Usu (eul) 1795
As it grew bright and the sun came up, Yunbok tipped back his hat and slightly loosened the cloth around his lower face. When he realised his tan was fading, he had taken every opportunity to leave his face bare. It would not have been a problem if he had been at home. He would be out in the open, doing chores. With the hat blocking out the rays of the sun, he would revert back to his old complexion if he did not do something about it though he risked getting dry lips and skin from long exposure to the cold. More so since he was riding, not exerting himself and there were no fires to keep away the chill.
Hong-do glanced at Yunbok worriedly. If he kept his head low so that the brim of the hat hid his brow and eyes, no one would recognise him. Under no circumstances was Yunbok to approach Dohwaseo. Mentally, he ran over the projected tasks of the appointed painters. Once he reached Hanseong, he only need to report his presence, hold a meeting with the other painters and probably an audience with the King but only if he was summoned. He did not think any of his escort had to accompany him until the day of the procession so Yunbok and the rest would most likely be stationed at the military barracks outside Hanseong until they were needed. At least, that was how he hoped it would be but he had to be ready in case there were changes.
The most unwelcome addition he feared was his colleagues deciding he required an associate painter to aid him. For such a momentous task, it was expected he would require assistance. Short of announcing he already had one, there was no reason for him to reject the suggestion. Should he try to convince them he could do the task alone or play the pompous martinet? Doing so would alienate him. His behaviour would be commented on. It might even call down unwarranted attention from a certain group.
After so many years, he was sure they had all but given up the notion he knew the whereabouts of Yunbok. Over the past few years, on Jeongjo's orders, he had gone to many places to paint or on diplomatic trips. There were also a few literary gatherings he had been to. All of which would have disheartened the spies. They could turn over everything on those he came into contact with and found nothing for their efforts. A sleeping dog they would have turned into. He must ware his steps did not awaken it.
At midday, they stopped at a jumak. Hong-do was surprised that Jeong-hyang and the children had come along but forebore to make too many queries. Any questions he had would have to be posed in a more private surrounding. To Hang-yu's surprise, he pronounced at large he would like to meet the family and followed Yunbok to a far table at the other side of the jumak. He was introduced to Young-joon who was surprised and delighted to meet him, awe shading his greeting as he bowed politely. Hong-do scutinised him carefully. Half a head taller than Yunbok, narrow face, slightly prominent cheekbones, clear twinkling eyes and a slightly hooked nose. For a merchant, he did not have the look of soft living. This was the fellow who picked a fight over Jeong-hyang?
"Master Danwon," a voice said softly behind Hong-do. He knew that voice. A smile lifted his lips.
"Ah, mistress Im. It has been a long time, hasn't it?" Hong-do turned to greet Jeong-hyang, very pleased to see that she was flourishing though there was a slight shadow hovering behind her eyes. "These must be the children." He took in the young fellow standing with a young girl. Strong looking lad with that unfinished air about him, he would fill out into a tall man. The girl was dainty but taller since he last saw of her.
"Master Danwon." P'ado bowed, a little nervous as he eyed the tall older man with greying hair and beard. Pokkot followed suit. Her eyes widened when Hong-do bent down to her.
"Haha! She still looks like you!" he laughed as he gazed at her. His comment raised no surprise but spark an anxiety that surprised him when she looked to Yunbok.
"Only around the eyes." Yunbok rolled his own in exasperation.
"True. True," Hong-do agreed. "But she's a beauty, isn't she?" he grinned slyly at Yunbok who glared at him. He turned to the boy. "Now this young man, I've never seen before. Coming of age this spring, yes?'
"Yes, sir." P'ado was surprised that the older man knew that much about him.
"Planning to attend a hyanggyo?"
"I am, sir," P'ado said deferentially.
