Ipchun (eul) 1795
Outskirts of Hanseong
The sound was familiar. Subconsciously, Yunbok counted as he slumbered. 10 ... 20 ... 30 ... 3 ... 33 ... 33! He flung off his quilt and frantically looked about for his uniform. Late. Late! If he did not hurry, he would be late for class. His fingers scrabbled and came up empty. Late for class? His thoughts ground to a halt as he frowned in the dark. Something was wrong. Where was he? A familiar scrapping sound drew his eye to the tiny glimmer. He blinked as more light was shed. A hard thwack across his chest made him jump. He looked across to see an irritated man holding the edge of his quilt which he had just used to hit him.
"You, you, you..." Suk-kwon's finger jabbed at the air. "Spent half the night disturbing my sleep! How did she put up with you?!" Half his words were drowned out in the sudden ringing of the belfry. Of course, he had forgotten.
"Sir, time to get up sir," Yunbok said grinning and rolled away when Suk-kwon made to whack him again.
Hurriedly, he got up to fold up the bedding and quilt. Suk-kwon heaved a sigh and followed suit. A rush of feet. Someone called outside the door before he departed as fast as he arrived. There were two basins of water and towels outside the door when Yunbok went to check. He placed one before Suk-kwon and turned to the bandaji to tidy up his packs, ignoring the sounds of ablution and so on behind him. There came another rush and another call. Yunbok looked out to find a soban with two bowls and a tea set which he placed just inside the door.
"I'm done. Don't take too long," Suk-kwon said as he locked the door. He sat down with his back facing the room and started on his breakfast.
Quickly, Yunbok did his toilet and ablution, dressed and closed up his packs after putting away the comb. After opening the window at the back, he placed their packs by the door before joining the older man. They could hear the loud hustling and bustling, the tramp of feet and muffled complaints as men went about their toilet, wash up and have their own meals. Lights bobbed to and fro across the door before them, casting many shadows that weaved a strange dance. Morning entertainment, mused Yunbok as he ate the ogokbap, washing it down with hot tea.
Once they were finished with their breakfast, they checked each other to see if anything was out of place. Satisfied all was as they should be, they belted on their sword harness and picked up their packs. They stepped out to what seemed like a world gone topsy turvy. Soldiers, officers and servants rushing about in a riot of activities. They made their way through the teeming crowd in the large courtyard and on to the huge assembly ground. They found all twenty-five of their men assembling. Other troops were also falling in. The assembly ground was eventually filled with soldiers and officers. They fell silent and stood at attention when a commandant appeared with his aides. Eyeing the congregation, he stepped forth.
In a stentorian voice, he exhorted everyone to fulfill their duties unfailingly, to be vigilant, that honour was theirs that day and so on. Yunbok lost track of what he considered ramblings after a while. Really, the commandant was just repeating the same basic themes albeit in different phrases. Was there a point in listening? His thoughts drifted off to the forthcoming task. When the entire assembly shouted out their response to the commandant's call, it gave him a fright. It was fortunate they were at the back, near the entrance so no one could see he was not responding at all. Hastily, he opened his mouth to approximate the shout when it was called for again. He turned when Suk-kwon muttered instructions to him under his breath.
They were the first out of the entrance to the exterior courtyard. Horses were already held in readiness by servants. After tying their packs onto the saddles, they mounted and headed for the Namdaemun (the southern great gate of the Fortress Wall in Hanseong). Torches and lanterns lit the road as it was still dark. More lights bobbed about in Chilpae (merchant residential area) as merchants hurried out of their homes to join the pedlars in conducting business on this important day. Sounds carried across to them. Stirrings of a capital coming to life. Banners flapped gently on the walls of the city as they approached the open gates where they paused for a moment and continued after Suk-won gave the password.
They wound along the Namdaemun road, crossing over Sogwangtonggyo (bridge over the sogwangtong stream) and Gwangtonggyo. Scores of peddlars were rushing over to the Unjongga (street with merchant shops). Soldiers formed a barrier on either sides of the road, keeping at bay the early birds that had gathered. As far as Yunbok could see, all the shops along the Unjongga were closed. No doubt they would be opened when the royal procession had set off.
