions' enmity. The rich merchant desired revenge against my master and I so he maneuvered us into competiting against each other in a public show down. However, my master outwitted him. The result was a stalemate that caused him to lose his entire fortune. His Majesty had been waiting for this moment and ordered his arrest. He was able to escape with the aid of his loyal servants. However, he was later killed when his conspirators decided he was a liability. As for me, I would have been killed too for exposing their plot so I was ordered into exile. I can never use my pen name nor can I to use my signature painting style," Yunbok paused. "Do you have any questions?"
P'ado could only stare at him, trying to absorb what he heard. Meanwhile, old master Han sighed, understanding at last why his young friend had to lay low. Since the boy had no questions for the moment, Yunbok continued, glossing over his wandering year and more on the incident with Kyoung-mi.
"The rival faction was looking for me, driving up the prices of my art work. With the emergence of a new painting, the art gallery proprietor spread the news that resulted in the theft of the painting and an attempted kidnap of ajoshi Han's cousin. However, we took steps to muddy the water by flooding the markets with many replicas. All painted by me such that no one could tell which was the original painting. In the end, all were dismissed as fakes. Your father, Hak-sun," Yunbok paused as P'ado straightened, "was hired to kidnap ajoshi Han's cousin."
"What?!" P'ado said in disbelief. "How can that be? Didn't .."
"Wait, patience. We knew what would be attempted and lay in wait for the kidnappers. I defeated Hak-sun. He was sentenced, along with his accomplices, to hard labor for the crime. A year later, we came across your mother and adopted you. I did not run into Hak-sun again until eight years later when he was released. He searched for your mother and discovered that his own brother, desiring to own his properties and monies, had driven both mother and child out. Hak-sun told me he arranged for his brother's death, in revenge for what he had done and came seeking me because he blamed me for the lost of his family. If I had not defeated him, he would have prevented his brother's schemes. At that time, his Majesty had sent me on a mission. If you remember, omoni and I on a business trip."
Ah! So that was it, P'ado recalled that period and listened avidly and anxiously.
"Our mission was to ferret out a foreign spy. When your father caught up with me, it was on the road to Chinhae. We had another fight. It was then he discovered you are alive because I had the pendant your birth mother gave you. He gave up his desire for revenge. I was ready to return you to him. He offered to serve me as payment for having saved you and giving you a home. I was reluctant at first but finally agreed. So we went to Chinhae. He pretended to be a servant of omoni. We found out who was the spy but she was one step ahead of us. Your father was approached for his services by her compatriot for she knew he was an assassin. He agreed because he knew by doing so, he could find out what she intended. Moreover he was afraid we would be embroiled in her scheme. The matter became complicated. Omoni was kidnapped. In the ensuing struggle, in his attempt to protect omoni, Hak-sun was killed."
Silence filled the room as Yunbok ceased to talk. The boy had a glassy look in his eyes, was he in deep shock?
"Where...where is aboji buried?" P'ado wiped tears away from his eyes with his sleeve.
"Chinhae," Yunbok said softly, watching him keenly.
"You said omoni was kidnapped. Why? Where were you?"
"She was kidnapped because the spy knew we were sent to find her. She intended to eliminate the two of us. I was unable to prevent it because I believed the place where we stayed at was safe and secured. I rushed to the place the spy wanted me to be but I was too late to prevent Hak-sun's death."
"What happened to the spy?" anger in the boy's voice.
"She killed herself."
"Why? Why would she do that?" P'ado did not understand. Surely escape would be foremost in the spy's plans?
"Hers is a tragic story. All I can say is, she chose to end herself when she realized promised riches and status were meaningless to her. Hak-sun left me a letter in the event he failed." Yunbok reached into his shirt and brought out a letter. "He also left this for you."
With trembling hands, P'ado reached out to take the letter. He was surprised to see it was still sealed. But of course, aboji would not read it. For a long moment there was silence as he read the letter. Old master Han spent the time musing over what he had heard for he had not known that much of Yunbok's history. Young-joon wondered what would the revelations bring forth as Suk-kwon, Yunbok and Jeong-hyang exchanged glances and waited.
When the last sheet of paper was finally put down, P'ado said nothing but the droop of his shoulders, his bowed head and the silent tears that fell was a revealing picture of his sorrow. Gratefully, he accepted Jeong-hyang's embrace and cried quietly as the rest patiently waited in sympathy.
"P'adoa, has Hak-sun left any instructions for you?" Yunbok said when the boy grew calmer.
"Y...yyes." P'ado took a deep breath. "He wants me to claim the inheritance he left me."