Hong-do nodded aprrovingly and sat down at the table as the others settled themselves. They chatted of inconsequential subjects, mostly dealing with the effects of the drought on Yeonpung and Uiryeong. Despite the larger number of people and villages around the latter, there were fewer people suffering from deprivation than he assumed. The conversation meandered along on the different approaches taken to deal with a crisis between a mountain village and those situated in the lower lands. The talk bored Pokkot who after another glance at Yunbok which seemed to sooth whatever was worrying her, indulged in her usual inclination to sleep in Jeong-hyang's lap.
P'ado listened with great interest while observing Hong-do. The familiarity with Yunbok was significant. He felt it was important for there seemed to be some underlying current he could not fathom. It was not a simple student-teacher bond between Hong-do and Yunbok. There also seemed to be some sort of link between them and omoni. Something the three shared, he was certain. What could it be?
Never had Young-joon imagined he would be sharing a table with two acclaimed artists as he did that afternoon. The topics were mundane, not of art but he was impressed nevertheless as such an occurence was rare. If only his father had come along, he would be truly appreciative for surely he would engage Hong-do in literary and art dissertations. He was glad to see his friend in high spirits. It could not have been easy on him in the past week. The affections between him and Hong-do was very evident. Surprisingly, Jeong-hyang was also a part of it. Intrigued, he gazed upon the three.
Before long, they continued on their journey. The rest of the day went by without event. They reached the next town just after dusk. Both Suk-kwon and Yun-bok saw Hong-do to the local seoheon and proceeded to the minga themselves after making arrangements to call on him later. At the jumak, P'ado prodded Young-joon for any tales he could relate pertaining to Hong-do and Yun-bok. He was disappointed when the older man said he had told him all he knew. Jeong-hyang proved to be not very forthcoming in providing more details either when he asked, citing that it was not the time. It was frustrating for him.
If he could not get any coherent answers to his questions, perhaps he should try finding out himself. Discreet queries about paintings by Danwon and Hyewon in Siheung? How should he bring up the infamous competition between master and apprentice? For days after he had heard the story from Young-joon, he had been trying to concile Yunbok of the tale to the one he knew but it was difficult. He was tempted to ask Yunbok to paint something but that would be foolishness.
"What's wrong?" Young-joon asked when he noticed the boy was just sitting staring into his bowl. Usually he would be tucking into his food at speed.
"I.. ajoshi, is aboji really.. really such a distinguished painter?" P'ado whispered, feeling that he was asking a silly question for the King would not have specifically given Yunbok such a task.
"You find it hard to believe." Young-joon understood his skepticism immediately. "It's like suddenly being told your aboji can fly, isn't it?" he grinned as the boy giggled at that ridiculous notion. "I've the opportunity to watch him wield his talent twice. I can tell you, he is who he is. But I suppose I won't have the opportunity to see Danwon myself."
"I am thinking ... of looking into the shops of Siheung for their paintings," P'ado confessed.
"Oh, you won't see the original works, don't you realise that? What is on sale in the art galleries are replicas. All of the originals are already bought by rich families and yangbans." He saw the boy's disappointment. "I tell you what, when we get back to Uiryeong, I will show you a few paintings he painted. My aboji is an admirer of his works and bought a few at great costs. I have also the portrait he drew of my wife and son."
"Do you think it will all right if I take a look at the replicas?" Even if they were fakes, P'ado felt they would be almost a good copy of the works of the two men. It would give him a window to see the personalities of the two.
"I'm glad you told me your intentions," Young-joon said. "Your questions about particular paintings might draw attention. You know your aboji must lie low," he warned. The boy paled at that reminder. "Siheung is too close to Hanseong, you must be very careful in what you say. Do you understand?" he urged emphatically and sighed as the boy nodded vigorously. "I will take you to the shops myself and pretend to teach you how to discern art. We will look at all the art pieces, that is safer."
"Thank you, ajoshi." P'ado tried to still his fear at Young-joon's warning. It was fortunate he had asked. If he had gone unthinkingly as he had wanted to, he shuddered as unpleasant visions flashed before his eyes. He must be more careful, he told himself.
