12th Daehan 1794
Once he set his mind to it, Yunbok knew he would be able to wake up before dawn. He was pleased when it was so. Hang-yu was still rolled up like a ball when he went to the kitchen to put more wood in the stove and heat up the water. Since the last thing he needed was an embarrassing incident, he woke Suk-kwon up after preparing the water and towel. The older man declined his offer to tidy up his hair.
"Tsk, I still have a pair of hands," he said. Truth be told, he was not used to having anyone do it for him.
"I do believe you're shy," teased Yunbok as he watched Suk-kwon combed and bound up his hair quickly.
"Are you asking for corporal punishment?" Suk-kwon glowered, as he put away his comb and tidied up his packs.
"I consider myself duly warn, sir," grinned Yunbok.
"I'm all done." Suk-kwon patted himself down, checking that he had missed nothing and picked up his sword. "Remember to lock the door and don't take too long."
As if he would forget, Yunbok rolled his eyes as Suk-kwon stepped out quietly. Mindful that it would not do to be tardy since the most senior officer was up and about, he finished with his ablution and preparations in moments. When he stepped out, Hang-yu was up and dressing himself. They exchanged greetings amicably as Yunbok cleared away the basin and towels before making his way out.
The chill was just as biting as the night before when he stepped into the courtyard. Was it getting even colder? He imagined the entire company and travellers frozen solid the moment they marched on the road only to melt when spring arrived. Shaking away the silly image, he saw Suk-kwon rousing the men on the far side. Turning about, he went to the houses nearer the entrance, opening the door of each house to call. Some of the men were already awake while others simply huddled together as fowls would. He had to grab a spear from the stack by the door and bang it on the floor to get them up.
The cooks were already preparing breakfast. The clerk turned stable boy tend to the horses while the rest hustled to get ready. To Yunbok's surprise when he returned to the house for his meal, he found kimchibap with jeok. Where did the kimchi come from? There was more bap than the day before as he eyed the spoonful he lifted from the bowl.
"Supplies from Gangwondo, delivered last night," Suk-kwon explained. "The further north we go, our supplies will get better."
"That's really something to look forward to." Hang-yu was gobbling his share with such speed that it was a wonder he could speak and not choke himself. A grain of rice flew up to park itself on the tip of his nose but the others said nothing, preferring to watch it twitched and wobbled before it dropped back into the bowl.
"I'll be requisitioning fresh supplies at the byeongbang. I'll meet you all at the north gates. Chivy the laggards but the faster we're on our way, the earlier we'll reach the next stop over." A long swallow from his bowl finished the tea, a repleted sigh and Suk-kwon felt all ready to face the day's rigours. "Don't take too long," he said before he left.
Yunbok and Hang-yu looked at each other and hurried to finish up. A soldier came by to collect the dirty crockery and utensils as they tidied up the house and double check their packs. Would the dreaded snowstorm occur that day? Grabbing his packs, Yunbok glanced at the dark sky as he made his way to the stable. Just the faintest tinge of red. Which might mean something or nothing. Strapping down the packs and the sword on his horse, he went to oversee the overall assembly, exhorting those who were slow to pick up their pace. Hang-yu went from house to house with a couple of men to check the agungi were put out properly before leading out the horses from the stable. Remembering his promise to rouse Young-joon, Yunbok sent a soldier ahead to the jumak just as paru sounded.
It was slowly getting brighter when they marched out of the minga and up the street. There were as little activity as the night before. The little band of travellers was already waiting when they passed the jumak. They turned north and paused at the gates to transfer over the supplies to the horsecarts while the gate guards hurried to open the barriers. With protesting creaks and groans, the gates widened to let the company through. Suk-kwon puffed a little as he viewed the road ahead.
"Snowed during the night eh, let's hope it's not too deep."
The same fanfare that greeted their arrival sent them off, ringing through the still air. Looking down at his horse's legs, Yunbok noted that the fresh snow reached to the top of the coronet and looked at Suk-kwon who was doing his own visual examination.
"Hmmm, best to change marching order. Our horses will clear some of it away." He turned and rapped out a command to Hang-yu who shouted to the soldiers behind. The change over was a little ragged since most of the men had not drilled as a company but nevertheless the four files of men became two. "I hope they have the sense to dry their boots and socks tonight," he muttered as he turned again to check.
"Will they be as negligent as that?" It made no sense to Yunbok that men would ignore wet boots and socks.