At the intersection, a familiar sight brought a smile to his lips. How long ago it been since he had ran into the cloth shop. Words of that crossed dialogue echoed in his ears. Would that he could buy a bolt of silk from that shop as a gift for Jeong-hyang as a memento. As they approached the Nujeongdong (main road outside the palace), a large body of soldiers stood stolidly. Behind them was a myriad of activities as eunuchs and palace servants hurried about with their preparations. Making sure all the necessities had been brought on the horse carts.
As they turned into Nujeongdong, they received a closeup of the procession. Ranks of Jangyongyeong and gyeomsabok stood in readiness. They were halted before they could go any further. After a murmured exchange, the officer that stopped them eyed each person of the party keenly before letting them proceed. Carefully, they skirted along the flank of the column which stretched the entire length of the Nujeongdong, right up to the Donhwamun (main gate to the palace). More movements could be seen as ceremonial guards appeared, spear points gleaming in the light of the torches, banners flapping. The Great Seal and patent hoved into view a few moments later.
"The palanquin will be out soon," Suk-kwon murmured as he cast an eye on the sky where it was visibly glowing brighter. Where was Hong-do?
"He could be at the Donhwamun. He did say he wants to take a look at the line up," Yunbok whispered. "It won't do if he's still there when Lady Hyegyong arrives."
They continued on. The demeanor of the soldiers of the jangyongyeong impressed Yunbok for they looked ready for battle. Tall and stolid, the rifles they carried resting easily in their hands. Just before they reached the Donhwamun, a familiar figure approached them on horseback, followed by someone. It was Hong-do. He waved to them to stop where they were as he glanced at the soldiers and looked down at the papers in his hands. Did he have to accept an associate painter after all? Suk-kwon and Yunbok exchanged a worried look before trying to figure out the man behind Hong-do. Who would he have chosen?
"Who is it?" Suk-kwon whispered as Yunbok squinted. "Well?" he said when he glanced at Yunbok. There was a frozen look about his face.
"Nobody important," hissed Yunbok. Such was the chill in his manner that Suk-kwon looked harder at the man following Hong-do; an old man of advanced years. Had he taught Yunbok before?
"I need to look at the front ranks. Here, hold this for me," Hong-do said when he reached them, holding out a roll of paper and a stick of thin charcoal to Yunbok. "This is my assistant, Shin Han-pyeong," he gestured to the rider behind him. "Please take notes here," he said to Han-pyeong and trotted off with Yunbok.
Suk-kwon stiffened at that name. He stared at the short, thin old man with the grey-silver beard staring after the duo. This was the man who had fostered Yunbok? His hands clenched at the reins and his eyes narrowed. Sensing his hostility, Han-pyeong gazed away uneasily, not certain what he had done to incur such ill will. His eyes went to the smaller figure of the duo riding away, turning over the image of Yunbok in his mind. Was that really Yunbok? How much different he looked. The youth of yesterday was replaced by an older stranger. A stranger with cold eyes in a dark thin face that spoke of the depth of the trials he had gone through.
There was only an unfathomable look in his eyes when he saw him. A cold regard but what did he expect? A warm reception? How ridiculous of him to expect to see a familiar face. Seeking to distract himself, he fumbled for a stick of charcoal in the pouch tied to the saddle as he looked at the ceremonial guards and began to take down notes and a rough draft.
"If you can help with taking down some details, an example of the Jangyongyeong, dress, weapons. Note down the number of ranks behind him, the category of soldier that comes next," Hong-do said, more to establish why Yunbok was scribbling about to those within earshot as they stopped at the head of the column where the royal banner fluttered. The herald in front made another check of himself and his instrument.
"Yes, sir," Yunbok said blandly, shaking his head and nearly smiled when Hong-do blinked rapidly at him as he peered anxiously. It was not surprising that his old master would be worried but after the initial shock had worn off, he did not think he would put Shin Han-pyeong much on his mind.
"Ah, then my work will be easier then! It's always good to have lackeys," Hong-do nodded and returned to his draft, working swiftly while Yunbok opted to write since he could not openly draw. It was not a problem to him for he would remember the details well enough. As quickly as they could, they worked their way down the column. Midway, just behind the Jangyongyeong, a high ranking general appeared, dressed in yungbok. A foot soldier carrying his banner stood before him. Behind them were the ceremonial guards. A call rang out, announcing the arrival of Lady Hyegyong.