"Eat up and rest." Young-joon picked up his spoon.
"I don't feel so exhausted as I used to," P'ado said, deciding to talk of something else to calm himself. "Is it the same for you, ajoshi?"
"It is so," Young-joon nodded. "The weather is turning for the better. Did you notice we are not getting as much snow fall and a lot of clear days?"
"It will be spring soon," P'ado agreed, perking up at the thought of seeing the first growth of green.
"The season of renewed life everyone looks forward to."
The town proved as incumbent in stupor as the rest when they walked through the streets. Sometimes Yunbok felt as if all the living had been blown away in the night, leaving behind the ghostly imprints of their life and dreams in the swept streets and the lanterns that glowed in the dark. It would change soon, spring was coming, heralding a new cycle of renewal and hope. With Suk-kwon, he made his way to the seoheon at the appointed time. After paying their respects to the local magistrate and the customary conversation, they were shown to Hong-do's room. After making sure the door was closed, they huddled at the desk, making sure to speak softly.
"Here is the schedule." Suk-kwon took out some papers from his coat and read out the information. "The procession sets off on the sixth of Ipchun. There are periodic stops along the route. Pavilions and quarters for the stop overs are already prepared. The King will pass Siheung and reach Suwon on the third day and rest at the temporary palace. The ancestral ceremony will be held at Hyeollyungwon the next morning. The Fortress Drill is in the late afternoon, progressing into the night. Announcement, presentations and a celebratory feast for successful passers of the Palacial Exams will be held the next day. The following day, the King will distribute rice at Sinpungru and hold a party for the elderly in the morning. In the afternoon, he will go to Banghwa-suryujeong for inspections. Archery competitions will also be held at Deukjungjeong. There will be another archery competition in Siheung before the King heads back to Hanseong."
Hong-do muttered under his breath as he listened, making notes on a piece of paper as he referred to a letter. "Can't you read a little slower?" he complained as Yunbok grinned in sympathy at his harried expression.
"Aigoo, you should have stopped me when you can not not keep up, why blame me for your own lacks?" Suk-kwon waved the papers at Hong-do. "Rather than waste my breath, here, take a look yourself."
"You could have just offered them in the first place and save yourself some hassle." Hong-do grabbed the papers and perused them.
"How are we to go about it?" Yunbok said hastily to forestall any arguments as Suk-kwon made to retort. "I did not bring any of my painting tools."
"Hmmm .. the King wants important events recorded down so .. procession." Hong-do peered at the papers and fumbled about in his coat, tugging out his angyeongjip and putting on a pair of glasses. "I received a letter detailing what was scheduled last month. Procession, military drill, award presentations, .. ah, you forgot there's a banquet!" he glared at Suk-kwon.
"I read what is written. How would I know there is a banquet?" Suk-kwon grumbled.
"All right, there's a banquet," Yunbok cut in hastily before either of the two could get in stride to bicker. "For Lady Hyegyong I suppose."
"Hmm ... archery competitions," Hong-do mumbled, frowning.
"Are you suppose to paint all of those?!" Yunbok was incredulous at the number of events. How could one man be responsible for so many pieces of painting? Why, he would be running from place to place with no rest.
"No, no. I'm supposed to select which ones I'm more comfortable with and notify the others of my choice." Hong-do sat back and looked at the list he had made. "The procession and the military drill," he said with finality.
"You couldn't have done better than to pick at peas," Yunbok sighed. "You're thinking of the distance," he noted as Suk-kwon listened. "And the theme you have in mind."
"Yes. I'm undecided on the procession. We can refer to the banchado (rank chart detailing the rank and positions of participants in a procession or event) for the positioning and type of ornaments without having to see it ourselves," muttered Hong-do, trying to decide. He pushed aside the problem temporarily, there was time to ponder over it.