"You'll be surprised," Suk-kwon leaned in to whisper, "I've known some idiots who ignore a visibly rotting foot."
"Surely not." Yunbok was horrified. How was it possible for grown men to ignore what was happening to their own bodies?
"I do not jest. It is hard to fathom what they were thinking of." Suk-kwon made a gesture of futility towards his head. "Common sense dictate that care must be taken in cold winters. A serious case of exposure will kill the flesh and the person will not even feel it. Left untreated, the flesh will rot and smell. You'd think someone will notice the smell but no, their olfactory organs did not seem to be working."
"Do you suppose fear held their tongues?" Yunbok stared at his hand, trying to imagine it rotting away without his realising it.
"Foolishness and fear," Suk-kwon nodded. "They ignored the signs. When it became too late they tried to pretend it did not happen, because inevitably, they will lose the limb."
"We'll just have to make there are no fools in this lot." Yunbok glanced behind, then ahead. "Three days to Ipchun. We are out of season."
"I don't suppose we can waste our supply of beans on Suse," Suk-kwon said facetiously.
"I have a feeling we will have beans to eat so just pick one out of your bowl and throw," laughed Yunbok.
"Aigoo, I'll be starving myself." Suk-kwon nudged his horse to close in a little. "We will be staying in town on Yeonsu. The men deserve a rest on that special day."
"Will it be remiss if I spent Suse with the others?"
"Go ahead. I'm sure the gossips behind us already know your family is travelling along with us. They will understand."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"Tsk, stop worrying."
Conversation ceased as a cold wind blew. Hands hastily made sure headgear was secured. They made the two resting stops of the day at roadside jumak with hot meals and tea served as they rested. Concerned that the horses might be blinded by the glare of snow, Suk-kwon decided to make a sort of hood out of spare cloths to shade the eyes. Yunbok thought the horses would bolt than accept such a strange accessory so he was surprised when the horses did not seem to mind. They reached the next town without any sign of the dreaded snowstorm. The journey settled into a comfortable routine for the next three days. Each night, they settled into comfortable warm haven.
On Suse, Yunbok stayed the night with Jeong-hyang and the children. The customary year end bows were duly performed before they engaged in a game of yut to pass the time. There were hours to go before midnight. P'ado was out and out confident Pokkot would wake up on the new day of the year with white eyebrows since she was so fond of sleeping. That set off an argument.
To stop the bickering, Yunbok had them take turns in story telling. Jeong-hyang cast a wry glance at him when the two turned it into a competition. As she listened, she observed him out of the corner of her eye, pleased that he looked less pinched. The military rations were doing some good. Too, he was not having to give the best morsel to the children as he was wont to do at home. Time and again she had wanted to scold him for it for it left him with less but could not take him to task. How could she when she did the same?
The wick of the oil lamp burnt red and steady as the night wore on. The story telling was interrupted when loud bangs were heard. The children looked out of the door to see a bonfire in the courtyard of the jumak. Guests were already gathered, tossing in green bamboo that exploded to send sparks into the air. The sight drew them all to join the festivities. The tavern-keeper handed out a few pieces of bamboo to the children to throw. Looking at their happy faces, Yunbok and Jeong-hyang wondered if they would see the like again next year. In the midst of the celebrations, Youn-joon came to join them for he had been spending some time exchanging anecdotes with the other travellers and proceeded to regale them with what he heard.
The night seemed to fly. At midnight, the town resounded to the sound of yeonjong-po and a few rounds of fireworks fired into the sky by the soldiers on watch. It brought cheer and delight to those on the lookout for the display. Everyone greeted the beginning of a new year with enthusiasm. No one had fallen asleep. The cannons sounded again along with the beating of drums and gongs that the tavern workers took up. Bows and wassail were exchanged. The tavern-keeper went round with little bowls of tteokguk topped with jidan. It was received with much appreciation from her guests. Tired but happy, everyone retired to their respective rooms. Before the children took their rest, they made their new year bows. With no candy or fruit available, they were given money instead.
"Do you have to go back soon?" Jeong-hyang said much later as they sat watching a slumbering Pokkot.
"No. Not until tonight," he sighed, untying the hat strings before removing the jeonnip and dongdari. "I'm afraid we will not have the customary three days off if we are to make it to Hanseong on time. Master Park says mustered troops will have some compensation for fulfilling their duty."
"What's this?" She fingered the little pouch among the clothes as she folded them, hanging the jeonnip on the wall hook.