"We have time, no hurry," Hong-do said to Yunbok. "There will be no change to this order. If there is anything we miss, we can catch it later."
The court ladies and palace maids, veiled sagats covering their heads, followed the palanquin and stopped, waiting as they stood beside it. The royal princesses on horses led by eunuchs, heads similarly covered with hats, paced a little ahead. There was a pause in which Hong-do indicated to Yunbok they should stop and rejoined the rest. More gyeonsabok appeared, jangyongyeong, foot archers and horse archers before another call rang out, announcing the arrival of the King. It brought about a subtle shift. The civil and military officials gathered up behind.
There was a pause as a series of exchanges took place between eunuchs, heralds and the general. The heralds called out. The nabal were blown. Ahead, the general waved his deungchae and gave the order to march out. A steady thump was heard as the herald at the head of the column struck his drum which was echoed by the drummers behind the column.
"Move out," Suk-kwon said to Yunbok, wagging his eyebrows, grinned at Hong-do. He ignored Han-pyeong.
The column began to move. Yunbok took a quick glance to his left; Jeongjo was not in a palanquin. Instead, he was on his horse, in battle dress. Eunuchs held the royal parasol and fans. It looked altogether, a little unwieldy to his eyes. He grimaced. It was unlikely there would be adverse weather, it was after all, the beginning of spring. The touch of sun and wind would be gentle. Torches and lanterns were put out as it was now clear and bright. As the end of the column turned the corner into Namdaemun Road, horsecarts with provisions, eunuchs, palace servants and so forth, followed by yet more ranks of gyeonsabok and jangyongyeong attached themselves to the end, closing up the column. It was then the military band struck up a tune.
Along the road, Hanseong residents were already out in force. A murmur rose like a wave, then like reeds bending before the wind, everyone simultaneously knelt to pay their respects as the King and the royal family passed. The crowd along the Unjongga had cleared. The shops temporarily closed once the nabal and drums were heard. Once the royal procession moved on, business would resume before shifting to the crossroads at midday. Hong-do's little group lagged behind as the three took notes and drafts. Han-pyeong to record what was happening on the left while Yunbok took the right. A fanfare rang out. The procession halted.
"What's happening?" Yunbok asked, trying to see what was going on.
"Sangeon," Hong-do replied, concentrating on his draft. "While the King is dealing with the cases, let me see what you have." He reached for Yunbok's papers.
"Is there an allotment?" The column was too far down to make out what was going on so Yunbok gave up trying to discern who was appealing to the King.
"Hmm ...the magistrate arranges the audience. It goes faster that way but anyone who seeks redress can step up. Of course, the petitioner must be very certain of his case else he will incurr the wrath of his Majesty," muttered Hong-do as he read through the notes. "That's why it's more prudent to petition the magistrate first. Can you take more notes of the commoners? Let me see yours." He turned to Han-pyeong's drafts. "All right, let's make for Noryang. We have seen all there is here."
"Noryang it is," Suk-kwon nodded and gestured to Cheol-ju to unfurl his banner before leading the small troop with measured steps down Namdaemun road and turning to Sinjangno road where the jugyo (floating bridge) was laid ready across the Han River.
They stopped near the crossing. Normally crowded with transport and trading vessels, it was now empty saved for those ships that formed the jugyo. The rest had been forbidden to approach on this day so they lay anchored far down the river where various business aspects of the day continued to be carried out. While the three took notes again, Suk-kwon led twenty of the men to patrol the area before and after the crossing, checking that the soldiers and officers stationed at either end were vigilant. He paused to survey the crowds that had gathered. Candy and liquor peddlers roamed about, doing brisk business. The only accessory missing to make it more festive were performing troupes.
"How many ships made up the jugyo?" Yunbok asked as he looked across the river. Ships bobbed gently on the water with the men in them making sure all was secured.
"Eighty, I think. They put up three gates, do you see? The Yongbongjeong is on the other side, we'll head there presently." Hong-do's eyes flicked about, taking in the surroundings. Far in the distance, he could just make out numerous other ships. Commoners stood about, chatting among themselves as they waited. He took note of their dress. As he worked, a patrol came by. The officer took one look at the banner and did not disturb them. He went up and down the length of the river bank before crossing over.