As expected. Would it be somewhere far away? Yunbok hoped not. "Where do you have to go?"
"The southern farmlands outside Siheung." Wiping his tears away with a hand, P'ado offered the letter to Yunbok who hesitated before taking it to read. He skimmed through quickly until he found the information he wanted and read the last several lines.
I have some things you should inherit once you come of age. I left them with a friend, Mun Ui-sik. They are the deeds I spoke of and the monies. He is a friend I trust most to hold them for you. When last I left him, his home is outside Siheung, the southern farmlands. He should be there still. When you find him, tell him mangjong. He should know who you are because I sent him a letter sometime ago to tell him all is not lost.
My son, I am sorry not to be by your side. To guide and see you grow into your potential. I am not sorry I gave my life in service to the man who saved and raised you. In a way, by serving him, I also serve this land which I have sworn to protect. I go with peace in my heart.
"Siheung. It is well. We are headed there." He folded the letter carefully and slotted it back into the envelope before giving it back to P'ado. "Master Park?"
"Siheung is where Jeong-hyang and the children will stay for the duration of this mission with Young-joon providing escort." Suk-kwon gestured to the rest to come nearer as he brought out a map and spread it on the floor. "We are travelling north-west," he traced the route with his finger, "with stop overs in several towns along the way. Accommodations for the troops have been arranged. It is up to us to make sure we arrive on schedule," he glanced at Yunbok who nodded. "The company comprised of a hundred and fifty soldiers, most of which will detach at Hwaseong Fortress. Seo Yong and I, with the remaining soldiers will continue on to Hanseong."
"Will we be allowed to keep pace with the soldiers?" Jeong-hyang asked hopefully as she patted P'ado's shoulder who was listening distractedly.
"Yes, since we are travelling in the same direction." He smiled when she heaved a sigh of relief. "Your accommodations have also been arranged. We set off tomorrow, second watch. Meet at the western gates since we will have to report in for duty at the eupchi."
"Aboji, did abonim leave any further words with you?" P'ado broke in as Young-joon was about to ask a question.
"I'm afraid not. The only words he left was the letter found among his belongings. It's very much similar to yours in his aspirations for you," Yunbok said regretfully. He wondered what the boy was thinking of as he fell silent. The grief and shock in his eyes was expected. To come to terms with what he had learned, he needed time to recover.
"P'adoa, go to bed. You need rest," he said, getting to is feet. "Come."
He took hold of the unresisting boy's arm and nodded to Jeong-hyang to provide support on the other side. Moving like a marionette, P'ado let himself be led to his room and tucked into his bedding. Feeling as if he was a little boy again, he clutched at Yunbok's arm as he was about to leave.
"Aboji, tell me a story?" he said pleadingly.
Understanding he was feeling vulnerable, Yunbok sat back down as Jeong-hyang settled on the other side. She held P'ado's hand and patted it gently as Yunbok related a few of his favourite stories. It was doubtful the boy was really listening as he stared at the ceiling blankly but he could hear the familiar assuring voice. It took a while before his eyes finally closed in sleep, the letter held to his chest. Blowing out the candle, they left the room silently and returned to find the others waiting patiently though old master Han had apparently decided to retire for the night.
"He's resting," Yunbok said to the unvoiced question of the other two, "but I expect him to be off balance for the next several days. He needs time to assimilate what he has learned."
"Questions will arise," Young-joon nodded, "I am not sure I will be able to help him very much in those. What he needs is you, most of all."
"I know you feel I'm too precipitous," Yunbok knew what his friend did not say, "but there are other mitigating factors and a promise to uphold. Jeong-hyang will have to handle whatever doubts and questions he has once I take up my duty."
"I will try my best but Young-joon is right, you should be there," she said.
"I will do whatever I can," he sighed, feeling he might not be adequate to the task. He changed the subject back to the mission. "Is a hundred and fifty soldiers the usual complement for a company? When the main body remain at Hwaseong and the rest of us leave for Hanseong, won't we stand out?"
"No," Suk-kwon shook his head. "It has been planned meticulously. Each company from the southern provinces has a small number of troops, equal to our own, assigned to different tasks. They will not be taking part in the military exercises, as will we."
"How is this explained?" Yunbok said.
"This is a special occasion. An opportunity for rural military officials to demonstrate their capabilities." Suk-kwon was skeptical any of the officers would see a change in their positions. "It's just an excuse for us but good luck to those who put in the effort."
Young-joon touched on the next important question. "I understand that if there is need to contact either of you, the message will have to be directed to the specific detachments for the painters. What if there is an immediate need for attention?"