"Oh, just the usual, in case this falls off," he said softly, pointing to his false beard. "I am tired." He made himself comfortable in her bedding and made sure they were covered when she joined him. "I wish we are in the right season, this journey will not be so difficult otherwise," he sighed. Despite getting used to the long hours in the saddle, it was wearying to get up in the morning for the cold was a perpetual impediment that was impossible to shake off.
"I wish we are home." She was homesick for the little house they had spent so many years in.
"So do I," he said as he returned her embrace. "I'm going to make a request after everything is completed."
"I don't suppose he will be very upset," she shuddered, knowing at once what he would ask.
"If he gets angry, at the most he can just dispose of me easily and secretly."
"Don't you say such a thing," she said angrily.
"It is the truth, he..," he stopped when she clapped her hand over his mouth.
"Aren't you tired? Go to sleep instead of trying to terrify yourself and me," she removed her hand when he mumbled.
"I didn't mean to stress you," he said contritely.
"Just say something nice. Is it so difficult? We do not see each other until the night. I just want our time together to be happy."
"What do I do without you?"
"You can never do without me."
"That is a truth I cannot but agree..," he murmured, lightly touching her lips.
Saemal, Siheung
The wood in the fire cracked and popped as the flames danced, throwing flickering shadows on bony faces as they stared glumly into the glow. No one held out his hands to the fire. Each was huddled as if in the grip of winter. He looked at another larger bonfire behind him, where the rest of the villagers were gathered as they awaited the dawn of a new year. The children were tossing in a few precious bamboo. A little spark of joy amidst the despondency that hovered below the surface.
"We have to try something," he said, turning back to the fire before him. There was silence, none of the men seemed to have heard. "We have to!" he urged, looking at each face. "The King .. the King will pass this way, he is our last hope, we have to try!"
"How do you think we can approach? His soldiers are everywhere, he will stop us before we can even take a step anywhere," one of the men said wearily.
"We die if we do nothing, we die if he catch us. In the end, is there any difference? Is there?" He tried to catch every man's eye to convince each individual. "We can't sit here and let him trod us into the ground. We will all end up as his drudges. I tell you that is what will happen if we just wait."
"What are you suggesting we do?" The others looked at him curiously.
"I have a plan. It will work but only if you help me."
"If it doesn't?"
"Then we die. That's the fate staring at us these three years, isn't it?" he said waspishly to the foolish man.
"Tell us your plan," said another. The rest leaned forward to hear the better.
The Northern Road
It was late afternoon when it came upon them with no warning. The only sign was a sudden strong wind, then a deluge of driving snow in a rapidly darkening sky. Shock held everyone immobile. The dreaded snowstorm!
"Off! Off!" Suk-kwon ordered as he dismounted.
Yunbok got off his horse quickly and held on to the reins of both his horse and Suk-kwon's as the older man ordered the soldiers to lower their spears. Having been prepped, the men held their spears lengthwise at waist height, each man holding onto the butt of the spear of the one in front with his other hand, linking all of them. Tapping each man's shoulder as he went down the column, Suk-kwon eventually reached the travellers behind the military horsecarts. Servants were already tying ropes to horses and joining them up into a single thick strand tied to the last military horsecart. As quickly as he could, Suk-kwon checked there were no entanglements and the lines were secured. As he went round the group, he reminded them not to panic should visibility dropped.
"Stay calm and the horses will not bolt," he said to Young-joon, Jeong-hyang and P'ado. "Get down immediately at the first sign of trouble." They nodded anxiously and readied themselves. Satisfied that everyone knew what to do, he went back up the column. Hang-yu had tied two ropes to the first rank of soldiers to the saddle on his horse and two more to link Yunbok's and Suk-kwon's. The wind and snow grew stronger and thicker.
"It's not too heavy, we can still see ahead for a distance," Suk-kwon shouted against the howl of the wind as he grabbed the loose rope tied to the bridle of his horse. "I'll lead."
"How far do we have to go?" Yunbok shouted in return.
"I think we're near. We better get under way, I'd prefer not to be caught out in this at night!"
Tugging down the brim of his hat to keep out most of the snow, Suk-kwon walked forward, looking down at the road, his horse following after slowly. Before the snowstorm, the hills in the distance were still discernible. Now the falling snow blanketed everything in layers of grey and white. The wind also made it hard to keep the eyes open. Yunbok dipped his head against the wind, worried for Suk-kwon. He kept his hand on the bridle as his horse followed the tug forward, snorting uneasily. How was Suk-kwon able to differentiate which was the road? He looked from side to side. There was still a contrast in height between the road and the sides of the open fields. However, the same could not be said for the road further down, the landscape was leveled in white.