"It will all be drafts of what we see, whatever details that are important. We can refer to the journals of the juseos to catch any error we might make." He went over the list again. "We must be meticulous. Setting forth and return." He moved his hands back and forth as though he was placing something on his palm. "We will only do the final paint once we're satisfied."
"Straight?" Yunbok did not think that would encompass everything. "How long is it to be?"
"One by two?"
"That's too fat," objected Yunbok as Suk-kwon listened in bewilderment. "It's awkward."
"No, no, I meant the other way, not the width."
"But screen panels come in sixteen, eight, six, three and two, not one."
"No, perhaps not that wide."
"One regular block," Yunbok insisted. "Unless you're planning to repeat the Immortals?"
"Too small."
"The Immortals are too small?!"
"No, we are not using paper. It will be on silk." Hong-do laughed as Yunbok clapped a hand to his head for his oversight.
"What are the both of you talking about?" Suk-kwon demanded, drawing their attention.
"For such a momentous occasion, it has to be silk." Hong-do was sure he was right as Yunbok frowned.
"Screen panels are of a standard size unless you are planning to overextend."
"No," Hong-do did not think it advisable, "overextending will mar the overall perspective and create problems with reproduction." He paused when he noticed Suk-kwon's bottled up annoyance."We're discussing the size of the painting," he said soothingly, certain the fellow would explode if he did not explain.
The red left Suk-kwon's face. "What's the meaning of distance you were referring to?"
"He chose the procession and military drill, that means he has to view the entire layout from a distance, not close up," explained Yunbok. "He will need a higher vantage point. However, those two are a challenge to depict on a painting, hence, we are trying to decide if a single standard sheet of paper is enough."
"Oh! I see," nodded Suk-kwon, leaping on the part about distance. "We will stay far from the crowd, not mixing among them."
"We will have to do a quick pass of the procession. The banchado displays only the abstract, not the spirit. It is not as detailed. The best vantage point in Hanseong is -."
"Yongsan," Yunbok said. "You are talking about depicting hundreds of soldiers and people, what kind of details can you put in?" He did not think it was possible.
"So says my student!" Hong-do wagged a finger at Yunbok chidingly. "If I have to draw a spoon that can barely be seen, still it must be done otherwise why even bother to paint such an occasion? You have been eating too much barley rice!"
"Would the King want to view a tiny spoon?" retorted Yunbok. "Whatever details there is still depends on the size of the silk doesn't it?"
"What is a painting without details?" huffed Hong-do as he sort out a plan, coming to a decision on the procession. "We will need to have a close up of the participants ourselves."
"How many soldiers are there in the procession?" asked Yunbok, a little miffed at the barley rice quip.
"Two thousand soldiers and eight hundred horses." Suk-kwon wondered if they would really draw that number and felt silly a moment later. Of course they could not possibly paint that number. It would require many sheets of paper.
"This is what I know of the line up. For the vanguard and about the King is the Jangyongyeong with their rifles, followed by the ceremonial guards with the customary weaponry; spears, swords and banners. Cavalry, horse archers will be positioned before Lady Hyegyong's palanquin. The King will be following on his horse, behind him will be the royal family, ministers, civil elite and there's of course, the orchestra along with horsecarts carrying the victuals, the eunuchs, palace maids and so on with more soldiers behind."
"Headache," muttered Yunbok, struggling to visualise the picture. "It can't be straight."
"Too true," Hong-do agreed, hands to head.
"Well, you have two weeks to figure it out." Suk-kwon gave up on trying to decipher what they were talking about. "Twenty-five of the troops will detach from the rest when we reach Suwon. They will follow us to Hanseong. Once there, master Danwon will report in at Dohwaseo while we report to the Byeongjo. Well, me," he clarified when Yunbok looked anxious," you don't have to come with me. You stay with the rest in the military barracks which are outside the capital, you don't really have to enter the city until the day of the procession."
Yunbok was baffled at the number. "Why so many men? Twenty-five is too many an escort for one."