"I hear the procession, let's go over," said Hong-do, rolling up the drafts and storing them away in a painting tube attached to his saddle.
Yunbok gestured to Cheol-ju. The horses were nervous as they stepped onto the jugyo, unused to the loud clops as their hoofs hit the wood. Tossing their heads, the horses balked until persuaded to carry on, with much soothing pats and encouragements from their riders. One of the soldiers had to guide Han-pyeong's mount as he had little success with it. The jugyo held firm with not so much as a waver that the horses eventually took it in stride and were amiable to trotting across. Looking about, Hong-do pointed to the Yongbongjeong. Yunbok led the group near it.
"It's good enough," said Hong-do as they stopped short of the guards around the Yongbongjeong. "Let's view the procession from this distance."
A breeze that was blowing picked up slightly as the procession came into sight, snapping the hundreds of banners to and fro. Glimmers of lights sparkled in the sunshine that seemed to make the colours of the procession dance. Pennants and banners on the ships waved back gaily as if in welcome. The column of soldiers advanced inexorably, marching onto the jugyo as if they were stepping on dry firm land. The nabal and drums urged them on.
"Sun is near zenith, the royal party will rest here for a while. Where is..," Hong-do looked about for Suk-kwon who came up at that moment.
"Ho, the procession will halt here. I'll show you where we can rest, follow me." He led them around the pavilion and annexed buildings to the village further south. "The soldiers from the procession won't descend on us. There are tents already set up east of here to accommodate them."
The southern road was lined with more people, most of whom were sitting leisurely on mats they had brought along. Those who had not prepared their own meals, thronged the various jumak that catered to the merchants, traders and workers. At the furthest jumak from the road, they dismounted and tied the horses to the hitching posts. The tavern-keeper immediately showed them to a few tables, away from other guests. Suk-kwon picked a table as far as possible away from the others while the rest of the troops squeezed themselves around the rest of the empty tables.
Food and drinks were already set out so they simply tucked in once they sat down. Suk-kwon and Yunbok exchanged a few comments, ignoring Han-pyeong all the while. When they were done with the noon meal, Hong-do shook out the drafts from the painting tube he brought along with him. He went over them with Yunbok in as low a voice he could manage while the other two men listened.
Up close, Han-pyeong could not resist examining Yunbok minutely. Noting down the measured speech, mannerisms, the way he held himeslf. Darker and thinner. No, not thinner, he corrected himself. Honed. So great was the separation of years and fading memories that the false beard roused no amusement. In fact, it fit the extraordinary appearance. If he were a stranger, he would have thought sitting before him was a young man worthy of note. When Hong-do had filled him briefly on what Yunbok had been doing these eighteen years, he was not sure how much credence he should give to the stories. They sounded totally outrageous but there was no reason for Hong-do to fabricate such stories. What purpose would they accomplish?
He rubbed a spot of the table before him. It had been lonely for him these few years after his wife had passed away. The house was so empty that he had spent almost all of his time at Dohwaseo, seeking solace in the company of young students. Seeing Yunbok brought back painful memories of Young-bok. What should have been. The house should have been filled with the voices of those who should have come. He had only himself to blame. How different it would have been if he had not chosen to do what he did with Yunbok? How often had he thought about it?
Suk-kwon tried not to show his angry curiosity as he looked at Han-pyeong without being too obvious about it. How old was he? By rights, the man should have retired long ago, judging by the extreme grey-silver in his hair and beard, deep wrinkles around his eyes and face. A dull light in faded eyes. A sad, dreary face. He did not seem put out that he was ignored but took it in stride with sorrow. If he had any regrets, it was too late to lament. The best thing the man could do was to make peace with himself. He doubted Han-pyeong would ever find it. That cloud of misery hanging about him had an air of permanence.
Over the next couple of hours, they sat there, refining notes and drafts. There was no doubt how the crossing would be handled. The usual illustrative representation with as many details would be enough. It was to be the same for the upcoming ceremonies and events at Hwaseong. The procession, however, should be handled differently, Hong-do felt. He had no idea how it should be. Perhaps some specific detail would stand out later. Yunbok suggested concentrating on the drafts. Sooner or later, an idea would eventually come to them.