It was getting colder and colder, the wind the main culprit of the immediate drop in temperature. It was a piercing knife that drove the ice into and under folds of clothing. He might as well be naked for all the quilted coats and baji he had on. Fingers and feet began to feel numb. Would his flesh die and drop off? He imagined arriving in Hanseong without fingers. A condition which no doubt would render him completely useless for the mission. If that happened, he would go home. It was a tempting thought but he did not relish losing limbs.
How long had they been plodding along? In the swirling grey dark, he could not tell if it was day or night. He imagined all of them stuck out there in the night. For certain, they would be frozen solid. He imagined himself as a block of ice. No, a figure of ice. Something slapped his shoulder, terrifying him for a moment.
"We've arrived!" shouted Suk-kwon, "Pass the word," he said before following the rope back to his horse. Yunbok shouted the news back to Hang-yu who passed it on. A muffled cheer arose.
Was that light ahead? Not certain his eyes were playing tricks, Yunbok squinted and eventually made out lanterns held in the hands of soldiers who hastened to Suk-kwon before they spread out along the road. They had been sent from Sangju to help guide the company to the town. Their presence did much to enliven everyone's mood. The pace picked up. Not long after, they crossed a bridge and passed within the walls of Sangju.
The ropes were untied. A local officer sent a couple of soldiers to guide the travellers to a nearby jumak while the others made for the minga. All of the houses were already heated and warm dinners were waiting. When the snowstorm blew up, the clerk of the byeongbang had the accommodations prepared, hoping that this last company of troops from the south would be able to make it to shelter, explained one of the soldiers. A physician would be coming along later to check everyone for signs of frostbite and injuries to eyes and limbs.
More soldiers waited at the stables to help with the horses and oversee the carts. The burdens on the exhausted company was much reduced and they were able to take a much needed rest without too much effort.
"That is a very conscientious man to go through all this trouble," commented Suk-kwon later that night as he lie in his bedding, a warm damp cloth covering his eyes.
"I don't suppose he is afraid of the extra costs that would stem from negligence?" Yunbok murmured as he wiped and cleaned his sword and scabbard. The heat from the brazier was taking away much of his aches. Hunger filled and warmth permeating the room, he felt cocooned.
A bark of laughter from Suk-kwon. "Ha, you think the worst of everything, as usual. We might have to rest for a day, pending this snowstorm."
"That is good news," Yunbok said cheerily, slotting the sword back into the scabbard. Hang-yu called softly at the door.
"A letter from the byeongbang for the seonjang," he said to Yunbok when he opened the door. "How is he?"
"Better," Suk-kwon answered, having heard the question. "Get yourself to bed. It's been a long day."
"You could at least invite him in just so he can be sure the taskmaster is still alive and kicking." Yunbok looked at the letter after shutting the door. "Do you want to read this now?" he asked worriedly for the physician had specifically instructed that Suk-kwon was to rest his eyes for a day.
"You read it."
"What? Me?"
"You want me to strain my eyes?"
"Fine, fine, I'll read it." If he broke any regulations, he could point the finger at Suk-kwon. He glanced through the contents and gaped in disbelief.
"What is it?" Suk-kwon said when Yunbok remained silent.
"I don't suppose I can go back home now," Yunbok said quietly as he sat down next to Suk-kwon.
"What? What?" Suk-kwon reached for the cloth on his eyes, intending to read the letter himself.
"No, you can't remove that yet." Yunbok grabbed his hands and lowered his voice even further. "The letter is from the Byeongjo in Hanseong. It says there is a slight change of plans regards your duty. Kim Hong-do has been dismissed from his position as hyeongam of Yeonpung by the King and is ordered to be investigated by the Uigeumbu for suspected abuses."
"What's that?!" Suk-kwon bolted upright, hands holding on to the cloth. "Abuses of his position? Yeonpung? Yeonpung is such a remote district, it has barely five thousand inhabitants. What abuses? Which idiotic official brought up the charges?" One of his hands reached out blindly to take the letter but Yunbok gently pushed it away.
"In his recent correspondence, he mentioned clashes among the governor of Chungcheong, the byeongsa and the wiyusa appointed to the province. He knew trouble was brewing." Where was Danwon now? Locked up? On his way to Hanseong under armed escort? Yunbok read the letter again, hoping against hope he had misread.