"Someone will be sent to your cousin's home with a message after we have embarked on our task. He will act as a courier," said Suk-kwon confidently, "but you must understand that it will still take us some time to respond. The man we send will try to help in any way he can."
"It will have to do," Young-joon said reluctantly; given all the complicated organization and personnel for the parade, there would be too many obstacles to overcome.
Yunbok raised a particular point that had been worrying him. "I have been thinking. Given that painters are greatly in demand for this parade, will not I be running into my former colleagues? It makes no sense they are not be given the same tasks and assisting."
Suk-kwon understood his concern. Despite assurance that he would not be recognized since so many years had passed, there was still the off chance someone would be astute enough to guess who he was. Painters were more sharp eye than the others. "Master Danwon is working with the court painters but he is in charge of assignments. To prevent overlaps, they have been given different subjects to focus on. He will know how to avoid the others."
"Why make me an officer?" That was the point that had been prickling Yunbok.
"Officers will have their own quarters to bunk in and you need privacy to do your work. It will be odd if master Danwon is noted for having consultations with a trooper. As an ordinary soldier, you will be in the barracks with the others. You cannot just disappear without reason for long hours. In addition, where are you going to hide yourself when you paint? In the outhouse?" The others could not help but laughed when Suk-kwon pinched his nose and pantomimed painting. "I expect that we will end up sharing quarters because there is a limit to space. We are guaranteed to have a room, that has been emphasized."
"I never thought of it that way," Yunbok said, chagrined. His momentary alarm died as quickly as it raised its head the moment he heard 'barracks with the others'.
"Don't worry over mistakes. If anybody asks, you can say you have been recently promoted to the rank. This often happen when important occasions occur. Soldiers are sometimes temporarily given the rank if there is a shortage of officers."
"A winter march is difficult, isn't it?" Yunbok tried to think of the problems that would beset them.
"That is true," Suk-kwon nodded. "Armies will not march in winter but that is not to say they won't when there is need. When they move anywhere in any season, provisions and other equipment are brought along. Provisioning is the pet headaches of those at the Byeongjo, generals and officers. The men will be carrying their own belongings. The rest of the military items are transported in carts. Fresh supplies will be available at the towns we stop at."
"What are the usual things to be done when we stop for the night? What do I do?"
"Because it is a winter march, the men will encamp in the minga (housing compounds for commoners within and outside towns) in the towns. It's troublesome for the local populace but they only have to put up for a night. We take turns with the haegun jungwi (sub lieutenant) to make inspections. Just once, generally, to see that the men do not lack for anything, that none had run off. I don't expect any to run, we're not fighting a war."
"Does that mean I will be doing the inspections alone?" Yunbok did not think he would be able to look convincing.
"I'll show you the first time we make a stopover but you have to do it by yourself on other days. If I were to accompany you all the time, it will only attract attention. A few times is fine but always? No," Suk-kwon shook his head. "I'll slot you for a late night inspection, that way, you will not run into any official. That will make you rather popular with the haegun jungwi, he gets to sleep better," he paused when a tap sounded on the closed door. "Fourth watch, we have better turn in. We have dealt with most of the questions there are."
"True, I am tired. See you all later, sleep well." Young-joon left the room.
"Turn in, you two," Suk-kwon said and left as well.
"I'm staying," Jeong-hyang said when Yunbok looked at her.
"Tsk, imagine what our host will say," he chided but lay out the bedding as she locked the door. "If he asks about Pokkot's background," he said a while later as they huddled under the quilt. One of his foremost worries was that P'ado would suspect the girl was involved as well given that she arrived after their supposedly business trip.
"I don't think he will be able to guess it, unless we tell him." She closed her eyes, listening to the familiar sounds of his breathing. This was the last night they would share a room and it was precious to her.
"If he does, we will have to tell him the truth. We will have to trust in ourselves and in him. But only if he asks. Be careful too, that Pokkot does not hear of this."
"I won't even breathe a word of it to her," she sighed. "Promise me you will write immediately when you reach Hanseong. I want a letter every day."
"I promise," he grinned as he hugged her, "I will send one word each day."
"Oh you," she contemplated pinching him and changed her mind. "A word is better than silence."
"Right now, I'm not interested in words." He smiled when she slide her arms around him. "No words but everlasting memory."
Korean Words
dongdari - military uniform/coat
eupchi - offices of the local admistrators
haegun jungwi - sublieutenant (below lieut)
jeonnip or byeongnip - junior officer's hat
minga - housing compounds for commoners within and outside towns
paegeom - double-edge sword