Nudging Hong-do surreptitiously with an elbow, Suk-kwon rolled his eyes towards Shin Han-pyeong and frowned before casting his eyes all round. It would not do to be talking that much to Yunbok, Hong-do realized, picking up his hint. He promptly engaged Han-pyeong in the discussion. Catching Suk-kwon's tiny gesture, Yunbok said nothing. He listened to Han-pyeong's subdued voice; familiar and yet a little odd. Was it wavering, weaker or sorrowful? It sounded all three. But then, of course, he was already old. He wondered if his foster mother was still about and frowned. Why should he bother, really? He snorted under his breath and looked at the surroundings instead, shutting his ears to the conversation. There was activity along the road. He craned his head to see that soldiers were hurrying to station themselves.
"The procession is gathering," Suk-kwon said as the blare of nabal and booming of drums sounded out. Distant bellows echoed. "Do you want to stay ahead of it or just continue on to Siheung?" he asked Hong-do.
"Siheung," Hong-do said after a brief consideration, gathering up all the papers and stuffing them into the painting tube.
"I'll get the horses, you get the men," Suk-kwon said to Yunbok, putting on his boots and moving towards the hitching posts.
"I can't believe this is the same person," Han-pyeong murmured, more to himself than to Hong-do as he watched Yunbok moved away to call to the soldiers and got them assembled. "It's beyond my expectations."
"Does the shipwright think of a warship when he is making a fishing boat?" Hong-do could not hide his derision.
Even after eighteen years, he still could not forgive the man. It had worried him to no end when he had to choose Han-pyeong. How would Yunbok react? Would he be furious he had made such a choice? To his surprise, after the initial shock of that first encounter, Yunbok displayed no further interest. He had the feeling that his former student did not care for his foster father and merely tolerated his presence. Were that he himself could pretend the man did not exist at all. Not inclined to wait for the older man, he made his way to the horses Suk-kwon brought around the corner of the tavern and mounted. Swallowing his sigh, Han-pyeong followed.
They made better headway than the procession that was travelling at a steady marching pace. Suk-kwon went off again with his twenty men some time after they left the jumak to check the soldiers stationed along the road. The patrol also made brief forays of the terrain. They arrived near the haenggung, where the King and the royal family was to stay, outside Siheung in the late afternoon. As Hong-do desired to take a look, they went as near as they could. Neverttheless, their presence was noted and looked into by the palace guards. The password was demanded before they were left alone. It was dusk when the procession arrived. Suk-kwon turned up to show where they could stay in the city. It turned out to be the seoheon. The magistrate was not in as he was receiving the King at the haenggung but his son played the most attentive host to the painter.
On the pretext of having something to discuss with the officers, Hong-do retired with them to his room after dinner. He began to plan the layout of the river crossing with Yunbok. Suk-kwon resigned himself to the role of a paper weight as he leaned on the desk for he could not lie down. That would cast the lie of their having a meeting visible to anyone who walked past. He watched with interest for a while and began to doze off when they started to draw. It was nearly the end of second watch when someone called at the door, startling the painters who looked about them in confusion for a moment. Suk-kwon jerked awake and stifled the snore that escaped his lips. He went to the door, making sure to block the view of the room from the servant's eyes, to receive a note.
"What is it?" Hong-do did not like the frown on Suk-kwon's face as he read it.
"Did Young-joon say he has other errands to run in Siheung?" Suk-kwon whispered as he sat down next to a puzzled Yunbok.
"No, he is to shepherd P'ado to the family friend. We thought it will not take too long. They did not return?" The letter was from Jeong-hyang, Yunbok saw as Suk-kwon handed it over. "If they have to stay longer, he would have sent a message," he said after reading it.
"I'm afraid I don't like the implications." Suk-kwon looked meaningfully at Yunbok and Hongdo, recalling the incident outside Siheung when they arrived.
"You think it's tied up to that? What can we do?" Hong-do said, resting his brush on the pilga. "The city gates are closed and curfew is in effect."
"It will have to wait till tomorrow. I'll send my man stationed here to check that southern village...Saemal, is it, in the morning."