"That's the most detrimental aspect of holding a post, getting caught among political adversaries." Suk-kwon lay back down. "One can get trampled into the dust in their incessant bouts."
"What do we do now? Do I go on?" Was there a point in his continuing to Hanseong? If Danwon went on trial, he himself could not do anything.
"We have to go on. You can't just leave. We're in the middle of nowhere," Suk-kwon pointed out, trying to figure out if Jeongjo would not have Yunbok do something else. "It's best we go on to Siheung. There should be more news by then before we decide what to do. There might be further instructions for you."
"Yes, like; you can go home now," quipped Yunbok sarcastically. "I'll only be too glad to do so."
"I know how you feel. We shall see, shan't we?" Suk-kwon said soothingly, knowing Yunbok was really more worried over Hong-do than griping about having made a wasted trip. "How are the children and Hyangya?"
"They're fine. Pokkot is still a little frightened. She thought we would be wandering lost out there." Yunbok put away the letter in Suk-kwon's pack. "Young-joon's having the time of his life," he grinned when the older man snorted. "Time to rest. It's late and chilly," he shivered as he listened to the sound of the faintly howling wind and dived for his bedding, blowing out the oil lamp once he had settled himself.
"Did you notice the date of the letter?" Suk-kwon asked suddenly.
"It's dated 12th Daehan 1794." A light dawned on Yunbok and then it blinked out. "It's the 11th of Ipchun today. What does it matter? He must be on his way to Hanseong for investigations by now."
"I'm thinking more of receiving news at the next town. It will turn out well, you'll see."
A rustle in the dark. Yunbok knew Suk-kwon would say no more. He wished he had his master's confidence. Was Hong-do's predicament really due to the squabbling three officials? Jeongjo had always the highest regards for Hong-do. Would he punish Hong-do for crimes based on the report of some conniving official? If he wanted Hong-do to paint the procession, surely he could grant him amnesty. Visions of Hong-do spending cheerless days in prison floated before his eyes. His old master was no longer young, would he be able to endure it?
As Yunbok lay fretting in his bedding, a young man was doing likewise elsewhere though with less distress and more curiosity. After getting used to the long hours of riding, P'ado had spent most of the time thinking of the letter Hak-sun had left to him. His father had briefly recounted his own personal history and spent much time espousing his hopes for his son. Effusive too was his praise of his foster parents, especially Yunbok, whom he hoped his son would emulate. P'ado was curious that Hak-sun had not said much of his profession. An assassin he was, approached by a member of the royal court. The faction that was looking for Yunbok. He could only suppose it was too dangerous to put into written words the details. Any tasks he took up surely must be some form of government jobs.
After all, he had been assured Hak-sun was a honorable man. Anything else about him would have to come from his father's friend, this Mun Ui-sik. How far would he succeed in his father's dreams for him? Perhaps it was just as well Hak-sun had only stipulated heavily he was to reach as far a level in education as he could. In that, he had confidence but he was not inclined to try for a official post. The trouble that plagued Yunbok might also happen to him. Living the peaceful life at the paper mill was what he wanted.
His thoughts roved to Yunbok. They were having daily night conversations, lightly touching on Hak-sun, his future studies, the journey. What he wanted most of all was to know more about his foster father but no matter how hard he tried, Yunbok refused to say anything. Why? He had totally forgotten about the conversation on that first of their journey but the experience with the snowstorm reminded him of it. He had intended to ask Yunbok but he did not turn up that night. He fancied he heard him talking to Jeong-hyang earlier but he could be mistaken.
He raised his head and peered to his left in the dark. Was ajoshi Han asleep? He should have asked him earlier but they were more concerned with removing wet clothes, warming themselves and having a hot meal that it had slipped his mind. Maybe he could ask him the next day. The storm would not abate soon, judging from the howling outside. They would not be travelling, he was sure. Yes, he would ask the morrow and not disturbed Young-joon.
But sleep would not come as he turned over and over in his mind on the mystery of Yunbok's past. He felt that many things had been left out. That reference to getting caught in a snowstorm was one. What else? There was plenty of time to ask Young-joon and Jeong-hyang but somehow or other, he never did these two weeks. He realized he was preoccupied with himself. Too, the exhausting journey each day just left no room for much indepth discussions.