"We are doubling up as a patrol. You stay with Danwon with four other men when he stops to take drafts or whatever, I take the rest on patrol."
"When do we reach Hanseong? I'm not sure I'll be very convincing in a military barrack," Yunbok said apprehensively. There would be other officers he had to come into contact with. The more he intermingle with them, the higher the risk of discovery.
"If we time it right, we reach Hanseong the day before the procession. If we're early, we'll just slow our pace or stay a night at Siheung."
"Can we do that? There is no arrangement to stay at Siheung, is there?"
"We will just see. It's pointless to worry over it now. We're done for the moment?" Suk-kwon looked at Hong-do who nodded and handed the papers back to him.
"How long will this task take?" asked Yunbok before Suk-kwon could get to his feet.
"More than a month." Hong-do saw his frown. "I've not been told yet of other arrangements so we'll just concentrate on taking down the drafts. I've been meaning to ask," he put out a hand to stop Yunbok as he shifted, "why are you bringing the entire family with you?"
"Ah .," Yunbok sighed, realising he had not told Hongdo what he intended and filled him in.
"Are you sure you want to tell the boy about yourself? You don't really have to." Hong-do was shocked Yunbok wanted to take such a step.
"I can't. There will come a time he will find out even if I don't tell him." Yunbok stared meaningfully at Hong-do who winced and looked away. "To prevent that, Jeong-hyang and I will have to leave but such matters are unpredictable. I'd rather tell him now than not. I will feel better not having to keep this from him forever."
"If he refuses to accept you, I presume both of you will move away with the girl. Will you tell her too when she's older?" Hong-do could imagine the scenario playing out the same way at a much later date.
"Yes, we will. We will just go on elsewhere if ..," Yunbok trailed off.
It was a depressing subject. Hong-do rubbed his face wearily, wishing that it did not have to be so.
"As it is, that is for later." Yunbok tried to smile and failed. "We'll just have to finish this task first."
"All right." Hong-do folded up the list he made and tucked it into his coat. "I think the two of you have better go back, it is late."
He saw them out to the gates and returned to his room to stare blindly at the spot where Yunbok had sat. From all the letters they had exchanged over the years, it had been clear that Yunbok held the boy very dear to his heart. It would hurt him greatly if the boy repudiated both his foster parents. What were the chances that the boy would be receptive to the outrageous notion that the one he called father was not? If Yunbok had been the typical strict parent figure, the fallout was a foregone conclusion but he knew it was not so from various incidents mentioned in their correspondence. He stared sightlessly in the air as he tried to come up with a solution and spent the rest of the night going over the situation.
Over the next several days, he observed and engaged the boy in conversation, trying to gauge his character. P'ado responded eagerly to his overtures. Tempted though he was to ask questions concerning Yunbok, he restrained himself, aware that there were strangers all around them. He kept his queries to the boy's activities at home, his lessons, his thoughts and feelings about his foster parents. He knew he was right about the boy's upbringing for he freely gave rein to stating his stance on various topics when most others would have merely listened and exerted one or two staid arguments, accepting whatever statements issued from an older man. Was Yunbok too lax in his discipline? How much influence had his childhood experience guided the way he brought up the boy?
He liked the way P'ado was not afraid to speak up, pushing forward but respectfully. Inquisitive and quick to learn. His affections for his foster parents rang clear and proud when he spoke of them. How deep would the truth cut into his regard for his foster father who was not? His foster mother? Hong-do wished Yunbok would simply keep silent but he had to concede that Yunbok had a point. The boy would find out when Yunbok passed away. The secret would remain if Yunbok chose to move away once the boy had settled down. That was an option. He now understood that shadow that hovered behind Jeong-hyang's eyes. He glanced at Yukbok as they rode along the road and sighed.
Korean Words
banchado - rank chart detailing the rank and positions of participants in a procession or event
byeongjo - military affairs department
juseo - recorders, scribes employed in the palace to record the words of the King in every official function