"I better send a message back, she will be very worried." Yunbok searched around for a fresh piece of paper which Hong-do quickly offered and began to write, using the floor as the draft they were working on was spread on the desk.
"I don't suppose Young-joon is being his usual muddle-headed self, " mused Suk-kwon to alleviate Yunbok's tension.
"Were it so but I don't think that is what's happening." There was a grim note in Yunbok's voice. "I will warn her not to attempt to look for them herself. If it is trouble, she will only get herself involved."
"Will she heed the advice?" Hong-do asked curiously, thinking
"She will."
The immediate confident answer brought a smile to Hong-do's lips for it conveyed the amplitude of their bond. It never ceased to amaze him whenever he thought of it.
"I'll get this to her myself," said Suk-kwon, holding his hand out for the letter. "I can get to the residence easily. I will assure her myself."
"Wait," Yunbok said, leaving the room for his own and came back with a small package in his hand. "Some gwapyeon for Pokkot."
"How did you manage to find time to buy it?" Suk-kwon was puzzled for there was no opportunity at all to visit the marketplace since they arrived at the barracks.
"I didn't, the candy made its way to me." Yunbok grinned as the older man snorted at that notion and left. It was the truth he spoke, the candy was bought off one of the peddlers at the river crossing.
"Let's carry on, shall we?" suggested Hong-do once Suk-kwon had left, knowing Yunbok would brood if he returned to his room. "For a while yet." He picked up his brush. After a moment, Yunbok did likewise. He decided to broach on another topic as a distraction, not bothering to elucidate for Yunbok would know who he was talking about.
"You said not a word to him all day."
"The sea is wide," Yunbok murmured, attention on the draft. He was not interested in discussing Han-pyeong.
"Not keen to know what happened to him these eighteen years?"
"The ground beneath my feet is of more concern than the one across the western ocean."
Hong-do left it at that for it was indeed a worthless discussion since neither had any inclination for it. He turned his attention to the task. They continued at it till Suk-kwon returned to say both Jeong-hyang and Kyoung-mi would do as asked. If there was still no news after tomorrow, they would send another message to him. Kyoung-mi had suggested notifying the local authorities so he had to fill her in on their suspicions to prevent her from inadvertently worsening the situation. The information had increased her apprehensions but it could not be helped.
"We're working in the dark here," Suk-kwon said unhappily. "Sometimes inaction when something can be done brings about an unfortunate result."
"Second guessing does no good." Hong-do rubbed his eyes and slowly rolled up the draft, after making sure the ink was dried. "We will see what happens tomorrow. It's getting late and we need to set off early. Go to bed," he said gently to Yunbok who was looking pale and weary.
"Come on, Rascal." Suk-kwon pulled at Yunbok, heaving him to his feet before steering him out of the room and into his own down the corridor. "You slept late last night and should have more rest." He lay out the bedding and prodded a lethargic Yunbok into removing his uniform and hat, made sure he was covered properly and left for his own room.
But sleep refused to come to Yunbok. Tired as he was, his mind was numbed and persistently filled with unpleasant visions. He lay there for he knew not how long before he finally drifted into unconsciousness. When he woke up, he was shocked to see bright sunlight filtering through the windows. It must be midmorning already, had they left him behind? Panicked, he threw back the quilt and opened the windows when he heard distant voices. The soldiers standing about in the courtyard dispelled his panic.
They were still around then, he sighed with relief and closed the windows. Why did no one wake him, he wondered as he folded up the bedding and quilt. He peered out the door to find the basin and towel outside. As he washed and dressed, he remembered the message from Jeong-hyang. Had Suk-kwon's man gone to Saemal? There must be some news by now. As he was about to step out, he heard Hong-do outside the door.
Korean Words
Chilpae - merchant residential area
Donhwamun - main gate to the palace
gyeomsabok - mounted soldier palace guards
Jangyongyeong - defense army soldiers
jugyo - floating bridge
Namdaemun - the southern great gate of the Fortress Wall in Hanseong
Nujeongdong - main road outside the palace
Sogwangtonggyo - bridge over the sogwangtong stream
Unjongga - street with merchant shops
Yongbongjeong - pavilion built specially at Noryang for Jeongjo