Aboji was a talented painter. It was strange that he had never discovered this aspect of his foster father. He clapped a hand to his head for his obtuseness. But of course aboji could not be publicly painting. That would give him away. He turned, picking at his quilt. How did aboji and omoni meet? She was a gisaeng once, he knew. He turned again and jumped with fright when a voice spoke up in the darkness.
"You're as noisy as a field of crickets."
"Oh, I'm sorry ajoshi," he apologised when he realised he was disturbing Young-joon. "I'm, ah ... just doing some thinking."
"And turning like a piece of meat over a spit. What are you thinking of so much of that you can't sleep?"
"Ajoshi, when was aboji caught in a snowstorm?"
Ever since the boy was told the truth, he tend to emphasize heavily on the two cognomen he used; abonim for Hak-sun and aboji for Yunbok. Young-joon supposed aboji was more dear to the boy's heart and grinned.
"Ajoshi?" P'ado wondered at Young-joon's silence.
"Ah, snowstorm." Young-joon wondered how much he should say. His friend's wanderings were personal experiences he should share with the boy. That he had not done so must be due to mitigating reasons. Jeong-hyang would know more than he. Should he leave it to her? It wouldn't hurt to tell the boy what he knew.
"In the winter after he left Hanseong, he was caught in a snowstorm. He was not travelling on the main road and was nearly trapped in the open but he found an abandoned hut to shelter in. What he did not tell you was that it was only three days later he could leave that hut and in that time, he had no food."
"What?!" surprise and horror in the boy's voice.
"Not so loud," shushed Young-joon. "Do you want to wake up your omoni?"
"Didn't he have supplies and ..," P'ado whispered, stricken by the poverty that Yunbok had endured.
"You're not thinking properly," chided Young-joon. "Disowned by his foster father and sold. Where do you think he would have the money when his employer died? It is not easy to get him to talk about his wanderings. He always dismissed it as just a year of moving about but I know it's not as simple as that. When we discuss the sufferings of the poor people, I can see the sorrows and pain in his eyes. He himself has seen and endured much. It is from your omoni I learned of what he went through."
A stone seemed to be lodged in his throat. P'ado had to swallow a few times before he could voice the question. "Why does he not want to speak of it?"
"It is an experience that cuts very deeply when one is as compassionate and sensitive as your appa. It can only be shared with someone who is akin to him. That is Jeong-hyang," Young-joon waited but the boy was silent. "You should ask her, I am sure she can tell you what you wish to know."
"Ajoshi, do you know how they met?" P'ado said finally when he was sure of his voice.
"Ah, haha, I don't know all the details but what I learned comes from her. She said he was a student and she was a gisaeng when they met. Rather poetical really when she described their first meeting. What was it she said?" Young-joon frowned as he tried to recall the words. "Yes, she said their first meeting was the wind sweeping through the streets. The second was a mesh of vision. The third was a meeting of souls. The fourth was when she lost her heart to him. But fate was against them and they were forced to part. She also said he told her to find happiness before she left. She tried her best but could not find anyone to take his place. Fate was kind and they met again in Uiryeong."
"Just like that? In the streets? Was she still a gisaeng when they met again?" P'ado said with fascination.
"No, when she was in Hanseong, she was sold to the same merchant who bought him later. I think that's why they were parted but then the merchant died and they were both freed but as you know, he was afraid for her because of the political danger to himself so he told her to leave. As to how they met again, I have a hand in that."
"How?"
"She was living in the community quarters of the gibang but she was not entertaining. She was earning a living by doing needlework but her skill with the gayageum became known. It was with much persuasion that she accepted well-wishers who only wanted to forget about their troubles with her music. I ended up as one of them after hearing of her skill. She was very careful about who she accepted so I had to wait for a long time before she was convinced I harbored no ill-will. Several months later, your father and I crossed paths. I was very happy to have found such a fine brother that I took him to listen to her music. He was not very happy at being taken to the gibang but I dragged him in and so they found each other again."
"Ahhh.." P'ado contemplated what he had just heard. "I never think to ask them. I just assumed theirs was a betrothal. Omoni once told me she was a gisaeng when I wanted to know where did she learn to play the gayageum. I asked her how gisaeng were trained and such but not how they met. I forgot that gisaeng do not have arranged marriages."
"You do know they love each other very much, don't you?"
"Yes, I know," P'ado said firmly and then with some embarrassment. "Um, ah, ... that is, I know," he flushed when Young-joon laughed.
"Caught them at it, did you?"
"Ajoshi, it's not nice to talk about such things." An indignant protest from P'ado. He already felt he was intruding when he caught the two in their private moments. To speak of it was even worst.
"He taught me a thing or so actually. That is, when the moment calls for it, stride forth boldly."
"Ajoshi!" P'ado squirmed uncomfortably, wishing the older man would switch subject.
"But that's how I met my wife and have such a good marriage. He had a hand in it. One good turn for another. I found his lost love and he found a lovely wife for me."
"How did he find one for you?" P'ado could not resist asking.
"Oh, that's a tale for another day. Go to sleep," Young-joon yawned. "Ask me tomorrow if you're still interested." A tentalising morsel for the boy to chew over which should occupied him for some time. Young-joon was pleased with himself as he fell asleep.
Much as he wanted to continue with the interesting discourse, P'ado knew the older man was tired and said nothing more. He stifled an involuntary desire to turn over once again and lay still, mulling over the fresh information. It was upsetting to learn that aboji had a tough time in his wanderings, he should have realised it sooner. But he had no reason to think that he had less than an ordinary life than everyone else until recently. Who was this man he called aboji? Who had taken him in and nurtured him all these years? Omoni, was there more to her than he knew about? If they were resting tomorrow, he must take the opportunity to ask her. He was certain she would tell him alot more about herself and aboji as ajoshi had indicated. Yes, that was what he would do.
The next morning, the storm continued unabated though with less force than the day before. Snow had piled up as Yunbok discovered when he tried to open the front door. It took some vigorous pushing with Hang-yu's help that they got it opened. Fortunately, it was not as bad in the courtyard, the drift only came up to the knees. Worried over the build-up on the roofs, he sent the men to check the houses they were putting up in. He would have gone up himself had Hang-yu not insisted that he could take care of it. Working with several others, he cleared away the snow on porches and pathways. After checking on Suk-kwon and breakfast, he made his way to the jumak the others were staying at, coming across groups of locals clearing the streets.
Knowing Jeong-hyang would be up, he went to her room she was staying at and spent some time going over the plans they had made in light of recent developments. If Hong-do remained incarcerated, there was a strong possibility he could simply stop at Siheung. In which case, he would be there to oversee P'ado's meeting with Hak-sun's friend. Once everything was settled, he fell silent.
"Master Park and Young-joon will see him home," Jeong-hyang said softly, knowing what he was unwilling to say aloud.
"South," he looked down at their intertwined hands, "and the sea for us."
"Will you try to see him?" She knew what he was really worried over. Talking over what they had already gone over so many times through the years was just his way of wrestling with his anxieties.
"No, I do not think he will be receptive once he knows the truth. It will take years for him to come to terms with it," he paused when P'ado called softly outside. P'ado was not surprised to find Yunbok so early at the jumak but he was suddenly feeling nervous as he sat down. He did not notice their linked hands.
"Aboji, omoni," P'ado fidgeted. "I ..."
"What is it?" Yunbok said kindly when the boy fell silent.
"Aboji, will you .. tell me of your wanderings? You said you never have a home till you came to Uiryeong." P'ado was dismayed when Yunbok's expression became shuttered. "Please?" he pleaded when there was no response.
"There is nothing to say except that I was poor, I sold paintings to earn some money. I wandered from place to place until I reached Uiryeong."
That was not all of it, P'ado knew and tried again. "Ajoshi Han told me you were once trapped in a snowstorm for three days without food. It could not have been easy."
"My journeys are no different from that of the homeless." Yunbok knew the boy's well-meant intentions but he was not ready to share with him. "We are all one."
The pressure on his hand increased. He ignored Jeong-hyang's silent plea to respond to P'ado. He had no wish to give the totality of himself for there was the fear of the pain that would be unleashed later. It was unfair and selfish to turn away when the boy was reaching out but he had to protect himself.
"Aboji ..," P'ado was not sure how he could convince Yunbok. After that night of revelation, he felt he had become a somewhat unfamiliar figure. To know more of this person who he loved and respected, who was a father to him was a matter of outmost importance. "You have ever told me I am free to raise questions of what I wish to know. Questioning is learning and understanding, you said. Perhaps it is unbecoming of me not to rein in my curiosity but, aboji, is it wrong to want to know you?"
The impassioned plea moved Jeong-hyang deeply but it was not her place to decide so she remained silent. If the boy were not there, she would have tried to persuade Yunbok to take the plunge. What matter that he might reject them later? Now was the time to let the boy see behind the facade of the teacher, the affectionate parent. The time for the boy to know them better for they might not have such an opportunity later. He would not see it her way, she knew. Leaving himself wide open to hurt was a vulnerability he had no wish to expose. Keeping himself away was his sole recourse in reducing the impact.
Yunbok felt harassed and desired to be left alone. "I have better go back and make sure the seonjang is resting. The physician specifically advised he should not strain his eyes at all for a day."
He got up and picked up his sword by the door before leaving. P'ado stared dejectedly at the closed door. A tug on his sleeve brought his gaze to Jeong-hyang who gestured to him to chase. At that, he rushed out the door after Yunbok who was already striding through the courtyard.
"Aboji, why won't you tell me?" he said when he caught up to Yunbok who turned at the sound of running footsteps.
"Why are you out here without your coat and pungcha? Go back," said Yunbok. "Do you hear me?" he repeated when P'ado refused to budge.
"At least tell me why?" P'ado shivered, tucking his bare hands under his arms.
"I am not prepared to tell you anything because you're not ready."
"When? Promise me, promise me you will tell me?" A little pang of hurt flashed through P'ado when Yunbok withdrew from him when he took a step imploringly. "Aboji, so many things have been said. I do not know where I stand anymore."
"You are and will always be the son we love, what else is there to be unsure of?"
"You know what I mean, aboji." P'ado shivered for it was still snowing and a wind was whipping about. "I don't know who you are anymore."
Yunbok empathised with the boy's turmoil all too well but he stilled his heart. "I make no promises. If all goes well, perhaps some time when spring is in full bloom and then after, I will tell you. Go back to the lodgings, it's pointless to ask me again."
Frustration and fear welled up in P'ado as he gazed after Yunbok as he strode away up the empty street. He felt as if he was losing touch with Yunbok. He was afraid of what it might lead to. He wished they had all stayed at home, that the royal command never existed, that he was born of his foster parents. Matters would be simple, not so twisted and convoluted. Someone threw a coat over him.
"Come back to the room," Jeong-hyang said gently, seeing the boy's distress. "It's really cold out here."
"Omoni, ajoshi Han said you know everything about aboji. Will you tell me?" he said as they walked back the lodgings.
"There is a time and place to discuss certain subjects, P'adoa. This is not it." She hugged him as they walked back to the tavern. It was a poor excuse to offer but there was no other better she could think of. "For now, aboji only wants to concentrate on his task. He wants you to complete abonim's wishes. Other matters will have to be left for later when all the former is completed. Too, he is extremely worried over his old teacher." She pushed him into the room and shut the door on the cold with relief. "He is not in a good mood today."
"What has happened to his teacher?" P'ado asked curiously. Who was aboji's mentor?
"He is to help his old teacher with the paintings," Jeong-hyang lowered her voice, "but he received news that he was arrested."
"Arrested for what?"
"Who knows but such things always happen when one is caught in the middle of political fights."
"Is aboji's teacher going to..," P'ado gulped, wondering if that meant someone's head would roll.
"Hopefully not but you should understand this is the wrong time to pursue your questions about aboji." She was pleased when the boy nodded in agreement, his distress easing off slightly.
"Who is aboji's teacher?" he asked curiously.
"He is master Kim Hong-do, better known as Danwon, a royal court painter."
"He must be a very talented painter," P'ado paused. "Danwon?"
"It's a pen name. Every artist has one."
"What is aboji's pen name?"
"Hyewon. Master Danwon gave him that name." She pressed his arm warningly as she got up to see to Pokkot who was beginning to stir. "Have you eaten yet?"
"Ah, no," he said, realising his stomach was growling. "I'll see if the servants have prepared breakfast."
Within the room, all was quiet saved for the wind blowing gently outside the closed windows. Someone called softly outside the door and was bidden to enter. Hong-do looked up from his book when the door opened and an officer came in.
"Sir, your escort will be arriving as scheduled, please be prepared to leave within a week," he said as he stood by the door.
Hong-do nodded and the officer left. He looked around the room that was his private retreat for the three years in his tenure of Yeonpung. Moderately furnished but comfortable. His future abode would not doubt be bare and chilly. He sighed as he contemplated his current situation. Whatever happened, he had made sure his family would not be left for want. His wife and children would be well looked after. There was only other thing he wished for. He sighed again. There was no possibility he would be able to see her one more time.
Korean Words
agungi - furnace
hyeongam - governor
kimchibap - kimchi and rice
jeok - grilled or roasted beef
jidan - green onion kebob
yeonjong-po - year-end cannons